ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1838.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at the Augusta House, in Augusta, on Thursday, the 18th day of January, A. D. 1838.
Present—R. W. A. B. THOMPSON, G. Master, p. t.1
R. W. JAMES L. CHILD, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. PHILIP C. JOHNSON, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. BENJAMIN SHAW, Grand Marshal, p. t.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Tyler.
VISITING BRETHREN.
R. W. A. R. Nichols, David Neal, Moses Safford, Jr., A. G. Brown, J. D. Barnard, Stephen Webber, Daniel Ormsby, James Conner, James Capen, Daniel Clay, Charles Lawrence, Joseph Smith, Charles Fox and Benjamin White.
Lodges represented:
| Orient, | by | John D. Barnard. |
| Ancient Land Mark, | by | Joseph Smith. |
| Hermon, | by | Stephen Webber. |
| Portland, | by | Charles Fox. |
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
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1A letter from the Grand Master, which we find on file, states that he cannot be present on account of a sick child, and says: " If there should be a sufficient number of the brethren present, by all means proceed to elect the officers and finish the necessary business." He says also, " It will be recollected that I have held the office of Master of the Grand Lodge three successive years, and consequently am not eligible to a re-election."
The proceedings of the last meeting were read by the Recording Grand Secretary.
The following report was presented, read and accepted, viz:
The Committee on Finance, having attended to the duty assigned them, ask leave to report:
| That the amount of cash in the Treasury, January 19, 1837, belonging to the permanent fund, as appears by the report of the Financial Committee, made that day, was | $459.35 |
| The amount received by the Grand Treasurer since that date is | 150.00 |
| Total, | $609.35 |
| The Grand Treasurer has invested during the past year. in the stock of the Freeman's Bank, five shares, at one hundred and fifty dollars, | 525.00 |
| Leaving a balance belonging to that fund, which may be invested in stocks, of | 84.35 |
| Total, | $609.35 |
| The income of the Charity Fund the past year, is as follows, viz: | |
| Dividends on Bank Stock, | 147.50 |
| Interest on Note, | .62 |
| Total, | $148.12 |
| The charges against this fund are as follows, viz: | |
| For printing, | 15.75 |
| Services of Secretary and Treasurer, | 50.00 |
| Leaving a balance which is appropriated by our By-Laws to objects of charity, of | 82.37 |
| Total as above, | $148.12 |
| Amount of money in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, at this time, as follows, viz: | |
| Belonging to the Charity Fund, | 84.35 |
| Belonging to the income of the Charity Fund, | 82.37 |
| Aggregate, | $166.72 |
Our By-Laws provide, that the interest accruing annually from the Charity Fund, shall be appropriated, either in whole or in part, to objects of charity. It has been customary, in estimating the amount of interest, which can be thus disposed of, to take the amount of income actually received into the Treasury, during
the year, for interest and dividends on notes and stocks; and this, in ordinary times, would be very nearly correct. It will be seen by this report, that the amount now applicable to charitable purposes, is much less than has been distributed in past years. The deficiency arises in consequence of the omission of the Banks in which the Charity Fund is principally invested, to make their second semi-annual dividend of profits, occasioned by the peculiar condition of our moneyed institutions. Although the sum before stated is the amount of interest or income actually received, yet it is believed, that a further sum has been earned during the past year, which will hereafter be available. But, while the amount of income received is considerably less than in former years, it is believed that the proper objects of our bounty are as numerous as they were the last year; and the Committee would accordingly regret to find the Grand Lodge compelled to confine its donations to the amount which appears to the credit of the income account, as before stated. The Committee believe, that in calculating the amount of interest which has accrued from the Permanent Fund, it would be safe to add to the amount of interest and dividends actually received into the Treasury, three per cent, on the amount of Bank Stock belonging to that fund. This would amount to one hundred and thirty-five dollars; which, added to the balance of eighty-two dollars and thirty-seven cents before named, would make the amount which would be applicable to charitable purposes, at the present time, two hundred seventeen dollars and thirty-seven cents.
