Page 304 - Cornelius Hedges Story

291 The Cornelius Hedges Story

Bro. Stackpole in the early years of our Grand Lodge was a very
active and influential Mason, was one of the founders and officers
of Red Mountain Lodge, and thereafter he continued his activity
in Deer Lodge, No. 14. At this communication some changes were
made in the constitution, especially in the matter of trials,
and provision was made for its printing with the Proceedings. The
reprint of our early Proceedings, including all prior to 1873, omitting
returns of Lodges and correspondence reports, was provided for.
Five hundred copies were ordered and printed at a cost of $500,
and were to be sold at $1 each. Nearly half are yet unsold. This
is not only the case with reprints, but with Grand Lodge histories.
For however loud the call and however grateful a few may be, the
great body of Masons are languid in their interest. Though one new
lodge was created, Sheridan, No. 20, the returns for the year show
an actual loss in membership. Valley Lodge, No. 21, was granted a
charter at this communication, but its returns were not included. We
have never charged dues to Lodges U. D.
A sign that prosperity was beginning to decline is seen in the
reduction of the minimum fee for the degrees which was changed
from $75 to $60. Many of the lodges never made any change and
still charge $75. Masonry never was cheap in Montana.
The Twelfth Annual Conclave was held in Helena commencing
October 3rd, and for the first time was closed after two days
session, by reason of the fact that the Committees on Appeals and
Jurisprudence met one day in advance. There was as much business
accomplished as usual and as well done. Brother Harry R. Comly
presided and being a lawyer and accustomed to the transaction of
public business, having been Speaker of the House in the Montana
Legislature, he did much to facilitate business. Brother Comly
for several years prior to his removal to California cultivated the
Scottish rite, being the active thirty-third and representative of the
Supreme Council. During his absence from the jurisdiction the
Deputy Grand Master granted a dispensation for the first Lodge
at Butte City, whose vast mining resources were just coming into
prominence. It was chartered as Butte Lodge, No. 22, and has had a
remarkable growth, being now the largest lodge in the state, and the
only one with over 200 members. Grand Master’s administration,
address and decisions met with hearty approval. No very important
legislation was had.