Proceedings of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar 29th Triennial Conclave, John Garrow 1904 HC — Very Rare, First Edition Publisher: Raynor and Taylor Publishers, Detroit (1904)
Very rare, first edition, first printing of the "Proceedings of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar 29th Triennial Conclave" from 1904, in excellent condition. The boards and binding are solid, tight and in excellent condition save some slight shelfwear and rubbing to the corners. The pages are crisp and clean. A wonderful look into the traditions and culture of the Knights Templar from the very early 20th Century.
Description by former Grand Master of the Knights Templar describing the Grand Encampment of 1904:
Memories of the 1904 Grand Encampment Triennial,
by W. Bruce Pruitt, KGC, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, California
The most unforgettable event that took place in the city of San
Francisco, California, in the year 1906 was the infamous earthquake and
fire. However, two years earlier, in 1904, the most significant and
memorable event was the very impressive assembly of Knights Templar of
the Grand Encampment of the United States. San Francisco was literally
"turned over" to host the twenty-ninth Triennial.
Only a few examples of the opulent treatment given by the city will
demonstrate the importance attributed to the event. Market Street, the
major street of San Francisco, was lined with columns capped by Templar
crosses. The Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street and perhaps
the most dominant structure at that time, was outlined with lights and
had a lighted Knight Templar cross on the side facing the city. The Grand Lodge of
California building was outlined at every corner with lighting including
the square and compasses, Templar cross, cross and crown, etc. (This
beautiful structure, on Market Street, was destroyed by the earthquake
and fire two years later.) Golden Gate Park was profuse with floral
arrangements forming Masonic symbols of all types. Business sessions
were held in Golden Gate Hall, and the San Francisco Pavilion was
greatly decorated for events. The festivities extended from August 31 to
September 6 and culminated with an amazing parade through the length of
Market St. to Van Ness Avenue.
Many, if not all, attending Commanderies produced souvenir medals to
commemorate the experience. One personal enjoyment engaged in by the
Knights was to exchange medals and accumulate a collection to take back
home.
The presiding Most Eminent Grand Master was Sir Knight Henry Bates
Stoddard of Texas. He was greeted in Oakland by the Grand Commander of
California, Past Grand Master Reuben H. Lloyd, the Commanders of
California Commandery No. 1 and Golden Gate Commandery No 16, and an
escort of Sir Knights. He then proceeded across San Francisco Bay by
ferry to the Ferry Building, where he was met by an even more elaborate
escort. The record states: "At the Ferry Station, companies A, B, C, D,
and E of California Commandery mounted on finely caparisoned black
chargers and under the command of Sir Knight Rueben P. Hurlbut, Captain
General (on a snow-white charger -- ed.) were drawn up in line for
escort duty." The Grand Master, Past Grand Master, Grand Commander, and
Commander of California Commandery proceeded in a carriage drawn by four
white horses. Several other carriages followed.
The delegation from Great Britain was given special attention:
"Great deference was paid to the distinguished delegation from the
Great Priory of England during the stay of the members in San Francisco.
The visit itself was a distinction, representing the fraternal
relations existing between the governing bodies of the greatest two
Grand Jurisdictions of Templars in the world. In another sense it was
highly representative in that in his official capacity the Earl of
Euston was the personal representative of Edward VII, King of England,
who for many years was the active head of Craft Masonry in England and
who has ever been a patron of the Order in that jurisdiction." (Knights Templar Magazine Index)
