Difference between revisions of "GMPrince"

From MasonicGenealogy
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 15: Line 15:
  
 
=== SPEECHES ===
 
=== SPEECHES ===
 +
 +
==== DEDICATION OF APARTMENTS FOR [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Tyrian THE TYRIAN] LODGE, MARCH 1920 ====
 +
 +
''From Proceedings, Page 1920-20:''
 +
 +
''Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Tyrian Lodge:''
 +
 +
We have dedicated to the purposes of Masonry according to ancient form these apartments of yours, which have been used for so many years in the inculcation of Masonic truth in the hearts and minds of many, many men who have by their public service and private lives enriched and broadened the community spirit of this city.
 +
 +
By this ceremony we do not believe we have added anything of value to the service of the past that has been sanctified by the lives of the distinguished men whose names appear on your membership rolls. I, for one, come into this old Lodge in a very humble spirit, anxious and willing to sit at the feet of those great men of the past and absorb the wisdom of their experience. You here, familiar as you are with these surroundings, can little appreciate the feelings of strangers who enter these halls which seem to whisper messages of those days when Masonry was actively engaged in cutting its mark on the foundation stones of the Republic.
 +
 +
Consider the high privilege we enjoy today in meeting here in this atmosphere of peace and harmony of counsel, when in all parts of the world there are sounds of dissension and bitter discussion, wars and rumors of yet more war. In spite of the hope that the Great War would idealize the spirit of mankind, we find ourselves slipping back into the old selfish ways again and asking ourselves the coward question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The splendid unity displayed during the war is breaking up: the law of the jungle is again attempting to rule the world. But we, as Masons, enjoy today the communion of kindred souls inspired by high ideals *ind altruistic thought, and are meeting today in this old Lodge, breathing in the atmosphere of ancient days, which comes to us like the whiff of lavender from the old chest in the attic when we open it to take out and gaze again upon the intimate things which belonged to other days and to people whom we loved and who have gone before us. What memories it calls to our mind! With feelings of mingled awe and pride we realize that we are in the very Lodge where in the older days sat those sturdy ancestors of ours who laid the foundation upon which has been erected the mighty structure known as the United States of America. With what reverence we touch the jewels moulded by the hands of [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMRevere Paul Revere], that great patriot and distinguished Freemason whose life and character we of New England revere and strive to emulate.
 +
 +
With such examples before us, which could be repeated without number, is it surprising that the Masons of Massachusetts, in spite of our enjoyment of the cloistered peace and comfort of the Lodge-room, feel the urge and inspiration of those old patriots to go forth into the world and, like the Minute Men of '75, fight and defeat the evil and danger that face us today? And who shall say that we have not ample precedent to take our place among the active forces in the support of our free institutions in the establishment of which the lessons of Freemasonry were such a mighty force? Not perhaps as a political force, but rather as a body of men instructed in and sworn to the support of the great truths and high principles which make this Republic of ours the virile thing it is. These are thoughts which surge into our minds today as we meet, in this old Lodge, the organization of which antedates by many years the Declaration of Independence. Who can deny that the sons of light and liberty in this very Lodge laid their plans and inspired their Brethren to tljpse deeds of valor and self-sacrifice which they were later to accomplish?
 +
 +
Our splendid heritage would be shamed did we not measure up to our responsibilities as did those who in their day and generation did what appeared to them as their duty, but what appears to us in the light of later development the deeds of giants of courage and intellect. It is not to be thought that Washington could envisage the masterpiece he founded: he could not have looked forward to February 22, 1920, and dreamed of the tribute of gratitude paid his memory by millions of people in all parts of the world. Neither did Revere, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMJsWarren Warren], Hancock, and Adams imagine for one moment that their names would still be echoing down the aisles of history or that their life attainments would be the common knowledge of every schoolboy. They were merely men, able men I grant you, who saw their duty clearly and did it as they saw it. We, as Masons, are wont to point with pride, a justified pride, to our splendid history of achievement in the formative days of this Republic. We glorify the names that adorned our membership rolls of those days, names which appear in the annals of the fight for liberty and in the great state documents of this free people. But what avail is all this pride today if. we, the Masonic successors of these great men, do not measure up, according to our respective capacities, to our noble forefathers? Is it possible that we have been living too much in the glory of the past, pointing to our splendid traditions and great men of old and expecting the present generation to take us at their face value? The Chinese people worship their ancestors more perhaps than any other, but it has not advanced them far along the road of nations. We cannot live on the reputation of our fathers. We must do our part in the work of the world if we expect our institution to live and the title of Master Mason continue to be the proud one of the past.
