ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1834.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Stevens's Hall in Augusta, on Thursday the 16th day of January, 1834.
Present—M. W. REUEL WASHBURN, G. Master, p. t.
R. W. ZINA HYDE, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, G. Treasurer, p. t.
R. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Grand Secretary.
R. W. WILLIAM PARTRIDGE, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. THOMAS GILPATRICK, Jr., S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. DANIEL ORMSBY, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. EDMUND PILLSBURY, S. G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES A. SYLVESTER, J. G. Steward, p. t.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Tyler.
Lodges represented:
| Hermon, | by | Thomas Gilpatrick, Jr. |
| Waterville, | by | A. Stilson. |
| Rural, | by | Daniel Ormsby. |
| Lincoln, | by | N. Clark. |
| Solar, | by | Z. Hyde. |
| Union, | by | C. A. Sylvester. |
| Meridian Splendor, | by | E. Pillsbury. |
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Proceedings of the last Annual Meeting were read by the Recording Grand Secretary.
The Committee on Finance reported as follows:
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The Committee on Finance, having attended to the duties assigned them so far as to examine the Report of the Treasurer, ask leave to report as follows:
There has been paid out by the Treasurer the following sums:
| To Thomas Stevens, for Hall rent two years, | $10.00 | |
| To I. Berry & Co., for printing, | 16.65 | |
| To L. Severance, for printing, | 3.25 | |
| To J. Chandler, for postage, | 3.59 | |
| To Secretary &c, | 40.50 | |
| To Treasurer, | 30.00 | |
| To F. Wingate, Tyler, | 2.00 | |
| To Postage paid by Grand Master, | 1.86 | |
| To Frye Hall, for expenses of visiting Amity Lodge, | 3.00 | |
| To H. Williams, for visiting Felicity Lodge, and postage, | 2.40 | |
| $113.25 | ||
| There has been received by the Treasurer and now in his hands, certain balances and interest belonging to the Charity Fund, the sum of | 277.85 | |
| Should the Grand Lodge borrow of the Charity Fund the sum of $113.25, due the Treasurer, for sums by him paid according to his report, which your Committee recommend, there would be left applicable to relief the sum of | 113.25 | |
| 164.60 | ||
| The Committee further recommend that in future the sum of thirty dollars be allowed to the Secretary and twenty dollars to the Treasurer, instead of the sums before allowed. |
All which is respectfully submitted.
BENJ. DAVIS,
ZINA HYDE,
Committee.
Which report was read and accepted. And it was
Voted, To borrow the sum as recommended above by the Committee on Finance.
Proceeded to the choice of officers.
R. W. Zina Hyde, Benjamin Davis and William Partridge, were chosen a Committee to receive, sort and count the votes for Grand Officers to be elected by ballot, who having attended to the duty assigned them, reported the election of the following Brethren, viz:
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M. W. NATHANIEL COFFIN, of Wiscasset, Grand Master.
R. W. JOHN L. MEGQUIER, of Portland, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. DAVID C. MAGOUN, of Bath, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, of Augusta, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, of Augusta, Rec. Grand Secretary.
R. W. Zina Hyde, Thomas W. Smith and Rufus C. Vose were chosen a Committee on Finance.
Voted, That when this Grand Lodge adjourn, it adjourn till to-morrow evening at 7 o'clock.
Adjourned accordingly.
Attest, ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Rec. G. Secretary.
Stevens's Hall, Augusta, Jan. 17, A. D. 1834.
The Grand Lodge met at seven o'clock P. M., agreeably to adjournment.
Present—M. W. NATHANIEL COFFIN, G. Master.
R. W. REUEL WASHBURN, D. Grand Master.
R. W. ZINA HYDE, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. CHAS. A. SYLVESTER, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. NATHANIEL STEVENS, G. Marshal, p. t.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, G. Treasurer.
R. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Grand Secretary.
R. W. EDMUND PILLSBURY, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. LEVERETT LORD, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Tyler.
| Lodges represented: | ||
| Hermon, | by | Thomas Gilpatrick, Jr. |
| Waterville, | by | A. Stilson. |
| Rural, | by | D. Ormsby. |
| Lincoln, | by | N. Clark. |
| Solar, | by | Zina Hyde. |
| Meridian Splendor, | by | E. Pillsbury. |
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
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Proceedings of the last evening meeting were read by the Recording Grand Secretary.
