The Masonic Veterans' Association Of Central New York.

The bye-laws declare that an annual banquet shall be given by the Association , at Avhich the proceedings shall at all times bo dignified and the memories of the year , in their relation to the Association , shall be reA'ived . The first banquet accordingly took place at tbe Asylum of the Central City Commandery . Previous to it , however , a meeting- of tbe Association was held , at which sei'eral new members were admittedmaking the total membershi

, p forty . An honoraiy membership was conferred upon M . W . Clinton F . Paige . A unique badge ivas also adopted . Its shape is that of a diamond , Avith the name of the organisation in a circle and enclosing the emblematic designs . In the opening of an Egyptian gateway is a sphynx ( silence ) , and in the distance three pyramids ( age ) . OA ' OI- the gateway is a winged globe ( flight of time ) , ancl over all clasped hands ( friendship ) . The design is

handsomel y ornamented ancl embellished . At the conclusion of the session a procession ivas formed , and the members of the Association and a few invited guests proceeded to the banquet hall , and enjoyed a superior feast , spread by Commissary Windholz in his inimitable manner . Previous to the taking of seats the Divine blessing ivas asked b y the Rev . Dr . Bristol . President James S . Leech presidedassisted at the

, second table by Vice-President Stiles M . Rust . The menu having been laid aside , George J . Gardner , Esq ., Secretary , than whom none was more active ancl influential , in organising the Association , read his first annual report as follows : —

A brief renew of the circumstances which gave rise to the forming of the organisation , ancl a succinct history of the steps taken subsequently , may not be considered inappropriate at this the first of our annual gatherings . As a matter of history it may be of interest to those who succeed us to know what causes impelled us to the step , or what object ive had in view in effecting such an organisation as this . I submit , therefore , a brief account of our ori gin , our acts , and our present condition .

The first movement towards effecting our organisation took place in the month of February , 1879 , ancl ivas prompted in a great measure by a slight knowledge of the workings of a similar bod y formed in the city of Neiv York some seA'en or eight years since , the only one of the kind in the United States ancl , presumably , in the world . Reflecting upon the social advantages which might accrue from such an

Association induced a consultation ivith a feAv of the older members of the fraternity residing in this section , the result of which consultation ivas an expressed desire that steps be at once taken to perfect an organisation . A paper , in the nature of an agreement to unite and further such action , was drawn up and circulated , ancl twenty-one signatures procured and affixed thereto , representing a number of lodges in this locality . This being

completed , a meeting of the subscribers ivas held , at ivhich it was determined that an association should be formed under the laws of the State of New York , to be a body politic , ancl invested with corporate powers ; that the name of such corporation should be " The Masonic Veterans' Association of Central New York , " and that it should be composed of such persons as had been Free ancl Accepted Masons for twenty-one years ancl upwardsancl were in good standing

, in their respective lodges at the time of their application for admission . The proper instruments in writing required b y the Act were duly prepared ancl executed , filed in the offices of Secretary of State ancl Clerk of the County , after approval by ancl consent of a Justice of the Supreme Court , and on the acknowledgment of receipt at the office of Secretary of State , May 24 th , 1879 , the Association commenced its corporate existence .

The following named persons were stated in its certificate of incorporation as its first officers , viz ., James S . Leach , President ; Stiles M . Rust and William Caldwell , Vice-Presidents ; George J . Gardner / Recording Secretary ; Edward H . Broivn , Corresponding Secretary ; Seymour H . Stone , Treasurer ;