 +
 +
Our history is most valuable to us as an example and an inspiration. Our duty in our day and generation is to face our problems with the same high courage which our forefathers exhibited in other days. Who shall say that there are no more Paul Reveres born into the world? Abraham Lincoln rose from the obscurity of a log cabin to a fame which will outlast time. Every crisis brings forth its Master and we have faith to believe that the troubles we are facing today will be met and conquered by wisdom and greatness which will appear at the appointed hour. We need first a general and immediate realization of our dangers and the solid amalgamation of fill level-headed, right-thinking men, determined to combat the evil which would destroy our freedom and civilization.
 +
 +
Let us renew our vows of loyalty to the great principles of Freemasonry, trusting the power of truth, the worth of character and the 'wisdom of love. The future of our Fraternity lies in a return to the faith of our fathers, bringing the wisdom of the past to the service of the present, teaching the truth that makes men free, showing in our private lives and public service what Masonry means and the kind of citizens it produces. In short, to make of Masonry today on a large scale what it was in former times on a small scale, an order of men, initiated, sworn, and trained to make liberty, justice, and truth prevail. Did you ever stop to consider what a beautiful world this would be to live in, if every man was inspired by the principles of this institution ? Did you ever stop to consider what a powerful influence on the life and happiness of our country could be had if the two million Freemasons in this country would practice what they preach: if they would make living things of the high ideals to which they give expression? Just so far as we ourselves practice the simple yet fundamental truths taught by Freemasonry, just so far will we advance toward the millennium. And by this shall we be judged by the world which will ask of us, not "What have you done?" but, "What are you doing?" Out of the hell of war has come a nobler conception of Iranian^ relationship, a finer vision of human brotherhood, a more splendid ideal of patriotism and duty, and to these we must resolve to give body and permanence in our activities. We are standing in the dawn of a new era of world history and it is impossible that the spirit and
 +
genius of Freemasonry can be overlooked or forgotten, for in spite of the apparent sloughing back into the gutter of selfishness, yet there is heard from all over the world the insistent cry for human brotherhood and human justice. Only as we advance toward those great goals shall we come nearer to the dream of the centuries never yet realized, but toward which, in spite of delays and reactions we are advancing, and the task of Freemasonry will never be finished until that day shall come, as it surely will though Jong deferred, when all the threads of human fellowship are woven into one mystic cord of friendship, encircling the earth and holding the race in unity of spirit and the bonds of peace.
 +
 +
There is a sad need in the world today for a place where we can meet men of all nationalities and creeds on common ground. And what better place could be chosen than a1 the universal altar of Freemasonry where the only creed is that of love and the only faith is that in one common fatherhood? There, built upon the altar of Masonry could be laid the foundation of that ideal temple of the brotherhood of mankind, the pyramid of life, its base resting upon the Holy Book, its apex touching the clouds. There, men of all creeds, all tongues, and all conditions could meet on common ground. There, all men could serve their brothers and in serving them best serve their God.
 +
 +
<blockquote>
 +
"And then to my dreaming eyes there did appear <br>
 +
as far as the eye could reach, <br
 +
A verdant plain: and soldiers tilled the soil<br>
 +
Where they of old did slay their brethren, scatter seeds of pain, <br>
 +
Did reap wild curses, burning as they slew, <br>
 +
Destroying all the strength of every age.<br>
 +
<br>
 +
"They tilled the soil and builded Temples new, <br>
 +
And writ yet better deeds for history's page; <br>
 +
And all the land did blossom as the rose, <br>
 +
The wilderness did laugh and joyful sing; <br>
 +
Around the Pyramid assembled all, <br>
 +
And made Heaven above with praises ring."<br>
 +
''- What Is, Shall Be, by Rev. Bro. J. G. Gibson''
 +
</blockquote>
  
