ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1830.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on Thursday, January 21, A. D. 1830.
Present—M. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN, G. Master.
R. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP, S. G. Warden.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE, J. G. Warden.
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. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. MOSES GREENLEAF, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL, G. S. Bearer.
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,
R. W. NATHANIEL COFFIN.DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
R. W. Rev. REUBEN NASON, from the First District.
R. W. THOMAS CLARK, from the Second District
R. W. CYRUS KENDRICK, from the Third District,
R. W. SAMUEL K. GILMAN, from the Fifth District.Page 192
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 St. George, No. 16 Morning Star, No. 41
Lincoln, No. 3 A. Land Mark, No. 17 Freedom, No. 42
Kennebec, No. 5 York, No. 22 Piscataquis, No. 44
Amity, No. 6 Freeport, No. 23 Aurora, No. 50
Eastern, No. 7 Village, No. 26 St. Johns, No. 51
United, No. 8 Northern Star, No. 28 Mosaic, No. 52
Saco, No. 9 Blazing Star, No. 30 Rural, No. 53
Rising Virtue, No. 10 Bethlehem, No. 35 Vassalborough, No. 54
Cumberland, No. 12 Washington, No. 37 Fraternal, No. 55
Solar, No. 14 Penobscot, No. 39 Mount Moriah, No. 56
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Prayers were offered by the Grand Chaplain.
The Committee on Finance submitted their annual report, as follows, viz:
Your committee regret that they cannot present a more favorable view of the finances of the Grand Lodge for the past year. They feel justified in stating that there are balances due from some of the masonic districts; but are unable to state the precise amount. They feel a satisfaction in being able to state that there are no debts now due from the Grand Lodge, excepting the
Page 194
balance above stated as due the Grand Treasurer. At a period like the present, when the receipts of the Grand Lodge will but little more than meet the necessary current expenses, your committee feel the necessity of recommending a curtailing of expenses. In reviewing the disbursements from the Treasury, they cannot but notice the amount paid to the respective D. D. G. Masters, compared with expenses incurred in their official duties. They would not be understood as in any respect implicating the R. W. Brethren who have discharged those duties: on the contrary, they state with great pleasure, their entire satisfaction in the accounts exhibited. But they cannot but approve the course adopted by the D. D. G. Masters in several districts, who have been able to obtain the necessary returns and information from their districts, without incurring the expense of traveling through their respective districts. This course they recommend for the current year. The records of the G. Secretary have been carefully examined, and found to have been kept with neatness and accuracy. They recommend an allowance of fifty-five dollars to the Recording G. Secretary for his services the past year; thirty dollars for the services of the G. Treasurer; and the sum of eight dollars to the G. Tyler, for his services during the same period.
All which is respectfully submitted.
WILLIAM SWAN,
ELEAZER WYER,
NEHEMIAH CRAM,
January 21, 1830. Committee.
Which report was accepted.
M. W. Samuel Fessenden, Grand Master, delivered the following
ADDRESS.
Brethren:
The term for which I was elected to preside over the interests of Masonry in this State, by the suffrages of the members of this Grand Lodge, having expired; and admonished by increasing cares, and bodily infirmity, that I ought not to be considered as a candidate for the high and responsible office of Grand Master; and having come to the determination to decline being so considered, I cannot omit, on this occasion, to express the deep sense of gratitude which I feel for the confidence which has been reposed in me; a confidence I am but too sensible, conferred rather from a belief in my wishes than my ability to promote the cause of Masonry.
At a moment like the present, in the history of our Institution, I feel it an urgent duty to assure you that my wishes are still ardent for the promotion of the cause in which I have been engaged for now more than twenty years, without having been able to perceive that its principles are any other than such as are calculated to do good, by calling into vigorous action the best sympathies of our nature—by promoting kindness and brotherly love among
Page 195
men—by relieving temporal distress—strengthening and confirming the moral sense by strong moral suasion; and repressing vice, as well by directing the mental eye to the awful retributions of eternity, denounced by the Creator upon all the wicked, as to the unspeakable rewards proffered to the good, in the sacred volume which is received as the rule and guide of faith and practice.
