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ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1825.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Mason's Hall in Portland, on Thursday, January 13, 1825.
Present—M. W. WILLIAM SWAN, Esq., G. Master.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, Esq., D. G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, Esq., S. G. Warden.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, Esq., J. G. Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, Esq., G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. JAMES L. CHILD, Esq., as Cor. G. Secretary.
R. W. JESSE ROBINSON, Esq., G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, as S. G. Deacon.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. BENJ. D. BARTLETT, J. G. Steward.
R. W. ABISHA BENSON, G. Steward.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
PAST GRAND OFFICERS.
M. W. SIMON GREENLEAF, Esq.
District Deputy Grand Masters, from the first, second, third, fourth and sixth Districts.
The following Lodges were represented, viz :—
Portland, No. 1 Oriental, No. 13 Union, No. 31
Lincoln, No. 3 Orient, No. 15 Hermon, No. 32
Hancock, No. 4 St. George, No. 16 Somerset, No. 34
Kennebec, No. 5 A. Land-Mark, No. 17 Bethlehem, No. 35Page 110
Amity, No. 6 Oxford, No. 18 Casco, No. 36
Eastern, No. 7 Oriental Star, No. 21 Washington, No. 87
United, No. 8 York, No. 22 Harmony, No. 38
Saco, No. 9 Belfast, No. 24 Freedom, No. 42
Rising Virtue, No. 10 Temple, No. 25 Alna, No. 43
Pythagorean, No. 11 Adoniram, No. 27 Central, No. 45
Cumberland, No. 12 Tranquil, No. 29
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayer was offered by Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, Senior Grand Chaplain.
The Committee on Finance submitted their Annual Report, as follows:—
| There was a balance in the Treasury at the annual settlement of the Treasurer's account, Jan. 1824, |
$912.93 | |
| There has been paid into the Treasury since that period by the D. D. G. Masters, as follows, viz: |
||
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 1st District, | $249.91 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 2d District, | 51.25 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 3d District, | 201.12-1/2 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 4th District, | 146.12-1/2 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 5th District, | 73.61-1/2 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 6th District, | 16.25 | $738.27-1/2 |
| There has been received for two Charters granted since the last annual communication, | $160.00 | |
| Deduct amount applied to Charity Fund, | 20.00 | $140.00 |
| Received for a due bill of Mr. Buxton, | 3.00 | |
| $1,794.20-1/2 | ||
| There has been paid by the Treasurer since the last annualsettlement, and for which satisfactory vouchers have been produced to the committee for the following sums:— | ||
| To the increase of the Charity fund, being half the balance in the Treasury on settlement in 1824, conformable to the By-Laws, | 456.46-1/2 | |
| Amount of donation to the Charity Fund by the Treasurer, being the sum allowed him for services, | 30.00 | |
| Amount paid the Recording Grand Secretary as allowed him for his services for 1823, | 50.00 | |
| Amount paid Grand Tyler for his services for 1823, | 6.00 | |
| Amount paid for Hall rent up to January 1, 1825, | 80.00 | |
| Amount paid for Printing, Stationery and Postages, | 47.63 | |
| Amount paid the G. Stewards' bills for furniture, &c | 78.16 | |
| Amount paid for Diplomas, | 190.13 | |
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| Amount paid to D. D. G. Masters for actual expenses incurred in the discharge of their respective duties, viz: | ||
| To D. D. G. Master of First District, | $21.49 | |
| To D. D. G. Master of Second District, | 10.00 | |
| To D. D. G. Master of Third District, | 23.33 | |
| To D. D. G. Master of Fourth District, | 24.62-1/2 | |
| To D. D. G. Master of Fifth District, | 12.03-1/2 | $91.53 |
| 1029.90-1/2 | ||
| Balance remaining in the Treasury and carried to new account | 764.30 | |
| $1794.20-1/2 | ||
The committee have examined the books of the Grand Treasurer, and settled his account which is hereto annexed, by which there appears the above balance of $754.30 due to the Grand Lodge; there is however a balance of $211.50-1/2 due to him on settlement of the accounts of the Charity Fund, leaving a net balance due the Grand Lodge of $552.79-1/2. They cannot forbear to remark that the books and accounts of the Grand Treasurer have been kept with great correctness and neatness, and the duties of that office have been faithfully and ably performed; and they recommend an allowance of the sum of thirty dollars for his services for the past year.