 
==== CORNERSTONE LAYING, FALL RIVER, MAY 1922 ====
 
==== CORNERSTONE LAYING, FALL RIVER, MAY 1922 ====

Revision as of 03:39, 1 December 2014

ARTHUR DOW PRINCE 1867-1950

ArthurPrince1920.jpg

Deputy Grand Master, 1919
Grand Master, 1920-22


TERM

1920 1921 1922

NOTES

SPEECHES

DEDICATION OF APARTMENTS FOR THE TYRIAN LODGE, MARCH 1920

From Proceedings, Page 1920-20:

Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Tyrian Lodge:

We have dedicated to the purposes of Masonry according to ancient form these apartments of yours, which have been used for so many years in the inculcation of Masonic truth in the hearts and minds of many, many men who have by their public service and private lives enriched and broadened the community spirit of this city.

By this ceremony we do not believe we have added anything of value to the service of the past that has been sanctified by the lives of the distinguished men whose names appear on your membership rolls. I, for one, come into this old Lodge in a very humble spirit, anxious and willing to sit at the feet of those great men of the past and absorb the wisdom of their experience. You here, familiar as you are with these surroundings, can little appreciate the feelings of strangers who enter these halls which seem to whisper messages of those days when Masonry was actively engaged in cutting its mark on the foundation stones of the Republic.

Consider the high privilege we enjoy today in meeting here in this atmosphere of peace and harmony of counsel, when in all parts of the world there are sounds of dissension and bitter discussion, wars and rumors of yet more war. In spite of the hope that the Great War would idealize the spirit of mankind, we find ourselves slipping back into the old selfish ways again and asking ourselves the coward question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The splendid unity displayed during the war is breaking up: the law of the jungle is again attempting to rule the world. But we, as Masons, enjoy today the communion of kindred souls inspired by high ideals *ind altruistic thought, and are meeting today in this old Lodge, breathing in the atmosphere of ancient days, which comes to us like the whiff of lavender from the old chest in the attic when we open it to take out and gaze again upon the intimate things which belonged to other days and to people whom we loved and who have gone before us. What memories it calls to our mind! With feelings of mingled awe and pride we realize that we are in the very Lodge where in the older days sat those sturdy ancestors of ours who laid the foundation upon which has been erected the mighty structure known as the United States of America. With what reverence we touch the jewels moulded by the hands of Paul Revere, that great patriot and distinguished Freemason whose life and character we of New England revere and strive to emulate.

With such examples before us, which could be repeated without number, is it surprising that the Masons of Massachusetts, in spite of our enjoyment of the cloistered peace and comfort of the Lodge-room, feel the urge and inspiration of those old patriots to go forth into the world and, like the Minute Men of '75, fight and defeat the evil and danger that face us today? And who shall say that we have not ample precedent to take our place among the active forces in the support of our free institutions in the establishment of which the lessons of Freemasonry were such a mighty force? Not perhaps as a political force, but rather as a body of men instructed in and sworn to the support of the great truths and high principles which make this Republic of ours the virile thing it is. These are thoughts which surge into our minds today as we meet, in this old Lodge, the organization of which antedates by many years the Declaration of Independence. Who can deny that the sons of light and liberty in this very Lodge laid their plans and inspired their Brethren to tljpse deeds of valor and self-sacrifice which they were later to accomplish?

Our splendid heritage would be shamed did we not measure up to our responsibilities as did those who in their day and generation did what appeared to them as their duty, but what appears to us in the light of later development the deeds of giants of courage and intellect. It is not to be thought that Washington could envisage the masterpiece he founded: he could not have looked forward to February 22, 1920, and dreamed of the tribute of gratitude paid his memory by millions of people in all parts of the world. Neither did Revere, Warren, Hancock, and Adams imagine for one moment that their names would still be echoing down the aisles of history or that their life attainments would be the common knowledge of every schoolboy. They were merely men, able men I grant you, who saw their duty clearly and did it as they saw it. We, as Masons, are wont to point with pride, a justified pride, to our splendid history of achievement in the formative days of this Republic. We glorify the names that adorned our membership rolls of those days, names which appear in the annals of the fight for liberty and in the great state documents of this free people. But what avail is all this pride today if. we, the Masonic successors of these great men, do not measure up, according to our respective capacities, to our noble forefathers? Is it possible that we have been living too much in the glory of the past, pointing to our splendid traditions and great men of old and expecting the present generation to take us at their face value? The Chinese people worship their ancestors more perhaps than any other, but it has not advanced them far along the road of nations. We cannot live on the reputation of our fathers. We must do our part in the work of the world if we expect our institution to live and the title of Master Mason continue to be the proud one of the past.

