Page 166 - Cornelius Hedges Story

153 The Cornelius Hedges Story

Masonic Writings

Judge Cornelius Hedges was known to Montanans for a variety
of pursuits; however, his fame outside of Montana was a direct result
of his Masonic writings. Wherever a Grand Jurisdiction existed,
which was recognized by Montana Grand Lodge, the Masonic
writing and scholarship of Hedges was known and appreciated.509

In 1887, Robert Morris, founder of Eastern Star and Poet
Laureate of Freemasonry, visited Montana Grand Lodge, and in
his remarks paid Hedges a compliment on his Masonic writings:
“Your jurisprudence has been so sound, your Grand Lodge
Communications so harmonious, your increase in lodges and
members so large and your published papers, especially Reports on
Foreign Correspondence, of such merit that few Grand Lodges in
the Union can boast so creditable a record.”510

And in 1897, Grand Master Edward C. Day, in a Silver
Anniversary testimonial for Hedges, said:
“Such has been his contribution to Masonic philosophy and
jurisprudence that he is recognized as being among the leading
Masonic writers of the English speaking people. Glancing through
his work recently to familiarize myself with it, I was astonished at
the variety of themes with which he has dealt, and the luminosity of
his treatment of them.”511

Significant also are Hedges own ideas concerning his Masonic
writings. Of all the types of writing in which Hedges engaged, he
felt that his best efforts were expended on Masonic writings.512 And,
in 1878, he reflected on the value of correspondence Reports and his
own part in the writing of them. He said:

“It is encouraging to notice an increased appreciation of the
labors of those who write for their several jurisdictions the
Reports on Foreign Correspondence. Several Grand Lodges
that for the time discontinued these reports, have, during the
past year, revived the custom, and acknowledge the value and
necessity of such labors. The best talent in the land is engaged
in this field of labor, and the annual harvests are rich and
bountiful. It is a basket picnic in a continental scale.