I feel myself more specially called to an expression of my feelings and views in regard to Masonry, from the fact that I have been for nearly twenty years, and am still a professor, though I feel among the most unworthy, of Christianity, and a member of Christ's visible church. As I am fully persuaded that the cause of Christianity is the most holy of all causes, and the promulgation of. its principles and practice throughout the world an event, of all others, most to be desired—if, indeed, Masonry stands in the way of the advancement of Christ's Kingdom, I feel that it ought to be abandoned. If, on the contrary, the principles of Masonry harmonize with Christianity, and its efforts are directed in those pure and holy channels, which love to God and man have consecrated—if its streams emanate from the same inexhaustible fountain of good, and tend to the same ocean of felicity—then no reason exists why Masonry should be desecrated and the institution held up as worthy the destestation of all good and virtuous men.
On this subject, producing at the present moment so much excitement; against which are arrayed many excellent men; on which some of our most pious divines seem to feel it a duty to animadvert with great zeal, not to say virulence, and to class it among the greatest abominations which are overspreading the world and poisoning all the moral fountains which have been opened—it is certainly the duty of Masons to ponder—we are called on to examine our principles anew—to review with great solicitude their practical tendency, and, if found to be impure, though late, to renounce and abjure them.
These, however, are to be carefully examined, ere we suffer these fountains of charity to be dried up, which certainly have cheered the hearts of some widows and fatherless—which have relieved some of the famishing and naked —which have been the means of arousing in some, to more vigorous action, the sickly moral sense, and exciting to better hopes and more cheering prospects—before we stand by and see those streams congeal which have cooled the lip fevered by penury, want and wo, and excited to healthy action those mental and moral powers which have been diseased and debased by vice.
If the institution have an immoral tendency, it must be found in its principles or its practices. By these it is surely right to try it—and to this test we ought to be willing to submit. By this test we desire to be judged; and we think it unjust to be subjected to any other. Whether our institution has a claim to so great antiquity, as some advance, cannot affect the question whether its principles are immoral or good. On this subject I shall not address you. History has settled this question in such a way as surely to put to silence
Page 196
those who assert Masonry to be of recent origin. Its existence may be proved many centuries by the most authentic public records. How far beyond it extended and existed as a society may be somewhat obscure from the manner in which that existence has been perpetuated.
This branch I leave with such as have learning and leisure to pursue the inquiry.
That abuses may have crept into the institution in some parts of the world, and even in some parts of our own happy country, is no doubt to be feared. Masonry arrogates not perfection in its professors. Many may be and no doubt have been seduced from its salutary principles, and been led to ongraft on the institution some which are bad. Many, like the rest of our fallen race, have been left to abandon the pure principles of Masonry, seduced by corrupt practices, and inordinate appetites, and unholy ambition. But we think we are not to be judged by these aberrations of brothers, however deeply they may have wounded a good cause. If so, and other institutions are to be judged by the same rule, how would our holy religion, and I speak of it I hope with reverence, escape the general condemnation ? Have more corruptions been founded on Masonry than have crept in among those who have professed Christianity ? Look at the various sects founded upon the same stock and claiming to draw principles from the same source.
Shall Christianity, and with it piety, be reprobated on account of the unholy pretensions of the Roman Hierarchy ? Has the fountain been so polluted by the blood of martyrs, of various sects and denominations, that it is no longer a fountain where sin and uncleanness may be washed away? Have the unholy lives and conversations of many of its professors, however to be deplored, made Christianity a corrupt institution or its genuine effects on the heart less to be desired ?