The Grand Master was then pleased to make the following appointments, which were announced by the Grand Marshal, viz:
R.W. REUEL WASHBURN, of Livermore, Deputy Grand Master.
R.W. ISAAC G. REED, of Waldoborough, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R.W. JESSE ROBINSON, of Waterville, Grand Marshal.
R.W. Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSON, of Saco, Grand Chaplain,
R.W. Rev. FREEMAN PARKER, of Wiscasset, Grand Chaplain
R.W. Rev. MOSES SPRINGER, of Gardiner, Grand Chaplain,
R.W. EBENEZER HILTON, of Wiscasset, S. G. Deacon.
R.W. C. N. COGSWELL, of South Berwick, J. G. Deacon.
R.W. THOMAS W. SMITH, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R.W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., of do. Grand Steward.
R.W. THOMAS GILPATRICK, Jr., of Gardiner, Grand Steward.
R.W. AMOS H. HODGMAN, of Warren, Grand Steward.
R.W. OLIVER GERRISH, of Portland, G. Sword Bearer.
R.W. WILLIAM PARTRIDGE, of Gardiner, G. Pursuivant.
R.W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, of Portland, G. Pursuivant.
R.W. FREDERICK WINGATE, of Augusta, Grand Tyler.
The foregoing officers, except those re-appointed, were duly installed by the M. W. Grand Master, either by themselves or proxies.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Abner B. Thompson, of Brunswick.
Second District—R. W. Stephen Emery, of Paris.
Third District—R. W. Rufus C. Vose, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Zina Hyde, of Bath.
Fifth District.—R. W. Hezekiah Williams, of Castine.
Sixth District--E. W. Oliver N. Allen, of Lubec.
Seventh District—R. W. David Shepherd, of Sebec.
Eighth District—R. W. Samuel Johnson, of Saco.
REPORT.
The Committee appointed to examine Foreign Correspondence, have attended to that service, and beg leave to report:
That they have examined the Foreign Correspondence received since the last meeting of this Grand Lodge, and find official communications from the Grand Lodges of Virginia, Ohio, Georgia, Connecticut, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Mississippi and the District of Columbia,
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together with circulars from the Grand Lodges of New York, Kentucky, Louisiana and the Province of Nova Scotia. And finding nothing in either of these documents which in the opinion of your Committee calls for the special action of this Grand Lodge, they have only to recommend that they be deposited in the archives of the same.
All which is respectfully submitted,
ZINA HYDE,
ASAPH R. NICHOLS,
Committee
The foregoing report was read and accepted.
Communications from District Deputy Grand Masters, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 7, with the accompanying returns, were read and placed on file.
A Special Communication from the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was read and placed on file.1
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1 This communication relates to the anti-masonic excitement, and as we do not find a copy of the answer, is now unimportant.
The following motion was introduced by R. W. Bro. Z. Hyde of Bath.
In Grand Lodge, January 17, 1834.
Moved, That the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge be altered as follows, viz:
By repealing Section 1 in Chap. 5, and Sec. 5 in Chap. 5, and adopting in lieu thereof the following:
" There shall be a Charity Fund established by the Grand Lodge which shall be from time to time increased by adding thereto all moneys that there may be in the Treasury at the close of the annual meeting, including all donations not specially appropriated by the donors, and the interest accruing annually from this Charity Fund, after deducting therefrom such sums as may be necessary in addition to the receipts of the Treasurer for payment of the ordinary expenses of the Grand Lodge, shall be appropriated either in whole or in part for the relief of such poor and distressed brethren, their widows and orphans, as they may consider worthy of assistance, and if the whole be not so distributed, the residue shall be added to the fund."
Also further to amend the By-Laws by adding the following proviso, to be added at the close of the 3d Section of Chapter 5th of the By-Laws:
"Provided, That if, at the annual meeting of said Trustees, a majority of the whole board shall not be present, vacancies may be filled for the time being so that all necessary business may be transacted."
In Grand Lodge of Maine, January 18, 1834.
The undersigned, a Committee of the Grand Lodge, have considered the within motion, and report, that the same be adopted and a copy thereof sent to each subordinate lodge.
