Page 162
Read and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
REPORT OF D. D. G. MASTER OF NINTH DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The District Deputy Grand Master of the ninth masonic district asks leave to report: That he has attended to his duty agreeably to the requirements of the Grand Lodge, and is happy to say that the five lodges under his charge are all in successful operation. Most of the lodges have held weekly meetings through the winter season, and have had work at nearly every meeting. The brethren appear to be anxious to observe the ancient landmarks of the order, and look forward to this meeting of the Grand Lodge with strong hope that measures will be taken to do away with those variations in the work and lectures which are seen in so many of the lodges of our state.
All which is respectfully submitted,
H. G. O. WASHBURN, D. D. G. M. Ninth District.
Read and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
REPORT OF D. D. G. MASTER OF SECOND DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
Having received your appointment as D. D. G. M. of the second masonic district, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, I accepted the trust with great reluctance, because I could not, on account of business relations, devote so much time to the discharge of its duties as the good of Masonry would seem to require.
There are eight lodges in said district as recognized by the Grand Lodge. But four of them are dormant, to wit: Pythagorean Lodge, No. 11, at Frye-burg; Oxford Lodge, No. 18, at Paris ; Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 56, at Denmark, and King Hiram Lodge, No. 57, at Dixfield. I have not been able to learn that either of these lodges are doing any work, or hold regular meetings. It would seem that their charters were long since forfeited, and should be surrendered or revoked.
Oriental Star Lodge, No. 21, Livermore, has uniformly maintained its organization. Two candidates have been initiated in this lodge the past year. The number of members is twenty-eight, and the regular meetings are well attended, and much good is being done under the faithful and energetic administration of W. Bro. Joseph Covell, Master of the lodge. I have often visited this lodge, and always found it in good working order.
Tranquil Lodge, No. 29, at Danville, is in a flourishing condition. Six can-
Page 163
didates have been initiated in this lodge the past year, and the number of its members is forty-four. I had the pleasure of visiting this lodge on the 22d of January last, and installed the officers publicly, and on the same occasion delivered a short address.
Blazing Star Lodge, No. 30, at Rumford, is in fair working order. Two candidates have been initiated in this lodge the past year, and several others have been balloted for and accepted. The number of its members I cannot state at this time. I visited this lodge in February last, publicly installed the officers and addressed the brethren.
Oriental Lodge, No. 13, at Bridgton, is duly organized, and is doing some work. I was informed by their Master that they need instruction, but it was not in my power to visit them. This lodge has initiated two candidates the past year, and has sixteen members.
Oriental Star Lodge, Tranquil Lodge, and Oriental Lodge, have made regular returns and paid the dues to the Grand Lodge, amounting in the whole to thirty-one dollars, which I have paid over to the Grand Treasurer.
Blazing Star Lodge has made its annual returns, but the same were so defective that I have sent them back for correction.
In some of our lodges intemperance has prevailed to an alarming degree among brethren otherwise highly respectable. I have sometimes thought that masonry has failed to fulfill her mission of love touching the sin of intemperance, as she might and ought to have done. We can all of us call to mind some near and dear friend, some brother of the mystic tie, who has brought ruin upon himself, grief and distress upon his family, disgrace and mortification upon the fraternity, by yielding to the temptations of the cup. Have we been faithful in the discharge of imperative duty ? Have we approached our erring brother upon the first indication of his going astray, in the spirit of love, of kindness and of Masonry, and given him timely notice and warning to escape the approaching danger that would certainly prove his ruin ? Have we stretched forth the helping hand in good earnest to save our falling brother; and when an effort has been made to do him an act of brotherly kindness, have we not waited too long, until the strong grip even is insufficient to reclaim the victim ? Men do not become intemperate all at once; it is the result of habit, a work of time. No man ever became a drunkard from choice or design. But we have seen men, who in their best days have looked upon intemperance and drunkenness with detestation and abhorrence, led along step by step, the appetite being sharpened from time to time by habit, until it becomes the ruling passion, influencing and controlling all their movements and actions. Judgment and reason are enervated, prostrated and refuse to discharge their office. They are literally like Sampson, rising from the lap of Delilah, shorn of their glory and strength. It is not enough that we so regulate indulgence as to avoid plunging ourselves into the very depths of indulgence and infamy. As masons we are bound to set examples worthy of imitation. Our moral
Page 164
deportment should be not only without reproach, but above suspicion. We should take care that our example shall not be a stumbling-block to some weaker brother, who shall not be able to say to the fell destroyer—thus far shalt thou go, but no farther. The cardinal virtues, at the head of which is temperance, although forcibly enjoined upon every brother upon his entrance into the lodge, cannot be too frequently and earnestly enforced and insisted upon. These remarks are designed not with a view to any special action of the Grand Lodge, but for the consideration of our brethren individually and collectively, well knowing, as I do, that intemperance, whenever and wherever it prevails in our lodges, is the bane of Masonry. I hope therefore to be excused for calling the attention of our masonic brethren to this important subject in which we are all so deeply interested. All which is respectfully submitted,
REUEL WASHBURN, D. D. G. M. Second District.
