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ANNUAL COMMUNICATION.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, January 10th, A. D. 1822.
Present—R. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, D. G. M.
R.W. WILLIAM SWAN, S. G.W.
R.W. GEORGE THACHER, Jr. J. G. W. p. t.
R.W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treas.
R.W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Sec'y.
R.W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP, Cor. G. Sec'y.
R.W. JOSEPH E. FOXCROFT, G. Marshal.
R.W. HENRY W. FULLER, S. G. D.
R.W. JESSE ROBINSON, J. G. D.
R.W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Stewards
R.W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Stewards
R.W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
Bro. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
D. D. G. Masters from the first and Fifth Districts.
Lodges represented:
Portland, Ancient Land-mark, St. George,
Kennebec, Oriental Star, Felicity,
United, Maine, Lincoln,
Saco, Freeport, Warren,
Pythagorean, Temple, Eastern,
Cumberland, Adoniram, Union,
Oriental, Blazing Star, Hermon,
Village, Hancock, Waterville,
Solar, Amity, Casco,
Rising Virtue,
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Voted, That R. W. Manly Hardy, R. W. Josiah W. Mitchell, and R. W. Charles Fox, be a committee to consider what regulations it is expedient to adopt respecting the admission of visitors to the Grand Lodge, and report as soon as may be.
Which committee reported, that visitors and petitioners may he admitted to seats in the Grand Lodge, on motion, and with permission of the Grand Lodge.
The Committee of Finance made their annual report, which was read, accepted, and put on the files of the Grand Lodge.
The committee appointed to procure two hundred Diplomas on parchment, made a report, which was read, accepted, and placed on the files of the Grand Lodge.
R. W. Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish, Grand Treasurer, having requested the Grand Lodge to accept the sum of Twenty-five Dollars allowed him by the Committee of Finance, as a donation to the Charity Fund, it was
Voted, unanimously, That the donation made to the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge by B. W. Joseph M. Gerrish, Grand Treasurer, be accepted, and that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be presented to him for the same.
A report of the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine was made by the Recording Grand Secretary. Read, and put on file.
Voted, That R. W. Peleg Sprague, Ebenezer Poor and Samuel Fessenden be a committee to receive, sort and count the votes.
The whole number of votes given in for Grand Master was 51. R. W. Simon Greenleaf had 50 votes, and is chosen.
The whole number of votes given in for Senior Grand Warden was 50. R. W. William Swan had 49 votes, and is chosen.
Whole number of votes given in for Junior Grand Warden was 45. R. W. Nathaniel Coffin had 32 votes, and is chosen.
Whole number of votes given in for Grand Treasurer was 44. R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish had 44 votes, and is chosen.
Whole number of votes given in for Recording Secretary was 43. R W. William Lord had 43 votes, and is chosen.
Voted, That R. W. Brothers Trafton, Wheeler and Fox be a committee to receive, sort and count the votes for a Committee of Finance.
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Whole number of votes given in was 34. R. W. William Swan, Charles Fox and Eleazer Wyer had 34 votes each, and were chosen a Committee of Finance for the ensuing year.
Voted, That R. W. Josiah W. Mitchell, Charles Fox and George Thacher, Jr., be a committee to examine the communications received from the several Grand Lodges in the United States of America, and report to this Grand Lodge.
The petition of Jabez Mowry and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Lubec, by the name of Washington Lodge, was read, and committed to R. W. Brothers Tuttle, Gilman and Crowell; which committee reported that it is expedient that the prayer of said petition be granted.
Voted, That the foregoing Report be accepted, and that a charter be granted acordingly.
R. W. William Swan, S. G. Warden, offered the following Resolution, viz:
Resolved, That so much of the third section, Chapter first, of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge as relates to the personal notification of each Officer of the Grand Lodge for all meetings thereof, be dispensed with; and that the Recording Grand Secretary be requested to notify the officers personally for special meetings only.