Let us examine still further. Has a more unhallowed ambition characterized professed Masons than professed Christians ? On which professed altar have libations of blood been most profusely poured out? Under the sanction of which name, have treachery, and cruelty, and murder, and rapine, found the most secure asylum ? Clothed in which garb have intolerance and hypocrisy been most securely wrapped ?
But I forbear the parallel! Our enemies would point us to a single martyr. It is possible. We will not refer to the blood of the thousands, who cease not to cry, how long, Oh Lord! dost thou cease to avenge the blood of the saints?
But the Christian religion is the same benign, and holy and divine institution still—infinitely the best of all institutions, nor do we compare Masonry with it. We only say, that if the name of the institution has been profaned to the promulgation of any unchristian, or dangerous doctrine or practice, let it not be attributed to Masonry—any more than the corruptions to the spirit of that institution, whose basis is supreme love to God and to our neighbor as ourselves.
Page 197
Too many, under the garb of Masonry, have done iniquity—And alas! where is the institution, which has never been made a cloak for sin ? But, my brethren, what are the principles of Masonry ? I appeal to you, do any of them lie concealed ?
It is the very first in all the grades, from the entered apprentice to that of Knight Templar, and so far I have been advanced, that the Holy Bible is given as the only guide to faith and practice.
True, every one, under such light as is afforded from instruction by the servants and spirit of God, must interpret for himself according to the dictates of his own conscience.
But who can receive it in simplicity of heart, and materially disagree as to its moral precepts or moral sanctions ? May not all denominations, nay, do they not, offer incense on this one altar ? How can it be ever open before us and fail to produce some good effect ? Surely, we must be mad, if we have Unholy purposes to accomplish in Church or State, to send forth our brethren to the work with the strongest injunctions to make that holy volume the Man of all their Councils! In that book are contained all our principles of thought and action.
I may add, and let the world judge how strongly it speaks in favor of our institution, that in all the attempts to extinguish this great light, it has always been diffusing its beneficent beams from the Masonic Altar.
When Church and State have combined to quench it, that sacred Book has been open to enlighten and purify, protected by the despised secrets of Masonry. Amidst the utter gloom in which for a time Atheism shrouded a fair portion of Europe, the Bible still lay open in true Masonic Lodges.
We are accused of acting in the dark—are not our Masonic Constitutions before the world ? To them also we may confidently appeal for an exposition of our principles—and challenge aught which can tend to promote licentiousness of morals, or a life of irreligion. Is it a dangerous precept, that which lays at the very foundation of the Masonic edifice, " do good to all men as we have opportunity, and especially to the brethren ?"
Is it a crime to appropriate our funds for the relief of the poor and distressed, whose husbands or fathers have contributed to that fund ? But we know, that while such have in common justice a paramount claim, no Masonic principle restricts our charities. The principle is sufficiently broad to embrace all objects of benevolence, but alas! our means are too much circumscribed!
True, we do not trumpet an account of the charities which Masonry diffuses . and the blessings she bestows. We do not say they are large. We know that they are something. If but little in the common mass and unperceived by the world at large, we still hope they go to increase the aggregate of human happiness and relieve the weight of human wo. With this we ought to be content, that " we have done what we could."
May the blessing of God be on all other charitable and benevolent institutions of the present enlightened christian day! We would not circumscribe
Page 198
them. How much may be subducted from such efforts in the great day of accounts, for the glowing language in which they are spread before the world in annual reports, we leave to Him who judges the motives of the heart which dictate the generous acts.
We are accused of advancing lofty pretensions. I have never understood that Masonry has ever claimed anything more than to be a charitable, moral society—based on that charity and that morality, which are enjoined in the Scriptures of inspiration. If it be wrong to support such a society, I am not able to perceive it.
It has been asserted that our obligations lead us to protect a brother right or wrong, and to shield him from justice in the commission of crime. Such an assertion is untrue.
