RISE AND PROfiRESS OF FREEMASONRY - Latinamericanstudies ...

properties was had for $50,000.00 under peremptory instntctions from
the Grand Lodge.
During the seventies R. W. John C. Gordy, M. D., was a member
of the Committee on Work, and one year he visited thlrty411ree
Lodges, bringing about uniformity of work in the Grand Jurisdiction,
\ and the ritual as taught by him has practically become the work of
this Grand Jurisdiction and is known as the "Gordy Work." He
tendered his resignation in 1883 and it was refused, and again in 1884
with a like result. and he was only finally released from his labors
in the year 1885. By his labors in perfecting the beautiful system
of work for the Craft in this State his memory is and should ever
be revered and cherished.
In 1877 and 1878 our State was visited by yellow fever, which
caused a very great amount of suffering and death' among the inhabi·
tants of the State and brought grief and distress among the members
of the Craft. The only bright side of this mournful picture was the
ready response of our brethren ot other jurisdictions, who cheerfully
and In the spirit of true Masonic charity furnished all the money that
coulel be used for the relief of the dlstrel:HI. continuing to send even
after our needs were satistle(l, thus leaving a surplus in the hands of
" this Grand Lodge.
In 1811 our beloved State was again visited by disaster In the shape
of Ull overflow of Its great river, scattering destruction over all its
valley. Again our Masonic brethren, more fortunately situated, poured
in funds for the relief of the distressed, more than could be wisely
used by this Grand Lodge.
The surplus of these contributions was afterwards dispensed in
Masonic relief and charity through the Louisiana ReUef Lodge,

The world was shocked at the crime, but went on In ignorance of
what was to follow. Then the world stood aghast at the prospect of
a mighty war growing out of the assassin's deed.
Events tollowed each other quickly. Austria demanded indemnification
from Serbia in terms with which she could not with respect
comply. War was declared by Austria, on the 1st, of August. 1914.
Germany, who had for forty years been preparing for war. declared
war against Russia, which had been mobilizing its forces upon its
frontiers. France as a member of the dual alliance with Russia was
bound to assist that Country. On the 3rd of August, 1914, Germany
rushed troops into Belgium for a swift descent upon France. Other
European Countries rapidly became involved on either side, until
the greatest war in the history of the world was soon waged.
Owing to acts of Germany at sea, in violation of International Law,
and which they refused to consider, and for which tbey refused to
make amends on the 6th of April, 1917, war was declared by the
United States again1:!t Germany. Armies were hurriedly t\'ained,
ships were built, food and other supplies were shipped, and hefore
it!:! close American soldlors were in l"rance in such numbers that they
participated in the battle of Chateau Thierry, and helped stay the
Germans advance. By the 3rd of July, 1918, there were two million
Americans in France among whom naturally were many Masons and
·', the brethren of this Country being solicitolls of the comfort and morals
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