Difference between revisions of "MAGrandMasterCZVisits"

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(SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA)
(GRAND MASTER RICHARD J. STEWART, 2011)
 
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* '''District Grand Master''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJBamber John B. Bamber]
 
* '''District Grand Master''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLJBamber John B. Bamber]
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* ''Lodges:''
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Sojourners Sojourners]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Ancon Ancon]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Gatun Gatun]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=EloyAlfaro Eloy Alfaro]
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=== GRAND MASTER [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMWaugh HARVEY WAUGH], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2014 2014] ===
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* '''District Grand Master''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGDowden Gerald Dowden]
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* ''Lodges:''
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Sojourners Sojourners]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Ancon Ancon]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Gatun Gatun]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=EloyAlfaro Eloy Alfaro]
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=== GRAND MASTER [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGleason PAUL F. GLEASON], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2017 2017] ===
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* '''District Grand Master''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLGOMasta George O'Masta]
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* ''Lodges:''
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Sojourners Sojourners]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Ancon Ancon]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Gatun Gatun]
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** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=EloyAlfaro Eloy Alfaro]
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=== GRAND MASTER [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=GMGHamilton GEORGE F. HAMILTON], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsYear2023 2023] ===
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* '''District Grand Master''':  [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MAGLECrocamo Eduardo Crocamo]
 
* ''Lodges:''
 
* ''Lodges:''
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Sojourners Sojourners]  
 
** [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Sojourners Sojourners]  

Latest revision as of 16:21, 2 June 2023

Contents

GRAND MASTER VISITS TO THE CANAL ZONE AND PANAMA

In 1912, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted a charter to Sojourners Lodge of Cristobal, and thereby inaugurated its jurisdiction within the Panama Canal Zone. At that time there was no Grand Lodge holding jurisdiction in Panama; its Grand Lodge would only be instituted in 1917, at which time a treaty was erected between the two Grand Jurisdictions enabling them to operate concurrently.

Between 1912 and the present, a number of Grand Masters have paid official visits to the Canal Zone and Panama Districts. This page summarizes and illustrates those visits.

Lodge visits are noted with a star (★) and the date of the visit.


GRAND MASTER EVERETT C. BENTON, 1913

  • District Grand Master: None
  • Lodges:

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/18: 1913-1. Special Communication at Cristobal, Canal Zone. Constitution of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1913-2: Grand Lodge opened in the Canal Commission Headquarters. The Grand Lodge was received by the Brethren of the new Lodge.
    • 1913-2: Ceremony of constitution and installation of officers.
    • 1913-3: Address by the Grand Master.
    • 1913-4: Initial organization of Sojourners Lodge, with Wor. Eli D. Sims as its first Master. A list of the 190 Charter members of the lodge.

TivoliHotelDiningRoom1913.jpg TivoliHotelExterior1913.jpg
Hotel Tivoli Dining Room and Exterior, Ancon, Canal Zone

  • 01/19: 1913-8. Special Communication at Ancon, Canal Zone. Fraternal visit to Canal Zone, U.D.
    • 1913-8: Opening of Grand Lodge and reception into the lodge-room.
    • 1913-9: Brief address by the Grand Master to the Brethren "congratulating them upon the honor of taking part in the first meeting held upon the Pacific coast by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts." Remarks by the Deputy Grand Master and Recording Secretary.
    • 1913-9: Banquet at the Tivoli Hotel (shown above).

ACTING GRAND MASTER MELVIN M. JOHNSON, 1917

CristobalTemple1917.jpg CristobalLodge1917.jpg
Cristobal Temple and Lodge Room

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 02/01: 1917-1; Cristobal, Canal Zone. Deputy Grand Lodge.
    • 1917-2: Commission to Past Grand Master Johnson, to "perform the following acts:"
      • Open a Deputy Grand Lodge to appoint and install a District Grand Master for the Canal Zone;
      • Deliver a dispensation to brethren in Paraiso, Canal Zone;
      • Hold one or more Lodges of Instruction;
      • Make inquiry about the new Grand Lodge of Panama and advise regarding recognition;
      • Negotiate a treaty and protocol with the new Grand Lodge of Panama regarding relations;
      • "Do and perform all acts for the good of the Craft" that the Grand Master would have power to do if present, and act or refrain from acting at discretion.
    • 1917-2: Deputy Grand Lodge opened at Cristobal. Nearly all Masters and Wardens in the Canal Zone and about 300 Brethren were present.
    • 1917-3: Announcement that a protocol had been negotiated, and that the Grand Lodge of Panama was to be recognized.
    • 1917-4: Installation of officers of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1917-4: Delivery of dispensation to Isthmian Lodge.
    • 1917-5: Installation of the first District Grand Master, Rt. Wor. and Maj. Herbert A. White, Judge Advocate for the Canal Zone and Past Master of Army Lodge.
    • 1917-5: Exemplification and discussion of ritual.

REPORT ON PANAMA VISIT

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XII, No. 7, April 1917, Page 221:

Masonic Mission To Panama by M. W. MELVIN M. JOHNSON, Past Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts

For several years the brethren of the Canal Zone have been calling for some one to instruct them in matters of jurisprudence and ritual. The three lodges there,— Sojourners, Canal Zone and Army — all hold Charters from Massachusetts though few of their officers or members have ever been here. It became also important to decide about the appointment of a District Grand Master for the Zone.

Then last Fall there came a petition for a new lodge - Isthmian — about which there was a disagreement. Finally, last October, the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Panama fully organized and in December petitioned for recognition. The only adequate way to deal with these matters was by personal contact. Most Worshipful Grand Master Abbott issued a Commission to his immediate predecessor as Special Deputy with plenary powers to deal with all these matters as fully as the Grand Master himself could if personally present. Rt. Wor. Bro. Odell consented to make the trip with Mrs. Odell and the Special Deputy was accompanied by his wife and son, Maynard.

The first stop was at Havana where Grand Master Francisco Sanchez Curbelo and a committee of which Fernando Figueredo (Past Grand Master and Treasurer General of the Republic of Cuba) was chairman, entertained our party royally, their hospitality culminating in a sumptuous banquet at the Hotel Sevilla. Dr. Curbelo was greatly touched when the Henry Price Decoration was explained and conferred upon him. Here were brethren prominent and busy men in Public and private affairs none of whom had ever met us and yet who were devoted in their attention to us that they might testify their true Masonic spirit and do honor to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Here as in Santiago, in the Canal Zone and in Panama, we were simply the fortunate recipients of attentions and courtesies which were lavishly extended to us as the representatives of the Premier Grand Lodge of America.

At Panama, printed itineraries were not only given us containing the schedule for our entertainment, but as a part of the Canal Zone Orient — a worthy Masonic periodical — were in the hands of all the brethren, that all those near where we were to be at a given time could meet us and join in making things pleasant. Every moment of every one of the twelve days we were in the Zone we were in charge of some "Officer of the Day." Sometimes two or three brethren acted as such during different parts of the day but always it was some brother who, by reason of his knowledge or employment, was the best man in the Zone to show us the things where we then were. Brother Ford, Editor of the Orient and Wor. Bro. Osborn, Master of Sojourners Lodge, both of whom had devoted their entire time to us, said the last day of the visit that we had personally met at least 80% of the Masons on the Zone and had seen more of the Canal and its appurtenances than anyone who had ever been there before for anything like the same number of days. Then after sightseeing and being personally conducted all day every day, each evening there was a Masonic meeting or banquet or usually both. There isn't room to tell of anything but a few Masonic facts of interest except to hint how fortunate it was that the only time Gatun Spillway was opened this dry season happened to be when we were where we could see the wonderful rush of water, that the Emergency Dam drill happened to come while we were standing on it, that Wor. Bro. Frank Heald's dredge, Bucyrus, the largest dipper dredge in the world, happened to "hook" a 25-ton rock while we were watching, that a certain government official's duty happened to require him to take his launch to the head of navigation on the Chagres River while we were aboard, etc. Every one of these things was legitimate, yet I strongly suspect that when something could be done at one time as well as another, it was permitted to fit into our itinerary.

There are four Scottish Rite bodies on the Zone, of the Southern Jurisdiction, U. S. A. Every candidate sees each degree worked in full from the 4th to the 32d inclusive. Their costuming, paraphernalia and work would put to shame many corresponding bodies in the States. These meet at Cristobal, on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus. The Masonic Temple there is the finest building of its kind in the city. In it also meet Sojourners Lodge, Cristobal Chapter No. 12, R. A. M., the Isthmian Masonic Club, and Royal Palm Chapter No. 2, O. E. S.

In Masonic Hall at Ancon, on the Pacific side, meet Canal Zone Lodge, Canal Zone Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., Canal Zone Council, No. 1, R. and S. M., and Canal Zone Commandery No. 1, K. T.

Army Lodge meets in the Army Hall at Camp Empire and there are Masonic Clubs at Gatun and Paraiso. The last has now become Isthmus Lodge, U. D.

Some of our Brethren will be interested to know that there is a very healthy and lively Panama Shriners Club which hopes this year to become a Temple. You don't hear it said on the Zone, but it looks to the writer, who is not a Noble, as if it were hardly fair for Temples from the States to make gorgeous trips to the Zone, be entertained to the Sultana's taste, take away a large certified check and leave the boys there nothing but a card and the right to buy a button.

The Zone has four Scottish Rite and four York Rite bodies as well as four Blue lodges, all active and large. A Shrine would also draw candidates from Panama and Costa Rica. The nearest one now is at New Orleans.

After extended conferences and agreement upon terms, we attended a special communication of the newly organized Grand Lodge of Panama and executed a treaty between it and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts which has since been ratified by both Grand Lodges. It provides for the recognition of Panama as a sovereign jurisdiction of Symbolic Freemasonry and for the cession to Massachusetts of exclusive jurisdiction over the Blue degrees throughout the Canal Zone. Sr. Don Guilermo Andreve, the Grand Master, is Minister of Public Instruction in the Panamanian cabinet. He is an able and cultured gentleman, well worthy of the title of Most Worshipful, and we hope that some day we may be permitted to welcome him with at least a portion of the gracious hospitality which he and his officers and members extended to the representatives of Massachusetts. He now has nine thriving subordinate lodges with the certainty of further growth. In each of the Republic's leading cities, Colon and Panama, there is a negro lodge chartered from Scotland but they have not been taken over by the new Grand Lodge.

