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ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1827.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, January 11, A. D. 1827.
Present—M. W. CHARLES FOX, G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, D. G. Master.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER, S. G. Warden.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP, J. G. Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer,
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, Cor. G. Secretary.
R. W. ROBERT B. KENDALL, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. HORACE SEAVER, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. DAVID BURBANK, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, 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 OFFICER.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN.
District Deputy Grand Masters from the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Districts.
The following Lodges were represented viz:
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Portland, No. 1 St. George. No. 16 Somerset, No. 34
Lincoln, No. 3 A. Land-Mark, No. 17 Washington, No. 37
Kennebec, No. 5 Oxford, No. 18 Harmony, No. 38
Amity, No. 6 Oriental Star, No. 21 Penobscot, No. 39
Eastern, No. 7 York, No. 22 Lygonia, No. 40
United, No. 8 Freeport, No. 23 Morning Star, No. 41
Saco, No. 9 Belfast, No. 24 Alna, No. 43
Pythagorean, No. 11 Village, No. 26 Piscataquis, No. 44
Cumberland, No. 12 Blazing Star, No. 30 Central, No. 45
Solar, No. 14 Union, No. 31 Buxton, No. 47
Orient, No. 15 Hermon, No. 32 Aurora, No. 60
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayers were offered by the Senior Grand Chaplain.
The Committee on Finance submitted their annual Report, as follows:
| There was a balance in the Treasury on settlement of the Treasurer's account, January, 1826, | $1001.11 | |
| There has been paid into the Treasury since that period by the D. D. G. Masters of the several districts, as follows: | ||
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 1st District, | $249.00 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 2nd District, | 57.00 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 3rd District, | 397.29 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 4th District, | 234.00 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 5th District, | 255.62 | |
| Received from R. W. J. McGaw, balance from fifth district, | 90.00 | |
| By the D. D. G. Master of the 6th District, | 87.00 | 1369.91 |
| There has also been paid to the G. Treasurer for four charters granted, | 320.00 | |
| Deduct $10 from each, applied to Charity Fund, | 40.00 | 280.00 |
| $2651.02 | ||
| There has been paid by the G. Treasurer since the last annual settlement) and for which satisfactory vouchers have been produced, the following sums, viz: | ||
| To increase the Charity Fund, being one half the amount remaining in the Treasury on settlement, January, 1826, being in conformity to the By-Laws, | 500.55 | |
| Donation to the Charity Fund by the Grand Treasurer, being the sum allowed him for his services up to Jan. 1826, | 30.00 | |
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| Amount paid the Rec. Grand Secretary for his services up to January 1826, | 50.00 | |
| Amount paid the Grand Tyler for services to that period, | 8.00 | |
| Amount paid Hall rent up to January, 1827, | 40.00 | |
| Amount paid for Insurance on furniture against fire, printing, postage, stationery &c, | 59.77 | |
| Amount paid Stewards' bills, | 53.00 | |
| Amount paid expenses of D. D. G. Masters, incurred in the discharge of their official duties, viz : | ||
| D. D. G. Master of First District, | 24.50 | |
| D. D. G. Master of Second District | 15.00 | |
| D. D. G. Master of Third District | 35.50 | |
| D. D. G. Master of Fourth District | 19.12 | |
| D. D. G. Master of Fifth District | 34.50 | |
| D. D. G. Master of Sixth District | 14.50 | 143.12 |
| Bro. McGaw, expenses incurred in 1825, | 3.87 | |
| Balance remaining in the Treasury Jan. 1827, and carried to new account, | 1762.71 | |
| $2651.02 | ||
| The Charity Fund of Grand Lodge consists of | ||
| 10 shares in Bank of Portland, | 1000.00 | |
| 10 shares in Casco Bank, | 1000.00 | |
| Sundry Notes of hand well secured on interest, | 1200.00 | |
| Interest on the above Notes and Bank Stock up to Jan. 1, 1827, estimated at | 100.00 | |
| Balance unapplied in hands of the Treasurer, | 90.19 | |
| 190.19 | ||
| One half of bal. of Treasurer's account, conformable to the By-Laws, | 881.35 | |
| $4271.54 | ||
Your Committee are not informed of any outstanding debts against the Grand Lodge. They have examined the Books of the Grand Treasurer and the Recording Grand Secretary, and find they have been kept with the neatness and correctness so often reported to this Grand Lodge ; and all the duties of those officers have been performed with faithfulness and ability. The committee recommend an allowance of thirty dollars for the services of the Grand Treasurer the past year, and an allowance of fifty-five dollars to the Recording Grand Secretary, and of eight dollars to the Grand Tyler for their respective services the same period. It is with much pleasure the committee are able to report a settlement with all the D. D. Grand Masters, and that from all the Districts very full and satisfactory returns have been made, evincing the able and faithful discharge of their respective duties.
