ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1844.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Concert Hall, Augusta, on the 18th day of January, A. D. 1844.
Present—M. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, Grand Master.
R. W. A. R. NICHOLS, D. G. Master.
R. W. A. H. PUTNEY, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. A. B. THOMPSON, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. P. C. JOHNSON, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. JOHN DORR, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. NATHANIEL STEVENS, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. JERE. HASKELL, Grand Steward.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, Grand Steward.
R. W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., Grand Steward.
R. W. DANIEL CARLETON, Jr., G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. JONATHAN SMITH, Grand Pursuivant,
R. W. J. H. INGRAHAM, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. MOSES STONE, Grand Chaplain
R. W. JAMES SAFFORD, Grand Tyler.
R. W. CORNELIUS HOLLAND, D. D. G. Master.
R. W. BENJAMIN SWAN, D. D. G. Master.
M. W. CHARLES FOX, Past Grand Officer.
M. W. REUEL WASHBURN, Past Grand Officer.
R. W. STEPHEN LORD, Past Grand Officer.
R. W. J. L. CHILD, Past Grand Officer.
Lodges represented:
1. Portland, by Samuel Chase, M.; Rufus Beals, S. W.; James McArthur, J. W.
8. United, by James L. Peabody, M.; A. B. Thompson, S. W.; Moses Titcomb, J. W.
9. Saco, by William H. Marks, Proxy.
12. Cumberland, by N. L. Ingersoll, Proxy.
13. Oriental, by George W. Cushman, M.; Austin S. Frisbee, S. W.
15. Orient, by Joseph W. Berry, J. W:
16. St. George, by John Miller, Proxy.
17. Ancient Land-Mark, by David Robinson, M.; Daniel Winslow, S. W. ; Stephen C. Munsey, J. W.
21. Oriental Star, by Moses Stone, Proxy.
23. Freeport, by A. E. Kendall, M.; Joseph Dennison, S. W.; Asa Bailey, J.W.
27. Adoniram, by H. H. Boody, Proxy.
35. Bethlehem, by J. R. Abbot, M.; Lory Bacon, S. W.; Chas. Keene, J. W.
38. Harmony, by Daniel C. Emery, S. W.; Charles Hunt, J. W.
48. Lafayette, by Edward Puller, M.; David Smith, Proxy.
56. King Hiram, by John G. Barnard, M.
58. Unity, by Daniel Weed, M.; P. G. Jackson, S. W.; Joseph Hockey, J. W.
5. Kennebec,1 by Nathaniel Stevens, S. W.
53. Rural,1 by Daniel Ormsby, M.
14. Solar,1 by Thomas S. Bowles, M.; L. P. Lemont, S. W.; John Elliot, J.W.
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1The two first of these lodges had surrendered their charters—the first in 1832, the second in 1836. The charter of the latter was recalled by the Grand Lodge in 1837, for a violation of the By-Laws. But, being represented on the present occasion, each representative, or delegate, by permission of the Grand Lodge, was allowed to vote.
VISITING BRETHREN.
William Kimball, of Portland; Alvah Josselyn, Elisha Hallett, Jr., Jacob H. Arnold, Joseph Young, John A. Pettingill, William Hunt, of Augusta; Willis W. Stewart, of Hollis; Jonathan Swift, of Norway; Solomon Metcalf, of Litchfield; Matthew Hastings, of Calais; Jonathan Young, of Bangor; Davis Hatch, of Bath; Leverett Lord, Stephen Lord, of Hallowell; Ephraim Brown, George Williston, of Brunswick.
The Grand Lodge was called to order by the M. W. Grand Master, which, after a prayer by the Rev. J. H. Ingraham, Senior Grand Chaplain, was opened in due form, omitting the usual ceremonies.
On motion, the question was taken upon the admission of R. W. David Smith, as proxy of Lafayette Lodge, which, after considerable discussion, was decided in the negative—there being 26 in favor, and 26 against the admission.
Whereupon, Rev. Bro. J. H. Ingraham, by permission of the M.W. Grand Master, read a portion of the records of the Grand Lodge, from which it appeared that the practice of admitting a proxy, where a lodge was not fully represented by its officers, was early adopted and frequently practiced by this Grand Lodge —and thereupon, on motion of Bro. Joseph Hockey, the vote whereby the proxy of Bro. Smith was rejected, was reconsidered —when it was
Voted, That Bro. Smith be admitted as proxy of said Lafayette Lodge, and that he be entitled to vote in the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Finance presented the following
REPORT.