The night before our departure from the Isthmus, a Deputy Grand Lodge was held in the Cristobal Temple, Rt. Wor. Major Herbert A. White, the Judge Advocate of the U. S. Army upon the Zone, was installed District Grand Master. A dispensation for a new lodge was delivered to petitioners from the "twin cities" Pedro Miguel and Paraiso. Parts of the ritual were exemplified. Farewells were said and a special train left shortly after midnight taking visiting brethren to their homes across the Zone, many as far as Ancon and Panama, fifty miles away.

We had a few days rest "incognito" on the steamer and in Jamaica. Touching for a day at Santiago de Cuba, we were lavishly entertained by the Craft as at Havana. It certainly was a grand finale when the committee brought the Municipal Band aboard our steamship for a concert winding up with the Star-Spangled Banner and the Cuban National Hymn.

We have never known more loyal or enthusiastic Masons than those not only of our jurisdiction upon the Canal Zone but also of Cuba and Panama. We have every reason to be proud of Masonry in these far distant lands and of the personnel of officers and members. Everywhere we found the Craft loyal to its traditions and devoted to the worship of God, to the cultivation of friendship and brotherly love among men, and to the ideals of liberty and of freedom from tyranny over man or his conscience.


GRAND MASTER ARTHUR D. PRINCE, 1921

> PrinceVisit1921_1.jpg
PrinceVisit1921_2.jpg PrinceVisit1921_2.jpg
Program for Grand Master Prince's Visit, 1921

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 02/25: Reception by the District Grand Lodge, with numerous foreign dignitaries present
  • 02/25: Visit to the Temple, presentation of a Henry Price Medal to Rt. Wor. Ralph Osborn, District Grand Master.
  • 02/26: Fraternal visit to Sojourners Lodge.
  • 02/28: Trip through the canal by steamer.
  • 03/01: Reception for Mrs. Prince.
  • 03/02: Travel to Gatun; visit to Sibert Lodge.
  • 03/03: Visit to Union Lodge in Colon, under the Grand Lodge of Panama.
  • 03/04: Royal Arch reception at the Hotel Washington.
  • 03/05: Council reception at Hotel Tivoli at the Pacific end of the Zone.
  • 03/06: Dinner at Union Club, Panama.
  • 03/07: Visit to a joint meeting of Army and Isthmian Lodges.
  • 03/08: Official reception by the Grand Lodge of Panama; presentation of a Henry Price medal to Grand Master Melhado.
  • 03/09: Visit to Canal Zone Lodge in Ancon, and presentation of a dispensation for Chagres Lodge.
  • 03/10: Visit to Darien Lodge, Balboa.
  • 03/11: Reception by Commandery.

REPORT ON PANAMA VISIT

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XVI, No. 9, June 1917, Page 233:

An Official Visit to the Panama Zone
By MOST WORSHIPFUL ARTHUR D. PRINCE
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

Pursuant to a vote of the Board of Directors that an official visit be made to the lodges under our charter located in the Canal Zone, accompanied by Mrs. Prince, I sailed on the United Fruit Company's steamship Ulua from New York, on February 12, 1921, for Cristobal, via Havana.

Fortunately for me, Wor. Frank H. Hilton, Grand Sword Bearer, volunteered to accompany me on the trip and act as Grand Marshal; therefore, I was officially and efficiently attended by one of our Grand Lodge officers.

While this trip was taken for Masonic purposes, I could not shut my eyes to the scenic beauty and social pleasures of a voyage of this character, and so express at once the appreciation of our little party of the advan-ages offered by this trip to see a part of the world which was new to all f us and which held much of interest, instruction, and pleasure. I cannot let the opportunity pass of expressing gratitude for the wealth of nusual and interesting experiences which were largely enhanced by the act that we were the accredited representatives of this Grand Lodge.

After a perfect ocean voyage of four days we arrived in historic Havana harbor and hardly had the ship docked before a representative of the Grand Lodge of Cuba, R. W. L. J. Tromph, presented himself and extended in behalf of the Grand Lodge a program of courtesy and entertainment which covered the entire period of our stay in Havana. Literally, the keys of the city were presented, and during our sojourn there we were constantly attended by R.W. Bro. Tromph, who is Junior Grand Warden, and Wor. Edward F. O'Brien, Master of the only English-speaking lodge in Cuba. To these two brethren I shall always feel personally indebted for their many successful efforts to make our stay memorable and bleasant.

The Grand Lodge of Cuba had, a few days previous to my arrival, suffered a grievous blow in the death of its Grand Master, M. W. Antonio de la Piedra y Gonzalez, a young man of splendid ability and bright promise, who was cut off in the midst of his usefulness at the early age of thirty-five years. A formal reception in the Grand Lodge was therefore precluded by its period of mourning, but I was given an opportunity to meet the deputy grand master, R. W. Bro. Enrique Llanso y Simoni, and his officers and past grand masters, at an informal gathering at Masonic Temple. I was most cordially greeted by these distinguished brethren and in spite of the difficulties of language was made to feel more than ever that Masonry was universal in its scope and did "conciliate true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance."

I was proud and pleased to learn in what high regard the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is held by our brethren of Cuba, and I conceived a new respect and admiration for these brethren whose pathway has been beset by trials and dangers which have not worried us in this land of light and liberty. Our history does not include such incident as the arrest, imprisonment, and execution of a grand master for no other offence than that of eing a Freemason, and this as recently as 1870.

But. there are points of similarity in our respective histories, as, for instance, in the last successful revolution in Cuba, which finally established a Republican form of government; almost every patriot leader was a member of the fraternity, and in their secret meetings held in the forest and jungle, was kept alive and bright the aspiration for liberty which found fruition in Cuba Libre and under the banner of Free Cuba the order of Freemasonry thrives and finds opportunity for full expression. Freemasonry in Cuba i# well grounded upon the fundamentals we ourselves adhere to and in some things they are more conservative than we are— for example: the constitutional period between degrees in Cuba is six months instead of one month as in our own jurisdiction.

I do not feel competent to comment on the somewhat strained relations between Cuba and the United States which prevailed during my visit there, but I do believe that Freemasonry can accomplish great good by promoting the fine cordial relations which now exist between the Freemasons of both Republics and building a fraternal friendship which must assist in breaking through the wall of distrust which seems to keep us from continuous harmonious relations.

Before I left Cuba I began to feel that Freemasonry has & great opportunity in these Latin countries to the south of us, and that feeling grew in strength as my trip lengthened. It was with real regret that we took leave of these good brethren of Cuba and sailed for Cristobal where we arrived six days later after short stops at Santiago de Cuba, Port Antonio, and Kingston in Jamaica. At none of these places did we have any Masonic experiences, albeit the days were full of pleasure and interest.

We picked up the low lying coast of the Isthmus early in the morning and almost before we knew it, was heading in toward the breakwater at Cristobal. It was while we were at breakfast that the ship slowed down to take on the pilot and a moment or two later a tall, fine-looking officer came into the saloon and made his way to our table. Not until then did I recognize in his white naval uniform the well-known features of our district grand master, R. W. Ralph Osborn, who addressed the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at our last September Quarterly. After a pleasant salutation he informed us that he was taking advantage of his position as senior pilot on the Zone to pilot the grand master of Masons in Massachusetts safely to the dock. He extended the courtesy of the bridge to Bro. Hilton and myself, but informed us that women's rights had not been extended to the captain's bridge, so he could not invite Mrs. Prince. Reaching the dock we found awaiting our arrival a large delegation of Masons, not only from our own lodges, but from the Grand Lodge of Panama. I suspect that our pathway through health office and customs was smoothed for us in some unknown way, for we were not detained a second, but left the ship long in advance of any of the other passengers and were conducted immediately to the splendid Hotel Washington, where we were assigned to beautifully located rooms overlooking the broad Carribean Sea and only a few yards away from it.

After a few hours' rest, spent in arranging our belongings for a fortnight's stay, commenced a series of entertainments and Masonic visitations which occupied our time without interval, except a little sleep, for over two weeks.

Let me express here deep appreciation for the cordiality and hospitality accorded us by all with whom we came in contact; Masons and non-Masons. Everyone seemed imbued with a desire to make our stay comfortable and happy, and I am glad to state they were entirely successful.

A profusion of flowers made our apartments fragrant and our dining table most attractive. Bro. Johnson, manager of the hotel and his corps of assistants were solicitous at all times of our comfort and the automobiles of the brethren were at our service at any moment, which I assure you was a comfort, for in spite of the trade winds, which blow all the time, the least effort during the day and exposure to the direct sun is rather trying to the man from northern climes.

The only thing to mar our happiness was the sudden illness of Mrs. Osborn, the wife of our District Grand Master, who was taken to the hospital the day we arrived and whose illness during the entire period of our stay deprived us of the companionship of this charming woman. I am happy to say that we saw her just before we left the Zone, and found her much improved, and R. W. Bro. Osborn recently wrote me of her complete recovery.

Our first Masonic function took place on the evening of the day of our arrival, February 25th, when R. W. Bro. Osborn gave a dinner at the Washington Hotel to the members of the District Grand Lodge, at which there were present as guests M. W. Bro. Andreve, grand master of the Grand Lodge of Panama; M. W. Bro. A. H. D. Melhado, Grand Master-elect; Wor. Bros. Pinto and Alberga of the Grand Lodge of Panama; M. W. Bro. Barrett, Past Grand Master of Kentucky; M. W. Bro. Hanan, Past Grand Master of Indiana, and Wor. and I11. Bro. William L. James, deputy for the Canal Zone A. A. S. R., Southern Jurisdiction. After a couple of hours spent most pleasantly at the table and followed by short post-prandial exercises, we adjourned to Masonic Temple, where I was received officially in the District Grand Lodge for the Canal Zone by R. W. Ralph Osborn, District Grand Master.

I had the great pleasure and experience of meeting personally the Masters and Wardens of our lodges on the Canal Zone, as well as the officers of the District Grand Lodge and many past masters. In this group of men were those who have made possible the splendid organization of tha fraternity on the Canal Zone. In the short space of ten years it has grown from one weak and struggling lodge, fighting hard against powerful enemies, and all sorts of adverse influences, to a splendid organization of six chartered lodges and one under dispensation, numbering, August 31, 1920, eleven hundred and fifty-two loyal, active, and earnest Masons. Not satisfied with this there have been established in the Zone two Royal Arch Chapters, one Council R. & S. M., and a Commandery of Knights Templars. In addition to the Scottish Rite Masonry as represented here, although not Masonic, is the great success of the Eastern Star and the Mystic Shrine.

