Page 321 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 308

Much to the surprise of the Grand Secretary, his salary was increased
from $500 to $750. Brother Charles Gould, who subsequently
became Grand Master, gave an oration of rare beauty and eloquence
on the subject, “Masonry, the Pioneer of Civilization.”
A standing resolution providing for consolidation of lodges was
adopted. A Grand Lecturer was appointed in lieu of District Deputies.
It was voted to hold the next Annual Communication at Great
Falls, and the choice for Grand Master fell upon Brother Arthur C.
Logan, one of the most accomplished ritualists we ever had. The
Missoula brethren treated their guests to a magnificent banquet and
ball. And the day following final adjournment provided a special
train to show their guests the magnificent Bitter Root Valley, with
fruit and watermelons “ad libitum.” The mileage and per diem were
increased $450. The year 1889 was an eventful one for Montana,
because in that year she became a full-fledged State of the Union,
without any division or change of boundaries, and with it the
jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge became fixed. During the summer
our constitutionaconvention was held and the first Tuesday in
October was fixed to vote upon the adoption of the constitution. This
was the day Before our Grand Lodge had appointed for holding our
Twenty- fifth Annual Communication at Great Falls.
By universal request the Grand Master issued a circular letter
postponing the convening of the Grand Lodge until the last
Wednesday in October, at which time there was a general gathering
of representatives of the craft, only one of the chartered lodges being
without representation. As indicated by its name, the City of Great
Falls is located near the Great Falls of the Missouri, about 100 miles
north of Helena. It was then a place of great promise, Which is
fast being fulfilled in the utilization of a water power greater than
Niagara. The lodge here had only been chartered two years, had
twenty-eight members and was entertaining the Grand Lodge.
Notwithstanding the absorbing interest in political matters, Masonry
kept up its steady advance. Two new lodges had been organized
during the year, both in the Bitter Root Valley, one at Hamilton, the
other at Corvallis. The gain shown by the returns was 129, the total
1,670, and the dues paid $3,206. Masonic effort during the year had
been concentrated upon the dissemination of the new Webb work.
Not satisfied with the progress made under District Deputies, it was
thought better to employ a competent lecturer, who would devote all
his time to the work, and pay him such a salary as would compensate
him. Brother John C. Major was selected for the position and filled it
most successfully. He visited every lodge and spent at least five days