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Masons' Hall, Portland, May 7, 1852.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at eight o'clock a m, The M. W. Grand Master in the chair.
report in the case of Adoniram Lodge.
The select committee to which was referred so much of the annual communication of the M. W. Grand Master, as relates to Adoniram Lodge, together with, the papers therein referred to and also the petition of Stephen C. Watson and twenty-two other Master Masons, for a dispensation to form a new lodge at Steep Falls, to be called Steep Falls Lodge, have attended to the duty assigned, and report:
That from an examination of the facts of the case, it appears that there are two business points in the town of Limington, about six miles distant from each other, one of which is called "the Corner " and the other " Steep Falls"; the latter village being in the towns of Limington and Standish; and that the members of Adoniram Lodge are about equally divided between those two points.
It further appeared by a by-law of the lodge that it was to hold its meetings at Masonic Hall in Limington, (which is at the Corner,) and that in consequence of a natural desire of the brethren at Steep Falls to have the lodge in their immediate vicinity, and perhaps stimulated somewhat by a spirit of sectional rivalry, unfortunate difficulties sprung up between the members of the lodge, which was calculated, if unchecked, not only to destroy the harmony and usefulness of the lodge, but also to bring reproach upon the order.
After ineffectual attempts to secure a perfect reconciliation, the M. W. Grand Master very properly issued his warrant to arrest the charter, but before action was had under it, the charter of the lodge was voluntarily surrendered. Immediately following the surrender, the brethren at Steep Falls presented their petition for a dispensation to form a new lodge at that place, which, under the existing circumstances, was judiciously refused.
The committee further report that, from the facts presented, they believe that two lodges may, with prudent management, be sustained at the two points spoken of, and that a masonic spirit may be restored to the brethren in that vicinity by taking the two portions of Adoniram Lodge for their nucleus, as each will then have twenty or more members.
Taking this plan for a basis, the representatives of both parties, who were before the committee, found that an equitable and amicable adjustment of their differences could be accomplished, if the Grand Lodge should sustain the views of your committee.
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We therefore respectfully recommend the adoption of the accompanying resolutions.
Ezra B. French,
Jabez True,
Samuel Carter,
Committee
Resolved, That the charter of Adoniram Lodge be restored to the members who petition for the same, and that an order be given for the surrender to them of all books, papers and other property belonging to said lodge, now in the possession of those who filled the several offices at the time of the surrender of its charter.
Resolved, That a dispensation be granted to Stephen C Watson and others, for a lodge to be established at Steep Falls, in the town of Standish, to be known and hailed as " Steep Falls Lodge."
The foregoing report was read and accepted, and the resolutions adopted.
The charter of Adoniram Lodge being now restored, the Committee on Credentials reported Bro. Arthur McArthur entitled to a seat as a representative of said lodge; and he appeared and took his seat accordingly.
The following report was then presented and adopted :
In Grand Lodge, Masons' Hall, May 7, 1852.
The select committee, to which were referred the following questions, presented by L. S. Soule, W. M. of King Solomon's Lodge, viz:
When a petition for the degrees is presented to a lodge, should not the fact be made a regular record of, together with the name of the petitioner ?
When the ballot has been taken, and one or more negative ballots thrown, has the lodge a right to go into a committee of the whole, with a view to doing away with that vote ?
Should not every ballot be made a matter of regular record ?
Having considered the several subjects, report:
That in their opinion, whenever a petition for the degrees is presented in a lodge, that fact, with the name of the petitioner and the brother who recommends him, should be made a matter of record.
That when negative ballots are thrown, the lodge has no right to go into a committee of the whole with a view to doing away with such vote, or for any other purpose; such a committee not being recognized by our ancient constitutions or general regulations, is unmasonic in form and such action la in violation of masonio principles.
In conclusion, it is the opinion of the committee that the Secretary, whose
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duty it is to observe the proceedings of the lodge and make a correct record thereof, should record the result of all ballotings in the lodge.
All which is respectfully submitted,
E. B. FRENCH,
Chairman.
The Committee on the Pay Roll made their report, which was read and accepted, and the Grand Treasurer ordered to pay the representatives of lodges in accordance therewith.
installation.
