Dear Sir and Brother

                        At the last Stated meeting of Hampton Lodge held Nov 26^th 1894 a resolution was passed which was introduced as a compromise measure and proposes to remit one half the amounts due The Lodge from all delinquent members who are in arrears for more than two years provided they come forward and settle the other half on or before the Fourth Saturday in Feb 1895 or show sufficient cause why they have not done so.

 

This step was taken by The Lodge as a last resort and had several good reasons for its adoption the first of which was to induce the delinquent members who might perhaps be staying away from The Lodge on account of dues to attend the meeting with more regularity and by this presence help promote that peace and harmony in / The Lodge which is so essential to the welfare of Free Masonry; as well as to assist in allaying the friction already existing in The Lodge resulting from the unsettled condition of its finances.

 

Another was that The Lodge needs you and hopes by concilatory measures to keep you within its sacred precincts upon closer times of friendship and brotherly love and by this action wishes to show its willingness to share with you any sacrifice that you might perhaps have to make in meeting your financial obligation to The Lodge in full.

 

Another is that the incidental expences of The Lodge are falling upon the shoulders alone of that class of its members who have been prompt and faithful in meeting their financial obligations to The Lodge / as well as the annual dues to the Grand Lodge of Fifty cents per capita for all members carried on its roll. These existing conditions you will readily see work gross injustice upon a few of the faithful ones. Though bourn by them thus far without murmur and in behalf of the brothers of this class The Lodge appeals to your better nature and asks you to to come forward and renew your associations assume the duties devolving upon all true Masons and thereby help strengthen Masonry in our midst as well as in building up your own Lodge which has suffered so much from seeming indifference of its members to their Masonic obligations

 

            Another was that The Lodge is reluctant to give up a single one of its members, a fact which has been plainly prooven by its patient bearing / with many from year to year. but The Lodge authorizes us to say to you plainly though in the kindliest spirit that unless this appeal receives an early and favorable response from you that it will to promote its own wellfare be compelled to deal with you as the law directs, much as it regrets to resort to such action

 

In conclusion let us again beg you to give this matter thoughtful consideration feeling confident that your better judgement will restrain you from taking any step that might give you or your Masonic brethren cause for regret in the future

                                                            Fraternaly

 

                                                                        W. H. Frey. Sec

                                                                        Mike Morris                Com /

 

Coppy of Notice to Delinquents

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