Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Convocation of the most excellent Royal Arch Chapter of Free Masons for the state and jurisdiction of Arkansas, and of a meeting preliminary to the same, held in the city of Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 16th, and 17th, Anno Inventionis 2428, A.D. 1898 ...: a machine-readable transcription.

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M.A. CLARK, M. E. High Priest.

J.C. CORBIN, R. E. Secretary.

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE THE EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF THE Most Excellent Royal Arch Chapter of Free Masons For the State and Jurisdiction of Arkansas, and of a Meeting Preliminary to the Same, Held In the City of Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 16th, and 17th, Anno Inventionis 2428, A.D. 1898. M.A. CLARK, Mariana, G.H.P. J.C. CORBIN, Pine Bluff, G. SEC. The Ninth Annual Convocation will Open at 12 o'clock M. on the 2nd Tuesday in Dec. 1899. COURIER PRINTING COMPANY, Pine Bluff, Ark. 1899

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PRELEMINARY MEETING.

Little Rock, December 16th, 1898 at 8 o'clock p.m. the craft and citizens assembled at Jones' Hall in the city of Little Rock, where the following proceedings were had, viz:

I. Song, Coronation, by choir consisting of Mesdames Charter, organist; Mesdames R. Charter, E. L. Norwood, Branden, Miss Essie Rector, soprano, Rev. I.P. Daniels, tenor; Prof. J.C. Corbin, bass.

III. Invocation—Rev. I.P. Daniels.

IV. Welcome address—Con. E.A. Stevenson.

WELCOME ADDRESS. BY COM. E.L. STEVENSON.

In accordance of a duty confided in me by my associates, I rise for the purpose of extending to you a hearty welcome to our fair city and have you share our hospitality in no small degree. Your coming among us has always been hailed with great joy, not only because you are citizens of our great State, but on account of the worthiness of your cause as well. Hence we gratefully acknowledge the high compliment you have paid us in selecting our city for the sitting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the eighth time since its establishment. You are assembled here as Royal Arch Masons which is a branch of the society known as Masons whose fame is universally known and whose excellent tenets are held in high esteem by the civilized world. Under the comprehensive influence transmitted by the sacred cable that binds us in one brotherhood, we are taught that all our energies should be concentrated for the good of the race of man. By it all nations may be brought to comprehend the motive of this 0004 3fraternity, and to regard the great family of mankind as our brethren; children of one Heavenly father, as the author of our existence, in whom we live, move and have our being. Passing a knowledge of the fact that the principle underlying the superstructure of this organization inculates more than has been expressed, and includes all that is calculated to elevate mankind regiliously as well as morally. Gentlemen, we again hail with hearts over-flowing with joy, like Athens, when she lighted her torch of wisdom and sent its effulgent light into the dark wilderness of the earth and shone through the units of time, driving gloom and superstitions of the nation before it as mists before the rising sun, that you stand today representing your constituents who labor for the promotion of the status of society. How noble it is then to do honor to those who teach the principles of religion, virtue and economy. As was remarked, you stand ready to do your part now as others of your fellow brethren have stood before patiently awaiting duty's call; believing you eager to begin the performance of those duties I again beg permission in behalf of the companions of Key Stone Chapter, No. 1, R.A.M., and also of the worthy sisters of Ada Chapter, No. 4, O.E.S., and in behalf of the citizens generally, bid you a hearty welcome to this, our city; yea, welcome again, thrice welcome.

V. Response.-Prof, J.C. Corbin. RESPONSE TO ADDRESS OF WELCOME, BY PROF. J.C. CORBIN, OF BRANCH NORMAL COLLEGE, OF PINE BLUFF.

