I . W. GRAND LOlMiK ^licitnt, /ice, Mb ^cttptei SElasons, A i/ro \

INDIANA.
The proceedings of the Grand Communication for Indiana, present, both
i uernally and externally, an elegant appearance, indicating in a clear and
aqaaliltd light, a esWering prosperity. Their Annual Communication was
ii 1 Masonic liall, in Indiana] -. i n the ] Itfa May, A. P.
• M '••. • 1
, D WIN y, Qrs 111 tor
Ono Hundred and Thirty-nine Lodges were represented. The annual adi
ess of Grand Master Downey has the "ringof the true metal," and breathes
> o right Masonic spirit. He says:
" During the year that has passed nothing has transpired calculated in
t e least degree to dampen the ardor of the friends of Masonry, or to
Y jaken our confideuce in her ability and fitness to accomplish all the benign
n ^sults at which she aims. There has been a steady increase in the number
01 both Lxiges and members ; and while I do not intend to reflect unjustly
u]>on the past, I think I can say in truth, that the standard of moral fitness
for admission to our rites has never been higher, or more lirmly maintained.
While this is the case wc have nothing to fear, but everything to bona, from
the rapid increase of the membership. Should it ever become the case that
members, without regard to fitness, shall be the aim of our Lodges, they
must inevitably forfeit the confidence of the community in which they
exist, and cease to exercise any salutary or beneficial influence."
It appear! that this Grand Lodge has sustained a great loss in the death
nf Austin W. Morris, their It. W. Grand Secretary, and tho Grand Master
pays a most beautiful tribute to his memory. Tho Grand Master further
" Masonry, in Indiana, has arrived at a point in numbers, and a position
in usefulness, to which she has at no former period attained : and judging
frcm the past, she is still destined to make greater progress in these respects
h: n she has heretofore done. To insure the continuance of this prosperity,
t il only necessary that we be vigilant and watchful—that we observe well
II ;s of Masonry—guard with care the entrance to our Lodges, and
nit noM to approach her altars who will not in all things observe and
i • !
' •• whlnj
It is very much to be desired that all who attach themselves to our
i 'i uld ! e:.-mc familiar with her rites and ceremonies, and with their
' '.• • ii< I t In y r ..-ni/ i
• great moral and social principles upon which, and 9m
nhtoh she was founded, and has been perpetuated. As
I might the confirmed atheist learn and rej>eat over the sacred
K>W the knee and with irreverent lips repeat his pater notter, and annuel
-ed by it, as for an individual to expect to be benefitted by the
• si Maaonry, without s eonfora ai teach.
.. Our forms and ceremonies are but the habiliments of our order's
t fcetl: they are but as the casket to the jewel, or as words to the ideas which
tat ion, and who squares his life by its teachings, can claim the proud title