Page 298 - Cornelius Hedges Story

285 The Cornelius Hedges Story

Our only luxury was in trying to get out creditable publications,
while to secure full attendance at our Annual Communications
we maintained a high rate of mileage and per diem to the Lodge
representatives. Our Lodges were always good in making returns
and paying dues and attending Grand Lodge Communications.
The Seventh Annual Communication was held in Deer Lodge
and for the first time on the Pacific Slope. Every Lodge in the
Jurisdiction was represented. The address that I gave at that time
(1871) would not change in any particular, with thirty odd years of
subsequent experience. If I neglected anything it was the visitation
of the Lodges, a very desirable thing if the Grand Master has means
and leisure. But staging was then hard work and expensive, and I
knew every Worshipful Master, and that they were competent and
doing their duty. I granted dispensations for organizing two new
Lodges, Bannack, later chartered as No. 16, at the first capital and
the birthplace of Masonry in Montana.
The Lodge is still alive, though its growth has been slow. The
second was Silver Star, which received charter as No. 17, situated
at a place of the same name on the Jefferson River and on the stage
road between Helena and Virginia City. It did not realize early
anticipations in growth, and in 1897 merged its fortunes with Mystic
Tie Lodge and assumed the name of the latter, retaining the number
of the former, changing its location to Whitehall, a railroad station.
The transactions of Grand Lodge were orderly and salutary, and four
days were spent very pleasantly and profitably, the fraternity and all
the good people of Deer Lodge contributing to the enjoyment.
At the election of officers for the New Year something happened
that never had occurred before or since. Not a single one of the for-
mer elective Grand Officers, except the Grand Secretary, was among
those chosen. Bro. J. R. Weston was elected Grand Master; Sol. Star,
Deputy Grand Master; E. S. Stackpole, Senior Grand Warden; F. C.
Deimling, Junior Grand Warden, H. M. Parchen, Grand Treasurer.
Bro. Parchen has continued to hold is office ever since his first elec-
tion in 1871, having performed his duties so satisfactorily that no
one else has ever been suggested or desired. Besides being a first-
class business man, he is an ardent and exemplary Mason. When
he assumed office Grand Lodge was still in debt, but the condi-
tion soon changed and our financial standing has steadily improved.
Montana has never lost a cent through any default of any officer.