Portland, October 14, 1819
CONVENTION OF DELEGATES
COPY
of a Circular Letter issued by Portland Lodge to the several Lodges in the District of Maine.
To the Rt. Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of -------- Lodge.
Brethren:
As this portion of the State will soon assume an independent rank in the Union, the attention of the Masonic Fraternity is naturally and almost universally directed to a similar separation of the Lodges in Maine from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. If the political tie which connects the two great divisions of the State is to be severed, there appears a fitness, independent of other considerations, that the masonic connection should at the same time be dissolved. And as a convention of delegates from the several towns in this district is soon to assemble at Portland, to act on civil and political concerns, the same time and place seem obviously most convenient for the discussion of our masonic interests and relations. Under these impressions, the Master, Wardens and Brethren of Portland Lodge, in regular Lodge assembled, have directed us in their behalf to invite the several Lodges in Maine to appoint one or more delegates each, to meet in convention at Masons' Hall in Portland, on the evening of Thursday, the 14th day of October next, to consider whether it is expedient at this time to adopt any measures relative to a separation of the Lodges in Maine from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; and if so, take such measures as may be considered most proper to carry such design into effect. It is desirable, on so momentous an occasion, that every Lodge be represented. Should it unfortunately so happen that no delegate can attend from your Lodge, we hope that some com-
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munication expressive of your sentiments on the principal question will be forwarded to the Convention.
We pray you to accept the assurance of our respect and masonic affection.
Signed by SIMON GREENLEAF, SAMUEL BAKER, ARTHUR SHIRLEY
Committee of Portland Lodge , Portland, August 13th, 1819.
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Agreeably to the foregoing circular, a large and respectable delegation from the respective Lodges in said District convened at Masons' Hall on the evening of October 14th, A. D. 1819.
The meeting was called to order by Rt. W. Samuel Baker, Master of Portland Lodge; when Rt. W. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., P. D. D. G. M., was unanimously chosen President of the Convention, and W. Bro. John P. Boyd Secretary.
Before proceeding to business, the assistance of the Great Architect of the Universe was invoked by Rev. Bro. John H. Ingraham, of Thomaston.
DELEGATES PRESENT.
Portland Lodge.—Rt. W. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., Rt. W. Samuel Baker, W. Nelson Racklyft.
Kennebec Lodge.—W. Peleg Sprague, Esq.
United Lodge.—Rt. W. Jonathan Page, Esq., Rt. W. Nathaniel Greene, Esq.
Saco Lodge.—Rt. W. Daniel Granger, Esq., W. George Thacher Jr., Esq., Rt. W. Josiah Calef.
Cumberland Lodge.—Rt. W. Jos. E. Foxcroft, and Bro. Josiah Dunn Jr., Esqs.
Oriental Lodge.—W. James Emerson.
Solar Lodge.—Rt. W. P. M. Nath'l Coffin, Esq., and Bro. Benj. Ames, Esq.
Ancient Land-mark Lodge.—Rt. W. Joseph M. Gerrish, W. Eleazer Wyer, W. John P. Boyd.
York Lodge.—Bro. Joseph Thomas, Esq.
Oriental Star Lodge.—Rt. W. Cornelius Holland, W. Benjamin Bradford, W. Thomas Chase.
Maine Lodge.—Rt. W. Nathan Cutler, Esq., and Bro. Ebenezer Eaton.
Freeport Lodge.—Rt. W. Rob't R. Kendall, and Rt. W. Solomon Dennison, Esq.
Temple Lodge.—Rt. W. Daniel Campbell, Esq., W. Alexander Belcher, Esq.
Village Lodge.—Rt. W. Ebenezer Herrick, Esq.
Adoniram Lodge.—Bros. Marshall Spring and True Bradbury, Esquires.
Northern Star Lodge—W. James Collins, Esq.
Blazing Star Lodge.—Rt. W. Cornelius Holland.
Hancock Lodge.—Bro. Moses S. Judkins.
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Lincoln Lodge.—Rt. W. P. M. Abial Wood, Esq., Bro. Warren Rice, Esq.
Amity Lodge.—Bro. Samuel A. Whitney, Esq.
Rising Virtue Lodge.—Bros. Joseph Treat and John Wilkins, Esquires.
Orient Lodge.—Rev. Bro. John H. Ingraham, Bro. John Spear.
St. George Lodge.—Rt. W. John Miller.
Felicity Lodge.—Rt. W. Samuel Little, Esq.
