Shortly after the Grand Lodge of 1929 assembled in August, American prosperity began to crack. It was in October that the prices of stocks on the, New York Stock Exchange began to Slide downward and that panic occurred. Efforts were made by financiers to stop this downwind trend in the course of a few weeks, values began to vanish and the credit structure of America had been shakers severely. At first business and industry were not gravely affected by this particular happening. It was for this reason that in the Grand Lodge sessions no mention was made during 1929 and 1930 of the depression which had taken a hold of the United States. But there was a continuous, and uninterrupted two year decline in American business, sales, income, and ultimately the laying off of men which began to cause increased unemployment and business losses. It was in the midst: of this, crisis period that the Grand Lodge of 1931 began its sessions at Lima, Ohio.
The Grand Secretary, brother A. J. Worsham, who compiled the minutes for this period slated, "became of the general economic conditions, which have so long existed, and about; which no comment need be wade, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M., (Prince Hall Affiliation) has published no minutes or proceedings during 1930. During this period there has been a very substantial decrease in membership and in petitions for membership and consequently in the revenues of the Grand Lodge."
The minutes front 1931 to 1935 are embraced in twenty mimeographed pages. In contrast the minutes of the Grand Lodge, the 81st Annual Communication for 1930 covered 202 pages. This comparison shows the effect of the depression during these years. However, it was remarkable that there was the continuation of Grand Lodge sessions.
There was one lodge which was organized
at this time. Evergreen Lodge No. 101 at Ravenna find its beginnings
in 1930, but in 1932 the Worshipful Master informed the officers
and Craft that labor should be suspended and the Charter retained
for further use. This lodge was not reactivated mail 1946.
The Eighty-second Annual Communication of the lost Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Ohio (Prince Hall Affiliation) was held at Lima, Ohio on August 17, 1931. The lodge met for one day. This one day session was typical of sessions being held during this period by delegated and representative bodies. It was unusual when these bodies were able to meet, both because of travel difficulties as well as lack of representative membership.
The Deputy Grand Master A. C. Alford opened the lodge and Grand Master Everett J. Gatliff was received with the usual honors. After he had appointed various committees and the Credential Committee had reported, the Grand Lodge was opened in due form. Grand Master Gatliff delivered his annual address which was referred to the proper committees. The Grand Secretary gave his annual report showing total receipts of $10,855.06 and total disbursements of $10,640.74, leaving a balance in the treasure of $214.32. The report of the Home Board showed receipts of $4,216.21 and total disbursements of $4,204.49 with a balance on hand of $11.72.
During the sessions a resolution was offered to approve the Grand Lodge special tax of $1.00 per capital per year for five years for the support of the Masonic Home. This resolution was referred to the Committee on Resolutions which recommended its approval, provided that for the first two years, being now past due, the tax be paid but that no further tax be assessed. This resolution was adopted.
When the Grand Lodge met for its next session on June 19, 1932, it assembled at the Masonic Home, Urbana, Ohio. This, place of meeting showed how much the attendance had been reduced so that a session could be held in so restricted an area. When a constitutional number of Grand Lodge Officers and representatives of subordinate lodges had been determined, Grand Master Gatliff declared that the special session of the Grand Lodge was open. This was not intended to be a regular session of the lodge, but was called merely for the special purpose of conducting necessary business. It was not designated as the 83rd Annual Communication, but as "a special session." The continuous reference that was heard almost wherever meetings of people were held was the effect of the depression upon such meetings. However, there was always an optimistic note for keeping the organizations going in spite of the depression.
The officers present at this 1932 session were Grand Master Everett Gatliff Senior Grand Warden Homer H. Collins; Junior Grand Warden, Joseph King; Grand Treasurer Otis G. Fields; Grand Secretary A. A. Paine. There were also present Past Grand Master Charles L. Porter; John C. Logan, Frank A. B. Hall, A. J. Worsham, N. J. Clarke, I. S. Beason and Charles E. Gordon.
One of the first actions of this special session was to resolve that "because of the general economic condition and the present economic status of the Masonic Home and the expense conevening the Annual Commnnication of the M. W. Grand Lodge to be held in August, Brother Gatliff dednded that the Eighty-third Annual Session of the M. W. Grand Lodge to be called off believing that a greater good would he accomplished." A resolution was then presented by Brother Homer H. Collins, seconded by Brother A. A. Paine that this session be called off and the motion was unanimously adopted. The Most, Worshipful Grand Master Everett J. Gatliff then declared the 83rd Annual Commmunication called off, in accordedance with this vote. This seems to have been the major business of this special session of this Grand Lodge, and it was the only business before the Grand Lodge, after which there was adjournment.
National events moved with rapid action following, this special session. The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in and his entry into the While Honse on March 4, 1933, were followed by the approach of the banking system of the United States almost to a complete cessation. However, Franklin D. Roosevelt came to office with cheerful resolutions. His inaugural address said "the only thing we have, to fear is fear, itself." The total situation in America was distressing. American industry was operating on less than half its maximm 1929 volume during the year 1932. At the same time, the total amount of money paid in wages was 60 per cent less than the amount paid in 1929. The total amount of dividends paid on investments was 57 per cent less. American business was running at a net loss of over $5,000,000,000. Over twelve million Americans were unemployed and in towns where industry had been the major operation, the jobless people were difficult to number as a result or the wide extension of distress. In the spring of 1933. President Roosevelt began on the radio his first fireside chat. He began then to convey an assurance which the country needed. His New Deal Program was useful in stemming the tide of this depression but it also ran federal deficits as relief was, furnished through the W. P. A. to millions of families. The facts now show that the New Deal was of immediate value to many millions but it did not bring a full return of recovery. This way not to occur until Defense spending mounted during 1940-1941.