While, as I hope, we shall ever deem it a duty to aid the brethren in all that is lawful and praiseworthy, I confidently say that I know of no Masonic obligation which imposes it on me to protect a brother in doing wrong. On the contrary, I have ever felt it as the very spirit of all my Masonic obligations to restrain a brother from going in the way of the wicked; even if necessary to bring him to justice, when other efforts have failed to wean him from vice.
Admitting it as a duty to shield a brother from immediate danger of life or limb, I would ask if that be not a Christian duty which I owe to every individual of the human race ?
But to protect a Mason in the violation of the laws of God or man is not Masonry, and forms no part of any obligation which I have assumed.
To speak truth at all times—to adhere to it on all occasions, and to look to it under all circumstances, as the lucid point by which to shape our course in life is a fundamental principle of Masonry. It is never to be sacrificed to protect a brother even in his right; much less in wrong.
It has been asserted that Masonry has been prostituted to political purposes. It may be so in some sections of our country. But surrounded as I am by brethren of different political views, I appeal confidently to all for the truth of what I say, that here it has never been so.
Into none of the political contests which have agitated us, has Masonry entered.
The grand charge to all is to be a quiet and peaceable citizen of the government under which Providence may cast our lot—and if there be any thing on which peculiar stress is laid, as a masonic duty, next to the following of the great light, it is that political dissensions shall never enter our consecrated halls. In political tempests Masonry never lends its hand to direct the storm.
My brethren know this. And that the legitimate object of Masonry is to inculcate and enforce the charitable conclusion, that in these things brethren may honestly disagree. That such difference in opinion ought not to sever hat chain of brotherly love, which binds us together—nor freeze that charity which hopeth all things.
To cultivate all the moral virtues—to subdue all the inordinate and unholy
Page 199
passions—to pursue the dictates of reason—to love truth—to seek peace and pursue it—to abound in every good word and work, are the only legitimate principles of Masonry. Be it, as I hope it has been, our care to adhere to them. This, brethren, is the only sure way to silence the enemies of the institution.
And let me now, on retiring from this elevated situation, solemnly impress on my brethren, in this way, to fulfill this important duty.
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: R. W. Daniel Granger, Thomas Clark and Moses Greenleaf, who reported the following brethren to be duly elected, viz:
M. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP of Brunswick, G. Master.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE of Hallowell, S. G. Warden.
R. W. Rev. REUBEN NASON of Gorham, J. G. Warden.
R. W. JOSEPH M. GERRISH of Portland, G. Treasurer.
R. W. WILLIAM LORD of Portland, R. G. Secretary.
R. W. William Swan, Eleazer Wyer and James B. Cahoon were chosen a Committee on Finance.
R. W. William Swan, Samuel Fessenden, Daniel Granger, Nehemiah Cram and Albion K. Parris, were chosen to constitute a permanent part of the board of Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge, for three years ensuing.
The M. W. Robert P. Dunlap, Grand Master elect, was duly invested by R. W. Samuel Fessenden, Past Grand Master.
The M. W. Grand Master then installed the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer and Recording Grand Secretary.
Communications were received from Fraternal Lodge at Shapleigh, and Rural Lodge at Sidney. Read and committed to R. W. Daniel Granger, Nathaniel Coffin and Paschal Brooks.
On motion,
Voted, That R. W. William Swan, Nathaniel Coffin and Amos Nourse, be a Committee to wait on the M. W. Past Grand Master, and return him the
Page 200
thanks of this Grand Lodge for the address delivered by him this evening, and request a copy for publication.
R. W. Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish presented a donation to the Charity Fund of Thirty Dollars, being the amount allowed him for his services as Grand Treasurer the past year.
On motion,
Voted unanimously, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be presented to R. W. Bro. Gerrish, for this renewed instance of his liberality.
Voted, That R. W. Moses Greenleaf, Rev. Reuben Nason, Nathan Cutler, Rev. Samuel Rand and Simon Greenleaf, be a Committee to take into consideration the peculiar duties of masons at the present time and report.
