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ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1823
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, January 9th, A. D. 1823.
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
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, Rec. G. Sec.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, Jr., G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. JOHN H. INGRAHAM, G. Chaplain.
R. W. JESSE ROBINSON, S. G. D.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, J. G. D.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. BENJ. D. BARTLETT, G. Steward.
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, A. Land-Mark, Northern Star, Washington,
Kennebec, Oxford, Tranquil, Harmony,
Saco, Oriental Star, Amity, Morning Star.
Pythagorean, York, Orient,
Oriental, Maine, Waterville,
Village, Temple, Bethlehem,
Solar, Adoniram, Casco,
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The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayer was offered by the Senior Grand Chaplain.
The Committee on Finance made their annual Report, which was read, accepted, and placed on file, as follows :
| The account with the Grand Treasurer has been settled and his account submitted exhibits the amount received by him since the last annual settlement to be, |
$1655.66 |
|
| There is now a balance in his hands and due the Grand Lodge, of | 307.78 | |
| There is also in the hands of the Grand Treasurer and applicable to the increase of the Charity fund, | 322.14 |
|
| In addition to which, the sum of $153.89 being the one-half of the balance remaining in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, is to be added to said fund agreeable to the regulation in the By-Laws. | ||
| The aggregate of the Charity Fund is as follows:— | ||
| Ten Shares in the Bank of Portland, | $1,000.00 | |
| Balance in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, | 322.14 | |
| One-half the Balance of Account applicable by regulation in the By-Laws, . |
153.89 | 476.08 |
| $1,476.03 | ||
The expenditures of the Grand Lodge for the past year have been as follows:
| For Books, Stationery and Printing, | $77.48 | |
| Fees to the Grand Secretary from the organization of the Grand Lodge to Jan'y, 1822, as reported in last Annnal Statement and then approved, | 75.00 |
|
| Paid the Grand Tyler for Services up to Jan'y 1822, | 13.00 | |
| Parchment for Diplomas and Printing same, | 75.90 | |
| Hall Rent up to January 1823, - | 40.00 | |
| The Grand Stewards' Bills for Refreshments, Attendance, Furniture and Candles, | 95.81 |
|
| Sundry Postages, | 1.80 | |
| $378.99 | ||
The Committee are not apprised of any outstanding demands against the Grand Lodge.
Your Committee have examined the Records of the Grand Secretary, and find that the duties of his important office have been faithfully and accurately performed, and recommend that the sum of Forty-five Dollars be allowed him for Services to this period. They also recommend the allowance of Twenty-five Dollars to the Grand Treasurer for Services the past year. And five dollars to the Grand Tyler, for his services the same period.
The Committee have great pleasure in being able to exhibit so favorable a
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statement of the funds of the Grand Lodge. It is the best testimonial of the faithfulness and ability with which the duties of the Grand Treasurer, as well as those of the respective District Deputy Grand Masters (so far as relates to pecuniary concerns) have been performed.
Voted, That proxies of Lodges be allowed to vote in Grand Lodge when only two of the representatives of the Lodge from whom they received their proxies are present.
R. W. Brother 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 said donation be accepted, and that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be presented to R. W. Brother Joseph M. Gerrish, for the same.
A petition from Somerset Lodge, requesting permission to hold the meetings of said Lodge one-half the time at the Village at Skowhegan Falls, either in the towns of Bloomfield or Canaan, and the other half in the village of Norridgewock where now held, one year in each place alternately—was laid before the Grand Lodge, read and committed to R. W. Jesse Robinson, Isaac Adams and Philip Leach, which committee made the following Report, viz:
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of the Master, Wardens and members of Somerset Lodge, praying for liberty to hold their communications at Norridgewock and Bloomfield, alternately, ask leave to report, that in their opinion the prayer of said Petition ought to be so far granted, as that the Petitioners have liberty to hold their meetings in rotation, one year at Norridgewock and one year at Skowhegan Falls in Bloomfield, during the pleasure of the Grand Lodge, all which is respectfully submitted.