The Committee on Finance, having examined the Treasurer's account, report, that they find the same correctly cast and properly vouched.
| The amount of his receipts for the past year appears to be | $911.94 | |
| The amount of his disbursements is | 346.08 | |
| leaving in his hands a balance of | $565.86 | |
| Of the receipts, the sum of four hundred and fifteen dollars is capital stock from the Bank of Portland, | 415.00 | |
| which deducted from the balance, $565.86, in his hands, will leave the sum of | $150.86 | |
| to be distributed for charitable purposes—to which, if we add the sum of two hundred dollars, | 200.00 | |
| which by an amendment of the by-laws, may be taken from the permanent fund, there will be the sum of | $350.86 | |
| to be thus distributed. |
The Committee are desired by the Treasurer to state, that of the amount distributed last year, the sum of eighty dollars was from money received from the capital stock, or permanent fund, instead of dividends, or interest, as supposed by the Treasurer, when received. This makes no difference, however, as to the aggregate amount in the hands of the Treasurer, but only lessens the amount of capital stock, so much as the sum of eighty dollars.
At the same time the Trustees of the Charity Fund had the right to increase this amount to the sum of two hundred dollars.
Which is respectfully submitted,
A. R. NICHOLS,
FREDERICK WINGATE,
BENJAMIN SWAN
Committee
January 18, 1844.
This report, on being read, was accepted.
TREASURER'S ACCOUNT.
Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine, in account with Benjamin Davis, Treasurer.
| 1843. | Dr. | |
| To donations paid sundry persons, by vote of Trustees, | $289.00 | |
| To paid postage bills, | 4.08 | |
| To paid N. Hutchins for use of hall, | 5.00 | |
| To paid William E. Smith & Co.'s bill for printing, | .75 | |
| To paid Severance & Dorr's bill for printing, | 17.25 | |
| To balance to new account, 1844, | 595.86 | |
| $911.94 | ||
| 1843. | Cr. | |
| By balance of account of 1842, brought forward, | $289.44 | |
| By amount refunded, charged to widow Benjamin, | 5.00 | |
| By two dividends on 5 shares in Freeman's Bank, Augusta, | 27.50 | |
| By dividends on shares in Casco Bank, | No. 33 | 20.00 |
| By dividends on shares in Casco Bank, | No. 34 | 20.00 |
| By dividends on shares in Canal Bank, | No. 21 | 40.00 |
| By dividends on shares in Canal Bank, | No. 28 | 40.00 |
| By dividends on shares in Canal Bank, | No. 29 | 40.00 |
| By dividends on shares in Bank of Portland, | No. 40 | 15.00 |
| By dividends on capital stock of Bank of Portland, | No. 1 | 280.00 |
| By dividends on capital stock of Bank of Portland, | No. 2 | 80.00 |
| By dividends on trust fund of Bank of Portland, | No. 3 | 20.00 |
| By dividends on trust fund of Bank of Portland, | No. 4 | 20.00 |
| By dividends on trust fund of Bank of Portland, | No. 5 | 15.00 |
| $911.94 |
R. W. James L. Child, Charles Fox and J. R. Abbot, were chosen a Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
Voted, That we now proceed to the choice of Grand officers for the ensuing year.
Whereupon, Bros. A. R. Nichols and Jonathan Smith, were appointed a Committee to receive, sort and count the votes, who reported the election of
M. W. THOMAS W. SMITH, of Augusta, Grand Master.
R. W. JOHN T. PAINE, of Sanford, Senior Grand Warden.
R. W. ALEXANDER H. PUTNEY, of Portland, J. G. Warden.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, of Portland, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. PHILIP C. JOHNSON, of Augusta, Rec. Grand Secretary.
Bros. Charles Fox, J. M. Gerrish and Daniel Winslow, were chosen a Committee on Finance.
Bros. A. B. Thompson, Reuel Washburn, James L. Child, Edward Fuller and Amos Nourse, were chosen Trustees of the Charity Fund.
R. W. A. H. Putney, of Portland, submitted the following resolve as an amendment of the By-Laws:
Resolved, That the 3d Section of Chapter I of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be altered, by striking out the "Third Thursday in January," and inserting " the 23d of June, except when that day comes on the Sabbath, in which case the Annual Meeting shall be held on the 24th of June." Also, to alter Section 4, Chapter II, to the same effect.
And the same was referred to a Committee, consisting of Bros. A. B. Thompson, John Dorr and A. H. Putney.
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of amending the 3d Section of Chapter I, and the 3d Section of Chapter V of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, at the last Annual Communication, submitted the following
REPORT.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of Maine.