Following is a synopsis of the address, which was unwritten. The speaker said that he had made no preparation to respond to the able address just delivered, but would offer a few thoughts: He and several other persons, such as companions M.A. Clark and D.A. Robinson, men who were now gray haired or bald headed, had 0005 4started 25 years ago to establish one branch of Masonry among the colored people of Arkansas, and had worked together in the blue lodges until there were about 150 of those bodies actively at work in different portions of the state. These blue lodges had this year, and last year, and the year before that 12 or 15 years before that distributed $6,000 or $8,000 annually among the widows of the state, settling mortgages and securing them homes and putting an end to the subscription papers that, used to be circulated almost daily in Little Rock and elsewhere begging means to procure medicine for Uncle Toney or to bury Aunt Sally. He and his named companions had kept laboring for years to establish a branch of the same society, the Order of the Eastern Star, among the female relatives of the craftsmen, and that branch of the order had been a pronounced success, was working in the same direction as the blue lodges; and achieving great good. Now he and his associates were laboring to establish and maintain a third branch of the same society, that of the Royal Arch. This was nothing more than a portion of ancient craft masonry which, by some means, had been disconnected from its original position and assumed to some extent an independent place. These organizations had disturbed the tranquility of a few bigotted sectarians, who, after much cudgeling of their brains to find out what was their objection to them, had at last discovered that it was that they were secret and oath bound. These silly creatures were, in some instances, so-called ministers of the gospel and they had “bayed the moon” to their own profound satisfaction. A little reflection will show any one having even a glimmer of common sense that there are two and only two means of organizing men into societies and having them to work in union. One is by force, as at our prison where admirable order is kept, and considerable business transacted by having a due proportion of guards with navy sixes Winchesters, always in sight. The other is by binding men together by an oath, 0006 5obligatory pledge, or covenant of some kind and all our churches, societies, and business organizations are thus based. So in regards to secrecy-our doors and windows, curtains and shades all proclaim the necessity of secrecy in our homes. And congress, our courts, our “private” offices, all endorse and practice secrecy. The churches of even the preachers who howl against secret; oath bound organizations, are oath bound and frequently resort to secret meetings. So we see nothing in either point worthy of a moments, consideration. By and through Masonry we feel sure that we have accomplished vast good among our people, if cultivating our intellectual and moral natures, relieving distress and extending sympathy to the unfortunate are good works. Coming thus to the City of Roses, to carry on a great and good work, we are proud of the welcome so freely extended, and assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that we shall long and gratefully remember the cordiality with which we have been received into your midst.

VI. Song—Choir. VII. Address.—“The Morals of Freemasonry.” Miss Essie Rctor. ADDRESS:-THE MORALS OF FREE MASONRY. BY MISS ESSIE RECTOR.

Masonry as some writer has put, is a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols instituted by honorable men, with the praiseworthy design of calling to our remembrance the most sublime truths in the midst of the most innocent of social pleasure-Truth, the centre, sheds peace and good will to men with the rays pointing out to its disciples a correct knowledge of the great “Architect of the Universe Prayer is an ancient and beautiful custom of the institutions. 0007 6We all cannot be often reminded of our dependence on the Almighty Architect of the Universe for every blessing which we enjoy. “What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.” Especially should we thank God on bended knee that the fighting of our own dear negro soldiers is no longer to be doubted. A great principle has been demonstrated and we have many noble names around which to weave the garlands of fame and gratitude.

Would that we had more earnest Masons, for we as a race need to imbibe more of the spirit of resequation and gratitude with the Almighty's guidance.

The religious side of Masonry is grand and broad. It allows a man to adhere to those grand essentials of religion, leaving each brother to his own private judgment as to particular modes and forms. Hence it follows that all Free Masons are good men of honor and honesty, by whatever religious names distinguished, always following the golden precept “of doing unto all men as they would that all men should do unto them,” and of worshipping God after that manner and form which they conscientiously believed to be most acceptable in His sight.

Whoever would be a Mason must and is certainly a shining light in any community. It includes the entire moral code of laws—my private duties, my duty as a citizen, my duty in the Lodge, as a neighbor and toward a brother—comprising the exalted virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

This institution also breathes a spirit of philanthropy. Its benefits, considered in a social view, are extensive. It unites all mankind by true friendship, extends benevolence and promotes virtue. The sublime principles of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities. In short, by a dilligent observance of the by-laws of this grand institution, and above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule 0008 7and guide to their faith, they are enabled to acquit themselves with honor and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing which shall continue when time shall no more.

I was very forcibly reminded of the exemplary conduct of a mason which was narrated in one of our daily papers. A little miss of six or eight summers on a railroad car bound to Michigan (all alone) attracted the attention of a kind faced gentleman who was struck with her apparent loneliness. On further inquiry he found that she was on her way to Michigan to be with friends, her mother and father having died. Her pathetic little story struck a tender chord—but imagine the gentleman's feelings when she produced that precious little pin left to her by her father—a Masonic pin—a badge of honor. To her it meant something of father's, but to him everything possible in his power to do for a fatherless child. We may imagine what followed. The kind gentleman took the little girl to his own home when arriving in L. R., and everything possible was done to make her happy until train time, when she was sent on her journey.

This is just one out of the many instances enacted daily on the stage of life.

VIII. Paper-"Masonry, “Mrs. Rebecca Charter. MASONRY. BY REBECCA CHARTER.

Mr. Chairman.—It gives me much pleasure to be assigned a part on this program, at this hour. While recognizing my inability to do so with credit, nevertheless I shall endeavor to fill out my part.