Portland, May 1, 1851.
Read and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
REPORT OF D. D. G. MASTER OF FOURTH DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The District Deputy Grand Master of the fourth masonic district respectfully asks leave to present the following report:
There are in this district nine working lodges, which I will very briefly notice in their numerical order.
1st. Lincoln Lodge, No. 3, at Wiscasset, consists of 41 members, 14 of whom are either permanently absent, or decayed masons, leaving 27 working members. This lodge is one of the oldest in the State, as well as one of the most flourishing, returning 17 initiates the past year; and I am happy to say is now in a better state than it has been in since the resuscitation of Masonry, with a good prospect of so continuing.
2d. Solar Lodge, No. 14, at Bath, exhibits by its return 5 initiates, all of whom are brethren of the right stamp, upright men and masons. This lodge is in a happy state, and is Working cautiously and harmoniously.
3d. Orient Lodge, No. 15, at Thomaston, is at present without a permanent place of meeting, so that no opportunity was afforded of visiting it as a lodge. I was, however, glad to learn that this want will probably soon be supplied, when it is expected that work will be continued as heretofore. The return shows two initiations.
4th. St. George's Lodge, No. 16, at Warren, although owing to a very praiseworthy degree of caution in the selection of suitable materials of which to construct the great masonic edifice, no initiations have taken place in this lodge the past year; yet it was refreshing to observe the accuracy of lecturing, as
Page 165
well as the harmony and brotherly love which prevail among its members. This you will in some degree appreciate, from the fact that weekly communications have been held throughout the season, although no work was to be done.
5th. Union Lodge, No. 31, at Union, I had not an opportunity of visiting personally, owing to circumstances beyond my control. I by letter requested R. W. Bro. J. W. Lindley to perform this service, but I regret to say, the communication never reached him. I learn, however, that the lodge is in a good state.
6th. Alna Lodge, No. 43, at Damariscotta, whose charter was held in trust by the M. W. Grand Lodge, has recently been revived, and is now working successfully at Damariscotta, under a dispensation granted by the M. W. Grand Master; its members are united, and working harmoniously and prosperously.
7th. Aurora Lodge, No. 50, at Rockland, returns 8 initiations, and is among the most flourishing in the district; the right spirit prevails, with every indication of continuance.
8th. King Solomon's Lodge, No. 61, at Waldoboro'. This lodge returns 8 initiations, one being a clergyman, and is otherwise in excellent condition; with its work and lecturing, I was highly gratified.
9th. Richmond Lodge, No. 63, at Richmond, is a new lodge chartered last year, and returned 10 initiates, and 31 members—all of whom have been admitted with that caution as to character, which I am happy to say prevails throughout this district to a very commendable degree. I was gratified with an opportunity of witnessing its mode of work, which compares favorably with any lodge in the district.
The whole number of initiations in this district amounts to 60, and the dues to the Grand Lodge to $153. After thus noticing each lodge separately but little else need be said. As a whole you will perceive that the masonic condition of the fourth district approximates in some degree to what it ought to be. There is, however, some discrepancy in the mode of working, which can and should be corrected, and I respectfully ask the attention of the M. W. Grand Lodge to this subject.
It seems to be the universal wish of the lodges in this district, that further effort should be made for the establishment of a General Grand Lodge of the United States.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
S. J. TALLMAN, D. D. G. M. Fourth District.
Read and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
Page 166
REPORT OF D. D. G. MASTER OF THIRD DISTRICT.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
As a part of the duty of District Deputy Grand Master of the third masonic district, I beg leave to report:
That I received the appointment and commission of District Deputy Grand Master with feelings suited to the occasion of receiving so much honor from such an interesting source. Since which I have distributed such books and blanks as were forwarded to me by the Grand Secretary, and have visited the lodges composing the third district, as follows :
Maine Lodge, at Farmington, has been visited once, and found in active operation with a most commendable skill and cheering zeal, fully evinced by officers and members to obtain the best information, and practice accordingly. The installation was well attended by the members, and not being private, was cheered by the presence of an interesting group of respectable ladies, together with several of the petitioners of the original charter, and all listened to a very appropriate address by a brother.