The Committee to whom was referred, at our last Annual Communication, the proposition to amend the 3d Section of Chapter I and the 3d Section of Chapter V of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, by striking out "Augusta," wherever the word occurs, and inserting in lieu thereof the word " Portland," so that hereafter the regular meetings of the Grand Lodge, and of the Trustees of the Charity Fund", shall be held in Portland aforesaid, have given some attention to the duty assigned them, and ask leave to report: That the information obtained from the inquiries they have made, shows most clearly that
there is a division among the brethren and subordinate lodges on this subject Some entertain an opinion, very unjustly as your Committee believe, that the decline in Masonry, since 1832, is to be attributed in a great measure to the removal of the Grand Lodge from Portland to Augusta, at that time. But, as we apprehend, there are other causes, well known to the fraternity (but which need not to be particularized or discussed in this place), of sufficient magnitude to have produced the lamentable state of things, touching the prosperity and usefulness of this eminent and honorable institution, and which we all have witnessed in sorrow. How else can we account for the same declension in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and many other States in this Union, where there has been no removal of their Grand Lodges from one place to another ? By common consent, and it is believed without opposition from any quarter, the Grand Lodge was removed to Augusta, in 1832. It was then believed that the subordinate lodges would be better accommodated, and the best interest of Masonry subserved, by locating and establishing the Grand Lodge at the Seat of Government, in a central part of the State.
The Grand Lodge was then, as it is now, composed of its regular officers, and certain past officers, and the Master and Wardens of subordinate lodges; the subordinate lodges being entitled to representation in the meetings of the Grand Lodge by proxy, when their Master and Wardens were not present. It seemed apparent to the most superficial observer, that the Master and Wardens of subordinate lodges could attend more conveniently, and with less travel and expense, at Augusta than at Portland, and that they would be much more likely to attend at Augusta, so long as the seat of government should remain there, because there would always be attractions at the seat of government, especially when the Legislature was in session, which could not be found elsewhere. And whenever it should not be convenient for the Master and Wardens of the subordinate lodges to attend, it would be an easy matter to find some brother well acquainted with their views and interests, who, upon being appointed proxy, would cheerfully and freely, and without inconvenience, represent them in the Grand Lodge, whereby a more full and general representation of all the interests of masonry, and from all sections of the State, would be secured, which was regarded as an object of vital importance.
In the opinion of your committee, the same reasons which operated to induce the Grand Lodge, at their annual meeting in 1831, with so much unanimity, to amend their By-Laws so that its future meetings should be held at Augusta, should now operate with equal force against the adoption of the proposition now under consideration.
Your committee therefore recommend that no further action be taken upon this subject at the present time. This report has the concurrence of a majority of the committee, Bro. Paine dissenting.
REUEL WASHBURN, per order.
The foregoing report having been read, the question was taken upon its acceptance, which, after considerable discussion, was decided in the negative—25 voting in favor, and 28 against its acceptance. Whereupon it was
Voted, That the proposition to strike out the word " Augusta," in the 3d Section of Chapter I, and the 3d Section of Chapter V of the By-Laws, and inserting in lieu thereof the word Portland, be adopted.
Voted, That when this Grand Lodge adjourn, it adjourn to meet at Portland, on the 24th of June next, at 8 o'clock a. m.
Voted, That M. W. Thomas W. Smith and A. B. Thompson, and R.W. Benjamin Davis, be authorized to invest any moneys in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, belonging to the permanent fund, in such stock as in their judgment shall be most safe and productive.
A memorial from Thomas S. Bowles and twenty-two others, of Bath, praying for the re-organization of Solar Lodge, at that place, whose charter had been recalled by the Grand Lodge—and stating that in 1835 the members of said lodge " voted to adopt measures for its immediate dissolution—sold all their jewels and other Masonic property—divided the funds among the remaining members—gave up their hall, and have not met since "—was read, Which memorial, together with a statement of Bro. Matthew Hastings, of Calais, representing the wishes of the members of the St. Croix Lodge, whose charter, records, regalia and other property, have been destroyed by fire; as also a communication of R. W. Jere. Fowler, District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixth Masonic District, upon the same subject, as desiring to be reinstated with a new charter—were severally referred to Bros. J. L. Child, Charles Fox and J. C. Humphreys, who reported that a dispensation be granted to the memorialists of Bath, to the members of the St. Croix Lodge, at Calais, and also to all others whose charters have been surrendered to the Grand Lodge, and who are desirous of being re-organized, with authority to work until the next regular communication; which report, on motion, was accepted. Whereupon it was
Voted, That all applications for new charters be committed to the foregoing Committee, with instructions to report at the next communication.