Your Committee are not aware of any particular circumstances respecting
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the discharge of their duties, requiring more minute details, and close their Report with expressing their particular satisfaction in being able to present so favorable a view of the finances of the Grand Lodge.
WILLIAM SWAN,
SAMUEL FESSENDEN,
ELEAZER WYER,
Committee on Finance.
Which Report was read and accepted.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund at their meeting held this day.
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: William Swan, Amos Nourse and John Miller, who reported the following Brethren to be duly elected, viz :
M. W. CHARLES FOX of Portland, Grand Master.
R. W. GEORGE THACHER of Saco, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP of Brunswick, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH of Portland, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD of Portland, Recording Grand Secretary.
R. W. William Swan, Eleazer Wyer, and Samuel Fessenden were chosen a Committee on Finance.
R. W. Albion K. Parris, Simon Greenleaf, Thomas Browne, William Swan, Daniel Granger and Nehemiah Cram, were chosen to constitute a permanent part of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, for three years ensuing.
M. W. Charles Fox, Grand Master elect, was duly invested by R. W. William Swan, Past Grand Master.
The M. W. Grand Master then installed the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary.
A petition from Alna Lodge, praying for permission to hold their meetings in alternate years at Alna and New Castle, commencing at the latter place, was laid before the Grand Lodge by R. W. James L. Child; read and referred to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Joseph M. Gerrish and David J. Bent.
Which Committee reported that the prayer thereof be granted; whereupon on motion
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Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted and the prayer of the petitioners be granted.
A petition from Union Lodge, praying for permission to hold their meetings in alternate years at Union and Hope, commencing at the latter place, was laid before the Grand Lodge; read and referred to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Joseph M. Gerrish and David J. Bent, which committee reported that the prayer thereof be granted; whereupon on motion,
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted and the prayer of the petitioners be granted.
The following Resolve was submitted by R. W. Jonathan Thayer:
Resolved, That Section 11, Chapter IV, of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge be amended by substituting the word two instead of three, so that subordinate Lodges shall be required to pay to the Grand Lodge two dollars only for every candidate they may initiate. Also by striking out the following words, viz : " one eighth of a dollar for each member constituting said Lodge" &c.—so that no fee on membership shall be paid by subordinate Lodges to the Grand Lodge.
Read and committed to R. W. Jonathan Thayer, James L. Child and Robert P. Dunlap.
Petitions for new Lodges were laid before the Grand Lodge, as follows:
Of Ezra Going and others, for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Sidney, by the name of Rural Lodge;
Of William Frost and others, for a Lodge at Sangerville;
Of Benjamin Green and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of South Berwick, county of York, by the name of St. John's Lodge.
The foregoing petitions were severally read, and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, John Miller and Jonathan Thayer; which committee reported, recommending that the prayer of the petitioners for St. John's Lodge be granted.
Voted, That the foregoing Report be accepted, and that a charter be granted accordingly.
R. W. Brother Joseph M. Gerrish presented the Grand Lodge with the sum of thirty dollars, being the amount allowed him
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for his services as Grand Treasurer the past year, and recommended that the same be given as a donation to the widow of David Brown, late of Portland.