Which was read, and ordered to be communicated to the several Lodges under this jurisdiction; and was also committed to R. W. Brothers William Swan, George Thacher and Robert P. Dunlap, who were instructed to report thereon at the next quarterly communication.
The petition of Reuben Nason and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in Gorham, by the name of Union Lodge, was read, and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Ebenezer Poor and Nehemiah Cram; which committee reported, that it is expedient that the prayer of said petitioners be granted, except so far as relates to the name of the Lodge; but that they receive a charter by the name of Harmony Lodge.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that a charter be granted accordingly.
The petition of Larnard Pullen and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Garland, by the name of
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Penobscot Lodge, was read, and committed to R. W. Brothers Trafton, Wheeler and Kendall; which committee reported, that it is expedient that the prayer of the petition be so far granted as to grant a charter to all the petitioners with the exception of Apollos Pond and Hozese Eastman, they not being vouched for as Master Masons.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that a charter be granted accordingly.
The petition of Larnard Pullen and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Garland, by the name of Penobscot Lodge, was read, and committed to R. W. Brothers Trafton, Wheeler and Kendall; which committee reported, that it is expedient that the prayer of the petition be so far granted as to grant a charter to all the petitioners with the exception of Apollos Pond and Hozese Eastman, they not being vouched for as Master Masons.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that a charter be granted accordingly.
A petition from a number of Brethren for a Lodge to be held at Parsonsfield, was laid before the Grand Lodge and read; but not having the approbation of the two nearest Lodges, nor of the District Deputy Grand Master, the further consideration of it was postponed, that the D. D. G. Master might have time to investigate and deliberate on the facts respecting it.
Adjourned to Thursday evening next, January 17, 1822, at 6 o'clock.
WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, January 17, A. D. 1822.
Grand Lodge met according to adjournment.
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, S. G. W.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, J. G. W. p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. NEHEMIAH CRAM, S.G.D. p.t.
R. W. JONAS WHEELER, J. G. D. p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT G. Stewards
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Stewards
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivants
R. W. CHARLES B.SMITH, G. Pursuivants
R.W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
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Lodges represented:
Portland, Solar, Waterville,
United, Ancient Land-mark, Casco,
Saco, Freeport, Warren,
Oriental, Adoniram, St. George,
Eastern, Blazing Star, Hermon.
Village, Amity,
M. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., declared his acceptance of the office of Grand Master, and was duly invested by R. W. William Swan, Senior Past Master present.
A communication was received from R. W. Nathaniel Coffin Esq., wherein he declined accepting the office of J. G. Warden, to which he had been elected.
The M. W. Grand Master was pleased to appoint R. W. William Swan Deputy Grand Master, which he accepted, and resigned the office of S. G. Warden.
Voted, That we now proceed to the choice of Senior and Junior Grand Wardens.
Voted, That B. W. Isaac Adams, Amos Nichols and Joseph Adams be a committee to receive, sort and count the votes.
Whole number of votes given in for Senior Grand Warden was 22. R. W. Charles Fox had 21 votes and is chosen.
Whole number given in for Junior Grand Warden was 22. R. W. Josiah W. Mitchell had 21 votes, and is chosen.
The Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary were duly installed.
The M. W. Grand Master was pleased to make the following appointments, viz:
R. W. PELEG SPRAGUE of Hallowell, Corresponding G. Sec.
R. W. JOSEPH E. FOXCROFT of New Gloucester, Grand Marshal.
Rev. GIDEON W. OLNEY, Grand Chaplain.
JONATHAN GREENLEAF, Grand Chaplain.
JOHN H. INGRAHAM, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. JESSE ROBINSON of Hallowell, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN of New Gloucester, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER of Portland, 1st G. Steward.
R. W. BENJAMIN D. BARTLETT of Bath, 2d G. Steward.Page 65
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT of Portland, 3d G. Steward.
R. W. ISAAC LINCOLN of Brunswick, 4th G. Steward.
R. W. SETH CLARK of Portland, 1st G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN of Portland, 2d G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS of Portland, G. Tyler.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER of Saco, Grand Sword Bearer,
and the above named officers were severally installed, either by themselves or proxies, by the M. W. Grand Master.