The M. W. Joseph C. Stevens, Past Grand Master, was then called to the chair and installed, in ample form, the M. W. John C. Humphreys as Grand Master for the ensuing year; after which the M. W. Grand Master installed the remaining elective Grand Officers in ample form.
The R. W. Freeman Bradford was then called to the chair, and installed in due form the several appointed officers of the Grand Lodge ; and proclamation was duly made.
report on returns.
The Committee on Returns of subordinate lodges report as follows: They find returns made from fifty-two lodges in this jurisdiction.
| Number initiated the past year | 399 |
| Number of members, as by returns | 1872 |
On examination, we find in some instances the returns are incorrect in matter of dates of time of initiation, crafting and raising; but your committee are assured that correct returns will be forwarded. Your committee regret that those inaccuracies appear, and recommend that care and attention be hereafter given to this matter, that all future returns may be made with accuracy and particularity.
Thomas B. Johnston,
Seth Paddleford,
O. A. Merrill,
Committee
The following report was presented and adopted:
Masons' Hall, May 7, 1852.
Your committee, to whom was referred the doings of the Grand Officers, have attended to the duty assigned them, and beg leave to report: That they recommend to this Grand Lodge to accept the reports of the several D. D. G. Masters, and that said reports, together with the communication of
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the M. W. Grand Master, be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
John H. Willard,
Joseph Philbrick,
John Glover,
Committee
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary cause to be published, with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, a list of of its permanent members.
report of the committee on finance.
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 6, 1852. 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 the commencement of our last annual communication,
| the sum of | $1,320.59 |
| to which there is added the balance of last year's account, viz | 471.05 |
| Making in all the sum of | $1,791.64 |
| Your committee also find that the Grand Treasurer has paid out during the past year, the sum of |
$1,563.28 |
| for all which he has exhibited satisfactory vouchers. | |
| This sum of $1,563.28 includes seven hundred dollars invested in bank stock; and we find that there remains a balance in his | $228.36 |
The income of the charity fund of the Grand Lodge for the past year is about three hundred and sixteen dollars.
The committee would recommend as salary to the Grand Secretary, over and above the cash expenses incident to his office, the sum of fifty dollars.
Per order, F. BRADFORD.
Report read and accepted. On motion,
Voted, That the sum of twenty-five dollars be appropriated and paid to Rev. Bro. Cyril Pearl, for services as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence.
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary cause to be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, the number of non-affiliated Master Masons returned by the several subordinate lodges.
Called off until 2 o'clock p. m.
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Masons' Hall, Portland, May 7, 1852.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at two o'clock p. m.
The M. W. Grand Master in the chair.
The following resolution was offered by R. W. Bro. Barker and adopted:
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Grand Lodge that it is contrary to the established rales of Freemasonry for one lodge to craft or raise an Entered Apprentice initiated in any other lodge, without the recommendation and consent of the lodge in which he was initiated.
report on dispensations and charters.
Portland, May 7, 1858.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge :
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters, to which was referred the application of Blue Mountain Lodge for a charter, recommend that their request be granted.
They further report that the prayer of the petition of Oriental Lodge to hold their meetings alternately in the towns of Bridgton and Naples, be granted.
They also recommend that the dispensations to Mariner's Lodge, at Searsport, and Howard Lodge, at Frankfort, be extended until the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge.
They also recommend, on the petition of Fraternal Lodge, at Shapleigh, in the County of York, praying for its removal to Alfred in said county, that a dispensation be issued to them, authorizing the removal of said lodge as prayed for.
Your committee further report, in reference to Solar Lodge, No. 14, at Bath, that said lodge should retain its original number, and that the rank and precedence of said lodge, in the Grand Lodge and elsewhere, be established and confirmed from the date of its original charter.
On the subject of the petition of sundry brethren of Vassalboro', praying for the renewal of the charter of Vassalboro' Lodge, your committee report that the same be postponed to a future meeting.