On motion,
Voted, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be presented to R. W. Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish, for this renewed instance of his liberality.
The following report was presented :
The Committee to whom was referred a "letter from Dr. James Bates, respecting the loss of a package and money received by him from Northern Star Lodge, with full powers to examine into this case and all others respecting said Lodge," have attended to the service assigned them and report,
That, after a full examination into the subject matter of the letter above referred to, they find the facts to be as follows, viz : that on the 31st of Dec. 1824, Dr. Bates visited "Northern Star Lodge" in behalf and at the request of R. W. Peleg Sprague, then D. D. G. M. of that District, and received from them their return and dues for that year, amounting to $21.13—which return , with the money received, he folded up in an envelope, sealed it, and handed it to Bro. Blunt, Postmaster at Norridgewock, requesting him to forward it by some suitable private conveyance to the D. D. G. Master. This he did in preference to sending it by mail, because the package being somewhat bulky, the transmission of it in that manner would be expensive, while the mode selected was considered perfectly safe, and was generally adopted by the citizens of that town.
Some conversation afterwards took place between Bates and Blunt about the propriety of sending it by a certain individual then spoken of, but not now certainly recollected by either. Blunt thinks that Bates took the package from him in order to hand it to that other man, but is not certain. If not, he is sure that he forwarded it agreeably to Bates' direction. Bates recollects the conversation between him and Blunt on the subject of sending it, and is confident that he either gave it in charge to some individual to carry to Hallowell, or directed Blunt to do so—that the individual was well known to him, but as two months elapsed before it was known or suspected that the package had not been duly received, he has never since been able to recollect with certainty who it was.
Believing as your committee do, that the above statement of facts may be relied upon as strictly true, they are constrained to say that in their opinion no remissness or negligence in duty is chargeable upon Dr. Bates which would render it proper that he should bear the loss thus sustained. They therefore recommed for adoption the following resolution:
Resolved, That the sum of $21.13 received by Dr. James Bates of Northern Star Lodges, as the amont of their dues to the Grand Lodge for the year 1824, be and it hereby is remitted to the D. D. G. Master for that year.
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| Upon examining the books and papers of "Morning Star Lodge," your committee find that their dues were paid up to Sept. 1, 1819. The amount of their dues to the Grand Lodge, as appears by return from Sept. 1, 1819, to March 1, 1820, is $70.00, from which deduct $20.00 paid D. D. G. Master Warren, for which the Lodge holds his receipt, and it will leave them indebted to the Grand Lodge for that period the sum of | $50.00 | |
| By return from March 1, 1820, to January, 1822, there appears to be due the Grand Lodge, | 32.00 | |
| $82.00 | ||
| But in this return, the annual fee to the Grand Lodge is set at $8.00 per annum for the whole time, whereas from January 11, 1821, the period at which the Grand Lodge adopted its code of By-Laws, the annual fee required was 12-1/2 cents on each of the members; and if the return was corrected, it would make a difference in favor of the Lodge of | $3.46 | |
| By error in return from January 1 to September 1, 1822, the Lodge is entitled to a credit of | 3.75 |
|
| Leaving a balance due the Grand Lodge | 74.79 | |
| $82.00 | ||
This sum the Lodge has not at present the means of paying. The circumstances which were stated as having led to that inability are principally the following :
Soon after the establishment of the Lodge, as no convenient room could be hired in which to hold their meetings, and they were then, doing a great deal of work,—there being no Lodge within twenty miles, and only one within forty five miles—it was judged expedient to incur the expense of erecting a building which would afford them a suitable and convenient Hall. By this means the Lodge became incumbered with a debt of 600 or 700 dollars.
Soon after this period Lodges were multiplied in the neighboring country, the interest created in the community by the establishment of a new Lodge so far in the interior died away, and the receipts for work in this Lodge during a considerable period were little more than sufficient to meet its current expenses.
