The following proceedings have been passed in review by the Committee: ALABAMA, 1879. ARKANSAS, 1879. CALIFORNIA, 1880. COLORADO, 1880. CANADA, 1880. CONNECTICUT, 1880. DELAWARE, 1880. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 1879. FLORIDA, 1880. GEORGIA, 1880. ILLINOIS, 1880. IOWA, 1880. KANSAS, 1879. KENTUCKY, 1879. LOUISIANA, 1880. MAINE, 1880. MARYLAND, 1879-1880. MASSACHUSETTS, 1879. MISSISSIPPI, 1880. MISSOURI, 1880. NEBRASKA, 1879. NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1880. NEVADA, 1880. NEW JERSEY, 1880. NORTH CAROLINA, 1880. NOVA SCOTIA, 1879. NEW YORK, 1880. OHIO, 1880. OREGON, 1880. PENNSYLVANIA, 1879. QUEBEC, 1880. TENNESSEE, 1879. TEXAS, 1879. VERMONT, 1880. VIRGINIA, 1879. WISCONSIN, 1880. WEST VIRGINIA, 1879–1880. GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER, 1880. CONCLUSION. We call a halt! We say after our weary march from Texas to Wisconsin and from Maine to California, that it is time to rest and review our labors. Our Ashlar-finished or unfinished as it may be-we present to the Overseers, and trust that it may be such as to meet their approval and be found to possess merit enough to be received as worthy a place in the Masonic Temple. Our review has caused us to hold sweet communion with the Reportorial Corps throughout the United States and Canadas. In some things we may differ with our Companions and if in expressing those differences we have said things that may cause heart-aches to any we crave pardon and in all sincerity proclaim that in our report we have endeavored to set down naught in malice. While differing with others on principles or questions affecting the "weal or woe" of the Royal Craft, we have endeavored to do so in a spirit of brotherly love, and simply with the desire to arrive at the truth. We have endeavored this year to follow our usual plan of reporting-that of commenting briefly-feeling that it was more in keeping with our duty to place the action and doings of Sister Grand Bodies before our Companions, and let them use their best judgment as to the soundness of the opinions of others; particularly upon questions of Masonic Law that do not conflict with that of our own jurisdiction. Since our last meeting, the Royal Craft of our State has been honored by the holding of the Twenty-fourth Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter within our bordersin the City of Detroit. This meeting was held in the month of August last and we were permitted to meet, face to face, those noble, grand old workers who had labored so persistently in season and out of season for the glory and edification of Royal Arch Masonry throughout the United States. It was our pleasure to form the personal acquaintance of many distinguished Companions of the "Corps Reportorial" with whom for years past we had "crossed pens" and who for years we had learned to love. What shall we say of that noble band? Whose praises shall we first sound? Whose name shall we give first place to? Echo "Whose?" To one and all of the noble Corps we can but say, God bless you and may you long be spared to battle in the noble cause of writing the praises of the Royal Craft. answers: Good-by, Companions, until we meet again. It may be in Denver or it may be in that better land to which, time in its relentless march, is hastening us all. It was the pleasure of the Grand Chapter to entertain the Royal Visitors, and we are fully recompensed if her action was such as to merit their approbation. To the Companion Reviewers we tender our thanks for the many pleasant and profitable thoughts which have found expression through their several reports, and for the kindly approbation and good feeling towards our Grand Chapter and ourselves. Your Committee sorrow for the death of their beloved coworker, Companion WILLIAM BROWN, P. G. H. P., who died at his home in the City of Battle Creek, on the 22d. of September, at the age of 69 years. 1880, No Royal Arch Mason of this jurisdiction but to whom his name was familiar. All will sorrow with us and sincerely lament his death. One year ago he was with us and cheerfully accepted a re-appointment as one of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. To-day, the place that once knew him, knows him no more. Past Grand High Priest BROWN was a true and faithful man and Mason. No trust, civil or masonic, reposed on him was ever abused. The young mason learned to love and respect him, while the older ones looked to him for council and words of wisdom. Early identified with Royal Arch Masonry of our State he had become one of the principal stones of our Royal Arch. Strong in his friendship, affable in his manner and fast in his integrity, he was beloved during his life and his memory is sincerely cherished. He early learned the Divine Command, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," and learning it, practiced it, and thus gained the love and esteem of all men. Wherever distress or sickness held sway, there would Companion BROWN take his place. He was indeed a friend, devoted neighbor and true mason. Our Companion is gone. No more shall we welcome him to our midst or extend the fraternal hand, but "The love where death has set his seal, Nor age can chill nor rival steal Nor falsehood disavow." Fraternally Submitted, WM. P. INNES, Chairman, |