William Allen,
Benjamin Kelley,
Stephen Webber,
Committee
Report read and accepted, and the several recommendations therein contained were adopted.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the further consideration
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of the report of the Committee on the Work and Lectures of the Order, by an exemplification thereof in the Master Mason's Degree; when, after devoting some time to the subject, and a press of other business being before the Grand Lodge, the following resolution was offered by Rev. Bro. Pearl and adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the further consideration of the report of the Committee on Work and Lectures be postponed until the next communication of the Grand Lodge, to be resumed at such time as shall be fixed by this Grand Body.
On motion,
Voted, That the bills of the Committee on the Work and Lectures of the Order be paid by the Grand Treasurer.
The committee appointed at the last annual communication to consider the subject of publishing the proceedings of this Grand Lodge from its first organization, and to ascertain upon what terms the copyright thereof could be disposed of, reported,
That they had not been able to dispose of the copyright, but had received the following proposition from Bros. F. W. Nichols & Co., viz: " We will print 500 copies on good paper and fair, handsome type for $499.50, or 1,000 copies for $647, provided the work does not make over 340 pages. If the book overruns, or falls short of 340 pages, the price to vary accordingly. The copy to be furnished by the Grand Lodge."
All which is respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH COVELL, Per Order.
Report read and accepted.
REPORT IN THE CASE OF GRENVILLE FLINT.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred the charges of Rising Virtue Lodge, No. 10, at Bangor, against Grenville Flint, Past Master of Meridian Splendor Lodge, No. 49, at Newport, report: That in investigating this case, they have endeavored to keep in view the landmarks of Freemasonry, and the constitution and regulations of the Grand Lodge, believing as your committee do, that misconduct in a presiding officer of a lodge is a greater offence, and more censurable, than the same act would be if committed by an individual member of the lodge not in office.
The admissions and evidence in the case were such, that your committee
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could not, as masons, come to any other decision (which was unanimous) than that Grenville Flint stand suspended from the rights and benefits of Freemasonry until the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge, in May, 1853; and if by correct masonic conduct, and by the recommendation of three worthy Master Masons, together with the approbation of the R. W. District Deputy Grand Master of the seventh masonic district, duly returned to the Grand Lodge, that the Grand Lodge then take final action as they may judge that justice may require.
The evidence in the case is herewith submitted in various copies of records and papers, numbered from one to fifteen, which the committee recommend should be placed on file.
Your committee are of the opinion that if Grenville Flint, Past Master of Meridian Splendor Lodge, had felt the obligations he was under as a mason, and informed himself as to his duties, he might have prevented all this difficulty, and saved the unpleasant sensations of the committee in investigating the subject and making this report, and the fraternity at large an irreparable injury.
Respectfully submitted,
B. F. MUDGETT,
H. G. O. WASHBURN,
JOSEPH COVELL,
Committee
This report having been read, was duly considered and discussed in the Grand Lodge, when upon motion, it was
Voted, That the same be amended by striking out so much thereof as relates to the suspension of Grenville Flint, and the presentation of recommendations, &c, to the Grand Lodge for their final action, &c, and inserting instead thereof, " That the Grand Lodge pass a vote of censure against said Grenville Flint, for highly improper and unmasonic conduct exhibited by him, while presiding as Master of Meridian Splendor Lodge."
And thereupon the report was adopted as amended.
REPORT IN THE CASE OF MERIDIAN SPLENDOR LODGE.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to whom was referred the case of Meridian Splendor Lodge, No. 49, at Newport, ask leave to report :—
The communication of Rising Virtue Lodge at Bangor, in relation to the proceedings of Meridian Splendor Lodge, presents a very palpable case of the violation of the regulations of this Grand Lodge, which, for the credit of our honorable institution, requires a thorough investigation by this Grand body. And for the purpose of presenting the case as fully to this Grand Lodge as it was to your committee, we embody the communication of Rising Virtue Lodge, which is a report of a committee of that lodge, made by our
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worthy Bros. Joseph C. Stevens, Timothy H. Morse and Jonathan Burbank and adopted by Rising Virtue Lodge, as follows:—
The committee to whom was referred the doings of Meridian Splendor Lodge, have attended to the duty assigned them, and would respectfully report the following statement of facts made by Bros. Jonathan Burbank, Silas Alden and Timothy H. Morse :
Statement of facts in relation to matters between Rising Virtue Lodge of Bangor, and Meridian Splendor Lodge of Newport, made by Jonathan Burbank.