Our history is most valuable to us as an example and an inspiration. Our duty in our day and generation is to face our problems with the same high courage which our forefathers exhibited in other days. Who shall say that there are no more Paul Reveres born into the world? Abraham Lincoln rose from the obscurity of a log cabin to a fame which will outlast time. Every crisis brings forth its Master and we have faith to believe that the troubles we are facing today will be met and conquered by wisdom and greatness which will appear at the appointed hour. We need first a general and immediate realization of our dangers and the solid amalgamation of fill level-headed, right-thinking men, determined to combat the evil which would destroy our freedom and civilization.

Let us renew our vows of loyalty to the great principles of Freemasonry, trusting the power of truth, the worth of character and the 'wisdom of love. The future of our Fraternity lies in a return to the faith of our fathers, bringing the wisdom of the past to the service of the present, teaching the truth that makes men free, showing in our private lives and public service what Masonry means and the kind of citizens it produces. In short, to make of Masonry today on a large scale what it was in former times on a small scale, an order of men, initiated, sworn, and trained to make liberty, justice, and truth prevail. Did you ever stop to consider what a beautiful world this would be to live in, if every man was inspired by the principles of this institution ? Did you ever stop to consider what a powerful influence on the life and happiness of our country could be had if the two million Freemasons in this country would practice what they preach: if they would make living things of the high ideals to which they give expression? Just so far as we ourselves practice the simple yet fundamental truths taught by Freemasonry, just so far will we advance toward the millennium. And by this shall we be judged by the world which will ask of us, not "What have you done?" but, "What are you doing?" Out of the hell of war has come a nobler conception of Iranian^ relationship, a finer vision of human brotherhood, a more splendid ideal of patriotism and duty, and to these we must resolve to give body and permanence in our activities. We are standing in the dawn of a new era of world history and it is impossible that the spirit and genius of Freemasonry can be overlooked or forgotten, for in spite of the apparent sloughing back into the gutter of selfishness, yet there is heard from all over the world the insistent cry for human brotherhood and human justice. Only as we advance toward those great goals shall we come nearer to the dream of the centuries never yet realized, but toward which, in spite of delays and reactions we are advancing, and the task of Freemasonry will never be finished until that day shall come, as it surely will though Jong deferred, when all the threads of human fellowship are woven into one mystic cord of friendship, encircling the earth and holding the race in unity of spirit and the bonds of peace.

There is a sad need in the world today for a place where we can meet men of all nationalities and creeds on common ground. And what better place could be chosen than a1 the universal altar of Freemasonry where the only creed is that of love and the only faith is that in one common fatherhood? There, built upon the altar of Masonry could be laid the foundation of that ideal temple of the brotherhood of mankind, the pyramid of life, its base resting upon the Holy Book, its apex touching the clouds. There, men of all creeds, all tongues, and all conditions could meet on common ground. There, all men could serve their brothers and in serving them best serve their God.

"And then to my dreaming eyes there did appear
as far as the eye could reach, <br A verdant plain: and soldiers tilled the soil
Where they of old did slay their brethren, scatter seeds of pain,
Did reap wild curses, burning as they slew,
Destroying all the strength of every age.

"They tilled the soil and builded Temples new,
And writ yet better deeds for history's page;
And all the land did blossom as the rose,
The wilderness did laugh and joyful sing;
Around the Pyramid assembled all,
And made Heaven above with praises ring."
- What Is, Shall Be, by Rev. Bro. J. G. Gibson

CORNERSTONE LAYING, FALL RIVER, MAY 1922

From Proceedings, Page 1922-117:

Brethren and Friends: It needs no words of commendation of mine to congratulate you on this splendid undertaking which you have carried through to this present accomplishment.

I wish to bring to your attention something of the antiquity of the ceremony of corner-stone laying. It is a necessary part of our building and it should be of exceptional interest to the younger Brethren present who are to carry on the work in years to come.

