ANNUAL COMMUNICATION. 1846.
The Annual Communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine, was holden at Mason's Hall, in Portland, on the 23d day of Jane, A. L. 5846, and was opened in due form at 9 o'clock A. M'.
Present—M. W. JOHN T. PAINE, Grand Master.
R. W. ALEXANDER H. PUTNEY, S. G. Warden.
R. W. JOHN MILLER, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CHAS. B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary, p. t.
W. JONATHAN SMITH, Grand Marshal.
W. CYRUS CUMMINGS, Grand Chaplain.
W. WILLIAM A. DREW, Grand Chaplain
W. NELSON RACKLYFT, S. G. Deacon.
W. CHARLES FOBES, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
W. ASA BAILEY, G. Sword Bearer.
STEPHEN SWETT, Grand Tyler.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
R. W. Arthur McArthur, Elisha Harding and Joseph Smith.
Lodges represented:
1. Portland, by Freeman Bradford, M.
8. United, by Abner B. Thompson, M.
9. Saco, by Thomas P. Tufts, M; John Spring, J. W.
12. Cumberland, by John Hatch, M.
14. Solar, by John Elliot, S. W.
15. Orient, by Arthur Shirley, Proxy.
16. St. George, by John Miller, Proxy.
17. Ancient Land-Mark, by Charles Fobes, S. W.; William Allen, J. W.
23. Freeport, by Robert R. Kendall, M; John Collins, J. W.
80. Blazing Star, by Erastus Hilborn, Proxy.
81. Union, by John W. Lindley, Proxy.
Bros. Harding and McArthur were appointed a Committee on Credentials, who, having attended to the duties assigned them, reported—
That Bros. John Miller, Arthur Shirley, Erastus Hilborn and John W. Lindley were severally entitled to seats in the Grand Lodge, by virtue of letters of Proxy by them presented respectively.
Which report was accepted.
Bros. Bradford and Thompson were then appointed a Committee to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer.
On motion,
Voted, That all Master Masons of regular standing, who may desire it, be admitted as visitors at this Communication of the Grand Lodge.
A communication and return was received from R. W. Simon Foss, D. D. G. M. of the Seventh Masonic District, showing a settlement by him with the lodges in his District, and that—
| He has in his hands fees collected of Rising Virtue Lodge, at Bangor, amounting to | |
| $28.00 | |
| And of Penobscot Lodge, at Dexter, amounting to | 24.00 |
| Total in his hands, | $52.00 |
| And that there is due from Meridian Splendor Lodge, at Newport, the sum of | |
| $18.00 |
Read and ordered to be placed on file.
R. W. Bro. Elisha Harding, D. D. G. M. of the Fourth Masonic District, presented returns from Orient Lodge, at Thomaston, St. George's Lodge, at Waldoborough, Union Lodge, at Union, and Solar Lodge, at Bath.
R. W. Arthur McArthur, D. D. G. M. of the Eighth Masonic District, presented the return of Saco Lodge, at Saco.
A return from Bethlehem Lodge, at Augusta, was received from R. W. Joseph Abbott, D. D. G. M. of the Third Masonic District, and dues paid to June 20, 1846, amounting to $13.00.
A return was also received from Blazing Star Lodge, at Rumford to Sept. 1, 1845.
On motion of Bro. William A. Drew,
Voted, That Bros. Drew, Thompson and Harding, be a Committee to wait upon the M. W. Joseph R. Chandler, Esq., Past Grand. Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, now in this city, and invite him to a seat in this Grand Lodge.
The Committee proceeded immediately in the discharge of the duty assigned them, and directly returned and introduced to the Grand Master the M. W. Bro. Chandler, who was thereupon duly presented to the Grand Lodge, and by them received with that high respect and friendly greeting which is due to so distinguished a brother.