Belfast Lodge.—Bro. Alfred Johnson Jr., Esq.
On motion,
Voted, That the same rules which regulate other masonic assemblies shall govern the proceedings of this Convention.
Voted, That when a ballot is taken on any question, it shall be taken by Lodges, if desired by any delegate.
Voted, That Rt. W. William Swan, Esq., D. D. G. M. of the Ninth Masonic District, be invited to attend this Convention: also, that Rt. W. Joseph M. Gerrish be a committee to invite him;
which was done, and he attended accordingly.
The following Resolves, submitted by Rt. W. P. M. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., of Wiscasset, and seconded by W. Brother George Thacher Jr., Esq., of Saco, passed by an unanimous vote.
First, That in the opinion of the Lodges present, the good of Masonry will be greatly promoted by constituting a Grand Lodge in Maine, and that it is expedient that suitable measures be taken to effect that object.
Second, That a committee be appointed to consider and report a method of carrying the foregoing resolution into effect, so that the object may be obtained in the manner most consistent with our duty to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and best calculated to promote the prosperity of the Craft.
In conformity to the last resolution,
Voted, That the committee consist of five, and report at the adjournment.
The following Brethren were accordingly chosen, viz: Rt. W. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., Rt. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., Rt. W. Daniel Granger, Esq., Rt. W. Joseph M. Gerrish, and W. George Thacher Jr., Esq.
On motion,
Voted, That no visitors be hereafter admitted in this Convention.
The Convention was then adjourned, to assemble at this place on Tuesday evening next, at seven o'clock.
JOHN P. BOYD, Secretary.
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Convention of Delegates
Masons' Hall, Portland, October 19, A.D. 1819.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Voted, That Rt. W. William Swan, Esq., D. D. G. M. of this District, be invited to attend the Convention this evening—and that W. Bro. George Thacher Jr., Esq., invite him accordingly: which was done.
Bro. John Dickinson, Esq., appeared as a delegate from Warren Lodge.
The committee appointed at the last meeting now reported the following resolutions, viz:—
First, That a memorial he addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts expressing the views and wishes of this Convention on the subject of the separation of the Lodges in Maine from the Grand Lodge, and that the same be signed by all the delegates present.
Second, That a committee of five be chosen to present said memorial to the Grand Lodge, with power to agree upon and arrange in behalf of the Lodges here represented, all things proper to be done as to the terms of separation and the formation of a Grand Lodge of Maine.
Third, That the expenses of said committee be paid by the Grand Lodge of Maine when duly erected, or equally apportioned among the Lodges represented in this Convention, and such others as may accede to these transactions.
Fourth, That the Lodges not represented in this Convention be particularly addressed by said committee, and invited to authorize them to act in their behalf in the same manner as if they had been here represented by their delegates.
Which resolutions were read and unanimously adopted. The committee further reported the following memorial to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, agreeably to the first resolution, which was read, accepted and signed by all the delegates present, and afterwards by others duly authorized, as follows:
To the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts :
The undersigned, delegates of Lodges in Maine, regularly assembled in Convention at Portland, respectfully represent,— That the District of Maine being separated from Massachusetts and about to be erected into an independent State, their attention has been directed to the question whether it is expedient that they should continue under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. They perceive that at various periods, this and other Grand Lodges have recognized the expediency of erecting a separate Grand Lodge in every independent government where a sufficient number of Lodges exist.
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This principle was first settled by the late " Massachusetts Grand Lodge" during the war of the revolution. It was adopted by the same Grand Lodge in the year 5780, when it was determined that all charters granted without the limits of this State shall be understood to remain in force until a Grand Lodge is formed in the government where such Lodges are held. And it has since been expressly sanctioned by the resolutions of Jan. 3, 5783, and admitted in practice in the subsequent erection of Grand Lodges in other States composed of Lodges originally holding their charters under this Grand Lodge or its predecessors. And there is good reason for this practice. For as every mason owes allegiance to the civil authority under which he lives, as well as submission to the Grand Lodge, if the members of the latter were not amenable to the same laws with himself, a most injurious opposition might arise between his duties as a citizen and a mason. But your memorialists also believe that no practical benefit can result from a continuance of our masonic connection, however long and happily it has hitherto subsisted. The distance of every Lodge in Maine from the Grand Lodge is so great as hitherto to render the attendance of District Deputy Grand Masters and officers of Lodges very inconvenient and of course very seldom. Political intercourse being terminated these inconveniences will be greater; Lodges if represented at all, must be represented for the most part by proxies wholly unknown to them, and strangers to their views and feelings. The charity fund, from its distance, and the infrequency of masonic intercourse can yield no real advantage to the fraternity in Maine. And the Lodges here cannot participate in any of the benefits which the immediate presence of the Grand Lodge, the seat and fountain of masonic light and intelligence never fails to impart. Impressed with these considerations, the under-named Lodges in Maine, by their delegates in Convention assembled, respectfully request that their connection with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts may be dissolved; that all measures proper for the Grand Lodge to adopt may be adopted preparatory to the formation of a Grand Lodge of Maine, and that such Grand Lodge, when duly constituted, may receive its just proportion of the moneys and other masonic property owned by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
[For]
Portland Lodge.—Simon Greenleaf, Samuel Baker, Nelson Racklyft.
