Lodge
Southern Cross #44 AF & AM
Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon
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44 YEARS HISTORY OF by R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller
TWENTY-FIRST MASTER On October 8th, 1926, Bro. Ralph Keast was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan, there being no less an attendance than 396 brethren members and visitors. The retiring Master, W.Bro. Maurice Hodgson appears to have had a most successful year of office, bringing the Lodge to a high state of efficiency. Besides being presented with the usual Past Master's Jewel by the Lodge the 29 brethren he had initiated during the year, presented him with a Past Master's Apron, on which was a silver plate bearing the names of his 29 candidates. On December 10th, 1926, the brethren of the "Aorangi" paid a fraternal visit and took the opportunity of presenting Bro. John Stark of Acacia Lodge with a travelling rug, grip, and dressing case, all Australian made, in recognition of many Masonic kindnesses. The Annual Masonic Ball continued popular and successful, the one held February 11th, 1927, netting $158.60; which was. presented to the Masonic Relief Fund. W.Bro. Hodgson was lauded for his splendid services as Chairman of the Ball Committee, and in recognition thereof was presented with a very fine Club Bag. Bro. William Kyle, a highly esteemed Charter member of the Lodge, was buried with Masonic Honours, April 11th, 1927. His brother Charter Member, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller, officiating. Bro. Kyle had become a Charter Member of Enoch Lodge at Anyox, in which Lodge he was held in high esteem as a very faithful and helpful brother. The body was sent from Anyox to Lodge Southern Cross for burial in the Masonic Cemetery. The following is written in the records: "Let it be written into the records of Lodge Southern Cross that Brother Billy Kyle was loved and esteemed by the brethren for his personal worth as a true and earnest Freemason, and that this Lodge will ever revere his memory." W.Bro. Arthur Newland, another Charter Member, was buried with Masonic Honours on April 18th, 1927, his brother Charter Member, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller officiating. W.Bro. Newland's death was not unexpected as he had been in failing health for some time. The twenty-first anniversary was celebrated April 22nd, 1927, in the Pavilion, Stanley Park, by a sumptuous repast and joyous entertainment afterwards. The re-union was thoroughly enjoyed. In the midst of life we are in death: June 10th, 1927, intense sorrow was expressed in the Lodge on the lamented death of Mrs. William Miller, wife of W.Bro. William Miller, Charter Member and Third Master of the Lodge.
TWENTY-SECOND MASTER On October 14th, 1927, Bro. Oliver Elms was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. Ralph Keast. November 11th, 1927, the Lodge mourned with the First Master of the Lodge, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller, in the great sorrow that had befallen him in the death of his beloved wife. Death is ever with us: February 10th, 1928, intense sorrow was expressed on the lamented death of R.W.Bro. George Murray, who was initiated in the Lodge, became Worshipful Master, and held the high office of District Deputy Grand Master. He was buried with Masonic Honours by Empire Lodge of which he was a Charter Member and the First Master. Letters of condolence were sent to the widow in her great bereavement. The Annual Masonic Ball of February, 1928, proved another great success, $121.00 being handed over to the Masonic Relief Fund. June 8th, 1928, Bro. Charles Kingsford-Smith son of the first Secretary and brother of W.Bro. R. H. Kingsford-Smith, second Master, startled the whole world by making the first flight by air from America to Australia. He carried a letter from Lodge Southern Cross written by R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller and delivered it to his father in Australia. In due course an acknowledgment was received of the receipt of the first letter carried by air mail from America to Australia. The plane bore the title of the Lodge, "Southern Cross." August 27th, 1928, W.Bro. R. L. Maitland, 16th Master, was congratulated on attaining Cabinet Rank in the Government of British Columbia.
TWENTY-THIRD MASTER On October 12th, 1928, Bro. William G. Stickney was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. O. W. Elms. February 3rd, 1929, the sympathy of the Lodge was conveyed to W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan on the death of his revered father. February, 1929, Masonic Ball reported another success, $119.00 being turned over for the Masonic Relief Fund. June 14th, 1929, the veteran Secretary W.Bro. G. W. S. Withers, paid a visit to his native land, England, and was heartily welcomed home again in September following. Bro. Guselle acceptably took care of the Secretary's duties in the absence of W.Bro. Withers. Presentation of a Master Mason's apron was made to Bro. Percy Elsey to replace the original which was lost in the fire which destroyed the hotel of Bro. Elsey at White Rock. Death is not the only sadness that befalls a Lodge. Sad events are recorded as well as joyous ones. For the first and only time in the history of the Lodge, a brother was expelled for Un-Masonic conduct.