The Committee appointed to audit the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported:
- That they had examined his account of receipts and expenditures for the past year, and find he has received the following sums, viz.;
| Amount in his hands at last communication, | $4.13 | |
| Dividends on Bank Stock, | 220.00 | |
| Total, | $224.13 | |
| That he has paid for the purposes of Charity, | $15.00 | |
| That he has paid for the purposes of Expenses, | 42.50 | |
| That he has paid for the purposes of Regalia, | 46.41 | |
| That he has paid for the purposes of Salaries, | 45.90 | |
| $149.81 | ||
| Balance in his hands, | 74.32 | |
| $224.13 |
The accounts appear to have been carefully kept and legally vouched. The property of the Grand Lodge remains the same as at the last Annual Communication, and for an account thereof the Committee refer to the Grand Treasurer's report on file. Submitted by
P. BRADFORD,
A.B. THOMPSON,
June 23, 1846. Committee.
Report read and accepted.
Letters of invitation were received from Committees of the fraternity at Portsmouth, N. H., and Bethlehem Lodge, at Augusta, Me., inviting the Grand Lodge to the celebration of the 24th of June inst., at those places respectively. Read and placed on file.
Bro. William A. Drew, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, made a report, which was read and accepted, and ordered to be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
On motion,
Voted, That the officers and members of the Grand Lodge, residing oh the Kennebec, and such others as may unite with them, be authorized to form and open a Grand Lodge at Augusta on the 24th inst., for the purpose of attending and participating in the Masonic festival then to be celebrated in that town; and that the Grand Treasurer be requested to forward the Grand Lodge jewels to Augusta, to be used on that interesting occasion.
On motion,
Voted, That all foreign communications be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
On motion,
Voted, Now to proceed to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year.
Bros. Harding and McArthur were appointed a Committee to receive, sort and count the votes, who, having attended to that duty, reported the several Grand Officers to be unanimously elected, as follows, 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 B. SMITH, of Portland, Recording G. Secretary.
R.. W. Bros. Freeman Bradford, Jonathan Smith and Alexander H. Putney, were elected a Committee of Finance for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master then announced the following appointments for the ensuing year, viz:
R. W. ELISHA HARDING, of East Thomaston, Deputy Grand Master.
W. NATHAN C. FLETCHER, of East Thomaston, C. G. Secretary.
W. JONATHAN SMITH, of Westbrook, Grand Marshal.
W. Rev. CYRUS CUMMINGS, of Westbrook, Grand Chaplain.
W. Rev. WILLIAM A. DREW, of Augusta, Grand Chaplain.
W. Rev. CYRIL PEARL, of Harrison, Grand Chaplain.
W. Rev. GILES BAILEY, of Brunswick, Grand Chaplain.
W. NELSON RACKLYFT, of Portland, S. G. Deacon.
W. JOSEPH CLARK, of Waldoborough, J. G. Deacon.
W. THOMAS P. TUFTS, of Saco, Grand Steward.
W. MATTHEW HASTINGS, of Calais, Grand Steward.
W. THOMAS S. BOWLES, of Bath, Grand Steward.
W. JOHN PURINTON, of Portland, Grand Steward.
W. ASA BAILEY, of Freeport, G. Sword Bearer.
W. JOSIAH PIERCE, of Gorham, Grand Pursuivant.
W. SAMUEL BRADLEY, of Hollis, Grand Pursuivant.
W. STEPHEN SWETT, of Portland, Grand Tyler
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
First District—R. W. Joseph Smith, of Portland.
Second District—R. W. Hezekiah Hutchins, Jr., of Rumford.
Third District—R. W. Lory Bacon, of Augusta.
Fourth District—R. W. John W. Lindley, of Thomaston.
Fifth District—R. W. Frye Hall, of Belfast.
Sixth District—R. W. Jeremiah Fowler, of Lubec.
Seventh District—R. W. Joseph Prescott, of Garland.
Eighth District—R. W. Arthur McArthur, of Limington.
On motion,
Voted, That when the Grand Lodge adjourn, they will adjourn to Monday evening next, the 29th inst.
