F. & A. M. Masters Night

A Fine Banquet and Ceremony Celebrated Occasion

Wednesday evening the Masonic lodge observed what is known as Past Masters night, an annual meeting at which all stations are filled by former masters for the conferring of the work upon waiting candidates. It was truly a red letter day and one of the most successful affairs of the kind ever put across by the body. Besides the members and officers of Grand Lodge lodge there were about twenty visitors in delegations from Wacousta, Mulliken and other lodges. About twelve past masters were in attendance.

Lodge was opened at five o’clock p. m. and adjourned to the dining room where a banquet was spread for 150. After a repast prepared under the direction of the Junior Warden Fred Van Dyken, Past Master Howard Hahn introduced Past Master H. D. Towner who acted as toastmaster, whose humorous introductions of the speakers of the evening were well taken. He first introduced Judge Decke who traced the History. of Free Masonry and mentioned some of the ideals for which it stands. Hon. John Espie followed with an enlightening talk on some of the problems before the present legislature two Important phases being Prohibition and fourth offenses. and Capital punishment. Rev. J. E. Foote chose as his subject Abraham Lincoln, His life and ideals and their relation to the life and actions of a Mason.

The toastmaster also announced an invitation to Lansing, Tuesday, January 29th at 7:30 at the Masonic Temple, to which the Masons of Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Ingham and Livingston were invited, to hear Judge Louis H. Fead, a thirty-third degree mason speak on “Masonic Symbolism,” and Frank T. Lodge, another thirty-third, both Past Grand Masters of MichIgan.

In a few well chosen words Rev. Foote presented on behalf of the lodge a beautiful Past Master’s Apron to Past Master Bert Brown, which he said was a token of regard from the lodge and an emblem of devotion to the trust and faithfulness in the discharge of his duties as Master of the lodge for the year just closed. Mr. Brown thanked brother Foote and the lodge in a few well chosen words.

The work of conferring the degree was then taken up with the vacating of the several stations by the regular officers and the same. being filled by Past Masters. The following took part: Worshipful Master, H. L. Mattice; Senior Warden, Ed. Mills; Junior Warden, L. H. Waldo; Senior Deacon, Mark Judson; Junior Deacon. F. W. Decke; Senior Steward, W. E. Strobel and Junior Steward, L. E. Dunkin.

Dr. Bouck gave the historical lecture and brothers Hennis and Stark the music.

Secretary W. F. Robinson had charge of the several details of the occasion.