ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1845.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall, in Portland, on Thursday, the 16th day of January, A. D. 1845.
Present—R. W. JAMES L. CHILD, Grand Master, p. t.
R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. ABNER B. THOMPSON, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CALEB CHASE, Rec. G. Secretary, p. t.
R. W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, Grand Marshal.
R. W. WILLIAM A. DREW, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. CYRUS CUMMINGS, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. LORY BACON, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. LEVI P. LEMONT, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, Grand Steward, p. t.
R. W. JOHN B. HUDSON, Grand Steward,
R. W. EPHRAIM BROWN, G. Sword Bearer, p. t.
R. W. JAMES MCARTHUR, Grand Pursuivant, p. t.
R. W. JOHN HATCH, Grand Pursuivant, p. t.
R. W. STEPHEN SWETT, Grand Tyler, p. t.
R. W. SIMON FOSS, D. D. Grand Master.
PAST GRAND OFFICERS PRESENT.
M. W. CHARLES FOX, Past G. Master.
M. W. REUEL WASHBURN, Past G. Master.
M. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, Past D. G. Master.
Lodges represented:
1. Portland, by Samuel Chase, M.; James McArthur, S. W.; Isaac Ingersoll, J. W.
8. United, by J. C. Humphreys, M.; Abner B. Thompson, S. W.
12. Cumberland, by William Stevens, M.; John Hatch, 8. W.
14. Solar, by Levi P. Lemont, S. W.; Richard P. Smith, J. W.
17. Ancient Land-Mark, by Daniel Winslow, M.; Charles Fobes, S. W.; William Allen, J. W.
21. Oriental Star, by Joseph S. Sargent, Proxy,
23. Freeport, by Asa Bailey, J. W.
27. Adoniram, by Arthur Arthur McArthur, M.; Robert Cole, J. W.; J. B. Cahoon, Proxy.
35. Bethlehem, by Lory Bacon, M.; William A. Drew, Proxy.
58. Unity, by Cyrus Cummings, Proxy.
A number of visiting brethren were present.
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form; a prayer was offered up by Bro. William A. Drew, of Augusta.
The Committee of Finance presented their Annual Report on the Grand Treasurer's account, exhibiting his receipts and disbursements :
| By which it appears that the amount of the receipts from all sources into the Treasury the past year was | $449.86 |
| And the amount paid out was | 267.36 |
| Leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer, of | $182.50 |
It also appears by said report, that the available property belonging to the Grand Lodge, consisted of
| 20 shares of the capital stock of the Canal Bank in Portland. | |
| 10 shares of the capital stock of the Casco Bank in Portland. | |
| 5 shares of the capital stock of the Freeman's Bank in Augusta. | |
| Also a small dividend yet to be received on the stock owned by the Grand Lodge in the Bank of Portland, on a final adjustment of the concerns of said Bank. |
The communications relating to the Foreign Correspondence, were, on motion, referred to a Committee, consisting of R. W. Bros. Samuel Fessenden, James B. Cahoon and Arthur McArthur, with instructions to report at the adjournment of this meeting.
A communication was received from Bro. West, of Alna, acknowledging the receipt of a donation from the Grand Lodge, by the hands of Bro. Daniel Carleton, Jr.
The Committee, consisting of R. W. Bros. James L. Child, Charles Fox and John C. Humphreys, to whom was referred the
petition of Bros. Thomas S. Bowles et als. of Bath, praying for the restoration of the charter of Solar Lodge; also, the petition of Nathaniel Stevens et als. of Hallowell, praying for the restoration of the charter and jewels of Kennebec Lodge — which charters had some years since been surrendered to the Grand Lodge, reported, recommending that the prayer of the said lodges, respectively, be granted.
The same Committee, to whom was referred the petitions of St. Croix Lodge, at Calais, and Rising Virtue Lodge, at Bangor, and Lygonia Lodge, at Surry—representing that their charters had been lost, and praying for a renewal of said charters, reported —that they recommend that the prayer of said petitions be granted.