A communication was received from a Committee of Arrangements, appointed by the City Government of the city of Portland, inviting this Grand Lodge to unite with their fellow citizens, and participate in a public celebration of the 4th of July proximo, which they are making arrangements to get up in connection with the "breaking ground" of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad. Read and laid upon the table.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum of $12.50 be and is hereby appropriated to pay in part the expense of a band of music, which is to accompany the numerous body of Masons, who have engaged to attend the Masonic Festival at Portsmouth, on the 24th inst.
On motion,
Voted, That this Grand Lodge will hold a session for business on the Tuesday next preceding the first Thursday in November next.
R. W. Bro. Joseph M. Gerrish was elected a Trustee of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge.
R. W. Bros. William A. Drew, Alexander H. Putney and Charles B. Smith, were elected a Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the ensuing year.
The meeting of the Grand Lodge was then adjourned.
Attest, CHARLES B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, Portland, June 29, 1846.
The Grand Lodge was duly opened according to adjournment.
Present—R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, Grand Master, p. t.
R. W. FREEMAN BRADFORD, S. G. Warden, p, t.
R. W. ASA BAILEY, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. JONATHAN SMITH, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES FOBES, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
R. W. STEPHEN SWETT, Grand Tyler.
The communication of the Committee of Arrangements of the City Government of the city pf Portland to this Grand Lodge, inviting us to participate in the celebration of the 4th of July, in connection with the object of " breaking ground" of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad, was then taken up and considered; and after due deliberation, it was, on motion,
Voted, That the Grand Lodge do accept the invitation of the city authorities as aforesaid, and that we will attend and participate in the ceremonies and festivities of the day.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Boody,
Voted, To reconsider the vote whereby the Grand Lodge accepted the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence ; and that the same be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence just appointed for the ensuing year, with instructions to expunge any such portion thereof as they may deem improper or inexpedient to publish.
On motion,
Voted, That R. W. Bros. Putney, Bradford, Bailey, Jona. Smith, and Winslow be a Committee to confer with the Chief Marshal appointed by the City Government, in relation to the position of the masonic bodies in the procession to be formed on the 4th; and to make all necessary arrangements in reference to the same. And that said Committee, with the Grand Secretary, be requested to give due notice of such arrangements, by publishing a programme of the same so far as relates to the formation of the several masonic bodies in the procession.
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Treasurer be requested to procure, as early as convenient, an additional number of diplomas for Master Masons.
On motion,.
Voted, That the Recording Grand Secretary be instructed to require all lodges, which do not pay fees to the Grand Lodge, to pay the cost of all diplomas famished them.
On motion,
Voted, That when the Grand Lodge adjourns, it be for two weeks from this evening, viz., to Monday evening, July 18th.
On motion,
Voted, That the Maine Encampment of Knights Templar be invited to perform escort duty to the several masonic bodies on the 4th.
The Grand Lodge was then adjourned.
Attest, C. B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, Portland, July 4, 1846.
In accordance with previous arrangements, the Grand Lodge assembled at 9 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of participating in the ceremonies and festivities of this National Anniversary, in connection with the cherished act of " breaking ground," as the commencement of a great and highly important enterprise, the construction of a Railroad from the City of Portland to the City
of Montreal, in the Province of Canada. Having formed a Grand procession, attended by the Portland and Ancient Land-Mark Lodges, and Mount Vernon Royal Arch Chapter, escorted by the Maine Encampment of Knights Templar, the Grand Lodge proceeded to join the procession of their fellow citizens, composed of several other organized societies, the Directors of the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad Company, the officers of the City Government of the City of Portland, a delegation of gentlemen from Montreal, in Canada, being Directors of the Canadian portion of the road, the Governor and Council of the State, the members of the Senate and House of Representatives of Maine, and citizens and strangers from various parts of the State.