The following R. W. Brethren were appointed
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Daniel Granger Esq. of Saco.
Second District—R. W. Judah Dana Esq. of Fryeburg.
Third District—R. W. Henry W. Fuller Esq. of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Robert P. Dunlap Esq. of Brunswick.
Fifth District—R. W. Manly Hardy Esq. of Bucksport.
Sixth District—R. W. Jona. D. Weston Esq. of Eastport.
The Committee of Finance made a report on the subject of Returns from the several D. D. G. Masters so far as they relate to the finances, which was read, accepted and put on file. The Committee to whom was referred the communications received by the Grand Lodge of Maine, from the Grand Lodges in the United States, made the following Report:—
That while from these communications it is gratifying to perceive the advancement of masonry and the wide dissemination of its principles, it is with no ordinary feelings of satisfaction that they also find this Grand Lodge recognized by some of the oldest and most respectable Grand Lodges in the United States, and as intercourse of this kind leads to a more correct knowledge of the regulations adopted for the government of the craft, and conduces to the interest of the fraternity, they feel persuaded that it will be properly appreciated and cultivated by this Grand Lodge.
Your committee find the following resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodges of New York and Maryland, viz:—
Whereas a perfect acquaintance with the signatures of the Grand Officers of the several Grand Lodges holding correspondence with each other is of material importance in testing the authenticity of papers professedly issuing from under the hands and by the authority of any of them;—Therefore—
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary, when communicating to the respective Grand Lodges with whom a correspondence is preserved, the result of any election of officers of this Grand Lodge, wherein a change may have been made, shall accompany the same with the signatures of the Grand Master,
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Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, written with their own proper hand and duly authenticated under his hand and the seal of this Grand Lodge, together with a request to each and every such Grand Lodge, that they will forthwith, and as often as by any change of Grand Officers it may be rendered important, furnish to this Grand Lodge a similar document.
Which they recommend the adoption of by this Grand Lodge.
Your committee would also recommend that a list of all delinquent Lodges for dues to this Grand Lodge be published in each annual communication, that the Lodges to which they relate may seasonably be apprised of the same, and thereby avoid the penalty contained in the 5th Section of the 4th Chapter of the By-Laws.
Signed, JOSIAH W. MITCHELL, per order.
Which was read, and a copy ordered to be furnished to each subordinate Lodge.
A petition from Solar Lodge at Bath was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and referred to the D. D. G. Master of the 4th District.
A petition from Freeport Lodge was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and referred to the D. D. G. Master of the 1st District.
A letter from York Lodge was read in Grand Lodge, and referred to the D. D. G. Master of the 1st District.
Grand Lodge closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, April 11th, A. D. 1822.
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
R. W. DANIEL GRANGER, S. G. W. p. t.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, J. G. W. p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treas.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, G. Sec'y
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Marshal, p. t.Page 67
Rev. JONATHAN GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. JOHN P. BOYD, S. G. D. p. t.
R. W. AMOS NICHOLS, J. G. D. p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Lodges represented:
Portland, Ancient Land-mark, St. George,
Saco, Adoniram, Hermon,
Village, Blazing Star, Casco.
After prayers by the Grand. Chaplain, the Grand Lodge was declared to be duly opened in ample form.
A letter from R. W. Reuel Washburn, Esq., of Livermore, Master of Oriental Star Lodge, was laid before the Grand Lodge, read and committed to R. W. Brothers William Swan, Samuel Fessenden and Joseph M. Gerrish, which committee made the following Report.
The Committee of the Grand Lodge to whom was referred a communication from the presiding officer of Oriental Star Lodge, respecting the mode of balloting, and the right of a presiding officer to demand reasons therefor, &c.— having attended to the duty assigned them—respectfully report:
That they consider the subject of primary importance to the Fraternity, and involving the exercise of one of the most important privileges.