The same Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Mosaic Lodge, at Sangerville, for the removal of said lodge to Dover or Foxcroft, as they may deem advisable; and of Penobscot Lodge, at Garland, for leave to remove said lodge to Dexter; and said petitions having received the approbation of the District Deputy Grand Master of that Masonic District—the Committee reported, recommending that the prayer of said petitions be be granted; which report was accepted.
Communications were received from R. W. Joseph Hockey, D. D. G. Master of 5th Masonic District; and also from R. W. Simon Foss, D. D. G. Master of 7th Masonic District, and from R. W. Cornelius Holland, D. D. G. Master of the 2d Masonic District and placed on the files.
Returns were received from the following lodges and placed on file, viz.:
Adoniram Lodge, at Limington; Bethlehem Lodge, at Augusta; Unity Lodge at Freedom; Orient Lodge, at Thomaston; Penobscot Lodge at Dexter; Rising Virtue Lodge, at Bangor.
The Grand Treasurer was authorized to pay the bill of Messrs. Severance and Dorr, against the Grand Lodge, for printing, without deduction, if none could voluntarily be obtained.
The following Resolution was submitted by M. W. Bro. Reuel Washburn:
Resolved, That the alteration of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, adopted in January, A. D. 1842, authorizing the Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge to appropriate and apply, annually, for the purposes of Masonic Charity, a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars from the principal of said fund, be rescinded.
The consideration of which resolution was referred to Bros. Reuel Washburn, Charles Fox and Wm. A.Drew, with instructions to report at the next communication of this Grand Lodge, in June next, and to be sent out to the several lodges in the mean time, in compliance with the By-Laws.
R. W. Alex. H. Putney, from the Committee on the Reduction of Fees, stated that the Committee had not attended to the subject referred to them;—that two of the members of said Committee were then absent. Whereupon, on motion, it was voted to add two other brethren to serve on said Committee; and Bros. Reuel Washburn and Richard Smith were added.
The Committee on the Reduction of Fees, reported—
That the interest of Masonry would be best promoted by reducing the fees for the first three degrees of Masonry to the sum of sixteen dollars.
Which report was thereupon debated; and, it being suggested that the record was not in accordance with the views of the original mover of the resolution for a diminution of fees (the record stating the maximum, instead of the minimum sum to be received), the report, on a vote being taken, was negatived. Whereupon, M. W. Bro. Washburn offered the following Resolution :
Resolved, That the 8th Section of 4th Chapter of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be altered, by substituting "Sixteen " instead of "Nineteen," so that the fees to be required for conferring the first three degrees in Masonry, shall not be less than Sixteen dollars.
And R. W. Bro. Asaph R. Nichols offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That the 8th Section of 4th Chapter of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be so amended, that the fees for conferring the first three degrees in Masonry, shall not be less than fifteen dollars.
Which several resolutions were referred to Bros. John C. Humphreys, of Brunswick, Wm. A. Drew, of Augusta, and Samuel
Chase, of Portland, with instructions to report thereon at the communication of the Grand Lodge in June next—previous thereto that they be sent out to the several subordinate lodges, in conformity with Chapter 2, Section 9, of the By-Laws.
The Committee who had under consideration the resolution offered by R. W. Bro. Putney, at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, January, 1844—to amend the By-Laws, Chapter 1, Section 3, by striking out the third Thursday of January, and inserting therefor the 23d of June, except when that day comes on the Sabbath, in which case the Annual meeting shall be held on the 24th day of June. Also, that Chapter 2, Section 4, be so altered as to be in conformity thereto—
Report, That having considered the same, they do recommend to the Grand Lodge its adoption.
Which report was accepted.
On motion of Bro. A. B. Thompson, it was
Voted, That the time of meeting of the Grand Lodge, he altered to 9 o'clock A. M., until otherwise ordered.