One of the pleasant acts I performed at this meeting was to present to our district grand master, R. W. Bro. Osborn, a Henry Price medal as an appreciation of his loyal and earnest services on the Zone, in which he has shown an unusual capacity for leadership. His loyalty to the craft on the. Zone, and his knowledge of Freemasonry, its fundamental principles and jurisprudence, make him an amply safe person to entrust with the responsible and important duties appertaining to the office of District Grand Master.

Saturday, February 26th, was filled by delightful entertainment and drives, and in the evening I made a fraternal visit to Sojourners Lodge, the mother of all Masonry on the Zone. Here I met such men as Clinton Carty, Wilbur L. Perry, Quimby Marcuse, and many others, old-timers, some of them members of Sojourners Lodge under the Scottish jurisdiction and all of them early members under Massachusetts. These brethren Were the war horses who were determined that Masonry should take its place on the Zone, they are also the men who braved the early conditions, terrible and trying in the first days of construction, before American sanitation had transformed the old city of Aspinwall from the worst pest hole in the world into the new and healthy city of Cristobal. All honor to them not only for the Masonic spirit, but for their pioneer American hardihood which now has its reward in the completed engineering marvel" known as the Panama Canal.

It was a gratifying thing for the grand master to be present when the announcement was made that the Masonic Temple building, a fine structure, situated in the northeast corner of American territory, had finally passed into the ownership of Sojourners Lodge, by whom it was built, but from whom the title passed through technicalities, an explanation of which cannot be entered into here. Suffice it to say that by official sanction of the United States Government, Sojourners Lodge has been permitted to recover the building and devote it to the purposes of Freemasonry. You can imagine what a happy night this was for the Masons of the Isthmus, and we heartily join our congratulations to theirs.

Sunday, February 27th, was a day of rest Masonically, but hospitality and entertainment were not lacking.

Monday, February 28th, through the courtesy of R. W. Bro. Osborn, our party was given the opportunity to go through the canal on the steamer Charlton Hall, bound for Chile. This trip occupied the entire day and was particularly interesting, as it gave us a view of the canal and its workings from the standpoint of the through passengers.

On Tuesday, March 1st, a luncheon and reception was tendered to Mrs. Prince at the Hotel Washington by Mrs. Osborn, who, on account of sickness was unable to be present, and in whose stead Mrs. Marcuse acted as hostess. Being mere men, neither Bro. Hilton or myself were permitted to participate, but, from sly glimpses of the tables, which were loaded with a profusion of flowers and other good things, and the beautifully decorated reception rooms, I can safely say that this complimentary reception was a very charming and successful event.

Wednesday, March 2nd, was set apart for a visit to Gatun and we were there entertained by the brethren and their ladies during the afternoon, and I made a fraternal visit to Sibert Lodge in the evening, when the M. M. degree was exemplified. I found a keen interest here in this little village of Gatun, which is only six miles from Cristobal, beautifully located on comparatively high ground at the head of the great Gatun Locks.

Thursday evening, March 3rd, I visited Union Lodge in Colon under the Grand Lodge of Panama, Wor. Bro. Alberga, master. This is one of two English-speaking lodges in Panama, and by their charter they are permitted to use the ritual of the United Grand Lodge of England. As you may imagine, this was a very interesting evening. The work was on the entered apprentice degree and was impressive and instructive. I was mots cordially received, this communication being specially called to accommodate me, and the large attendance on short notice was very complimentary.

Friday evening, March 4th, Cristobal Chapter, R. A. M., M. E. Companion Lapointe, high priest, gave a dinner and reception at which your grand master was the guest. This affair was held in line of a regular meeting of the chapter and was a delightful occasion, there being about two hundred companions and their ladies present. The dinner was in Hotel Washington's best manner, and was followed by an informal dance.

Saturday, March 5th, we left Cristobal with real regret and transferred our headquarters to the Hotel Tivoli on the Pacific side of the Canal Zone, and in the evening I was received by Canal Zone Council, R. & S. M., I11. Companion Belcher, T. I. Master.

Sunday, March 6th, the day was filled by courtesies at the hands of the brethren and a dinner at the Union Club, Panama, by Dr. and Mrs. James.

Monday evening, March 7th, I visited a joint meeting of Isthmian and Army Lodges at Pedro Miguel. From a long distance, like a beacon at sea, one could see the Masonic emblem emblazoned in electric lights on the lodge building, which is delightfully situated on rising ground. The presence of so many members of Army Lodge, in uniform, made this meeting unique, for this is the only lodge in our jurisdiction which is composed, almost exclusively, of men in military service.

Tuesday evening, March 8th, I was received officially by the Grand Lodge of Panama, M. W. Bro. Andreve, grand master. The occasion of the meeting was the installation of M. W. Bro. A. H. D. Melhado as grand master and his subordinate officers. The spirit of friendship and fraternalism toward the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts filled the addresses of M. W. Brothers Andreve and Melhado, and it was my privilege to extend to the Masons of Panama our continued friendship and support. They have paid us great compliment in adopting our form of constitution and ritual translated into Spanish, and are earnestly trying to follow Grand Lodge custom and law and adapt them to their peculiar situation. I took pleasure in presenting to the newly installed grand master the Henry Price medal, which he accepted in a speech which showed his familiarity with our high regard for this decoration. I saw nothing, heard nothing, in my many conferences with M.W. Brothers Melhado and Andreve, which influenced me to withdraw one iota of our support from this young Grand Lodge—rather that we should assist and support them in every way to recognition, for their influence in Freemasonry in the Latin-American countries may well be of great value in fraternal, commercial, and economic good understanding.

Wednesday evening, March 9th, I visited Canal Zone Lodge, Ancon, the second largest lodge in the Zone. Their quarters are very comfortable and ample, and the spirit of the brethren very keen in Masonic interest. I presented at this meeting a dispensation for a new lodge by the name of Chagres Lodge to Wor. Bro. Cameron, master, under dispensation, and placed the officers in their respective stations.

Thursday evening, March 10th, I visited Darien Lodge at Balboa. This lodge has the youngest charter on the Zone, and is a lodge which has all the enthusiasm of youth. Dr. James, the master, was called away on duty with the Panamanian Army and the lodge was under the care of the Senior Warden, Bro. Bates, who, by the way, is a native of our state.

Friday evening, March 11th, I was received officially in Canal Zone Commandery, K. T., Em. Sir Hess, commander, and had the opportunity of meeting many knights whose lodge affiliations are still in the various-states of the United States.

This closed the Masonic activity on the Zone, for on Saturday, March 12th, we returned to Cristobal and, after bidding au revoir to our hosts, we sailed for home in the afternoon. A large delegation of brethren and ladies were on board to bid us bon voyage and our staterooms were filled with floral remembrances.

Our brethren on the Zone are located at the cross roads of the world. Passing through their midst every day are brethren of every race, every color, every nation. Their problems and duties we scarcely realize, but suffice it to say that our Masonry on the Zone is carrying out the practical work of the fraternity along that shining strip of water that unites the east and the west and where the race of men go by our brethren are accomplishing in a measure, the work of the ages, in uniting in the bonds of fellowship and peace, men of "every country, sect and opinion." Who can say that their work shall not be the seed that will some day come forth in the fine flower of Universal Brotherhood. I have been deeply impressed with the possibilities of Freemasonry in advancing the friendship between the peoples of North and South America. We do not understand them; they do not understand us, but I have seen enough to believe that through the benign influence of Freemasonry friendship and mutual trust can be furthered and increased. If we trust one another in fraternity, and we do so, increasingly, we might also trust one another in the political and business world. I therefore believe our duty is to give our support without stint to these brethren of our far away lodges and encourage to the extent of our ability those of our brethren in foreign lands who are truly engaged in the great work of making all men friends.

I realize that this description of my visitation is entirely inadequate, but to do justice, I should use up more time than we can spare. I have purposely avoided special mention, for to do that would require practically a roster of our members. I cannot close, however, without mention of the care and attention given by R. W. Bro. Osborn and Wor. Bro. Belcher, master of Canal Zone Lodge, the latter a native of Winthrop, Mass. These brethren were in constant attendance day and night and were the authors of many courtesies and entertainments which I cannot detail here.

One more, unexpected and therefore the more pleasurable, Masonic experience fell to our lot. At the first port out of Panama, Port Limon in Costa Rica, we were greeted by Bro. M. M. Marsh, a member of Sojourners Lodge, and by him personally conducted over that one hundred miles of scenic beauty and grandeur, along the line of the railroad to San Jose. Bro. Marsh, being superintendent of the railroad, was in a position to offer us every courtesy and to point out the many items of interest. The change from moist tropical heat of Limon to the clear bracing mountain air was a delightful one. Hardly had we become domiciled at our hotel than the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Costa Rica called upon us and extended an invitation to dine with the Grand Lodge that evening at the hotel. The invitation was accepted and we spent a most delightful evening with a small group of past grand masters and prominent Masons of San Jose.

Again we discovered the splendid reputation Massachusetts enjoys abroad and there was very evident the spirit of friendship and hospitality which seems to prevail wherever we touched Freemasonry. As I understand it, the Masonry of Costa Rica is Spanish speaking in all the lodges, although all the past grand masters I met were English, Canadian, or American. Our stay there, though brief, was made very enjoyable by. the attention of these brethren, all of whom were at the train to bid us Godspeed.

We were now headed towards home. How good that word seemed and the ship seemed to move so slowly so eager we were to get back to home folks. In due season we arrived in New York and were soon headed toward our own roof tree where we arrived safe and well after about six thousand miles ocean travel in almost perfect weather. Never will cease the mental stimulation of our Masonic experiences and never will the social pleasures fade from memory.


GRAND MASTER ARTHUR D. PRINCE, 1922

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 02/23: 1922-224. Ancon, Canal Zone. Constitution of Chagres Lodge.
    • 1922-224: District Grand Lodge opened and was received by members of the Lodge.
    • 1922-224: Acting District Grand Master Clinton G. Carty constituted Chagres Lodge "in due and ancient form and with full ceremonial."
    • 1922-225: Organization of the Lodge for 1922.