As I looked at the procession of members this afternoon and saw, as I estimated, that seventy-five per cent of them were under thirty years of age, I said to myself: "There is the heart of the Fraternity of the future. There is the strength of the Fraternity of the future. It is for them to learn the principles of the Fraternity so thoroughly that they will abide with them deeply and forever."

Our ceremony of corner-stone laying dates back into the dim ages of the past, beyond the beginning, even, of written history. The earliest evidenee discovered of anything showing a corner-stone laying is dated nine hundred years before the Christian era, in Assyria, the first Temple.

Down through the ages, this custom has been followed whenever a building of any importance was to be erected - these ceremonies attended the laying of the first stone. Throughout Europe are magnificent edifices built as temples and brought down to us for our admiration. Unfortunate it is that so many have been destroyed during the last six or seven years.

Many, however, still stand, a tribute to the skill of the workmen who builclecl them. But frorn those craftsmen, operative Masons, we have come to be speculative Masons. Modern Masonic Temples are the hearts of men, whereas the ancient were made of stone. And I believe we are succeeding in our building; we must succeed. We must extend our success farther and bring to bear an influence for good beyond the ranks of our own members.

I am proud of the history of Freemasonry. The ceremonies you have seen today, even to the language used in most instances, were first used. as far as it is recorded, in 1753 in Edinburgh. Scotland. We are the custodians of their craft and descendants of the old operative workmen. We have taken their tools and macle them symbols to build into men's lives lvhat they built into stone. We are building Temples of men's hearts.

I like to look back over the past two hundred years or so in the United States, over the history of corner-stone laying here, as conducted by the various Grand Lodges. There are more instances I might call to mind than I could possibly mention here. The one, for example, in which a Masonic president laid the corner-stone of the Capitol in Washington, when George Washington acted as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in laying that stone. The gavel, Bible, sash, and jewel used then are still treasured in the archives of Lodges in the District of Columbia and in Virginia.

Another was the corner-stone laying of the Masonic Temple in Washington, D. C., when Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, drove up in his presidential carriage, descended, produced a plain white leather apron, put it on, and requested the privilege of marching with the Brethren. When offered a place of distinction he declined, declaring : No! My place is with the Brethren."

Another is recorded of Theodore Roosevelt, of blessed memory, when he accepted an invitation to lay the cornerstone of the monument at Provincetown.

These are occurrences of which we may well be more than proud. We all certainly hope and believe that there will be many more such.

Our principles are the principles of fraternity. They are not secret principles, but are those that have guided civilization and humanity through all the ages, and are necessary for their continued progress.

The greatest tragedy of the ages, as the poet says, is "not that men are poor; who has not tasted the elements of poverty? Not that men are wicked; who can claim to be good? Not that men are ignorant; who can boast that he is wise? But that men are strangers."

One great teaching of Freemasonry is that men should be friends. The sole and only dogma we require is that a man believe in the Supreme Being. That's all a Mason is asked to subscribe to. Form or method are indifferent; we care not at what altar a man may kneel if he kneel there in sincerity and believe in one great God.

The brotherhood of man, in which we believe, necessitates that we believe also in the fatherhood of God. It means friendship and fellowship and fraternity. What man does not feel differently toward the Brother in his Lodge than he does toward a man who does not belong? It means friendship, companionship, fellowship. Without these, the old world will never see peace.

The criticism of any conference of the leaders of the world is that such conferences can never accomplish their great object, the stoppage of war and of the devastation of war until men are bound together in bonds of friendship - in other words, until there is a brotherhood of men around the globe.

Do you realize that our Fraternity is a chain of men that reaches wherever the sun shines on a civilized country? Do you realize the opportunity in that fact to make all men everywhere touch hands in a chain of Masonry around the world? As Burns said, "the day is coming yet for a' that and a' that." The day of brotherhood of men, when all men are friends, is coming yet, Brethren, for a' that. It must come and Freemasons can and must be a great force in hastening the day.

What else does Masonry stand for? Good citizenship, justice, liberty, light, the equality of every man, civil and religious liberty, the dignity of labor. You who are familiar with our degree work know how much that all means to us.