The general procession being thus formed, moved through several of the principal streets of the city, and thence to a mammoth pavilion on Munjoy's Hill, where a generous and well provided collation had been prepared for their use by the City of Portland; after partaking of which, the procession was re-formed and proceeded to the line of the contemplated Railroad, near the shore of Portland Harbor, upon the eastern side of Munjoy's Hill, where, in the presence of an immense multitude of spectators, the interesting ceremony of " breaking ground " was performed by the President and Directors of the Corporation, assisted by a portion of the Montreal delegation, the Governor of the State, the Mayor of the city, and others, accompanied by the discharge of guns and the ringing of the city bells. A number of interesting and animated speeches were then made by the President of the Corporation, the Governor of the State, the M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and several other distinguished speakers. After which, the Grand Lodge and other masonic bodies returned to their respective places of meeting, and then separated.
Attest, C. B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
Masons' Hall, Portland, July 13, 1846.
The Grand Lodge met according to adjournment, and was opened at 7-1/2 o'clock P. M.;
Present—R.W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, Grand Master, p. t.
R.W. ASA BAILEY, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R.W. JOHN PURINTON, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R.W. HENRY H. BOODY, Grand Treasurer.
R.W. CHARLES B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
W. DANIEL WINSLOW, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
W. CHARLES FOBES, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
W. STEPHEN SWETT, Grand Tyler.
The following bills were presented, examined and approved, and ordered to be paid, viz:
| Asa Cummings' bill for | $00.75 |
| Holden & Sanborn's bill for | 10.37 |
| Gerrish & Edwards' bill for | 4.50 |
| William R. Smith's bill for | 1.00 |
| Elisha Harding's bill for | 8.05 |
| C. B. Smith's bill for | 3.93 |
| -----------Berry's bill for | 4.00 |
Voted, That the Grand Treasurer be authorized to settle with Mr. Sands, of Brunswick, for services on July 16, 1845.
Bro. John Miller's bill for expenses incurred by him as Grand Lecturer, was presented; and,
On motion,
Voted, That the same be allowed; and that the Grand Treasurer be authorized to advance the sum of §50 on said bill, and to pay the balance thereof as soon as Bro. Miller shall make his official return, specifying what lodges he has visited in his capacity of Grand Lecturer, together with the condition and prospects of said lodges.
The Committee of Finance made a report, recommending that the usual sum of Thirty Dollars be allowed to the Recording Grand Secretary for his services the past year. Read and accepted, and the Grand Treasurer was authorized to pay the same.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to whom was
recommitted their recent report, with instructions, now submitted the same with amendments, and the same was accepted as amended and ordered to be published with the other proceedings of the Grand Lodge as follows, viz:
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the present Masonic year, respectfully report :
That all the communications made to this Grand Lodge, and which hare been placed in their hands for examination, are only those received previous to June 23, 1845, and that consequently they are not able to report upon any communications that may have been received by and for the Grand Lodge within the year now just closed. The communications alluded to, embrace the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin; and an address in pamphlet form, delivered before the Grand Lodge of Illinois, October, 1844, by R. W. Bro. H. S. Cooley, Grand Orator of said lodge, formerly a citizen of Augusta, in our own State. By all these communications, your Committee arc happy to learn that Masonry is in a flourishing condition throughout the bounds of these several Grand Lodges; nor can they doubt that it is in circumstances of equal prosperity throughout the United States generally. In Europe, particularly in England, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland and Prussia, we know from the correspondence which the Grand Lodges of New York and Texas have had with the Grand Lodges of those kingdoms, the ancient order of Freemasonry is extending itself with great rapidity. Indeed, to no part of the civilized world can a Mason now go, where he will not find a brother and a home, according to his need. An institution so universal, is the more valuable on account of its universality.
Your Committee find in the proceedings of the Grand Lodges in their possession, much said and something done, in relation to the establishment of a Triennial Convention of the Grand Lodges of the United States, or what is the same thing, the organization of a General Grand Lodge of the American Republic. This subject will come before the Grand Lodge of Maine for its action daring the present session, which is referred to the able report of its Committee of Correspondence for the last year, in which the facts are presented for the consideration of the Fraternity in Maine.
