ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1828.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, January 10, A. D. 1828.
Present—M. W. CHARLES FOX, G. Master.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, D. G. Master.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP, 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. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G. Marshal.
R. W. Rev. JONATHAN GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. ASA MEAD, G. Chaplain.
R. W. BENJAMIN D. BARTLETT, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL, 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.Page 165
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
R. W. Rev. REUBEN NASON, from the First District.
R. W. REUEL WASHBURN, from the Second District.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE, from the Third District.
R. W. JOHN MILLER, from the Fourth District.
R. W. MOSES GREENLEAF, from the Fifth District.
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Oriental Star, No. 21 Harmony, No. 38
Warren, No. 2 Freeport, No. 23 Penobscot, No. 39
Kennebec, No. 5 Temple, No. 25 Morning Star, No. 41
Amity, No. 6 Village, No. 26 Freedom, No. 42
United, No. 8 Northern Star, No. 28 Alna, No. 43
Saco, No. 9 Tranquil, No. 29 Piscataquis, No. 44
Pythagorean, No. 11 Blazing Star, No. 30 Central, No. 45
Oriental, No. 13 Union, No. 31 Lafayette, No. 48
Solar, No. 14 Waterville, No. 33 M. Splendor, No. 49
St. George, No. 16 Somerset, No. 34 St. John's, No. 51
A. Land-Mark, No. 17 Bethlehem, No. 35 Mosaic, No. 52
Oxford, No. 18 Casco, No. 36 Vassalborough, No. 54
Maine, No. 20 Washington, No. 37
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, viz:
Respectfully submitted,
Page 167
Your Committee are not informed of any demands existing against the Grand Lodge. They have examined the books of the Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary, and find that the duties of both have been discharged with neatness and fidelity. The Committee recommend an allowance of thirty dollars for the services of the Grand Treasurer the past year, and the sum of sixty dollars to the Recording Grand Secretary, and eight dollars to the Grand Tyler, for their respective services the past year. The account with the Grand Treasurer has been settled, leaving the above mentioned balance in his hands. Your Committee have the satisfaction to report a settlement with all the D. D. G. Masters excepting the Sixth, and his account may be daily expected. And your Committee have great pleasure in submitting so favorable a statement of the funds of the Grand Lodge: all which is respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM SWAN,
SAMUEL FESSENDEN,
ELEAZER WYER,
Committee on Finance.
January 10, 1828.
Which report was accepted.
Petitions of John Trafton and others for a lodge in the town of Shapleigh, County of York; of Nathaniel Pease and others for a lodge in the town of Denmark, County of Oxford; and of William Davenport and others for a lodge in the town of Bangor, County of Penobscot—were severally read and committed to R. W. Bro. Daniel Granger, Bro. Griswold and Bro. Parsons.
A memorial from Waterville Lodge was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and committed to R. W. Ebenezer Hutchinson, Rev. Jona. Greenleaf, William Swan, Robert P. Dunlap and Amos Nourse.
Previous to the election of Officers, M. W. Charles Fox and R. W. George Thacher declined being considered candidates for re-election.
The following R. W. Brethren were chosen a Committee to sort and count the votes for Grand Officers, viz.: William Swan, Amos Nourse and James L. Child, who reported the following brethren to be duly elected, viz:
M. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN of Portland, Grand Master.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP of Brunswick, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE of Hallowell, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH of Portland, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD of Portland, Recording Grand Secretary.Page 168
R. W. Charles Fox, Eleazer Wyer and Nehemiah Cram, were chosen a Committee on Finance.
M. W. Samuel Fessenden, Grand Master elect, was duly invested by R. W. Charles Fox, Past Grand Master.
The M. W. Grand Master then installed the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary.