On motion, it was
Voted, That the Grand Lodge now proceed to the choice of officers.
Bros. Charles Fox and James McArthur, were appointed 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 unanimous election of the following Brethren, viz:
M. W. JOHN T. PAINE, of Sanford, Grand Master.
R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, of Portland, Senior Grand Warden.
'R. W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, of Brunswick, Junior Grand Warden.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, of Portland, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, of Portland, Recording Grand Secretary.
Bros. Charles Fox, Joseph M. Gerrish and Daniel Winslow, were chosen a Committee of Finance for the ensuing year.
Voted, That when this Grand Lodge adjourn, it adjourn to meet at Masons' Hall, at 7 P. M., on Thursday, January 30, 1845.
Voted, To adjourn.
Attest, CHARLES FOX, R. G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, Portland, Jan. 30, 1845.
The Grand Lodge met according to adjournment.
Present—M. W. JOHN T. PAINE, Grand Master.
R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, S. G. Warden.
R. W. THOMAS S. BOWLES, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. JONATHAN SMITH, Grand Marshal.
R. W. CYRUS CUMMINGS, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. CHARLES FOBES, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, Grand Steward.
R. W. ISAAC INGERSOLL,
R. W. STEPHEN SWETT, Grand Tyler.
PAST OFFICER PRESENT.
R. W. JOHN MILLER, P. D. G. Master
A large number of visiting brethren were present.
Lodges represented:
| Portland, | by | James McArthur, S. Warden. Isaac Ingersoll, J. Warden. |
| Cumberland, | by | William Stevens, Master. John Hatch, J. Warden. |
| Ancient Land-Mark, | by | Daniel Winslow, Master. Charles Fobes, S. Warden. William Allen, J. Warden. |
| Orient, | by | James F. Young, Proxy. |
| St. George, | by | John Miller, Proxy. |
| Aurora, | by | John Miller, Proxy. |
| Solar, | by | Thomas S. Bowles, Master. |
| Unity, | by | Cyrus Cummings, Proxy. |
| Adoniram, | by | Arthur McArthur, Muster. |
The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form.
The M. W. Grand Master returned his thanks to the members of the Grand Lodge, in a very appropriate address, for the honor they had conferred in electing him to preside over their meetings
for the ensuing year; and in accepting the office of Grand Master, he tendered to them his best services and utmost efforts to promote the cause of Masonry.
M. W. Charles Fox, P. G. Master, being the oldest Past Grand officer present, was called on to officiate in the ceremonies of inducting our M. W. Bro. John T. Paine to the chair and installing him Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine; which was done in due and ample form, according to ancient usage.
The M. W. Grand Master then proceeded to install the other officers that had been elected by ballot, to their respective offices.
The M. W. Grand Master was then pleased to make the following appointments, which were announced by the Grand Marshal:
R. W. ASAPH R. NICHOLS, of Augusta, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W. NATHAN C. FLETCHER, of East Thomaston, C. G. Secretary.
R. W. JONATHAN SMITH, of Westbrook, Grand Marshal.
R. W. ALLEN H. COBB, of Durham, Grand Chaplain.
R. W. CYRUS CUMMINGS, of Westbrook, Grand Chaplain
R. W. WILLIAM A. DREW, of Augusta, Grand Chaplain
R. W. CYRIL PEARL, of Harrison, Grand Chaplain
R. W. NELSON RACKLYFT, of Portland, S. G. Deacon.
R. W. FRYE HALL, of Belfast, J. G. Deacon.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, of Portland, Grand Steward.
R. W. MATTHEW HASTINGS, of Calais, Grand Steward.
R. W. THOMAS S. BOWLES, of Bath, Grand Steward.
R. W. OLIVER HALE, of Bridgton, Grand Steward.
R. W. ASA BAILEY, of Freeport, G. Sword Bearer.
R. W. JOSIAH PIERCE, of Gorham, Grand Pursuivant.
R. W. SAMUEL BRADLEY, of Hollis, Grand Pursuivant.
R. W. STEPHEN SWETT, of Portland, Grand Tyler.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Joseph Smith, of Cumberland.