I also visited Kennebec Lodge at Hallowell, Bethlehem Lodge at Augusta, and Hermon Lodge at Gardiner, and had the pleasure of witnessing a degree of Masonic zeal and intelligence very honorable to them, and with the facilities enjoyed by them under efficient officers, rendered the attempt almost hopeless for me to add much to their knowledge and improvement.
Northern Star Lodge, now held at Solon Village, has been twice visited by me, and is exhibiting a praise-worthy disposition to diffuse the advantages of the institution, and extend its benefits approximating " universality." The installation was well attended by members, and by citizens of both sexes, very respectable for numbers and character, and was very appropriately addressed by Rev. Bro. Nickerson, of Skowhegan.
Waterville Lodge has been visited but once by me, although I have had frequent communication with some of the officers I attended for the purpose of installing the officers according to notice, but the weather being un-propitious and but very few in attendance, it was postponed to some subsequent day to be notified. It has since taken place without notice. Some business was transacted which evinced a respectable degree of skill and a commendable desire to secure masonic improvement.
Central Lodge, at China, has been visited twice, and being constituted of several very respectable members of the old school, together with more of the younger class, is rendered very respectable and energetic; its influence is well diffused and seems to pervade society.
La Fayette Lodge, in Readfield, has been visited once, and the officers installed by me. This lodge, though recently revived, is in a prosperous condition, displaying a zeal for improvement which affords a sure guarantee of
Page 167
ultimate success. The audience was very respectable, consisting of both sexes, and was addressed by a young clergyman, in a manner instructive and amusing.
Somerset Lodge, in Skowhegan, is where I constantly attend, and under its efficient and experienced Master, is in a state honorable to itself and exerting a salutary influence on all who visit it.
Temple Lodge, at Winthrop, has been long dormant, as I am credibly informed, and probably should return a statement of their funds and the regalia and other property. I have several times written to them, but received no answer. But I am informed by a former member of that lodge, that the property has been sold and the proceeds added to the funds and distributed for charitable purposes, covering the wrong in the best possible manner. I should recommend, therefore, that that lodge should be stricken from the list of lodges, more especially as they do not think of reviving, and the charter is considered lost.
Morning Star Lodge, in Litchfield, also, is not in a working state, as I can learn, and being so I have not visited it. I have written several times, but received no answer, and am able to state their standing only from hearsay ; from which I learn that " no lodge exists there." From this and what my worthy predecessor has received from there, I think their name should be erased from the list of lodges " as having a name to live and is dead."
Vassalboro' Lodge, at Vassalboro', as I am informed by one of the former officers, has lost its charter, expended all its funds and is still in debt, for which the regalia is informally pledged; some of which is now used by the Central Lodge in China. As a new charter can and must be made to enable them to work, it may perhaps be erased, more especially as there is not much hope of reviving it, at least for a long time.
The Blue Mountain Lodge, at Phillips, has not been visited by me. I have had frequent communications with it through our Honorable Brother Sherburn, their Master. This lodge acts under a dispensation and not by charter (as I supposed), is enjoying almost an enviable state of prosperity and seems destined to sustain a very respectable rank among her sister lodges. I should have visited this lodge but was advised to wait till a hall could be obtained, notice of which I have not received.
The records of the lodges in this district have been well kept and the funds generally have been judiciously appropriated, which has been a source of much gratification. Some discrepancy still exists in regard to some minor concerns in the affairs of the institution, but in general, and in important points especially, there is a good degree of similarity, and I can most cheerfully congratulate the Grand Lodge in view of the great improvement which is apparent in the several lodges; yet much more can be done, and will be as I have no doubt.
Respectfully submitted,
EUSEBIUS WESTON, D. D. G. M. Third District
Page 168
Read and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
R. W. Bro. Somerby, D. D. G. Master of the fifth masonic district, made a verbal report, announcing that Hancock Lodge, at Castine, had surrendered its charter, and that the same, with their records, was deposited with the Grand Treasurer. He further reported that the remaining lodges in his district were in good working order, and that peace and harmony prevailed among the members.
Report accepted.
On motion,
Voted, That no member of the Grand Lodge, who appears as representative of a subordinate lodge, shall be entitled to a vote in Grand Lodge by virtue of being a member thereof.