On motion of Bro. A. B. Thompson,
Voted, That a Committee be appointed, for the purpose of obtaining facts interesting to the institution of Free Masonry, from different sections of the United States, the British Dominions, West India Islands, and generally throughout the world.
Whereupon, M. W. Samuel Fessenden, of Portland, R. W. J. H. Ingraham, of Augusta, and R. W. Joseph Hockey, of Freedom. were appointed said Committee.
On motion of Bro. A. B. Thompson,
Voted, That a Committee be appointed to report to the Grand Lodge measures to be adopted, whereby the lodges in this jurisdiction may become more conversant with each other, through a well digested plan of correspondence, connected with a general representation in the Grand Lodge at its stated communications.
Whereupon, Bros. J. M. Gerrish, Eleazer Wyer and A. H, Putney, were appointed said Committee.
Voted, That the aforesaid Committee, last appointed, be instructed to take into consideration the subject of employing a Grand Lecturer, and, if thought expedient to employ a person in that service, to report the name of some suitable person, and the sum to be allowed as an equivalent for his services.
A proposition was submitted by R. W. J. L. Child, so to alter the 8th Section of Chapter IV of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, that the fees for conferring the first three degrees of Masonry shall not exceed fifteen dollars. Whereupon it was
Voted, That the aforesaid proposition be submitted to the last named Committee, who have under consideration the subject of employing a Grand Lecturer, with instructions to report at the next communication.
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be directed to procure a suitable number of diplomas, to be furnished to the subordinate lodges, for the use of such members as are entitled to them by the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. Also to procure the printing of a suitable number of the By-Laws, and to distribute one copy to each of the officers of the Grand Lodge, and one copy to each of the subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
The annual returns from Portland, Oriental, Penobscot, Ancient Land-Mark, Orient, Unity, Washington and Bethlehem Lodges, were received, and placed on file.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence submitted the following
REPORT.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence have examined communications from the Grand Lodges of Illinois, Virginia, Missouri, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, New York and Texas, for the years 1841 and 1843, and the Grand R. A. Chapters of Virginia, Alabama and Tennessee. They have also received circulars of recent date, signed by Charles W. Moore, of Massachusetts, and John Dove, of Virginia, in relation to a book prepared by the former, called " The Trestle Board," and the doings of several of the Grand Lodges thereon; but as your Committee have never seen the book, they are unable to form an opinion as to its merits. A book entitled "A reprint of Masonic Papers," originally printed at Madras, East Indies, received through the Grand Master of the District of Columbia, has been examined by your Committee with much interest, and is worthy the careful perusal of all Masons who are in pursuit of "more light."
The correspondence received since the last Annual Communication, affords the most plenary, as well as the most gratifying evidence, that Masonry is rapidly reviving in all parts of the United States. Such is undoubtedly the fact in our own State. It is now especially necessary, now that applications for admission are being made, that our sacred portal be barred against the unworthy—against all whose moral sense, sympathetic feelings and intellectual endowments do not qualify them for the sublime enjoyments and active duties of the conscientious Mason. " Free Masonry," as a system, evidently embraces, in body and substance, the whole duty of man as a moral being; comprising a summary of principles conformable to the very nature and fitness of things. Here is presented that variety and richness of scenery which charms the understanding; that beauty, sublimity and grandeur of objects which fill the contemplative mind with admiring views. Here we discover the wisdom of God in the symmetry of nature, and the finger of Providence in the government of the world. The great outlines in the history of creation are also unfolded; the primitive innocence of man, the fall, and consequent scenes of natural and moral evil. In a word, the history of nature and grace is most beautiful prefigured in a living display of Masonic symbols. Here" we view the coincidence of principle and design, between the Christian scheme and speculative Free Masonry, with that pleasing admiration which satisfies inquiry, and clearly proves our system based on the Rock of Eternal Ages. As the subject continues to open, the mind is presented with an endless variety of sublime contemplations. Such are the deep mysteries of the Divine Word, in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily; such the terrible majesty of Him that rideth upon the heavens by his name J A H—who plants his footsteps in the sea, and manages the storms; such the boundless display of the unsearchable riches of Divine Benevolence; such the Grand Council of Eternity, which devised and executed that great plan of man's redemption.