At present they are without funds, and indebted to the amount of several hundreds of dollars. Several of the members with whom your committee conversed appeared exceedingly anxious that the arrearages to the Grand Lodge should be paid, and expressed a willingness to pledge their own private securities, if by that means they could procure funds for that purpose. How general this feeling may be, your committee have not the means of judging; but are inclined to the opinion that previous to the annual communication of the Grand Lodge the money will be raised, their dues paid, and the credit of the Lodge re-established.
All which is respectfully submitted,
Sept. 20, 1826. A. NOURSE, per order.
Voted, That the foregoing report be accepted.
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The Grand Lodge adjourned to Friday evening next, at half past six o'clock, then to meet at this place.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Mason's Hall, Portland, Jan. 12, A. D. 1827.
The Grand Lodge met, by adjournment from Jan. 11th.
Grand Officers present as elected and installed on the previous day.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayer was offered by Rev. Sylvanus Cobb.
The M. W. Grand Master then made the following appointments for the ensuing year, which were announced by the Grand Marshal, viz :
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN of Portland, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER of Portland, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON of Gorham, Grand Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF of Wells, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND of Portland, Grand Chaplain
R. W. Rev. ASA MEAD of Brunswick, 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. OLIVER GRISWOLD of Fryeburg, Grand Steward.
R. W. JOSEPH CHANDLER of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL of Freeport, 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. Rev. Reuben Nason of Gorham.
Second District—R. W. Reuel Washburn of Livermore.
Third District—R. W. Amos Nourse of Hallowell.Page 153
Fourth District—R. W. John Miller of Warren.
Fifth District—R. W. David J. Bent of Bangor.
Sixth District—R. W. Libbeus Bailey of Eastport.
The following Brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. Charles Fox, Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Deputy Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. George Thacher, Senior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. Robert P. Dunlap, Junior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. William Lord, Rec. Grand Secretary, ex officio.
R. W. Simon Greenleaf.
R. W. Albion K. Parris.
R. W. Daniel Granger.
R. W. William Swan.
R. W. Thomas Browne.
R. W. Nehemiah Cram.
The following Report was presented:
The committee appointed " to consider and report whether an officer of this Grand Lodge, or of any subordinate Lodge under its jurisdiction, is entitled to act as such, by virtue of election merely, or whether installation, either by self or proxy is also essential," have attended to the service assigned them, and report: That finding no direct authority on the subject of Installation declaring it to be essential or otherwise, they are left to infer its character principally from the nature of the ceremony. For although it has been usual for all officers of Lodges to be installed at a period not far distant from that of their election, yet it is found, that while some have scrupulously abstained from officiating until they have been duly installed, others considering installation a mere ceremony, have entered forthwith upon the discharge of the duties incident to the offices to which they have been elected, and submitted to installation at some convenient season afterwards.
Now in regard to the subordinate officers of a Lodge, inasmuch as Installation consists simply in investing them with the appropriate badges of their respective offices, and pronouncing a short charge illustrating and enforcing the duties of their several stations, your committee can see no good reason for regarding it in any other light than as merely ceremonial. Not so in regard to the Master. He is required as a preliminary part of that ceremony, to signify his solemn assent to very important principles and regulations. Without this assent he would not be entitled to installation, nor would any one be authorized to install him. But if no new rights or powers are acquired by installation, to what purpose is the ceremony to be withheld ? If he be in fact master of the Lodge previously to being installed as such, the refusal to install cannot divest him of any rights appertaining to the office, and so would be perfectly nugatory. Your com-
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mittee are therefore clearly of opinion, that installation, in the case of a Master of a Lodge is absolutely essential, and that mere election cannot confer the rights, privileges and powers incident to that office.
Officers of the Grand Lodge are required by its By-Laws to " be installed as soon after their election as conveniently may be"; a phraseology implying that, if it cannot conveniently be done forthwith, it may be postponed for a season. And the question may then arise whether the individuals elected to office, but not installed, are in fact officers in the Grand Lodge. To this question your committee are inclined to answer in the affirmative. For, if the principles already assumed as applicable to subordinate Lodges be correct, no doubt can be entertained in regard to any, except the Grand Master; and he, being necessarily of the degree of Past Master, must of course have previously taken upon himself all the obligations to be derived from installation, and it would therefore be in his case a mere repetition.