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R. W. Nathaniel Stevens of Hallowell, was chosen a Trustee of the Charity Fund instead of R. W. Robert P. Dunlap, whose term had expired.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Hyde of Bath,
Voted, That the question of acceptance of the charter of the Kennebec Lodge be postponed to the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and that the subject be referred to R. W. Bros. Reuel Washburn, Benjamin Davis and Asaph E. Nichols, with directions to inquire why the Trustees of said lodge have not complied with the requisitions of the Grand Lodge, as recommended in the report of a committee of the Grand Lodge, accepted January 18, 1833, and to report thereon at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Hyde of Bath,
Voted, That the Secretary and Treasurer be a Committee to engage a suitable place for the future meetings of the Grand Lodge and for a repository of the furniture thereof.
Voted, That when this Grand Lodge adjourn, it adjourn until to-morrow morning at nine o'clock.
Adjourned accordingly.
Attest, ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Rec. G. Secretary.
Stevens's Hall, Augusta, January 18, A. D. 1834.
The Grand Lodge met at nine o'clock, A. M., agreeably to adjournment.
Present—M. W. NATHANIEL COFFIN, Grand Master.
R. W. REUEL WASHBURN, D. Grand Master.
R. W. ZINA HYDE, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. NATHANIEL STEVENS, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, Grand Treasurer,
R. W. ASAPH B. NICHOLS, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. EDMUND PILLSBURY, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Tyler.
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
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A statement of the Charity Fund and donations made by the Trustees, was exhibited and read; showing that the sum of $164.60 had been distributed among twenty-one applicants.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
Attest, ASAPH R. NICHOLS, G. Secretary.
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The G. Master requests the District G. Masters to report the state of all the lodges in their respective Districts in season to be laid before the G. Lodge at their next Annual Communication. Returns of lodges are to be dated on the first day of September annually. District G. Masters have from that day till the time of meeting in January to make their visits and procure returns, and, as they have the power of appointing as many substitutes as are necessary to perform this service, it is confidently hoped this important duty will be fully done.
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The following Brethren compose the Board of Trustees or the Charity Fund:
M. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Grand Master, ex-officio.
R. W. Reuel Washburn, Deputy Grand Master, ex-officio.
R. W. John L. Megquier, Senior Grand Warden, ex-officio.
R. W. David C. Magoun, Junior Grand Warden, ex-officio.
R. W. Asaph R. Nichols, Recording Grand Secretary, ex-officio.
R. W. Amos Nourse.
R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish.
R. W. William Partridge.
R. W. Nathaniel Stevens.
R. W. Benjamin Davis.
R. W. Henry W. Fuller.
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REPORTS OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
FIRST DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., G. M. of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
Dear Sir : Since the receipt of your circular of January 24th last, I have attended to the duties required of me so far as has been the usual practice, and herewith forward you a return of my doings, embracing the different lodges comprising the First Masonic District, the number of members on the first of September last, &c. You will perceive that there is nothing due the Grand Lodge from this return, and from all the information I could obtain, there is nothing due for any former arrearages.
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All the lodges in this District keep up a system of organization, and generally meet quarterly, except Cumberland Lodge at New Gloucester; their last meeting was in November, 1830, at which time the officers specified in this return were elected, and no meeting has been had since. They had three or four meetings that year previous to November, and but three to six members attended. Their Charity Fund consists of about $400 in a bad state; a Committee was chosen to investigate the state of the funds and get additional security, &c, which Committee attended to their duty, but cannot get a meeting of the lodge to make a report, and they say they fear that Masonry cannot be again revived in that lodge. The other lodges in this District each have a very respectable Charity Fund, except Casco, which has none. If it were not for the funds I think very few of the lodges would continue in a state of organization; that seems now to be the principal cause of keeping them up. The lodges generally have abolished the quarterages, and endeavor to manage their expenses in the most economical manner. I doubt from what
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I can learn that it would be practicable under the present state of affairs for the Grand Lodge to ask any fee from members: the depression is so great that any expense, however small, might be the means of doing an injury by reducing the number of members, who otherwise would be willing to continue. As regards a subscription to the Grand Lodge to pay up the debt that has accrued, by exertion it possibly might be obtained, but I should think it extremely doubtful: notwithstanding there is nominally a considerable number of members to each lodge, still there are but few that meet, and these few are individuals who feel a deep interest in the preservation of their Charity Fund, that it shall be properly managed and kept sacred for the object pointed out by our excellent institution. As regards masons not members, I find it impossible to ascertain with any degree of correctness, but I should think there were more that are not members than are members; it would be impossible to ascertain. I appointed a Brother in this vicinity, who went to all the lodges except Portland Lodge, and their returns had been sent me previously. Yours respectfully,
JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, D. D. G. M. 1st M. D.
