While the Grand Lodge continued its progress and effective work, it was advancing through storms which seemed to be gathering both in and outside of the Grand lodge. This situation was not particularly new because the Grand Lodge had come out of and through the Depression. Among the disturbing situations was the Masonic Home, the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and the usual Grand Lodge problems. This situation was described graphically by Grand Master A. C. Alford when the Ninetieth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the state of Ohio and Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, was held at Hamilton, Ohio, August 14-15, 1939 with Tonssaut Lodge No. 19 serving as host. He said, "For ninety years this Grand Lodge has weathered the storms and passed through many gales. We have witnessed the fiery streaks of lightning, glittering and flashing through our fraternal sky; and thunder roaring in our ears that would have frightened most men together with a long period of clandestine Masonry and the opposite group questioning our legality. But, in our early existence while we searched for light, men and Masons of intelligence took charge and the windows of Masonry were opened could the light came streaming through. The storms in our Masonic life are not over, the danger is not yet passed: the wined is still raging and the rains are still washing our fraternal shores; but today we find ourselves thus assembled at the regular appointed place in our annual session."
The Masonic Home during the depression and through the lack of full cooperation from the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, the Grand Lodge had found it very difficult to conduct the affairs of the home with the money which was coming in from the lodges. On occasions it was found necessary to borrow front the Grand Lodge funds to make up the deficit. The result had been that the Grand Lodge had been compelled to curtail the usual expenses, and to deprive the appointive officers and representatives of their mileage and per diem for Grand Lodge attendance. The Grand Master suggested that the subordinate lodges improve their system of bookkeeping for some lodges were reported as having almost any kind of paper on which to keep their minutes, records and accounts and that these were soon lost or destroyed. Then too, some of them did not pay their fees to the Grand lodge and this resulted in reduced income for the Grand Lodge.
Accordingly, a proclamation was issued by Grand Master Alford to all Masons in the State proclaiming that all resources of the Grand lodge and subordinate membership should he pledged and dedicated to payment of the mortgage debt of the Ohio Masonic Home. He ordered that the subordinate lodges be required to forward to the Office of the Grand Secretary the full amount of the Home tax. He also said that he was planning as Grand Master to open new avenues for the payment of the mortgage.
The second matter, which was of great significance, was the continuation of the controversy with the amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. This Chapter seemed to consider itself all independent body in Masonry, and that it could be guided only by their action of its own Grand Chapter. This, claim was based upon the fact that the Grand Chapter was an incorporated body in the State of Ohio. Grand Master Alford denied Ike view that the Grand Chapter was independent and recalled its beginning as an adopted rite of the Grand Lodge, for the Order of the Eastern Star had originally petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. (P.H.A.) for its adoption and protection.
The history of the adoption of the Order of Eastern Star was described by the Grand Master in I racing it from its formation in the State of Ohio by Robert McCoy. He stated that Masonry had had some difficulties with adopted Rites because they were in constant variance with Masonic usage when they demanded independence in conducting Masonic affairs. In 1892, he said that the Order of the Eastern Star had petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., for the adoption and protection of themselves as wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of Masons in regular standing in some Masonic lodge within the Jurisdiction of Ohio. In 1927, the Grand Chapter, petitioned the Grand Lodge for adoption under the name of the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, without any action being taken on their former adoption as Order of the Eastern Star. At that time the work on the new women's building at Urbana was in progress.
The Grand Master said that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio was founded and constituted by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. From this Masonic oak tree there had come the Royal Arch, the Knights Templars, the Scottish Rite and the Shrine and the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, all the creatures of the Ohio Grand Lodge from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He said that each of these bodies was separate front each other but they were still branches of this Masonic oak and that the Grand Lodge of Ohio was a parent to all these bodies, for without the Grand Lodge of Ohio there would never have been these branches of Masonry. He also said that being the symbolic oak, no branch of Masonry could modify, cancel, abridge, or hold co-extensive power and authority with the Grand Lodge for it was sovereign over all Masons belonging to this Jurisdiction. He added further that the Grand Lodge did not assume authority over the working of the various bodies just so long as their operations were not ill conflict with the land-marks of Masonry.
On January 19, 1939, Grand Master Alford had issued au edict to the officers and members of all subordinate lodges within the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio and Masons of Foreign Jurisdiction, F. & A. M., Prince Hall Affiliation. He advised that finding that the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, incorporated for the State of Ohio had "assumed to act independently of and in open defiance to and in disregard for all rules, regulations and constituted authority of the Host Worshipful Grand Lodge for the Jurisdiction of Ohio and contrary to the conditions and purposes of its existence and adoption; that this Grand Chapter had assumed to embarrass and harass the Grand Lodge causing it to be sued in the civil courts of Champaign County and that the Grand Chapter had continued its acts of independence, defiance, disobedience and disregard for the duly constituted authority, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge;" therefore, he declared that. "The Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, incorporated for the State of Ohio is in open rebellion against, the rules and regulations and constituted authority of the Grand Lodge," and accordingly he therefore revoked, repealed and set aside the adoption of Amaranth Grand Chapter and ordered that all fraternal relations which hitherto had existed between the Grand Chapter and the Grand Lodge he severed.'' All Masons within the Jurisdiction and all Masons of Foreign Jurisdiction were forbidden to affiliate or hold ally fraternal relation, with, to visit, advise or hold any office of whatsoever kind or character in the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, or with any chapter subordinate to it.
