BLISSFIELD, No. 101. J. H. Reynolds, H P, and Proxy for K TRAVERSE CITY, No. 102 S. C. Fuller, Proxy for H P, K and S CADILLAC, No. 103. Charles C. Dunham, Proxy for HP, K and S READING OF THE MINUTES. Upon motion, the reading of the minutes of the last Convocation was dispensed with, printed copies being in the hands of the Companions entitled thereto. ADMITTED TO SEATS. All Companions in good standing were invited to seats in the Grand Chapter during the Convocation. ADDRESS OF GRAND HIGH PRIEST. The Grand High Priest then proceeded to read his annual address, as follows: GRAND HIGH PRIEST'S ADDRESS. To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, of the State of Michigan: COMPANIONS:-The steady, onward march of time, moving silently, and yet so swiftly, has brought us again together in "Annual Convo cation." We are thus reminded that another year, with all its interests has been garnered to eternity-to some joy-laden, to others freighted with disappointment and sorrow, but to all, full of responsibility. We can hardly realize that a year has so quickly passed. Indeed it seems but yesterday that we parted, to enter upon the work before us, and, ere we seperated, with hand clasped in hand, around our sacred altar, we inwardly resolved that we would in all our future, exemplify in our own lives that high standard of moral excellence, which Royal Arch Masonry demands of its votaries. We started out with high hopes and earnest resolves. How have these been realized? Have we kept our vows? Have we improved our opportunities and exemplified in our every-day life the true principles of our institutions? It will be well, if, as we come together in these our Annual Convoactions we shall take a retrospective glance, and as we see, as some of us surely will, where we have failed, note the same and provide against a repetition of the mistake. Let us now with humble reliance on the " Great I Am," who hath kept us hitherto, return our devout thanks to Him for his goodness manifested to us in so many ways. He has crowned the year with blessings innumerable! The earth has yielded her increase abundantly! The granaries of the husbandman are filled to overflowing, and throughout the length and breadth of our land, prosperity abounds to a degree unprecedented, perhaps, in the history of this nation. War, pestilence, and famine, which have visited other lands and people in some of their devastat ing forms, scattering in their path desolation and death, have not been permitted to reveal their ghastly horrors in this our own fair heritage. For this let us thank Him in whose hands are the destinies of all nations, for surely, these evidences of the divine goodness and mercy, ought to inspire our hearts with thankfulness. OUR DEAD. With our rejoicings however, there comes to our minds and hearts a feeling of sadness as we are reminded that the "grim messenger "--the busy reaper-has entered our abode and taken to himself two of the permanent members of this Grand Body. One of whom by the voice of his Companions had reached the summit of power and honor among us. One who had filled the highest position in this Grand Chapter. I allude to Most Excellent Companion WILLIAM BROWN, Past Grand High Priest, who died at his residence in the city of Battle Creek, aged 69 years, on the 23d of September. Companion BROWN was a good man and true, full of Masonic charity and beloved by all. His name to Michigan Royal Arch Masons was a household word. All knew Companion BROWN, and to know him was to love him. At the time of his death, he was one of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, and I feel confident the Chairman of that Committee, Companion Grand Secretary INNES, who was his "early friend and companion," will make such mention of his death in that report as his great loss merits. The sad intelligence of the death of Companion BROWN reached me through the medium of the daily press and at a time when I could not arrange to attend his funeral obsequies. It is also my painful duty to report the death of our esteemed and well beloved Companion FIDUS LIVERMORE, Past Grand King of this Grand Chapter, who died at his residence in the City of Jackson on November 28th. Companion LIVERMORE was well known to those of us who attended the sessions of this Grand Body in years past. He was elected Grand King of this Grand Chapter at its convocation held in the city of Detroit on the 1st day of January, 1851, 30 years ago. By reference to the reports of that year, we find him an active working member on several committees, and elevated by his companions to the high office of Grand King. From that time until his death he was a zealous, active mason. He lived to see this Grand Chapter pass from its infancy to its present strength and manhood. In every position, civil and masonic, that our worthy companion filled through life, he made an honorable record and a fame which will be lasting. |