Brunswick, February 8, 1833.
SECOND DISTRICT.
Return of Lodges composing the Second Masonic District, under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maine.
Mount Moriah Lodge, Denmark, 1830.
Fifteen members including officers; one initiate; due the Grand Lodge, $2.00.
Same Lodge, 1831. Thirteen members including officers. No work done.
Same Lodge, 1832. Dominicus G. Tarbox, Master; Cyrus Ingalls, S. W.; Levi P. Sawyer, J. W.; Joshua B. Osgood, Treas.; William Pingree, Sec.; Elisha Newcomb, S. D.; Robert H. Miller, J. D.; Benaiah Walker, J. S.; William Allen, Tyler. Nine—being all that are now members. Two initiates; fees due the Grand Lodge, $4.00. No alteration since 1832, Sept. 1, except one death. Three masons in town not members.
Oriental Lodge, Bridgton, 1830.
Twenty-three members including officers. One initiate; fees due the Grand Lodge, $2.00.
Same Lodge, 1831. Twenty-three members including officers.
Same Lodge, Sept. 1, 1832. George W. Cushman, Master; William Bragg, S. W.; Solomon Andrews, J. W.; Ira Crocker, Treas.; Samuel Farnsworth, Sec.; Jacob Emerson, S. D.; Eben Kilborn, J. D.; James Flint, S. S.; Geo. Peirce, J. S.; James Stevens, Tyler.
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Members. Leander Gage, W'm Morse, Jr., John Kilborn, Jr., Eben Emerson, Daniel Brown, Edward Carlton, Dan Morse, Abner Smith, Charles Whitman, Joshua Sawyer, Bryan Paine. No initiate; one death; from fifteen to twenty masons not members.
Blazing Star Lodge, Rumford, 1829.
Twenty-seven members including officers. No work done.
Same Lodge, 1830. Twenty-six members including officers. One death; one suspension. No work done.
Same Lodge, 1831. Twenty-six members including officers. No work done.
Same Lodge, Sept. 1832. Joseph H. Wardwell. Master; Samuel Rolfe, S. W. ; Benj. Poor, J. W.; Moses E. Kimball, Treas.; Hezekiah Hutchins, Jr., Sec; James N. Bricket, S. D.; Amos Andrews, J. D.; Francis Cushman, S. S.; Thomas Bragg, J. S.; Curtis P. Howe, Tyler.
Members. Francis Swan, Aaron Graham, David H. Farnum, Moses Abbot, Alvan Bolster, Farnum Abbot, Joseph Adams, Moses Merrill, David Kimball, Joseph Lufkin, Joshua Graham, James V. Poor, Jonathan Powers, John Lufkin, Colman Godwin, Abel Wheeler, Cotton Elliot, Stephen G. Stevens. Two restored that were suspended. Twenty-eight members including officers.
Same Lodge chose officers Jan. 2, 1833. Benj. Poor, Master; John Lufkin, S. W.; James N. Bricket, J. W.; Moses F. Kimball, Treas.; Hezekiah Hutchins, Jr., Sec.; Francis Swan, S. D.; Joseph H. Wardwell, J. D.; Amos Andrews, S. S.; Moses Abbot, J. S.; David Kimball, Tyler. Four masons within the limits of the lodge not members. No work done since Sept. 1, 1829.
Oxford Lodge, Paris, 1831.
Twenty-three members including officers. No work done. I have been able to procure no other returns from this lodge. The Secretary and records are out of town, and although I have both notified and called, I have not succeeded.