The Committee, therefore, believing that the course here suggested would be in accordance with the By-Laws, and taking into consideration the probable destitute condition of many of the applicants for donations, and the present condition of the Masonic Institution, recommend that the Grand Treasurer be authorized and directed to borrow the sum of one hundred and thirty-five dollars, to be refunded out of interest and dividends which may hereafter be received from the charity fund; that this amount be added to the balance of eighty-two dollars and thirty-seven cents, as before stated; and that the sum of two hundred seventeen dollars and thirty-seven cents be now distributed in charity, provided that the number and circumstances of those who may apply therefor, shall, in the opinion of the Grand Lodge, render a disposition of that sum expedient.
All which is respectfully submitted,
THOS. W. SMITH,
A. B. THOMPSON,
FRED. WINGATE,
Committee on Finance.
Proceeded to the choice of officers.
R. W. David Neal, A. G. Brown and Moses Safford, Jr., 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, that the following Brethren are unanimously elected:
M. W. ABNER B. THOMPSON, of Brunswick, Grand Master.
R. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, of Augusta, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. STEPHEN WEBBER, of Gardiner, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, of Augusta, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. PHILIP C. JOHNSON, of Augusta, Rec. Grand Secretary.
The following persons were chosen Trustees of the Charity Fund, viz: James L. Child, David Neal and Moses Safford Jr., in place of James L. Child, whose term has expired, and Thos. W. Smith and Stephen Webber, members ex officio.
James L. Child, David Neal and Frederick Wingate were chosen Committee on Finance.
Charles Fox, Asaph R. Nichols and James L. Child, were chosen Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
Voted, that when this lodge adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place, on Tuesday evening next, at seven o'clock.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
Attest, PHILIP C. JOHNSON, Rec. G. Secretary.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 1838.
The Grand Lodge met at the Augusta House agreeably to adjournment.
Present—M. W. ABNER B. THOMPSON, Grand Master.
R. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, S. G. Warden.
R. W. STEPHEN WEBBER, J. G. Warden.
R. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Grand Marshal p. t.
R. W. DAVID NEAL, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. PHILIP C. JOHNSON, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Tyler.
VISITING BRETHREN.
R. W. John D. Barnard, Nathaniel Stevens, Charles Fox, David Ormsby and Peter Vigoureaux.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following report, which on being read was accepted:
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, report, that they have carefully examined the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri, for the year past. In some sections of the country masonry is evidently fast awaking from the slumbers into which it had fallen by the unjust and iniquitous warfare waged against it. Public sentiment has in a great measure become tranquilized, and the demagogue spirit which for a time agitated and distracted one of the most pacific institutions of human origin, breathing "peace on earth and good will to men," is receiving the reprobation of the virtuous of all parties and denominations. The Committee cannot but indulge the hope, that the lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, will be able before the next communication to report that they are, one and all, in a perfect state of organization, and availing themselves of the benefit to be derived from frequently meeting together in the lodge-room, as in the days of "auld lang syne." They recommend that the Grand Secretary reciprocate salutations with all the Grand Lodges in the Union, by forwarding to each a printed copy of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
JAMES L. CHILD,
DAVID NEAL,
ASAPH R. NICHOLS,
Committee.
The Grand Master was then pleased to make the following appointments, which were announced by the Grand Marshal, viz:
R.W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, of Augusta, Deputy Grand Master.
R.W. ZINA HYDE, of Bath, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R.W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, of Brunswick, Grand Marshal.
R.W. MOSES STONE, of Jay, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. FREEMAN PARKER, of Winthrop, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. MOSES SPRINGER, of Gardiner, Grand Chaplain.
R.W. DAVID NEAL, of Gardiner, S. G. Deacon.
R.W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., of Augusta, J. G. Deacon.
R.W. NATHANIEL STEVENS, of Hallowell, Grand Steward.
R.W. WILLIAM L. WHEELER, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R.W. FREDERICK WINGATE, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R.W. OLIVER GERRISH, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R.W. OLIVER S. HARTSHORN, of Portland, G. Sword Bearer
R.W. BENJAMIN SHAW, of Gardiner, Grand Pursuivant.
R.W. JOHN D. LORD, of Augusta,
R.W. BENJAMIN COOK, of Gardiner, Grand Tyler.
The foregoing officers were duly installed by the M. W Grand Master, either by themselves or proxies.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Eleazer Wyer, of Portland.
