Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

32 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS j Nov' "i s''"p
/ Nov. 18. 1913.
semblage was saying, as I was. "Why didn't we think of that before?"
And when he was through, although the heat was intense and the hour
was late, only a few of the older brethren left.
Brother Darnall was then introduced and gave just as thorough
instruction in the First Degree, leading step by step through this
beautiful degree of Friendship, contrasting the old way with the new;
and when he had finished we were convinced that Illinois has a mes-
sage, not only for Missouri, but for every jurisdiction under the
Sovereign Grand Lodge.
On Saturday night the same big crowd was there, eagerly waiting
for instruction in the other two degrees, and they were not to be dis-
appointed, for the interpretation of the meaning and the impersonation
of the characters of the Second Degree were so true to life and so
deeply impressive that those who came to learn went away filled to
overflowing with new enthusiasm. Their instruction in the Degree of
Truth was no less impressive than in those that preceded. Brothers
Blood and Darnall have thoroughly studied the characters employed in
our degrees and they have a clear perception of the lessons to be taught
the candidate; and they make the most of every opportunity to emphasize
these truths and to fix deep in the heart the principles of Odd
Fellowship. The novitiate, when thus -taught, cannot help understanding
the principles of fraternity when they are through with him.
Missouri is under a debt of gratitude to these Brothers, both of whom
are busy business men, for coming to our jurisdiction—just as they go
about in their own jurisdiction — "without money and without price"
other than their expenses. The good they have done will live after
them, going on and on to help future generations. Missouri will never
be unmindful of the sacrifice they made in coming to St. Louis, and
we graciously acknowledge the debt we owe them.
A. G. HARTLEY.
Brother Wilkerson also wrote Brother Darnall under date of June
28, as follows:
Hon. Warren Darnall,
McLean. Illinois.
Dear Brother Darnall:
St. Louis, June 28, 1913.
Enclosed please find check of $15.00 to reimburse you for car fare
paid on your trip to this city last week. I presume you have begun
to think that I was not going to send you this. Really, I have been
so awful busy all week that I have just deferred this from moment to
moment.
I wrote Brother Sikes about your meeting here, what a splendid
success it was, what amount of good that you and Brother Blood did.
and how pleasant and agreeable you were at all times, and how strongly
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