M. W. Nathaniel Coffin,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
The foregoing contains all the returns of Lodges in the Second Masonic District I have been able to obtain. I addressed letters to each lodge by mail, requesting immediate and specific information on all the points contained in your circular, and anticipated an immediate attention to the subject. In this I have been disappointed. On a former occasion I gave notice of an official visit to each lodge, and my letters remained in the post offices untouched in some instances; and in others, some lodges found it inconvenient to meet. I find that many of the lodges have not held their usual communications. This, and the general apathy prevailing, is to be ascribed to the crusades
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against the craft. In Oxford, an attempt has been made to get up an excitement against us: it has succeeded in a small degree, and to prevent the further spread of the mania, the brethren have kept perfectly still. The same cause has been my excuse for gross negligence in regard to the duties of my appointment; and although perhaps not a very valid one, this operated more than any thing else to produce a failure of regular returns.
I do not feel competent to make suggestions as to what may or should be done. I am aware that the Institution must be abandoned, unless the forms and rules are observed, and even then, it would be a cumbrous, inert, fruitless institution, unless it can be revivified, animated and inspired with the fire and spirit of our ancient times of prosperity. I do indeed wish to see its former prosperity return—when masons shall feel the inspiration of its holy principles, and demonstrate the excellence of their faith by their lives and conversation. This would create a moral power, which would withstand all the opposition which might be brought to bear against it. My hopes and fears alternate on the subject: the prospect seems to me not flattering. But it may be otherwise.
There are two lodges in this District which have not been installed, Mount Moriah at Denmark, and King Hiram at Dixfield. The former wish to know what their situation is, and what is best to be done. I can only refer to your wisdom.
I enclose direct to you Eight Dollars—received as above, to which you will be good enough to give its proper destination.
I hope and request that some brother, more active and faithful than myself, will receive the appointment of D. D. G. Master in this District. Had it been left to my option, or had I even been consulted before the appointment was made, I should have unconditionally declined, both for the good of the craft and my own convenience, since I am and have been unable to attend to the duties as they should have been attended to. I only now can regret that the confidence reposed in me has met so poor returns.
With sentiments of respect and fraternal regard, I am your obedient servant,
Paris, April 7, 1833. STEPHEN EMERY, D. D. G. M. 2d M. D.
FOURTH DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq.,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
In compliance with a vote passed at the last communication of the Grand Lodge, specially requiring the D. D. G. Masters to visit the several lodges in their respective districts, and to report the state of the same to the Grand Lodge, the undersigned, D. D. G. Master of the 4th District, having per-
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formed that duty in said District, would beg leave to offer the following as his report, viz :
From Lincoln Lodge, holden at Wiscasset, returns were received for the years 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which no dues have accrued to the Grand Lodge. No members have been added, died, been expelled, or have seceded. The whole number of members returned is 28.
From Solar Lodge, holden at Bath, a return received for the years 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832, presenting the officers elected for the year 1833. During this period no dues to the Grand Lodge appear to have accrued, no members have been added, expelled or have died or seceded. The whole number of members returned is 56.
From Orient Lodge, holden at Thomaston, received a return for the year 1832, during which no dues had accrued to the Grand Lodge, there not having been any initiations since Sept. 1829. No deaths, dismissals or secessions have taken place the past year, but thirteen members less are returned than in 1829. Whole number returned 44.
From St. George Lodge, holden at Waldoborough and Warren on alternate years, received returns for the years 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which no members appear to have been dismissed or to have seceded; one died, ten candidates crafted and raised, and six members added to the lodge. Dues to the Grand Lodge $25.25. Present members as returned 26.
From Village Lodge, holden at Bowdoinham, received a return for the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which no dues have accrued to the Grand Lodge, no additions, dismissals, secessions or deaths have taken place. Members returned 18.
From Union Lodge, holden at Union, received a return including the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which one member has been added, three deceased, none dismissed or seceded, three candidates crafted and raised. Dues to the Grand Lodge Six Dollars, but not paid for want of available funds. Number of members 37.
From Alna Lodge, holden at Alna and Newcastle alternately, a return for the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which no dues have accrued to the Grand Lodge; no member has been added or dismissed, or has seceded; one. member has died and the whole number now reported is 32.
From Aurora Lodge, held at East Thomaston, a report for the years 1830, 1831 and 1832, during which no member had been added, three had deceased, but none been dismissed or had seceded. Whole number returned 26.
Making the total number of members belonging to the eight lodges constituting the 4th District 267.
The records of all these lodges appeared to have been kept in a neat and correct manner, but the regular meetings of Alna Lodge have been suspended
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since the year 1828; of Aurora since 1830; of St. George for about one year past; of Lincoln for about one year past; during which time no record has been made by these lodges.