Freemasons, to do their full measure, must go out into the world and show what their principles are. They must practice what they learn in the Lodge-room. To the world,- not only among the Brethren, but in the shop, the office, the mill. Show what it means to you. Show them that they may learn what it is to have and to be a true friend.

I would like to give you the prophecy made by a famous Frenchman some fifty years ago. "The day will come when all the great European nations will blend into one higher fraternity and furnish one great European union. The clay will come when war will seem as impossible between Petersburg and Berlin as between Boston and Philadelphia. The day will come when bullets and bombs will be replaced by ballots and universal suffrage. The day will come when men will exhibit a cannon to be gazed upon much as we today gaze upon instruments of torture, and men will marvel that such things could be. The day is coming when the United States of Europe and the United States of America wiII face each other across the ocean and freely exchange art, genius, and products."

Yes, my Brothers, all this must some day come true. What shall we do to make it come true? The answer is in the doctrine we preach and should practice - love one another. No more hate! No more war! No more divisions! All men friends! Let's work for that great achievement.

FEAST OF ST. JOHN, DECEMBER 1928

From Proceedings, Page 1928-486:

Brethren:

This moment brings the keen recollection of a similar occasion nine years ago tonight, when the present speaker was faced with the problem of following the same galaxy of orators to whom you have just listened. History repeals itself. We have again installed a representative of the merchant class as Grand Master; again he follows a period of years made brilliant by men of the professions.

From the assured manner in which he has opened and conducted this Feast, I suspect he does not entertain the fear and trembling that possessed me on my maiden appearance as Grand Master. I recall that I opened my apology with a story that seemed to fit the occasion and was prophetic of future efforts, and in spite of the well known fact that Past Grand Masters never repeat themselves, I am going to risk the repetition. The story goes like this: "If I were to give you an orange, I should say simply. 'I give you this orange', but if this transaction was entrusted to a lawyer to put in writing, he adopts this form: 'I give and convey to you, all and singular, my estate, interests, right, title, claim, and advantages of and in said orange, together with all its rind, juice, pulp, and pits and all rights and advantages therein: with full power to bite, out, suck, or otherwise eat said orange, or give the same away, with or without the rind, skin, juice, pulp, or pits, anything hereinbefore or hereinafter in any other deed or deeds, instrument or instruments of whatever kind or nature to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. (Laughter.)

You may draw your own conclusions.

You have been told that when this Past Grand Master program was suggested, I did not view it with favor. Well, I am still of the same opinion. I can see only one good thing about it and that is it serves to give the Immediate Past Grand Master his first lesson in humility (Laughter), and we can crack a sly joke at his expense without being guilty of lese majesté. A few hours ago, we should have addressed him as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts but now he is just Frank Simpson, Past Grand Master.

Being well aware of the innate modesty and retiring disposition that is characteristic of every Past Grand Master, I could not believe it possible that all or any of them would consent to come and tell the story of their respective administrations; which they privately believe (and not so privately either), were the best in the history of Grand Lodge. But I find that I was in error and that every one of them is tickled to death to come here and bask in the sunshine of applause by his Brethren and tell again the old, old story.

From a somewhat intimate relationship with the Past Grand Masters, I have found that we possess certain characteristics in common. Each one is profoundly convinced that he was the greatest Grand Master that the Grand Lodge ever had. You cannot blame us so much for that, for how many times you have told each one of us that same story and of course, we must believe you. Each one is also convinced that any program projected by the presiding Grand Master, would have been much better presented in his day.

We are all agreed that the Quarterly Addresses are interminably long and are certain that no one of us ever burdened the Craft to such an extent.

The favorite indoor sport of the Past Grand Masters, in which there is considerable rivalry, is to check up the number of Brethren who have been selected for distinguished honor, whose first Grand Lodge service was performed under appointment by the respective participants in this game. I expected to hear Dana Flanders proudly boasting that three Grand Masters have been selected from his official family.

Well. I have been looking over the faces at the table and in Grand Lodge today, and I am going to beat him as sure as you are a foot high.

As for the administration of 1920-21-22, there is little to say. During Brother Abbott's administration, by what be terms his "devastations" but what we call his inspirational leadership, he so enthused the Craft and created such an impression on the profane that the following administration was literally swamped with innumerable applications for the degrees.