On January 23, 1939, the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star through its Royal Grand Matron, Miss Ida Williams, issued the following edict addressed to officers and members of the subordinate chapters of Amaranth Grand Chapter. This communication to the officers and members of the subordinate chapters of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction, stated that in accordance with the instructions given to the special committee at the last convocation of the Grand Chapter, a suit had been filed in the civil courts of Campaign County to enjoin the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, E. A. M. (P. H. A.) of the State of Ohio from holding possession of the Order of Eastern Star's building and its contents. It was said that the lock, on the doors had been changed and that they had been denied admittance to their building. In reaction to their suit it was reported that the Grand Lodge had issued a letter to all the Jurisdictions withdrawing the "rite of adoption" from our Grand Chapter and forbidding all Masons to affiliate with them. Miss Williams as Royal Matron therefore issued the dispensation authorizing and empowering the chapters to use a Past Matron to till the Patron station with all the prerogatives of that station until further notice was received from her office.
She added that the Grand Chapter had not violated any Masonic rules or regulations; that it had operated as an incorporated body under the laws of the State of Ohio and that accordingly they could continue to function in spite of the tact that the Grand Lodge had withdrawn the "rite of adoption" that the subordinate chapters were subject to the Grand Chapter, and that they were to keep their charters and properties and proceed as heretofore.
Grand Master Alford in presenting this situation stated that there was but one question, "Shall the dignity and honor of Masonry be upheld by Masons or shall all Masonic traditions, legends and land-marks of the Order be made a farce by having women claim co-extensive or domination over the Craft. I say No to that question."
When the case Was called for trial June 23, with the Grand Lodge represented by Attorney, A. J. Worsham, and LeRoy H. Goodman, and Denton, Bodey and Bodey as Attorneys for the plaintiff, and after witnesses had been heard and cross-examined and the contention in the petition had Been answered, the Judge of the court suggested that a conference should be held because if the case went on, both sides might lose. Grand Master Alford then appointed Past Grand Master Homer H. Collins, Past Grand Master Everett Gatliff and Brother William Johnson, Eminent Commander of the Knights Templars to constitute the committee for the Grand Lodge. Amaranth Grand Chapter then appointed Mrs. Margaret E. Jacobs, Brothers Howard T. Greer and C. A. Caliman as their committee.
On the 26th of June, 1939, this committee met and drew up an agreement in consultation with their respective counsels. The several sections of the agreement were as follows:
First: Amaranth Grand Chapter agreed to assume and pay the entire mortgage indebtedness now due on the Masonic Home at Urbana and that, these payments would be made through the Office of the Grand Secretary for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio for the benefit of the People's Savings and Loan Company.
Second: The Grand Lodge of Ohio agreed to convey to Amaranth Grand Chapter an undivided one-third interest in the Ohio Masonic home at Urbana.
Third: It was agreed that the Masonic Home should he controlled and operated by the Board of Management consisting of six members, three from each of the respective parties, the Grand Lodge and the Grand Chapter.
It was further agreed that the joint Board should organize itself without the intervention of either Grand Body, that the Grand Lodge would cancel all back indebtedness claimed against the Grand Chapter; that the action in court should be continued until after the tem of the court pending the approval of the agreement by the respective Grand Bodies; and it was finally agreed that the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, would surrender its corporate charter; that the Grand Lodge restore to the Grand Chapter its rite of adoption and that this restoration should he communicated to all chapters of Amaranth Grand Chapter and that when approved by the Grand Chapter in session, the restoration would be permanent and the joint committee would submit to each Grand Body the status and relationship of each of the Grand Bodies to one another. Immediately after the signing, of this agreement, the Grand Master declared a truce until the two Bodies could meet and deliberate, and the edict previously issued suspending Amaranth Grand Chapter was suspended pending the Grand Sessions.
The handling of this difficult situation and the following of it through to a victory for the Grand Lodge, without the violation of the integrity of the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star was a masterly accomplishment. It was a high mark in the life of Grand Master Albert C. Alford and the Grand Lodge.