TWENTY-FOURTH MASTER On October 11th, 1929, Bro. C. S. Wate was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. W. G. Stickney a large number of visiting brethren off the "Aorangi" being present. December 13th, 1929, the Lodge was called upon to mourn the death of the Junior Warden, Bro. George H. Duff, who passed away after a short illness. The Masonic Ball of this year was reported as successful, but no record of the amount raised for Charity, but it must have been considerable, as a presentation of a valuable silver tea service was made to W.Bro. Maurice Hodgson, the Chairman, who had been mainly responsible for the success. August 8th, 1930, a very successful Past Master's night was held, the first Master, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller presiding, the officers' chairs being occupied by Past Masters.
TWENTY-FIFTH MASTER On October 10th, 1930, the Twenty-fifth Master, W.Bro. John H. Deacon was installed by the First Master, R.W.Bro. J.J. Miller. In order to mark the Installation of the 25th Master, the following Hymn was sung, composed by R.W.Bro. J.J. Miller: Great Architect of Earth and Sky SO MOTE IT BE. W.Bro. R. L. Maitland, in a very happy speech, on behalf of the brethren, presented R.W.Bro. Miller with a valuable case of pipes suitably inscribed to mark the event, the Installation of the 25th Master, and Brother Johnstone, the Organist, was presented with a watch, suitably inscribed, in recognition of valuable and faithful services rendered the Lodge. The grim reaper relentlessly cuts the swath. Word is received from Australia that the first Secretary of the Lodge, W.Bro. W. C. Kingsford-Smith had been raised to the Grand Lodge above. December 12th, 1930, the body was cremated and the ashes taken up in the Southern Cross by his son, Bro. Charles Kingsford-Smith, and the ashes scattered over the Pacific Ocean. This wish of the deceased brother was expressed to his son before his death. The Lodge afterwards received a letter of thanks from the widow for the letter of condolence sent to her on the death of her beloved husband. April 24th, 1931, thirty-two members of Fernhill Lodge, Tacoma, paid a fraternal visit. They were most hospitably welcomed and entertained. A very cordial letter expressing appreciation of the hospitality was afterwards received from Fernhill Lodge. May 8th, 1931, the question of infusing greater interest in the Lodge came up, the Worshipful Master animadverting on the paucity of attendance. It was decided that no meetings be held during the months of July and August. The 25th Anniversary of the Lodge was marked by conferring Life Membership on two Charter Members who had rendered valuable services in the early years of its existence, W.Bro. William Miller and W.Bro. Rod McLeod. The Grand Lodge in June, 1931, conferred an honour upon the Lodge by appointing R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan District Deputy Grand Master for District No. 15, the third time the Lodge had been so honoured.
TWENTY-SIXTH MASTER On October 9th, 1931, Bro. H. J. Scanlon was installed Worshipful Master by R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan. The lack of attendance was stressed, interest in the Lodge was wanting, expenses too great, and the most stringent retrenchment was recommended by a committee specially appointed. To meet the situation dues were raised from $9.00 to $12.00. The 26th Anniversary was observed as Past Masters' Night, the first Master, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller presiding, the Officers' chairs occupied by Past Masters. A Past District Deputy Grand Master's Apron was presented to R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan. The Presiding Masters of all the Lodges in District 15 being present to do honour to the occasion. At this meeting the veteran Secretary, W.Bro. G. W. S. Withers, was congratulated on attaining his 77th birthday. A telegram of congratulations was sent to Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith on receiving the honour of Knighthood from the King. September 9th, 1932, W.Bro. Hodgson was heartily congratulated on the 25th Anniversary of his marriage with hearty wishes for many more years of happy married life.