Second District—R. W. Cornelius Holland, of Canton.
Third District—R. W. James L. Child, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Amos H. Hodgman, of Warren.
Fifth District.—R. W. Hezekiah Williams, of Castine.
Sixth District—R. W. Oliver N. Allen, of Lubec.
Seventh District—R. W. David Shepherd, of Sebec.
Eighth District—R. W. William Trafton, of Shapleigh.
Bro. Benjamin Davis was chosen a Committee to receive, sort and count the votes to fill the vacancies in the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, in place of A. R. Nichols, Nathaniel Stevens, David Neal and Moses Safford, Jr., who have been appointed officers of this Grand Lodge.
John H. Ingraham, Benjamin Swan and Daniel Clay, of Gardiner, and Elias Bond of Hallowell, were chosen Trustees, as aforesaid.
The Grand Treasurer submitted a statement of the Charity Fund, which was read and ordered on file, to wit :
The following is all the property belonging to the Grand Lodge of Maine, viz:
| 20 | shares Canal Bank, Portland. | |
| 10 | shares Casco Bank, Portland. | |
| 10 | shares Portland Bank, Portland. | |
| 5 | shares Freeman's Bank, Augusta. | |
| 45 | ||
| One note hand signed by Oliver Griswold, Samuel Fessenden, | ||
| Thomas A. Deblois, dated Jan., 1828, for | $200.00 | |
| One note signed Thomas Herrick, Jacob Herrick, 0. S. Hartshorn, Alpheus Shaw, dated Jan 30, 1823, | 100.00 | |
| One note signed William Walker, dated Dec. 1, 1829, for (Deceased and lost.) | 10.00 | |
| $310.00 | ||
I have collected since Jan. 1834, (the time I received the above notes), $600 on old notes due the Grand Lodge.
Voted, That the Recording Grand Secretary, James L. Child and Benjamin Davis, be a Committee to revise the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge; and that when completed, the Grand Secretary cause a sufficient number of copies to be printed to furnish each subordinate lodge, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, with one copy.
The subordinate lodges in Maine, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge during the depressed state of Masonry, not having been in receipt of fees by which to meet their own expenses, or to pay the Grand Lodge their dues, therefore
Voted, That this Grand Lodge remit to all the subordinate lodges under its jurisdiction all dues owing to them, up to the third Thursday of January current.
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be directed to procure the printing of the usual number of copies of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, and that one copy be forwarded to each of the officers of this Grand Lodge, one copy to each of the subordinate lodges in this State, one copy to each of the District Deputy Grand Masters, and one copy to all Masonic bodies which are in correspondence with this Grand Lodge.
Voted, That this Grand Lodge be now closed. The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
Attest, PHILIP C. JOHNSON, R. G. Secretary.
The following brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund:
M. W. Abner B. Thompson, Grand Master, ex-officio.
R. W. Asaph R. Nichols, Deputy Grand Master, ex-officio.
R. W. Thomas W. Smith, Senior Grand Warden, ex-officio.
R. W. Stephen Webber, Junior Grand Warden, ex-officio.
R. W. Philip C. Johnson, Recording Grand Secretary, ex-officio.
R. W. Joseph M. Gerrish.
R. W. James L. Child.
R. W. John H. Ingraham.
R. W. Benjamin Swan.
R. W. Daniel Clay.
R. W. Elias Bond.
There are no reports on file from District Deputy Grand Masters for 1838. From Bro. Josiah Pierce of the First District, we find a letter to the Grand Secretary as follows:
Gorham, January 17, 1838.
Bro. Johnson: Till very lately I have expected to have attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine. I now find that I cannot be present.
I have received no returns from any lodge in the District over which I am D. D. G. Master, for the last masonic year.
I decline being a candidate for re-appointment to my present office. Please make my wishes known to the Grand Lodge, and oblige your friend and brother, JOSIAH PIERCE.
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A letter from R. W. David C. Magoun, Deputy Grand Master, dated Jan. 17, 1838, says:
I understand from Bro. Eaton, the District Deputy Grand Master for the Fourth District, that there have been no meetings in his District, and he has no communication to make. You will please so state to the Grand Lodge.
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