Second District—R. W. Henry C. Buswell, of Fryeburg.
Third District—R. W. Joseph R. Abbott, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. Elisha Harding, of East Thomaston.
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.—Arthur McArthur, of Limington.
All of whom were presented, themselves, or by proxy, and duly installed to their respective offices by the M. W. Grand Master.
Bro. Alexander H. Putney, from the Committee who had been appointed at a former meeting to procure a Grand Lecturer, reported, that Bro. John Miller, of Warren, had been engaged for this purpose.
Bro. Miller being present, informed the G. Lodge that he would attend to the duties of Grand Lecturer, and use his utmost endeavors to preserve the ancient land-marks and promote the cause of Masonry—and that he would visit all the lodges under his jurisdiction, when seasonably notified; but if he could not conveniently attend at the time required, he would do so as early as possible, or send some suitable person for that purpose.
On motion, it was
Voted, That the Grand Lecturer be authorized to employ some proper person as a Sub Grand Lecturer, to occasionally attend when he himself should not be able—upon terms not exceeding those of his own appointment.
R. W. Bro. Putney offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the vote passed by this Grand Lodge, in January, 1842, whereby the dues from the several subordinate lodges were remitted until otherwise ordered, be so far rescinded as to require the subordinate lodges to pay the fees required of them by the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, for each candidate initiated, from and after this date.
Which resolution, on being seconded, was adopted by the Grand Lodge.
On motion, it was
Voted, That there be paid to Bro. Caleb Chase, out of the funds of the Grand Lodge, the sum of six dollars, for his services as Grand Secretary pro tem., in June last, and on the 16th inst. .
Bro. Daniel Winslow offered the following resolution :
Resolved, That the 4th Chapter, 11th Section, of the By-Laws be amended, by striking out "two dollars for every person initiated therein," and inserting "10 per cent, upon such amount as shall be received for initiation, crafting and raising."
Which, in conformity to the By-Laws, was referred to Bros. John C. Humphreys, Wm. A. Drew and Samuel Chase, being the game Committee who now have under consideration other contemplated 'alterations of said laws respecting the reduction of fees, with instructions to report at the next Communication of this Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented their report—which, on motion, was accepted and ordered to be printed with the Communications of this Grand Lodge. .
REPORT.
We have examined communications containing a journal of their proceedings for the past year of the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana, Maryland, Connecticut, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, Florida and of the Republic of Texas: from the Grand Royal Arch Chapters of Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky: and a communication containing the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention, held at Baltimore, May, 1843, upon which communications, except the latter, no action seems to your Committee to be required, except to reciprocate these courtesies and seek to extend our correspondence by causing our Secretary, promptly to forward our proceedings, not only to the above, but all the Grand Lodges in the Union, and thereby elicit their correspondence. Much valuable information, calculated to give impulse to our cause, is derived from extensive correspondence with other Grand Lodges, through the medium of which we avail ourselves not only of their own, but the most important facts of those with whom they are in correspondence.
We have examined the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention, held at Baltimore, in May, 1843, which was held in pursuance of a recommendation of the Masonic Convention, held at Washington, D. C, in March, 1842.
The Convention at Baltimore was organized May 8, 1843, and twelve Grand Lodges of the United States were there represented with one delegate each. The alleged object of this Convention was two fold.
- To produce uniformity of Masonic work.
- To recommend such measures as shall tend to the elevation of this order to its due degree of respect throughout the world at large.