JESSE ROBINSON, per order.
Voted, That the foregoing Report be accepted.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year.
Voted, That R. W. Samuel Emerson, Obed Wilson and David C. Burr, be a committee to receive, sort and count the votes for the several officers to be elected by ballot.
The whole number of votes given for Grand Master, was 47. M. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq. had 47 votes and is chosen.
The whole number of votes given for S. G. Warden was 47. R. W. Charles Fox had 47 votes and is chosen.
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The whole number of votes given for J. G. Warden was 44. R. W. Josiah W. Mitchell Esq. had 43 votes and is chosen.
A communication was received from R. W. Josiah W. Mitchell Esq. wherein he declined accepting the office of J. Grand Warden for the ensuing year.
The whole number of votes given for J. Grand Warden was 44. R. W. Samuel Fessenden Esq. had 32 votes and is chosen.
The whole number of votes given for Grand Treasurer was 41. R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish had 41 votes and is chosen.
The whole number of votes given for Rec. Grand Sec. was 39. R. W. William Lord had 39 votes and is chosen.
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 or Grand Officer present.
The M. W. Grand Master then installed the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, and Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary.
The M. W. Grand Master was pleased to make the following appointments, viz:—
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN of Portland, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W. PELEG SPRAGUE, of Hallowell, Corresponding G. Secretary.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER Jr. Esq. of Saco, Grand Marshal.
R. W. Rev. GIDEON W. OLNEY, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. JOHN H. INGRAHAM, G. Chaplain.
R. W. JESSE ROBINSON Esq. of Hallowell, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. BENJAMIN D. BARTLETT of Bath, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER of Portland, 1st Grand Steward.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT of Portland, 2d Grand Steward.
R. W. ISAAC LINCOLN of Brunswick, 3d Grand Steward.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE of Hallowell, 4th Grand Steward.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON of Gorham, Grand Sword Bearer.
R. W. SETH CLARK of Portland, 1st Grand Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN of Portland, 2d Grand Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS of Portland, Grand Tyler.
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DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS
First District—R. W. Daniel Granger Esq., of Saco.
Second District—R. W. Cornelius Holland Esq. of Canton.
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.
Such of the above named officers as were present were severally installed by the M. W. Grand Master, being all except Brothers P. Sprague, Rev. G. W. Olney, Isaac Lincoln, Samuel Stephenson, C. Holland, Manly Hardy, H. W. Fuller, and Jona. D. Weston.
Voted, That Brothers Oliver Griswold, Joseph Harrod and Nathaniel Mitchell, be a committee to receive, sort and count the votes for a Committee of Finance —which committee reported that R. W. William Swan, Charles Fox and Eleazer Wyer, were unanimously chosen that committee.
The following Brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. Simon Greenleaf, Esq. G. M. ex-officio.
R. W. William Swan, D. G. M. ex-officio.
R. W. Charles Fox, S. G. W. ex-officio.
R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Esq. J. G. W. ex-officio.
R. W. William Lord, G. S. ex-officio.
R. W. Albion K. Parris, Esq.
R. W. Daniel Granger, Esq.
R. W. Peleg Chandler, Esq.
R. W. Nathan Weston Jr., Esq.
R. W. Jedediah Herrick, Esq.
R. W. Robert Boyd, Esq.
Voted, That R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Jesse Robinson, and Alpheus Shaw, be a committee on applications for Charters, at this communication of the Grand Lodge.
A petition from a number of Brethren in the town of Parsonsfield, County of York, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in that place by the name of Freedom Lodge, was laid before the Grand Lodge, read and committed to the Committee on applications for Charters.
A Petition from a number of Brethren in the town of Alna, County of Lincoln, praying for a Charter to hold a Lodge in that place by the name of Alna Lodge, was laid before the Grand Lodge, read and committed to the Committee on applications for Charters.