It is not possible, in the present paper, to review all the interesting subjects suggested by the pamphlets in the possession of your Committee. They will, therefore, content themselves with calling the attention of the Grand Lodge to such parts of their proceedings as they may find time and room to notice, which they deem of special importance. Appended to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, we notice a list of all the lodges in the State, with the names of their Past Masters and present officers, the names of all the Master Masons, Fellow Crafts, and Entered Apprentices, who have received either or all of these degrees within the preceding year; also the names of all
the members of the lodges, together with the publication of all who hare been suspended or expelled, and for what cause. This information is important to the fraternity, not only within the bounds of a Grand Lodge itself, but also to the whole brotherhood throughout the land; and we could wish that such a list of lodges, officers and brethren might be prepared and published in connection with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodges of New York, Kentucky and some other States publish and transmit to their subordinate lodges, annually, and to all the Grand Lodges in the United States, not only a list of all the masons in the State, belonging to lodges, but also the names of suspended and expelled members, and the causes of such suspensions and expulsions. The pamphlet from the Grand Lodge of Maryland, embracing its own proceedings, contains the whole list of these names from New York. And as it shows how Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honor, for the profession he makes, or the position he occupies, and how impartially it enjoins the fulfillment of the four cardinal virtues, Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, your Committee presume it will not be uninteresting if we repeat a few examples of fidelity in such Masonic labors. Union Lodge, No. 95, New York, suspended a member for six months for intemperance. Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9, Kentucky, expelled a member for swindling. Springfield Lodge, No. 60, expelled a member for selling a free negro and absconding. Washington Lodge, No. 79, expelled a member for drunkenness and profanity. Good Faith Lodge, No. 96, expelled a member for official swindling, while acting as an officer. Cowan Lodge, No. 98, expelled a member for adultery. By these things the fraternity are not only warned against unworthy brethren, but the world can see what are the moral principles of Masonry, and how promptly it does, or should, discountenance in any member, intemperance, fraud, licentiousness, profanity, and unfaithfulness to the government of the land. In connection with this matter, your Committee would take occasion to say that, as Freemasonry is a moral work, directed to the rearing of a moral and Masonic edifice or temple, by the aid of its appropriate tools, the grand object of all Masonic lodges should be to knock off the rough corners, hew, square, level and plumb the moral character of every member, in order that he may be fitted and prepared for the place designed for him in the celestial Temple above, by the Grand Architect of the Universe. The Masters of all our lodges, Grand and subordinate, should set the craft to labor in relation to this high design, and give them proper instruction accordingly. The Grand Lecturer of Virginia, R. W. J. D. McCabe, seems to have a just view of this matter. In reporting the results of his mission amongst the lodges of the State, he says :
" Every day's experience and observation tends to confirm me in the belief, that it is not only necessary that the presiding officer* of our lodges teach, but also practice as well as teach, the pure lessons of our ritual, in order to make the institution what it was designed to be—a blessing to humanity. I have
endeavored to instruct the lodges which I have visited, not only in 'the form of sound words' transmitted from our fathers, but also by precept and practice, to enforce the duty of reverence for Deity and his Sabbath—brotherly love, relief and truth; temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice, without the observance of which, and their constant practice, no man, however perfect in mere forms, can ever claim the high and distinguished appellation of Mason And I am happy in being able to state, that these efforts have been blessed by the Supreme Grand Master, to individuals, in the correction of their moral character, and to communities in removing reproaches, and allaying the most violent prejudices."