To illustrate the trials and tribulations of a Grand Master who happens to follow an inspired orator, let me tell you of an experience. Some of you will remember the old fashioned mottoes which used to adorn the walls of every New England Home, such as "God Bless our Home," "When shall we gather at the river," etc. Shortly after my installation, I was called to visit a Lodge not far from Boston. As I entered the room, I was confronted by largo placards hung about the walls, on which were printed excerpts and quotations from the wonderful addresses of Brother Abbott, and I think you can imagine the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, when I was called upon to respond, facing as I did those inspiring words in well rounded phrases, which 1 knew were still ringing in the ears of my audience. Brother Abbott's responsibility is heavy for what happened during this administration for it was largely due to his leadership that over 33,000 Master Mason diplomas were delivered during this period; that thirty-four new Lodges were constituted or given Dispensations, both figures a record in Grand Lodge experience.

Under the leadership of R. W. Brother Burleigh, Massachusetts was the first Grand Lodge to pay over its quota towards the Washington Memorial at Alexandria, Va.

The wise administration of the Charity Trust had brought the Williams Fund to the amount specified in the will and the plans were drawn and contracts let for the Williams Wing at Charlton and if was built during the succeeding administration.

Masonic Education appeared in embryonic form in the 1500 meetings planned to be addressed by a large number of volunteer speakers.

Masonic Funds reached a high point and our mortgage was reduced by the largest amount in many years: $35,000.

The total amount expended for benevolence increased from $94,000.00 to $133,000.00 annually.

The Rainy Day Fund contributions rose Brow $17,000.00 to $25,000.00 annually.

So, you see, my Brethren, there were no outstanding events in this administration and telling the simple story. I claim credit for just one thing. I have not attempted to say anything about China.

No serious problems appeared: the Craft seemed harmonious and happy and the Grand Master enjoyed his experience and treasures the friends he made. His hardest task was to keep a level head, remain a human being, and to retire gracefully, in which he hopes he was moderately successful.

Just one serious word and about the only one I shall speak. Past Grand Masters look back upon their service with gratitude and pleasure. We treasure the friends we have made in these contacts. It brings a flood of pleasant memories to clasp hands again with those with whom we worked in active days. As the years go by, these experiences grow more precious as they diminish in number. What we need, what we ask for is

The touch of human hands;
That is the boon we ask
For, groping day by day
Along the stony way,
We need the comrade heart
That understands,
And the warmth, the living warmth
Of human hands.

MEMORIAL

From Proceedings, Page 1950-233:

Brother Prince was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on July 5, 1867, the son of George C. and Emma A. (Dow) Prince and died at his home in Lowell on Friday, October 13, 1950. He received his education in the public schools of Lowell. He then entered the mercantile field in Lowell and was Treasurer of the following companies: G, C. Prince & Son, Inc., stationers and office outfitters; Prince-Cotter Co., jewelers; and Prince-Walter Co., musical instruments. He was for many years a Trustee of the Rogers Hall School and of the Central Savings Bank of Lowell; and was a member of St. Anne's Episcopal Church of that City. He held memberships in the Yorick, Vesper Country and Temple Clubs of Lowell, as well as the Engineers Club of Boston. Ill. Brother Prince was twice married: to Mabel Winslow in October, 1887, who died in 1890; and to Bertha Bass on October 17,1894, who predeceased him.

His Masonic record was long, varied and useful.

Raised a member of William North Lodge of Lowell on April 15, 1891, he was its Worshipful Master during 1904 and 1905. He later affiliated with St. Paul's Lodge No. 30 of Alstead, New Hampshire, and was a Charter Member of William Sewall Gardner Lodge of Lowell. In Grand Lodge, he served as Grand Steward in 1907, District Deputy Grand Master of the 1lth District in 1908 and 1909, Deputy Grand Master in 1919, Most Worshipful Grand Master from 1920-1922, and was Relief Commissioner from 1932-1948, all inclusive. He served as a Trustee of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust from January 1, 1927, until his death, and was President of the Trust during his term as Grand Master. He was the Representative of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of New York near the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts near the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire. The high esteem in which he was held by the Fraternity is shown by the fact that Honorary Memberships had been conferred upon him by approximately thirty Symbolic Lodges; and he had also been decorated with the Henry Price Medal. Most Worshipful Brother Prince was the first Grand Master to visit our Lodges in China, which he did in 1922. While Relief Commissioner, he made frequent visits to the Masonic Home and was assiduous in becoming personally acquainted with all its residents.