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Voted, That Brothers Joseph Harrod, Philip Leach and William Lord be a committee on unfinished business.
Voted, That Rev. G. W. Olney, George Thacher Jr. and Jonathan Greenleaf, be a committee on Foreign Correspondence.
Voted, That R. W. Charles Fox, George Thacher Jr. and John Spring be a committee to report on the ceremonies to be observed in subordinate Lodges on receiving official visits from District Deputy Grand Masters and other Grand Officers.
Voted, That Rev. Jona. Greenleaf, M. W. Simon Greenleaf, and Isaac Adams, be a committee to institute such inquiries as shall seem to them expedient in order to ascertain whether any vestiges of ancient Masonry can be discovered in Palestine, and the countries adjoining, and what is the present state of Masonry in those countries.
The Grand Lodge adjourned to Friday evening, January 10, 1823, at 7 o'clock.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, January 10, A. D. 1823.
Grand Lodge of Maine met by adjournment from January 9, 1823.
Present.—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, Esq., G.M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, S. G. W.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, J. G. W.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, Jr., G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, S. G. D. p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. D. p. t.
R. W. ALPHEUS SHAW, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. JAMES OSGOOD, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
D. D. G. Masters from the First and Fourth Districts.Page 81
Lodges represented.
Portland, Oxford, Amity,
Saco, Maine, Felicity,
Pythagorean, Tranquil, Hermon,
Ancient Land-M'k, Blazing Star, Morning Star.
The committee appointed to consider the subject of Past Master's Diplomas, reported progress, asked and obtained leave to sit again.
The committee appointed to report on the ceremonies to be observed in subordinate Lodges, on receiving official visits from District Deputy Grand Masters and other Grand Officers, made the following Report, viz:—
The committee to whom was referred the subject of considering the proper ceremony to be observed and paid by the Lodges to the District Deputy Grand Masters when they visit them, report—
The following order of ceremonies to be observed at the ordinary official visits of the District Deputy Grand Masters to the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, viz:
The District Deputy Grand Masters shall give previous reasonable notice of their intended visit, to the master of the Lodge, who shall summon the same, and provide one of the ante-rooms, or some other convenient place within the Lodge building, to which the D. D. G. Master will repair and inform the Lodge by their Marshal that he is in waiting. The Lodge being opened, the Master shall then direct the Marshal, accompanied by the Deacons and Stewards with their rods, to wait on the D. D. G. Master and inform him that the Lodge is ready to receive him, and conduct him to the door of the Lodge in the following order:
1st. Marshal.
2d. Stewards.
3d. Deacons.
4th. District Deputy Grand Master.
On arriving at the door of the Lodge the Marshal makes demand, and the door being opened, he announces " the District Deputy Grand Master," and they enter the Lodge; the Brethren arise, the Stewards and Deacons halt within and open to the right and left, crossing their rods, the District Deputy Grand Master enters between them, preceded by the Marshal; being entered the Brethren salute him in ancient form, the Marshal conducts him to the east and the Master offers him the chair. The visit being ended, and the D. D. G. Master signifying his intention to retire, he is conducted to his chamber in the same manner, the Stewards and Deacons halting as above at the door of his apartment only. And the substance of the above order will be observed
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when the D. D. G. Master visits by deputation of a Past Master or Master of a Lodge, except that such Deputy will not take the chair, but sit uncovered at the right of the Master.
Signed, CHARLES FOX,
GEORGE THACHER. Jr.
Voted, That the foreging Report be accepted.
The Committee on applications for Charters, reported that the prayer of the petition of John Lougee, Jr. and others, for a Lodge at Parsonsfield by the name of Freedom Lodge, be granted, and that these Brethren receive a Charter as prayed for.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that a Charter be granted accordingly.