The Grand Lodge adjourned to Friday evening next, Jan. 22.
Masons' Hall, Portland, Jan. 22, A. D. 1830.
The Grand Lodge assembled at six o'clock, P. M., agreeably to adjournment.
Presest—M. W. ROBERT P. DUNLAP, G. Master.
R. W. AMOS NOURSE, S. G. Warden.
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. SAMUEL STEPHENSON, G Marshal.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, G. Chaplain.
R. W. JOHN CHUTE, G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, G. Steward.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, G. Steward.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL, G. Sword Rearer.
R. W. SETH CLARK, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, G. Pursuivant.
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, G. Tyler.PAST GRAND OFFICERS.
R. W. SAMUEL FESSENDEN.
R. W. NATHANIEL COFFIN.
District Deputy Grand Masters, from the Third and Fifth Districts.
Page 201
The following lodges were represented, viz:
Portland, No. 1 Blazing Star, No. 30
Lincoln, No. 3 Bethlehem, No. 35
Kennebec, No. 5 Harmony, No. 38
United, No. 8 Piscataquis, No. 44
Solar, No. 14 Aurora, No. 50
St. George, No. 16 Rural, No. 53
A. Land Mark, No. 17 Vassalborough, No. 54
Freeport, No. 23 Fraternal, No. 55
Village, No. 26 Mount Moriah, No. 56
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. PASCHAL BROOKS, of Portland, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL, of Freeport, Grand Marshal.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL RAND, of Portland, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSON, of Saco, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. Rev. STEPHEN LOVELL, of Portland, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. ISAAC LINCOLN, of Brunswick, Sen. Grand Deacon.
R. W. OLIVER GRISWOLD, of Fryeburg, Jun. Grand Deacon.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R. W. ELEAZER WYER, of Portland,Grand Steward.
R. W. WILLIAM DUNN, of Poland, Grand Steward.
R. W. JOSEPH CHANDLER, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R. W. OLIVER GERRISH, of Portland, G. S. Bearer.
R. W. SETH CLARK, of Portland, G. Pursuivant,
R. W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, of Portland, G. Pursuivant,
R. W. WILLIAM STEVENS, of Portland, G. 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. Samuel Stephenson, of Gorham.
Second District—R. W. Stephen Emery, of Paris.
Third District—R. W. Rufus C. Vose, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Isaac G. Reed, of Waldoborough.
Fifth District—R. W. Hezekiah Williams, of Castine.
Sixth District— R. W. Oliver N. Allen, of Lubec.
Sixth District.—R. W. David Shepard, of Sebec.Page 202
The following brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. Robert P. Dunlap, Grand Master, ex officio
R. W. Peleg Sprague, Deputy Grand Master, ex officio.
R. W. Amos Nourse, Senior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. Rev. Reuben Nason, Junior Grand Warden, ex officio.
R. W. William Lord, Recording Grand Secretary, ex officio.
R. W. Albion K. Parris.
R. W. Samuel Fessenden.
R. W. William Swan.
R. W. Charles Pox.
R. W. Daniel Granger.
R. W. Nehemiah Cram.
The following report was submitted :
The committee appointed to wait upon the R. W. Past Grand Master, Samuel Fessenden, to present him the thanks of the Grand Lodge for his Address delivered upon his retiring from the chair, and request a copy for publication, have performed that service, and have the pleasure to report,
That the R. W. Brother has yielded to the wishes of the Grand Lodge, and will furnish a copy to the Grand Secretary.
Which report was accepted.