Kennebec.—Peleg Sprague.
United.—Jona. Page, Nathaniel Green, Robert P. Dunlap.
Saco.—Daniel Granger, George Thacher, Jr., Josiah Calef.
Cumberland.—Joseph E. Foxcroft, Josiah Dunn, Jr.
Pythagorean.—Judah Dana.
Oxford.—Albion K. Parris.
Oriental.—James Emerson.
Solar.—Nathaniel Coffin, Benjamin Ames, Wm. King.
Ancient Land Mark.—Joseph M. Gerrish, Eleazer Wyer, John P. Boyd.
York.—Joseph Thomas.
Oriental Star.—Cornelius Holland, Benjamin Bradford, Thomas Chase.
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Maine.—Nathan Cutler, Ebenezer Eaton.
Freeport.—Robert R. Kendall, Solomon Dennison.
Temple.—Daniel Campbell, Alexander Belcher.
Village.—Ebenezer Herrick.
Adoniram.—Marshall Spring, True Bradbury.
Northern Star.—James Collins.
Blazing Star.—Cornelius Holland.
Hancock.—Moses S. Judkins.
Lincoln.—Abial Wood, Warren Rice.
Amity.—Samuel A. Whitney.
Rising Virtue.—Joseph Treat, John Wilkins.
Orient.—John Spear.
St. George.—John Miller.
Felicity.—Samuel Little.
Belfast.—Alfred Johnson.
Warren.—John Dickinson.
Tranquil.—Jacob Hill.
Voted, That the committee mentioned in the second resolution consist of R. W. Bros. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., of Portland, Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., of Wiscasset, Josiah Calef, of Saco, John Dickinson, Esq., of Machias, and Nathan Cutler, Esq., of Farmington.
Voted, That each Lodge be requested to furnish the Secretary of the Convention with a certificate of the appointment of its delegates under the seal of the Lodge, attested by the Secretary.
Voted, That a fair record of the transactions of this Convention be made, and signed by all the delegates; to be kept in Portland Lodge till it can be received and laid up in the archives of the new Grand Lodge.
Voted, That thanks be presented to Portland and Ancient Land Mark Lodges, for their attention to the accommodation and comfort of the members of this Convention.
Adjourned to meet at this place in January next at seven o'clock, on the evening of the day following the next meeting of the Political Convention now sitting in this town.
JOHN P. BOYD, Secretary.
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Masons' Hall, Portland, Jan. 6th, A. D., 1820.
The Masonic Convention met according to adjournment, and the following business was attended to, viz.: R. W. Bro. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., President, took the chair. W. Bro. John P. Boyd, Esq,, former Secretary, being absent, chose Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish, Secretary pro tem.
Voted, To suspend a former vote of this Convention relative to the admission of visitors during this evening.
The report of the committee which was appointed to attend the Grand Lodge at their last communication, &c, was then read, and accepted.
On motion,
Voted, That two be added to the above committee.
Bros. Joseph M. Gerrish and Samuel Baker were chosen.
On motion,
Voted, To choose a Treasurer for this Convention.
Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish was chosen.
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to procure a loan, and to furnish the committee with such funds as they may want to carry the design of their appointment into effect, for the refunding of which with interest the faith of this Convention is pledged.
On motion,
Voted, That a committee be appointed to examine the accounts of the committee aforesaid appointed to visit the Grand Lodge, &c, and report at the adjournment.
W. Bro. George Thacher Jr., W. Eleazer Wyer, and W. Nelson Racklyft were chosen.
Voted, To adjourn this meeting to the last Wednesday of May next, to meet at this place at seven o'clock P. M.