Your committee have no difficulty in determining to their own satisfaction the questions arising from the communication before them; and are fully of opinion, that in all cases of balloting for candidates, either for initiation, passing, raising, or for membership, the ballot ought to be unanimous in favor, or the candidate not admitted.
Respecting the right of a presiding officer or member of a Lodge to demand the reasons that may influence a member in the exercise of the privilege of balloting—your committee are equally decided in opinion, that no such right exists; and that any measures expressly taken on the part of a Lodge, with a view to force or extort from a member thereof such reasons, or even to ascertain the fact respecting any ballot that may be given, can be viewed in no other light than as deviations from ancient usages and privileges, and the most useful and salutary regulations of the Fraternity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, your committee are equally decided in the opinion, that there is no constitutional objection to such development by any
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member of a Lodge, when and where it is voluntarily made, either in open Lodge, to the presiding officer personally, or to a committee specially appointed for the purpose.
Your committee recommend the following addition to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, viz:
Chapter 4, Section 6-
" Nor shall any degree be conferred on a candidate, nor any Brother be admitted a member of any Lodge under this jurisdiction, without a previous unanimous ballot in his favor."
Respectfully submitted, (Signed,) WILLIAM SWAN, per order.
Which report was accepted, and
Voted, That the Grand Secretary send to each subordinate Lodge a copy of the amendment to the by-laws therein proposed.
The petition of James C. Fisk and others, of Ellsworth and Surry, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in Surry by the name of Lygonia Lodge, was read, and committed to R, W. Brothers Daniel Granger, John Spring and John Miller; which committee reported, that it is expedient that the prayer of said petitioners be granted.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that a charter be granted accordingly.
A communication was received from R. W. Joseph E. Foxcroft, of New Gloucester, declining accepting the office of Grand Marshal, to which he had been appointed.
A communication was received from R. W. Judah Dana Esq., of Fryeburg, wherein he declined accepting the office of District Deputy Grand Master of the second Masonic District.
Whereupon, the M. W. Grand Master made the following appointments:
R. W. GEORGE THACHER Jr. of Saco, Grand Marshal
R. W. CORNELIUS HOLLAND of Canton, District Deputy Grand Master for the second Masonic District.
A communication from Washington on the subject of forming a General Grand Lodge for the United States, was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and committed to R. W. Brothers Daniel Granger, William Swan, Charles Fox, Joseph M. Gerrish and John P. Boyd, to report at the next regular communication.
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The Resolution offered by R. W. William Swan, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge January 10, 1822, (v. p. 62), was taken into consideration and adopted.
The report of the committee embracing the foreign correspondence, (v. p. 65), was taken into consideration and adopted.
The petition of R. W. Samuel Thacher, Edmund Buxton and John Miller, a committee of St. George Lodge, requesting permission to hold the meetings of said Lodge in alternate years in Warren and Waldoborough—and the petition of Payn Elwell and others for the same purpose, together with their articles of agreement concerning the same—and the whole having the approbation of all the neighboring Lodges and the D. D. Grand Master—was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and committed to R. W. Daniel Granger, Joseph M. Gerrish and John W. Mellen; which committee reported, that the prayer of the petitions be granted upon the conditions agreed upon by the petitioners.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine, April 8, 1822; likewise reported that one vacancy existed in said Board of Trustees, by the election of R. W. Charles Fox to the office of Senior Grand Warden.
Brother Robert Boyd was then chosen a member of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine to fill said vacancy.
Voted, That the foreign correspondence received since our last communication be committed to R. W. William Swan, Charles Fox and William Lord, to report to this Grand Lodge.
The petition of John Neal and others, of Litchfield, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in that place, by the name of Morning Star Lodge, was read, and committed to R. W. Daniel Granger, Charles Fox, Samuel Fessenden, Josiah W. Mitchell and Joseph M. Gerrish, to report at our next communication.
Voted, That the subject of Diplomas for Past Masters be committed to E. W. William Swan, Eleazer Wyer and Robert P. Dunlap.
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After prayers by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, July 11, A. D. 1822.
Present—R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M. Presiding Officer.