In the midst of this dissatisfying condition in Ohio as elsewhere, the 84th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Ohio (Prince Hall Affiliation) convened in St. Mark's Temple, Columbus. August 12-13, 1933, with the members of Mark's and Gloria Lodges acting as hosts. A lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form by Deputy Grand Master A. C. Alford, after which the Grand Master Everett J. Gatliff took charge, appointed committees and the lodge began its business.
The Grand Mister's address referred to the arrest of the Jewel of the Grand Secretary, Elmer L. Burns on April 26, 1932 because of his, failure to perform the duties of the office and the depositing or misapplication of the funds of the Grand Lodge which should have been in the hands of the Grand Treasurer." These actions were given as the direct cause of the arresting by Grand Master Gatliff of his Jewel. This was the second time the arrest of a Jewel of a Grand Secretary had been made within these years. Another action was the issuance of a charter to Wesley Smith Lodge at Madisonville which was to be known as No. 107. Its first officer, were: William Rife, WorshipfuI Master; O. Calimese, Senior Warden: Edward Prosser, Treasurer and A. White, Secretary.
In referring to the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, the Grand Master stated "the relation with our splendid rite has been of the most peaceful mature and the splendid cooperation of the Grand Chapter in the maintenance and support of our Masonic Home relieves to a great extent the tense situation of the past year. A closer relationship should exist between the subordinate lodges and the Eastern Star Chapters. It has been demonstrated that whenever these bodies work together, better results are obtained. The accomplishments of the women of our Jurisdiction should awaken and spur us on to greater activity in the future." This Statement was received very heartily by the Grand Edge and the women of the Eastern Star were very pleased with the recognition of their endeavors. Their major endeavor had been their interest in the Masonic Home. The Gand Master was commended for calling off the 19,12 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge because it made possible the maintenance of the Masonic. Home since returns were so reduced and the Home was called in this connection "our most prized possession.''
One of the official acts of the Grand Master was the appointment of Brother A. J. Worsham, Past Master of St. Mark's Lodge No. 7 to the office of Grand Secretary on September 9, 1932. A dispensation was also issued permitting subordinate lodges to reinstate members suspended for nonpayment of dues for a minimum fee of $2.20. This was one of the indications of the depression and endeavor on the part of the lodges to make it, possible for members on reduced wages and salaries to continue their memberships in Masonic lodges.
The 85th Annual Communication of the, Grand Lodge assembled in Urbana, Ohio, August 13-14, 1934. Grand Master Everett J. Gatliff assumed the gavel and appointed committees. The Grand Master was well fitted for the office at this particular period in history, having passed through all stations in the Grand Lodge and having served on the Masonic Home Board. He was one of the hard workers of the Grand Lodge and although serving in the period of trying times, it was said of his work that "he piloted the Grand Lodge during the first part of the Great Depression, and did a great job." He was a good friend and a Christian gentleman.
On the occasion of the Grand Lodge session of 1934, he delivered his annual address and it was referred to the Conmmittee on Grand Officer's Reports. This address stated that the relationships of the Grand Lodge with all affiliated bodies had been most pleasant. One of the recommendations was that all indebtedness of the subordinate lodges of the Grand Lodge prior to 1933-1934, should be cancelled. Grand Treasurer Otis Wields reported that he had been Grand Treasurer for over thirty- rears, and shortly after this session he was called to the Great Beyond.
Another important resolution growing out of the depression was that due to the decreased membership and the heavy budget in connection with the Masonic Home, that the mileage and per diem of representative, to the Grand Lodge, were to be borne by the subordinate lodge represented. It was also provided that a new Board of Managers to consist of six members were to be appointed for the ensuing year. These appointees were Brothers Charles L. Porter, Frank A. B. Hall, and John Brown.
The Grand Lodge receipts according to the Grand Secretary showed $5,845.29 with disbursements totaling $5,069.59, and a balance on August 8, 1934 of $748.70. The Board of Managers of the Masonic Home reported that they had received total receipts of $2,639.12, total disbursements of $2,553.61with a balance of $85.51. The following officers, were elected: Homer H. Collins, Grand Master; A. C. Alford, Deputy Grand Master; Charles F. Casterman, Senior Grand Warden: W. Clyde Moss, Junior Grand Warden, Otis G. Fields, Grand Treasurer and A. J. Worsham, Grand Secretary.
When the 86th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio F. & A. M. (Prince Hall Affiliation) assembled at Troy, Ohio, as guests of Miami Lodge No. 48 on August 19-20, 1935, Grand Master Homer H. Collins mentioned for the first time during the period of depression the distressing conditions in the nations Grand Master Collins said "For nearly six years this country has been experiencing all economic depression such as this or any other nation has never before gone through. The effects have been so far reaching that not only the poor have been made destitute but many of the rich have experienced reverses that have put them in the class with the poor. Our race being of the minority group have felt these resuits more keenly than any other racial group in the country. We were among the first to be let out and shalt be among the last to be restored to places of employment. Just how far the effects of the depression have reached into our ranks we will never know because Brothers have sacrificed their all to maintain their Masonic affiliation." He said that perhaps the adversity may result in some permanent advantage to the Order because of the lessons that have been learned in economy and particularly those in the operation of the Home as well as the Order itself. The Order must continue, he added, to dispense charity and in different terms from the kind given by other organizations. Masonic charity was to be given upon the principal tenets of brotherly Love, Belief and Truth and that it had been the practice of those doctrines that had held the Order together through many serious events.
in connection with necrology he called attention to the death of Brother O. G. Fields, Grand Treasurer and a member of the Grand Lodge for forty-two years, who had served as Grand Treasurer from 1908 to 1935. He paid tribute to him for his loyalty and counsel in the Masonic circles. Reference was made to the death of Brother Charles Porter, Past Grand Master, and who at the time of his death was serving as Chairman of the Board of the Masonic Home and through this office he had kept in contact with the Grand Lodge in direct ways. The passing of another long time Masonic character was noted in that of Brother Charles Gordon who had been a member of the Grand Lodge for thirty-six years and was a very useful and eager worker.
