A Town Buries a Judge

The remains of Judge John G. Sparks were laid to rest in Masonic cemetery yesterday with fitting ceremony. The remains were conveyed from the residence to the Methodist church, the services being under the auspices of the Bar Association of Thurston county. The pall bearers were Judge Dennison, N. S. Porter, M. A. Root, G. C. Lacey, T. N. Allen and John R. Mitchell. At the church the Rev. Mr. Drake delivered a fitting discourse, in which he reviewed the career of the deceased and paid high tribute to his sterling character.

After the services the body was given in charge of the Masonic fraternity, about forty members of whom were in attendance, and the remains were interred with Masonic rites. The pall bearers were William Billings, A. D. Glover, C. Bettman, Henry Sabin, Thomas Prather and Ben Vincent.

The following resolutions, passed by the Bar Association and the Masonic Fraternity, were read at the services.

Resolutions by Olympia Lodge No. 1, F. and A. M.:

WHEREAS, The Grand Master of the universe has summoned from our mystic circle our brother and fellow craftsman, John G. Sparks, therefore be it

Resolved, That in his long and useful life we recognize his constant sense of duty, inflexible fidelity to trust and faithful devotion to high principles. That in his honest, upright, energetic life, he exemplified, in a pre-eminent degree, those virtues which Masonry teaches. Happy in his domestic relations, having in his heart the true patriotic fire, leading an exemplary life, in disposition whole-souled and genial, he could not fail to be a good citizen, a wise and safe counsellor and kind and indulgent parent and faithful brother.

Our brother has been associated with the lodge since April 15, 1865, during which time he has been a devoted adherent of the Methodist church, thus doubly testifying to his dependence upon the Great Architect of the universe, in whom we, as Masons, are taught to put our trust, and with whom we all hope to meet in that temple “not made with hands eternal in the heavens.”

While from time immemorial it has been the custom for mankind to mourn for their dead, yet, for the affliction of death we are given the sweet consolation of a hope for the future; and as our brother has gone we want the assurance that his memory may ever be green.

Resolved, That we the members of Olympia Lodge, No. 1, F. and A. M., deeply sympathize with the bereaved widow and family of the deceased in this sorrowful visitation, and feeling how utterly vain are our poor words of condolence, we can only at best join in humble petition with them for consolation to Him “who doeth all things well.”

Resolutions by Bar Association:

WHEREAS, In the providence of God, our esteemed fellow citizen and brother lawyer, John G. Sparks, has departed this life. Now be it by the Bar Association of Thurston county,

Resolved, That in the death of Hon. John G. Sparks, this Association and the community at large have lost a valuable and honored member and citizen, possessing the qualities of an energetic lawyer, a zealous officer, a kind father, a loving husband, a loyal citizen and an honest man.

That in all the relations of life the deceased by his actions and conduct illustrated the merit and value of character, and that as a lawyer and magistrate in administering justice his ability and integrity were well recognized and appreciated.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to his family, and that at the next meeting of the superior court the judge be requested to have these resolutions spread upon the minutes of the court. T. N. Allen, N. S. Porter, M. A. Root, Committee.