JOSEPH M. GERRISH, Secretary pro tem.
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Masons' Hall, Portland, May 31, A. D. 1820.
The Convention met according to adjournment. The final report of the committee was read, with the accompanying documents relative to the separation ; whereupon,
Voted, That they be entered on the records of the Convention as follows:—
In Convention at Masons' Hall, Portland, May 31, A. D., 1820.
The committee appointed by the Masonic Convention at Portland, October 14, 1819, to present a memorial to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, praying for a separation of the Lodges in Maine from the parent Grand Lodge, and for a just proportion of its funds, have the honor to offer the following Report:—
In execution of their commission the committee presented to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at its annual communication in December last, the memorial of this Convention, and advocated its object before a committee of the Grand Lodge, to whom the memorial was referred. Your committee were happy to observe among the members of the Grand Lodge, prevalence of feelings the most friendly and generous towards the fraternity in Maine; and a disposition, not only to yield to our wishes on the general question of separation, but to grant us our just proportion of the funds. These dispositions appear in the report of the committee of the Grand Lodge, made at their communication in March last, a copy of which is herewith submitted; and by the unanimous acceptance of which, the Grand Lodge has in a manner highly honorable to itself, granted all which this Convention sought to obtain. This object being effected, your committee addressed letters to the several Lodges in Maine inviting them to meet at this place on Thursday, the first day of June, A. D. 1820, at three o'clock in the afternoon, by their Masters and Wardens, or proxies, for the purpose of organizing the Grand Lodge of Maine, and transacting such other business as may regularly come before them. A copy of this letter is submitted herewith. Your committee have also contracted for a suitable set of jewels for the use of the new Grand Lodge. In conclusion, the committee congratulate the Convention on the happy accomplishment of the great purposes of their first assembling, and humbly invoke on the fraternity in Maine the continued blessing of the Grand Master of us all.
SIMON GREENLEAF, per order.
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GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Your committee to whom was referred the memorial subscribed by sundry freemasons, delegates from Lodges in the District of Maine, requesting that their connexion with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts may be dissolved,
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have attended to the duty assigned them, and ask leave respectfully to report. A meeting of delegates from all the Lodges in Maine, except from Eastern Lodge at Eastport, was holden in Convention at Masons' Hall, in Portland, on the evening of the 14th day of October, 5819, and continued by adjournment to the evening of the 19th day of the same month, when it was voted that a respectful memorial be addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, expressing the views and wishes of the Convention on the subject of the separation of the Lodges in Maine from the Grand Lodge, and that the same be signed by all the delegates present; that a committee of five be chosen to present said memorial to the Grand Lodge, with power to agree upon and arrange in behalf of the Lodges there represented all things proper to be done as to the terms of separation and the formation of a Grand Lodge of Maine: in pursuance of said votes, the memorial referred to your committee was subscribed by all the delegates in Convention assembled, and R. W. Brother Simon Greenleaf, Nathaniel Coffin, Josiah Calef, John Dickinson and Nathan Cutler were duly appointed a committee to present said memorial, and to conclude with the Grand Lodge the terms of separation. After this the members of Eastern Lodge addressed a communication to R.W. Bro. Greenleaf, chairman of said committee, expressive of their approbation of the doings of said Convention, and uniting with them in the object of said memorial. This memorial and communication were presented to this Grand Lodge at the quarterly communication in December last, by B. W. Brothers Simon Greenleaf, Nathaniel Coffin and Josiah Calef. Your committee would here observe that the language and sentiments contained in this memorial are highly respectful to the honor and dignity of this Grand Lodge, and characteristic of the honorable and high minded gentlemen who subscribed it.