The hour fixed by the Constitution for the election of the Grand Officers having arrived, it was,
On motion,
Voted, That the elections be made by a vote of lodges.
Brothers Tallman, Washburn of Livermore, and Washburn of Belfast, were appointed tellers; and the votes being received and counted were as follows:
| FOR GRAND MASTER. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 144 |
| R. W. Bro. John 0. Humphreys had | 140 |
| and was declared elected. | |
| FOR DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 140 |
| R. W. Bro. Freeman Bradford had | 125 |
| and was declared elected. | |
| FOR SENIOR GRAND WARDEN. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 133 |
| R. W. Bro. Timothy Chase had | 133 |
| and was declared elected. |
Page 169
| FOR JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 123 |
| E. W. Bro. William Somerby had | 98 |
| and was declared elected. | |
| FOR GRAND TREASURER. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 87 |
| E. W. Bro. Henry H. Boody had | 79 |
| and was declared elected. | |
| FOR RECORDING GRAND SECRETARY. | |
| The whole number of votes was | 84 |
| E. W. Bro. Charles B. Smith had | 84 |
| and was declared elected. | |
| FOR THE COMMITTEE OF FINANCE. | |
| R. W. Bro. Freeman Bradford, | |
| R. W. Bro. Abner B. Thompson, and | |
| R. W. Bro. Jonathan B. Smith, were elected by a unanimous ballot. | |
On motion,
Voted, That to-morrow at nine o'clock a. m., be assigned as the time for the installation of the Grand Officers.
A petition from Blue Mountain Lodge, U. D., asking for an extension of their dispensation and a remission of dues, was presented and referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters.
Voted, That when the Grand Lodge calls off, it be until 7-1/2 o'clock this evening.
The Grand Lodge then called off.
May 1, 1851.
The Grand Lodge was called to order at 7-1/2 o'clock p. m.
An exemplification of the work and lectures was then attended to, until 9 o'clock, when the Grand Lodge was again called off until 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Attest, CHARLES B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
Page 170
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 2, 1851.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at nine o'clock a. m. ; officers and members as of yesterday.
Communications were received as follows, viz:
From Lincoln Lodge, with a statement of the suspension of Edmund Connor:
From Adoniram Lodge, with a statement of the expulsion of Josiah P. Quinby:
From King Solomon's Lodge, with a statement of the expulsion of Isaac B. Humphrey, and
From Bethlehem Lodge, with a statement of the suspension of Orren Leaman: and were severally referred to the Committee on Grievances and Appeals.
Proceeded to the installation of the Grand Officers.
No Past Grand Master being present, the R. W. John Miller, as the oldest Past Master present, on request took the chair, and in due form installed the M. W. John C. Humphreys, as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine, for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master then installed the remaining Grand Officers elect, in due form ; after which he announced the following appointments of subordinate Grand Officers, who were severally installed in person or by proxy, viz :
| R. W. Allen Haines, | Cor. Grand Secretary, | Portland. |
| W. & Rev. Cyrus Cummings, | Grand Chaplain, | Portland. |
| W. & Rev. Cyril Pearl, | Grand Chaplain, | Baldwin. |
| W. & Rev. Joseph Hutchinson, | Grand Chaplain, | Brunswick. |
| W. & Rev. John McDonald, | Grand Chaplain, | Bangor. |
| W. & Rev. Benjamin Jacques, | Grand Chaplain, | Topsham. |
| W. Jonathan Smith, | Grand Marshal, | Westbrook. |
| W. Ebenezer G. Rawson, | Grand Senior Deacon, | Bangor. |
| W. Joseph Covell, | Grand Junior Deacon | Jay. |
| W. William Kimball, | Grand Steward, | Portland. |
| W. John D. Lincoln, | Grand Steward, | Brunswick. |
| W. Thomas B. Johnston, | Grand Steward, | Wiscasset. |
| W. Alvin Bolster, | Grand Steward, | Rumford. |
Page 171
| W. John C. Talbot, Jr., | Grand Pursuivant, | Lubec. |
| W. Thurston Libby, | Grand Pursuivant, | Saco. |
| W. Bro. John Dain, | Grand Tyler, | Portland. |
Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
R. W. Cyril Pearl, of Baldwin,
R. W. Freeman Bradford, of Portland,
R. W. Allen Haines, of Portland.
Rev. Bro. Pearl, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, then submitted a report from that committee.
