Masons' Hall, Portland, May 7, 1852 - Continued
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On motion,
Voted, That, in addition to reasonable notice in one or more public newspapers, the Grand Secretary be required hereafter to notify all meetings of the Grand Lodge, by addressing circulars to the several officers and permanent members thereof, and one also to each subordinate lodge, stating therein the time when their returns should be made, dues paid, &c.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, to whom was referred the memorial of L. H. Green and others, members of Hermon Lodge, at Gardiner, made a report thereon, which was read and discussed, and thereupon, on motion, it was
Voted, That the subject be indefinitely postponed.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum of twenty dollars be appropriated and paid to R. W. Bro. Henry EL Boody, for his services as Grand Treasurer the past year.
On motion,
Voted, To appropriate a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars for the purchase of blank diplomas, under the direction of the Grand Secretary.
No further business being offered, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
Attest, CHARLES B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
GRAND MASTER'S ADDRESS.
R. W. Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Maine:
I meet you at this annual communication with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Under the watchful care of the Great Architect of the Universe we have been preserved during another year, and are permitted once more to assemble in Grand Lodge under the most gratifying auspices, to deliberate upon measures most intimately connected with the welfare of the order. In watching over the masonic interest committed to my charge, I have endeavored (so far as my feeble abilities would permit) " to keep our fair
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fabric in good and healthful condition," and now submit to you an account of my stewardship during the last year, and will avail myself of the opportunity to make suggestions or recommendations for future action, as I may think the good of the craft requires.
It will be recollected that a dispensation was issued to Blue Mountain Lodge on the 12th of July, 1850, and that at the annual communication in May last, it was continued in force until the present time. Consequently, further action will be necessary for the legal existence of that lodge at the present convocation. On the 23d day of October last, a dispensation was issued to Bros. M. R. Hopkins and als., for a new lodge at Searsport, called Mariners' Lodge, and also on the 28th day of November last past, a dispensation was issued to Bros. A. L. Dennison and als., for a new lodge at Frankfort, both of which dispensations will be for such action of the Grand Lodge as they, in their wisdom, may think proper.
The committee which was chosen at the last annual communication to revise the work and lectures, with a view to uniformity, have been devoting much "time, patience and perseverance" to accomplish that object, and from the intelligence and masonic knowledge of the brethren who compose it, I anticipate a favorable result. The question will then present itself in what manner the lectures and work shall be dispensed among the subordinate lodges, and permit me to say (without recommending any particular mode among the many ways which may be adopted) that, in my opinion, they can never be disseminated with any degree of correctness with what scattering crumbs the members may pick up and retain at this or any other convention of the Grand Lodge. Therefore, if it is intended that any permanent good shall result from the labors of your committee, there ought to be some method adopted by the Grand Lodge, to transmit the desired information to the subordinate lodges.
" Material aid " is one of the great purposes of Masonry, and to possess this, some clear, definite and permanent system should be adopted by the subordinate lodges as well as by the Grand Lodge to procure it. I know of no better way than for the Grand Lodge to take some action upon the subject, whereby a certain portion of the income of the subordinate lodges shall be funded for this particular object, and the interest appropriated for that purpose only. The lodges will then have something that they can rely upon, and be able to fulfill in a measure one of the obligations we are under to " help, aid and assist all poor and distressed masons, their wives and children, widows and orphans." And in the belief that the Grand Lodge would entertain a project of this kind, I did, on the first day of January last, issue the following circular to the D. D. G. Masters under this jurisdiction:
Brunswick, Jan. 1, 1852. Dear Sir and Brother:—I would respectfully suggest to you the propriety of ascertaining, so far as you conveniently can, from each of the lodges under your jurisdiction, the particular state and condition of their funds, and how they are managed, with a view to communicate this information to
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the Grand Lodge in your report at the next annual communication, in order that the Grand Lodge may be enabled to judge of the propriety of adopting some general regulation for a permanent Charity Fund, to be maintained by each subordinate lodge in the state, that shall not be liable to be encroached upon for other purposes.
