kindly reception, for the fame of this beautiful city that lies pillowed upon the hills and beside the majestic Mississippi is not bounded by the confines of your municipality; it is noted for its warm-hearted courtesy to visitors this broad state over. I warn you, however, that we are fastidious guests, not as to little things and non-essentials, but we want your friendship and your hearts. This is an auspicious hour, the air is redolent with the summer's fragrance, the skies are bright, and nature has put on her best attire. Besides all this it is the morning of the new century with its pulsing hopes and magnificent promises. I wish every soul in my presence to appreciate the magnificent heritage of living in these eventful times, and I wish it remembered that Masonry has been a prominent factor in the development of this proud twentieth century civilization; it has constantly kept step with its onward march. We are proud of this beautiful state of Iowa.

As Masons we are prouder still of Iowa Masonry, and these brethren who have gathered here are the representatives of the best of Iowa's sons. Here is the pioneer whose head is frosted with the snows that never melt, who crossed the Mississippi, climbed the hills, and went out upon the broad prairies to lay the foundations of a teeming and throbbing empire. Here are represented all vocations, all professions, and we are proud to say that they stand as peers among the best in the community in which they live. As the representative of these men I congratulate this beautiful city on its prosperity. I remember that it is noted for its conservatism and wealth throughout the state. The vast wealth deposited in your banks testifies to the thrift of your citizens. The musty memories of the past are about you. Events which occurred where the city now stands have been woven into history. But a few short years since just across the majestic Mississippi, the flaming beacon illumed the night with torches lit by the Indians over whom presided the warrior Black Hawk. I wish this Grand Lodge could be a type of the olden days, and that at this session signal fires could be lighted whose flames could reach out into the starless night and awaken to a higher duty every lodge in this beautiful state.

I turn to you, my brother, you represent the Masonic fraternity of Davenport. We profoundly appreciate your generous welcome. We are glad to grasp your hands, and have felt the fraternal throb that has accompanied it. I know something of the hospitality of the Masons of Davenport, for I have looked into your faces and have been touched by your kindnesses. I confess that I am paralyzed by

the details of the methods that have fallen from your lips by which you have accomplished such great results, but I know that the principles of Masonry are rooted in your hearts. Before I take my seat, on behalf of every member of this Grand Lodge I pledge that there shall be no act on the part of any which would reflect upon the teachings of Masonry while we are here, or cause you to regret our coming. It could not be otherwise, for when I stand in the presence of the brethren and look into their faces I remember that every one of them has basked in the beneficent sunshine of the teachings of this fraternity, been thrilled by its truths, which are as eternal as the very hills. Again, gentlemen, I sincerely and cordially thank you for this most generous welcome.

At the conclusion of his remarks he invited all not members of the fraternity to retire from the hall.

OPENING CEREMONIES.

At the close of the introductory ceremonies Grand Master Eaton, assisted by his Grand Officers, proceeded to open the Grand Lodge of Iowa in ample form in the third degree of Masonry.

PRAYER.

Rev. G. W. Baxter (61), Grand Chaplain, then offered solemn prayer.

ADDRESS OF GRAND MASTER.

Grand Master Eaton then presented and read his address, as follows:

YEAR has passed since last we met. It has swiftly and silently sped away into the shadows of the past. It has witnessed the death of the old century and the birth of the new. It has been crowded with events that in importance vie with any which have occurred in the history of the world. Within this jurisdiction, as in all the years that are gone, it has been brightened by joys and triumphs, and at times darkened by sorrows and failures. The twilight days of the nineteenth century were balmy with the perfume and fragrance of harmony among the craft in Iowa, and the dawn of the new century is made glorious by the shining beams of Masonic prosperity. The tide of Masonry was never higher in this jurisdiction than at the present moment. As the representatives of Masonry in Iowa, I congratulate you upon the proud position this fraternity has attained, in this the grandest state in the grandest country in the world. The shadows of discord have fled away, and the "white-winged angel of peace" hovers over this Masonic jurisdiction. I believe the brethren are each day getting brighter glimpses of a higher Masonic life, clearer conceptions of the magnificent mission of this Order, and a truer realization of the possibilities that lie in the path of Masonry as it winds its way up the shining heights of the future. A peerless destiny is before the Masonic brotherhood, for its foundations are built upon truths which are eternal.

It is unfortunately true that in isolated cases the spectre of discord has crossed the portals of a subordinate lodge, and

has been followed by fierce dissensions and unsightly tumults. Alas! too frequently anger and jealousy have for a time held sway and threatened the wreck of a lodge, but I am glad to say that in nearly all such instances the sober second thought of the brethren has averted disaster. So far as I know, peace and harmony now prevail in every lodge in Iowa. The insignia of office so generously entrusted to me one year ago I now restore to you. My gratitude for your confidence in me has never ceased. Whether it was wisely or unwisely bestowed the brethren alone must determine, for the record is completed. I tender to the brethren of this entire jurisdiction my most grateful acknowledgments for the continued favors which I have received at their hands. Their loyalty has sustained and encouraged me. I entered upon the performance of the duties of this high office with many misgivings. I may have made mistakes, but I have the consciousness of having filled the office of Grand Master to the best of my abilities, and of having constantly had the welfare of the craft at heart.

I now stand before you to render an account of

my

steward

ship.

NECROLOGY.

"Leaves have their time to fall

And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath,
And stars to set-but all,

Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh! death."

As we gather on this auspicious occasion we do not forget. those of our brethren who have been touched by the "icy wand" of death and summoned to the world beyond. Their memories cling about us like tendrils. The lives of those we love are ever a sacred benediction. Death is the artisan who forever stands at the forge and welds the chain which binds to the skies those of us who are left behind. Unlike the veiled prophet, Korhassan, when the veil is lifted from the brow of death there is revealed the face of an angel, bedewed with pity and beautiful with tenderness and love.

"Death is the crown of life.

Were death denied, poor man would live in vain.
Were death denied, to live would not be life.

Were death denied, even fools would wish to die."

We pause a moment at the threshold of this session of the Grand Lodge, held at the beginning of the new century, and call back from the shadows the names and memories of our brethren who have "passed over the river" during the past year. We miss forms and faces that we have learned to respect and love. I do not mention the names of all the brethren of this jurisdiction who have passed away during the past year—a tribute will be given to their memory by an appropriate committee in words more fitting than any I have at my command.

I cannot refrain, however, from mentioning the name of Past Grand Master Edwin Carlton Blackmar. The light of his life went out on Sunday, the 7th day of October, A. D. 1900. As Grand Master I was privileged to take charge of his funeral, which occurred October 10th, 1900, at his own. home in Burlington, Iowa, and his body was laid away by loving hands at the cemetery in Marion, Iowa, on the 11th day of October, 1900. The record of his Masonic life will be preserved by the committee. No man was more respected in his own city, and no brother will be more greatly missed at the sessions of the Grand Lodge than that of our deceased Brother Edwin Carlton Blackmar.

Past Junior Grand Warden William Elsom departed this life on the 9th day of October, 1900. His cheery presence and fraternal spirit endeared him to the brethren of his wide acquaintance. His untiring zeal in Masonry and splendid business ability merited the honors which he received at the hands of his brethren.

Both of these deceased brethren lay upon beds of sickness at the last session of our Grand Lodge, and were then tendered its sympathy. They were laid away to rest upon the same day. They will never be forgotten by the craft, for their lives made a more enduring monument than granite.

CHARTERED LODGES.

It gives me pleasure to note that prosperity is everywhere visible among the subordinate lodges of this jurisdiction.