(transcribed: 02/15/06)
Copy courtesy of Arkansas History Commission.
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Published Saturday Evening January 6, 1906 in The Fayetteville Daily.
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To the W M Wardens and Brethren of Washington Lodge
No,1 A F & A Masons, Fayetteville, Arkansas. [1st Masonic Lodge
in
Arkansas]
We your committee, appointed to draft a
suitableexpression of the sense of the Lodge, in view of the death
of
Brother O C Gray,beg leave to report the following Memorial Resolutions
and move to adopt, viz:
It is upon occasion such as this that we must
allrealize the futility of human language, the utter inadequacy of
verbal expression. We have lost a dearly beloved friend, an honored
member, a zealous and learned craftsman, a beloved frater, a faithful
companion, an ever courteous, valiant and chivalrous Sir Night; yet
we
have no language to express our sense of loss, or words that will sound
the depth of our sorrow. But we know the summons of the Supreme Grand
Master found our loved Frater ready; That the message fell upon a
stilling ear; and that the loss is our brother's eternal gain.
We must be men, before we can become Masons, and,
inall the relations of life, Col Gray was, essentially, a man of
commanding presence and engaging appearance, he was admired by all
with
whom he came in contact; his ripe scholarship, his integrity of
character, his gentleness of deportment, and the absolute sincerity
of
his convictions endeared him to his friends and won the cordial respect
of is opponents; while the strength of his affections, the purity of
is
life, ad his engaging qualities of head and heart rendered him
peculiarly happy in all his domestic relations. His public life was,
mainly, spent in teaching, and death found him at his post.
For many years he was professor of Mathematics in
ourstate university and for several years of the time, also served
as
Commandant and the student that did not love and honor Col Gray was
a
rare exception. Born and reared in the state of Maine, Col Gray came
to
Arkansas soon after completing his college course, and when war was
declared in '61, he abandoned the school room, donned the gray and
fought for four years in behalf of his adopted Southland; earning upon
many a field the title that he bore throughout the remainder of his
life. When, in '74 the re-construction trouble threatened to terminate
in war, Col Gray, who was then at the head of St John's College, at
Little Rock, upon the call of the governor, mustered his cadets and
reported for active service; ready, as ever, to fight in support of
his
convictions. Another strong characteristic of Col Gray was his
unselfishness. He would readily condone a wrong or injury personal
to
himself; but was ever strong to condemn and quick to resent any injury
or injustice suffered by a friend. Yet his counsel was always wise
and
prudent, and his supply of oil for troubled waters as unfailing as
the
widow's curse. To his friends he was a friend indeed; the familiar
friend in whom the soul trusted and could well trust.
As a Mason, Brother Gray was a skillful, learned
andfaithful craftsman; renowned throughout the state as a learned and
zealous Mason; a co-worker with and the peer of such distinguished
Masons as English, Barber, and Henry. During all the years of his active
membership in this lodge. Brother Gray was ever primus inter pares.
Regular in his attendance, able and we see his face no more; but his
life remains with us as a benediction, and his example is ever before
us. "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more
and
more unto the perfect day."
Therefore, Be it Resolved, That in the death ofBrother
Gray this lodge, the Masonic fraternity of the City and Masonry
throughout the state have suffered an irreparable loss.
That the foregoing Memorial be and the same is
herebyadopted, as expressing the sense of this lodge, in view of the
occasion:
That we earnestly and deeply sympathize with the
widowand family of our deceased Brother,and commend them to Him who
alone can afford comfort and consulation.
That our altar, stations, and working tools be
drapedin mourning, for the full period of thirty days: and
That this Memorial, with appending Resolutions,
bespread at full length upon our records; and that a certified copy
of
same be given the widow and family of deceased.
All of which is fraternally submitted.
E B Wall, )
Jas J Vaulx, )- Com
J F Reagan. )
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See
http://www.rootsweb.com/~arpulask/Col.MrsOCGray.html