R.W. CHARLES FOX, S. G. W.
R.W. DANIEL GRANGER, J. G. W. p. t.
R.W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R.W. WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
R.W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Marshal, p. t.
R.W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. D. p. t.
R.W. SETH CLARK, J. G. D. p. t.
R.W. CHARLES B. SMITH, G. Steward, p. t.
R.W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Lodges represented:
Portland, Oxford, Somerset.
Oriental, Temple,
Ancient Land-mark, Blazing Star,
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form.
The amendment to the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge recommended by a committee at our last communication was taken into consideration and unanimously adopted, as follows; viz:—
Chapter 4th, Sec. 6. Nor shall any degree be conferred on a candidate, nor any brother be admitted a member of any Lodge under this Jurisdiction, without a previous unanimous ballot in his favor.
Voted, That the Grand Secretary forward a copy of the foregoing amendment to each Lodge under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
The following Resolution offered by R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish was taken into consideration and unanimously adopted.
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Resolved, That the subordinate Lodges under the Jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be directed to make up their annual returns and pay up their dues to the first day of September in this and each succeeding year, and that the Rec. Grand Secretary furnish the several D. D. G. Masters with a copy of this Resolve and request them to communicate the same to the several Lodges within their districts.
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Neal and others of Litchfield, praying for a Charter to hold a Lodge in that place, by the name of Morning Star Lodge, made the following report, viz:—
To the Most Worshipful Master and Grand Lodge of Maine in G. Lodge assembled this 11th July A. D. 5822.
Your Committee to whom was committed the Petition of Bro. John Neal and twenty other Brethren praying for a Charter to be granted them to convene a Lodge in the town of Litchfield, have, on the 8th of May last, met at Portland agreeably to previous notice, and having maturely considered the prayer of said Petition, the objections in the counter Petition or remonstrance from the R. W. Hermon Lodge, and all other Documents relative thereto to us submitted, now ask leave to report and do unanimously report:
That considering the apparent high respectability of the Petitioners, the Geographical situation in which they are placed compared with the adjacent country, the comparative distance they are from the surrounding Lodges, they are entitled to this privilege and the prayer of the Petition ought to be granted, and that the prosperity of the fraternity requires it—and that in the Charter which may be granted, the said Lodge to be named the Morning Star, shall be located at or near Litchfield South Corner, so called, and nowhere else without the previous consent of this Grand Lodge.
Signed, D. GRANGER, Chairman,
per order of the Committee.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted and that a Charter be granted accordingly.
The Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine, July 8th, A. D. 1822.
Grand Lodge closed in due form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, Oct. 10th, A. D. 1822.
Present—R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M. Presiding Officer.
R.W. CHARLES FOX, S. G. W.
R.W. DANIEL GRANGER, J. G. W. p. t.
R.W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R.W. WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
R.W. JOSEPH HARROD, G. Marshal, p. t.
R.W. JONATHAN GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R.W. JOHN SPRING, S. G. D. p. t.
R.W. ENOCH HARDY, J. G. D. p. t.
R.W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R.W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant
R.W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Lodges represented:
Portland, Ancient Land-Mark, Blazing Star,
Kennebec, York, Washington,
Saco, Maine, Harmony,
Oriental, Tranquil, Village.
After prayers by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Lodge was declared to be duly opened.
The Committee on Finance made a report communicating the settlement of accounts with R. W. Oliver Bray, as D. D. Grand Master under the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts—which Report was read, accepted and placed on the files of this Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Diplomas made a report which was read and accepted.
Voted, That the said Committee be discharged from further consideration of the subject committed to them.
The Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine, at their meeting, October 7, A. D. 1822.
Voted, That R. W. Robert P. Dunlap, John P. Boyd, and Eleazer Wyer, be a committee to consider the subject of Past Masters' Diplomas, and report thereon.
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The Committee to whom was referred the proposal for forming a General Grand Lodge for the United States, made the following Report, viz:
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF MAINE.