They have also examined the records and books of the Grand Recording Secretary, and find them correctly and neatly kept, and do recommend an allowance of the sum of fifty dollars for his services the past year. And to the Grand Tyler an allowance of six dollars for his services for the same period.
Your Committee find the dues from all the Lodges in the first, second, fourth and sixth districts are all paid and the returns made. In the 3d district, there have been no returns or dues for the past year received from Temple Lodge at Monmouth, Northern Star at Anson, and Waterville Lodge at Waterville; there appears due from Northern Star Lodge for the year 1820, fifty dollars, and for 1821, thirty-two dollars, making the sum of eighty-two dollars, and from Temple Lodge for 1822, the sum of $27.62. In the fifth district, there has been no returns or dues for the past year received from Lygonia Lodge at Surry, nor Penobscot Lodge at Garland.
All which is respectfully submitted,
CHARLES FOX,
SAMUEL FESSENDEN,
ELEAZER WYER,
Committee on Finance.
Which report was accepted.
N. B. Temple Lodge has since the above report, made returns and paid up all their dues.
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A statement of the Charity Fund was also submitted, as follows viz:
| 10 Shares in the Bank of Portland | §1000.00 |
| 10 Shares in the Casco Bank, | 1000.00 |
| An Amount in promissory notes satisfactorily secured, | 600.00 |
| $2600.00 |
One half of the $764.24 balance of the Treasurer's account applicable by regulation in the By-Laws, to the increase of the Charity Fund, has been applied to pay the amount due for stock in Casco Bank.
The Committee to whom was referred the memorial of York Lodge, stating the loss of their furniture, &c. by fire, and praying that the Grand Lodge would . " assume the loss as a family misfortune," having considered the subject, are of opinion, and respectfully report that it is not expedient that the prayer of the memorial be granted.
Among the reasons which have led the Committee to this conclusion, it has occurred to them that the furniture of subordinate Lodges, is in no case subject to the control of the Grand Lodge, either in its original purchase or subsequent disposition, except in case of suspension of the functions of the individual Lodge; that the funds of the Grand Lodge so far as they are applicable to charitable purposes, ought always to be applied to cases of real distress; but they cannot regard the present loss of York Lodge as a case calling for the aid of charity from the general fund; but rather as a calamity which the members of that Lodge are abundantly able to retrieve by their own resources: and that as the general funds of the Grand Lodge were not augmented by the purchase of the articles destroyed, they ought not to be diminished by replacing them.
The Committee, however, consider the present, as coming within that class of cases in which the Grand Lodge has sometimes remitted the dues of subordinate Lodges, and they accordingly respectfully recommend that the dues of York Lodge for the year 1824, be remitted.
Considering the facility with which property of every description may be insured against fire and the low rate of premium, the Committee feel it their duty to suggest the expediency of keeping the furniture of the Grand Lodge and of subordinate Lodges always protected by a sufficient policy.
Which is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES FOX, per order.
Which report was read and accepted.
R. W. Simon Greenleaf, Esq., George Thacher, Esq., and Charles Fox, were chosen a Committee to consider and report on the Foreign Correspondence of the past year.
R. W. Brother Joseph M. Gerrish presented the Grand Lodge
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with the sum of thirty dollars, being the amount allowed him for his services as Grand Treasurer the past year, on condition that one half of said sum be given to our aged Brother William Stevens, Grand Tyler. On motion,
Voted unanimously, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be presented to R. W. Brother Joseph M. Gerrish for this renewed instance of his liberality.
The Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of officers.
The following R. W. Brethren were chosen a Committee to sort and count the votes for Grand Officers, viz: Peleg Sprague, Isaac Lincoln, and Abisha Benson. Which Committee reported the following Brethren to be duly elected, viz:
M. W. WILLIAM SWAN Esq., of Portland, Grand Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN Esq., of Portland, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. GEO. THACHER Esq., of Saco, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. JOS. M. GERRISH Esq., of Portland, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, of Portland, Rec. Grand Secretary.
R. W. Charles Fox, Samuel Fessenden, and Eleazer Wyer, were chosen a Committee on Finance.
M. W. William Swan Esq., Grand Master elect, was duly invested by R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., Senior Past Master and Grand Officer present.
The M. W. Grand Master then installed the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary. R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., Charles Fox and Joseph M. Gerrish, were appointed a Committee to consider the subject of a contemplated Monument over the Tomb of Washington, and to report at the adjournment.