Sometime in the winter 1850-1, Messrs. T. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey, then of this city, made application to some members of Rising Virtue Lodge, saying they had been, or were about being proposed to Meridian Splendor Lodge for initiation, and wanted a certificate in writing that they had never made application to Rising Virtue Lodge for initiation; saying, farther, that they intended soon to remove back to Palmyra (from whence they removed to Bangor some two or three years before,) and that they would rather take the degrees of masonry there than in Bangor. They were informed that no such, certificate could be given, and it would avail them nothing if they had it; but that the Grand Lodge made it the duty of Meridian Splendor Lodge to apply to Rising Virtue Lodge for its approbation and consent, and obtain the same before they (M. S. Lodge) could act on their application.
About the same time, a member of M. S. Lodge (the Secretary, I think) had a conversation with me about the matter. He also asked me concerning their application, &c. I told him they would not probably be received if they made application here. I also explained to him the rule of the Grand Lodge respecting these cases. After this, an application was made, dated March 4, 1851, which was to have been acted upon by our lodge, on Tuesday evening, March 11th, but was overlooked on account of a press of business. The next day Messrs. Tracy and Lancey called on me to know the action of our lodge. I told them the circumstances as they were; that we had a large amount of business and work on hand, which we were anxious to get through with, and therefore their application was accidentally overlooked. I told them, however, that notwithstanding our press of business, I would have called it up, if I had thought of it. I told them also that we should have another meeting on Friday evening, and I would pledge myself to call it up. They said that M. S. Lodge held its meeting on Thursday evening, at which time they were desirous of being initiated, and asked me to give them a writing to the effect that they had never made application to our lodge, saying that the Master of M. S. Lodge (Mr. Flint) told them that was all that was necessary. I told them as before, that I could not do it, and for two reasons : first, that it would be good for nothing, and secondly, it would be the means of leading M. S. Lodge into an error, and into a direct violation of the rules of the Grand Lodge, and consequently making them liable to severe censure. I showed them the rule of the Grand Lodge applicable to their case ; (I think I had done so before) and talked the matter over with them at considerable length, to their satisfaction, as I supposed. They said if they had known as much about it before, as they now did, they would have waited until they had gained a residence in Palmyra; and said, also, that they should let the whole matter rest until they should gain such residence.
On Friday evening the subject was brought up, and here is an extract from the records : " Communication of Meridian Splendor Lodge, asking the consent of this lodge to confer the honors of masonry upon P. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey (said Tracy and Lancey being residents of this city) being read. Voted, unanimously, that this lodge do not consent to the same." The meeting of M. S. Lodge on Thursday, was their regular meeting, at which time their officers were installed. Some of the members of Rising Virtue Lodge were present. The names of P. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey were brought up to be balloted for. Objections were made by Bro. Silas Alden
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of this city, who was present, and whose statement is hereunto annexed. Next came the initiation. This was also objected to as being contrary to the rules of the Grand Lodge.
(See Bro. Morse's statement annexed.)
It seems that notwithstanding the above named objections, and having the Grand Lodge rules in their lodge, the Master pretended he was ignorant of them, and proceeded to initiate the two men, one of whom was so drunk he could not walk without assistance, or hardly stand up without some support. What a situation to say " his trust is in God! "
At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge in May, 1851, which I attended, I was fully prepared with the necessary papers and determined to bring the subject before the Grand Lodge.
Flint was exceedingly anxious that nothing should be done about it. I had several conversations with him on the subject, he saying all the while that he was ignorant of that rule of the Grand Lodge. Bro. Lewis Barker, who was present, and proxy of Meridian Splendor Lodge, made the following suggestion:
" That inasmuch as the D. D. G. Master had not mentioned the subject in his report, and there was but little doubt that Flint was ignorant of the rule of the Grand Lodge, and that one object of Burbank was to stop the two men (Tracy and Lancey), they being unworthy, it might look like begging a quarrel on the part of Burbank, and, therefore, Flint should agree that neither of those men should go any further, and Burbank should drop the matter where it was."
