Page 301 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 288

The action of the Grand Master in both cases was approved, as
justified by the circumstances, but an arrest of charter seemed a
more suitable penalty where a Lodge decides the accused innocent
when he confesses his guilt. It was also decided that appeals should
be addressed to Grand Lodge rather than to the Grand Master. One
new Lodge, Washington, No. 19, was organized at Gallatin City at
the three forks of the Missouri, in the heart of a fine agricultural
country. After a brave struggle of a few years, the establishment of
a railroad station only a few miles distant gave it a finishing blow,
and the first Worshipful Master, Bro. George D. Thomas, died very
recently. Early in the session before any contention had time to
generate it was voted to hold the next Annual Communication at
Bozeman.
In my first general report to Grand Lodge I had to inform that body
that not a single copy remained of our Proceedings of 1867, 1868,
or 1869, and very few of some other years. Authority was given to
increase the number of copies to be printed to 450. The reprinting
of our first six annuals, that we recommended, did not come till
1876. I have never made a request of our Grand Lodge that was not
granted. The new Masonic Hall in Helena was dedicated, and Bro.
Sanders’s address on the occasion is as interesting now as then.
The tenth annual communication of our Grand Lodge was held at
Bozeman, the county seat of Gallatin County, about one hundred
miles southeast from Helena. In coming to Montana in 1864 I
had crossed the site of this city and not a sign of settlement or
civilization was then visible. It is the center of one of the best
agricultural sections of our State, and there our AgriculturalCollege
is located. It took the name of one of the early pioneers and
pathfinders of this region, a compeer of the more celebrated Bridger.
The meeting took place October 5, 1874, and continued three
days, during which time, according to my recollection, there was a
considerable snowstorm. With snow overhead and mud underfoot,
it was salubrious to keep indoors and seek the comforts of a good fire.
One of the reasons for meeting in Bozeman was to harmonize the
differences that had long existed among the brethren of that place,
which had once led to the arrest of its charter when there was but
one Lodge, and finally to the establishment of a second Lodge. The
effect was good. Bro. Sol. Star was Grand Master, and as a member of
Virginia City Lodge, No. 1, had been in attendance at the organization
of Grand Lodge, and had served two years as Grand Secretary.