Albert C. Alford was born in Lebanon, Ohio, Warren County, on February 11, 1872. At an early age his parents, William and Martha Alford, moved to Delaware, Ohio where they settled in 1879, and where the family was educated. On March 4, 1896, he was married in Washington Court House, Ohio to Miss Nettie Upthegrove. They reared two boys successfully, Leo G. Robinson, M. D. of Springfield, and Leonard H. Robinson, Ph. D., of Cleveland, Ohio. They contributed to the education of a number of boys and girls so that they could be given opportunities in life. Brother Alford located in Marietta, Ohio, in the fall of 1902, to follow his profession as a barber. They enjoyed a successful business in the First National Bank Building.
He was initiated in Masonry on July 18, passed July 25 and raised to a Master Mason, July 25, 1901, in White Sulphur Lodge No. 10 in Delaware, Ohio. He was admitted on February 19, 1944, and was chosen the first Master of Menelek No. 74. Brother Alford first appeared in the Grand Lodge at its session in 1914. He gave unselfish Masonic service by serving on most all of the committees in the Grand Lodge. He served also as Grand Marshall, Grand Lecturer, Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden and Grand Master. This background was of value to him in the direction of the rights and prerogatives of the Grand Lodge in the Eastern Star case.
A complete report of the legal procedure for the Grand Lodge was made by Brother A. J. Worsham, Attorney for the Grand Lodge, that on or before September 1, 1940, the Defendant convey to the Plaintiff by deed an undivided one-half of the part acre tract, the Plaintiff paying the mortgage of $4,000.00.
The Masonic Home Board report was made showing that the home had operated from July 1, 1938 to June 30, 1939 on a budget of $1,025.00 from the Grand Lodge. This was $556.00 less than the previous year, 1937-1934, and receipts from the State of Ohio Aid for the Aged amounted to $508.00 less than the year 1937-1938. This was due to the fact that there were only eight residents receiving pensions. The total receipts for the year were reported by the Grand Secretary A. J. Worsham as $5,020.01. The total disbursements were $3,819.08, leaving a balance on hand of $1,200.83. There was also a total in the mortgage fund of $505.13, and the balance of the mortgage principal as of June 30, 1939 was $9,397.99. The Masonic home mortgage Liquidation Committee of the northern district reported $893.72, which was turned over to the Grand Lodge for payment on the mortgage. The improved condition of the Grand Lodge was shown in the proposal of a resolution referring to the fact that due to economic conditions under the administration of Grand Master Gatliff when it was necessary to reduce the salaries of the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer 33? per cent, it was then resolved that since the work of these three Grand Lodge officers was becoming more arduous and their duties were multiplying that the original salaries be restored. This resolution however was not adopted.
The Grand Lodge officers elected at this Annual Communication were: A. C. Alford, Grand Master, Marietta: Charles F. Casterman, Deputy Grand Master, Cleveland; Clyde Moss, Senior Grand Warden, Chillicothe; H. G. Emerson, Junior Grand Warden, Youngstown; Charles F. Nelson, Grand Treasurer, Springfield, and A. J. Worsham, Grand Secretary, Columbus.
The contention over the Home, and the problems raised by Amaranth Grand Chapter, and the interest of the Grand Lodge in this situation continued through the year 1939. When the session of the Grand Lodge of this year closed Grand Master Alford attended the Grand Chapter meeting, August 21-23, 1939. He was not impressed by his reception. He said that he found there a feeling of hostility and that accusations were made and beliefs expressed that they were contesting their independence and questioning the continuance in Masonry under the adopted rite. They were almost defiant, he said, in their attitude toward the Grand Lodge and were definite about their independence of Masonic affiliation.
This situation had not changed when the Grand Lodge met for its 91st Annual Communication at Toledo, Ohio, August 18-20, 1940, as the guests of Amazon Lodge No. 4. After Deputy Grand Master Charles F. Casterman had presided and a lodge of Master Masons was opened in due form, Grand Master A. C. Alford was received and the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form with a full corps of officers and a constitutional number of lodges present.
The Grand Master began his address welcoming the members to the session and stated that, the duties of Grand Master had been performed to the best of his ability with the high purpose and dignity of Masonry in mind. He spoke of fraternal relations, necrology and the passing of Past Masters John C. Logan and Howard Greer.
During the, period of his address he paused to present the apron of a Past Grand Master to Brother Homer H. Collins. In so doing, he made the following observation, "Brother Collins, the day you became a Mason you brought to the Craft certain qualities of character that included our standard of moral value and those qualities brought to you their reward. Your enthusiasm in the work of the Craft advanced you step by step as you mounted station by station until your local lodge elected you their Worshipful Master and sent you to the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was quick in discovering those qualities of sterling worth and advanced you to the office of the Most Worshipful Grand Master for this Jurisdiction of the State of Ohio and there you received the full confidence of your brethren. In the discharge of your many duties you brought joy and satisfaction to us in having never failed to give to the Grand Lodge the very best within you. That made your administration exemplary." With this introduction, the Past Grand Master's apron was presented to him.