The following report was submitted :
The Committee appointed to consider and report what means ought to be adopted to produce uniformity in work and lecturing in the subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, have attended the duty assigned them and report:
That, after mature deliberation and thorough investigation, they are unanimously of opinion, that, at the present moment, it is highly expedient and necessary that other means should be adopted to promote the desired object than those now in operation. The lodges in general expect it, and it is the opinion of your Committee, that their expectations are reasonable and ought not to be disappointed. The question then arises, in what manner can the means of uniform and systematic instruction be extended to all the lodges in the State, with the assurance that all will avail themselves of its benefits ? A large proportion of the lodges under this jurisdiction are low in funds, and many have no small difficulty in providing themselves with suitable accommodations and meeting their current expenses. These last, therefore, would be very illy <sic> able to pay any extra expense, and yet these are precisely the lodges which most need instruction. And the funds even of the richest lodges in the State, are much less considerable than those of the Grand Lodge. It is therefore believed to be both expedient and essential, that the necessary funds for carrying into effect the proposed measure, should be drawn from the Treasury of the Grand Lodge, whose coffers have been replenished by contributions from all the subordinate lodges in the State.
It is also believed, that members of the fraternity in general, can much more conveniently and profitably devote attention to this subject in the winter than at any other period, and that the sooner they are availed of the means of instruction, the more acceptable and useful they will prove. Under these impressions and with these views, the Committee having agreed upon a uniform mode of lecturing and of work, not differing in any material point from the most approved mode prevailing among us, recommend that the following measures be adopted for its speedy and general promulgation.
1. That the State be divided into three districts; the first to be composed of District No; 1, under the present arrangement. The second of Districts No. 2 and 3; and the third of Districts No. 4, 5 and 6.
Page 169
2. That three brethren, thoroughly and perfectly acquainted with the lectures and work agreed upon, as well as of irreproachable moral character, be appointed by the Grand Lodge to visit forthwith all the lodges, each in his respective district, having given previous seasonable notice thereof, and devote to each three days, at the expense of the Grand Lodge, and any number of days more, not exceeding three, to any lodge that may desire it; one-half the expense only for this latter period, to be paid by the Grand Lodge.
3. That the lecturers thus employed, shall receive each $1.50 per day, and have their traveling and incidental expenses paid.
Your Committee cannot conclude their report, without adverting again to the urgent necessity which they believe to exist for the adoption of some means for extending information and promoting uniformity among us. And, should the measures above recommended meet the approbation of the Grand Lodge, the Committee promise themselves the satisfaction of witnessing from them the most happy results.
All which is respectfully submitted.
E. NASON,
REUEL WASHBURN,
AMOS NOURSE,
JOHN MILLER,
MOSES GREENLEAF,
Committee.
Which report was accepted.
On motion,
Voted, That the three brethren referred to in the foregoing report, be appointed by the M. W. Grand Master.
The following resolution was submitted by R. W. James L. Child:
Resolved, That there be paid to R. W. Reuben Nason, Amos Nourse, John Miller and Reuel Washburn, six dollars each, for their services in attending at Hallowell to consider the subject of work and lecturing in subordinate Lodges.
Which resolve was adopted.
The report of a committee on the subject of a Grand Lecturer, which was laid over from our last Annual Communication, was indefinitely postponed.
R. W. Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish, presented the Grand Lodge with the sum of Thirty Dollars, to be added to the Charity Fund, being the amount allowed him for his services as Grand Treasurer the past year.
Page 170
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 adjourned to Friday evening next, Jan. 11, at half past six o'clock.
Masons' Hall, Portland, Jan. 11, A. D. 1828.
The Grand Lodge met according to adjournment.
Present—M. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, Grand Master.
R. W. JAMES L. CHILD, D. G. Master, p. t.
R. W. EGBERT P. DUNLAP, S. G. Warden.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE, J. G. Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, R.G. Secretary.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, C. G. Secretary.
R. W. JOEL MILLER, G. Marshal, p. t,
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain,
R. W. ASA MEAD, G. Chaplain,
R. W. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain,
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. SAMUEL B. STEVENS, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, 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.PAST GRAND OFFICERS.