GRAND MASTER DUDLEY H. FERRELL, 1925

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 1925-150: (03/03) Reception by Rt. Wor. Ralph Osborn, District Grand Master.
  • 1925-151: (03/04) Visit to District Grand Lodge and Sojourners Lodge, and meeting with representatives of all of the Lodges in the jurisdiction, as well as numerous other visiting Brethren.
  • 1925-152: (03/05) Visit to Sibert Lodge at Gatun; visit to Union Lodge, Colon, of the Grand Lodge of Panama.
  • 1925-153: (03/06) Trip to Ancon; visit to Grand Lodge of Panama. The full text of the Grand Master's greeting appears beginning on Page 1925-154.
  • 1925-158: (03/09) Joint visit to Army and Chagres Lodges at Corozal.
  • 1925-158: (03/10) Joint visit to Isthmian and Darien Lodges at Pedro Miguel.
  • 1925-159: (03/11) Visit to Canal Zone Lodge in Ancon.

GRAND MASTER CURTIS CHIPMAN, 1934

ChipmanVisit1.jpg ChipmanVisit2.jpg
ChipmanVisit3.jpg ChipmanVisit4.jpg
Program for Grand Master Chipman's Visit, 1934

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 1934-24: (01/12) Sailing on M.S. Columbus to the West Indies; visits to Martinique, La Guiara and Caracas in Venezuela; visit to Curaçao.
  • 1934-27: (01/19) Arrival in Cristobal; visit to District Grand Master.
  • 1934-28: (01/20) Special meeting of the District Grand Lodge.
  • 1934-28: (01/21) Tour of Fort Sherman and reception at Strangers' Club in Colon.
  • 1934-29: (01/22) Tour of the Gatun Locks; visit to Sibert Lodge.
  • 1934-30: (01/23) Tour of Ancon and reception of visitors.
  • 1934-30: (01/24) Official review of the Regiment of Coast Artillery; joint meeting of Darien and Chagres Lodges.
  • 1934-31: (01/25) Visit to the Acting Governor of the Canal Zone and the President of Panama with the District Grand Master; dinner with the Grand Master of Panama.
  • 1934-32: (01/26) Madden Dam visit; joint meeting of Army and Isthmian Lodges.
  • 1934-33: (01/27) Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Panama. Presentation of Henry Price Medals to four Past Grand Masters of Panama. (An engrossed scroll was presented, the contents of which appear beginning on Page 1934-34.)
  • 1934-35: (01/28) Visit to Panama City; Scottish Rite visit; dinner dance at Union Club.
  • 1934-36: (01/29) Visit to Palo Seco leper colony; visit to Canal Zone Lodge; presentation of a gavel to the Grand Master.
  • 1934-36: (01/30) Visit to Gamboa; dinner at Century Club.
  • 1934-37: (01/31) Visit to Asylum; train to Cristobal, visit to Sojourners Lodge.
  • 1934-38: (02/01) Visit to submarine base and air station; dinner at Hotel Washington.
  • 1934-38: (02/02) Visit to Government Printing Plant; farewell dinner.

GRAND MASTER CLAUDE L. ALLEN, 1937

GRAND MASTER'S REPORT, JUNE 1937

From Proceedings, Page 1937-78:

Several months ago Right Worshipful Lewis B. Bates, District Grand Master for the Canal Zone, wrote me that he had laid the cornerstone of a new Masonic Temple at Ancon which would be completed in the spring and that the Brethren of the Zone very much hoped that the Grand Master would pay them a visit in April and dedicate this new Temple, and also one at Gatun which was completed some months ago but had never been dedicated.

In compliance with the wishes of the Brethren of our seven Lodges in the Canal Zone, on April 10, accompanied by Mrs. Allen and Worshipful Henry W. Stevens, Grand Sword Bearer as Acting Grand Marshal, 1 sailed from New York for Cristobal. We found our cabin well supplied with flowers, candy, and other gifts from our ever-thoughtful Grand Lodge Officers and other friends, and a large box of delicacies from Sojourners Lodge. I having been advised by R. W. Brother Bates that the Brethren would be pleased to receive me in each of the Lodges and in the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Panama, and in addition that several Masonic receptions and banquets would be held in our honor, I planned in accordance with his suggestion to spend eleven days in the Zone.

On the third day out of New York we ran into summer weather and enjoyed the sociability on deck, becoming acquainted with our fellow passengers, among whom we met quite a number of Masons from different parts of the country. Late that afternoon the Island of San Salvador came into view and during the night we passed Cuba and entered the Caribbean Sea, and on the following morning saw the mountains of Haiti in the distance.

The following morning, April 14th, at 11:30 we docked at Puerto Colombia, South America, and were immediately greeted by Worshipful Dr. William M. James, Past Master of Darien Lodge and a member of our Grand Lodge Committee on the Recognition of Foreign Grand Lodges, who had done us the very great courtesy of coming all the way down from the Canal Zone to meet us and escort us to the Canal Zone. He was accompanied by several distinguished Masons from Puerto Colombia anil Barranquilla who came on board our ship, bearing gifts and roses for Mrs. Allen. As we were not permitted to land owing to the fact that there was a dock strike on that day, these Brethren visited with us on board as long as time would permit, thus affording a fine opportunity for an interesting discussion concerning Masonry in Colombia and compensating for our great disappointment in not being able to see their beautiful city of Barranquilla.

That night we sailed for Cartagena, second port of call in South America, and on our arrival there the next morning we again were met by a delegation headed by Most Worshipful Camilo Diaz Granados, Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena, accompanied by their ladies, who also brought roses to Mrs. Allen. After an exchange of fraternal greetings they cordially invited us to accompany them on a tour of the city and to lunch with them at the Hotel Americana, where we had the pleasure of meeting several other Grand Lodge Officers, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, the Masters and Officers of Lodges to the number of twenty-odd. After we had partaken of a bountiful lunch, Grand Master Granados in well-chosen words assured us of the pleasure of his Grand Lodge and of the Brethren in having us with them, and presented me a beautiful tortoise shell desk set, suitably inscribed, from their Grand Lodge; following which was an interesting discussion of Masonic affairs there by a smaller group, our hosts entertaining us until our ship sailed at 5:00 o'clock that night. The friendly and cordial spirit of our Brethren in this quaint and interesting old Spanish city made our day with them a happy one long to be remembered.

The following morning, April fifth, we docked at Cristobal at 8:30 and were cordially greeted at the dock by Right Worshipful Lewis B. Bates, District Grand Master, Worshipful James E. Jacob, Deputy District Grand Master, Worshipful Ernest C. Cotton, Past Master and Secretary of Sojourners Lodge, and by representatives from the Grand Lodge of Panama, and others. After a short visit to the Masonic Temple, we enjoyed a sightseeing tour about Cristobal and Colon until 11:00 a.m., when we were escorted by Brothers Bates, Jacob, and James by train across the Isthmus to Ancon on the Pacific side, where we found our rooms at the Hotel Tivoli filled with beautiful flowers. After dining with Dr. Bates, Bro. Jacob, and Bro. and Mrs. Blessing, the evening was taken up with an informal reception of District Grand Lodge Officers, Masters of Lodges, their ladies, and Grand Master Endara of the Grand Lodge of Panama and his Officers, which gave us a splendid opportunity to get acquainted with our Brethren who were to be our hosts for the next eleven days.

The following morning we were received by President Arosemena of the Republic of Panama, who greeted us cordially and made many inquiries as to the nature of our charitable work, particularly with reference to the care of children. We then, still under the escort of Dr. Bates, called upon Col. Ridley, Governor of the Panama Canal, whose father was Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Col. Ridley is held in the highest esteem by all the residents of the Zone. He is a man oi charming personality and recognized executive ability, fully conversant with the Zone and its management. That evening I was officially received in the District Grand Lodge by the District Grand Master, Dr. Bates, and his Officers, following which we were tendered a grand reception and ball where we had the pleasure of meeting nearly 1,000 of the Brethren and their ladies in the new Temple at Ancon,— a splendid and colorful gathering, and it was pleasing to note that the facilities of the new Temple were ample for the accommodation of this large number.

The following morning (Sunday), Worshipful Clarence L. Johnston, Master of Sojourners Lodge, and his wife called for us and after a delightful sight-seeing tour of Ancon, Balboa, and the City of Panama and a ride through the country, entertained us at lunch at the Panama Golf Club — a delightful spot on the brow of a hill with a splendid view of the surrounding country.

The afternoon was devoted to a full rehearsal of the Dedication ceremony in the new Temple, assigning to the District Grand Lodge Officers the parts they were to take as acting Grand Lodge Officers in the ceremony, selecting the music, which was to form such a delightful part of the ceremony, and listening to its rendition by a choir of the Brethren under the efficient leadership of Worshipful Arthur Jay Barker, District Grand Secretary.

At seven that evening, having been honored by election to membership in San Lorenzo Conclave, Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, 1 was escorted by Dr. Bates to the new Temple and duly initiated by Sovereign James E. Jacob, Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign, and his officers. Following my initiation, the Conclave tendered us a banquet in honor of the event, at which thirty members and ladies were present. The table was beautifully decorated with tropical flowers and the open air setting unusual and delightful.

The next day we were motored to the Miraflores Locks by Dr. Bares, where Wor. Brother Stillwell, who was in charge, explained the intricate mechanical devices used in their operation, and gave us an opportunity to see them in action with large ships passing through the locks.

In the evening we proceeded to the new Ancon Temple, opened a Special Communication of Grand Lodge, received Grand Master Endara of the Grand Lodge of Panama and his Officers, who honored us with their presence as our special guests upon this important occasion, and proceeded to dedicate the Temple in due and ancient form. The Brethren of the Zone and particularly of the Pacific Side are indeed to be congratulated upon this beautiful edifice costing approximately 550,000, and I am happy to say, entirely paid for. The building is commodious, convenient, and splendidly located. The ceremony was largely attended. At the conclusion of the ceremony I presented the Joseph Warren medal to Bro. Mercer B. Huff of Canal Zone Lodge, in recognition of his unusually zealous and continuous service over a long period of years.