Read and accepted, and ordered to be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
W. Bro. French, from the Committee on Dispensations and Charters, then submitted the following report:
Portland, May 1, 1851.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge:
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters, to which was referred the applications of Pacific, Mechanics' and Mystic Lodges for charters, of Freedom and Alna Lodges for removal, and of Blue Mountain Lodge for extension of dispensation and remission of past dues:
Report, That after an examination of the journals of proceedings of Pacific Lodge at Stetson, of Mechanics' Lodge at Orono, and Mystic Lodge at Hampden, while working under dispensations, and finding them conformable to the usages of Masonry and the constitutions of the Grand Lodge, they recommend that their prayer for charters may be granted.
They further report: That upon the application of Freedom Lodge for its removal from Parsonsfield to Limerick, it appears that said removal is recommended by Adoniram Lodge and the R. W. District Deputy Grand Master, and asked for by the members of said Lodge residing in Parsons-field.
They therefore recommend that the prayer of said petition be granted.
They further report upon the application of the Alna Lodge for removal from Alna to Damariscotta, and the affirming of the action of the M. W. Grand Master in restoring the charter of the same, and authorizing its temporary removal, it appears that said removal is recommended by the Alna brethren; that at its location in Alna it could never be resuscitated, but that at Damariscotta, where a majority of the ancient brethren of said lodge reside, there is a favorable opportunity for a vigorous and flourishing lodge; that since the installation of officers in January last, ten have been initiated, seven crafted and five raised; that two more stand accepted and that other applications are in the hands of the appropriate committee. It further
Page 172
appears that the prayer of the petitioners is approved by Lincoln Lodge and by the R. W. District Deputy Grand Master of the fourth district.
Your committee, therefore, recommend that the action of the M. W. Grand Master restoring said charter be affirmed, and that said lodge be henceforth established at Damariscotta.
Your committee further report that the Blue Mountain Lodge, working under a dispensation in the town of Phillips, is laboring under considerable inconvenience, on account of their inability up to this time to obtain a suitable place in which to hold their meetings and to work, together with other local embarrassments The R. W. District Deputy Grand Master of that district earnestly recommends that the dispensation empowering them to work may be extended, and their dues remitted. There has been neglect on the part of said lodge to surrender its dispensation, records and by-laws for inspection. Yet in view of the whole matter, and relying much upon the opinions of the R. W. District Deputy Grand Master of that district as to the prospect of said lodge and its probable influence for the good of Masonry in that section of the state and his recommendations thereto, we recommend that the dispensation of said lodge be extended until the next communication of this Grand Lodge, and that the dues of said lodge up to April 1, 1851, be remitted.
R. W. Kennard,
S. Carter,
E. B. French,
Committee.
Read and accepted, and the several recommendations therein contained were adopted.
Bro. Burbank, from the Committee on the Pay Roll, made a report thereon, which was read and accepted, and the Grand Treasurer directed to pay the representatives of lodges in accordance with the same.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Boody,
Voted, That the sum of twenty-five dollars be appropriated and paid to Rev. Bro. Cyril Pearl, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, for his services and expenses in preparing the report of said committee.
The Grand Lodge was then called off until two o'clock p. m.
May 2, 1851.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 2 o'clock p. m.
Page 173
W. Bro. Joseph Covell, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund, then tendered to the Grand Lodge his resignation of that trust.
Voted, To proceed to fill the vacancy by a new election; and the ballots having been received and counted, W. Bro. Edwin Ellis, of Farmington, was declared to be unanimously elected a member of said board, for three years next ensuing.
R. W. Bro. Bradford, from the Committee of Finance, then submitted the following report:
Masons' Hall, May 2, 1851.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
| The Committee on Finance have examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer for the past year, and find that there has been received by him since he rendered his account at the last annual communication, the sum of | $1,309.70 |
| One hundred dollars of this sum has been received for dispensations and two hundred and thirty from the funded property of this Grand Lodge. | 43.14 |
| He has paid out during the year the sum of | 838.65 |
| And there is now a balance in his hands of | 471.05 |
His accounts are well kept, and correctly and well vouched. We have also examined the records of the Grand Secretary, and find them kept in a neat and correct manner, and the committee recommend as a compensation for his services during the past year, the sum of fifty dollars. All which is respectfully submitted,
F. Bradford,
A. B. Thompson,
Jona. Smith,Committee
Report read and accepted.
The Board of Trustees of the Charity Fund having held a meeting this morning for business, submitted to the Grand Lodge, through R. W. Bro. Bradford, the following report:
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 1, 1851.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The Trustees of the Charity Fund have directed me to report: That they have appropriated in charity the sum of two hundred dollars, and directed that this sum be divided equally among the several masonic districts in this Jurisdiction, and that the several D. D. Grand Masters be the almoners of this charity.