R. W. CHARLES FOX,
R. W. WILLIAM SWAN.
District Deputy Grand Masters, from the Second and Fifth Districts.
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Oxford, No. 18 Washington, No. 37
Warren, No. 2 Oriental Star, No. 21 Harmony, No. 38
Lincoln, No. 3 York, No. 22 Penobscot, No. 39
Kennebec, No. 5 Freeport, No. 23 Morning Star, No. 41
Amity, No. 6 Temple, No. 25 Alna, No. 43
Pythagorean, No. 11 Village, No. 26 Piscataquis, No. 44Page 171
Oriental, No. 13 Northern Star, No. 28 M. Splendor, No. 49
Solar, No. 14 Union, No. 31 St. John's, No. 51
St. George, No. 16 Waterville, No. 33 Vassalborough, No. 54
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Somerset, No. 34
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master then made the following appointments for the ensuing year, which were announced by the Grand Marshal, viz:
R. W. PELEG SPRAGUE, of Hallowell, 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. SAMUEL JOHNSON, of Alna, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. Rev ASA MEAD, of Brunswick, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. ISAAC LINCOLN, of Brunswick, Sen. Grand Deacon.
R. W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, of Fryeburg, Jun. Grand Deacon.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, of Portland, Grand Steward
R. W. JOSEPH CHANDLER, of Augusta, Grand Steward
R. W. WILLIAM DUNN, of Poland, 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 do. " .
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, of Portland, Grand Tyler.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Rev. Reuben Nason, of Gorham.
Second District—R. W. Thomas Clark, of Paris.
Third District—R. W. Moses Springer, of Gardiner.
Fourth District—R. W. Isaac G. Reed, of Waldoborough.
Fifth District—R. W. Jedediah Herrick, of Hampden.
Sixth District—R. W. Libbeus Bailey, of Eastport.
The above named officers were severally Installed by the M. W. Grand Master either by themselves or proxies.
R. W. John Miller, of Warren, R. W. Daniel Wadsworth, of Hallowell, and E. W. George L. Darling, of Gorham, were appointed a committee to give Lectures and Instruction in Subordinate Lodges.
Page 172
The following brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. Samuel Fessenden, Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Peleg Sprague, Deputy Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Robert P. Dunlap, Senior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. Amos Nourse, Junior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. William Lord, Recording 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 resolution, which was submitted at the annual Communication, in January, 1827, a copy of which, with the report thereon, has been forwarded to all the subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for their consideration:
"Resolved, That so much of Sec. 11, Chap. 4, of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge be rescinded, as requires from subordinate lodges the payment annually of one-eighth of a dollar for 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,"
was taken into consideration, and after a full discussion, the resolve was so far amended as not to go into operation until from and after the first day of September, A. D. 1828.
Which resolve as amended was adopted.
Report on the Memorial from Waterville Lodge.
In Grand Lodge, Jan. 11, A. L. 5828.
The Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Waterville Lodge, on the subject of an Institution for the instruction of females, have had the same under consideration, and ask leave to report the following resolutions:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge highly approve of the exertions of the brethren of Waterville Lodge, and the general plan of the Institution which they propose to establish.
Resolved, That
<sic> be a committee to consider and report at the next annual meeting, what further order, if any, it is expedient that this Grand Lodge should take on the subject.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Page 173Which report and resolutions were adopted, and R. W. Ebenezer Hutchinson, Charles Fox, James L. Child, Jonathan Thayer and Rev Samuel Rand, were appointed the committee agreeable to the second resolution.
The committee to which were referred the petitions for new lodges, made reports, recommending that a charter be granted for a lodge at Shapleigh, York County, by the name of Fraternal Lodge; and a charter for a lodge in Denmark, Oxford County, to be called Mount Moriah Lodge: which reports were accepted, and charters ordered to be issued accordingly.