The Committee on applications for Charters, reported, that the prayer of the petition of John McLean and others for a Lodge at Alna by the name of Alna Lodge be granted.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted and that a Charter be granted accordingly.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following report, viz:
The Committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence of this Grand Lodge, having attended to that service, ask leave to report. It appears that communications have been received from the Grand Lodge of the State of New Hampshire for the year 1822, from Massachusetts for 1821, from Vermont for 1821, from New York for 1822, from New Jersey for 1821, from North Carolina for 1821, from Kentucky for 1822, from Alabama for 1821, and from Indiana for 1822; and that at the present time there are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, 40 regular Lodges; in Massachusetts 87, in Vermont 55, in New York 344, in New Jersey 45, in North Carolina 39, in Kentucky 55, in Alabama 12 chartered Lodges and two working under a dispensation, and in Indiana 21 Lodges, making in all 698 regularly chartered Lodges in those eight States.
The committee find in these communications evident tokens of the flourishing condition of Masonry in those states ; but beyond this, they do not perceive any thing of particular interest except the following transactions :
The Grand Lodge of Kentucky have censured as highly improper and unmasonic the conduct of any Lodge in receiving or acting upon a petition for initiation at a meeting specially called for that purpose.
In the new Grand Lodge for the State of Alabama, it was resolved that it is considered unmasonic to put candidates in nomination for any office in Masonry.
In the communication from North Carolina, we find a notice that a circular
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from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana had been received there, on the subject of providing for a Masonic Hospital, which was read and committed.
All which is respectfully submitted.
J. GREENLEAF,
GEO. THACHER, Jr.
Which report was unanimously accepted.
The District Deputy Grand Masters were requested to furnish diplomas to those Lodges that were entitled to them from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Robert P. Dunlap and John P. Boyd, Esquires, were appointed a committee to ascertain through the D. D. G. Masters, the number of Diplomas due the several Lodges in this state from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts at the time of our separation. Which committee was authorized to procure the number of Diplomas that shall be found wanting.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity fund of the Grand Lodge, at their meetings, January 6th and 10th, 1823.
The Recording Grand Secretary was directed to cause the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge to be numbered according to seniority.
Prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain, and 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, Thursday, April 10, A. D. 1823.
Pressent—R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
R.W. CHARLES FOX, S. G. W.
R.W. ELEAZER WYER, J. G. W. p. t.
R.W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.Page 84
R.W. WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
R.W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. D.
R.W. SETH CLARK, J. G. D.
R.W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Steward.
R.W. CHARLES B. SMITH, G. Steward.
R.W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Lodges represented:
Portland, Ancient Land-mark,
Washington, Hermon.
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form.
The Committee on Past Master's Diplomas reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, held April 8,1823.
Grand Lodge was closed in due form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine, was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, July 10, A. D. 1823.
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, Esq., G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, S. G. W.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, Esq., J. G. W.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, Esq., G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, Jr. Esq. G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. REUBEN NASON, G. Chaplain, p. t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Steward, p, t.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. THOMAS TODD, G. Pursuivant p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
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Lodges represented:
Portland, Solar, Somerset,
United, Ancient Land Mark, Washington,
Saco, Blazing Star, Harmony.
After prayers by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Lodge was declared to be opened in ample form.
A communication from Joseph Hall, Secretary of Amity Lodge, at Camden, was laid before the Grand Lodge, which was read and committed to R. W. William Swan, Charles Fox and Samuel Fessenden, who reported, that the facts of this case present no insuperable objection to the initiation of the candidate, which was accepted.
R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish, John P. Boyd and Horace Seaver were appointed a committee to consider whether the Officers of subordinate Lodges ought to appear in Grand Lodge without the appropriate badges of their office.
The Grand Secretary reported the transactions at a stated meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, July 7, 1823.
The Communication from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, dated May 21, 1823, on the subject of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, was committed to M. W. Simon Greenleaf, R. W. William Swan and R. W. Samuel Fessenden.
On motion, R. W. Charles Fox, Samuel Fessenden and George Thacher, Jr., were appointed a Committee to consider whether a person who is conscientiously scrupulous against taking an oath, can be admitted to the benefits of Masonry by solemn affirmation.