The mind is thereby presented with the co-equal and co-eternal existence of the adorable Persons in the Sacred Trinity. The allusions are direct, and meet the understanding in convincing light. Here we view the numerous allusions to that essential Divinity, which foiled the powers of darkness, and brought salvation to the world. Here we are taught in meekness to reverence the name of Jehovah, and dwell on the infinitude of his perfections—the eternity of his nature—the wisdom, and goodness, and mercy, and justice, of the great God, as displayed in the moral world, and his controlling, governing power in the natural; all the combined and unspeakable excellencies of the Omnipotent Creator; Time, with all its interesting relations—Eternity, with" its everlasting consequences; this world as a dreary wilderness—Heaven as the paradise of God; natural existence, interwoven with pains, and sorrows and death; a happy immortality; endless fruition in the regions of bliss; Vice, with her scorpions to the naked conscience—Virtue, with her sceptre of peace, and her crown of rejoicing. Here, in short, is a vast plenitude of moral and religious instructions—full of interest as the nature of immortality, solemn and momentous as everlasting consequences. Who can unfold the mysteries' of this institution, or explore the utmost boundaries of the Masonic system ?
" What heaving bosom breathes not forth one ardent sigh,
To grasp th' immortal prize, and triumph in the joy? "
If such be Free Masonry, who among its votaries will be lukewarm—neither hot or cold—and thus deprive himself of its high enjoyments, its blessed hopes, and the world of his beneficent labors 1 Brethren, let us all work while the day of life lasts, for the night of death is at hand, when our labors shall cease forever.
Tour Committee would recommend an interchange of civilities with all Masonic bodies with whom we are in correspondence.
JAMES L. CHILD, per order.
The following appointments were made by the M. W. Grand Master :
R. W. JAMES L. CHILD, of Augusta, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W. ELISHA HALLETT, of Augusta, Cor. Grand Secretary.
R. W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, of Brunswick, Grand Marshal.
R. W. MOSES STONE, of Jay, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. H. H. BOODY, of Brunswick, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. JOHN DORR, of Augusta, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. JACOB H. ARNOLD, of Augusta, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. EBEN FULLER, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R. W. JERE. HASKELL, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R. W. FREDERICK WINGATE, of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R. W. MOSES SAFFORD, Jr., of Augusta, Grand Steward.
R. W. DANIEL CARLTON, Jr., of Alna, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. BENJAMIN DAVIS, of Augusta, Grand Pursuivant.
R. W. JONATHAN SMITH, of Westbrook,
R. W. JAMES SAFFORD, of Augusta, Grand Tyler.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Eleazer Wyer, of Portland.
Second District—R. W. Cornelius Holland, of Canton.
Third District—R. W. Benjamin Swan, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Amos H. Hodgman, of Warren.
Fifth District—R. W.Joseph Hockey, of Freedom.
Sixth District—R. W. Jeremiah Fowler, of Lubec.
Seventh District—R. W. Simon Foss, of Dexter.
Eighth District—R. W. Elisha Bodwell, of Shapleigh.
Communications were received from Bros. Eleazer Wyer, Jeremiah Fowler and David Shepherd, District Deputy Grand Masters of the First, Sixth and Seventh Masonic Districts, as also from brethren of several lodges from different sections of the State, not represented on the present occasion, which, though laid before the meeting, in consequence of other business were not read, and consequently not acted upon. It may be proper, therefore, for me to state, that the information contained in the communications alluded to, as well as in the annual returns, is all of a nature encouraging the belief that the prejudices which have so long operated to weigh down and paralyze the healthful influences of our benevolent institution, are fast being dissipated before the genial light of reflecting minds, and the hope that ere long the sound of the gavel may echo the joyful tidings from east to west, and the labors of our masonic edifice have been resumed, and that the work already commenced in many of our lodges will continue to progress, until the streams of happiness, once gushing forth freely from the innumerable fountains of our beloved institution, but so long since rendered dry, shall again break out to moisten and fertilize the land, and to gladden the heart of every disconsolate widow and orphan.
Voted, To adjourn.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in due form.
Attest, PHILIP C. JOHNSON, Rec. G. Secretary.
Page 338
The following brethren compose the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, viz:
M. W. Thomas W. Smith, Grand Master, ex officio
R. W. James L. Child, Deputy Grand Master, ex officio
R. W. J. T. Paine, Senior Grand Warden, ex officio
R. W. A. H. Putney, Junior Grand Warden, ex officio
R. W. P. C. Johnson, Recording Grand Secretary, ex officio
R. W. A. B. Thompson.
R. W. B. Washburn.
R. W. James L. Child.
R. W. Amos Nourse.
R. W. Edward Fuller.
R. W. John C. Humphreys.
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