The following report was presented:
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of the peculiar duties of Masons at the present time, have attended to that duty as far as the limited time allotted to them would admit, and they now ask leave to report, that they have with unfeigned regret seen the press teeming with inflammatory publications, misrepresenting our order as maintaining principles, and imposing on its members obligations, immoral in their nature, dangerous to the community, and tending in effect to subvert the freedom of our republican institutions, and of all regular government; to weaken the confidence of man in man, and to undermine the foundations of civil society and of religious hope. That such principles deserve the reprobation of every friend to the best interests of mankind cannot for a moment be denied; but such principles are not, and never have been, the principles of Free Masonry. Societies of Illuminati, falsely assuming the name and symbols of Masons, may have been formed in some parts of our country, and from them may have emanated a poison which, in greater or less degree, may have infected some lodges originally of genuine Masons, and insidiously intermixed their corrupt principles with the pure principles of true and ancient Masonry. How widely such corruption may have extended in other parts of our country we know not. It exists not, to our
Page 203
knowledge, in Maine. But, by whatever means corruption may have been introduced, or however widely extended, Masonry itself, any more than Christianity, is not justly responsible for the errors of its nominal professors, nor chargeable with the corruptions which may have assumed its name, or sought shelter under its garb. And it does not attempt to vindicate, but disowns and rejects them.
From the nature and extent, however, of the charges which are publicly made against Masonry, and the excitement they hare produced in the minds of a large portion of the community in some parts of our country, and the respectability of some of those who have been led by them to view the institution as of injurious and even dangerous tendency, it may at first view seem that " Masons owe it to themselves and to the world, to vindicate themselves from such charges," by an explicit and formal avowal of the principles they do profess and maintain, and disavowal of those which do not belong to them. But it is well known to all true Masons, and it is far from being wholly unknown to the world, that the principles of Masonry have been for centuries made public. It is well known to Masons, and has been publicly and repeatedly declared to the world, that the first and fundamental principle of Free Masonry is that of faith in God;—That, for the knowledge of Him, his character and laws, it invariably refers to his works and his word the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments;—That it considers these Scriptures as emphatically the Great Light of Masonry, and gives them to all its members as the rule and guide of their faith and practice; to be received as such by all true Masons, and obligatory on them as well in their character of Masons as of men;—That it gives them also without note or comment, leaving it to the understanding and enjoining it upon the conscience of each individual, to direct his course according to their precepts. And no principle inconsistent with the obvious and acknowledged principles of these Scriptures, is recognized by, or can consist with the principles of genuine Masonry.
It is equally known that the whole design and all the tendencies of Masonry, are to aid the cultivation of all the moral and social virtues—to comfort the afflicted—to relieve the distressed—to do justice and maintain truth—to harmonize and subdue the passions—and to promote " peace on earth and good will to men." And in all its precepts, and through all its ceremonials, it seeks to impress these principles more strongly upon the mind, and to inculcate more forcibly their observance and practice. With candid and unprejudiced minds this will be sufficient, and with other minds no declaration of ours can be expected to avail.
It is true that Masons have their secrets. They consist in our modes of inculcating our principles, and in our ceremonials. These, blended, form the evidence by which we may prove our title to the name and privileges of Masonry. But true Masonry possesses no secret involving any moral principle which it does not and has not always freely disclosed. All other societies, and even Christian churches, have their secrets and keep them. Masons have
Page 204
theirs, and cannot honestly disclose, nor with propriety be required publicly to discuss them. And though, from the peculiar circumstances of the present tune, and the fears of some good men with regard to the designs and tendencies of Masonry, it may be thought even by some good Masons, that the Grand Lodge ought in some public and formal manner to declare explicitly to the world its principles, and distinctly disavow those which are falsely imputed to it, yet Masons should recollect that their principles have often, and upon proper occasions, always been distinctly declared, and all those immoral and dangerous principles which have been imputed to their order as distinctly disavowed ; that they are under no obligations, as Masons nor as men, to enter the lists of discussion and argument with political enthusiasts or heated fanat-. ics, but ought to avoid all those things which serve only to keep alive the frenzy which threatens to lay waste the superstructure and uproot the foundations of social harmony: and therefore your committee can perceive no course so proper to recommend under the present circumstances, as that all true Masons should quietly let the tempest take its course, and fear not its consequences, while they endeavor to vindicate the sincerity of their profession by a well ordered life and conversation, and " by well doing to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." All which is respectfully submitted,
MOSES GREENLEAF,
NATHAN CUTLER,
SAMUEL RAND,
SIMON GREENLEAF,
REUBEN NASON,
Committee.