TWENTY-SEVENTH MASTER On October 14th, 1932, Bro. Lawrence Healy was installed Worshipful Master by R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan in the presence of an attendance of 219 brethren. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Grand Master of Washington and the Worshipful Master and 18 brethren of Fernhill Lodge, Tacoma. At this meeting a letter was read from Bro. Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith thanking the Lodge for their congratulations on his receiving the honour of Knighthood from the King. November 11th, 1932, Remembrance Day was observed by the Lodge in a very impressive service. W.Bro. Archbishop DePencier conducted the service. The Collection in aid of "Poor and Distressed Brethren" amounted to $40.00. Brother Col. W. W. Foster delivered a stirring address entitled "Mons and Afterwards".The Hymns sung were: "O valient hearts" "O God our help in ages past" Brother Boyd sang: "The Trumpeter" "In Flanders Fields" April 14th, 1933, the Lodge paid a fraternal visit to Fernhill Lodge, Tacoma, accompanied by the Grand Master of British Columbia, M.W.Bro. J. E. Beck. There were also present M.W.Bro. W. C. Winslow, Grand Master of Oregon, and M.W.Bro. J. M. Roberts, Grand Master of Washington. It was estimated that there were present and in attendance over 2 000 brethren. The meeting was held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, every corner of the building was packed. Lodge Southern Cross exemplified the work of the Third Degree, W.Bro. Healy presiding. The work was intensely interesting to the American brethren, being so different to that practiced in the United States. The Degree was exemplified in a masterly manner and those taking part were praised for their efforts. The next day the visitors were driven to Mt. Tacoma and in the evening were entertained at a Theatre Party. Next day a visit was made to the Masonic Home, Zenith. It was a delightful international fraternization. May 12th, 1933, the 27th Anniversary was observed by Past Masters' Night, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller, presiding, and chairs occupied by Past Masters, each Past Master giving a short account of events during his term of office. There was Roll Call of Charter Members as well as of present membership. M.W.Bro. H. H. Watson, R.W.Bro. H. E. McDonald, and R.W.Bro. F. M. Cowperthwaite, who were present at the institution of the Lodge 27 years previously were in attendance bearing renewed greetings. On June 9th, 1933, W.Bro. Ralph Keast delivered an Address on "The Beauties of King Solomon's Temple". In the midst of life we are in death: That was the last time the beloved Past Master appeared in Lodge. It was his unknown Farewell. On July 28th, 1933, the brethren mournfully followed his remains to the Masonic Cemetery where they buried him with Masonic Honours. He was cut off in the prime of life after a short illness through blood poisoning. The following Poem was dedicated to his memory by R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller:
Farewell a long a sad Farewell SO MOTE IT BE.
TWENTY-EIGHTH MASTER On October 13th, 1933, Bro. William Ashton was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. Lawrence Healy. November 10th, 1933, Remembrance Day was celebrated by a Special Service conducted by W.Bro. Archbishop DePencier. The Address on the occasion being delivered by R.W.Bro. Col. W. S. Buell. December 2nd, 1935, the Lodge was again suddenly thrown into mourning, W.Bro. Roderick McLeod, a beloved Charter Member had met an accidental death. He was buried with Masonic Honors in the Masonic Cemetery, his friend and brother, Charter Member, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller, conducting the last sad Rites. March 30th, 1934, another pilgrimage was made to Fernhill Lodge at Tacoma. The Lodge was accompanied on this occasion by M.W.Bro. Dr. R. S. Thornton, P.G.M. of Manitoba, and the D.G.M. of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia. The Grand Masters of Washington and Oregon were also present. Southern Cross Installation Ceremony was exemplified in a very capable manner, W.Bro. L. Healy presiding. It was very interesting and entertaining to the American brethren. Southern Cross presented W.Bro. George Henry with a Southern Cross Past Master's Jewel suitably inscribed as a souvenir of the visit. The visitors were afterwards entertained at a banquet, and next day driven to Olympia where they were shown over the Capitol Buildings by the Chief Justice. A visit was also made to Fort Lewis, and the Lodge there, also to American Lake Hospital. They also visited Stellacom Lodge the Charter of which is dated February 5th, 1846, the age of the Lodge and its equipment made the visit very interesting. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a sumptuous banquet with splendid entertainment when a specially composed chorus was sung, composed by Bro. W. McClelland Moore: "We are all one Family" The great Annual Masonic Balls that had been so successful for so many years appears to have been abandoned, and Monthly Dances substituted. On May 15th, 1934, in acknowledgment of valuable services rendered in connection with the Monthly Dances, W.Bro. Maurice Hodgson, the Chairman of the Committee, was presented with a gold mounted fountain pen, and Mrs. Hodgson with a beautiful clock. On June 6th, 1934, The 28th Anniversary was celebrated by Past Masters' Night, R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller presiding, supported by Past Masters. King Solomon Lodge, New Westminster, a 28 year friend of Southern Cross paid a fraternal visit. The First Degree was conferred on Mr. J. B. Graham in a very impressive manner. June 29th, 1934, Fernhill Lodge paid a fraternal visit and exemplified the work of the 3rd Degree according to the American work. The visiting Lodge which was accompanied by the Grand Master of Washington was welcomed by the Grand Master of British Columbia and Bro. H. J. DeGraves, Alderman of the City, welcomed them on behalf of the Mayor of the City who was unable to be present. The visitors were next day cordially entertained at a picnic and sight seeing and in the evening a sumptuous banquet at the Georgia Hotel, where a splendid entertainment was contributed under the direction of Mrs. Charles Tullidge. Some excellent speeches were also made.