The condition of the Craft was said to be in good order although there had been sufferings from the depression. There was occasion for rejoicing, he said, however, when the increase in membership in the subordinate lodges is taken into consideration for there had been a decrease in membership from 3,900 prior to the depression to 1,285 in 1934. This membership figure had been increasing during the past year. The Grand Master had announced at the close of the 85th Grand Session that his program would be one of rehabilitation. This was manifested in the report of the revival of four lodges which were active in 1935 after being inactive is 1934. Harmony had prevailed between the officers and the subordinate lodges and there had not been the arresting of either a jewel or a charter, nor a reprimand of any Worshipful Master by the Grand Master.
The Home, according to Grand Master Collins, would have to be run strictly on a business basis, or as he saw it, "We will soon be in the hands of a Receiver or facing foreclosure." However, with the cooperation of the officers of the Board of the Home, good results through better management were certain. He said that there were ten Brother Masons who were comfortable and happy in the Home, with four widows of deceased Brothers and three Sisters of the Order of Eastern Star, and that "these Brothers and Sisters live like one big family and are enjoying the necessities and a few of the luxuries of life.'' The assistance given by Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was praised and he stated that they were receiving aid from the State of Ohio for thirteen of the residents of the home, and that this would take a good amount of worry off the officers of this Grand Lodge and the members of the board. This result had come about, he reported, through the untiring efforts of the Grand Secretary, Brother A. J. Worsham, Past Grand Master Brother John Logan and Brother Benson.
Brother Harry E. Davis of Excelsior Lodge No. 11 had been commissioned by Grand Master Collins as a Special Deputy of Foreign Relations. In making this appointment Grand Master Collins stated that no other act of his year's work had given him greater satisfaction than the work that had been accomplished through the activities of Brother Davis. He had also appointed Brother Cory Adams, Past Grand Master, as a member of the Committee to compile the history of the Grand Lodge and bring it up to date. This Committee was appointed two years before and the appointment of Brother Adams was to fill the vacancy caused by the release of Brother Frank A. B. Hall, Past Grand Master. He said that the Committee had failed to function and that if their report did not show progress that he would recommend that the Committee should he excused.
Relations with the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star had been manifesting some difficulty and so the Grand Master meet with the Grand Trustee Board of Amaranth Grand Chapter. The meeting was called to discuss the feasibility of selling non-interest bearing bonds to the Craft in order to liquidate the mortgage indebtedness and thus save $809.00 a year interest. He stated that in November the officers of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Matron Ida Williams and Mrs. Worley had threatened to withdraw their support if certain funds were demanded by the Grand Lodge to be turned over to the Home. Grand Master Collins made a search of the files and found nothing that would bind Amaranth Grand Chapter to continue its support to the Home and this caused hesitation in carrying out an edict concerning the funds. He felt that this was a bitter pill for him to swallow but that the maintenance of the Home could not continue without the support of Amaranth Grand Chapter. He added, however, that his efforts would be directed toward building up the subordinate lodges in such a way that the Home project could be self-supporting in case the Grand Lodge should be forced to carry it by itself.
Several appointments were made by the Grand Master. Charles E. Nelson of Champion Lodge No. 15 was appointed Grand Treasurer to complete the unexpired term of Brother O. G. Fields. Brother Clyde Moss was deputized Junior Grand Warden to carry out the established program for the rehabilitation of lodges in his section of the Slate.
A History of Masonry in Ohio again came up for discussion when Past Grand Master Frank A. B. Hall spoke at some length on the passing of Brothers who had had so much to do with the early history of the Grand Lodge. He directed attention to the necessity of bringing the history of the Grand Lodge up to date through the completion of a second volume. This should be done, he said, while there were those who were still living who could contribute to the volume from the point of view of their knowledge and experience. A motion was then made to adopt this suggestion and to appoint a committee. Whereupon, the Grand Master appointed the following: Brothers Howard Greer, John C. Logan and Frank: A. B. Hall, all of whom were Past Grand Masters. He ordered them to make a report of their work at the next Grand Lodge total receipts according to the Grand Secretary's Report were $6,614.24, and the total disbursements $5,515.51, with a balance on hand of $1,098.73. This financial report indicated that the lodge was not in such severe financial condition as in 1933. While the depression was snaking itself felt, the lodge was continuing to exist in spite of its deleterious effects.
During the years 1933 and 1934, the national government had been moving away from its traditional principle's to the development of a kind of planned economy. Various agencies were created to distribute governmental relief in different forms. The Federal emergency Relief Administration (FERA) was authorized to match funds furnished by state and local governments. The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was planned to create jobs for the unemployed. The Public Works Administration (PWA) loaned money to public and quasi-public authorities to finance construction projects. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was planned to employ workers through short term improvements of construction. The Civil Conservation Corp (CCC) provided work in the national forests and on conservation projects for the youth of the nation. The interest of workers was maintained by recognizing their rights to bargain collectively and by establishing minimum wages and maximum hours of work.