I would suggest some questions to the lodges, which you can adopt if you think proper, or take your own method for ascertaining the facts.
What is the date of your charter ?
Have you any fund called a Charity Fund ?
What is the amount of your Charity Fund 1
How long has it been maturing ?
How did it accumulate ?
Do you ever encroach on the principal, either for charity or otherwise ? By whom is your fund managed ?
When you receive pay for initiating, crafting and raising a candidate, to what account do you credit the proceeds ?
If a part of it goes to the credit of the Grand Lodge—how much ? If to Charity Fund—how much ? And if to your incidental expenses—how much ? Or is it all credited to one general account?
Please state about what amount is distributed by your lodge annually for charitable purposes.
Do the members of your lodge pay quarterages ?
How much does each member pay yearly ?
Will the amount received meet your current expenses ?
Other pertinent questions may present themselves to your good judgment, proper to elicit the information desired, in regard to the financial concerns of the lodges.
Your attention to procure the foregoing information, to be used in the contingency indicated, will oblige
Yours fraternally,
JNO. C. HUMPHREYS, Grand Master.
It would have afforded me much pleasure to have been able to have visited more of the lodges throughout the state, during the last year; but the necessity for this has been obviated by the attentions of the D. D. G. Masters in the several masonic districts, who, I have no doubt, have exercised due diligence in the discharge of this very important duty.
In the discharge of the ordinary duties connected with my office, and in answering the various communications from different parts of the state, asking for information on subjects to which a correct decision is necessary for the well being of the institution, I have sought to adhere to the ancient "Landmarks" of the order, so far as my knowledge and ability would permit. If I have in any instance departed from this course, it was not intentional, because I consider one of the greatest beauties of the order is its antiquity. As I have been taught to believe, " that it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry," so I would wish to practice, and recommend a strict adherence to this principle to our whole fraternity,
You will be favored, as usual, with much valuable and interesting information from your able and talented Committee on Foreign Correspondence, and I have no doubt this Grand Lodge will feel under renewed obligations for the continuance of their labors with the masonic family through the civilized world.
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One other subject I have to present to your consideration, although unpleasant to me, yet as Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, it becomes my duty to set forth the facts as near as my memory and correspondence on the subject will permit, not only to justify my own official action in the premises but for the purpose of having justice rendered to all concerned; and with the confident hope that where the sound of the " Gavel " has been silenced, it may again be heard, and peace and good fellowship restored.
As the subject referred to relates to matters of difference existing in a subordinate lodge, within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, I propose to submit a separate report* thereon for your consideration.
All which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, Grand Master.
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*The Grand Master deems it unnecessary to publish this report in detail. It refers to differences in Adoniram Lodge, alluded to in the report of a select committee. See page 218.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence are again permitted to present their annual report, and with devout acknowledgments, to recognize the continued care of a Divine and watchful Providence for the interests and prosperity of our cherished institution. The All-Seeing Eye that slumbers not, neither grows weary, has watched over the progress and prosperity of the masonic order in our loved country, and the favoring smiles which have cheered our pilgrimage, and shed light on our pathway, should inspire us with devout thankfulness. In view of the cheering intelligence which comes to us from almost every masonic jurisdiction, we have abundant reason to " thank God and take courage." Your committee are favored with Grand Lodge communications from Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennesssee, Delaware, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas and California. Also from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada West. We are also favored with various addresses and communications, illustrating the state and progress of the order. The East thus re-
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ceives salutations from the West, the North, the South and the broad central valley, showing that the great heart of our country is warm and vital with the strong pulsations of masonic life, and luminous with masonic light and intelligence. It is delightful to witness the increasing zeal and success from year to year of our fraternity in all parts of our country, and to see the happy fruits of well directed labor in promoting what is good and pure and right in all branches of this wide spread family. In our former reports we have felt called upon to deplore some lingering evils and trials of masonic faith and patience and charity in the jurisdictions of a few of our sister Grand Lodges. We have thought it a clear though unpleasant duty to enter somewhat earnestly into the examination of perplexing questions and controversies which had agitated branches of the masonic family, particularly in New York and Louisiana. The Grand Lodges of these states had been rent and marred by the unhallowed workings of human frailty, passion and prejudice, which masonic discipline ought to have healed, or prevented, so as not to disturb the peace and harmony of the great family, or require fraternal chastisement or rebuke. In dealing frankly with the controversies and faults which have thus called our attention, and bestowing censure and reproof as we have believed was due, we have taken far less pleasure than we feel in recording the restoration of harmony, and the new career of prosperity on which the Grand Lodges of these sister states are now entering.