After prayers by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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SPECIAL MEETING.
At a Special Meeting of the Grand Lodge of Maine, holden at the house of Captain Daniel Hunt in Gorham, on Friday, Sept. 5th, A. D. 1823, for the purpose of consecrating Harmony Lodge and installing its officers:
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
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. GEORGE THACHER Jr., G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, S. G. D. p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. D. p. t.
R. W. JAMES OSGOOD, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. AMOS NICHOLS, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
Rev. Bro. SAMUEL RAND, Bearer of the Holy Bible.
Bro. JOHN McDONALD, Bearer of Constitutions.
Bro. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Bro. JAMES McARTHUR, Stewards in the rear of the Procession
Bro. BENNET PIKE, Stewards in the rear of the Procession
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayers offered by the Grand Chaplain.
Official information was communicated to the M. W. Grand Master, that Harmony Lodge were assembled and waited the direction of the Grand Lodge.
Whereupon a procession was immediately formed under the direction of the R. W. Grand Marshal, and accompanied by music, proceeded to the Hall where Harmony Lodge were assembled; when after the usual examinations by the M. W. Grand Master, and a report from the R. W. Deputy Grand Master, "that having duly examined the records of Harmony
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Lodge, he found them correct, and the officers elect well skilled in the mysteries of the order, and recommended that their request for Consecration and Installation be granted"—
A procession was formed in due order agreeable to the Constitution, preceded by music, and a large number of visiting Brethren; thus marshaled, it proceeded to the Rev. Mr. Pomroy's meeting house, where after prayers by the Rev. Mr. Pomroy, and an appropriate oration by Bro. John L. Megquier, the ceremonies of consecration took place; the consecrating prayer was offered by Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, Grand Chaplain. The R. W. Master of Harmony Lodge having first signified his assent to the ancient Constitutions and Charges of the Craft, Harmony Lodge was then consecrated and its officers installed in ample form, after which an excellent and impressive address was delivered by the M. W. Grand Master to Harmony Lodge; the Grand Marshal then proclaimed Harmony Lodge to be duly constituted and consecrated, and its officers installed in ample and ancient form; —the services were closed with a benediction pronounced by the Grand Chaplain.
The Brethren having again marshaled in due order, returned to the Hall of Harmony Lodge, and partook of a rich repast provided for the occasion by Bro. Daniel Hunt. Alter feasting, and drinking to three public toasts given by the M. W. Grand Master, the Grand Lodge retired and marched in procession to the room where they first assembled; at the same time the Rev. Clergy, and others not of the fraternity, who had been invited to join the procession and dine with us, withdrew.
After prayers by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Lodge closed in ample 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, October 9, A. D. 1823.
Present—M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, G. M.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN, D. G. M.
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. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. D. p. t.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, J. G. D. p. t.
R. W. NEHEMIAH CRAM, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, G. Pursuivant, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
Lodges represented: -
Portland, Oriental, Oxford,
United, Solar, Blazing Star,
Cumberland, Ancient Land-mark, Harmony.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject whether the officers of subordinate Lodges ought to appear in Grand Lodge without their appropriate Jewels, submitted the following Report:
That according to common Masonic usage and as practiced in the neighboring Grand Lodges, the officers of subordinate Lodges are not entitled to the privileges of members in Grand Lodge unless clothed with the proper Jewels and insignia of their respective offices—they therefore recommend that no officer of a subordinate Lodge be permitted to exercise the privileges of a member of this Grand Lodge, excepting those who appear clothed with the Jewels as before mentioned, without the previous consent of the Grand Master, or presiding Grand Officer.
Whereupon it was ordered, that it lie over to our next Communication,' and that the Grand Secretary send a copy of the same to each subordinate Lodge.