Page 174
They have further directed that the Grand Treasurer invest the balance of money that may be in his hands, after paying the expenses of this Grand Lodge, and such appropriations as may be made for specific objects, in some bank or banks in this state that he may deem safe.
Respectfully submitted,
F. BRADFORD, Per Order.
Report read and accepted.
reports of the committee on grievances and appeals.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred a statement of the case of the expulsion of Edmund Connor, from the rights and privileges of Masonry, by Lincoln Lodge, have considered the same, and recommend that the doings of said lodge in this matter be confirmed.
S. J. Tallman,
Wm. Somerby,
Committee,
Report read and accepted, and the expulsion of Edmund Connor from the rights and benefits of Masonry was confirmed.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred a statement of the expulsion of Isaac B. Humphrey from the rights and privileges of Masonry, by King Solomon's Lodge, have considered the same, and rec-commend that the doings of said lodge in this behalf be confirmed.
S. J. Tallman,
Wm. Somerby,
Committee,
Report read and accepted, and the expulsion of Isaac B. Humphrey from the rights and benefits of Masonry was confirmed.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred a statement of the case of the expulsion of Josiah P. Quinby, from the rights and privileges of Masonry, by Adoniram Lodge, have considered the same, and recommend that the doings of said lodge in this behalf be confirmed.
S. J. Tallman,
Wm. Somerby,
Committee,
Report read and accepted, and the expulsion of said Josiah P. Quinby from the rights and benefits of Masonry was confirmed.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred a case of the suspension of Orren Leaman, from the rights and benefits of Masonry, by Bethlehem Lodge, during the pleasure of said lodge, have considered the same, and recommend that the doings of said lodge in this matter be confirmed.
S. J. Tallman,
Wm. Somerby,
Committee
Page 175
Report read and accepted, and the doings of said lodge in this behalf were confirmed.
The following report was then submitted:
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The committee appointed at the last annual communication of the Grand Lodge to ascertain the expense of publishing, in a single volume, the proceedings of the Grand Lodge from its organization to the present time, have attended to the duty assigned them and report:
That they have received written proposals from two practical printers for publishing the same, on an estimate of its making 440 pages, large octavo. The expense of printing, ready for binding, of 600 copies, according to the proposal of one printer, would be $424; and for 500 additional copies $160, making the cost of 1,000 copies, at his estimate, $584.
According to the proposal of the other printer, estimating the paper at $4 per ream, as estimated by the former, the cost for 500 copies would be $499.50; and for 500 additional copies $147.50, making, for 1,000 copies, $647. The former proposal, it will be seen, is $75.50 less for 500 copies, and $63 less for 1,000 copies, than the latter.
One printer, in a postscript, says, " We should like to have the committee take into consideration in what manner the Grand Lodge will dispose of the copyright of the work ? " This is a subject which was not submitted to the committee by the Grand Lodge; but your committee would respectfully make the following suggestion for the consideration of the Grand Lodge:— That there be a committee appointed to dispose of the copyright, if practicable, in the following manner: The Grand Lodge to furnish a copy of the matter, and convey the copyright, for which the publisher shall deliver to the Grand Lodge fifty printed copies bound in morocco and fifty copies bound in cloth,—the paper, type and workmanship to be equal to those of the printed proceedings of our last annual communication. All which is respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH COVELL, Per Order.
Read and accepted, and ordered to be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
On motion,
Voted, That the dues of Alna Lodge, up to the first day of April, 1851, be remitted.
report on returns.