To this, Flint and myself both agreed,—Flint pledging to me his word and honor as a mason that P. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey should go no further.
Here it was hoped and expected the matter would end; but in a very few months, to my utter astonishment, I heard from a reliable source that P. H. Tracy bad been crafted and raised in Meridian Splendor Lodge, and by the same Flint who had pledged his word and honor as a mason that they should go no further. After I heard of the crafting and raising of Tracy, I saw Bro Barker and asked him if that was according to his understanding of the agreement between Flint and myself, made at the Grand Lodge ? He answered No, but it was directly contrary to it, and Flint had abused the confidence reposed in him.
JONA. BURBANK.
Bangor, April 21, 1852.
SILAS ALDEN'S STATEMENT.
Bro. Jonathan Burbank,
Sir:—Agreeable to your request, I hereby make a simple statement of what I personally heard and witnessed of the proceedings and doings of Meridian Splendor Lodge, No. 49, Newport, Me., on the l0th of March, 1851, in relation to the balloting for and initiation of Confucius Lancey and P. H. Tracy, both then or very lately of the city of Bangor. At the time above stated, I visited said lodge in company with our worthy Brother Timothy H. Morse, then D. D. G. Master of this district; was introduced to Brother Grenville Flint, the then acting Master of said lodge.
Before entering the lodge room, the names of the two individuals above named were mentioned as having been proposed to said lodge for initiation. The time when they were to be balloted for, if my memory serves me right, was not then talked of. Bro. Flint was then informed that the members of Rising Virtue Lodge, No. 10, Bangor, would not consent (as their characters then stood in Bangor) to their initiation.
I was in the lodge room when the lodge was opened, and immediately after the two names above named were brought up to be balloted for.
The first ballot was taken for Mr. Lancey, and one negative reported. A short discussion ensued. I rose and stated to the lodge that the characters
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of the candidates did not stand well in Bangor, and at the same time gave it as my opinion that the lodge had better defer further action until, at least, they could obtain the consent of Rising Virtue Lodge (the candidates being considered then by some as legal citizens of Bangor), therefore Meridian Splendor Lodge had no proper or legal right to entertain applications for initiation from said applicants.
My advice was not accepted. Mr. Lancey was again balloted for with same result as before. Some further discussion ensued, in which the father of the said Lancey took quite an active part. The then acting S. Warden
(Bro.------) then rose and voluntarily stated that he cast the negative
ballot. Again a short discussion. The brother who cast the negative ballot then asked to be excused from further voting and it was granted. The ballot was again taken and declared clear. Mr. Tracy was then balloted for, and the ballot declared clear.
Immediately after this, the D. D. G. Master was announced, and introduced into the lodge. Soon after being seated, he was invited to take the chair and confer the degree of E. A. on two candidates then in waiting, but soon learning who the candidates were declined doing it. The candidates were introduced, and the degree of E. A. conferred on them, Lancey being,
to all appearance, thoroughly under the influence of liquor, and decidedly in an improper state to be initiated into a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. After this improper scene, the R. W. D. D. Grand Master severely reprimanded the lodge for such doings and left the lodge room. I immediately followed. The Senior Warden soon came out and said that the candidates should not take the other degrees. Then we left them.
Fraternally yours,
Bangor, April 21, 1852. SILAS ALDEN.
P. S. The above statement of the case is as near the true facts as I can well recollect.
TIMOTHY H. MORSE'S STATEMENT.
