34
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1965
On Saturday, November 21, 1965, I was again thrilled by another Shrine courtesy, as Moolah Temple named its fall Ceremonial Class "The George F. Morrison, Grand Master's Class." This Ceremonial was presided over by the Acting Potentate Robert W. Conradi, who received and welcomed the Grand Lodge Officers and myself when we were escorted to the stage. At the time of my address to the Nobility, I took advantage of the opportunity to pay a sincere and heartfelt tribute to our late Illustrious Potentate Arch R. McEwen, who was called to Iris eternal reward on Tuesday, October 27, 1964, in a tragic air crash, for prior to his death he had made the necessary arrangements and looked forward to again doing honor to the Grand Master. In recognition and appreciation of the several Shrine courtesies that have been extended to me, I addressed a letter of appreciation to Brother Robert W. Conradi, which expression of gratitude included the entire Divan, all Past Potentates and the Nobility of Moolah Temple. On January 8, 1965, I was pleasantly surprised to receive from the Imperial Council of the Ancient and Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, over the signature of the Imperial Potentate O. Carlyle Brock, attested to by the signature of George M. Saunders, Imperial Recorder, a beautiful wan plaque acknowledging my elevation to the office of Grand Master of Masons of the State of Missouri, on which is inscribed that "the Shrine offers its continued efforts to prosper the work of Masonry in all its many facets throughout future years." At the time of the annual Moolah Temple Shrine Circus and also the annual Imperial Council Session of the Shrine held in Washington, D. C. during the month of July, 1965, I was provided with a beautiful convertible car, on which was shown my name and title. On each night of the Circus I was privileged to ride in the opening parade. Then in Washington, D. C. similar cars were provided for every Grand Master in attendance, which were arranged in alphabetical order by States to ride in the Shrine parade down the famous Pennsylvania Avenue. You can all recognize, I am sure, that "The Sunshine of the Shrine" has been for me, personally, most radiant. Early in my administration I was overwhelmingly surprised by being presented with an air-conditioned automobile by a group of unidentified friends. As yet I am not in knowledge of the identity of those who participated in making this outstanding gift possible, so they will have to accept this reference to the wonderful manifestation of friendship that was evidenced by this presentation as my thanks. The Square Club of St. Louis (organization of Past Masters) in addition to having a testimonial dinner in my honor, presented me with a very useful Grand Master's Apron Case, which has been used extensively. This organization has previously been given my acknowledgement of its many kindnesses. My own Lodge, Tuscan No. 360, A.F. & A.M., has been extremely attentive and gracious to me. The surprise birthday dinner and delicious cake, the recognition of my being a member for Forty Years, followed previous presen路 tations, one which was made at the time of my installation, an electric typewriter, which has been used extensively by my very helpful daughter and secretary, Mrs. Jean M. Schultz, and as yet I have not been able to make proper use of the very comfortable reclining chair that was presented to me on the night that I made my first official visit of the year. However, I am looking forward to the time when I can relax a bit and use it with much pleasure and comfort to myself. The 1964 Master, Worshipful Brother Vern