We notice that in most of the Grand Lodges in communication with this Grand Lodge, the M. W. Grand Masters of the same, at the Annual Communications, make an address to the G. Lodge, reviewing the condition of the cause throughout its jurisdiction, and making such suggestions, and offering such advice and counsel as circumstances seem to. require. These addresses are published in the minutes, and the several topics treated on by the official head, are "referred to "appropriate committees, by whom they are considered and reported upon. Your Committee highly approve of this practice, and are the more anxious to see it established in Maine, since it is our peculiar good fortune to have a Grand Master so competent to his duty, and so ready and zealous in the discharge of it. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, in his | annual address, amongst other things, calls the attention of his Grand Lodge to the subject of systematizing Masonic charities and making them more efficient. The following is an extract from his communication:
"I learn with unmingled feelings of gratification, that some of our subordinate lodges have lately adopted a system of action, which secures to every sick brother, during his illness, the constant attendance of a Master Mason. The Masters of these subordinate lodges are required to appoint monthly a Committee, whose sole duty consists in ascertaining the invalids among them, and appointing daily two Master Masons to attend each indisposed brother. The unparalleled mortality of the past year has convinced us all, not only of the utility, but of the absolute necessity of some general permanent system of this character, and I should prove recreant to duty, did I not urge upon this Grand Lodge the propriety of adopting effectual measures to secure this desirable end. To visit the sick, and to supply their wants and administer comfort, is one of the grand charities of our order; but to effect this, organization and system are absolutely necessary. Divided duty is seldom performed, and that which should be the duty of all, usually receives the attention of none. Let us, Brethren, adopt effective measures to free ourselves from the charge of negligence in this particular. Let us not apply the speculative character of our work to our charity, but rather let us practice out of our lodges the excellent lessons of brotherly love, relief and charity, which are taught in them. Let us, look through the emblems and symbols of Freemasonry, to the discharge
of great moral duties which they inculcate, and we may confidently anticipate the day when the uniform and salutary, though silent and unseen influence of our principles, will effectually silence the tongue of calumny, and weaken, if not forever extinguish the unjustifiable rancor and hatred of our enemies."
It is the certainty of aid and assistance, in case of sickness and distress, provided for by the lodges of Odd Fellows, that may have, within the past three or four years, caused such a rush for their doors, as we all have witnessed. Masonry professes to be more emphatically a charitable institution. Should she not offer as great a certainty of brotherly love, relief and truth to every one who enters her sanctuaries, as can be secured elsewhere? A brother's relation, established by the admission of every individual into this fraternity, should secure, beyond failure, a brother's forgiveness of errors, sympathies for his misfortunes, and relief in the time of danger and of need, at home or abroad. If anything can be done, by the revision of our By-Laws, to systematize Masonic charities, your Committee think much prosperity to the order would be the result.
Your Committee notice that by the regulations of the Mississippi Grand Lodge, all Masons within its jurisdiction, whether they are members of subordinate lodges or not, are taxed annually, have to pay the tax to the nearest local lodge, and the funds so collected are expended under the direction of proper officers, appointed by the Grand Lodge, in the gratuitous education of orphan children of deceased brethren. Thus, the obligations of Masonry are made binding even on those, who, for any cause, choose not to connect themselves with a subordinate lodge. If the penalty of being a lodge member now is that he is liable to be taxed, and the privilege of not being a lodge member is, that he is therefore free from the pecuniary obligations involved in his general Masonic duties, we submit whether it may not be right and useful that this and other Grand Lodges adopt some such rule, to reach the whole fraternity, as the Grand Lodge of Mississippi has established.