In some of the new states of the Union there is evidence of delightful progress and prosperity. The Grand Lodge of Michigan, which had its day of trial, now sends us a beautiful copy of her proceedings at the annual communication in Detroit, Jan. 14, 1852. She has a list of forty-four subordinates with charters, and six under dispensation. Nearly all of the lodges were represented, and a noble address in opening was given by the Grand Master, one or two passages of which we submit for your consideration :
"Impressed with the solemn duties and responsibilities of our position, standing as we do, at the end of the old, and the commencement of a new masonic year, it is emphatically ' good to be here. ' It is a salient point in the tide of time, that here, each for himself and all together, may profitably pause and commune with the past—with the present—with ourselves—with our fellows. We should carefully inspect the work we have done; try its foundation, strength and proportions by our strict masonic test; examine well the main pillars of the mighty edifice we are rearing—its foundations— its proportions and its workmanship, and then carefully inquire when and where we can best enlarge, elevate, strengthen, beautify and adorn this great temple of humanity in all coming time. With this moral discipline faithfully performed, and with an humble confidence in God, the soul and centre of our system—under the guidance of the light of His revealed word, as the man of our counsel, we may safely push forward, with the Ark of our Covenant, into the dark night of the future, fearing no danger. Should clouds and darkness settle on our pathway, they will soon melt under the bright effulgence of the ' blazing star,' radiant with light and hope—with joy and gladness.
" My Brethren : We avow ourselves masons, and by being here, we also avow ourselves firm believers in the benignity of the mission of Masonry to
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man. When darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, the genius of Masonry stepped forth and lit her torch at the altar of divinity, and went forth in strength and beauty, on a great and glorious mission of love and charity among the children of men. At her approach, science ' clapped her hands and shouted for joy,' and with renewed energy arose to pursue her onward course, and unfolded the great truths which nature, in her mighty works, teaches to man. She planted schools, and kindled within them the fires of philosophy and literature. She measured the earth and brought to light the hidden Eureka, and in the exuberance of her joy she leaped from earth to sky, and there, by the aid of astronomy, counted, named and measured the starry host. The arts, too, arose and shook themselves from the dust of ages, and by her light and power conquered the obstacles of nature that surrounded her, and finally erected on Mount Moriah, a temple to the living God, the grandest triumph—the proudest trophy the world ever saw! But Masonry stopped not here—onward she sped her way, among the nations of the earth, of every kindred, tribe and tongue, —humanizing, harmonizing, socializing and civilizing all. And yet each year's history of the world gives us increasing and unerring evidence that her mission is not ended. She has done much, still, much remains to be done; she must paralyze the tongue of personal slander; she must extract the scorpion sting of envy, hatred and malice; she must hush the fierce collisions of unhallowed ambition of nations and individuals ; she must, by the purity of her precepts and by the virtue of her practice, bind in one common brotherhood the whole family of man. Then, and not till then, will her mission be ended, her triumph complete."
WISCONSIN.
The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin presents an array of thirty lodges in a prosperous condition, and seems to give promise of fulfilling its noble destiny, to which allusion was made in a former report. The W. G. Master, in his opening address, more than a year since, thus spoke :
" Our hearts are irresistibly led on to pour out our grateful thanks, our boundless praises, to the Supreme Architect of the world, for all his manifold benefactions to the creatures of his will. In responding with expanding delight to such a call, and in humbly acknowledging the extent of bene-. fits conferred by the hand of our heavenly Father on each of us individually, let us also devoutly pray for the continuance of all his blessings on the whole fraternity of man.