The Convention adopted a code of By-Laws composed of eight sections; one of which was—
Section 3. The several Grand Lodges, which may adopt the foregoing rules, shall, at their Annual Communication, next before the last of March, 1846, and at corresponding meetings, every third year thereafter, elect or appoint, in such manner as they each, respectively, may think proper, one
trusty, well skilled Bro. Master Mason (a resident of the State within which the Grand Lodge is held of which he is a representative), a representative in said Convention. And it was by a resolution of the Convention, "recommended to the several Grand Lodges of the United States, that if they think proper to adopt the foregoing rules for establishing the Convention, that they will do so by adopting the following form of Resolution :
Resolved, By the Grand Lodge of the State of --------, that the "Rules for the organization and establishing a Grand Convention of Ancient, free and accepted Masons, as passed by the Convention of Masons at the meeting in May, in the year 1843, in the city of Baltimore, composed of eight sections, as the same are set forth in the printed proceedings thereof, be, and the same are hereby adopted by this Grand Lodge.
The Committee on Work, at the National Convention, reported a system called the Masonic Trestle Board, which has been published and promulgated. Concerning this system we find, by examination of the proceedings in several Grand Lodges, there is a discrepancy of opinion as to the propriety of its adoption. Without expressing an opinion as to the merits of the system, we can only say that the Grand Lodge of Virginia, who were associated with this Convention, have given their decided reprobation of the Masonic Trestle Board, and have issued circulars to suppress its use. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania disapproves of the system; denies the authority of the Convention to establish one, and contends that as Masonry is co-extensive with the nations of the earth, nothing short of a representation from each and all should attempt to revise the system. Several other Grand Lodges of the United States have approved what some have rejected. This apparent want of unanimity on a subject of such vital importance, is to be deeply regretted. The subject of this Grand Lodge becoming a member of the National Masonic Triennial Convention, must necessarily be decided at our next Annual Communication.
We have examined a communication from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, proposing, in conformity to a recommendation of the Baltimore Convention, that a delegate be sent to Europe for the purpose of closely and thoroughly examining the differences existing in Masonic work, in the Grand as well as Subordinate Lodges of this country, and of the different countries of Europe; and after such examination, reporting to a General Grand Convocation, and that they recommend Bro. John Delafield, Jr., of Memphis, Tennessee, as qualified to perform the duties of this appointment; and that should a, majority of the Grand Lodges of the United States agree to appoint him, he is appointed; that he be requested to make all diligent search after archaelogical documents bearing upon Masonry; digest, and throw the same into the form of a treatise, and present the copyright for it to the Triennial Grand Convention, to dispose of the proceeds thereof to the Grand Lodges of the United States who may
concur in sending such delegate: which communication we submit for the consideration of the Grand Lodge.
We have examined a communication of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, appointing Bro. Howell Cobb, of Athena, to be its representative near this Grand Lodge; and we would call the attention of the Grand Lodge to the propriety of adopting the Representative system, as practiced by other Grand Lodges.
A most interesting feature appears in the benevolent enterprises of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, in the establishment of a Masonic College for the education of indigent youth. The Grand Lodges of Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Virginia, have also had the subject of the education of orphan children under consideration. Such enterprises are too glorious to be appreciated.
We regret that the short limits of a report does not enable us to spread before you in detail, the many interesting Masonic facts with which the communications to this Grand Lodge abound; but our report, although a mere outline of the rich treasures which we consign to the archives of the Grand Lodge, is the result of much reading, selection and condensation. It was a laborious, but a most delightful task.
In all the communications submitted to our consideration, we have discovered the most satisfactory and cheering proofs of the increased prosperity of our ancient and honorable institution. The dark clouds which had long hung over us have disappeared, and our paths are again illumined by the glorious orb of day. The places laid waste by the cruel and unrelenting spirit of persecution which lately pervaded our country and dealt destruction to our Order with an unsparing hand, have survived the oppression of her enemies, and again appear in their wonted strength and beauty.
The implements of our profession are resumed and the craft is set to work. It must be the subject of sincere congratulation to every worthy brother, that this martyr-like test of the Masonic integrity of our fraternity, adds another to the many guaranties, that the Great Architect of the Universe has us in his holy keeping; that he will permit no weapons formed against us to prosper; that he will set us to work, give us proper instruction in our labor, and perpetuate our glorious and time honored institution to the end of time.
