The Masonic Veterans' Association Of Central New York.

and Bev . D . W . Bristol , D . D ., Chaplain ; these persons also forming its first Board of Trustees , or ExecutiA'e Committee . Meetings have since been held , at Avhich all formal business has been transacted necessary to put the machinery in working order . A code of bye-laws has been adopted and printed , complete sets of appropriate blanks prepared and printeda seal designedadoptedancl mounted for

, , , use , and everything is now complete for the reception of members duly qualified as by the bye-laws . By a section of said bye-laws provision is made for receiving two classes of members—active and honorary . Under the first class but one member has been added to our circle , the lack of time since the completion of our organisation preventing further additions . Under the other class , that of honorary , two have been admitted—M . W . John W . Simons , of

NeAv York city , well known by every active Mason by his services and ivritings in behalf of the Craft , who has also been appointed by our body as its representative near the Masonic Veterans in that city ; and Bro . E . D . Trakey , of Brewerton Lodge , a venerable member of the fraternity , Avho for many years , embracing the dark period of our Masonic history , has remained true to its principles , " faithful among the faithless . " There is now in the hands of the Secretary a number of applications awaiting action thereon , so that it is fair

to presume that the next annual report will show a large addition to our body . Our present number is twenty-four . As the existence of our Association becomes known and its objects understood , its increase of membership must necessarily be rapid , not , however , we trust , so rapid as to deteriorate its standing and influence . Thus , my brethren , I have presented to you a brief history of our ori gin , ancl a statement of our present condition . The details of our operations are

meagre , ancl perhaps to some may be unsatisfactory , but it should be remembered that the period coi'ered by this annual report is but a small propoi'fcion of a year , ancl that occupied in working up details for future operations . Having passed through our initiative process , who can predict our future ? Doubtless the question has been asked b y some eui bono , of what use or practical benefit is such an organisation ? The question is partially answered in its

objects , as stated in its certificate of incorporation , to be to perpetuate existing friendships ; to form new ones ; to keep alive ancl fructif y the zeal of the brethren ; to place before the younger craftsmen an example of long-continued devotion to the cause , and a zeal not to be affected b y the changes and vicissitudes of times and seasons ; to assist in develojring and preseiwing the history of the fraternity ; to pay the last tribute of respect to departed members of the association , and to preserve in its archives a memorial of their lives and

services . Are not these objects commendable ones ? Should we not seek to perpetuate friendships formed under the impressive influences of our ritualistic ceremonies ? Or shall Ave , after having spent the most active period of our existence in striving- to advance the interests of our time-honoured institution , calml y fold our hands ancl forget that we ever were members of the " mystic tie " ? Againhaving enjoyed the privileges of the Craftancl for many

, , years AA'itnessed ancl experienced its principles exemplified , and as in the case of many of us , been honoured with its exalted official jiositions , are Ave not in dut y bound to encourage the neophyte , to assist the younger Craftsman in a proper discharge of his duty , aud to aid him in keeping alive the latent spark of enthusiasm which was kindled at the altar when he vowed to be faithful to the cause ? Can we not do much toAvard preserving the historical landmarks

in laying up in the archives of the institution local and general records , which in after times shall be of untold service to the historian , who , in the near or far future , shall , like Marius amid the ruins of Carthage , seek to probe our earlier history ? And when , as one by one we leave these transitory scenes for that land beyond the river , as sooner or later we must all clo , will it not be our 2 B 2