The following day Dr. Bates motored us over a fine cement road, built through a virgin jungle part of the way, to the Madden Dam, where we met the Designing Engineer, Bro. Randolph, and had a splendid opportunity to inspect this great Dam, recently erected at a cost of approximately five million dollars to provide an emergency supply of water to Gatun Lake in case of need. Jn the evening, at the Scottish Rite Temple in Balboa, we attended a joint meeting of Army, Darien, and Chagres Lodges and after being duly received witnessed the work of the third degree very creditably done, each Lodge taking a section of the degree, and at the conclusion of my remarks it was my happy privilege to present to Worshipful James E. Jacob, Deputy District Grand Master, the Henry Price Medal. Wor. Bro. Jacob is the second in command in our District Grand Lodge and for many years has been a faithful worker in all branches of Masonry in the Zone,—highly respected and beloved by the Brethren, always an efficient occupant of any Masonic position he may hold.

The next day Wor. Edward C. Blessing, District Senior Grand Warden, took us in charge and drove us seventy-five miles into the country to La Venta, on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, for lunch, passing through little Panamanian settlements made up of small thatch-roofed one-room houses where often eight or ten persons were living in the one room, the whole mode of living being about as primitive as one could imagine,— a very interesting trip largely through hilly and mountainous country, some of which was cultivated in bananas, oranges, and mangoes, but most of which was in its wild and natural state.

Early that evening, upon invitation of Pacific Chapter Order of DeMolay, Dr. Bates escorted us to the Scottish Rite Temple at Balboa where I addressed the boys briefly and presented on behalf of the Chapter a Representative DeMolay Badge to Chester Wine, the only boy in that Chapter to have attained that high honor in recent months. They were fine manly appearing boys, sons of our own members and I hope future Masonic Brothers. After a short visit with these boys, we motored to Pedro Miguel Temple and were received in Isthmian Lodge, presided over by Worshipful James A. Ross, and witnessed the working of the second degree.

Following the degree work I showed motion pictures of the Home and Hospital which I had taken with me and in which the Brethren were greatly interested, prevailing upon me to leave them there that they might be shown later at Ancon.

The next day, April 22nd, we were escorted by the ever faithful District Grand Master, Dr. Bates, and his Deputy, Wor. Bro. Jacob, by train to the Atlantic side and were quartered at the beautiful Hotel Washington, located directly on the waterfront, amidst tall coconut palms; and that evening were taken by auto about seven miles out to Gatun where we opened a Special Communication of Grand Lodge, were received by Worshipful Ramon Otto, Master of Sibert Lodge, and assisted by the same efficient corps of District Grand Lodge Officers who had officiated at Ancon, dedicated their Temple,— not as large as the one at Ancon but entirely adequate for the purposes of the Brethren in this smaller community, and very neat and convenient in its appointments.

Bright and early the next morning, Worshipful Brother Otto and his officers of Sibert Lodge called tor us and motored us to Gatun, where with a party of about fifty members of Sibert Lodge and their ladies, we boarded a special train to the Chagres River where a Government launch was in waiting to take us for a delightful trip eight or nine miles down the river to the ocean. We landed at a small pier and literally "walked the plank" a considerable distance through canes twenty feet tall to high land and up a steep hill to Fort San Lorenzo, where we viewed the remains of this historic old fort built about 1600 and captured and partially destroyed by Morgan in 1671. After a bountiful picnic repast at the fort we returned by boat and train to the spillway at Gatun Locks. There we were accorded the great courtesy of having one of the gates of the spillway opened for our benefit, allowing floods of water to rush from Gatun Lake into the Chagres River and reminding us of Niagara Falls.

We were returned to our hotel late in the afternoon, happy that it had been our privilege to enjoy this unique and interesting experience and deeply appreciative of the kindness of our Brethren of Sibert Lodge and their ladies in arranging it.

At 6:00 p.m., Worshipful Ernest Cotton called for us and took us to the splendid air-conditioned Temple of Sojourners Lodge, where we were entertained at dinner. Following the banquet we witnessed the working of the third degree by Worshipful Clarence L. Johnston and his officers in splendid form, with the second largest attendance in the twenty-five year history of this, our oldest Lodge in the Canal Zone, the largest attendance being on the occasion of President Harding's visit to the Lodge some years ago. At the conclusion of my remarks I presented the Joseph Warren Medal to Brother Charles Cotton, father of the present Secretary, who, aside from his many years of faithful service as Secretary of the Lodge, is largely responsible for the splendid financial condition of the Lodge today. This Lodge occupies the unique position of controlling the only privately owned piece of real estate on the Canal Zone, on which their Temple is located. The first and second floors are devoted to business offices, the third floor to Lodge purposes, and the fourth floor is fitted up with several sleeping apartments, shower baths, and splendid accommodations for the convenience of visitors; and situated as it is at the cross-roads of the world many Brethren from foreign jurisdictions are happy to avail themselves of these unusual facilities.

The following morning we had the rare privilege, through the courtesy of Brother John G. Claybourn, Superintendent of the Dredging Division, of enjoying a thirty-one mile ride through Gatun Lake on the Governor's launch, from Gatun to Pedro Miguel. Brother Claybourn has been in charge of this work for many years and gave us a very graphic description of the Canal and of the problems, including slides, in connection with its maintenance and operation.

At Pedro Miguel we were met by Wor. Bro. Blessing and motored back to the Pacific side, and that afternoon attended a special meeting of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Panama, called for the purpose of receiving me. In the absence of Sovereign Grand Commander Andreve on a visit to California, I was cordially received by his Deputy, Brother Victoriano Endara, and brought to them the felicitations of our own Sovereign Grand Commander, Most Worshipful Melvin M. Johnson, and his personal regards to Sovereign Grand Commander Andreve, with whom he has enjoyed a close friendship for many years.

In the evening, accompanied by Wor. Bro. Stevens and all of the District Grand Lodge Officers, we paid a fraternal visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama, where Grand Master Endara extended a most cordial welcome and where a fine program of speaking and music followed by a banquet was enjoyed by all present. Our Brethren in Panama expressed their happiness at the cordial relations that have so long existed between their Grand Lodge and ours, in which I most heartily concurred, and the ceremonies of the evening were concluded by a presentation of the Henry Price Medal to Most Worshipful Brother Endara.

Sunday, April 24th, we were entertained at noon at the American Embassy in Panama by the American Minister, Brother Summerlin, and in the evening were the guests of Worshipful Dr. William M. James and Mrs. James at the Union Club, Panama City, at which several of the District Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies were present. We dined and danced in the open on a large terrace extending to the water's edge on a perfect tropical night, with a full moon and a refreshing breeze; a most delightful evening.

The next morning, April 26th, we again left the Pacific side for Cristobal, where we were met by Worshipful Ernest Cotton, and through the courtesy of Major Roland T. Fenton, a member of my own Lodge, who is now located at Fort Randolph, we were taken to the Naval Base and enjoyed the privilege of a visit through a submarine and a trip by water through the abandoned French canal. That evening a farewell banquet was tendered us by Worshipful Brother Johnston and the officers of Sojourners Lodge at the Hotel Washington, attended by many of the Brethren and their ladies, including the District Grand Lodge Officers. It was a most enjoyable occasion,with farewell speeches and parting gifts which well might have been considered a perfect climax to eleven interesting days and evenings with our Brethren of the Zone, hut the Brethren of Sojourners Lodge continued to look out for and entertain us with sightseeing and a luncheon at the Strangers Club up to the very minute when our ship sailed at three o'clock in the afternoon the next day.

During our entire visit our District Grand Master, Dr. Bates, and his Deputy, Brother Jacob, had taken time off as a part of their vacations in order that they might devote every moment to our entertainment and happiness while there, and we left the Zone with a feeling that in the art of hospitality they were one hundred per cent efficient. The memory of this visit, the happy renewal of a few old acquaintances and the making of many new, will always be a pleasant memory of our visit to our Brethren in the Zone, where Masonry is at all times practiced on the highest plane anil in strict conformity with our best Masonic traditions and usages.

I cannot conclude this report without expressing my appreciation of the gracious hospitality extended to Mrs. Allen by the wives of the Lodge officers who entertained her every evening when Worshipful Brother Stevens and I were busy at Masonic meetings.

We hail been at sea but a short time on our return voyage when we discovered that Right Worshipful Myron L. Keith, Past Deputy Grand Master, and Mrs. Keith were on board returning from Honolulu, and during the voyage back we greatly enjoyed their companionship. The next day we also met on board Brother William Chisholm, Junior Warden of Philanthropic Lodge of Marblehead, who was accompanied by his wife, and who was returning from a visit to the Pacific Coast.

The following morning we docked at Cartagena and again the Grand Master, M. W. Brother Granados, and M. W. Brother Delgado, Past Grand Master, greeted us and escorted us through the city, this time driving us by automobile to the top of the ancient wall, forty feet thick, that was built centuries ago for the protection of the city, and upon the top of which we drove for a considerable distance. We also had the pleasure of visiting the home of M. W. Bro. Delgado. These Brethren stayed with us until our ship sailed that noon, arriving at Puerto Colombia about six p.m., but owing to the delay of other ships in leaving the docks, we were unable to dock until so late at night that again we were disappointed at not being able to visit Barranquilla. However, the Grand Master from Barranquilla had sent a representative on board to extend his greetings and we enjoyed a pleasant visit with him during the evening. We were unable to leave Puerto Colombia until early the next morning, due to the delay in docking and to the fact that it took practically all night to load the large cargo of coffee awaiting shipment. As we left the harbor we encountered a heavy blow and rough seas, which smoothed down around noon, and we enjoyed a restful afternoon on deck with sunny skies and balmy air.