In connection with the statement concerning the Masonic Home, Grand Master Alford reported that the litigation with the Order of the Eastern Star had caused confusion to develop in their plans but with all this the Grand Lodge had Succeeded in raising nearly $1,500.00. He said the main building was fast decaying and something had to be done to prevent this and to make improvements. On one occasion he attended a session of St. Marks Lodge No. 7, in Columbus, and after referring to the condition of the Home property, the Order of the Mystic Shrine presented the Grand Lodge with $250.00 to take care of immediate needs.
In referring to the litigation with the
Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Waster Afford said, "The
time has arrived when we must assert our authority and the dignity
of this Grand
Lodge when we have within our ranks branches of Masonry who claim
protection of our institution within the scope of our influence
and claim this by Rite of Adoption while continuing to embarrass
and harass us to the degree of sabotaging our institution. It
is a travesty on Masonry to engage in discord and dissention approximately
every eight or ten years to the extent of litigations in court."
He declared that this discord and dissention must cease and urged
that at this session some action should be taken. The Grand Lodge,
he said, could settle all purely Masonic questions without taking
the beloved institution into court. He announced that the decision
of the court would be given by the Grand Lodge Attorney, Bother
A. J. Worsham.
However, the Grand Master's report found the Craft in good condition. The membership had increased although there was difficulty in collecting obligations so as to give working finances to the departments. In his visits to the lodges he had encountered nothing but loyalty and goodwill, while the Jurisdiction was assuming its old position in the great family of Masons. He referred to world conditions during which countries were fighting for their existence and the thought which was in his mind was what would be the status of the minority group if some great change should come about as a result of these war conditions developing abroad.
World events had been moving rapidly toward war between 1937 and 1940, while Mussolini, after the Italian invasion, had announced the annexation of Ethiopia by Italy in 1936. The storm clouds were gathering while the Grand lodge was meeting in Annual Sessions during 1938, 1939 and 1940. In 1937, Japan's forces had invaded China and the next year Adolf Hitler directed his forces to enter Austria. In 1939, Hitler's forces moved into Czechoslovakia and attacked Poland. In the same rear, attacks were made on Finland and Norway, and Denmark was seized by hitter's Troops and parts of France were occupied. These events moved with rapidity and the news arriving ill the hinted States was shocking to its people who had not been war conscious.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's policy approved by Congress was to remain out of war. Neutrality acts had been passed in 1935, 1936 and 1937. When Great Britain stood alone on the edge of Europe the neutrality acts were modified to allow the sale of arms and Munitions to it. Sympathy likewise was developed in the United States for China and a loan of $70,000,000.00 was made to the Chinese, Government. At the same time, there was preparation for a National Defense Program. After debate, Congress provided in September, 1940, that all men between the ages of 21 arid 35 were required to register for the draft. It was during the movement of these events that the Grand lodge of Ohio had met in its session at Toledo in 1940. It was evident that the Grand lodge was passing through gathering, clouds both outside of its immediate Jurisdiction as war approached, as well as inside of it when consideration was given to the division which had developed between men and women interested in the Masonic tradition.
In spite of these happenings the Grand Lodge and the subordinate lodges moved forward. The reports of the Grand Lecturers, Brothers Haze Meechem, Luther Jackson, and I. L. Brown showed not only their activities but that the lodges were in good condition. Criticisms of the work of the lodges bordered only upon the question of accounting and the maintenance of records. A motion was also adopted unanimously approving every act of the Grand Master, every order issued by hint in reference to the suspension of the Rite of Adoption and of fraternal relations with Amaranth Grand Chapter.
The Committee on Credentials gave the report showing that there were present 18 Grand Officers, 7 Past Grand Officers, 60 Past Masters and 138 representatives, making a total of 223 qualified delegates. The tool receipts and general fund were $5,317.50. The total discernments were $4,267.85, leaving a balance and the general fund of $1,049.65. The Mortgage Fund brought forward and received was $881.08. With the passing a brother John C. Logan, Grand Master Alford appointed Past Grand Master Homer Collins to be Chairman of the committee on Foreign Correspondents. This work was carried out effectively by him that this session for the first time. It was reported that no characters or dispensations had been asked for at this session.
The adopted resolution concerning National Defense was as follows:
"To the Government of the United States of America:
"In a confusion of the world's catastrophe brought on by the European conflict and the anxiety of the people of the United States as to the safety of our Government being invaded, and
"Whereas, the Negro citizens of this United States are loyal one-hundred percent are desirous of the opportunity to protect their freedoms as well as our great country;
"Therefore, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the state of Ohio F. & A. M. (P. H. A.) do pledge to our country our full support in any way that is desirable to the nation in its defense."
The elected Grand Officers were Charles F. Casterman, Cleveland, Grand Master; Clyde Moss, Chillicothe, Deputy Grand Master; H. G. Emerson, Youngstown, Senior Grand Warden; Albert Blackburn, Cincinnati, Junior Grand Warden; Charles E. Nelson, Springfield, Grand Treasure, and A. J. Worsham, Columbus, Grand Secretary.