All which is respectfully submitted,
Augusta, Jan. 17, 1833. Z. HYDE, D. D. G. M. 4th M. D.
To the M. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq.,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
Sir:—Having performed in a measure the duty assigned me as D. D. G. Master of the 4th Masonic District of Maine for the year 1832, I now beg leave to communicate for your personal information, the following particulars resulting from my inquiries while on that duty, viz:
Alna Lodge, holden at Alna and Newcastle alternately, destitute of funds, and not in debt to any amount of moment. No meetings held or quarterages paid since the year 1828, when a Committee was chosen to adjust fiscal matters' between the Newcastle and Alna parts of the lodge, which Committee has not yet acted. Considerable opposition has been manifested, but appears to be subsiding.
Union Lodge, possessed of no available funds and not in debt, continues its regular monthly meetings, but collects no quarterages, nor has it for some years past. No opposition.
Aurora Lodge, holden at East Thomaston. No funds ; some small demands against the lodge; no meetings since December 29, 1830, and no quarterages assessed since then. Meetings for burials occasionally take place. No opposition manifested.
Orient Lodge, holden at Thomaston. No funds or dues payable; possessed of a Hall; meetings held every two months. No opposition manifested for the year past.
St. George Lodge, holden at Waldoborough and Warren on alternate years; possessed of five shares in the Thomaston Bank; meetings seldom held; no quarterages assessed, and no opposition manifested.
Lincoln Lodge, holden at Wiscasset. No meetings had been held during the past year, and no election of officers for the year now commenced.
Solar Lodge, holden at Bath, has a Charity Fund consisting of five shares in the Lincoln Bank, and about $300 uncollected dues from members for quarterages; is free of debt, and has a small amount in the Treasury. Meetings have been held monthly without intermission, but very thinly attended for the last three or four years.
Village Lodge, holden at Bowdoinham, has a Hall, and about $100 in funds; does not assess quarterages, and has held no regular meetings for nearly two years. Considerable opposition has been manifested.
A general depression of Masonic zeal was manifested, but no disposition to
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abandon the cause, and only at Alna was the subject of resigning their charter spoken of as deserving consideration. At Thomaston, in Orient Lodge, the subject had been agitated, but had not prevailed. With much respect and fraternal affection,
Bath, Jan. 1833. Z. HYDE, D. D. G. M. 4th M. D.
FIFTH DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Nathaniel Coffin, Esq., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
Dear Sir :—Herewith I transmit my return of such lodges in this District as are in a situation to make returns to Sept. 1, 1832. I authorized Bro. Frye Hall, of Belfast, to visit Amity and Phoenix Lodges, on that side of the Bay, and have but just received from him the returns, from which it appears that Amity Lodge at Camden, is in as prosperous condition as could be expected in these days of adversity to the craft. They have had but one initiate for the last three years, but their monthly communications have been as regular as in the days of their greatest prosperity. It is supposed there are about seventy-five masons within the limits of Amity Lodge not members of any lodge. I have not yet received the dues from said lodge, but expect them.
Phoenix Lodge at Belfast, has had no initiate since Sept. 1, 1829, and no meetings of the lodge since June 20, 1831. It is supposed there may be one hundred masons within the limits of this lodge not members of any lodge.
Hancock Lodge at Castine, have had no initiates for four or five years, and no regular meeting since January, 1832. In 1831 there were about twelve members, and twice as many more masons within its limits, not members of any lodge. This lodge has no funds.
Felicity Lodge at Bucksport, has not kept up its regular monthly communications, but has had the several offices filled, and has made returns and paid their dues, as credited in account, $2.12.
Lygonia Lodge at Ellsworth, was visited by Bro. Alfred Langdon, who has made return to me and paid the dues of that lodge, as credited in account, $1.62-1/2.
It is thought there are more masons within the limits of the two last mentioned lodges not members of any lodge, than there are members.
I think it difficult to raise much money in this District by subscription.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
HEZEKIAH WILLIAMS, D. D. G. M. 5th M. D.
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SEVENTH DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine :
I received my commission on the 20th June, by mail, unaccompanied by any blanks or instructions of any kind. On the 24th December, adjusted the accounts with Piscataquis Lodge, but was not able to collect together a sufficient number of the members to make a formal visit.