"Such is a part of our duty as masons; and in the full exercise of that duty will be found a faithful performance of all the obligations which man owes to his fellowman. Not alone the discharge of such duties as one brother of the mystic tie may rightfully be called upon to render unto another; not the limited extension of kindly acts, of charitable deeds, of heart cheering sympathies, of healing consolations and of timely and properly administered admonitions to those alone to whom the lights of our order are known, and with whom we have long sojourned in the same dwelling and traveled in the same path, fraternally; but the free diffusion of all the noble charities of our order, in word and in deed, to the whole family of man."
INDIANA.
The Grand Lodge of Indiana enrolls one hundred and twenty-two chartered lodges and thirteen under dispensation; giving evidence of rapid growth and prosperity. We indulge the hope that her moral growth and
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masonic discipline may keep pace with the increase of her members. The address of the Grand Master embraces a subject of special interest, which we give in his own language :
"As American citizens, we all know that the settlement of the northwest —the thrilling adventures of those pioneers who first pitched their tents in this vast wilderness—forms one of the most brilliant pages in our history. While we venerate the memories and admire the heroic actions of those who founded our eastern empire, we feel equally grateful to those who founded the western. Among both were individuals not only illustrious for their virtues, intelligence and patriotism, but many among them, and those too of prominence and efficiency, were ardently attached to the principles and landmarks of Freemasonry. True devotion to the great interests of humanity were the leading influences which moved them. Though acting in different localities and by different circumstances, they all breathed the same spirit; and as genuine craftsmen, were animated by the same lofty hopes and noble aspirations of the soul, whether on the shores of the Atlantic or Chesapeake, or on the banks of the Hudson or Potomac, Ohio or Wabash. It has been the fortune of Freemasonry, in all past time, to have enrolled in her archives a large number of these honored names, connected with human progress and advancement; but in no land is there a brighter and a purer registry than ours. In the western galaxy of departed worth and usefulness our stars cluster thickly, while we rejoice that the names of our brethren who were conspicuous in the early settlement of our Atlantic, transmontane regions have been handed down to us, and while we acknowledge our obligations to them, not only for their heroic examples but their sacrifices, we cannot but regret our past indifference in not preserving the masonic history of many eminent individuals in the west. Much of this history is of a deeply interesting nature, and is connected with the most exciting scenes of frontier adventure. Of this, as a portion of the northwest, Indiana has been in times past an important theatre. Some two years ago, we called the attention of the Grand Lodge to the subject of our masonic history, both in its civil and military relations and aspects. The intimation was favorably received by the Grand Lodge, and a distinguished historian of our own state was appointed a committee to perform this duty. Had he been able to have done it, there can be no doubt but that it would have been much more acceptable than in its present form. In consequence of his inability and the rapidly approaching time of our Grand Communication and the dedication of our hall, as it was deemed important to have as much information as could be collected in regard to those brethren who came in early times with the great lights into this wilderness, we have endeavored to gather up and arrange the fragments in as much order as possible."
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence notice with cordial approval our report on the New York difficulties and the resolutions adopted by this Grand Lodge, sustaining the Grand Lodge of which J. D. Willard was then Grand Master.
ILLINOIS.
Illinois also gives us a list of ninety-five chartered lodges and twenty under dispensation. The acting Grand Master thus speaks of his jurisdiction:
"As a society, the Grand Lodge of Illinois has cause for thankfulness and rejoicing. No previous year has shown such prosperity among our subordinate lodges, as the one now drawing to a close. Good men and true are knocking at our doors and obtaining admittance. New lodges are springing into existence in various portions of our state, and the sound of the gavel is
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now heard where but a short time since no signs of civilization could be distinguished. Ignorant and malevolent opposition have in a great degree ceased, and no danger need now be apprehended from without. But if ever the beautiful columns of our masonic edifice are to be broken or defaced, the vandal hand that strikes the blow will come from within its sacred courts. How important, then, that the entrance to our sanctum sanctorum should be guarded against the approach of the unworthy. How important that our membership should ever hear in mind that too great care cannot be exercised in selecting the material with which to construct our noble fabric, so that its ' several parts will fit with exactness.'