Following the sessions of the Grand Lodge in 1940, Grand Master Casterman undertook to carry out the will of the Grand Lodge relative to the settlement of the issue between Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and the Grand Lodge. He had received a petition front Amaranth Grand Chapter on September 4, requesting restoration to fraternal relationships. Thereupon he appointed a Committee on Fraternal Relationships consisting of Past Masters Harrison L. Adams, Eureka Lodge No. 52, James A. Rodgers, Excelsior Lodge No. 11, and Robert P. Jones, St. Mark's; Lodge No. 7 On the same date, he also wrote to Miss Ida Williams, Royal Grand Matron of Amaranth Grand Chapter requesting that she appoint a similar committee to meet with the Grand Lodge committee at Columbus, Ohio, September 15, 1940, to discuss the petition from Amaranth Grand Chapter to the Grand Master seeking restoration to fraternal relationships. This committee met and signed an agreement bringing matters between them to a successful conclusion.
Thereupon, Grand Master Casterman issued a decree on October 15, 1940, to the Royal Grand Matron, Royal Grand Patron, officers and members of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star informing them that he had revoked the suspension of Amaranth Grand Chapter until August 19, 1941, when the Grand Lodge would be in session. The decree stated that if the agreements entered into between the committees were ratified by the Grand Lodge, the decree of restoration would become permanent. In the event that the agreement was not ratified by the two parties, the decree would still be in effect. This decree was followed by a proclamation stating that if and when Amaranth Grand Chapter and the Grand Lodge of Ohio should approve the agreement for arbitration and other articles the revocation would become permanent and the Grand Master of Ohio would by proclamation advise all subordinate lodges. It was hoped by members of both the Grand Chapter and the Grand Lodge that this agreement would he approved by both bodies and peace brought again to Masonry of Prince Hall Affiliation in Ohio.
In sending a Christmas message in 1940 to the subordinate lodges and all Masonic brethren, Grand Master Casterman stated that on Christmas Day 1940, "We find a world torn by strife and brotherhood. Selfishness and greed seem again to be on the throne. Poverty and suffering are rampant. The future looks dart for humanity. Let us at this time remember that the Prince of Peace whose forces of love and mercy have steadily prevailed through darker periods of history still reigns in the hearts of his true followers and will assuredly triumph over evil and bring true happiness and peace to all mankind." Such a message had its influence in bringing peace within the Masonic fraternity.
In this connection Grand Master Casterman had said, "That it should be the determination of every Master Mason in this Jurisdiction to exercise those God given Masonic Virtues of peace, harmony and brotherly love to the extent that these two organizations may work together in perfect harmony to the end that the great work that is ours at the Masonic Home may be accomplished during the next Masonic year at Urbana.''
With this spirit active among the members of the Grand Lodge, the Ninety-second Grand Communication met at Cleveland, August 17-19 1941. A lodge of Master Masons was opened with Brother Clyde Moss, Deputy Grand Master presiding. Grand Master Charles A Casterman was announced, a committee escorted him to the east and honors were given to him. The Committee on Credentials made its report showing, a constitutional number of lodges represented. This committee reported that there were 256 representatives including Brand Officers and Past Grand Officers in the session. Committees were appointed and the Grand Master delivered his annual address.
Attention was directed by Grand Master Casterman to the gathering, storm clouds of war and he stated, "Once more almost the entire world is in the throes of a bloody conflict. Christian, pagan and fraternal brethren who are hound by what should he indestructible ties of brotherhood are joined together and against each other in murderous strife for a questionable supremacy." he said that it was the mission of Free and Accepted Masonry to aid the individual in building that character which would develop the ties of love and brotherhood. The relationships between the Order of the Eastern Star and the Grand Lodge were described and the actions which had been taken by him. His meetings with the Masonic Home Board in Urbana were described concerning the business of the Home, its repair and maintenance and its need for funds were described, together with his call upon the lodges for assistance.
An important suggested program of future activities for subordinate lodges was suggested in this report and was an important addition to Masonic procedure. This program was as follows:
October - Stag Social for -Master Masons
November - Lecture on Masonic history
December - Initiation of winter class and St. John's Day Service
January - Ladies Night - Social with wives and lady guests of
Lodge members
February - Visitation night - visiting of other lodge,
March - Re-Dedication Night - for renewing pledge, to Masonic
Principles
April - Education Night
May - History - Prince Hall Masonry - Panel Discussion
June - Annual meeting, report and educations
July - Business meeting, with lodges conducting, their business
mainly for the collection of dues and incidental business. It
is desirable that, our program of a positive and special type
should be suggested to them for their monthly meetings.