Upon the petition of William Davenport and others, praying for a lodge in Bangor, to be called St. Mark's Lodge, the committee reported that the further consideration thereof be postponed to the next Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge for the following reasons, viz: there being already a lodge established in the place, and the circumstances set forth in the petition being new and singular, and the committee not having sufficient information to convince them that it will be for the interest of Masonry that another lodge should be there established; and by thus postponing the subject, the petitioners will have opportunity to show the propriety and reasonableness of their petition.
Which report was accepted.
Report of the Corresponding Grand Secretary.
The Corresponding Grand Secretary has examined the several communications received from other Grand Lodges, and reports: That since the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of Missouri, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Vermont, Massachusetts and Nova Scotia, and the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, have been received; all which have been carefully examined.
A careful perusal and critical examination have not enabled the Secretary to discern anything in the Foreign Correspondence which would seem to require the particular attention of this Grand Lodge; but he has the pleasure of stating that the proceedings of the Grand Lodges received furnish satisfactory evidence that the attention of those Grand Lodges is sedulously directed to raise the character and reputation of our Institution, and to render it more and more the admiration of the world, by strictly adhering to its principles, and
Page 174faithfully executing its noble and benevolent designs. There appears to be a commendable degree of emulation among the several Grand Lodges, and the fraternity generally, to excel in the laudable works of beneficence and charity.
JOHN L. MEGQUIER,
January 11, 1828. Corresponding Grand Secretary.
Which report was accepted.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund at their Meeting, Jan. 10, 1828.
A communication from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina was laid before the Grand Lodge, read, and committed to R. W. Reuel Washburn, Robert R. Kendall and John Miller,
The following resolution was submitted by R. W. Amos Nourse:
Resolved, That Chapter 1st, Section 3d, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be so amended, that the regular communications thereof be held on the third Thursdays, instead of the second.
The following resolution was offered by R. W. Charles Fox:
Resolved, That Chapter 4th, Section 4th, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be so amended, that the returns from subordinate Lodges shall include the names of all members suspended and expelled during the year, and the causes thereof.
The foregoing resolves being read, Ordered, that the further consideration of them be postponed to the next Quarterly Communication, and that a copy be forwarded to the several subordinate lodges, for their consideration.
Voted, That the Recording Grand Secretary be authorized to insert such other name in the petition for a lodge at Denmark, as the petitioners shall agree upon.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Samuel Rand, and the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Page 175QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, April 10, A. D. 1828.
Present—M. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, Grand Master.
R. W. MOSES SPRINGER, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. DANIEL WADSWORTH, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, G. Treasurer.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, Rec. G. Sec'y, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. Rev. JONA. GREENLEAF, G. Chaplain.
R. W. ARTHUR SHIRLEY, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Blazing Star, No. 30
Kennebec, No. 5 Somerset, No. 34
Solar, No. 14 Piscataquis, No. 44
A. Land Mark, No. 17
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayers were offered by the Grand Chaplain.
Petitions of Henry Farwell and others, for a lodge in the town of Dixfield; of John R. White and others, for a lodge in the town of Unity; of William Davenport and others, for a lodge in the town of Bangor, were severally read, and committed to R. W. Jonathan Greenleaf, Arthur Shirley and Oliver S. Hartshorn.
Page 176A petition from Somerset Lodge, praying for permission to hold their Lodge Meetings for the present year in the town of Milburn, was read and committed to R. W. Jonathan Greenleaf, Arthur Shirley and Oliver S. Hartshorn, which committee reported that the prayer thereof be granted; and the same was accepted.
Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf, from the committee appointed to obtain Masonic information in foreign countries, reported three letters received in reply to their enquiries, which were read and placed on file.
Voted, That the further consideration of the resolutions offered by R. W. Amos Nourse and R. W. Charles Fox, at the Annual Communication, be postponed till the next Quarterly meeting of the Grand Lodge.