" But while we have canse for thankfulness, my brethren, we have also cause to mourn. In passing along the journey of life, we are constantly reminded of the stern lesson that ' we are born to die.' Since our last annual communication this warning has been again repeated to us. Our Grand Master is no more ! He who occupied the highest place within our gift has passed from his labors on earth, we confidently trust, to everlasting refreshment in the paradise of God."
The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence is well prepared, giving a brief notice of the Grand Lodges of some fifteen states, and paying a generous compliment to the Grand Lodge of Maine. They copy nearly a page from our last year's proceedings, which they say " are well prepared and are very interesting to the craft." They are pleased to say of us, " Our brethren 'away down East' are alive to every good word and work in Masonry. The Foreign Correspondence Committee presented an able and masterly report." They copy with high approval the remarks we last year submitted in behalf of our National and Masonic Union, in connection with the national monument now being erected to the memory of the Father of his Country.
IOWA.
Iowa has twenty-eight chartered lodges, and three under dispensation, although the Grand Lodge is but eight years old. In his address, the Grand Master says:
" An anniversary like the present, presents an occasion upon which, individually and collectively, we can, so to speak, stand still in our journey of life, and hold communion with our inmost souls, and seriously and soberly ask,' Is it well with thee ?' And if the glad response comes back, sincerely and conscientiously, ' It is well,' then, with a determination to overcome all that is evil, so that when the time of our departure is at hand, we may say, 'I have fought a good tight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.' " * * * " In relation to the transactions of the year past, I have but little information to give you. Freemasonry within this jurisdiction has proceeded steadily onward; its course has been marked by no unnatural growth, indicating a diseased, instead of a healthy state of the body politic. The additions to our number have been, many of them, I hope all, such as we may well be proud of, and such as will insure the prosperity and perpetuity of our order in this state."
TEXAS.
The course of masonry in Texas is onward, and adapted to do much to advance and elevate that new state. The Grand Lodge has about seventy
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subordinates. The Grand Master was detained from meeting the Grand Lodge, by feeble health. In a brief communication to that body, he says:
" Nothing could have been more gratifying to me, after the flattering compliment paid me of elevating me to my present office, than to have met you, and I fully intended to have done so until very recently, when exposure during the past inclement weather, has rendered me unable to leave home, and I am further admonished by my advanced years, that my work will soon have to be brought to a close in these temples of mortality, in which I have endeavored to labor with zeal and fervency, almost to the limit of three score years and ten, and to leave to those who may follow, the principles of an order, whose blessings have extended and been felt over the whole world, and if more talent and ability abound in your councils than is possessed by your bumble brother, none can lay his hand on his breast and say that he has been either more zealous or ardent."
The Committee of Correspondence pay a handsome compliment to the Grand Lodge of Maine.
CALIFORNIA.
From California, too, we have cheering intelligence, in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge for May and November, 1851. There are now fourteen subordinate lodges in a prosperous state, and though severely taxed to meet the sickness and sufferings to which they referred in a communication last year, they are still courageous and hopeful. The Grand Master's communication in November thus speaks of their affairs:
" In reviewing the progress the order has made since first established, a few months back, in this state, there is, indeed, much to excite in us gratitude and pleasure. In the goodness of the Most High, our institution has prospered beyond our most sanguine expectations, and not only in this far west, but throughout the civilized world ; although for a long period assailed in other states by persecutions, she has gloriously triumphed, and silently, though surely, have we witnessed its progress ; bringing in its train wherever established, peace to the hearts of its followers, carrying love to the families of its members, suppressing vice, producing peace and good-will, and tending, especially by its influence, to alleviate the sufferings of hundreds, who, without friends or means, found on their arrival here, those who, although strangers, were yet brothers; brothers ready and willing to minister to the utmost of their abilities, to their necessities incident to coming to a strange and far off country, far from home, overcome by appalling sickness and disease, engendered and consequent on tedious travel, and beggared by its consequences. The glorious and glad work of charity thus begun is still on its onward march, and will triumph so long as the duties inculcated by us are adhered to, and little fear need be entertained but that the principles of our institution will remain pure and unsullied, so long as we abide by its peculiar discipline; and the hopes that such will always be so, should animate us to persevere in the path to which it leads and instructs."
