M.W. ERNEST J. BROWN

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Spokane, Washington

July 11, 1949 A. L. 5949

R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Grand Officers and Brethren of this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Jurisdiction

Greeting:

Another year in the existence of our lives and in that of our Masonic Jurisdiction, has passed into eternity since last we met  in an annual Grand Lodge communication. Many changes have occurred in our lives and in that of the community in which we live.  The Creator has encompassed us with sublimity and sanctity and filled us  to overflowing with His wondrous love.

FRATERNAL RELATIONS

As in years past our fraternal relations with our sister Jurisdic­tions have indeed been most cordial. I have exchanged personal cor­respondence with several Grand Master and various grand officers of other Jurisdiction.

I have received numerous comments on the articles which are appearing in the Northwest Enterprise, under the heading "More About Masonry" by F. Benjamin Davis. The correspondence which I have received along this line has been favorable and in every com­munication the writer was impressed by the literary aspect of these articles.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

It is my pleasure to report to you that during the preceding  twelve month, not one complaint has been received by me from any Lodge or any member of the Jurisdiction.

Peace and harmony have been the watchwords of our Order and I hope and pray we shall continue in this fashion for many years to come.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Financial condition of our Jurisdiction is in A-1 shape.  We are entirely free of debt and the account of all departments shows a healthy increase.

The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer will inform you of the amount in each department when they render their reports.

OFFICIAL ACTS

I have made few visitation the past year. Owing to the sound condition of the Jurisdiction and the reports which came into my office that all was well with the various Lodges, I felt that it was not necessary to visit al he the Lodges.

I have granted several dispensations and have signed all the warrants that have been received by my office.

On June 5, 1949 I gave Bro. Ray William,, D.D.G.M., power  to supervise the making ot several profanes, who were desirous of entering Evergreen Lodge No. 9 at Everett, Washington.  These profanes were to be given their degrees in Seattle, but to date I have heard nothing from Bro. Williams on this matter.

Our Grand Lecturer, Bro. W.V. Scott, informed me that he would not be able to continue the work nor attend the 46th Annual Communication.  He requested that I appoint someone to finish out the his term of office. This was shortly after January 1st, 1949. I con­tacted Bro. F. Benjamin Davis and although I knew that he was overburdened with other duties, yet I felt that he was capable if he could find the time. To my joy, he agreed to assume the duties of the office and gave what lectures and make what visitations he could. This Brother deserves much credit for his untiring efforts on behalf of the Grand Jurisdiction the past year.

OUR FRATERNAL DEAD

During the past year the Grand Master of the Universe has seen fit to remove from our midst several of our beloved brethren. We shall miss them from the Lodge hall, we shall miss them from the com­munity and we shall miss them as we too shall be missed when we are called to our Great Reward.

CONCLUSION

I have no, recommendation to make.  The Past Masters' Council which met in Tacoma in May has submitted a number of resolutions and if they are acted upon will consume all the time that we have for recommendations or resolutions.

At this time I wish to thank you one and all for your hearty cooperation and the help that you have given me the seven years that I have been your Grand Master. I have enjoyed those seven years they shall long be remembered by me and it is with deep regret that I inform you that at the end of this Grand Lodge Session, I shall add my name to the list of Past Grand Masters. Owing to business reasons I cannot accept the nomination for another term, but I shall stand ever ready and willing to assist your newly elected Grand Master and give him all the advice and help within my ability.

Fraternally,

ERNEST J. BROWN,