Which was accepted.
REPORT.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.
The Committee to whom was referred the memorial and petition of Fraternal Lodge, praying for an extension of the time for their consecration, and also for some relief on account of expenses incurred by reason of the inattention , of the Grand Lodge to its appointments for the public installation of their officers, ask leave to report, that a further time of one year from the first day of January instant, be allowed for the consecration of Fraternal Lodge and the installation of their officers. And, that whenever within the year these services shall be performed, there be paid to the Treasurer of that lodge from the funds of the Grand Lodge, the sum of Fifty Dollars, to assist them in meeting the expenses of installation.
The same committee, also having under consideration the petition of Rural Lodge, ask leave to report, that a further time of one year from the first day of January instant, be allowed for the consecration of Rural Lodge, and the installation of its officers.
All which is submitted,
In Grand Lodge, Jan. 22, 1830. DANIEL GRANGER, per order.
Page 205
Which report was accepted.
Voted, That one hundred and fifty copies of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge be printed and distributed as heretofore, together with a sufficient number of copies of the farewell address of the M. W. Past Grand Master to furnish all the members of the lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
REPORT.
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the resolution submitted to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication, October 22, 1829, by R. W. Joshua B. Osgood, relative to the amendment of the 17th section of the 4th Chapter of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, having had the same under consideration report,
That, in the opinion of your Committee, said chapter and section ought to be so far amended as respects the time in which subordinate lodges may be consecrated and their officers installed, and that four years be allowed from the date of their respective charters for said consecration and installation. Which is respectfully submitted,
January 22, 1830. THOMAS CLARK, per order.
The foregoing report having been fully discussed, on motion,
Voted, That the subject be indefinitely postponed.
REPORT.
The Committee to whom was referred the petition of Penobscot Lodge, having attended to the duty assigned them, ask leave to report, that in their opinion the interest of Masonry would be promoted by complying with the wishes of the petitioners and giving the permission to hold their meetings in the town of Dexter and Exeter alternately. They therefore recommend that the prayer of their petition be granted, on condition that the petitioners procure the approbation of Meridian Splendor Lodge to the removal of said Penobscot Lodge as prayed for.
January 22, 1830. JOSEPH M. GERRISH, per order.
Which report was accepted.
REPORT.
To the Grand Lodge of Maine.
The Corresponding Secretary respectfully reports:
That since the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the District
Page 206
of Columbia, have been received; all which have been carefully read and examined.
In the Lecturer's report, published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, it is stated " that masonry in Pennsylvania may be considered as flourishing in all the thickly settled portions of the State;" and it appears by the proceedings of several of the other Grand Lodges, that masonry commands the respect which it merits; and this is evinced by the fact that a considerable number of dispensations and charters have been granted within the last year, establishing subordinate lodges in different States. The foreign correspondence does not, it is believed, present any subject particularly requiring the attention of this Grand Lodge.
Jan. 22, 1830. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, Cor. Grand Secretary.
Which report was accepted.
The Recording Grand Secretary reported the proceedings of the Trustees of the Charity Fund at their meeting, Jan. 21, 1830.
Voted, That in future, all refreshments be dispensed with in this Grand Lodge.
Voted, That the time for consecrating Mount Moriah Lodge, and installing its officers, be extended to one year from the first day of January, 1830.
The following resolution was submitted by R. W. Amos Nourse:
Resolved, That Sec. 3d, Chap. 1st, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, be so amended as to strike out Portland, and insert Hallowell or Augusta.
The foregoing resolve being read,
Ordered, That the further consideration of it be postponed to the next Annual Communication, and that it be published with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, for the consideration of the several subordinate lodges under this jurisdiction.