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The Committee on the subject of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, submitted the following Report:
The Committee to whom was referred a communication from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, dated May 6, 1823, inviting the respective Grand Lodges of the United States to appoint delegates to a general convention, with authority to adopt measures for the establishment of a general Grand Lodge for the United States, have given the subject of their appointment that consideration which its importance and the deep interest taken in it by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia seem to demand, and ask leave to report that in their opinion it is not expedient for the Grand Lodge of Maine to concur in the measure proposed.
The arguments in favor of the measure, are in substance these: that the erection of a national Grand Lodge will tend to open the channel of masonic intercourse both foreign and domestic—establish uniformity of work—correct abuses—give unity, strength and respectability to our order—concentrate and diffuse information—reconcile collisions among jarring jurisdictions—impose new or enforce old restraints on the admission of candidates—correct the abuse of unwarranted and unwarrantable publications— abolish the degrading and ruinous practices of unlicensed lectures—interdict the mercenary introduction of false degrees—and awaken a spirit of emulation in the whole fraternity.
We are unable to perceive any benefit here proposed, which may not be fully derived from the present system. This Grand Lodge, notwithstanding the disadvantages of its very recent establishment, and its remote frontier situation has happily succeeded in opening a regular correspondence with most of the Grand Lodges of the United States. If other Grand Lodges, in situations more favorable to direct and easy intercourse, have been less successful, we think it fair to conclude that the misfortune is to be referred to some other cause than the want of a general Grand Lodge—and we believe that the communications now received from the several Grand Lodges of the States are calculated to excite a more lively interest and to produce more lasting benefits than would be derived from the very general views which must be expected in a national communication.
Nor do we suppose it difficult for the Grand Lodge of any State to open and maintain a correspondence with foreign Grand Lodges; for we cannot believe that any Grand Lodge at home or abroad would decline to accept from a State jurisdiction the tokens of proffered friendship, or to interchange them when requested.
Respecting the uniformity of work which it is said to be desirable to establish, we are not aware that it does not already exist to as great a degree as could be effected by a national Grand Lodge; nor that different Grand Lodges, as such, have ever countenanced any essential diversities of operation. Slight discrepancies may sometimes be found in different Lodges, introduced probably from the affectation of greater purity of work, but these may always be cor-
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rected by the vigilance of the District Deputy Grand Masters, or other Grand Officers who may be appointed to visit and inspect the work of the subordinate Lodges—and if this salutary regulation were permanently adopted by all the Grand Lodges of the United States as it now is by a large portion of them, the mischiefs and disorders introduced by unlicensed lectures would soon cease to furnish a topic of complaint.
The argument in favor of the establishment of a national Grand Lodge, drawn from its usefulness as an umpire to reconcile differences among jarring jurisdictions, would be deserving of more consideration if such contentions had ever been known to exist to any serious extent. But as far as our information reaches, those differences have rarely been known to occur, and never but in a very slight degree; and the spirit of brotherly kindness and moderation which Masonry breathes has always been found a sufficient, and certain, and speedy remedy.
In the same light we regard the supposed abuse of unwarranted and unwarrantable publications. That weak and sometimes erroneous publications on masonic subjects have been issued from the press is unquestionably true. But many of them are of a character far beneath the notice of any Grand Lodge whatever, and those which may be found to contain something not altogether correct, are too few, and the errors too insignificant, to merit the attention proposed to be bestowed. Reason may safely be left to combat them. Our national habits will hardly tolerate any previous censorship of the press; and should any book be condemned after its publication, the condemning sentence would doubtless most effectually secure its rapid and extensive circulation.
Nor can we more favorably regard the proposed imposition of new restraints on the admission of candidates to our mysteries. This subject has always been regulated as far as it is capable of regulation by the different Grand Lodges, and we have never before heard any intimation that it might not beneficially be left in their hands. We have observed in our correspondence with them, that differences do exist in the terms of admission in different States; and comparing the lists of expulsions, which in some States we are grieved to find are disgracefully numerous, we are led to the conclusion that the standard of moral character, as well as the amount in money required of a candidate, is probably in some places quite too low ; and that by conferring masonic honors on those only who have been tried and found worthy, this deplorable evil would soon be cured. The question is affected more by the strength of moral principle in the candidate, than by the money demanded of him; and this standard does not seem to be susceptible of coercive regulation. If the members of any State Grand Lodge have not discernment enough to perceive the existence of any evil of this sort, or want virtue to apply the proper corrective, we do not perceive in what manner it is to be reached by any higher jurisdiction.