R. W. Peleg Sprague Esq., Simon Greenleaf Esq., James L. Child Esq., Samuel Fessenden Esq., and Abisha Benson, were appointed a Committee to take into consideration the expediency of taking some measures to welcome GENERAL LAFAYETTE, in his intended visit to this State the ensuing season.
The report of the Committee on the petition of John McDonald and others for a Lodge at Limerick, continued from last annnal communication, was taken into consideration, and after being fully discussed, was accepted, and ordered to be put on file.
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A petition from Somerset Lodge, praying for permission to hold said Lodge at Milburn during the year 1825, and afterwards to be holden alternately at Norridgewock and Milburn, as formerly, was read and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Moses Springer Jr. and Samuel Stephenson. Which Committee reported that the prayer of the petition be granted—which report was accepted.
Voted, That R. W. Cornelius Holland, Jesse Robinson and Robert P. Dunlap be a committee to take into consideration the expediency of discon-tinuing the custom of providing refreshments at the Communications of the Grand Lodge, and to report at the adjournment.
The Grand Lodge adjourned to Friday evening, January 14, A. D. 1825, at six o'clock.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Mason's Hall, Portland, Jan. 14, A. D. 1825.
The Grand Lodge met, agreeably to adjournment.
Present—M. W. WILLIAM SWAN Esq., G. Master.
R. W. CHARLES FOX Esq., D. G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN Esq., S. G. Warden.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP Esq., J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH Esq., G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary,
R. W. JAMES L. CHILD Esq., Cor. G. Secretary.
R. W. JESSE ROBINSON Esq., G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. SAMUEL K. GILMAN, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. MOSES SPRINGER Jr., J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
District Deputy Grand Masters from the second, third and fourth Districts.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayer was offered by Rev. Asa Mead.
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The M. W. Grand Master then made the following appointments for the ensuing year, which were announced by the Grand Marshal, viz:—
R. W. CHARLES FOX Esq., of Portland, Deputy Grand Master.
R.W. JAMES L. CHILD Esq., of Alna, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R.W. JESSE ROBINSON Esq., of Hallowell, Grand Marshal.
R.W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, of Wells, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, of Portland, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. Rev. G. W. OLNEY, of Gardiner, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. BENJAMIN D. BARTLETT, of Bath, Senior Grand Deacon.
R.W. ISAAC LINCOLN, of Brunswick, Junior Grand Deacon.
R.W. ELEAZER WYER, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R.W. NELSON RACKLYFT, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R.W. AMOS NOURSE, of Hallowell,Grand Steward.
R.W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, of Fryeburg, Grand Steward.
R.W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, of Gorham, Grand Sword Bearer.
R.W. SETH CLARK, of Portland, Grand Pursuivant.
R.W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, of Portland, Grand Pursuivant.
R.W. WILLIAM STEVENS, of Portland, Grand Tyler.
The above named officers were severally installed by the M. W. Grand Master, either by themselves or proxies.
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. Peleg Sprague, Esq., of Hallowell.
Fourth District—R. W. Robert P. Dunlap Esq., of Brunswick.
Fifth District—R. W. Jacob McGaw Esq., of Bangor.
Sixth District—R. W. <sic>
The following Brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. William Swan Esq., Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Charles Fox Esq., Deputy Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Samuel Fessenden Esq., Senior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. George Thacher Esq., Junior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. William Lord, Grand Secretary, ex officio.
R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq.
R. W. Albion K. Parris Esq.
R. W. Daniel Granger Esq.
R. W. Peleg Chandler Esq.
R. W. Robert Boyd Esq.
R. W. Thomas Browne Esq.Page 116
A petition from St. George Lodge at Warren, praying for remission of old dues, was read and committed to R. W. Charles Fox, Peleg Sprague and Cornelius Holland.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported as follows:
The Committee to whom was referred the foreign correspondence of the Grand Lodge for the past year, ask leave to report, That they find that communications hare been received from the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, and from the British province of Nova Scotia.
They observe that the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire have voted to dispense with all refreshments at their annual and other meetings.
That the Grand Lodge of Vermont have opened a correspondence with Brother Fisk, now a missionary in Palestine, for the purpose of obtaining information on the subject of distributing the Holy Bible in that and other countries of Asia Minor.
That the Grand Lodge of Missouri have decided that a man maimed by the accidental loss of a right arm, or deformed in his limbs, though possessing every other qualification, cannot be admitted to the secrets of Masonry. It will be recollected that the Grand Lodge of Maine, in the case of one accidentally deprived of a limb, have given a different decision. The same Grand Lodge has appropriated funds " for the inclosing and improving a burying ground."