An elaborate program for American farmers was developed by the Agricultural Administration so as to control production of wheat, corn, cotton, rice, tobacco, hogs and other crops by paying cash subsidies to farmer's who would restrict the acreage for their crops or reduce the number of their livestock. Farm credit was increased through the Farm Mortgage Refund Financing Act of 1934, and rural rehabilitation was started through the Resettlement Administration and the Farm Security Administration. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) drafted and administered codes although many of them fell short of their purpose. In the spring, of 1935, President Roosevelt asked Congress to extend the duration of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) for two more years but Congress refused to grant more than a ten month extension. Other agencies were established to increase housing and home loans and the Social Security Act was passed in 1935.
All of these various programs which were intended to develop economic recovery were known under the designation of The New Deal, and included drastic reforms in the management of the financial and the monetary system of the nation. There has been considerable deflate concerning these policies which were based upon the idea that there was a public responsibility to aid those who were affected by the depression, and at the same time increased taxes. Whatever may be said about this planned program, there was some stabilization of the nation's economy and the termination of some of the ill effects of the economic disasters which were affecting the people.
These endeavors made possible a larger session of the Grand Lodge of the Prince Hall Affiliation of the State of Ohio as it assembled at Troy, August 13-14, 1935. The Deputy Grand Master, A. C. Alford opened the lodge of Master Masons and Grand Master Homer H. Collins was received with honors, assumed the gavel and appointed committed. The Committee on Credentials reported that the Grand Officers and a constitutional number of lodges were present and the Grand Master opened the session with his annnual address. He referred to the relationships with the affiliated bodies and that they had all been very pleasant and that this had assisted in maintaining a good Masonic spirit "during the crisis through which all organizations are passing."
One of his official acts was the authorization of the submision of the applications of the fifteen residents of the Home over sixty-five years of age to the officials of the Ohio commission of Aid for the Aged. The result was that this Commission finally granted aid to them of $15.00 per month. The blanket dispensation to subordinate lodges was reissued that suspended members could come in for the minimum fee of $2.20. It was also provided that all indebtedness of the subordinate lodges to the Grand Lodge prior to the Masonic year 1933-34 was cancelled. Among the fraternal greetings received was one front Brother James E. Jackson of Batavia, who for the first time in fifty years was unable to attend the Grand Lodge session because of illness. Brother Harry E. Davis of Cleveland sent a communication urging the extension of fraternal greetings to Logon Olaf Kyree of Olsen, Norway, on the occasion of their 50th Annual Feast in September. This lodge had long entertained cordial affiliation and correspondence with Prince Hall lodges and greetings were sent to them.
Other members of the Grand Lodge who were to cooperate in the program of rehabilitation were: Brother Roy Johnson, Grand Lecturer; Brother J. A. Willis, Deputy Grand Lecturer. In the latter case, request was made that he should be given authority to take action against the establishment of "illegal Masonry" in the eastern part of the State in accordance with the request of Booker T. Washington Lodge No. 78. A proclamation was sent out also proclaiming the week of May 6-12, as a week of Masonic celebration in commemoration of 148 years of Prince Hall Masonry. A considerable number of visits were made by him throughout the State. In fact, fiftyseven trips had been made and forty-eight lodges had been visited, with travels over 8,266 miles during the Masonic year. One of the recommendations of the Grand Master was that since the effort had been made for two years to accomplish the purchase of bonds which the 86th Grand Lodge ordered to be issued and that since the Brothers had absolutely failed to take up these bonds, he recommended that each bondholder be notified to send in his bonds to the Grand Secretary and he in turn would send a voucher through for the check in favor of each bondholder. It was also recommended that the district meetings become a part of the regular Grand Lodge program.
These district meetings were established in order that the Grand Master could contact each subordinate lodge. The Grand Master extended Masonic charity to the Brothers who had been suspended for non-payment of dues by using his authority to reinstate them for the payment of the current month's dues and ordered the lodges not to suspend any more Brothers for non-payment.
The Grand Master also recommended that all Patrons of subordinate chapters of the Order of Eastern Star were to be Past Masters; that a meeting of the officers of the Grand Lodge with those of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star be called for the purpose of definite agreement being reached in regard to the amount to be paid by each for the maintenance of the Home and that since the unorganized educational program seems to have been accomplishing a great deal of good, he recommended that it become a permanent work and managed through the Office of the Grand Master until the Grand Lodge was financially able to create a Bureau of Education.
It is stated that this address was "full to the overflowing of interesting details particularly with reference to the condition of the craft and of his untiring efforts in the furtherance of his program of rehabilitation;" and it was enthusiastically received.
A resolution was introduced that the Grand Lodge hold one stated communication each year commencing on the Sunday preceding the second Wednesday in August with divine services. However, this proposal was not passed but it is interesting that it was proposed for it became later the action of the Grand Lodge. A request was reported to the Grand Lodge of the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for the title interest in the property at Urbana. This request was referred to the Grand Trustees of the Grand Lodge.
By resolution the Grand Master was authorized to instruct subordinate lodges to establish a Bureau for the purpose of providing employment for Masons in their respective dictions. This was approved. The number of Trustees for the Home Board was fixed at seven, four to be appointed by the Grand Master and three by the amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. The Grand Master then appointed pursuant to this resolution Brother W. E. Johnson as the fourth member of the Board and Brother Albert Blackburn to succeed Brother Charles L. Porter, deceased. A supplemeny report made in the session showed that receipts had been received since August 15 of $1,266.52 malting a total cash balance of $2,414.17, with the total receipts reaching $4,486.29. The membership was reported as 2,104, whereas a year before it had been 1,2885.