Bro. Burbank,
Sir:—Agreeable to your request to me to make a statement of what I know of the proceedings of Meridian Splendor Lodge of Newport, in relation to the initiation of P. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey, I would say that on the 13th of March, 1851, I visited Meridian Splendor Lodge in the capacity of D. D. G. Master. Bro. Flint was introduced to me as their W. M., prior to his opening his lodge; and in conversation I stated to him you had assured me, that it was through the multiplicity of business before Rising Virtue Lodge that their communication was forgotten, and that it should be attended to on the morrow evening, which would only make a delay of three days; and as there was no urgency in the case, I thought that should be satisfactory. I also gave it as my opinion that Rising Virtue Lodge would not consent to their being initiated, as they were not such men as they would be willing to receive within their own body ; and here I supposed the matter would rest. On entering the lodge, however, I was invited to take the chair and confer the degree of E. A. on two candidates then in waiting, to which I readily consented ; but on subsequent inquiry found, to my no small surprise, that the candidates were the above named Tracy and Lancey. On learning this fact I refused to have anything to do with the affair, and protested against their proceeding further, saying to Bro Flint that he was liable to be dealt with by the Grand Lodge for a violation of its rules and orders; to which he replied that they had never received a copy of the rules and orders of the Grand Lodge nor had he ever seen them. A copy I had sent that lodge (directed to Bro. Flint), was then lying on a settee a few feet from us, which I requested a brother to hand me, and called Bro. Flint's attention to the article alluded to. But here was a dilemma. The Junior Deacon had signified his readiness to introduce the candidates; and now for the first time, Bro. Flint showed a willingness to take counsel, and asked
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what he should do, to which I answered that I had no further advice to give.
Bro. Flint then proceeded to initiate the candidates; Lancey being so drunk at the time as to render it difficult for him to either walk or speak.
After this disgusting scene, I left the hall, fully satisfied that it was my duty to report to the Grand Lodge the loose and reckless manner in which their business was transacted; but a number of what I considered to be the most respectable portion of the lodge, followed me, and among them, I think, the Senior Warden, and begged that I would not carry the matter further, pledging themselves that the candidates should stop where they were, and that they would so manage their affairs in future, that neither R. V. nor any other lodge should have cause of complaint.
Hoping and expecting that these pledges would be sacredly kept, and for some other reasons not necessary here to name, I was silent in my report to the Grand Lodge, on this matter.
Bangor, April 21, 1852. TIMOTHY H. MORSE.
P. S. I should have added that there are many worthy masons in that lodge, who, for want of masonic knowledge, have consented to be governed by a few less temperate and discreet. T. H. M.
From the evidence furnished your committee in the foregoing certificates, they cannot refrain from expressing the opinion that Rising Virtue Lodge has just cause to complain of the want of masonic courtesy and fair treatment on the part of Meridian Splendor Lodge, calculated to excite disunion, cause jealousies and a prostration of that good feeling, masonic friendship and brotherhood, which should ever exist among the members of our fraternity, and is so essential to the prosperity and perpetuity of our institution.
From the subjoined certificates, it appears that said Meridian Splendor Lodge, situated in the town of Newport, has, contrary to all masonic usage, and in open violation of the rules of the Grand Lodge, assumed the right to make masons of two notoriously disqualified inhabitants of the City of Bangor, without the consent of said Rising Virtue Lodge, and against the counsel and advice of the members, and the remonstrance of the D. D. G. Master, then present.
In this aspect of the case, with the accompanying evidence submitted, and in the entire absence of any extenuating circumstances, your committee deem it unnecessary to make further comments upon a transaction so palpably reckless in itself, subversive of all harmony and brotherly love, and at variance with the long established usages, customs and ancient landmarks of Freemasonry; and would therefore submit for adoption by this lodge, the following resolutions:
1st. Resolved, That when a masonic institution of our state shall wilfully derelict from common courtesy, the laws of the Grand Lodge, and the ancient customs and landmarks of the order, it ceases to promote that harmony so essential to our prosperity.
2d. Resolved, That this lodge cannot recognize or fellowship any lodge, that will knowingly and wilfully, violate the rules of the Grand Lodge.
3d. Resolved, That Meridian Splendor Lodge, by her unmasonic acts, has wilfully violated the principles of masonry, and knowingly infringed upon the rights of Rising Virtue Lodge, and thus casting a reproach upon our institution, and according to all masonic usage, has forfeited her charter, and that the usefulness and respectability of our order requires that the same should be annulled by the Grand Lodge.
4th. Resolved, That Grenville Flint, as Master of Meridian Splendor Lodge, having acted in bad faith in violating his solemn and masonic pledge to R. W. Bro. Jonathan Burbank, as Master of Rising Virtue Lodge, is no longer a worthy mason, and should cease to be known as such.