The committee observe in the other communications evident tokens of the growing prosperity of the Craft in all parts of the Union; but do not perceive any other transactions of general interest to present to the notice of this Grand Lodge, except such as have already been acted upon. Which is respectfully submitted,
SIMON GREENLEAF, for the Committee.
Which report was accepted.
R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., Samuel Fessenden Esq., and Charles Fox Esq., were appointed a Committee to receive and examine the Foreign Correspondence for the ensuing year, and report at the next annual communication.
The Committee appointed to consider what measures it is expedient to adopt in reference to the contemplated visit to this State of our illustrious Brother General Lafayette, report,
That a committee of nine brethren be appointed, whose duty it shall be on the arrival of General Lafayette in Portland, to present to him an address ex-
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pressive of the high sense entertained by this Grand Lodge of his great and disinterested services in the cause of humanity, of his pure and elevated character, and the deep feelings of reverence and fraternal affection which this Grand Lodge collectively and individually cherish for him.
PELEG SPRAGUE, per order.
Which report was accepted, and the following Brethren were appointed a Committee to carry the same into effect, viz: M. W. William Swan Esq., R. W. Samuel Fessenden Esq., Simon Greenleaf Esq., Peleg Sprague Esq., George Thacher Esq., Charles Fox Esq., Robert P. Dunlap Esq., Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, and James L. Child Esq.
The Committee aforesaid were authorized to fill any vacancy that may occur in the same.
The Committee appointed to consider the subject of a Monument over the Tomb of Washington, submitted the following resolve:
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to correspond with other Grand Lodges, and also with members of the fraternity at Washington, on the subject of erecting a suitable monument over the remains of our illustrious Bro. George Washington, at Mount Vernon, and to assure them of the hearty co-operation of this Grand Lodge to carry it into effect, and that the sum of one thousand dollars may be calculated on from this State, if necessary ; and that said committee correspond with the several subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction, to recommend and invite them to contribute in aid thereof.
Which resolve was accepted, and the following Brethren were appointed a Committee of Correspondence, viz: M. W. William Swan Esq., R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., Charles Fox Esq., Samuel Fessenden Esq., and Robert P. Dunlap Esq.
A petition from the Committee of York Lodge, praying that this Grand Lodge would grant them such assistance and relief as they think proper, towards their loss recently sustained by fire, was read and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Samuel Stephenson, and Robert P. Dunlap.
The report of the Committee on the petition of Amity Lodge, was taken into consideration, and on motion it was
Voted, That Amity Lodge be exonerated from the payment of the balance of the claims or supposed claims against said Lodge, assigned by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to the Grand Lodge of Maine.
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The Grand Treasurer was authorized and directed to have the regalia and furniture of the Grand Lodge insured against loss by fire. I
R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Charles Fox, and Simon Greenleaf, were appointed a committee to consider the subject of a masonic lecturer for this State.
On motion, it was
Voted unanimously, That this Grand Lodge dispense with all refreshments except at the annual communications.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, at their meeting, January 13, 1825.
The Recording Grand Secretary was authorized to procure from time to time such number of Diplomas as may be wanted.
R. W. Daniel Granger Esq., having resigned the office of D. D. G. M. of the first District, R. W. Samuel Emerson Esq., of Kennebunk, was appointed to that office.
The 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 14, A. D. 1825.
Present—M. W. WILLIAM SWAN, G. Master.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, D. G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, S. G. Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Treasurer, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. SETH CLARK, S. G. Deacon, p. t.Page 119
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE Jr., G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. ELI MERRILL, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following Lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Felicity, No. 19
Amity, No. 6 York, No. 22
Saco, No. 9 Village, No. 26
Orient, No. 15 Blazing Star, No. 30
St. George, No. 16 Hermon, No. 32
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Somerset, No. 34
Oxford, No. 18
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayers were offered by the Grand Chaplain.
R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish, and John L. Megquier, were added to the Committee on the Petition of York Lodge.
The Report of a Committee of the Trustees of the Charity Fund, establishing rules and regulations for their government, was laid before the Grand Lodge. Which being read and duly considered, the same was approved; and the Rec. Grand Secretary was ordered to cause a sufficient number of copies to be printed and forwarded to the respective D. D. Grand Masters and to the Lodges under this jurisdiction.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, at their meeting held this day.