While therefore your committee duly appreciate the importance of so impressive a ceremony as that of installation, and strongly recommend that it in no case be omitted or unnecessarily postponed, they are still of opinion that officers of this Grand Lodge and those of subordinate Lodges other than Master become so by virtue of election or of appointment only; but that no one not of the degree of Past Master can be considered as possessed of all the rights appertaining to the Master of a Lodge, in whom installation has not perfected what election had begun.
But to provide for the exigence of a new Lodge, whose officers have not been installed, and perhaps for some other cases, it is believed that the Grand Master is and ought to be' vested with the power of granting, by way of Dispensation, such powers to the Master appointed or elected as may be necessary for conferring degrees and regulating the concerns of the Lodge until he shall have been duly installed.
A. NOURSE, per order.
Which report was accepted.
The following report was submitted and accepted :
The Committee appointed on the communication received from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, having considered the subject referred to them, respectfully ask leave to report, that as the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has given to both sides of the question all the publicity which its nature requires, and as the report of a former committee of this Grand Lodge contains as much of the argument in support of our opinions as is proper to be committed to writing, it is not deemed expedient at present to take any farther order on the subject.
SIMON GREENLEAF
SAMUEL FESSENDEN
WILLIAM SWAN
Committee.
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The committee to which were referred petitions for new Lodges in Sidney and Sangerville, made reports recommending that the further consideration of said petitions he referred to the next Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge; the committee not being satisfied that the petitioners from Sidney have the approbation of the two nearest Lodges, and the signatures to the Sangerville petition appearing to be all in one hand-writing. Which reports were accepted.
A communication from R. W. Reuel Washburn was laid before the Grand Lodge. Read and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Simon Greenleaf and William Swan.
The following Report on Amendment of By-Laws was presented :
The Committee to inquire if any alterations or amendments be necessary to Section 11th, Chapter IV, of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, report that they have given the subject all the consideration which its importance deserves, and while they would approach with veneration the Regulations which have been established by the wisdom of the Grand Lodge, they cannot but be impressed with the sentiment that the interests of masonry would be promoted by affording some relief to subordinate Lodges within its jurisdiction. This they are satisfied cannot so well be done as by reducing the annual dues of the subordinate Lodges. They would therefore respectfully recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That so much or Section 11, Chap. IV, of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, be rescinded, as requires from subordinate Lodges the payment annually of one eighth of a dollar from each member constituting such Lodge, and that only two dollars shall be paid by subordinate Lodges to the Grand Lodge for every person initiated therein.
All which is respectfully submitted,
JONATHAN THAYER, per order.
The foregoing report being read,
Ordered, That the further consideration of it be postponed to our next Annual Communication, and that a copy be forwarded to the several subordinate Lodges, for their consideration.
REPORT ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.
The Corresponding G. Secretary has examined the communications received from other Grand Lodges, and respectfully reports:
That since the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, the
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proceedings of the Grand Lodges of Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the District of Columbia, and also a list of the Officers of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, with a list of the Lodges subordinate to that Grand Lodge have been received, all which have been examined with care and attention. While the correspondence presents little, which seems to require the particular attention of this Grand Lodge, it satisfactorily evinces a commendable zeal among the fraternity, in all parts of the United States, in promoting the interest of masonry and diffusing its benign light. It furnishes evidence that there exists among the several Grand Lodges a laudable emulation to excel in their benevolent exertions to diminish the sum of human misery, and to increase the lustre of the character of our ancient and venerable institution, for good works; which is its sure defence against the calumnies of ignorance and prejudice.