Dec. 25th, visited the hall of Rising Virtue Lodge, having given previous notice, but found no members present; called on the Secretary and examined the records, found them in good order, but the Secretary was not prepared to settle the accounts with the Grand Lodge, consequently left a request for Bro. Valentine to settle the account and forward the returns to me; but not being able to effect a settlement, it was deferred until January 29, when being in Bangor I settled with the Secretary, as will be seen by the returns.
Two years ago I attempted to get returns from Mosaic, Penobscot and Meridian Splendor Lodges, without visiting them, but failed of getting any of them in season to make a return to the Grand Lodge, and of two altogether; and moreover, having personally attended to the duty last year in visiting every lodge in the District, and learning also that in other Districts that duty was neglected, and furthermore, meeting with such success as I did as far as I had gone this year, had on the whole concluded to omit the returns from the three remaining lodges this year, until I received your communication on the 1st instant, on my return from Bangor, and being taken sick of a fever on the 3d was confined by sickness and snows until the 20th instant, when I visited the Master of Mosaic Lodge, examined the records and adjusted the accounts, but received nothing but a renewal of the request to have the dues to the Grand Lodge relinquished. I think it was some time in Feb. last that a petition for that purpose was sent to me for my approbation, which under the circumstances of the case was obtained, and I supposed was forwarded to the Grand Lodge, since which I have heard nothing from it. The Master informs me that they are much in debt and without the ability to pay, as will be seen by reference to the returns from that lodge. In the present state of Masonry their ability will probably not be increased and their dues to the Grand Lodge of course be neglected. I would therefore suggest the propriety of cancelling the dues to the Grand Lodge up to this time, and in future to demand the usual fees, and if they neglect or refuse to pay them to demand the charter.
On the same day called on the Secretary of Penobscot Lodge, the Master living at a distance, and found the members were so scattered that they had had but one meeting since my visit last year, which is also very much the case with the other lodges in the District; their meetings are rare, and but thinly attended.
On the 21st, called on the Secretary of Meridian Splendor Lodge, the
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Master living at a distance; found him prompt and correct in attending to all the duties of his office.
In all the lodges in the District, I find there have been but three initiations during the year, as will be seen by reference to the returns.
I know of no one who has renounced masonry during the year; there are two however, in this region who, I have been informed on good authority, have heretofore renounced it since the New York excitement. Col. Joseph Lee of Milo, formerly the Master of a lodge in Bucksport, Maine, speaks of it with indifference or contempt; and Rev. N. W. Sheldon of Brownville, who was initiated and crafted in Piscataquis Lodge, has renounced and denounced it in the most bitter invectives, has created a considerable Anti-Masonic excitement in the neighborhood, and with the assistance of a few of his influential neighbors has deluged the town with Anti-Masonic papers, almanacs, &c.
With regard to the funds of the several lodges, I cannot give a very definite account. The Piscataquis Lodge are not in debt, and have only about one dollar in funds. Having received their charter a few years only before the excitement, they were somewhat in debt when that commenced; but by a little exertion they have extricated themselves, and are now just about square with the world. Having initiated none for several years, and in the course of events some dying, and others moving entirely out of the country, their members are gradually diminishing. The funds of Mosaic Lodge have been alluded to above. In Penobscot Lodge I was informed that there was probably something in fund, but how much they were unable to say, having had no settlement with the Treasurer for several years. I was told that Meridian Splendor Lodge was somewhat in debt; that they received their charter so short a time before the excitement that they had never been able to pay up their bills for their first fitting out. What is the condition of Rising Virtue Lodge I know nothing, as I have not been in Bangor since I received your communication.
As to the debt of five hundred dollars due the Charity Fund, there are differences of opinion respecting the mode of liquidating it. In general, those I have conversed with on the subject have been of opinion that it would be better to apportion the debt on the several lodges according to their several ability; or if that should not be practicable, according to their several returns the present year. I am of opinion that it ought to be paid in some way, and that the current expenses of the Grand Lodge should be reduced as much as possible, and that the assessment on the subordinate lodges should be sufficient to meet that expense.
Yours with fraternal regard,
DAVID SHEPHERD, D. D. G. M. 7th M. D.
Sebec, Feb. 23,1833.
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