The Grand Lodge of Texas have appointed our M. W. Grand Master, John T. Paine, Esq., as its official representative near this Grand Lodge, and have recommended our worthy Bro. E. Allen, of Washington, of the (then Republic, now) State, as a suitable person to represent this Grand Lodge near the Grand Lodge of Texas. Bro. Allen formerly resided in Norridgewock, in our State; and in the proceedings we are happy to notice the prominent activity of the late citizens of Maine, particularly of Bro. Timothy Pillsbury, formerly of Eastport, Bro. M. P. Norton, formerly of Canaan, and Bro. Henry J. Jewett, of Bangor. It will be recollected that, two years ago, this Grand Lodge received an official visit from R. W. George K. Teulon, a delegate from the Texas Grand Lodge to Masonic bodies in America and England. His communication was made the subject of a special report to this Grand Lodge, by Bros. Child, Thompson and Putney, reciprocating the fraternal wishes of the Texas brethren to establish a correspondence with us. It seems due to this 27
matter that the following action of the Grand Lodge of Texas, at its next subsequent meeting, be incorporated in this Report :
" The select Committee to whom was referred the communication of R. W. Bro. G. K. Teulon, made the following report :
" To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Texas. "
The special Committee to whom was referred so much of the communication addressed under date of the 28th July last, to this Grand Lodge, by our worthy brother and representative, G. K. Teulon, as relates to his recent visit to the Grand Lodge of Maine, and its proceedings on his proposition in behalf of this Grand Lodge, have had the same under consideration, and beg leave to report—That the latter acknowledges, with feelings of no ordinary satisfaction, the receipt of their proceedings on the proposition made to them by our worthy representative before named; announcing their cheerful co-operation in establishing, between these institutions, separated by distance, but united in purpose, those intimate but frequent intercommunications which their joint labors in the erection of that common moral and Masonic edifice, whose foundations are commensurate with the world, demands. The gratification which our brethren of that Grand Lodge experienced at the intelligence, announcing to them the flourishing condition of Masonry in Texas, reacts with powerful and cheering influence upon the interests and progress of the institution here. We hail the sign from afar, which cheers us onward in the struggle of virtuous effort, and in the path of charity, to the goal of distinguished success; and while we reciprocate, in a spirit of fraternal sympathy, with our brethren of the 'Mystic Tie,' in the East, those sentiments of congratulation and friendship so happily expressed in their response to our overture, we feel that we should not act up to the spirit of that response, should we fail to cultivate and enlarge the system of intercourse which this propitious connection with our eastern brethren suggests, by instituting a like connection, so far as practicable, with our brethren throughout the world; to which end, your Committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, as initiatory and introductory to the accomplishment of the design suggested.
Committee
M. P. NORTON,
EBEN. ALLEN,
HENRY J. JEWETT,
TIMOTHY PILLSBURY,
Washington, A. L. 5845, Jan. 15.
" Resolved, 1st, That the M. W. Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, be requested to appoint our worthy Bro. John T. Paine, of Sanford, in the State of Maine, as the resident delegate of this Grand Lodge, to the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Maine.
"Resolved, 2d, That our worthy Bro. E. Allen, of Washington, be recommended to the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine, as eminently worthy of the
confidence of that M. W. Grand Lodge; and that his appointment, as resident delegate to this Grand Lodge, be respectfully invited."
It would afford your Committee pleasure to notice the topics suggested by the correspondence with other Grand Lodges, but both time and room forbid.
On the whole, the Fraternity has reason to rejoice in the present prospects of Masonry. The wild tornado which prejudice and passion had raised against the institution, has spent its force, and died from the very acts of its own violence. It was not becoming in Masonry, a purely moral and charitable institution, to"stand up and fight a—wind. It was more suitable that it should, for a time, bend to the storm till its fury should have passed. That time has come. The storm is over, the cloud has passed, the sun shines out again in the beauty and glory of •high twelve : the calm is auspicious of peace and good fellowship. In resuming the implements of the craft, let them be kept bright and polished by the constant work of love, directed to the erection of that Temple of which all good Masons may hope to be a part, in that " Jerusalem which is above, and which is Free, and which is the Mother of us all." All which is respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM A. DREW, Per order.
On motion,
Voted, That the several D. D. G. Masters be requested to cause proper returns to be made from the several lodges in their districts respectively, and the dues from said lodges for initiations for the year ending on the 23d of June ult., to be paid over to the Grand Treasurer without delay.
The Grand Lodge then adjourned.
Attest, C. B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION.
In accordance with a vote passed June 23, A. D. 1846, a special communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine, was holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on the third day of November, A. L. 5846, and was opened at nine o'clock A. M. by R. W. Alex. H. Putney, Grand Master pro tem.
Present—R. W. ALEX. H. PUTNEY, Grand Master, p. t.
R. W. FREEMAN BRADFORD, S. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. ASA BAILEY, J. G. Warden, p. t.
R. W. SAMUEL CHASE, Grand Treasurer, p. t.
R. W. CHARLES B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
R. W. NATHAN C. FLETCHER, Cor. Grand Secretary.
W. and Rev. CYRUS CUMMINGS, Grand Chaplain.
Rev. CYRIL PEARL, Grand Chaplain.