'The Masonic Home had given the Grand Master considerable concern because of the fact that there had heels a current indebtedness of $400.00 front the previous year and there was no money in the Masonic Home Treasury or the Grand Lodge Treasury to meet the budget for the first quarter. "Then there was need for repairs in the men's buildings and a similar condition was, noted in the building maintained by the sisters of the Eastern Star, which was in need of repair. He reported also that a resolution was submitted at the Grand Lodge session at Hamilton in 1939, requesting the Grand Lodge to restore the original salaries of the Grand Officers. The Grand Lodge defeated that resolution but the salaries were restored and paid.
It was reported that a loans for $15,000.00 as a mortgage on the property had been made 13 years before the People's Savings and Loans Company of Urbana. To date, the Grand Lodge had paid almost as munch to the loan company in interest as had been borrowed and the Grand Lodge still owed the loan company $8,000.00. He said that the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star was responsible for $4,000.00 of the remaining $8,000.00 and the Most Worshipfu1 Grand Lodge was responsible for $4,000.00. It would be a small task for them, he declared, to clean up this mortgage in twelve months and this was his goal for the Masonic year 1941-42. He was going to call on every brother in the Jurisdiction to make a contribution of $2.00 to be applied to the Masonic Home Mortgage. Then too, the back bills must be paid at the Home and in order to do this they would have to reduce the Grand Lodge expenses.
The treasurer of the Home Board reported that the total receipts had been $750.69, the total expenses brought forward front 1939-40 were $1,114.57. The total expenses paid from the general fund were $640.73, and the total deficit was $473.82. The grand total receipt of all funds was $4,646.15, and the total disbursement from the general fund was $3,330.48, leaving a balance on hand of $655.78.
Grand Master Casterman reported to the Grand Lodge that the Trustees on September 1, 1940, ordered the attorney of record to deliver a deed to the property known as the women's dormitory situated on the ground of the Masonic Home at Urbana to the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. At such time as the amount of $4,000.00 should be required by the order of the court to be paid by the Eastern Star, this amount should be separated and charged against the Order of the Eastern Star on the books of the People's Savings and Loan Company at Urbana. He reported that this deed had been properly executed and delivery was made on December 30, 1940. The sum of $4,000.00 with interest at 7 per cent had been separated on the books of the company and charged against the Order of the Eastern Star. The sum of $1,000.00 had been paid on the principal of the mortgage and an unpaid balance due on that portion of the mortgage was in the amount of $ 3,977.06. The total mortgage was for $7,977.06 on the entire premises including that part which had been conveyed to the Order of the Eastern Star.
The Grand Master said that the Grand Lodge was a tenant in common with the Order of the Eastern Star and as such was the owner of an undivided one-half interest in that property which consisted of approximately 3/4 of an acre. He added that with respect to the maintenance and preservation of the premises, the Trustees recommended that they be authorized by the Grand lodge to assume the responsibility of one-half of all public charges against the property and onehalf of all fixed charges of maintenance and preservation and a proportionate share of the expenses incident to and necessary to support and maintain the respected residents housed in the home.
The Grand Lodge officers elected for 1942-1943 were: Charles F. Casterman, Grand Master, Cleveland: Clyde Moss, Deputy Grand Master, Chillicothe; H. G. Emerson, Senior Grand Warden, Youngstown; Albert Blackburn, Junior Grand Warden, Cincinnati; Charles E. Nelson, Grand Treasurer, Springfield; A. J. Worsham, Grand Secretary, Columbus.
The fact that the Grand Lodge along with the rest of the nation was still in the midst of the struggles of war was main outlined by Grand Master Casterman, when the Grand lodge met in Dayton, Ohio, August 17-18, 1942 in its 93rd Annual Communication with Ancient Square Lodge No. 40 and Harmony No. 77, serving as hosts in the Y.M.C.A. The Grand Master spoke of this "greatest conflict of all ages" which was then in the progress fund "the gigantic problem that faces all democracy, including our own America, and which ones will eventually survive." Then he urged that "As men and Masons, we must do our bit to help the democracies win this war so that we may have a part in the making of the peace that is to follow. When mankind will have had enough of wear, enough of tracing the boundaries of nations with a sword and bartering away the rights of the people in a vain effort to maintain a military balance of power, we shall look forward to the establishment of a new world, a world built upon the fundamental principles that the right of every mart is the responsibility of all men."
The report was made by Grand Master Casterman that he had appointed representatives who were known as Director Generals of the financial effort in the several Masonic districts in order to carry on the financial endeavor to free the Masonic Home of its mortgage indebtedness. He said that the financial effort so far had been meeting with success. The interest on the mortgage was paid to date and $1,500.00 had been paid on the principal. As the assessment continued to come in he expected that the remainder would be paid. Each lodge had been urged to send in the first one dollar assessment and then at a later period the second, making of the assessment of $2.00 a Mason.