5th. Resolved, That our delegates be instructed to present a certified copy of the foregoing statement of facts, and the doings of this lodge thereon, to the Grand Lodge, at their annual communication, and urge the importance
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of prompt and efficient action in the premises, and a revocation of the charter of Meridian Splendor Lodge.
J. C. Stevens,
Timothy H. Morse,
Jona Burbank,
Committee
Your committee hoped to be able to report an answer to these charges, that might mitigate the great wrong evidently committed by the M. S. Lodge. Your committee had placed in their hands a number of statements from members of M. S. Lodge, tending to show that R. W. Bro. Morse must have been mistaken as to the time he visited M. S. Lodge that evening; that it was after Lancey was introduced, and before Tracy. But it is not denied that R. W. Bro. Morse conversed with Bro. Flint previous to the opening of the lodge ; and that Bro. Alden was in the lodge and opposed the proceedings, so that M. S. Lodge had timely notice that they were proceeding wrongfully
The point in the defence was, that Bro. Flint and the members of M. S. Lodge were unacquainted with the regulations of the Grand Lodge; and there are a number of statements to that effect in the hands of the committee ; but these statements conflict palpably with the proceedings of M. S. Lodge, in their application, made by the Master, Grenville Flint, to R. V. Lodge for permission to confer the degrees upon Tracy and Lancey, dated March 4th.
The first meeting of R. W. Lodge after this was received, was March 11th and acted upon March 14th, and voted unanimously not to give consent, and a certified copy sent to M. S. Lodge March 17th, and Tracy and Lancey were initiated March 13th. From these and other facts in the case, your committee cannot come to any other conclusion than that M. S. Lodge proceeded in this matter in bad faith towards R. V. Lodge, with a full knowledge of the wrong they were committing.
After carefully examining the whole matter, and considering it in all its bearings, your committee have unanimously come to the conclusion that the transactions of M. S. Lodge in these particulars, were willful violations of the regulations of the Grand Lodge, and of masonic duty.
We therefore recommend that M. S. Lodge, be suspended till our next annual communication,—Charter, Seal, Records, Jewels and other property delivered up to the D. D. G. Master of the 7th Masonic District, and to be kept under the direction of the Grand Master until ordered to be restored to said lodge by this Grand Lodge; and that if, at the next annual communication of this Grand Lodge, the members of M. S. Lodge shall present the recommendation of the two lodges nearest to them, approved by the D. D. G. Masters, with evidence of reformation, this Grand Lodge will then consider the propriety of restoring them the charter, &c., and empowering them to resume work.
B. F. Mudgett,
H. G. O. Washburn,
Committee
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The foregoing report having been read, was duly considered and discussed in the Grand Lodge, when, on motion, it was
Voted, That the same be amended by striking out so much thereof as relates to the suspension of said M. S. Lodge, and the surrender of its Charter, Records, Seal, &c., &c., and inserting instead thereof, " That this Grand Lodge pass a vote of censure against said M. S. Lodge, for highly improper and unmasonic conduct in relation to the acceptance and initiation of P. H. Tracy and Confucius Lancey, as exhibited before the committee, and set forth in their report aforesaid."
And thereupon the report was accepted as amended.
report in case of george nichols.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to which was referred the appeal of George Nichols from a sentence of expulsion passed against him by Meridian Splendor Lodge, No. 49, at Newport, after hearing and considering the evidence in the case, are satisfied, and report that, in their opinion, the charges against said George Nichols are not sustained, nor do any sufficient reasons appear why said lodge should, in the exercise of masonic charity, expel said Nichols from the honors and benefits of Masonry.
Your committee are of opinion, however, that the said George Nichols has been too unguarded in his conversations with individual masons and others, and recommend that he be reprimanded by the Grand Master; and in case he shall make a suitable apology, they recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That Bro. George Nichols be, and he is hereby restored to all the rights and benefits of Freemasonry.
B. F. Mudgett,
H. G. O. Washburn,
Joseph Covell,
Committee
Report read and accepted, and the resolution adopted. Called off until 8 o'clock p. m.
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 7, 1852.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 8 o'clock p. m. The M. W. Grand Master in the chair.
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