A communication from a committee of Belfast Lodge, praying that the present charter of said lodge may be revoked, was read and committed to R. W. Moses Springer, John L. Megquier and Joseph Harrod. Also, a petition from sundry brethren of Belfast, praying for a new charter, committed to same Committee.
The Committee to whom the petitions for new lodges were referred made a report, recommending the granting of charters for a lodge in Dixfield, to be called King Hiram Lodge, a lodge, in Unity, to be called Unity Lodge, and a lodge in Bangor, to be called St. Mark's Lodge.
On motion it was
Voted, That the report be accepted, and that charters be granted accordingly.
Prayers were offered by the Grand Chaplain, and the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Page 177
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, July 10, A. D. 1828.
Present—M. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, Grand Master.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. DANIEL WANDSWORTH, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE, G. Treasurer, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD, Rec. G. Sec'y.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOSEPH HARROD, J. G. Deacon p. t.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following Lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 A. Land Mark, No. 17
Kennebec, No. 5 Blazing Star, No. 30
Basing Virtue, No. 10 Morning Star, No. 41
Solar, No. 14
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
R. W. Oliver Gerrish was added to the committee on the communication from Belfast Lodge.
The resolution submitted by R. W. Amos Nourse, at the Annual Communication, viz:
Resolved, That Chap. 1st, Sec. 3d, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be so amended, that the regular communications thereof be held on the third Thursdays, instead of the second,
was taken into consideration, and unanimously adopted.
The resolution submitted by R. W. Charles Fox at the Annual Communication, viz:
Page 178
Resolved, That Chap. 4th, Sec. 4th, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, be so amended, that the returns from subordinate lodges shall include the names of all members suspended and expelled during the year, and the causes therefor,
was taken into consideration, and unanimously adopted.
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be directed to give notice to the subordinate lodges of the adoption of the foregoing resolutions.
The following report was submitted:
The committee to whom was referred the petition from Belfast Lodge, surrendering their charter, and praying the Grand Lodge to revoke the same, have considered the subject and ask leave to report, that in their opinion the prayer of said petition ought to be granted, and accordingly recommend that the surrendered charter of Belfast Lodge be accepted.
And the same committee to whom was also referred the petition of Samuel Gordon and others, having considered the subject, are of opinion that it is inexpedient to take further order thereon.
Per order of the committee, JOHN L. MEGQUIER. 1
Which report was accepted.
A petition from sundry brethren in Belfast, praying for the restoration of the charter of Belfast Lodge, was read, and on motion,
Voted, That the same be conditionally committed to R.W. John L. Megquier, William Lord and Joseph Harrod, to report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge, provided the petitioners obtain the consent of the two nearest lodges, and the D. D. G. Master of that District.
The Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary,
Page 179
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION.
A Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, Oct. 16, A. D. 1828.
Present—M. W. WILLIAM SWAN, Grand Master, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, 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. Sec'y.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE, J. G. Deacon, p.t.
R. W. OLIVER B. DORRANCE, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. JAMES B. CAHOON, G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.
The following lodges were represented, viz:—
Portland, No. 1 Blazing Star, No. 30
Rising Virtue, No. 10 Somerset, No. 34
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Morning Star, No. 41
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
Bro. J. L. Megquier submitted the following report:
The Committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry brethren of Belfast, praying for a restoration of the charter of the late Belfast Lodge, have attended to the service assigned them, and report, that in their opinion the interest of masonry will be promoted by a restoration to the said petitioners of the said charter, and therefore recommend that it be restored. The committee would recommend that the further prayer of the petitioners, that the lodge hereafter be known by the name of Phoenix Lodge, be also granted ; and that the property lately belonging to the Belfast Lodge be restored with the said charter, provided the said newly organized lodge shall assume the debts of the old lodge, now due to this Grand Lodge.
JOHN L. MEGQUIER, per order.
Which report was accepted.
The Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
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