The election resulted in the following elected officers Homer H. Collins. Piqua, Grand Master; A. C. Alford, Marietta, Deputy Grand Master; Charles F. Casterman, Cleveland, Senior Grand Warden; W. Clyde Moss, Chillicothe, Junior Grand Warden; Charles E. Nelson, Springfield, Grand Treasurer; A. J. Worsham, Columbus, Grand Secretary.
The elected Grand Master, Homer Herbert Collins brought to the Grand Lodge a distinguished Masonic career. He was born in Miami County, West of Piqua, attended North street Elementary and Central High School of Piqua and was a member of Cyrene A. M. E. Church where he served as Trustee and Superintendent of the Sunday school. He became a Bricklayer after his apprenticeship under John H. Anderson, a contractor. In 1943, he was appointed to the position of Superintendent of Maintenance at Central State College at Wilberforce where he has continued his career.
His Masonic career began with his initiation and raising to the degree of Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 18 in 1908. He was elected to the station of Junior Warden in this lodge in 1909, received a Holy Mount Chapter Royal Arch Masons and Tancreed Commandry Knights Templars in the same year. In 1910, he became a charter member of Miami Consistory No. 26, Trojan Lodge of Perfection No. 26, Melchisedeck Chapter Rose Croix No. 26, and Miami Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and was demitted to Morocci Temple in 1915 and to Akbar Temple in 1923. He was initiated and received into Solomon Johnson Council of Royal and Select Masters in 1923, served two terms as Commander-in-Chief of Miami Consistory No. 26, 1925-1926, and Worshipful Master of Union Lodge No. 18, 1925-1926.
His service to the Grand Lodge of Ohio was as Junior Warden, 1929; Senior Warden in 1931; Grand Master, 1934, 1935. 1936, 1937; Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, 1938-1939, and as a member of the Committee on Recodification, 1950, 1951, 1952. He began his association with the United Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Masonry with the award of the Honorary 33rd Degree in 1926, and the active membership in 1927, and served the Council as Grand Master of Ceremonies.
The business of this Grand Lodge continued with the report of the Chairman on foreign Correspondence, Brother John Logan, who optimistically looked forward as he said, "after about five years of world-wide depression, America seems to be on the way to a new and greater stability; the road ahead looks long and dark because it is quite evident that prosperity has not yet arrived. Our determination, however, to win this battle against this war of depression has been strengthened by the discipline of five long years of want and misery." He added further that "Thousands of our fraters have lost their jobs, lost their homes and have almost lost confidence in themselves. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to piece together the shattered fragments of our social and industrial Orders must throw the broad mantle of a Mason's charity around these Brothers who are facing poverty and economic discrimination and offer them some plan of reestablishment."
As the year 1936 continued Past Grand Master John C. Logan, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations said, "Emerging from this world-wide depression, America is on the way to a new and greater stability, much has been done to piece the shattered fragments of our economic disorder, yet prosperity is not just around the corner. Recent events prove conclusively that we are approaching a new era. It is hoped that we may keep abreast with this new order of things and not be caught in the 'backwash' of the old order of things." Conditions were improving and it seemed as though the Grand Lodge along with the State of Ohio was emerging from its depression and pointing upward toward new beginnings. Prosperity was not as widespread as in 1928-29, but there was an approach evident to these prior conditions.
It was in the midst of these changing conditions that the 87th Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio and its Jurisdiction (P. H. A.) convened in the city of Akron, Ohio, August 17-18, 1936. A lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form with Deputy Grand Master A. C. Alford presiding and the Grand Master Homer H. Collins, was presented with honors and escorted to the east. The report of the Committee on Credentials was called for and it was found that a constitutional number of lodges was represented and the 87th Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
The Grand Master began his report with emphasis upon Masonry and its belief in the tenets of brotherhood. He then turned to the Masonic Home and spoke of the enthusiasm in Ohio concerning the Home at Urbana. In stating that it was "the finest Home in the country for its indigent Brothers and Sisters of any Grand Jurisdiction of Prince Hall Affiliation," he referred to the fact that there had been some accumulated indebtedness during the year and that they were short of expenses sometimes because of the irregular support given by Amaranth Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. The regular quarterly portion of the budget had not been sent and the Home Trustees for several times during the year were embarrassed by this fact.
It was reported by the Grand Master that the 86th Annual Communication had approved a recommendation for the Grand Trustee Board to issue bonds to the numbers of the draft to pay off the mortgage indebtedness. This action had been carried out by the Grand Trustees for on September 29, 1935, there was the authlorization for the printing of 1200 major bonds in books of fifty each and the issuing of 4000 baby bonds. The contract had been let to the McGee Brothers Printing Company of Piqua, Ohio, which was the lowest and best bidder. The work was completed at a cost of $116.09. Grand Master Collins stated that he had visited and contracted fifty-two lodges of the Jurisdiction to present bonds to them. Through these efforts and the efforts of the Grand Officers, they had been able to secure pledges for 351 bonds during the year. A large number of individual Brothers had been contacted for the same purpose. The response however had not been as extensive as had been expected.
A Committee on History had been appointed to work with the Grand Historiographer Brother Rolla Huston. This Committee consisted of Brother I. S. Beason and Brother Ray E. Hughes. Authority was given to them by the Grand Master to call upon any lodge or Brother for desired information to conduct the work to "make up our Book of History."
