Page 303 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 290

I had a prompt and generous response from three - Bro. Parvin
of Iowa, Bro. Baker of Rhode Island, and Bro. Taylor of Nevada.
Others no doubt thought it served us right for not having insurance
and fireproof vaults or brazen pillars in which to store our archives.
But our Grand Lodge had never been out of debt, and we had to
pay letter postage on every copy of Proceedings from east of the
Missouri River. This was the situation when we met at Bozeman.
Time reconciled us to our losses. Brothers at home were generous
in their encouragement. Most of the fruit of our labors was such that
they could not be destroyed. We had 662 members, loyal and true,
self-reliant and courageous. So we squared the books and opened
new accounts. We keep insured and have a fireproof vault. Since the
office came to my hands, I had spent much time and correspondence
in gathering material for a Grand Lodge library. It was all in the
common ruins. An appeal was issued to sister Grand Lodges to help
repair our losses by sending their proceedings so far as they could
spare.
I had a prompt and generous response from three - Bro. Parvin
of Iowa, Bro. Baker of Rhode Island, and Bro. Taylor of Nevada.
Others no doubt thought it served us right for not having insurance
and fireproof vaults or brazen pillars in which to store our archives.
But our Grand Lodge had never been out of debt, and we had to
pay letter postage on every copy of Proceedings from east of the
Missouri River. This was the situation when we met at Bozeman.
Time reconciled us to our losses. Brothers at home were generous
in their encouragement. Most of the fruit of our labors was such that
they could not be destroyed. We had 662 members, loyal and true,
self-reliant and courageous. So we squared the books and opened
new accounts. We keep insured and have a fireproof vault.
October 1, 1875, the Grand Lodge laid the corner-stone of the United
States Assay Office in Helena, Grand Master Stackpole presiding.
Past Grand Master W. F. Sanders gave an eloquent address, and
predicted much that has since come to pass. Americans want the
best money in the world. Millions have passed through the office
since the corner-stone was laid.
The eleventh annual communication, according to adjournment, was
held at Radersburg, October 1875. Grand Master Stackpole while on
his way to attend the annual conclave was called back home by
the fatal sickness of his child, and Deputy Grand Master Harry R.
Comley, now living in San Diego, California, presided throughout
the sessions, and was elected as the tenth Grand Master.