OREGON.
Oregon has recently formed a Grand Lodge, and commenced its masonic career with encouraging prospects. We wish prosperity to those who are planting the institutions of Christian civilization on the shores of the Pacific,
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and bid them God-speed in every effort to raise high their standard and fling their banner to the breeze, inscribing on its ample folds the emblems of Masonry as well as the stars of empire.
While the new states are thus entering on their masonic labors with all the vigor of youth, the old states are not relaxing their efforts, but increasing in all the attributes of masonic excellence.
KENTUCKY.
Among these, Kentucky holds a conspicuous rank. In his address in
August, 1851, the Grand Master thus spoke :
"For many years, Masonry continued gradually to extend itself with the extension of our population. At length a storm, terrible in our annals, burst upon our time-honored institution; and, whilst clouds and darkness enveloped it, the thunder and lightnings of popular fury and prejudice were let loose, and played fearfully against the ancient walls of our masonic temple. During its prevalence, the spirit of desolation spread her blighting influence over us, and many of our lodges ceased to work. But, when at length the storm had swept by, and its fury passed away, hope planted her rainbow colors on the dark and fleeting clouds; the breaches in our temple walls were rebuilt, and far brighter prospects gradually beamed upon the craft, as the sound of the gavel was again distinctly heard. The genius of Masonry arose again purified by the effects of the tempest that had passed over her. A higher tone of moral feeling pervaded the order, its principles and the duties arising out of them were better understood, and the institution has continued to advance steadily, until it has become more magnificent, from its extent and wide-spread usefulness."
Kentucky has two hundred and twenty-nine chartered lodges, and twenty new ones have been organized under dispensation, during the year ending in August. The cause of education and the masonic university of Kentucky, occupy a conspicuous place in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. An address before the Grand Lodge, by W. M. O. Smith, is also published, unfolding views of deep interest in connection with the history and principles of Freemasonry. His closing remarks in relation to the order of Knights Templar, we submit, as worthy of attention:
" What is to be done ? Are mankind to grope along in their progression surrounded by darkness and curses ? The promise made to Eve says no. The Jewish religion by its types and shadows, says no. The prophet says no. Our order says no; and the last degree in Masonry points to the grand final accomplishment of the promise, when the Son of God appeared as man on this earth—took steps for the restoration and redemption of man—made an atonement by offering himself a sacrifice for man's sin—and when his great work was completed—
" ' The rising God forsook the tomb, In vain the tomb forbade his rise; Cherubic legions guard him home. And shout him welcome to the skies.'
" The last degree of Masonry—the degree of Knight Templar—stands alone the only one in the series relating to this grand event—the others all point to it. But when you have taken and studied them all, you have been studying but types and shadows—speculative Masonry all pointing to this degree and
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the events upon which it is founded. There is nothing speculative about this degree. These were actual occurrences, and you have now at last got to the point in Masonry where you see the Greatest Light of Masonry—the means of salvation—and the last and only hope for the restoration of mankind to the image of their Creator.
" I need not remind you that the order of Knights Templar was originally a military and benevolent order, established to protect and furnish succor and assistance to the Christian pilgrims who visited the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. When the war of the Crusades was declared, the order had increased in numbers and wealth to such an extent that they took the field, beaded by their Grand Master, and their valor was attested in characters of blood on many a well fought field. ' Whatever was splendid in deeds of chivalry—whatever was gallant and great in the early ages of refinement— sprung from these noble orders. They taught the courtesies and graces of life —took from war its ferocity and from passion its sensuality. They rescued the female world from degradation and extended charity to the unfortunate; and when at last, as was supposed, the order was about to be extinguished, hundreds of them suffered martyrdom because they would not confess crimes of which they were innocent, and died firm in their faith and principles/ Need I remind you what those principles were. Every Knight Templar knows them; and though we live in an age when the religion of Jesus does not have to be protected by, nor the honor of females guarded at the point of the sword, yet we as men need the redeeming influences of that religion. Our teachings all point that out as the grand consummation of Freemasonry; yes, not only of Freemasonry but of every other institution that is worth anything—for upon the events on which this last degree is founded depends the restoration of mankind and the world.