Brother Harry E. Davis, Excelsior Lodge No. 11 was authorized on October 1, 1935, to communicate with the Grand Lodge of England relative to the release of a lodge in the British West Indies from which a request had been made to place themselves under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Brother Davis had been appointed Special Deputy for Foreign Relations by Grand Master Collins. This request had come from brother Frank A. Torte of Gold Coast British West Africa. Brother Davis was ordered by the Grand Master to communicate with the Grand Lodge of England under whose jurisdiction this lodge in British West Africa was chartered in order to make sure that the invasion into their territory would not disrupt the friendly relations that had existed between the two Grand Jurisdictions. On November 21, 1935, a reply came from the Grand Lodge of England stating that it held exclusive right in all territories under the British Crown and government. This settled the question of the Ohio Grand Lodge having the lodge in British territory under its Jurisdiction.
It was reported that the Grand Master had travelled more than 6,000 miles in order to meet with lodges and Brothers in their homes and places of business. He stated that in all these contacts he had found the spirit of Freemasonry being exemplified, and many who had lost their affiliations because of economic conditions were being reinstated and a good number were petitioning for degrees. It was again that he reported that it had been no cause for him to arrest a Jewel of any Master or to be called in to settle trouble. He had tailed, however, to receive the kind of replies to letters which were important.
The District Grand Lecturers reported the
operation of successful work in the lodges and that there was
a spirit of unity, fellowship and cooperation. Brother Charles
F. Casterman, Excelsior Lodge No. 11, Senior Grand Warden, reported
for the northern district. Brother Clyde E. Moss, Junior Grand
Deacon reported on his work and the extensive activities which
he had undertaken in the southeastern district. However, he found
unfavorable economic conditions among several lodges in the district
but he had succeeded in obtaining more than $600.00 in bond subscriptions.
Brother Warner Arnold reported for the western district and an
extensive coverage of lodges in his area. He believed as a result
of these contacts that "there is a higher type of citizen
than is to be found in any organized group of our race in Freemasonry."
Brother J. A. Willis in the eastern district showed that there
had been close contact between him and the Grand Master and the
lodges in his area during the year.
Brother Harry E. Davis, Special Deputy for Roreign Relations, reported that he had made valuable contacts, individual ones, with faters in Norway, Denmark and London and that lot, of the tasks before him had been to explain Prince Hall Masonry to those in Europe. Copies of proceedings, pamphlets and histories and other literature had beed forwarded and correspondence had been conducted. He reported also that a number of proceedings and articles had been forwarded to the Iowa Masonic library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa because this institution had the largest collection of literature on Prince Hall Masonry and that it was very generous in loading its collection and in supplying information. He also recommended that the Special Deputy for Foreign Relations be continued and made permanent, and that an appropriation of $25.00 be made to cover expenses.
Greetings were received from Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, addressed to the Grand Master and wishing for the Grand Lodge a harmonious, happy and prosperous session and that goodwill would be accomplished. A letter was sent acknowledging and appreciating this greeting from the Grand Chapter. The report of the Grand Secretary showed total receipts of $5814.74 and disbursements of $3,027.60 leaving a balance of $2,787.14. The total sale of bonds had brought, in $322.57.
While the resolution concerning the Eastern Star carried with it evidences of good relationships, when the Grand Trustees reported there was presented the application of the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star concerning an interest in the Masonic Home Property at Urbana. The Grand Trustees reported that they appreciated the position of amaranth Grand Chapter and that the Grand Lodge coveted the time when the question of the division of the title could be amicably and equitably settled to the best interest of all part its. Since the Grand Lodge had been carrying on the payments on the mortgage indebtedness and was responsible for the obligation in full and to maintain the Horne with whatever aid could be forthcoming front the Order of the Eastern Star, it was resolved that the matter of title division be deferred until such time that the entire mortgage obligation was liquidated and paid in full. The report was adopted by the Grand Lodge but this was not the end of the controversy between Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (Prince Hall Affiliation) of Ohio.
It was of interest to observe that the Grand lodge took time out to go on a tour of the plant of the Firestone Company. The company had busses at the Hall at an appointed time to take the membership on this journey. Moving pictures were shown at the plant of the Rubber Industry in Liberia. It was also reported that starting with the hiring of two Negroes, the Firestone Company then employed more than 700.
Jesse Owens was honored by the Grand lodge in a resaltion which stated:
"Whereas one of our race in the person of Jesse Owens hair brought honor, credit, glory, and distinction to our group and has won the public approval not only of the United States but of the entire world and;
"Whereas the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, all political, religions and civic organizations of Cleveland are cooperating with the Mayor of Cleveland to make the homecoming of our idol the greatest welcome ever received by an American citizen:
"Be it resolved that this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge now in its 87th Annual Communication send a letter of resolution to Jesse Owens congratulating him on his wonderful success in the field of athletics;
"Be it further resolved that our Most Worshipful Grand Master be empowered to appoint one of our members to represent the Prince Hall Masons on that day of his homeconing."
The resolution was approved and adopted.
It was also recommended that the Grand Lodge go on record to establish a Bureau of Education for furthering the principles of Masonry and for training the people in leadership, and the Grand Master was empowered to appoint a Director of Education without pay for the purpose of setting in the Bureau and carrying out the spirit of the resolution. This resolution was tabled to a later session.
