GRAND COUNCIL

OF

ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS

OF MARYLAND.

1880.

The M.. I... Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Maryland convened in Annual Assembly in Masonic Temple, Baltimore, Wednesday, November 10th, A... Dep.. 2880, A... D.. 1880, at 3 o'clock, P. M.

PAST M.. I.. GRAND MASTER,

Companion FERDINAND J. S. GORGAS.

REPRESENTATIVES OF COUNCILS.

Concordia, No. 1; Jerusalem, No. 2; Tadmor, No. 4; Druid, No. 5; Salem, No. 6.

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES,

Companion FERDINAND J. S. Gorgas, G.. Council of Connecticut.

.

The M.. I.. Grand Master appointed the following Committees:

ON CREDENTIALS:

Companions THOMAS J. SHRYOCK, SAMUEL M. HALLER, HENRY C. LARRABEE.

ON FINANCE:

Companions JAMES W. BOWERS, EDWIN L. PARKER, Jr., JOSEPH F.

HINDES.

ON CORRESPONDENCE:

Companions GEORGE L. MCCAHAN, C. C. ISAACS, J. BRYAN PURCELL.

The Committee on Credentials made the following report which was accepted:

BALTIMORE, November 10th, 1880.

To the M.. I.. Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Maryland:

The Committee on Credentials beg leave to report that the following named Representatives are entitled to seats in this Annual Assembly:

The M... I... Grand Master read the following

ADDRESS:

COMPANIONS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL OF MARYLAND:

A year has passed away and into the eternity that bears the record of the past, and once more we are permitted to assemble in the S.. V.. to resume our labors for the benefit of those of our brethren who are so fortunate as to be in possession of the mysteries of this branch of our beloved Order. And while we diligently use the mystic trowel-spreading the cement of brotherly love and kindness that binds us together—it is meet that we should recall the events of the year, in order that we may ascertain whether its lessons have been duly heeded; whether its admonitions have been wisely received, and whether we have fully met all the obligations imposed upon us. Nor should we fail to raise our voices in unison of gratitude and praise to the great beneficient Author of the Universe, for the protecting care He has bestowed upon us, as well as for the great privilege of once again assembling in annual session with scarce a missing face.

With scarce a missing face, nay; and yet, while we report that expression with thanksgiving, it suggests to each of you, I doubt not, as it does to me, that when we met a year ago there was one among us whom, we hope, is to day enjoying that rest prepared from the foundation of the world for the true and faithful. One who was genial and kind to all who met him, a good Mason, a warm hearted, loving friend, an active, untiring, zealous laborer in the Ninth Arch, a true, a noble man, whom we were all glad to unite in electing to the honorable office of Principal Conductor of the Work.-Ill.. Companion HENRY W. WORTHINGTON, whose untimely and lamented death, in the very bloom of early manhood, deprived this Grand Body of one of its ablest members.

"Of manners gentle, of affection mild,

In wit, a man; simplicity, a child."

I regret exceedingly that I am compelled to say that, with but two exceptions, the Councils subordinate to this Grand Council are not in as prosperous condition as they should be. And yet it is a matter of sincere congratulation that their organizations have been maintained intact, notwithstanding the adverse surroundings which have, in many instances, prevented the holding of regular meetings, and the little interest manifested in these most beautiful degrees on the part of the Royal Arch Masons in this jurisdiction.

Concordia, No. 1, has, I am informed, met regularly, and the Companions of that Council continue their labors with the same commendable zeal that has ever characterized them.

Druid, No. 5, has, in the past year, developed a degree of vitality that has placed her in the very front rank, and more than doubled her member