The introduction of false degrees into Masonry is an innovation which we believe this Grand Lodge will always resolutely resist. Should it ever be found
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within our jurisdiction, it would doubtless receive prompt attention from the immediate guardians of the Temple, and timely suppression by the Grand Lodge at its next ensuing communication. We see no reason why other Grand Lodges should not be considered equally vigilant to discern approaching danger, and prompt to meet and avert it. But if the speedy exertion of such energies is desirable, it would not seem to be much facilitated by the slow operations of a national assembly.
However the proposed establishment might increase the respectability of American Masonry in the eyes of foreign Grand Lodges, if its members could devote themselves to the great and serious subjects committed to their trust with the attention and time which those subjects would demand; yet from the experience we have had in the management of masonic affairs in our own Grand Lodge, and the information, of our neighbors, we think it is not to be expected in practice that such men will be found. The annual communications of such a Grand Lodge might probably be attended by many whom public or private business might lead to the place of its assembling, but the effectual direction of its affairs would doubtless be left wholly to gentlemen resident near the spot, and receive about the same degree of attention which experience has shown is usually given to the affairs of a State Grand Lodge; which, though as much as can reasonably be expected from the gratuitous services of men actively engaged in the business of life, is obviously far less than the due government of so many masons, scattered over this wide and growing dominion, would imperiously require. We should, in effect, delegate the power of many States to what would in substance be only a State Grand Lodge. Besides this evil, we think the measure, so far from exciting emulation, would tend to destroy it. A salutary spirit of this sort is now believed to exist among the several Grand Lodges, as independent and sovereign jurisdictions. But if these were consolidated into one, as would in effect be the case, the proper aliment of this flame would be destroyed.
If these arguments are well founded, it cannot be necessary that we should advert to the abuses and dangers which might and probably would grow out of the desired establishment. If no evil now exists without its appropriate and effectual remedy, why should we venture on new experiments, which in the political and moral world ought rarely to be attempted—in Masonry, never? If we stand well, let us stand still. Let us not abandon our present tried and excellent systems, and in the vain search after an ideal good put in jeopardy the benefits we already enjoy—substituting an unwieldy institution, tedious in its operations, seldom assembling, slow and expensive in administering justice, either pressing as a dead weight on the vital circulations of the masonic body, or liable to the grossest abuses. Let us " remove not the ancient landmarks which our fathers have set."
SIMON GREENLEAF,
WILLIAM SWAN,
SAMUEL FESSENDEN,
Committee.
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Which report being read and fully discussed, was unanimously accepted.
Voted, that the foregoing Report be printed in our next annual communication.
A petition from Moses Greenleaf and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Sebec, County of Penobscot, by the name of Piscataquis Lodge, was laid before the Grand Lodge, read and committed to R. W. Charles Fox, Daniel Granger and Isaac Adams, which committee recommended that the prayer of said petition be granted.
The report was accepted and a charter granted accordingly. The petition of John McDonald and others, for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Limerick, was committed to R. W. William Swan, Charles Fox, Isaac Adams, Joseph M. Gerrish and Samuel Stephenson, to consider whether the approbation of Adoniram Lodge and the District Deputy Grand Master are unreasonably withheld, and report at a future communication.
R. W. Daniel Granger, Esq., Samuel Fessenden, Esq. and John L. Megquier, Esq. were appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Correspondence for the past year, and report at the annual communication.
The Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge at a stated meeting Oct. 6, 1823:
The Grand Lodge closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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