ARTHUR MCARTHUR, per order.
At the last Communication of this Grand Lodge, a letter was received from Bro. Joseph Hockey, D. D. G. M. of fifth Masonic district, and placed on the files.
On motion, it was
Voted, To take said letter from the files, and that so much thereof as relates to the proceedings of Amity Lodge, at Camden, he referred to a committee consisting of Bros. Jos. Hockey, of Freedom, John Miller, of Warren, and Frye Hall, of Belfast, to investigate the same, and report to the Grand Lodge.
Grand Lodge closed in ample form.
Attest, CHARLES FOX, Rec. G. Secretary.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1845.
The Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on the 23d day of June, 1845.
Present—R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, G. Master, p. t.
R. W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. ABNER B. THOMPSON, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CHARLES FOX, Grand Secretary.
R. W. LORY BACON, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. ROBERT R. KENDALL, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. FREEMAN BRADFORD, Grand Marshal, p. t.
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form. Lodges represented:
1. Portland, by Samuel Chase, Master.
8. United, by John C. Humphreys, M.; Abner B. Thompson, S. W.
12. Cumberland, by John Hatch, S.W.; Charles Megquier, J. W.
16. St. George, by John Miller, Proxy.
17. Ancient Land-Mark, by Daniel Winslow, M.; Charles Fobes, S. W.
23. Freeport, by Robert R. Kendall, M.
27. Adoniram, by Arthur McArthur, M.
31. Union, by C. B. Smith, Proxy.
50. Aurora, by Charles W. Snow, Proxy.
A Letter of Invitation was received from a Committee of King Solomon's Lodge, in Charlestown, Mass., in which a Committee of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts unite, inviting this Grand Lodge to attend a Masonic Celebration, and the Dedication of a
Model of the Old Monument, erected by said Lodge in 1794, to the memory of Gen. Joseph Warren and his Associates; which Model has been placed within the Bunker Hill Monument, at Charlestown.
Accepted and ordered to be placed on file.
The following Resolution was then submitted for the consideration of the Grand Lodge, viz :
"Resolved, That the 3d Section of Chapter 1st, and the 4th Section of Chapter 2d of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, be so altered and amended as that the Annual Communication for the choice of officers and the transaction of business, shall be on the first or third Wednesday of May, at 9 o'clock A. M."
Committed to Bros. Harding, of Thomaston, Bacon of Augusta, and Thompson, of Brunswick, who subsequently reported, "That in their opinion, the time for the Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge should be altered to the first Wednesday in May, instead of the 23d day of June."
This Report was accepted, and ordered to be placed on file, and it was further ordered that the subject matter be published and forwarded to the several lodges in this State for their consideration.
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Lodge do not deem it expedient to proceed, at this time, to the election of officers, but that the present officers hold over to the Annual Communication in June next.
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to procure printed copies of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge heretofore published, as far back as he may be able, and cause them to be bound up for the use of the Grand Lodge.
On motion,
Voted, That a Committee of three be appointed to correspond with the several D. D. G. Masters, and ascertain if they are severally in possession of their appropriate Regalia: and Bros. Harding, of Thomaston, Miller, of Warren, and Putney, of Portland, were appointed accordingly.
On motion,
Voted, That the subject of procuring an additional number of diplomas for
the use of lodges under this jurisdiction, be referred to Bro. Henry H. Boody, to report at the next Communication.
The Committee of Finance made a report, which was read, and thereupon, on motion,
Voted, That it be recommitted, with instructions to report fully at the next Annual Communication.