The Committee on Returns of Subordinate Lodges report that the following is a list of all the chartered lodges under this jurisdiction, with the appropriate number of each, viz;
Page 176
| 1 Portland, at Portland. | 33 Waterville, at Waterville. |
| 2 Warren, at East Machias. | 34 Somerset, at Skowhegan. |
| 3 Lincoln, at Wiscasset. | 35 Bethlehem, at Augusta. |
| 4 Hancock, at Castine. | 36 Casco, at Yarmouth. |
| 6 Kennebec, at Hallowell. | 37 Washington, at Lubec. |
| 6 Amity, at Camden. | 38 Harmony, at Gorham. |
| 7 Eastern, at Eastport. | 39 Penobscot, at Dexter. |
| 8 United, at Brunswick. | 40 Lygonia, at Ellsworth. |
| 9 Saco, at Saco. | 41 Morning Star, at Litchfield. |
| 10 Rising Virtue, at Bangor. | 42 Freedom, at Limerick. |
| 11 Pythagorean, at Fryeburg. | 43 Alna, at Damariscotta. |
| 12 Cumberland, at New Gloucester. | 44 Piscataquis, at Sebec. |
| 13 Oriental, at Bridgton. | 45 Central, at China. |
| 14 Solar, at Bath. | 46 St. Croix, at Calais. |
| 15 Orient, at Thomaston. | 47 Buxton, at Buxton. |
| 16 St. George, at Warren. | 48 Lafayette, at Readfield. |
| 17 Ancient Land-Mark, at Portland. | 49 Meridian Splendor, at Newport. |
| 18 Oxford, at Paris. | 50 Aurora, at Rockland. |
| 19 Felicity, at Bucksport. | 51 St. John's, at South Berwick. |
| 20 Maine, at Farmington. | 52 Mosaic, at Dover. |
| 21 Oriental Star, at Livermore. | 53 Rural, at Sidney. |
| 22 York, at Kennebunk. | 54 Vassalboro', at Vassalboro'. |
| 23 Freeport, at Freeport. | 55 Fraternal, at Shapleigh. |
| 24 Phoenix, at Belfast. | 56 Mt. Moriah, at Denmark. |
| 25 Temple, at Winthrop. | 57 King Hiram, at Dixfield. |
| 26 Village, at Bowdoinham. | 58 Unity, at Freedom. |
| 27 Adoniram, at Limington. | 59 Mt. Hope, at Hope. |
| 28 Northern Star, at Anson. | 60 Star in the East, at Old Town. |
| 29 Tranquil, at Danville. | 61 King Solomon's, at Waldoboro'. |
| 30 Blazing Star, at Rumford. | 62 King David's, at Lincolnville. |
| 31 Union, at Union. | 63 Richmond, at Richmond. |
| 32 Hermon, at Gardiner, |
LODGES UNDER DISPENSATION.
| Mystic Lodge, at Hampden. | Mechanics' Lodge, at Orono, |
| Pacific Lodge, at Stetson. | Blue Mountain Lodge, at Phillips. |
The charters of Hancock Lodge, No. 4, Village Lodge, No. 26, and Rural Lodge, No. 53, have been surrendered.
The following lodges have not resumed work since the general suspension of Masonic Labors in 1828, viz: Pythagorean, No. 11; Oxford, No. 18; Temple, No. 25; Morning Star, No. 41; Piscataquis, No. 44; Buxton, No. 47; St. John's, No. 51; Vassalboro' No. 54; Fraternal, No. 65; Mt. Moriah, No. 56; and King Hiram, No. 67.
From the foregoing statement it will appear, that there are now in active
Page 177
operation fifty-three lodges, fifty of which have made their returns for the present year. The lodges from which no returns have been received, are the following, viz: Freeport, Saco and Blazing Star.
From the returns of the fifty lodges, duly made, it appears that the number of initiations for the past year has been 387, and that the whole number returned as members, is 1830.
On examination, we find that in thirteen cases the returns are incorrect; in eleven of which no dates are given of the times of initiating, crafting, raising, &c, and in the other two, initiates, who have not received the second and third degrees, have not been accompanied with the usual fees to the Grand Lodge; but your committee have received assurances that the same shall be rectified in their next annual return. From the returns of Adoniram Lodge, it appears that there is due from that lodge to the Grand Lodge, the sum of $17.62; but the amount did not accompany the returns. Freeport Lodge has not made any returns for several years.
Your committee regret to notice that in some cases, new members have not been returned, as such, and consequently no dues have been paid therefor.
Your committee would recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the several lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, make returns annually of their monthly and annual communications ; also of the names of all resident Master Masons within their several jurisdictions, who are not members of regularly constituted lodges. All which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN BALCH,
S. J. THOMAS,
STEPHEN WEBBER,
Committee
Report read and accepted, and the resolution adopted'. On motion,
Voted, That the dues of Pacific Lodge, up to April 1, 1851, be remitted.
REPORT ON THE DOINGS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS.
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 2, 1851:
The committee to whom was referred the doings of the Grand Officers, would state that they have attended to the duty assigned them, and ask leave to report:
That they recommend to this Grand Lodge the acceptance of the communication of our late M. W. Grand Master, Joseph C. Stevens; and that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to him, for the very faithful and honorable manner in which he performed the duties of Grand Master of this Grand Lodge for the two years last past.