During one of the sessions of the Grand lodge, the oldest member of the Grand lodge was introduced, Brother William Lucas of Cadiz. He had been a member of the body since 1872, serving tinder Grand Master Blackburn and had served as Worshipful Master of Mystic Lodge No. 20 for 25 years. He was cordially received by the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Secretary's Report showed a cash balance of $2,713.72, after expenses, including $477.57 in Home Bonds. This report was cheered according, to the minutes as it showed the Grand Lodge "to be well on the road to recovery from their trials of the past few years."
In the election which followed, there was evidence of the good fellowship which prevailed as Grand Master Collins was elected by the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge and the same was done for all of the Grand Officers. They were as follows: Homer H. Collins, Grand Master, Piqua; Albert C. Alford, Deputy Grand Master, Marietta; Charles F. Caster Senior Grand Warden, Cleveland; Clyde Moss, Junior Grand Warden, Chillicothe; Charles Nelson, Grand Treasurer, Springfield, and A. J. Worsham, Grand Secretary, Columbus.
The year 1937 had witnessed one of Ohio's great floods. There had been not only a severe winter but the rivers broke over their bounds, ran amuck through many parts of the State, spread out submerging, roads and low lying areas. The Ohio River overran, its banks and at Cincinnati it reached an unprecedented crest, of eighty feet. Cincinnati's wholesale and tenement district lay under as much as twenty feet of water. Portsmooth and other cities along the way were affected by disasters from these floods. Homes and stores there devastated and families were in need. Masons in many parts of this State engaged in deeds of charity, and many of them were also affected by this flooding. It was amazing that the Grand Lodge which met in 1937 could report the successful developments which were made by the lodge representatives in view of the continuing effects of the depression as well as the devastating flood.
During this period one of the major issues facing the Grand Lodge seemed to be reaching its climax. This was the division between Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio. The Grand Chap ter had not bean supporting the Home following the previous two years, however, the support of the Home had been continuing under the leadership of Grand Master Collins and the cooperation of the members of the Grand Lodge. On May 29, 1937, Sunday, July 4th, had been proclaimed as a date for the first Masonic Homecoming at the Masonic Home. The response to the proclamation issued by the Grand Master for this purpose was very gratifying, as more than 300 visitors came to the Home and spent the day. Many brought their own baskets and the Home Board served meals to others who did not do so. Very little cooperation had come from the members of the Home Board who represented Amaranth Grand Chapter. These relationships finally led Grand Master Collins to suspend Miss Ida Williams and Mrs. Lora Worley, members of the Home Board front their positions on the Board on March 19, 1937. This action was the climax of a series of happenings which had occurred since 1934.
The background of this incident had its origin in the admission of Mrs. Sarah Washington to the Masonic Home on June 8, 1931, upon the payment of the usual $300.00 to the Home Board. In 1934 when the committee from the Grand Lodge was making up its applications for the old age pensions from the State of Ohio, they discovered that Mrs. Washington had on deposit in a bank in Urbana an account which was originally around $1400.00 but which with accumulated interest had grown to a larger amount, over $1800.00. At the meeting of the Home Board September 6, 1934, Grand Master Collins called attention to Articles 15, 16, and 17, of the application form for admission to the Masonic Home which required that whatever property applicants had, in exchange for their continued care and maintenance at the Home, should be turned over to the Home.
Past Grand Master John C. Logan wrote to Grand Master Collins under date of August 30, 1934, stating "In my judgment, the Grand Master should insist that the Board have some understanding in this matter at once with Mrs. Washington. If she has $1,500.00, at least $1000.00 should be turned over to the Home." On November 21, 1934, Grand Master Collins wrote to Brother Charles Porter, then the Chairman of the Masonic Home Board requesting that he see that the money was turned over to the Home Board immediately, and that if it were not done within the nest two week", he would undertake action against the Chairman of the Board for accepting, her as an applicant and as a resident contrary to the laws laid down by the Home Board in the application blanks.
Thereupon Brother Porter called a meeting of the Home Board on November 25th. At this meeting it was moved that the Board demand of Mrs. Sarah J. Washington "All assets, with personal and real, that she now has in her hand or that she has assigned to all individual or individuals to be turned over to the Trustees of the Masonic Home." Shortly thereafter Mrs. Washington was called into the Board meeting and after due consideration she refused to comply with the edict, stating that she had made "assignment to the home, of all of her money to be paid at her death." In December, Grand Master Collins met with Brother Charles Porter and Miss Ida M. Williams and after discussion he said that he would revoke the edict stating; that if the Board was satisfied he would be with the conditions concerning Sarah J. Washington's admission.
However, Mrs. Washington died on December
l, The teller of the Champaign National Bank made a cheek for
funeral expenses payable to the undertakers and also a check for
$1000.00 payable to the People's Loan and Saving's Bank, Urbana,
Ohio. This bank held a mortgage on the Masonic Home. At, the next
meeting, of the Board, February 6, 1937, business was introduced
concerning the Washington estate. A resolution was passed to the
effect that if the amount of
Sarah J. Washington's estate was not turned over to the Monte
by the Trustees of the fund within thirty days, the two members
Mrs. Worley and Miss Williams would he suspended by the Board.
The check for $1000.00 was turned over to the Home Board and placed
in a safety deposit box.
On March 19, 1937, the Chairman, Brother Porter, of the Ohio Masonic Home advised Grand Master Collins that his Board had exhausted all its means of adjusting its claim against Mrs. Lora Worley and Miss Ida Williams for withholding without authority the funds arising out of the estate of Sarah Washington and thereupon in a letter under this date the Grand Master suspended from the Home Board Mrs. Worley and Miss Williams until such time as they would make satisfactory transfer of these funds.