He was a Past High Priest of Mount Horeb Chapter, R.A.M., of Lowell; Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts and was the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Scotland near that of Massachusetts.

Brother Prince was Past Illustrious Master of Ahasuerus Council, R. & S.M. of Lowell and Past Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts.

He was Past Eminent Commander of Pilgrim Commandery No. 9, K.T., of Lowell and was the only Honorary Member of St. Bernard Commandery of Boston.

Brother Prince received the Scottish Rite degrees from the Fourth to Eighteenth, inclusive, in the Lowell Bodies in April and May of 1905, and the Nineteenth to the Thirty-second, inclusive, in Massachusetts Consistory of Boston on April 27, 1906. He was Most Wise Master of Mount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix in Lowell during 1916 and 1917. He was coronetted an Honorary Member of the Supreme Councilr 33°, September 18, 1917, crowned an Active Member on September 18, 1930, and elected an Emeritus Member on September 29, 1948. In Supreme Council, he held the offices of Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Keeper of the Archives, and served as lll. Deputy for the District of Massachusetts from May 24, 1940, to April 23, 1948. He also served on many important Supreme Council committees.

A Memorial service was held at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Lowell, at three o'clock on Sunday, October 15, 1950. The Grand Lodge was represented by the attendance of its Past Grand Masters, Directors, and Trustees of the Masonic Education and Charity Trust, who acted as Honorary Pallbearers. There were also present many other past and present officers of Grand Lodge, as well as Brethren from other Masonic Bodies of which he was a member. The Office for the Burial of the Dead was read.by the Rector, Rev. Laurence Henry Blackburn, D.D., followed by a beautiful tribute to our departed Brother by Right Worshipful and Rev. Thomas S. Roy, D.D. He said in part:

"Those of us who were associated with Most Worshipful Brother Prince in the Masonic Fraternity think of him as a great Mason - one of the stalwarts of the Craft. For fifty-nine years he gave himself in thought and work for Freemasonry. He brought a devotion to his tasks, a natural bent for leadership, and a skill in the discharge of his duties that strengthened the Craft, and in each case made his administration a model for those who succeeded him, He lives on in the quality and strength of the texture of the life of the Fraternity to which he gave himself so richly and so generously.

"We remember gratefully the peculiar flavor of his words. His speech was not that of the studied orator, but rather a native gift compounded of an inborn appreciation of words and their meanings, and an insight into great truth. His eloquence was not the forced effort of one trying to make an impression, but the warm expression of truths deeply felt and a desire to lead others into an appreciation of that which meant so much to himself.

"He had a natural gift of friendship. He had a real interest in, and sympathy for all that concerned those about him. He had a warm and kindling quality in his nature that drew others to him as to one whom they had known always. And so he left no wounds to be healed, no scars in the lives of others. His life had many facets, and he expressed himself in many abilities, but these are all lost in our thought of him as a friend.

He faced life with a rare spirit. "The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune," was more than a literary phrase to him. He felt them. But he took life as it came to him, accepting its rewards modestly and facing its misfortunes courageously. When the light faded from his eyes, then we knew how bright was the light of his spirit that burned within.

He would not have us come to this hour of farewell with bowed head and faltering steps, as those who faced defeat, but rather as those in whose faces shines the light of the morning upon which he has entered. To link the thought of death with such a one as Arthur would be a monstrous incongruity. It would be a violation of all that he was, so virile and vital, to think of him as dead.

With Robert Browning we can say that he was:

"One who never turned his back but marched breast forward,
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed, tho' right were worsted, wrong would triumph,
Held we fall to rise, are baffied to fight better,
Sleep to wake."

Cremation was at Mount Auburn in Cambridge and interment in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Fraternally submitted
Melvin M. Johnson
Frank L. Simpson
Claude L. Allen
Joseph Earl Perry
Arthur W. Coolidge
Samuel H. Wragg
Committee

CHARTERS GRANTED

RULINGS


Grand Masters