The Grand Master's, official visits, proclamations, decisions, dispensations, cornerstones, the conduct of the Masonic Home, the sale of the Masonic lodge property belonging to Eureka Lodge No. 52 in Cleveland and the purchase of Masonic property, at Warren. Galipolis and Steubenville were described. The Grand Master reported that the affiliated bodies, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter was progressing under the leadership of Brother Robert F. Martin, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars was prospering under the leadership of Brother I. L. Brown as Grand Commander, the Grand Counsel of Royal and Select Masters under the leadership of Brother L. H. Kirnbrough as Grand Master was carrying out a progressive and enthusiastic program, and the Order of the Eastern Star under the leadership of Sister Ida M. Williams, Royal Grand Matron was advancing, increasing subordinate chapters and members and paying their interest on the Home mortgage regularly with something on the principal.
The Grand Master had approved the consolidation of Exlsior Lodge No. 7 and Palestine Lodge No. 94, both of Cleveland, Ohio, since both lodges had followed the rules of the constitution and code governing the consolidation of lodges. The same was approved for William T. Boyd Lodge No. 79 and St. James Lodge No. 98, as well as Eureka Lodge No. 52 and Robert Scott Lodge No. 82. This consolidation reduced the numbering of lodges in Cleveland from seven to three and it was the Grand Master's opinion that a in enter amount of efficient service could be rendered with a smaller amount or expense.
A recommendation made by him was that the compensation allowed the Grand Master for his services for the Masonic Year be used to aid the liquidating of the mortgage on the Masonic Home. He also recommended that a Budget Committee be appointed to recommend a budget for the operation of the Grand Lodge and the Masonic Home for the ensuing Year as well as an Endowment Fund for the Masonic Home. The consideration of the establishment or a youth organization was requested to work under the guidance of the Grand Lodge to be known as the ``Chivalric Order of Knight Companions." Another recommendation concerned the Masonic brothers who were in the armed services of the United States to the effect that they should be carried by their subordinate lodges and reported to the Gand Secretary to be exempt from Grand Lodge obligations for the duration of the war. These recommendations were approved.
A roundtable was held at this Grand Lodge under the chairmanship of Brother L. D. French of Cleveland with a discussion on the subject, "What are we fighting for!" The question was ably discussed by Brother Yancey who analyzed the political and economic, conditions keenly and said that we must first secure our political freedom, and place ourselves in a position to secure the industrial opportunities as they came to us. Questions were asked of him and he answered them in a convincing manner. The next subject on the panel discussion was "Prince Hall and the War," which was presented by Brother H. G. Emerson. The third and final subject of the panel was, "What Shall We Tell the Youth of Today?" This was discussed by Past Grand Master, Homer H. Collins. All of these questions were handled very ably by those who presented them.
A committee front Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star was announced and escorted into the midst of the Grand Lodge. Expressions of good will were presented by Sister Hattie Alexander on behalf of the Grand Chapter and sister Bessie More presented the Grand Master, as a gift from the Grand Chapter, a beautiful traveling bag. The following day a special committee presented a beautiful desk set to the Royal Grand Matron, Miss Williams, and this committee also presented the Grand Master with a similar gift. Brother French expressed the gratitude of the Grand Master for the gift. This expression of goodwill of the Amaranth Grand Chapter was very satisfying to the Grand Lodge in view of the tension which had been existing between the two organizations in the previous rive veal's.
A resolution concerning civilian defense and loyalty to the President and government of the tinted Mates was adopted and ordered sent to the President under the seal of the Grand Lodge and signed by the Grand Master. A resolution authorizing the Grand lodge to provide for a committee to consider the ways and means for the development of some Win of death benefit to be paid to the widows of deceased brother Masons was approved. The Grand Treasurer's report presented total receipts of $6,375.19 and total expenses of $6,261.19, leaving a balance of $114.00. Deputy Grand Master Clyde Moss made a report showing extensive visitations and that much of this work had been done without any expense to the Grand Lodge.
Past Grand Master Homer H. Collins as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence included a letter sent by Prince Edwards Duke of Wales in while he acknowledged the receipt of a letter from Grand Master Willard W. Allen of Maryland and the visit of a deputation with a gift while he was away. He closed his letter with these words, "With my fraternal greetings to all the colored brethren under your Jurisdiction, and may the African Lodge No. 459 continue to prosper and to flourish." This letter was regarded as evidence of continuing recognition from Prince Edward who was a Past Grand Master of England.
The Grand Lecturers, Roscoe C. Jones, George P. Palmer, Luther Jackson, and L. B. Henderson, gave excellent reports of the work which they has been doing through contacts and numbers of the Grand Lodge in the Jurisdiction. The influences of World War II began to manifest themselves as the Grand Lodge moved into the year 1943. There was less travel which could be made by the Grand Officers and the meetings were likewise restricted. Accordingly, the regular Annual Communication of the Grand badge had to be called off because of the war conditions.