A communication from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was laid before this Grand Lodge. Read and committed to a special Committee, consisting of R. W. Simon Greenleaf Esq., Samuel Fessenden Esq., Charles Fox Esq., Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf and Joseph M. Gerrish.
The Committee to whom was referred the petition of York Lodge, submitted the following Report:
That they are satisfied that York Lodge by a visitation of Providence, has sustained a very considerable loss, and are thereby become destitute of funds, and have not wherewith to pay their just debts, without taking a small Charity
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Fund, made by the voluntary donation of some of the brethren for that laudable and specific object, and which the Lodge have no right to appropriate. The Lodge is now in a great measure destitute of furniture, and for what they have are in debt. This misfortune which has fallen on them is not the consequence of misconduct, but one of those accidents, beyond the control of human providence. And they will probably be obliged to surrender the Charter unless some aid can be afforded.
They would therefore respectfully recommend, that their dues for the last year be repaid them, and their dues for the two succeeding years be remitted. All which is respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL FESSENDEN, per order.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted.
Prayers were offered by Rev. Bro. George W. Campbell, 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 14, A. D. 1825.
Present—M. W. WILLIAM SWAN, G. Master.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. ARTHUR SHIRLEY, J. G. Warden, p.t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Sec'y.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. EBENEZER SEAVER, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. DAVID BURBANK, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE Jr., G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. ALPHEUS SHAW, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following Lodges were represented:
Portland, No. 1 Blazing Star, No. 30
Amity, No. 6 Waterville, No. 33
Oxford, No. 18 Somerset, No. 34
Adoniram, No. 27 Piscataquis, No. 44
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
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The Committee appointed at the communication in January-last to address Gen. Lafayette in behalf of this Grand Lodge, made a verbal report that they had attended to the duty assigned them, and laid before the Grand Lodge a copy of the address presented by them and the answer received. Whereupon,
Voted, That they be duly entered on the records, and placed on the files of the Grand Lodge.
ADDRESS.
General Lafayette:
The Grand Lodge of the State of Maine cannot but avail themselves of the happy, auspicious and exhilarating occasion which your presence in this State presents, of uniting with the mass of our citizens to bid you welcome to our highly favored and beloved country; of mingling their thanksgivings to the Supreme Architect and Preserver of the Universe, that in his wisdom and goodness He has preserved your life and permitted you to revisit a land endeared to you by so many tender and interesting associations,—and whose glory, prosperity and happiness, you have given early, uniform and unequivocal evidence are near your heart; of expressing, in common with ten millions of free and independent human beings, their gratitude that we are permitted to embrace in the bosom of our nation one of the most powerful defenders of those rights and privileges and that freedom, cheered and cherished by which the United States of America have arisen to be a great, powerful and happy people—" the praise of the whole earth."
In addressing you as Masons by the endearing appellation of Brother, they are assured—from the dignity which your name enrolled with that of Washington in the Archives of the Fraternity has conferred on the institution, as well as the favor you have shown its members—that they shall not in your mind be charged with a want of due respect to the elevated station you hold in society. They feel that in addressing Lafayette, they address him who does rightly appreciate the delicacy as well as strength of that tie which unites all the Fraternity, and which is felt to draw so closely in the bonds of affection, when expressed by the appellation of Brother. You, sir, know how feeble is the chain which binds man to man, of which the artificial distinctions of rank and wealth and fame are the links, compared with that which the moral sympathies of our nature—honor, virtue, gratitude, charity and religion—throw around the heart.
Accept then, illustrious Brother, the heartfelt congratulations which the Masons of this State proffer you, that through the abounding mercy of the Grand Master of heaven and earth you have been preserved through such numerous, complicated and imminent dangers and perils, political and moral; that your life has been His kind care in the battle field amidst " the confused noise of the warriors and among garments rolled in blood "—from the dagger
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of the assassin, the noxious damps of the prison, the " pestilence which walketh in darkness and the destruction that wasteth at noon day"; for the health and rigor you are permitted to enjoy; and especially that you hare been brought from the furnace " as gold seven times purified "—that the serenity which unsullied virtue and honor confer settles on the evening of your eventful life— and that you now see the tree of liberty in this country, which you so largely contributed to plant, extending its foliage in such exuberance and vigor as to afford fair promise that the time will come when all nations shall rest under its shade.
It is far from the spirit and genius of our institution to use the language of adulation. To you, illustrious Brother, it is believed it would be unacceptable.
To touch on all the interesting scenes and political convulsions in which you have borne a conspicuous, and always an honorable part, would require volumes.
