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JAMES ROANE 1860-1923
Grand Master of South Dakota, 1916-1917
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BIOGRAPHY
From "The First 100 Years of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of South Dakota, 1875-1975", Page 97:
James Roane, scion of a distinguished old Virginia family was born at Washington, D.C., January 28, 1860. ' He was graduated in the classical department of Georgetown College and was graduated from the School of Medicine of Georgetown University on April 27, 1882.
In October, 1883, he came to Yankton, Dakota Territory, where he set up a practice of medicine. With the exception of seven years which were spent in post-graduate education in England, France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, he remained m Yankton. During the same period he spent a time traveling in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
He was married April 12, 1894, to Miss Maude Hayden Bush of Rochester, New York. There were no children.
He was raised in St. John's Lodge No. 1, Yankton, July 7, 1891. He received the Capitular Degrees in Yankton Chapter No. 1 and the Scottish Rite Degrees in Oriental Consistory No. 1, both of Yankton. He was a member of the El Riad Shrine Temple in Sioux Falls.
1917
When the forty-third Annual Communication was opened by Grand Master Roane at Hot Springs in June, 1917, the United States had gone to war on the side of the Allies. In support of this effort the following resolution was presented and unanimously adopted,
"Be it resolved that we, the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Dakota in Annual Communication assembled, pledge the Government of the United States our unswerving support and to our Country our bests efforts, our fortunes and our lives, to the end that victory may crown our arms and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth."
To further strengthen its support of the war effort, the Grand Lodge voted to purchase $4,000.00 in Liberty Bonds.
The Grand Secretary reported that other Grand Lodges were using a "Pledge of Allegiance" to the Flag as part of their opening ceremonies. He said, "I would recommend that this Grand Lodge take some similar action."
Dispensations had been issued for lodges at Bruce, Midland, Viborg, and McLaughlin. A cornerstone had been laid for a Masonic Temple at Kadoka, White River Lodge No. 181 had been constituted, and a new hall had been dedicated for Sisseton Lodge No. 131. On December 11, 1916, fire had destroyed the Masonic Hall at Spencer with almost a total loss. A duplicate charter had been issued for the Lodge.
Several changes in the by-laws were made as follows:
The Grand Lodge of South Dakota granted concurrent jurisdiction to all adjoining Grand Jurisdictions over persons residing in the State but nearer their boundaries than any lodge in South Dakota.
To constitute burial with Masonic honors, the funeral service authorized by the Grand Lodge must be used.
It shall be the duty of the Master of the lodge to arrange for in truction for each newly-raised Master Mason and until such examination has been passed, a dimit cannot be granted.
For several years the Trustees of the Grand Lodge had been the incoming Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Secretary. Under the revised by-laws the Trustees were to be elected at the Annual Meeting by the members of the Grand Lodge. There were to be three Trustees with staggered terms. The Grand Secretary would be the secretary of the Trustees with and the Grand Treasurer the treasurer. Along with their other duties would have complete control of the Grand Charity Fund. Elected under this plan as members of the Board of Trustees were Brother George V. Ayres for six years, Brother John A. Cleaver for four years, and Brother William E. Milligan for two years.
LODGES
- White River #181 (06/1916)