The next morning, on invitation of Captain Adler, who is a Mason, we were invited to the bridge and given an opportunity to sail the ship and inspect the Captain's quarters. This was another delightful day in the Caribbean Sea and the next morning, May 1st, the Island of Cuba hove in sight on our starboard bow and after about six hours sail along the coast, we passed the ancient Morro Castle at the entrance to Havana harbor and proceeded up the narrow channel past beautiful boulevards and a well-kept waterfront to the inner harbor, where we docked about two p.m. May 1st in Havana is Labor Pay, a day when all members of the military and police forces are required to be on duty, which made it impossible for the Grand Master, who is a Colonel in the Army, to meet us personally. Not being able to be with us in person, the Grand Master appointed a commission consisting of three Brethren of his Grand Lodge, all of whom spoke excellent English, who met us at the dock and presented copies of their commission, which declared the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts to be the guest of honor of Cuban Masonry, and directed the commissioners to extend every courtesy during our stay in Havana. These Brethren were Arnesto N. Rodriguez, Chairman; Luis Reinhardt, and Jaime de Sola. Through their official positions in the Government, we were able to inspect the magnificent twenty million dollar capitol building, in which sixty-five different kinds of marble were used in its interior finish, which was closed to the general public on that day, and after a visit to the Scottish Rite Temple enjoyed a delightful sight-seeing tour through the city and out into the country to the farm of Brother Rodriguez, the ride being through groves of tropical palms. "I'his farm, completely stocked with many kinds of animals and with bananas, limes, mangoes, papaya, and other fruits growing in profusion we found very delightful. Returning to the city in the late afternoon, we were entertained at the winter home of Brother Rodriguez on the water front and at dinner in a nearby open air cafe, as guests of the Grand Master of Cuba. These Brethren remained with us until our boat sailed at midnight. Brother Reinhardt through his active membership in the Supreme Council and his frequent visits to the United States, had a broad acquaintance with many of our Brethren in the states, including our own Sovereign Grand Commander, Dr. Melvin M. Johnson. We were greatly interested to learn the extent of the charitable work carried on by these Brethren, particularly the furnishing of shoes, medical and dental attention, lunches, etc., to needy school children. Brother Rodriguez is particularly active in this work ami his keen interest and enthusiasm in it is worthy of special mention.

The next morning we began to experience a little cooler weather and ran into a heavy gale and a rough sea which necessitated the abandonment of the deck chairs and all deck sports, and furnished an excellent opportunity to make up a few hours of the sleep lost during our visit on the Zone. The second day out of Havana was still rough and much cooler, our linen clothing was discarded for heavier suits and as the day wore on overcoats became necessary. At 8:00 p.m. we passed Cape Hatteras and almost immediately ran into smoother water, which stayed with us until we reached New York the next afternoon at 5:00 p.m., about nine hours behind our schedule.

On arriving at our hotel I was greatly surprised and pleased to receive a bundle containing over fifty "Welcome Home" letters, cards, and telegrams from the Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Masters, and other Grand Lodge Officers. Upon my return home I made a little investigation and found that the evidence pointed conclusively to the fact that Right Worshipful Ralph Lowe, Jr., Deputy Grand Master, always thoughtful of the pleasure of others, was the instigator. To each of them I express my appreciation and thanks, and to R. W. Brother Lowe I am deeply indebted for his consideration, and faithful and efficient performance of the duties of Grand Master during our absence.

REPORT, APRIL 1937

From New England Craftsman, Vol. XXXII, No. 8, April 1937, Page 160:

GRAND MASTER ALLEN VISITS THE CANAL ZONE

Grand Master Allen of Massachusetts left Boston Sunday morning, April 4, for Charleston, South Carolina, accompanied by Mrs. Allen and M. W. Arthur D. Prince, Bast Grand Master, for the purpose of participating in the ceremonies connected with the celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. He left there Thursday, April 8. arriving in New York, Friday, the 9th; M. W. Brother Prince returning to Boston. The Grand Master and Mrs. Allen were then joined by Worshipful Henry \V. Stevens, Grand Sword Bearer, and sailed from New York on the Steamship Santa Flona of the Grace Line Saturday noon for the Cana Zone, witli a day en route at Porto Columbia and another at Cartagena, where there were conferences with our South American brethren.

Arriving at Balboa, April Kith. Most Worshipful Brother Allen was engaged with a continuous round of Masonic activities, including the dedication of two new Masonic Temples there, until April 27th, He sailed for home with a one-day stop in Havana, where the Grand Lodge of Cuba received and entertained the party.

Arriving in New York on the morning of May 4th, he will be just in time to attend the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of that state, arriving home in Boston in time to attend a 25th anniversary of Dorchester Lodge on the night of May 6th.

The schedule at Panama was as follows:

Saturday, April 17, 8:30 p. m. Reception and Ball at the Ancon Masonic Temple given by the District Grand Lodges and Masons in the Canal Zone Masonic District. Monday. April 19, 8:00 p. in. Dedication of the Ancon Masonic Temple. Tuesday, April 20, 8:00 p. m. Army. Darien. and Chagres Lodges at the Scottish Rite Temple, Balboa. Master Mason Degree, Wednesday, April 21, 8:00 p. m. Isthmian Lodge at Pedro Miguel Lodge Hall Fellow Craft Degree. Thursday. April 22, 8:00 p. m. Dedication of the Gatun Masonic Temple. Friday, April 23, 8:00 p. m. Sojourners Lodge—Master Mason Degree. Saturday, April 21, 8:30 p. m. Fraternal visit to M. W. Grand Lodge of Panama.


GRAND MASTER JOSEPH EARL PERRY, 1939

CanalZone_011239.jpg
Canal Zone visit, January 1939
From the collection of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
Front Row: Wor. Cleveland A. Schecker; Wor. H. Mortimer Lockwood; Wor. Wallace B. Ames; Wor. William M. James; R. W. Lewis B. Bates; M. W. Joseph Earl Perry; Wor. James H. Jacob; Wor. Arthur J. Barker; R. W. Earl W. Taylor; Wor. Walter H. Sims
Rear Rows: Wor. Simon P. Williams, Bro. Milton S. Treadwall, Wor. Eugene Provost, Jr., Wor. Floyd E. Malone, Wor. Earl R. Baltozer, Wor. Clare L. Comins, Wor. Henry W. Gerrans, Wor. Charles P. Campbell, Wor. Lawrence Getz, Wor. Arthur M. Vaney, Wor. Thomas G. Sullivan, Bro. John R. McLevy, Bro. Robert L. Davis, Bro. Mack F. Bailey, Wor. John R. Keenan, Wor. C. Norman Little.

GMVisit1939.jpg
At Masonic Temple 01/13/1939:
Grand Master David C. Robles of Panama; Grand Master Perry; District Grand Master Lewis B. Bates

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/12: 1939-1. Balboa, Canal Zone. Reception for the Grand Lodge of Panama and official visits.
    • 1939-2: Official reception of the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1939-3: Degree work by Army, Darien and Chagres Lodges.
    • 1939-3: "Appropriate addresses" by Grand Master Perry and Grand Master Robles of Panama.
  • 01/14: 1939-4. Panama City, Panama. Reception by the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1939-5: Grand Lodge opened and proceeded under escort to the lodge-room, where Most Wor. David C. Robles, Grand Master, received the Grand Master and his officers.
    • 1939-6: Address by Wor. German Arroyo, Grand Orator of Panama, and Grand Master Perry (both reproduced in full).

GRAND MASTER ROGER KEITH, 1949


GRAND MASTER THOMAS S. ROY, 1952

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/13: 1952-71. Margarita, Canal Zone. Laying of the cornerstone of the Margarita Union Church.
    • 1952-72: Grand Lodge opened at the gymnasium in Margarita and received deputations from the Grand Lodges of Costa Rica and Panama. A procession was formed by all of the Lodges in the Canal Zone - Army, Canal Zone, Chagres, Darien, Isthmian, Sibert and Sojourners, as well as York Rite bodies and other Lodges and Grand Lodges.
    • 1952-73: Cornerstone laid in due and ancient form, with the Grand Master "delivering an impressive address on the first three Landmarks, as taken from Proverbs, Chapter 22, Verse 28."
    • 1952-73: Contents of corner-stone box.
    • 1952-74: Presentation of Henry Price Medal to the Grand Masters of Panama and Costa Rica.

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Official District Grand Lodge Program for Grand Master Roy's Visit


GRAND MASTER WHITFIELD W. JOHNSON, 1956

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/16: 1956-1; Balboa, CZ. Visit to Army, Darien and Chagres Lodges in joint communication.
    • 1956-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Ray D. Wilson, Jr., Master of Darien Lodge.
    • 1956-2: Presentation of Entered Apprentice degree by the Lodges.
    • 1956-2: Remarks by the Grand Master.
  • 01/17: 1956-4; Balboa, CZ. Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1956-5: Opening of Grand Lodge.
    • 1956-5: Reception of the Grand Master by Most Wor. Rogelio Mario Teran, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1956-5: An "eloquent oration" by Wor. Vicente Avendano, Grand Lecturer of Panama; reply by the Grand Master.
  • 01/18: 1956-6; Ancon, CZ. Visit to Canal Zone and Isthmian Lodges in joint communication.
    • 1956-7: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Harry F. Shannon, Master of Isthmian Lodge.
    • 1956-7: Presentation of Fellow Craft degree by the Lodges.
    • 1956-7: Remarks by the Grand Master, and by other Brothers.
  • 01/20: 1956-8; Cristobal, CZ. Visit to Sibert and Sojourners Lodges in joint communication.
    • 1956-9: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. William A. Hadarits, Master of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1956-9: Presentation of Master Mason degree by the Lodges.
    • 1956-9: Remarks by the Grand Master, and by other Brothers. The Grand Master's Address is reproduced in full beginning on Page 1956-10.

