Charles W. Sutliff 1875-1930, masonic obituary

SUTLIFF

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 7/25/2008 at 17:02:28

The death of a good and true man
Is only the commencement of a higher life;
It is like the morning star, that,
Rising, never sets, but melts away
Into the purer light of Heaven.

Brother Charles Walter Sutliff, Marion Lodge No. 6, Marion, was called to the Supreme Grand Lodge above, on January 27, 1930, after an illness of but a few days. Born in New York State in 1875, he was brought to Iowa by his parents at the age of four years and lived until manhood at Mount Pleasant where he received his education. Coming to Linn County in 1901, his entire business life was spent in public service; as clerk in the office of the County Attorney, as Deputy Clerk of the District Court, and for twenty-three years as Court Reporter in the District comprised of Cedar, Jones and Linn counties. His quiet efficiency and stalwart integrity made a host of friends where ever he went.

Brother Sutliff was made a Master Mason in Marion Lodge in 1923; was elected Master for 1927; received his certificate of proficiency the same year, and was commissioned a District Lecturer in 1928. He was also a Companion of Marion Chapter No. 10.

He was ever faithful in attendance at the meetings of the lodge. "His counsel was timely and good." His lodge has lost one whom it will be hard to replace. Masonry in general has lost one whose influence was always for the better; a true Mason, a Worthy Brother, a good citizen.

Brother Sutliff is survived by his wife, and one son, Carlton B., whom he had the privilege and pleasure of raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Marion Lodge. This son is now connected with the research laboratories of the Bell Telephone Company, New York City.

The funeral was held on Saturday, February 1, at the First M.E Church in Marion; Worshipful Brother C.A. Bradley conducting the Masonic services. The church service was in charge of Rev. Bro. W.C. Perdew, pastor, assisted by Rev. Bro. H.E. Trible, pastor of the First Christian Church, Chaplain of Marion Lodge and for several years the next door neighbor of Brother Sutliff.

We mourn the passing of a good man and true, a brother whom we loved, but sustained by our trust and faith in God, we will carry on, with the belief and assurance, that in the springtime of the resurrecton we shall surely, surely meet again.

~Grand Lodge Bulletin, Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M., March, 1930; Vol. 31, No. 3, page 510-511

~Note: transcribed for the benefit of other researchers, the contributor is not related and has no further information