" And is the Christian religion adequate to the task ? Look how mankind have been advancing, morally, politically, socially, since the tragedy of Calvary. Each age has far outstripped the age previous—if we except a few ages called the dark, when wicked men undertook to regulate the mighty influences of this holy religion, and take it in their keeping. Thank God, these ages are long past. Religious freedom is extending over the world, and in its wake civil liberty; science and Christianity, which at one time were supposed to be enemies, now go hand in hand in the great work of progression and restoration. Man's efforts are becoming gigantic in every department, compared with what they used to be. Not only as in Eden do the beasts of the earth bow submissive to his will, but steam and lightning are his servants—do his bidding—and carry his messages with the rapidity of thought. Even old mother earth, so long cursed, under new and improved systems of agriculture, is sending forth fruit and flowers where used to be thistles and thorns. Mountains are scaled—cut down or cut through—if they stand in the way of man's progress. The ends of the world are brought together and the nations of the earth have social intercourse in Glass Palaces. Education is no longer locked up, to be used only by the favored few who bold the golden key, but is becoming as free as God's air. Christianity, and with it civilization, liberty and improvement, are extending over the world, and will continue to extend, on and on, until mankind shall be free, happy and good—until the earth is restored, and (in the eloquent words of Bascom,) 'Eden be revived on every barren heath.'"
NORTH CAROLINA.
The Grand Lodge of North Carolina has one hundred and thirty-six subordinates. The Grand Master in his address to the Grand Lodge says :
" We continue to receive from the bands of a kind and indulgent Providence the blessings of health, prosperity and happiness; and we would fall far short of duty, as Christians and masons, if we failed to make devout
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acknowledgment to a beneficent Creator for these and other mercies which have been unsparingly lavished upon us."
Some progress has been made in the lodges of North Carolina in raising subscriptions for a masonic college, in accordance with a proposition made some years ago.
In their notice of the report of this Grand Lodge for 1850, they say:
" Our brethren in Maine are the men to accomplish what they undertake; and we feel assured they will do all that can be done, to promote the harmony and interests of the craft. The Grand Lodge of Maine is a bright star in the masonic galaxy. May she shine forever."
TENNESSEE.
The Grand Lodge of Tennessee reports 218 subordinates, and the interests of the order are in a flourishing condition. The Grand Master's address is excellent, and touches on important subjects. He says:
" In reviewing the history of the past year, we find much cause of congratulation. While some of our sister Grand Lodges have been unfortunately racked and torn by internal dissensions, we have escaped divisions among ourselves; and I can truly say that peace and harmony prevail within our borders. The tocsin of strife has been unheard, and intruders have not disturbed the peaceful labors of the workmen."
He also replies forcibly to the objections made by some that Masonry is a secret society, and by others, that it arrogates to itself duties properly belonging to the Christian religion. His replies to these are worthy the consideration of objectors. An able report on foreign correspondence was presented by W. Charles W. Fuller in place of P. G. M. Tannehill, who for several years has performed that duty with great ability, but was then laid aside by illness. Maine receives a very handsome compliment in this report. A lengthened extract from our last report in relation to our national union, and the mission of Freemasonry in regard to it, is introduced with the following remarks:
"The Grand Lodge of Maine held its session in May, 1851. The proceedings before us indicate a prosperous condition of the lodges. The Committee on Correspondence submitted an able and interesting report, from which we take the following extract, embodying a sentiment that will be responded to by every mason in our land."
The Grand Lodge, we doubt not, will be glad to hear such responses to the union sentiment of her last report from the far south.
