Page 319 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 306

In order to reach a greater degree of uniformity, it was determined
to secure as near as possible the original Webb work and have it
reduced to cipher. For this purpose Brother Robert Morris of
Kentucky, the poet laureate of Masonry, recognized as one of the
best living ritualists in the country, had been induced to visit us to
lecture on and exemplify the ritual. He satisfied us that he had the
original Webb work as pure as it existed anywhere, and we adopted
it. We have it in cipher, so that it cannot be changed, and be-sides the
Grand officers, who are the custodians, there are many brethren able
to read it and instruct others. It was opposed by some, but adopted
by more than a two- thirds vote and embodied in our Constitution,
where it cannot be easily disturbed. It has given us many years of
rest and increasing uniformity, without the need of lecturers and the
attending labor and expense. At every Annual Communication the
work is exemplified and kept close to the standard.
The recent death of Past Grand Master Duncan was kept in mind by
draping the lodge room, and a special obituary report. The further
to perpetuate his memory and keep in touch with the past it was
voted that hereafter each Communication should be closed with the
singing of Burn’s Adieu. After some failures, the custom has lapsed
for want of Scotchmen to lead the singing.
On the question of physical qualifications of candidates, Montana
has always been liberal, provided that the more important mental
and moral qualities were all right. So Grand Master Word held
that a candidate with one good eye could see the light of Masonry.
Montana, at that date was not a sovereign State, and among the
members of our Supreme Court were Past Grand Master V. W.
McConnell of Tennessee and Past Grand Master McLeay of Texas.
Both were honored visitors. Brother McLeary had introduced in
Texas the custom of bestowing on his successor a signet ring, with
injunction to wear it during his official term, and pass it on to his
successor. Brother Word introduced the same custom into Montana
and it has become part of the ceremony of installation to invest the
new Grand Master with the signet ring on which is engraved a lion’s
paw. Brother Word also signalized his retirement by presenting the
Grand Lodge his picture in an enlarged photograph handsomely
framed, to hang upon the wall of the lodge room. Since then many
another has joined the procession.
Brother James W. Hathaway of Morning Star Lodge, No. 5, was
chosen Grand Master. Like Brother Word, he belonged to a younger
generation of Masons made in Montana.