The suspension of Mrs. Worley and Miss Williams was announced by Grand Master Collins, March 19, 1937. In the meantime, a certified letter of authority from the Probate Court of Franklin County stated that Bessie Freeland a distant relative of the husband of Mrs. Washington had been appointed Executrix of the estate of Sarah J. Washington and that all papers and bank books or property of the deceased were to be turned over to her.
Grand Master Collins then on agreement authorized a meeting of a committee from the Grand Lodge with a committee of the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star on August 25, in Cleveland, Ohio. Grand Master Collins had appointed the following, committee: Brothers A. C. Alford, John C. Logan and A. J. Worsham as representatives of the Grand Lodge. The meeting was held on August 25, with the representatives of the Grand Lodge and Miss Ida Williams, Mrs. Ella Caliman, Mrs. Roscoe Jones, Mrs. Susie Patton and Mrs. Johanna Wooten, present on behalf of the Grand Chapter.
The meeting was described as "a bitter session." The assertion was made that the money involved belonged neither to the Order of Eastern Star nor the Grand Lodge but to the Home. It was also said that the Order of the Eastern Star did not owe $1,000.00 or any other definite amount to the Home for its maintenance because there had never been any contract as to any amount. The charge was then made by the representatives of the Grand Lodge that the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star had reduced their amount until they were paving $200.00 per quarter and it was this amount which the Grand Lodge had expected them to pay.
The point of view of the Order of the Eastern Star representatives was that the $1000.00 should be paid to the credit of their mortgage and the point of view of the representatives of the Grand Lodge was that it be paid to the Board of Trustees for the Home and that all monies thus arriving and paid upon the mortgage be credited to the mortgage as a whole and not to any particular part of it. The discussion reached the floor of the Order of the Eastern Star during, its session and no permanent results were obtained except a considerable amount of discussion.
Composite Lodge No. 108 was granted its Charter at the 1937 Annual Communication ion of the Grand Lodge, August, 1937. Shortly thereafter, its work was started with the following officers: Freeman B. Bell, Worshipful Master; Phennes Blake, Senior Warden; and Lucius H. Garner, Sr., Junior Warden.
When the Grand Lodge met for its 89th Annual Grand Communication at Lima, Ohio, August 14, 15, 16, 1938, Grand Master Collins in his annual address spoke of the practice of brotherhood and the ideals of Masonry. He stated that this had been another busy year for the office, but that he had had great pleasure in attending to leis duties. He said that many questions of Masonic law and tradition had come to Iris office and he had given interpretations. After necrology, a statement concerning the Home was presented. He stated than the Board had made a change in the Superintendent and Matron of the Home and that now the buildings and ground were cleaner and the crops looked better. The Grand Lodge, he continued, had carried on the Home business and that for the last three years the entire burden of expense bud been borne by the Grand Lodge with the help of the State through the Department of Aid for the Aged. Amaranth Grand Chapter, he reported, had refused to pay anything toward the maintenance for the past three years and last year they refused to pay anything on the mortgage indebtedness.
The Grand Master also said that a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masonry is "The powers that be" over all Masonic homes whether affiliate or adoptive rite within the Jurisdiction of that Grand Lodge. He reported that the Grand Lodge in its 88th Annual Communication had adopted resolutions whereby representatives of Amaranth Grand Chapter might regain their former places in the management of the Home at Urbana; that the agreement was that three members of the Grand lodge and the Grand Chapter should assemble in Cleveland but that Amaranth Grand Chapter had had five members instead of three, awl the committee was kept waiting for three hours after the time that, was set for the conference, and that he was sure that Amaranth Grand Chapter did not know that the Grand Lodge was a sovereign body, and that they were only an adoptive rite and that the consideration was basic to the discussion. He said that the resolution of the 88th Grand lodge called for the turnover of the questioned $1,000.00 on the principal of the mortgage indebtedness.
Grand Master Collins regarded this failure as an absolute disregard for, and in defiance of the authority of the Grand Lodge. He had requested that they attend a conference with their attorney, but no results had developed from this conference. Another attempt had also been made, he said, to meet with the Grand Patron and Grand Patron of Amaranth Grand Chapter but although he went to Columbus, this meeting was not held.
The recommendations of the Grand Master included the abolition of the office of Special Deputy for Foreign Relations; that the first seven bonds issued he redeemed so that fends could be paid upon the mortgage and interest saved; that since Amaranth Grand Chapter refused to accept the proposed division of title which was offered by the Grand Lodge declining to discuss further any division of title until the entire mortgage was paid, and since Amaranth Grand Chapter had paid nothing on the budget for three years, it should be permitted to pay its back budget account and the suspension of the members of the board would be lifted.
This question seemed to be a matter more of misunderstanding than of any willful opposition or negligence. Amaranth Grand Chapter and its officers wanted the Eastern Star to be granted the right and authority which they thought they should have since they were an Ohio Corporation and the Grand Lodge and its officials were under the impression that the Order of the Eastern Star existed not of themselves alone but through the Grand Lodge, and that it was an affiliated organization of the Grand Lodge rather than an independent one. Even with the close of the Grand Lodge of 1938 this discussion had not ended.
The officers elected at this Grand Lodge
were: Alfred Alford, Grand Master; Charles F. Casterman, Deputy
Grand Master; Clyde Moss, Grant Senior Warden; H. G. Emerson,
Grand Junior Warden, Charles K. Nelson, Grand Treasurer, and A.
J. Worsham, Grand Secretary.
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