Page 178
And your committee would further recommend that you accept the reports of the several D. D. Grand Masters; and that said reports, together with the communication of the M. W. Grand Master, be published with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
Which is respectfully submitted,
HIRAM CHASE,
S. J. TALLMAN,
ERASTUS FOOTE, JR.,
Committee
Report read and unanimously adopted. On motion,
Voted, That the dues of Mt. Hope Lodge, up to April 1, 1851, be remitted.
The following resolution was then offered by R. W. Bro. Bradford, and adopted unanimously:
Resolved, That no dues of a subordinate lodge be remitted, unless upon the petition of such lodge, and the report of a committee thereon.
The following resolutions were then offered by R. W. Bro. "Tallman, and adopted:
Resolved, That the several subordinate lodges under this jurisdiction report to the D. D. G. Masters in the district in which such lodges may be located, (at the time of making their annual returns, or sooner if convenient), what deformity or imperfection of body, in the opinion of such lodge, ought to operate as a bar to the institution.
Resolved, That the several D. D. G. Masters of this state report the opinions of the subordinate lodges on the above subject to this Grand Lodge at its next annual communication.
On motion,
Voted, As the sense of this Grand Lodge upon a construction of the Constitution : That all ballotings for candidates and for membership should be had in a Master Mason's lodge.
The following resolution was offered by Bro. Barker, and after due consideration, adopted:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge, at this time, appoint a committee of three, with power to fill vacancies, whose duty it shall be to meet at such time and place as they may appoint, within the ensuing year, for the purpose of agreeing upon what shall be considered the true mode of work and lectures in the several lodges in this state; and that on the Tuesday next preceding the day assigned for our next annual meeting, they be required to
Page 179
exemplify the work and lectures so agreed upon before the Grand Lodge, who shall be required to be in attendance for that purpose at the place of their next meeting; the services so performed by said committee to be paid for by the Grand Lodge.
On motion,
Voted, That the first four Grand Officers of this Grand Lodge be requested to present the names of three suitable brethren to constitute said committee.
And after consultation they reported to the Grand Lodge the names of Bros. Freeman Bradford, John Miller and Percival Clementine, who were duly elected to constitute said committee according to the above resolution.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Lindley,
Voted, unanimously, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to R. W. Bro. Henry H. Boody, Grand Treasurer, for his faithful and gratuitous services in that office during the past year.
The Grand Lodge then called off until seven o'clock p. m.
May 2, 1851.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 7 o'clock p. m., R. W. Bro. Bradford in the chair.
On motion of R. W. Bro. Miller,
Voted, That the Committee on Foreign Correspondence be, and are hereby requested to correspond with the several Grand Lodges in the United States, recognized by this Grand Body as such, urging upon them the necessity of taking, as soon as conveniently may be, the necessary steps for forming a General Grand Lodge of the United States.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum of twenty dollars, appropriated at the last annual communication, and ordered to be paid to R. W. Bro. Henry H. Boody, Grand Treasurer, for services in that office (which sum he declines to accept), be disposed of by him in charity at his discretion.
On motion,
Voted, That the committee who have had under consideration the subject of the publication of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge from its organiza-
Page 180
tion, be authorized and requested to ascertain upon what terms they can dispose of the copyright of the work, and report thereon to the Grand Lodge.
A circular was received from a committee of Essex Lodge, at Salem Mass., inviting this Grand Lodge to participate in a celebration of the festival of St. John the Baptist, on the 24th of June next, at that place.
Bead and placed on file.
No further business being offered, the Grand Lodge was duly closed.
Attest, CHARLES B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.
The ceaseless tide of time has rolled another of its circling waves to the ocean of eternity and borne us all a little nearer to our final rest. This onward rush of years, while it solemnly reminds us of our mortality and calls off many of our fathers and brothers from labor to refreshment, at the same time unfolds before us the stability and imperishable energy of truth and light and love, and in the immortal vigor of these assures us that man is not wholly mortal. There is in the human soul a responsive echo, when light and truth and love sweep its mysterious cords, that awakens hope and " intimates eternity to man." The symbols of our mystic tie are in harmony with the voiceless teachings of time and the aspirations of the soul; and the wave that bears us toward the silent grave and the unseen land—the bright and blessed land that lies beyond its dark waters—does also bear the ark of the covenant and its symbolic lights to our survivors and successors, with promise of help and hope and guidance for future generations, as they may successively greet the shores of being. Each year gives us increasing evidence that the mission of Masonry is not ended; but that a work is yet upon its hands; and that our responsibilities, as its present guardians, are by no means diminished, superseded or suspended.
>> Next Page