On examination of the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Delaware and Virginia, it appears that those Grand Lodges have adopted the same erroneous construction of the meaning of a report of the Committee approved by the Grand Lodge of Maine at its annual communication in January, A. D. 1824, relative to the masonic obligation, which was adopted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. They seem to regard it as authorizing a change in the mode of conferring the masonic degrees, instead of regarding it, as it should properly be considered, as merely warranting the use of either of two words of similar import and meaning. Not more than one of those Grand Lodges, however, appear to have seen the reply made by a committee of this Grand Lodge to the communication received from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in relation to this subject, and it may be presumed that they have formed their opinion rather from the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, than from the language of the report which they deem objectionable.
There is a proposition before the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, to establish an Asylum for the purpose of supporting and educating the orphan children of indigent masons in all the useful learning and arts, which may be necessary to make them worthy members of society. A plan for carrying such a design into effect has been reported, but not definitely acted upon, the same having been submitted to the consideration of the subordinate Lodges. The plan proposed appears in the printed proceedings of that Grand Lodge.
In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, it appears that a proposition has been introduced to recommend to the several Lodges under its jurisdiction to contribute such sums in aid of the funds of the American Colonization Society, as it may be in their power to grant; and that the subject be recommended to the other Grand Lodges in the United States. As many worthy and intelligent masons hare entertained and expressed strong
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doubts, whether such an appropriation of masonic funds would not be to divert them from their legitimate object, and as circulars have been addressed to several of the Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge, soliciting them to contribute in aid of the funds of the American Colonization Society, the Grand Lodge will consider whether it is not expedient to express its opinion on this subject. It is believed that the correspondence presents no other subject requiring the attention of the Grand Lodge.
JOHN L. MEGQUIER, Cor. G. Secretary.
Which report was accepted.
That part of the foregoing Report which relates to Masonic funds was committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Robert P. Dunlap and William Swan, to report at the next annual communication, and it is recommended to the subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction to suspend making any contributions to the American Colonization Society until the decision of this Grand Lodge on the subject shall be known.
The further consideration of the Report on the subject of a Grand Lecturer was referred to the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge.
Resolve submitted by R. W. James L. Child:
Resolved, That R. W. Rev. Reuben Nason, Reuel Washburn, Amos Nourse, John Miller, David J. Bent and Libbeus Bailey, be a committee to consider what means ought to be adopted to produce uniformity in the mode of work and lecturing in the subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, with instructions to report at the next annual meeting.
Which Resolve was adopted.
On motion,
Voted, That the District Deputy Grand Masters meet at some central place, to consider the subject of work and lecturing in subordinate Lodges, and that their expenses be paid by the Grand Lodge.
Resolve submitted by R. W. William Swan:
It having been represented to this Grand Lodge that some individuals initiated into the mysteries of masonry by Lodges under this jurisdiction have been guilty of flagrant and lamentable deviations from all the principles of our institution, and it being deemed highly important for the credit of the fraternity that such individuals should be forever excluded from its honors, therefore
Resolved, As the united opinion of this Grand Lodge, that all the subordinate
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Lodges under our jurisdiction be particularly and earnestly directed to a careful and constant attention to the wise and salutary provisions of our By-Laws, respecting the admission of candidates for initiation, and that in no instance they allow or countenance a deviation from the minutest particulars thereof.
Which Resolve was adopted.
Ordered, That the subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction be directed to receive no further instructions from any Grand Lecturer, but to look for information from the District Deputy Grand. Masters, until the further order of this Grand Lodge.
The committee on Diplomas were directed to procure a plate forthwith.
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, April 12, A. D. 1827.
Present—M. W. CHARLES FOX, G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon, p. t
R. W. JEREMIAH HASKELL, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH B. WALTON, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following Lodges were represented, viz :
Portland, No. 1 Temple, No. 25
Kennebec, No. 5 Blazing Star, No. 30
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Hermon, No. 32
Oriental Star, No. 21 Casco, No. 36
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
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Petitions—of William Frost and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Sangerville, Penobscot County, by the name of Mosaic Lodge; of Ezra Going and others, for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Sidney, county of Kennebec, by the name of Rural Lodge; and of Philip Leach and others, praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Vassalborough, county of Kennebec, by the name of Vassalborough Lodge—were read, and committed to R. W. Samuel Fessenden, John L. Megquier and Joseph B. Walton.
