1910 History Page 2 of 25

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A race of slaves emancipated; vast wealth expended for the advancement of knowledge in arts and sciences; immense fortunes applied to the endowment of schools, colleges, and libraries; numberless churches and institutions founded for religious, charitable, humane, and beneficent purposes mark the higher advancement of this remarkable time.

Freemasonry, pursuing the quiet, even tenor of its way, fulfilling its high missions of the attainment of nobler manhood, the diffusing of charity and the strengthening of the mystic ties of fraternal brotherhood, has shared in this great progress. Our Order has increased manifold in numbers; the simple lodge-room of fifty years ago is superseded to-day by the beautiful temple with its splendid furnishings. The possibilities of electricity and the charms of music are utilized as never before as accessories to enhance the beauty and impressiveness of our forms and ceremonies. A deeper interest, an increased earnestness, and a more ardent devotion to the principles of our institution pervade the craft; while the establishment of homes for the aged and infirm marks an advanced step in the noble work of charity and humanity.

As we contemplate this theme, do we fully realize or appreciate the important truth that we live not for ourselves alone ? That the accumulated wealth of thought and invention of one age becomes the heritage of the next ? That the achievements of the lives of this past generation are ours to possess and enjoy to-day ? That the firm foundations upon which this lodge is builded were laid by faithful brethren of the past ? That those noble lives sacrificed upon the battlefield have preserved the unity and integrity of our nation for future generations ? So may the fruits of our lives and the works of our hands be transmitted to posterity in the world's onward march of civilization and progress. And our hearts instinctively turn at this time in a spirit of gratitude to that God from whom all blessings flow; that Supreme Being, the Giver of every good gift, before whom we humbly and reverently bow and acknowledge our dependence. For unto Him is all the praise.

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