However, Grand Master Casterman called an Executive Session in Columbus, in St. Mark's Temple, August 15, 1943. The call went to the elected officers and the Grand Lecturers who. were as follows: Charles F. Casterman, Grand Master; Clyde Moss, Deputy Grand Master; H. G. Emerson, Senior Grand Warden; Albert Blackburn, Tumor Grand Warden; Charles E. Nelson, Grand Treasurer; A. J. Worsham, Grand Secretary; Roscoe C. Tones, George P. Palmer, Luther Jackson, John Suddieth and Louis B. Henderson, Grand Lecturers. In addition to the officers there were a number of brothers from the various subordinate lodges who had planned to attend. A letter had been sent out to all national, state, regional and district organizations from Director Joseph B. Casterman of the Office of Defense Transportation in which he repeated an earlier request for the cancellation of conventions and similar group meetings because of the strain which such events would impose on public transportation facilities. The statement said that the decision as to whether or not a convention should be held must he made by the appropriate officials of each organization without the benefit of any special advice from the transportation office.
In addressing the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master said that they were not meeting "in the capacity of a Grand Lodge this year," and that this "is attributable to our desire to lend our efforts to assist in a successful termination of the present global hostilities." He then stated that clue to the communication front the Office of Defense. Transportation, March 29, 1943, travel of all types was to be restricted, including the use of automobiles, tires and gasoline as well as railroads and busses, and food was rationed. When the subordinate lodges were informed of these facts the result was that, forty-two subordinate lodges agreed to postpone the Annual Grand Session until August, 1944, and only two voted not to postpone the Grand Session this year. Whereupon a proclamation was issued by Grand Master Casterman stating that only an Executive Session would expedient for 1943. He also urged the purchase of government bonds by the subordinate lodges and the Grand Lodge.
It was reported that the general Condition of the Craft was good and that peace and harmony generally prevailed. He advised that the contact committees of the subordinate lodges should be active in seeing to find the numbers who were ill the armed forces, their names, rank, branch of service and addresses of the numbers of their families.
In referring to the Order of Eastern Star he said that it was deserving of every consideration at the hands of the Masonic Fraternity of this Jurisdiction "for the heroic efforts which it is exerting to pay off the $3,000.00 mortgage indebtedness oil the Home at Urbana." A report was made by the Grand Master on the refusal of a church in Cleveland to permit Excelsior lodge No. 11 to conduct the Masonic Ritual Funeral Services over the body of one of its deceased members. When this refusal was ascertained as official, Grand Master Casterman issued a proclamation and official order stating "That, no Masonic lodge of Prince Hall Affiliation or a part thereof serving as a unit take any part, in any program at this Church so long, as these mentioned conditions exist." The Grand Lodge approved the action of the Grand Master in this respect, and thus showed that the Grand Lodge supported the Grand Master in this church relationship.
In spite of travel conditions there were numerous visitations by the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master Clyde Moss. The Grand Treasurer, Charles Nelson, presented his report shoving total receipts of $6,610.79 and total expenses of $5,262.53, with a balance of $1,348.20. This was regarded as an excellent financial showing in view of the war and the conditions which resulted from it. The Grand Senior Warden, Brother H. G. Emerson, praised the Grand Master for the work which he had done during the year and urged that the membership would "grasp the deep significance of the Grand Master's planning," and then "Our order would become all Order of deep race and human interest not only to the Craft but to those who are interested in racial and fraternal advancement." He also called attention as did other officers to the Youth Movement inaugurated at the Dayton, Ohio session and stressed the importance also of the lodges to the brethren in the armed forces of the country.
Grand Master Casterman informed the numbers of the Grand lodges who were present, of the clandestine lodge known as Titus Grand Lodge located in Sandusky and Mansfield, Ohio. He gave the names of the two grand officers and spoke of their activities. Letters between the Grand Master and the Office of Brother Harry E. Davis were read by motion it was agreed that "The Secretary was instructed to liquidate Titus Grand Lodge through proper legal action. Another question arose concerning the Library of Brother John Bowles and a committee was appointed to get in formation concerning it. A committee was appointed to consider the honoring of those members who had had fifty years of service in the Grand lodge. It was also agreed that Grand Lodge Bonds would be issued in the sum of $10.00 each and would be retired at face value when presented by the rightful owner and this retirement was to he in order of presentations, according to the Grand Secretary, A. J. Worsham.
The elected Grand Officers continued to
be Charles F. Casterman, Grand Master, Cleveland; Clyde Moss,
Deputy Grand Master, Chillicothe; H. G. Emerson, Senior Grand
Warden, Youngstown; Albert Blackburn, Junior Grand Warden, Cincinnati;
Charles E. Nelson, Grand Treasurer, Springfield, and A. J. Worsham,
Grand Secretary, Columbus.
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