Bro. John C. Humphreys, in behalf of the Committee appointed for that purpose, submitted the following report, viz:
" The Committee of the Grand Lodge chosen at the Annual Communication in January last, to consider the proposition submitted by Bro. Washburn to alter the 8th Section of the 4th Chapter of the By-Laws, by substituting Sixteen dollars instead of Nineteen dollars, so that the fees to be required for conferring the first three degrees of Masonry, shall not be less than Sixteen dollars; report, that in their opinion said alteration should not be adopted by the Grand Lodge.
The Committee have also considered the proposition submitted at that Communication by Bro. Nichols, to alter said Section of the By-Laws so that the fees for conferring the first three degrees in Masonry shall not be less than Fifteen dollars, and report, as their opinion, that said proposition should be adopted by the Grand Lodge.
They have also considered the proposition submitted at an adjournment of Communication, Jan. 30, 1845, by Bro. Daniel Winslow, to alter the 4th Chap., 11th Sect. of the By-Laws, by striking out " Two dollars for every person initiated therein," and inserting " ten per cent. upon such amount as shall be received/or Initiating, Crafting and Raising," and report, that in their opinion said alteration should not be made.
JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, Chairman.
Which report was read and accepted; and thereupon the proposition to amend the 8th Section of the 4th Article of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, so that the fees for conferring the first three degrees of Masonry shall not be less than Fifteen Dollars, was adopted.
On motion,
Voted, That all the dues from subordinate lodges to the Grand Lodge be remitted up to this time, and that to all such lodges as have not yet resumed work, one year's dues be remitted from and after the time when they shall commence work.
On motion,
Voted, That a Committee of three be raised to revise the By-Law's of the
Grand Lodge, and to make their report thereon at the Annual Communication in June next.
And Bros. John T. Paine, of Sanford, and William A. Drew and James L. Child, of Augusta, were appointed for that purpose.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in due form.
This record of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge is made up from documents on file, and from memoranda left by the late Grand Secretary, R. W. Bro. Charles Fox,1 deceased by
C. B. SMITH, JR. R.G. Sec. pro tem.
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1 Bro. Fox died in Boston, July 27, 1845, having gone there to consult the Medical Faculty of that city, in reference to his disease, which was pulmonary.
SPECIAL Communication
A Special Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine, was holden at Masons' Hall in Brunswick, on Wednesday, July 16, 1845.
Present—M. W. JOHN T. PAINE, Grand Master.
R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, S. G. Warden.
R. W. JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, J. G. Warden.
W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
W. JOSIAH W. MITCHELL, G. Secretary, p. t.
The Grand Lodge was opened in due form by the Grand Master.
The following preamble and resolution were then offered by R. W. Bro. John C. Humphreys, and unanimously adopted, viz :
" Whereas, The President of Bowdoin College has requested the Grand Lodge of Maine, to lay in ample form the Corner Stone of King Chapel, about being erected in Brunswick, on the 16th of July inst., with which request the Grand Master has consented to comply: therefore,
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge will now proceed in Grand Procession, to the College grounds, accompanied by the several Masonic Lodges and Chapters in attendance, and under the escort of the Boston and Maine Encampments of Knights Templar, there to lay, in ample form, the Corner Stone of the Chapel about to be erected for the use of said College."
In accordance with this resolution, a Grand Procession was then formed, and marched to the College grounds, where they were joined by the Government, Officers and Students of the College; and having arrived at the site of the new edifice, the
interesting ceremony of laying the Corner Stone was ably conducted, agreeably to ancient Masonic usage, by the M. W. Grand Master, assisted by the M. W. Robert P. Dunlap, Past Grand Master, and the other officers of the Grand Lodge; and in a manner highly gratifying to a very large multitude of spectators assembled to witness the same.
The ceremonies having been completed, the Procession was reformed, and returned in due order, when, on leaving the College grounds, they were greeted with three hearty and enthusiastic cheers by the numerous body of students of the College; and having arrived at their place of meeting,
The Grand Lodge was closed in due form.
Recorded from the original minutes, by
CHARLES B. SMITH, R. G. Sec. pro tem.
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