TWENTY-NINTH MASTER On October 12th, 1934, Bro. Arthur Wordley was installed Worshipful Master by W.Bro. William Ashton. November 9th, 1934, Bro. William McClelland Moore a member of Mt. Meriah Lodge, and who had for years given valuable entertaining services to Lodge Southern Cross, was cordially welcomed as an Affiliated member of the Lodge. On April 14th, 1935, a fraternal visit was paid to Fernhill Lodge, many members of other Lodges accompanying the party which numbered 125 in 23 motor cars. Another fraternal international gathering resulted and all thoroughly enjoyed the visit. June 14th 1935: The 29th Anniversary was marked by a fraternal visit from Arlington Lodge Everett. R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan presided and conferred the Third Degree upon Bro. Shrimpton in which work the visiting brethren were intensely interested. They expressed their appreciation of the impressiveness of the work and also of the hearty welcome that had been accorded them.
THIRTIETH MASTER On October 11th, 1935, Bro. E. P. Rochester was installed Worshipful Master, R.W.Bro. C. C. Mulligan presiding as Installing Master, W.Bro. Angus Aitchison, Past Master of Grandview Lodge No. 96, a personal friend of the new Master, presiding in the Board of Installed Masters. The veteran Secretary, W.Bro. C. W. S. Withers was reported as seriously ill, W.Bro. W. G. Stickney was appointed to act as Secretary. November 22nd, 1935, Bro. William McClelland Moore, after one short year of membership in the Lodge, passed to the Grand Lodge above, and was laid to rest in the Masonic Cemetery with Masonic Honours by the brethren of a sorrowing Lodge. December 13th, 1935, W.Bro. Withers, the beloved Secretary was in attendance, though not completely recovered from his recent illness and was enthusiastically welcomed with Grand Honours and many warm and heartfelt congratulations. February 14th, 1936, a neatly compiled and interesting History of Fernhill Lodge, Tacoma, was presented to the Lodge, and several very interesting extracts were read by the acting Secretary. It was then decided to invite Fernhill Lodge to join with Lodge Southern Cross in celebrating the 30th Anniversary on May 29th and 30th. R.W.Bro. J. J. Miller, first Master, was appointed by the Worshipful Master, Historian to compile a history of Lodge Southern Cross to be submitted on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Lodge. Kingford-Smith is a name closely associated with the early history of the Lodge. Last year the Lodge rejoiced in congratulating the intrepid airman, Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith on the Knighthood conferred upon him by the King. So soon the Lodge has now been called upon to mourn his loss. This daring Brother Mason was lost over the Bay of Bengal on a flight from England to Australia in an attempt to lower existing records. He was considered the first among his compeers in the air, and leaves a record of Mastership, courage, adaptability, and daring which has commanded the admiration of the whole world. The sympathy of Lodge Southern Cross goes out to his young widow and little son away out under the Southern Cross. W.Bro. Ernest Alfred Stokes, the first candidate under Southern Cross Charter, passed on to the Grand Lodge above last month and was buried in Masonic Cemetery with Masonic Honours by Empire Lodge of which he was a Charter Member, having dimitted from this his Mother Lodge at the close of the Great War when Empire Lodge was established with R.W.Bro. George Murray of this Lodge as the First Master. W.Bro. Stokes was installed Worsipful Master of this Lodge in October, 1914, 22 years ago. The sympathy of the brethren of this Lodge goes out to the widow and family of this estimable Brother whose call came quick and unexpected.
Introduction
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© 2006-2008, Lodge Southern Cross No. 44, BC&Y |