GRAND MASTER ANDREW G. JENKINS, 1958

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/01: 1958-1; Ancon, Canal Zone; official visit to lodges in the Canal Zone District.
    • 1958-2: Grand Lodge opened amd was received by the Masters of Canal Zone and Isthmian Lodges; his remarks; presentation of commission to Rt. Wor. George P. Fullman as District Grand Master, and the Henry Price Medal to Wor. Bruce G. Sanders, Sr.
    • 1958-3: Degree work.
    • 1958-4: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/28: 1958-5; Balboa, Canal Zone; official visit to lodges in the Canal Zone District.
    • 1958-6: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Masters of Army, Chagres and Darien Lodges.
    • 1958-7: Degree work, with each of the lodges performing one section of the Third Degree.
    • 1958-7: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/29: 1958-9; Cristobal, Canal Zone; official visit to lodges in the Canal Zone District.
    • 1958-10: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Masters of Sibert and Sojourners Lodges.
    • 1958-10: Degree work, with each of the lodges performing one section of the Second Degree.
    • 1958-11: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/31: 1958-12; Balboa, Canal Zone; fraternal visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1958-13: Opening of Grand Lodge; travel to Panama City.
    • 1958-14: Grand Master escorted into Lodge Room by a committee of Past Grand Masters, where he was received by the Deputy Grand Master Rt. Wor. Buenaventura Paolillo (the Grand Master being confined to his home due to illness.)
    • 1958-14: Moment of silence for Most Wor. Melvin M. Johnson.
    • 1958-14: Message from Most Wor. Socrates Rois Mendes, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1958-15: Address by Wor. Dr. Vicente Avendaño; translation provided.
    • 1958-17: Remarks of other brothers

GRAND MASTER LAURENCE E. EATON, 1962

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/20: 1962-3; Cristobal, Canal Zone. Fiftieth anniversary of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1962-3: Prior to opening, a banquet was served in the Sky Room of the Temple, attended by more than three hundred Masons and their ladies.
    • 1962-4: Grand Lodge was opened and was received by Wor. Badger J. Chandler, Master of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1962-4: Remarks by Wor. William R. Dixon, District Grand Marshal, on Freemasonry's dependence on the Holy Bible, and presented a new Volume of the Sacred Law.
    • 1962-5: Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers.
    • 1962-6ff: History of Sojourners Lodge, by Wor. John H. Leach; address on Atlantic-side Masonry, by Wor. Curtis H. George. Historical Notes regarding Sojourners Lodge-Room.
  • 01/21: 1962-18; Balboa, Canal Zone. Fraternal visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1962-18: Opening of Grand Lodge and travel by chartered bus to Panama City and was received by the Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1962-19: Presentation of Henry Price Medals to the Grand Master of Panama, Most Wor. Ricardo Garcia, and Past Grand Master Buenaventura Paolillo.
    • 1962-19: Remarks by the Grand Master of Panama and many other Brothers.
    • 1962-21ff: Greetings of Salutations by Wor. Vicente Avendano (translated); Address of Welcome by Wor. Leo Cardona (translated).
  • 01/24: 1962-24; Ancon, Canal Zone. Fiftieth Anniversary of Canal Zone Lodge.
    • 1962-25: Grand Lodge was opened and was received by Wor. Elmer Kanz, Master of Canal Zone Lodge.
    • 1962-25: Installation of District Grand Lodge Officers.
    • 1962-25: Procession by chartered bus to Fort Amador, where the ceremonies took place at the Officers' Open Mess.
    • 1962-26: Remarks by the Grand Master and numerous other Brothers.
    • 1962-27ff: History of Canal Zone Lodge, by Wor. Bruce G. Sanders, Jr.

ITINERARY

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Official District Grand Lodge Program for Grand Master Eaton's Visit

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Detailed Description of the Grand Master's Itinerary


GRAND MASTER A. NEILL OSGOOD, 1965

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/24: 1965-5; Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1965-6: Grand Lodge opened and proceeded by chartered bus to the Masonic Temple in Panama City, where it was received by Most Wor. José A. Villareal, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1965-6: Comments by the Grand Master of Panama and Grand Master Osgood. Remarks by other Brothers.
    • 1965-9: Greetings of Salutation by Most Wor. José A. Villareal.
  • 01/26: 1965-12; Balboa, Canal Zone. 50th Anniversary of Army Lodge.
    • 1965-12: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Richard H. Kinsey, Master of Army Lodge.
    • 1965-13: Remarks by the Grand Master.
    • 1965-13: The Grand Lodge and its audience removed to Albrook Officers Club for dinner.
    • 1965-14: Anniversary exercises. Introduction of officers and guests; telegrams of greeting. Presentation to the Grand Master of the gavel used at the first meeting of the Lodge in 1915, made from wood from a building destroyed in 1912 at the Battle of Vera Cruz.
    • 1965-17: Address by the Grand Master. Address by Wor. Richard H. Kinsey, Master.
    • 1965-22: History of Army Lodge, by Wor. Richard H. Kinsey.
  • 01/27: 1965-27; Gatun, Canal Zone. Visit to Sojourners and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1965-28: Grand Lodge was opened and received by the Brethren of the two Lodges.
    • 1965-28: Presentation of the Fellow Craft Degree.
    • 1965-28: Remarks by the Grand Master, described in detail.
  • 01/28: 1965-32; Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to Canal Zone, Darien, Isthmian and Chagres Lodges.
    • 1965-33: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Brethren of the four Lodges.
    • 1965-33: Presentation of the Entered Apprentice Degree.

GRAND MASTER THOMAS A. BOOTH, 1967

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/24: 1967-1; Balboa, Canal Zone. 50th Anniversary of Darien Lodge.
    • 1967-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Henry K. Johnstone, Master of Darien Lodge.
    • 1967-2: Conferral of Entered Apprentice Degree.
    • 1967-3: Introduction of Past Masters. Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers, including the Deputy Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1967-5: Remarks by Grand Master Booth.
    • 1967-6ff: History of Darien Lodge, by Wor. Ernest C. Van Horn.
  • 01/25: 1967-18; Cristobal, Canal Zone. Visit to Army, Canal Zone, Chagres, Sibert and Sojourners Lodges.
    • 1967-19: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. William J.E. Quigley, Master of Sojourners Lodge, on behalf of the various Lodges.
    • 1967-20: Conferral of Entered Apprentice Degree.
    • 1967-20: Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers.
  • 01/27: 1967-22; Ancon, Canal Zone. 50th Anniversary of Isthmian Lodge.
    • 1967-23: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Frederick R. Call, Master of Isthmian Lodge.
    • 1967-23: Conferral of Fellow Craft Degree.
    • 1967-24: Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers. Introduction of Past Masters.
    • 1967-26: History of Isthmian Lodge, by Wor. William F. Young.
  • 01/28: 1967-31; Balboa, Canal Zone. 50th Anniversary of District Grand Lodge of the Canal Zone.
    • 1967-32: Reception of Grand Lodge and of the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1967-32: Quarterly Communication of the District Grand Lodge and installation of officers.
    • 1967-32: Address by the Grand Master of Panama, Most Wor. José A. Villareal, reproduced in full.
    • 1967-34: Presentation of a Henry Price Medal to Rt. Wor. Norman B. Davison (District Grand Master), and Distinguished Service Medals to Wor. William R Dixon and Wor. Ray D. Wilson.
    • 1967-35ff: History of the District Grand Lodge of the Canal Zone, by Rt. Wor. Norman B. Davison. An account of visitations by Grand Masters begins on Page 1967-41.
  • 01/29: 1967-54; Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1967-55: Grand Lodge was opened and visitors were welcomed.
    • 1967-55: Remarks by Most Wor. Robert A. Hockstad, Grand Master of Michigan, who addressed the Brethren "and presented membership cards to Most Worshipful Brother Booth and Right Worshipful Brother Davison for the Atlantic Lodge, under dispensation, formed on their cruise ship."
    • 1967-56: Remarks by Most Em. Grand Master of Grand Encampment Wilber M. Brucker.
    • 1967-56: Grand Lodge recessed for a bus trip to Panama City.
    • 1967-56: Reception by the Grand Lodge of Panama. Remarks by various Brothers.
    • 1967-59: Remarks by the Grand Master of Panama, Most Wor. José A. Villareal, reproduced in full.

GRAND MASTER HERBERT H. JAYNES, 1971

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/18: 1971-4. Balboa, Canal Zone. 50th Anniversary of Chagres Lodge.
    • 1971-5: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Clinton A. Murphy, Master of Chagres Lodge.
    • 1971-5: Reception of officers of the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1971-5: Master Mason degree.
    • 1971-6: Address by the Grand Master and presentations.
    • 1971-8ff: History of Chagres Lodge, by Wor. Thomas C. Peterson.
  • 01/20: 1971-19. Gatun, Canal Zone. Visit to Sojourners and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1971-20: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Jerry L. Ranson and Wor. Donald C. Denis, Masters of the two Lodges.
    • 1971-20: Address and remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers.
  • 01/21: 1971-22. Ancon, Canal Zone. Visit to Canal Zone, Army, Isthmian and Darien Lodges.
    • 1971-23: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Brethren of the lodges.
    • 1971-23: Entered Apprentice Degree work.
    • 1971-24: Address by the Grand Master. Remarks by other Brothers.
  • 01/24: 1971-26. Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1971-27: Grand Lodge opened and recessed, proceeding to Panama City to be received by the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1971-27: Reception by Most Wor. William Svab, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1971-28: Addresses, remarks and presentations.

GRAND MASTER DONALD W. VOSE, 1973

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/23: 1973-1. Balboa, CZ. Visit to Canal Zone, Army, Isthmian, Chagres, and Darien Lodges.
    • 1973-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Masters of the various Lodges.
    • 1973-3: Introduction of guests including the Deputy Grand Master of Panama and his suite.
    • 1973-3: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/24: 1973-6. Cristobal, CZ. Visit to Sojourners and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1973-7: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Masters of the two Lodges.
    • 1973-8: Presentation of an Entered Apprentice degree.
    • 1973-8: Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brethren. Presentations.

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M. W. Donald Vose receiving a gavel presented to Sojourners' Lodge
sixty years earlier

  • 01/28: 1973-10. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1973-11: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1973-12: Addresses by the Grand Master and other Brethren.
    • 1973-15: Moment of silence in the memory of various deceased Brothers, including former Presidents Truman and Johnson.

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M. W. Donald Vose and M. W. Alfonzo Tarazi, Grand Master of Panama


GRAND MASTER STANLEY F. MAXWELL, 1976

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/20: 1976-8; Visit to Canal Zone, Army, Isthmian, Darien, and Chagres Lodges in Balboa, CZ.
    • 1976-8: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Brethren of all five Lodges, led by Wor. Guy U. Hall of Canal Zone Loge.
    • 1976-9: Master Mason Degree.
    • 1976-9: Remarks by Most Wor. Walter C. Watson, Grand Master of Panama, and by Grand Master Maxwell.
  • 01/21: 1976-11; Visit to Sojourners and Sibert Lodges in Cristobal, CZ.
    • 1976-11: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Masters of Sibert and Sojourners Lodges, Wor. Cullin D. Tomlinson and Wor. Michael A. Ross.
    • 1976-12: Fellow Craft Degree.
    • 1976-12: Remarks by the Grand Master.
  • 01/25: 1976-13; Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1976-14: Grand Lodge opened and then journeyed to the Panama Masonic Temple, where they were received by the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1976-15: Remarks by Grand Master Walter C. Watson and presentation of gifts.
    • 1976-16: Remarks by Grand Master Maxwell, and presentation of the Henry Price Medal to Most Wor. Bro. Watson and Past Grand Master Most Wor. Marco Sucre Calvo.