Being identified with the Masonic family I feel I should not do justice to decline, but think it a duty as well as a pleasure. We can do much good in the world and for fallen humanity, if we practice the virtues so beautifully portrayed in the lives of our great heroes and heroines 0009 8as taught us in the land-marks of Masonry.

In speaking of the benefits of Masonry I will have to dwellprincipally on female Masonry, as I am better prepared to do so.

About three years ago there was created in our female department an endowment, which at the death of a sister in good standing she leaves to her husband, children or legal representatives a stated amount. At our next annual gathering it was increased fifty percent, and at the next thirty-three and a third per cent, so you see what good we are doing along this line. Also what we think of our friends and relatives. There is too a similar organization among the brotherhood, but we havn't heard so much lately of their increase, not at all to say that there as been none, for I recognize the fact that many are the secrets which are withheld from us. We know of no women becoming men in Masonry, but every day we hear of men becoming women.

I would say that we must more strongly unite our efforts if we wish to accomplish much good, if storms of difficulties play around us, we must the more bravely fight against them. We all have oaths and obligations which we have pledged ourselves to obey, but to the true Mason they cease to be duties and become pleasures. But there are some few who have taken the obligation and are not loyal to them.

To those who are not Masons I will say that our order is beneficial, charitable and sociable; our progress wonderful. We have some of the most influential and intelligent members in the world. It behooves all men to seek this, our institution.

We protect the widows, provide for the destitute and shelter the orphans. Our duties are inseparably connected with the happiness of home. Every true Mason is a good brother, devoted husband and loving father, and likewise we sisters of the Eastern Star good mothers, affectionate wives and obedient daughters.

In conclusion allow me to extend my best wishes to 0010 9the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in behalf of the members of the Order of the Eastern Star at this place, and hope we may have the pleasure of meeting you again. At that time may your numerical strength be increased a thousand fold.

Then you shall be proud of your efforts, proud that you are Masons, proud of your country, knowing that you have lived in it to do much good for fallen humanity.

IX. Gloria In Excelis-Choir.

X. Benediction—Rev. I.P. Daniels. PROCEEDINGS OF MOST EXCELLENT ROYAL ARCH GRAND CHAPTER.

Little Rock, Dec. 16, A.I., 2428, A.D. 1898. The most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter assembled in the hall of Keystone Chapter, No. 1, on 9th street in the city of Little Rock, where the following proceedings were had, viz: The roll being called, the following grand officers answered to their names, viz: D.A. Robinson, Deputy H.P. Carey Brown, as King. M.A. Clark, Scribe. Marion Henderson, Capt, Host. J.W. Eaton, P. Sojourner. E.A. Stevenson, R.A. Capall, No. 3, Hot Springs, no report. Attacks No. 4, McCrory, C. Brown, H.P. Red Cross, No. 5, Marianna, M.A. Clark, H.P. Banneker, No. 6, Lake Village, no report. Helena Chapter, Helena, Dr. P.W. Clark. PAST OFFICERS. John Kennedy, J.W. Eaton, E.A. Stevenson, M. Henderson, Scipio Jordan; D.A. Robinson, Forrest Gay. The report, as amended, was adopted. The following committees were then appointed, viz: Disp. and Charters—Gay, Stephenson, Kennedy. Returns.—Brown, Daniels, Norwood. Jurisprudence.—M.A. Clark, P.W. Clark, I.P. 0011 11Daniels.

For Cor.—Corbin, Daniels, Norwood.

Grievances.—Stephenson, Norwood, M. E. Clark.

Accounts.—Daniels, Brown, Norwood.

A letter from G.H.P. Swan was read, viz: Fort Smith, Ark., Dec. 14, 1898. To the most Excellent Officers and Members of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter.

Dear Companions.—Up to date I find it not in my power to meet my appointment. Circumstances over which I have no control prevents my coming.

Companion D.A. Robinson, Deputy G. H. P., will proceed with the work.

I am writing this letter, yet if I can I will take the 1 o'clock train on the 15th and be in Little Rock by 8 p.m. Having been kept away from the Pine Bluff meeting, I called this meeting with hope of meeting it. I have been much hindered this year.

The Chapters now working are as follows: 1, Little Rock; 2, Pine Bluff; 3, Hot Springs; 4, McCrary: 5, Mariana; 6, Lake Village, U.D. Not working, Helena. U.D. made years ago by Missouri.

There are men who claim to be Royal Arch Masons under the shrine, at Forrest City and Camden.