Your committee had no authority to conclude with the committee from Maine upon terms of separation, only to hear their wishes and proposals, and to report the whole subject matter. It was the wish of that committee that the Grand Lodge should give the Lodges in Maine its approbation to be formed into a separate Grand Lodge as soon as Maine should become a separate State, and that when the Grand Lodge of Maine should be duly organized, the Grand Lodge should transfer to it a portion of the charity fund and other property. Your committee find this Grand Lodge have acknowledged the necessity of creating separate Grand Lodges in every independent State Government where a sufficient number of Lodges have rendered it expedient. This principle is a correct one. Masons are bound to submit to the laws and authority of the Government under which they live. If amenable to a Grand Lodge existing under a separate and independent republic, they might be compelled to violate the laws of the civil government or some of their most solemn masonic obligations. Your committee believe the District of Maine will soon become a separate and independent State; and when that event takes place it is proper and expedient that this Grand Lodge consent that the Lodges in Maine form
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themselves into a separate and independent Grand Lodge and receive a portion of its property. Although it may be desirable that the District of Maine should become a separate State, and the Lodges there constituted an independent Grand Lodge, still it is to be lamented that the happy connection which has so long subsisted between Maine and Massachusetts should be broken; that cords which have so long united them in one common interest should be severed; that the fountain of charity which they have mutually contributed to fill, should be diminished; still, however, it is the duty of Masons to yield their private feelings and interests to disinterested benevolence. The private benefits the Grand Lodge derives from a connection with the Lodges in Maine, it is bound to surrender to the more extensive advantages they will derive from being a Grand Lodge. Your committee are of opinion that the Lodges in Maine are well skilled in the principles of Free-masonry, zealously engaged to preserve and promote the honor and respectability of this ancient institution, and sufficiently extensive in numbers to compose a separate Grand Lodge; and from the exalted statesmen and exemplary Christians who will adorn the counsels of that Grand Lodge, they believe it will maintain an elevated standing among its neighboring Lodges, and reflect light and intelligence to all around.
Your committee would therefore recommend the following resolves to be passed by this Grand Lodge :
1st. Resolved, That as soon as the Congress of the United States shall declare the District of Maine a separate and independent State, and it shall be organized as such, the Lodges there shall have the approbation and authority of this Grand Lodge to form a Grand Lodge, and when duly organized it shall be recognized as such.
2d. Resolved, As the Lodges in Maine have contributed to the charity fund, as soon as a Grand Lodge is formed and its officers duly installed, it shall be entitled to receive the sum of Ten Hundred Dollars from said charity fund, to form a permanent charity fund for the Grand Lodge of Maine, to be appropriated to the same objects as the charity fund now is, and to no other.
3d. Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to pay to the Grand Lodge of Maine, or to any mason or masons it shall appoint, the sum of ten hundred dollars out of the charity fund, to be appropriated in the manner aforesaid; and also, that he transfer and assign to said Grand Lodge, or to any such mason or masons, all notes of hand and securities for money which this Grand Lodge now have or hold against the past District Deputy Grand Masters in Maine, and each of them, with power to collect the same to its own use.
4th. Resolved, That when and as soon as the Grand Lodge of Maine shall be duly organized, and its officers legally installed, said G. Lodge be and the same is hereby empowered to collect of the D. D. G. Masters in Maine, and each of them, their predecessors in office and each of them, all such sums of money as
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now are or shall then appear to be remaining in their hands, due to this Grand Lodge; and also, from the respective Lodges there all such sums of money as shall then appear to be due from them; and on payment thereof, the said D. D. G. Masters and their predecessors in office, and each of them, shall be discharged from any liability to pay the same to this Grand Lodge, and all such sums of money as the Grand Lodge of Maine shall so receive, it shall have a right to appropriate to its own use without any manner of account thereof to be given to this Grand Lodge. Provided, the Lodges in Maine pay this Grand Lodge for all Diplomas they shall hereafter receive.
5th. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary and Treasurer be directed to furnish the Grand Lodge of Maine with copies of all such papers and records as shall be necessary and useful for said Lodge, and not inconsistent with the interest of this Grand Lodge. All which is respectfully submitted.
(Signed) ELIJAH MORSE, per order.
Boston, March 8, 5820.
Committee to whom the memorial from a Convention of the Lodges in Maine was referred, were R. W. Elijah Morse, Andrew Sigourney, Joseph Baker, Henry Purkitt and Robert Lash.
Attest: JOHN SOLEY, Grand Secretary.
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, March 8, 5820. The original of the foregoing Report having been read and fully considered, was unanimously adopted.
Copy of Record, attest: JOHN SOLEY, Grand Secretary.
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The Committee of Finance report in part verbally, viz.: that they have examined the accounts of R. W. Bros. Simon Greenleaf and Nathaniel Coffin, whereupon,
Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to pay the amount of their bills as exhibited against the Convention to said committee; also, that the same committee be authorized in behalf of this Convention to examine and allow any other bills which may be exhibited to them, and that the Treasurer be directed to pay them; provided, said Committee of Finance certify the same.
Also,
Voted, That the same committee be directed to examine, allow and certify the accounts of the Treasurer to the new Grand Lodge.
The object for which this Convention was convened being now accomplished, it was dissolved.
JOHN P. BOYD, Secretary.
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