W. JONATHAN SMITH, Grand Marshal.
W. JOHN ELLIOT, S. G. Deacon, p. t.
W. JOHN DAIN, J. G. Deacon, p. t.
Full returns were received through R. W. Simon Foss, late D. D. G. M. of the Seventh Masonic District—
| From Meridian Splendor Lodge, at Newport, with dues up to June 1st amounting to | $18.00 |
| From Penobscot Lodge, at Dexter, to same date, with dues amounting to | 26.00 |
| And from Rising Virtue Lodge, at Bangor, with dues to same date, amounting to | 28,00 |
| $72.00 |
R. W. Bro. Foss's bill for postage, traveling expenses, &c, for
two and a half years, as D. D. G. Master, amounting to $16.00, was presented, allowed, and ordered to be paid.
The Resolution adopted by the Grand Lodge, at the Annual Communication thereof, in June, 1845, proposing an amendment of the By-Laws in relation to the time of holding the annual meetings, having been submitted to the several subordinate lodges for their consideration, was now called up, and the proposed amendment was adopted as follows, viz:
Resolved, That the 3d Section of Chapter 1st, arid 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 1st Wednesday in May, at 9 o'clock A. M.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Freeman Bradford,
Voted, That a Committee be appointed to consider the expediency of providing means to pay the expense of a Delegate from each lodge in attending the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge; and also of requiring the several subordinate lodges hereafter to pay the annual assessment of one-eighth of a dollar for each of their members, as provided in Section 11th, of Chapter 4th, of the By-Laws.
R. W. Bros. Freeman Bradford, N. E. Fletcher and Jona. Smith were appointed on said Committee.
The Grand Lodge then adjourned to two o'clock P. M.
Afternoon Session.—The Grand Lodge organized as in the morning.
The Committee on the subject of assessments and pay of Delegates, reported as follows:
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the subject of requiring the payment of all dues from subordinate lodges, and also for the purpose of recommending a general and full representation of all lodges at the annual meetings of the Grand Lodge of Maine, report the following Preamble and Resolutions:
Whereas, The interest of the Masonic Institution requires that all the lodges within this jurisdiction should be represented at the Annual Communications of this Grand Lodge; and it is apparent that the neglect of the several
lodges in this particular arises in part from the fact that the individual delegates from the subordinate lodges, under the present regulations, are obliged to defray their own expenses, therefore—
Resolved, That the several lodges within this State be required to pay annually hereafter the sum of one-eighth of a dollar for each and every member belonging to the same, in addition to the initiation fees, as required by the 11th Section of the 4th Chapter of the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That the subordinate lodges take into consideration the subject of authorizing their Delegates and Representatives at the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, to appropriate the whole, or such part of the fund arising from the payment of the one-eighth of a dollar aforesaid, as may be deemed necessary towards paying the expense of one Delegate from each lodge represented at the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge; and to communicate, at the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, the sense of their respective lodges upon this subject.
Committee.
F. BRADFORD,
J. SMITH,
N. C. FLETCHER,
The foregoing report was read and accepted, and the resolutions were unanimously adopted.
The following Resolution was then offered, and adopted, viz :
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge deem it inexpedient, at this time, to make an appointment of a Grand Lecturer for the current year.
On motion,
Voted, That R. W. Bro. A. H. Putney be a Committee to procure such Regalia as may be necessary to supply the several D. D. G. Masters, in place of that which has been lost.
On motion,
Voted, That three members be added to the Committee appointed to revise the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, and that said Committee be requested to report at the next annual meeting.
And R. W. Bros. F. Bradford, C. B. Smith and Cyril Pearl, were added accordingly; and on motion of R. W. Bro. Elliot,
Voted also, That said Committee consider the expediency of adopting the new system of granting Grand Lodge certificates of membership to members of subordinate lodges.
Extracts from the Records of the Grand Lodge.
Attest, C. B. SMITH, Rec. G. Secretary.
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