GRAND MASTER ARTHUR H. MELANSON, 1979

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/23: 1979-1; Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to Army, Canal Zone Isthmian, Chagres, Darien, Sibert and Sojourners Lodges.
    • 1979-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the six lodges, with the Wor. Eric P. Castleton, Master of Army Lodge, presiding.
    • 1979-2: Entered Apprentice degree conferred by members of the various lodges.
    • 1979-2: Address by the Grand Master (The Direction the Lodges Are Taking) and by Most Wor. Moises Abadi, Grand Master of Panama.
  • 01/27: 1979-4; Balboa, Canal Zone. Installation of District Grand Lodge officers for the Canal Zone.
    • 1979-4: Grand Lodge opened and was received into the District Grand Lodge by the District Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Thomas C. Peterson.
    • 1979-5: Reception of the Grand Master of Panama, Most Wor. Moises S. Abadi, and his suite.
    • 1979-5: Business, followed by the installation of officers for the District Grand Lodge.
    • 1979-6: Address by the Grand Master. Presentations.
  • 01/28: 1979-8; Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1979-9: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Most Wor. Moises S. Abadi, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1979-9: Remarks and presentations by the Grand Master, including a Henry Price Medal to the Grand Maser of Panama.

GRAND MASTER J. PHILIP BERQUIST, 1982

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/18: 1982-1; Visit to Panama District Lodges of Instruction.
    • 1982-1: Grand Lodge opened at the Scottish Rite Temple in Balboa, and was received by Wor. Ralph O. Sheppard.
    • 1982-2: Installation of officers. Presentation of candidates.
    • 1982-2: Remarks by the Grand Master on the 250th Anniversary of the Grand Lodge.
  • 01/19: 1982-3; Visit to Sojourners, Canal Zone Isthmian, Army, Darien, Sibert, and Chagres Lodges.
    • 1982-4: Grand Lodge opened at the Scottish Rite Temple in Balboa, and was received by the Brethren of the various Lodges.
    • 1982-4: Conferral of the Fellow Craft degree on two candidates. Moment of silence for a brother who was killed in an automobile accident in Boston.
    • 1982-4: Address by the Grand Master. Presentations.
  • 01/22: 1982-6; Visit to District Grand Lodge at the Panama Canal.
    • 1982-6: Grand Lodge opened at the Scottish Rite Temple in Balboa, and was received by Rt. Wor. W. Eugene Bondurant, District Grand Master.
    • 1982-7: Installation of officers of the District Grand Lodge.
    • 1982-7: Presentations and remarks.
  • 01/24: 1982-9; Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1982-9: Grand Lodge opened and journeyed to the Masonic Temple in Panama City.
    • 1982-10: The Grand Master was received by Most Wor. Enrique Escala, Grand Master of Panama, whom he decorated with the Henry Price Medal. Gifts and other presentations.

GRAND MASTER DAVID B. RICHARDSON, 1985

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/22: 1985-1. Balboa, Canal Zone. Joint visit to Sojourners, Ancon, Balboa and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1985-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Eric S. Wilson, Master of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1985-2: Fellow Craft degree.
    • 1985-2: Address by the Grand Master; remarks by other Brothers.
  • 01/25: 1985-3. Balboa, Canal Zone. Installation of District Grand Officers for the Canal Zone District.
    • 1985-3: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Rt. Wor. John J. Dorsa, District Grand Master.
    • 1985-4: Quarterly Communication of the District Grand Lodge.
    • 1985-4: Installation of Officers. Presentations.
    • 1985-5: Remarks by the Grand Master, reproduced in full.
  • 01/27: 1985-7. Balboa, Canal Zone. Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1985-7: Grand Lodge opened and after recess journeyed to the Panama Masonic Temple, where Most Wor. Moises A. Abadi, Grand Master, received them.
    • 1985-8: Presentations.
    • 1985-9: Address by the Grand Master, reproduced in full.

GRAND MASTER ALBERT T. AMES, 1988

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/17: 1988-1. Balboa, Panama. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1988-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by the Grand Master of Panama, Most Wor. Rodolfo Endara.
    • 1988-2: Installation of officers of Grand Lodge of Panama by the Grand Master and his officers.
    • 1988-3: Remarks and presentations.
  • 01/18: 1988-5. Balboa, Panama. Visit to the Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1988-6: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Robert U. Schultz, Master of the Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1988-6: Lodge of Instruction meeting, followed by remarks by the rand Master.
  • 01/19: 1988-7. Balboa, Panama. Visit to Sojourners, Ancon, Balboa and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1988-7: Grand Lodge opened at the Scottish Rite Temple and was received by Wor. George F. Klein, Master of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 1988-8: Master Mason Degree.
    • 1988-8: Presentation of a Joseph Warren Medal to Wor. Warren K. Gerhart. Remarks.
  • 01/23: 1988-9. Balboa, Panama. Installation of District Grand Lodge of Panama Canal.
    • 1988-9: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Rt. Wor. Charles R. Lavalee, District Grand Master.
    • 1988-10: Installation of officers. Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers.

GRAND MASTER EDGAR W. DARLING, 1991

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/20: 1991-1. Balboa. Visit to Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1991-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Most Wor. Alberto Lalo S., Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1991-3: Installation of officers of the Grand Lodge of Panama by Grand Master Darling.
    • 1991-3: Remarks and presentations.
  • 01/21: 1991-5. Balboa. Visit to Panama Canal Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1991-6: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Charles S. Barthlow, Master of the Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1991-6: Instruction and Officer's Forum.
    • 1991-7: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/22: 1991-8. Balboa. Joint visit to Sojourners, Ancon, Balboa and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1991-9: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Eric S. D. Wilson, Master of Sojourners Lodge, on behalf of the four lodges meeting in joint session.
    • 1991-9: Fellowcraft Degree.
    • 1991-10: Address by the Grand Master. Presentations.
  • 01/26: 1991-11. Balboa. Visit to District Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1991-12: Grand Lodge opened and was received by District Grand Master Donald P. Garrido.
    • 1991-12: Note on Grand Marshal Erwin D. Hill, Sr., who had suffered a heart attack. He would die shortly afterward; see memorial above.
    • 1991-12: Quarterly meeting of the District Grand Lodge.
    • 1991-13: Installation of officers.
    • 1991-14: Address by the Grand Master. Remarks by other Brothers.

GRAND MASTER DAVID W. LOVERING, 1994

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/16: 1994-1. Balboa. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1994-2: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Most Wor. Camilo A. Alleyne, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1994-2: Installation of officers of the Grand Lodge of Panama by Grand Master Lovering.
    • 1994-2: Remarks and presentations.
  • 01/17: 1994-4. Balboa. Visit to the Panama Canal Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1994-4: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Gilberto Marrero-Camacho, Master of the Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1994-5: Instruction and Officer's Forum.
    • 1994-5: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/20: 1994-6. Balboa. Joint visit to Sojourners, Ancon, Balboa and Sibert Lodges.
    • 1994-6: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Eric S. D. Wilson, Master of Sojourners Lodge, on behalf of the four lodges meeting in joint session.
    • 1994-7: Entered Apprentice Degree.
    • 1994-8: Address by the Grand Master. Presentations.


GRAND MASTER ARTHUR E. JOHNSON, 1997

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/25: 1997-1. Balboa. Visit to the District Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 1997-2: Grand Lodge opened and was welcomed by Rt. Wor. James E. Cook, District Grand Master.
    • 1997-2: Quarterly comunication and Installation. Reception of Most Wor. Felipe Ariel Rodriguez, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 1997-3: Presentations.
  • 01/27: 1997-5. Balboa. Visit to District of Panama Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1997-5: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. Christopher L.E. Glasscock, Master of the Lodge of Instruction.
    • 1997-6: Officer's Forum and discussion.
    • 1997-6: Address by the Grand Master.
  • 01/30: 1997-9. Balboa. District Table Lodge.
    • 1997-9: Grand Lodge opened at the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, where the Lodges of the district were assembled. Welcome by Rt. Wor. James E. Cook, District Grand Master.
    • 1997-10: Dinner and presentations.

GRAND MASTER FRED K. BAUER, 2000

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/22: 2000-11. Vista Hermosa, Panama. Visit to District Grand Lodge and Hall Dedication.
    • 2000-12: Grand Lodge opened and received Most Wor. Dennis Allen-Frias, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 2000-12: Installation of District Grand Lodge officers.
    • 2000-12: Presentations, including a Henry Price Medal to District Grand Master Jack R. Tutzauer.
    • 2000-13: Dedication of the District Grand Lodge Masonic Hall.
  • 01/24: 2000-15. Vista Hermosa, Panama. Joint visit to Sojourners, Ancon and Gatun Lodges.
    • 2000-15: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Wor. George F. Klein, Master of Sojourners Lodge.
    • 2000-16: Fellow Craft degree.
    • 2000-16: Remarks by the Grand Master and other Brothers.
  • 01/26: 2000-17. Panama City, Panama. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 2000-18: Reception of Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 2000-18: Remarks by the Grand Master of Panama, Grand Master Bauer, and other Brothes.

GRAND MASTER DONALD G. HICKS, JR., 2003

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/25: 2003-1; Vista Hermosa, Panama. Visit to the District Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 2003-2: Grand Lodge opened at St. Andrew's Lodge #1140 and was received by Rt. Wor. Henry E. Smith, Jr., District Grand Master.
    • 2003-2: Installation of District Grand Lodge officers.
    • 2003-3: Presentations.
  • 01/29: 2003-5; Panama City, Panama. Visit to the Grand Lodge of Panama.
    • 2003-6: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Most Wor. Enrique Lau, Grand Master of Panama.
    • 2003-6: Presentations, including a Henry Price Medal for Most Wor. Lau.

GRAND MASTER JEFFREY B. HODGDON, 2006

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PANAMA

  • 01/21: 2006-11; Balboa, Panama. Visit to the District Grand Lodge.
    • 2006-12: Grand Lodge opened and was received by Rt. Wor. Victor D. Cruz, District Grand Master.
    • 2006-12: Installation of District officers.
    • 2006-12: Dedication of the new Lodge room "in the traditional Masonic manner."
    • 2006-12: Presentations. Address by the Grand Master.

GRAND MASTER ROGER W. PAGEAU, 2009


GRAND MASTER RICHARD J. STEWART, 2011

GRAND MASTER HARVEY WAUGH, 2014

GRAND MASTER PAUL F. GLEASON, 2017

GRAND MASTER GEORGE F. HAMILTON, 2023


Massachusetts Years