I have started the spirit for a Chapter at Ft. Smith, hope to be able to set up in a short time. I think we should look after the price for exalting men at this meeting. We state that the shrine is making men for $8.00, and many of the brothers think we ought to do our work for less than $5.80, but I think we ought to charge $8, for no one wants these degrees but the more able and better class of Masons, and than it would pay to call a number of Companions to help do the work. We should have a printed constitution and by-laws also traveling and financial cards. I had hoped to have made enough Chapters to put money in the treasury for that purpose by this 0012 12time, but this work does not take with masters as I thought it did, so we move slowly.

Enclosed please find the printed returns with bill, which I paid. I would state that we should have a Chapter in every large town, or one in every county in the state. This branch of Masonry should be looked upon with pride by all Masons.

No one is expected or expecting to make a living setting up Chapters, yet the work can go on in in an honorable, straightforward way. May the blessings of the Triune God be amongst you all. Amen. G. W. SWAN, G. A. P. 8th and H St., Fort Smith, Ark.

The committee on Returns presented the following report of monies paid us, viz:

Chapter No. 1, .$11.50 “ 2, . 12.00 “ 3, .. “ 4, . 2.50 “ 4, . 5.00 “ 6; ... Balance from Grand Treasurer, . 2.50 ———- Total, ....$33.50 Paid out: Salary Grand Secretary, .$10.00 Salary High Priest . 3.00 ——— Total ... $13.00 Leaving balance $20.50

The Committee on Jurisprudence reported in favor of Lockwood as a standard. The report was adopted.

The Committee on For. Cor. reported that their had been no correspondence except with the District of Columbia, in reference to bogus work done in that jurisdiction, 0013 13and the unlawful setting up of lodges, chapters and commandaries in that jurisdiction by one Dorsey Seville and others.

The Committee on Grievances reported that no matter had been presented for their consideration, and wire discharged.

The Committee on Dispensations and Charters presented the annexed report viz: Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 16, 1898. To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter, State of Arkansas.

Greeting:—We, your Committee on Dispensations and Charters, beg leave to report: 1st. We find according to the report of the G.H.P. that there are in good working order only six (6) Chapters in this jurisdiction. 2nd. We are informed that there are in good and regular standing in this state, one hundred and forty Blue Lodges, and from such a number we are of the opinion that there is room for considerable improvement, and suggest that an officer be elected to push the work. We, your committee, beg also to recommend Dr. Clark as a suitable person for such purpose, and that he be empowered to work the Chapter located at Helena, and as soon as such Chapter has been worked up he will forward the necessary funds for Charter and supplies to the Grand Secretary for said Chapter.

We also request that some energetic Companion be appointed by the G.H.P. elect to proceed with Lake Village, with the privilege as recommended in the case of Helena Chapter. Very respectfully submitted, JNO. KENNEDY, FORREST GAY, Cn'mn. E.A. STEVENSON, Secy.

On motion of Companion M.A. Clark, it was resolved that the Grand Chapter does fully endorse the position 0014 14assumed by the white Grand Lodge of Iowa, and all other white Masons in this county that the Grand Lodge is the supreme authority in a jurisdiction, with the undoubted right to decide as to the legitimacy of any body claiming to be Masonic, or to be in any way related to Masonry, and has the right to prohibit masons of the jurisdiction from affiliating with or otherwise recognizing any body not previously by said Grand Lodge. The resolution was adopted by unanimous vote,

On motion the Grand Secretary was instructed to print the proceedings of the preliminary meeting and of the Grand Chapter, so soon as possible.

On motion Pine Bluff was selected as the next place of meeting.

The Grand Chapter then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, with the following result, viz: High Priest, M.A. Clark, Mariana. Deputy High Priest; Rev. I.P. Daniels, Little Rock. King, D.A. Robinson, Pine Bluff. Scribe, Cary Brown, McCrory. Treasurer and Secretary, J.C. Corbin, Pine Bluff. Chaplin, G.W. Swan, Ft. Smith. Marshal, Forrest Gay, Pine Bluff. Capt. of Host, J.W. Eaton, Little Rock. Principal Sojcurner, F.L. Norwood, Little Rock. R.A. Capt., John Kennedy, jr., Hensley. Master 3rd Veil, OH. Hill. McCrary. Master 2d Veil, D.F. Brannon, Mariana. Master 1st Veil, E.A. Stevenson, Little Rock. Sentinel, Dr. P.W. Clark, Helena.

The officers elect were installed in their respective offices by High Priest, J.C. Corbin.

The Grand Chapter was closed. M.A. CLARK, G.H.P. J.C. CORBIN, G. Sec.

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TO THE GRAND CHAPTER R.A.M. JURISDICTION OF ARKANSAS,