M. W. John B. Tomhave W. J. Miles Martin. W - The Grand Lodge of ...

GRAND LODGE OII IIINN]DSOI'A
Withdrarvn 5 31
Stricken 229
Suspended 2
Died ......1,220
TotalLosses ....1,982
NetGain ...1,181
Total Membelship, Jan. 1, '53 . . 65,007
Total Membelship, Jan. 7,'54 . .66,188
While the total gain fol the year is not great for a julisdiction
as lalge as ouls, it is substantial and a ]ittle more than that of
last year'.
lVlasonic Relief
Oul committee on Masonic Relief was only CALLED UPON
ONCE for lelief during the past year. As ale all such cases it was
a rnost worthy one and involved a Past Master who became totally
blind. Relief in the amount of $150 was granted in this instance.
It is glatifying to note that there is so little need for Masonic lelief
among the membels of our Craft. We should, however', be
cal'eful to repolt any blothel who may need assistance because
lelief is one of the tenets of our fratelnity.
Fifty-Yeal A$'ards
The pr:esentatiou of the 50-year buttons is anlong- the nost
pleasant and touching duties that comes to a Grand Master. During
the year there has been sent flom the Grand Secletaly's office
130 buttons most of which have been plesented. Time and distance
does not pernit the Grand Mastel to make but very tew of
these presentatlons. During the year I have called upotr the line
officers, Past Gland Mastels, Distt'ict Repr-esentatives and Masters
of Lodges to make plesentations in my behalf. They have all cooperated
in this wolk for vhich I am truly grateful. I feel that
this is a vely impoltant ceremony and should be altended to
plomptly.
Appoilrtmcnts
Upon assurning the office of Grand Master one of the filst
duties was to make numerous appointments to the various boards,
cornmittees, etc. The most irnportant one of the year was that of
a Grand Secretary which is refelred to elsewhele in this messate.
I had the pleasule of re-appointing W. Brother Clinton M. Norton
as Dilector of Masonic Service. Brother Norton has done out-
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