Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

N(T'^'l6?1897. 1" GRAND
LODGE OP ILLINOIS. 11
Revised Code.
In accordance with the instructions of the last Grand Lodge, the
Illinois Code, revised by Bro. Charles S. Thornton, has been published
and is now ready for distribution. Its publication has been unavoidably
delayed, but I believe such delay was for the best interests of
the Order, as it has permitted a more careful examination of the work
and prevented many errors which might otherwise have crept in.
While it cannot be expected to be perfect, yet I believe it to be a
reasonably correct exposition of Our laws, and one copy should be sup-
plied to each Lodge at once, and the Lodge officers should be instructed
to read and study such laws, so that they may be qualified
to discharge their duties properly and legally. Bro. Thornton has displayed
much legal ability, and labored faithfully and long in executing
this trust, and he merits the highest approval of this Grand Lodge.
Realizing the great and lasting importance of this worlc, I designated
Bros. J. R. Kewley, P. G. C, C. F. Mansfield, P. G. M., and H. A.
Stone, P. G. M., to examine the Code carefully. This duty they did
conscientiously and well, and they should be paid their reasonable
charges for their services. Their report is as follows:
August 2, 1897.
•George C Rankin, Grand Master, I. 0. O F., Monmouth, III.:
Dear Sir and Brother: In accordance with your directions, the
undersigned Brothers and Committee selected by you visited the home
of Brother Thornton, in Chicago, and thoroughly examined the Code
•as revised by Brother Thornton; Brother Stone confining his examin-
ation to that part of the Code pertaining to the Rebekah branch of
the Order; Brothers Kewley and Mansfield extending their examination
to every page and line of the Code. We find that the Code, as
prepared, is a very superior work, and will commend itself to the Jurisdiction
of Illinois. Brother Thornton has exercised great wisdom in
reconciling the different pieces of legislation that were conflicting.
It would be marvelous if no mistakes should have crept into the work,
but so far as your committee are able to report, there are no mistakes,
unless they have escaped our scrutiny, and upon completion of our
examination, we recommended Brother Charles S. Thornton and the
Printing Committee to proceed with their work of printing and publishing
the book. We have given to this work a great deal of time.
Brother Stone gave some four or five days' time, while Brothers Kewley
and Mansfield gave about fifteen days' time to the work—working from
early in the morning until very late at night, we were able to cover
the work in tliat length of time.
Very fraternally yours,
J. R. Kewlev,
Henry A. Stone,
C. F. Mansfield,
Committee.