Voted, That the Grand Treasurer be authorized to effect a loan or loans, on the credit of the Grand Lodge, to an amount sufficient to enable him to pay all existing demands against the Grand Lodge, and those that may accrue the ensuing year, on such time and such rate of interest, not exceeding six per. cent., as he may think advisable.
The Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Page 207
LIST OF LODGES.
The following is a list of lodges within, the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maine, under the superintendence of the seven District Deputy Grand Masters, viz:
FIRST DISTRICT.
R. W. Samuel Stephenson, Gorham, D. D. G. M.
| Portland | No. 1 | Portland |
| United | No. 8 | Brunswick |
| Saco | No. 9 | Saco |
| Cumberland | No. 12 | New Gloucester |
| A. Land Mark | No. 17 | Portland |
| York | No. 22 | Kennebunk |
| Freeport | No. 23 | Freeport |
| Adoniram | No. 27 | Limington |
| Casco | No. 36 | No. Yarmouth |
| Harmony | No. 38 | Gorham |
| Freedom | No. 42 | Parsonsfield |
| Buxton | No. 47 | Buxton |
| St. Johns | No. 51 | South Berwick |
| Fraternal | No. 55 | Shapleigh |
SECOND DISTRICT.
R. W. Stephen Emery, Paris, D. D. G. M
| Pythagorean | No. 11 | Fryeburg |
| Oriental | No. 13 | Bridgton |
| Oxford | No. 18 | Paris |
| Oriental Star | No. 21 | Livermore |
| Tranquil | No. 29 | Minot |
| Blazing Star | No. 30 | Rumford |
| Mount Moriah | No. 56 | Denmark |
| King Hiram | No. 57 | Dixfield |
THIRD DISTRICT.
R. W. Rufus C. Vose, Augusta, D. D. G. M.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
R. W. Isaac G. Reed, Waldoborough, D. D. G. M.
| Lincoln | No. 3 | Wiscasset |
| Solar | No. 14 | Bath |
| Orient | No. 15 | Thomaston |
| St. George | No. 16 | Warren |
| Village | No. 26 | Bowdoinham |
| Union | No. 31 | Union |
| Alna | No. 43 | Alna |
| Aurora | No. 50 | Thomaston |
FIFTH DISTRICT.
R. W. Hezekiah Williams, Castine, D. D. G. M.
| Hancock | No. 4 | Castine |
| Amity | No. 6 | Camden |
| Felicity | No. 19 | Bucksport |
| Phoenix | No. 24 | Belfast |
| Lygonia | No. 40 | Surry |
SIXTH DISTRICT.
R. W. Oliver N. Allen, Lubec, D. D. G. M.
| Warren | No. 2 | Machias |
| Eastern | No. 7 | Eastport |
| Washington | No. 37 | Lubec |
| St. Croix | No. 46 | Calais |
SEVENTH DISTRICT.
R. W. David Shepard, Sebec, D. D. G. M.
| Rising Virtue | No. 10 | Bangor |
| Penobscot | No. 39 | Garland |
| Piscataquis | No. 44 | Sebec |
| Meridian Splendor | No. 49 | Newport |
| Mosaic | No. 52 | Sangerville |
Page 209
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATIONS.
[Transcript of the Record.]
Grand Lodge of Maine.
At a Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine, at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, April 15, 1830, there not being members enough present, the Grand Lodge was not opened.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Grand Lodge of Maine.
Quarterly Communication at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, July 15, A. D. 1830.
There were not members enough present this evening to open the Grand Lodge, and it was adjourned without day.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
Grand Lodge of Maine.
Quarterly Communication at Masons' Hall in Portland, Thursday, October 21, A. D. 1830.
Not being members enough present to open, the Grand Lodge adjourned without day.
Attest, WILLIAM LORD, G. Secretary.
>> Next Page