Your Committee to whom was referred the communication of the proceedings of a number of members of the Society of Freemasons from various parts of the United States, composed of Members of Congress and Strangers, assembled at the Capitol in the City of Washington, March 9th, 1822, recommending a General Grand Lodge of the United States, now make Report—
That they have duly considered the communication to them referred, and given it all the attention the great importance of its object and the highly respectable source from which it is derived would seem to require, and that is in the power of your Committee to bestow.
Although the subject is new to your committee, and probably to the infant Grand Lodge of Maine, yet it would seem not to be entirely so to some of the Grand Lodges of our Sister States; the subject having been, as your committee understand, agitated in some way or other in some of the Grand Lodges, several times heretofore, and as often rejected by most of them which have taken the subject under consideration.
Your committee are unable to discover any material and essential benefit which can be derived to the craft generally, by the adoption of the measure proposed, but rather a disadvantage; for if adopted, the Grand Lodges of the several States must become subordinate to the Supreme Grand Lodge of the Union, or become ciphers, or be abolished as bodies ; and this Supreme or General Grand Lodge cannot be supported but by drawing the funds from the several Subordinate Grand Lodges existing, and this probably must create a heavier draught upon the minor subordinate Lodges, many of which your committee verily believe have not any surplus funds beyond that which is required to pay their dues and for necessary charitable purposes within their immediate circles; and if adopted, the connection and the communication of the minor subordinate Lodges cannot be very direct with the General Grand Lodge, located at so great a distance, and the unfrequency of their assembling must greatly retard that assistance which may be often required.
Your committee would cordially unite in and reiterate a part of the following sentiment contained in the communication under consideration, that the " art of printing and other causes have produced great changes in the condition of the world, and these causes have operated in their full proportion on the society of Freemasons; the sphere of civilization is greatly enlarging its boundaries—intellectual attainments and the influence of moral opinions are taking the place of brutal force—known principles of law are recognized, and the advantages of cultivated reason are shared by an increased proportion of mankind," but that " under these circumstances masonry has been extended and its Lodges so multiplied as to make their proper conduct a subject of much inter-
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est to the friends of the society." Your committee would ask, When has the proper conduct of the multiplied Lodges ceased to be a subject of much interest to the friends of the society, and especially in the several Grand Lodges ? Can the conduct of the multiplied Lodges be regulated, and the interest of the Fraternity better subserved, than it has been by the exercise of the jurisdiction of the several Grand Lodges now established, and the fostering care which they are wont to preserve over their immediate subordinate Lodges ? In the opinion of your committee, the establishing of a General Grand Lodge would create an entire new era in the regulation and government of the Fraternity throughout the United States, provided all the Grand Lodges should partipate in the measure proposed, (of the probability of which your committee would not hazard an opinion); but should there only a part, say two-thirds of the Grand Lodges in the Union, then it would be but an approximation to the fulfilment of the object intended; and the exercise of such a partial jurisdiction would be attended with difficulties and embarrassments, and the minute (although necessary) affairs of the minor subordinate Lodges be unreasonably delayed or wholly neglected, which are under the present arrangement promptly and effectually attended to by their parent Grand Lodges, in which by their proximity of situation they may be always represented, prefer their wants, and obtain redress of grievances, without looking to a jurisdiction at so great a distance, where they can be but partially, if represented at all.
Your committee therefore, with due deference, offer the following Resolutions for consideration and adoption.
Resolved, That the establishment of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, and the calling of a Masonic Convention for the purpose of organizing the same as proposed, is neither necessary nor expedient.
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing report and resolutions to the several Grand Lodges in the United States, and one copy of the same to William W. Seaton, Esq., at the city of Washington—agreeably to the request contained in the communication referred to the above committee.
Signed, Committee.
DANIEL GRANGER,
WILLIAM SWAN,
CHARLES FOX,
JOS. M. GERRISH,
JOHN P. BOYD,
Which report and resolutions being read and fully discussed were unanimously adopted.
After prayers by the Grand Chaplain the Grand Lodge was closed in due form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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