The committee reported upon said petitions, recommending in each case that the prayer of the petitioners be granted; which reports were severally accepted, and charters ordered to be issued accordingly.
A petition from Tranquil Lodge, praying for a remission of their dues to the Grand Lodge for the past year, was read; and on motion,
Voted, That said petition lie over to the next Quarterly Communication of this Grand Lodge.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund, at their meeting held this day.
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 12, A. D. 1827.
Present—M. W. CHARLES POX, G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Marshal, p.t.Page 160
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE Jr., G. Pursuivant, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
M. W. WILLIAM SWAN Esq.
R. W. D. D. Grand Master from the first District
The following Lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Somerset, No. 34
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Harmony, No. 88
Oxford, No. 18
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
A communication from the Grand Lodge of Michigan was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and on motion,
Voted, That this Grand Lodge do recognize the Grand Lodge of Michigan as a regular Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Secretary be directed to forward them a copy of our By-Laws, the last Annual Communication, and a Circular containing the signatures of the Grand Officers.
A communication from Buxton Lodge was laid before the Grand Lodge, communicating a vote of said Lodge, expressing a wish to have that Lodge consecrated, and its Officers installed by this Grand Lodge on Wednesday, the 12th day of September next.
Voted, That this Grand Lodge will meet at Buxton, on Wednesday, the 12th day of September next, for the purpose of consecrating said Lodge, and installing its Officers.
Voted, That Tranquil Lodge, at Minot, have leave to withdraw their petition, and that the Grand Secretary give them notice.
The Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Page 161
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION.
A special communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at the house of Brother Pelatiah Harmon, in Buxton, County of York, on Wednesday, Sept. 12, A. D. 1827, for the purpose of consecrating Buxton Lodge and installing its officers.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayer was offered by the Grand Chaplain. A procession was formed in the following order:
M. W. CHARLES FOX, G. M.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, D. G. M.
R. W.GEORGE THACHER, S. G. W.
R. W. THOMAS S. BOWLES, J. G..W., p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Sec'y.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, Cor. G. Sec.
R. W. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Marshal.
R. W. REUBEN NASON, G. Chaplain, p.t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, S.G.D, p.t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. D.,p. t.
R. W. HORACE SEAVER, G. Sw. Bearer, p t.
R. W. LUTHER RICHARDSON, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, " "
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, "
R. W. ZACHARIAH NOWELL, bearer of the Holy Bible, supported by R. W. Isaac Lane. R. W. DANIEL GRANGER, bearer of Constitutions.
Bro. SAMUEL CHASE, G. Tyler, p. t.
Bro. EBENEZER SEAVER, Stewards in the
Bro. JEREMIAH HASKELL, rear of procession.
Page 162
The Grand Lodge moved in procession to the Rev. Mr. Loring's meeting-house, where, after an appropriate Oration by R. W. Brother John Holmes, of Alfred, they proceeded to the business for which they were assembled.
Buxton Lodge was then consecrated, and the Officers thereof installed, in ample and ancient form. The services were closed by a benediction pronounced by the Grand Chaplain. After which the Grand Lodge returned to the room where they first assembled, and 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, Oct. 11, A. D. 1827.
Present—M. W. CHARLES FOX, G. Master.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Sec'y.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. EBENEZER SEAVER, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE, Jr., G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.PAST GRAND OFFICER.
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN.Page 163
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Oriental Star, No. 21
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Somerset, No. 34
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
The following report was presented and accepted:
The Committee appointed to prosecute inquiries into the state and condition of Masonry in countries bordering on the Mediterranean, and in Asia, report in part, that they have received letters from Rome, Naples and Florence, in reply to such inquiries, which are herewith communicated.
JONATHAN GREENLEAF, per order
Oct. 1827.
The Communications referred to in the foregoing report, were read, and ordered to be placed on file.
The Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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