It is perhaps sufficient to remark, that Americans have never been unconcerned spectators of the path you have trod. With intense anxiety for your safety, and honor, and glory—your course, always luminous, has been regarded by the friends of virtue and freedom,—and it is but just to add, their hopes have been more than realized.
It is impossible, however, not to recur more emphatically to the generous, disinterested, able and conspicuous part which you took in the struggle for our independence. In a contest hazardous and long doubtful, you nobly and perseveringly contended on the side of the oppressed ; and with joy have we witnessed the spectacle of a united nation gratefully rendering to you tears and smiles of gratitude and thanksgiving, in return for the blood you so freely and gallantly shed for them.
As Masons, the members of the Grand Lodge of Maine cannot but feel grateful for the countenance and encouragement which you have afforded our ancient and honorable institution, and the dignity which an example so illustrious reflects upon it.
It is surely sufficient to secure respect and veneration to any institution, that it has numbered with its members a Washington and a Lafayette. None can doubt, when such are enrolled among its patrons, that it is consecrated to virtue.
Accept, venerable Brother, from the Grand Lodge of Maine, and through them from all the Fraternity in this State, a warm, a cordial, a joyous welcome here. And be assured, that when you shall leave us to return to the " land of your Fathers' sepulchres", and the bosom of a beloved family, the benediction of the Brethren will attend you; and that it will be their prayer that your voyage across the ocean may be prosperous,—that the remainder of life's sea, which to you during a large part of your course has been agitated and tempestuous, may be calm and serene—and when you shall have passed the dark valley
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of the shadow of death, may a louder and more joyous shout than you have heard in this land hail you welcome to the portals of Heaven.
(Signed)
William Swan,
S. Fessenden,
Charles Fox,
E. P. Dunlap,
G. W. Olney,
James L. Child,
Joseph M. Gerrish,
Peter H. Green,
Amos Nichols,
Committee of the Grand Lodge of the State of Maine.
Portland, June 25, 1825.
ANSWER RECEIVED.
To the deputation from the Grand Lodge of Maine, General Lafayette offered his brotherly thanks for their kind Address. He particularly expressed the gratification he had derived in the series of his visits, from the sentiments of mutual and truly fraternal affection which happily unite the Grand and other Lodges of the American confederacy—a circumstance which he considered as equally gratifying to the members of the Fraternity, and useful to the general welfare.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund, at their meeting held this day.
The 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, October 13, A. D. 1825.
Present--M. W. WILLIAM SWAN, G. Master.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, D. G. Master.
R. W. DANIEL GRANGER, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Marshal p.t.Page 124
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL BAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon, p.t.
R. W. DAVID BURBANK, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. ELI MERRILL, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following Lodges were represented, viz :
Portland, No. 1 York, No. 22
Amity, No. 6 Village, No. 26
United, No. 8 Hermon, No. 32
Solar, No. 14 Somerset, No. 34
Orient, No. 15 Harmony, No. 38
A. Land Mark, No. 17
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
On motion,
Voted, That the Committee appointed in January last, to consider the subject of a Masonic Lecturer, under the approbation of this Grand Lodge, be authorized to examine such candidate or candidates as may apply for the office, and if they deem it expedient, they are authorized to give any Brother whom they approve, testimonials of approbation, and letters of recommendation to the several Lodges under this jurisdiction. All such Lodges as may think proper to employ the Brother so recommended, will do it at their own expense.
The subject of the petition of Village Lodge was referred to the determination of the M. W. Grand Master.
A communication from the presiding officer of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was laid before the Grand Lodge; read, and committed to R. W. Charles Fox, John L. Megquier and Daniel Granger.
Which committee made the following report: The Committee to whom was referred the Communication from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, in relation to the erection of a monument at Mount Vernon, over the remains of our venerated Brother George Washington, having considered the subject, Report, That as this Grand Lodge have taken the necessary preliminary steps to effect the object proposed, it is advisable that they now appoint three suitable persons as trustees to represent the Grand Lodge of the State of Maine at the Convention at Washington as proposed by said communication, with instructions to report their proceedings to this Grand Lodge.
CHARLES FOX, per order.
Page 125
Which report was accepted, and General John Chandler of Monmouth, Hon. Peleg Sprague of Hallowell, and Hon. William Burleigh of South Berwick were appointed Trustees agreeable to the foregoing Report.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the charity fund at their meeting held this day.
The Grand Lodge closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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