VIRGINIA,
The report of Virginia recorded 142 lodges, and represents the order in a healthful condition. The report of the Committee of Correspondence is very brief, and embraces but few subjects. The Grand Master's address is able, and thus speaks of the prosperity of Masonry in the old Dominion:
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" At no period in the history of our beloved institution in this jurisdiction, has there been more cause of congratulation, than the present; new lodges are rapidly springing up around us; old lodges are calling for the renewal of their charters ; men, good and true in every department of life, are knocking at our doors for admission. The old mason who had permitted his zeal to abate, is asking to be again admitted, and re-kindle the fire that once burned so brightly and so usefully in his bosom. The reproaches of the ignorant and designing, are no longer, or but seldom heard against it. The pure principles which Masonry teaches, the quiet benevolence of its character, its universality for good, its reprobation of the immoralities of life, quietly pursuing the even tenor of its way, without entering into any of the trials and commotions which agitate society, have awakened an interest in the subject, among the intelligent and worthy, in every part of our beloved Commonwealth, and put to shame and reproach all apparent causes of opposition."
GEORGIA.
In Georgia we find the Grand Lodge in a vigorous condition, having one hundred and forty-two subordinates. The revenue of the Grand Lodge for the year 1850, was $5,427—showing a rapid increase of members. A very large part of the printed proceedings is occupied with the returns of these subordinates, and we miss the report of a Committee of Correspondence. It would be gratifying to find in the report a vigorous discussion of the great principles and interests of the order, for the benefit of its young members, and perhaps the report for 1851 will give us this when it shall come to hand. Indeed the Grand Secretary, in a note, partially explains the failure or loss of a report which was prepared for the Grand Lodge.
MISSISSIPPI.
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi sends us a report of 256 pages, and a list of one hundred and twenty-four subordinates.
The Committee of Correspondence, through the Grand Secretary, present an extended report, in which the New York difficulties are reviewed at some length. They copy a series of resolutions adopted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, in which they express regret for the existence of those difficulties, and the opinion that they " admit of being adjusted in a manner honorable, and to the interest of both parties." They urge the brethren to take the necessary steps for adjustment, and offer their mediatorial aid in the settlement of them. They also " Resolved, That until the existing difficulties in the Grand Lodge of New York be amicably adjusted, or some new feature developed, this Grand Lodge cannot recognize either one of the present organizations." They commend the course of the Grand Lodge of Maine in collecting and arranging its published proceedings, and those in correspondence with it, as the beginning of a masonic Library. The Grand Master's address is an able one, but our limits forbid selections.
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FLORIDA.
From Florida we have a report of twenty-six working lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. The Committee of Correspondence give a report of more than sixty pages, embracing a great variety of matter, arranged in alphabetical order, in which we have the action of a number of Grand Lodges. The action of those Grand Lodges which have adopted measures to secure libraries is highly commended, also the efforts to secure a history of Masonry in each state, through its Grand Lodge. Some good suggestions occur in this report, on the desirableness of inquiries into the ancient history of the masonic fraternity.
" We have now twenty-three lodges in this state, all of which are working under regular warrants except the one at Alligator, which will apply for a warrant at the present session ; and the required number of Master Masons, duly recommended, are knocking at our door for a warrant to open a lodge at Mecanopy in East Florida, and others for another lodge in Gadsden County. Throughout this state, Masonry is enjoying a high degree of prosperity, and the respective lodges are working with due regularity.
"The sphere of Masonry is as broad as humanity itself, and where the true interests of man are to be found there should the mason be seen in his round of duties ; and in no other manner can those interests be better supported than by promoting the cause of education. In England, Germany, Denmark and Sweden, under the auspices of Masonry, schools have been established, which have furnished the lights of education and knowledge to thousands of poor but worthy children, who else might have suffered in indigence, ignorance and want. One of the schools alone in Germany, in the space of five years, educated eleven hundred children in the elements of knowledge and the principles of morality and virtue.
" In other countries, and especially in England, much has been done ; and I have the pleasure to say that many, and I believe most of our Grand Lodges in these United States, have taken decisive measures in regard to education, and I am proud to add that Florida is not entirely behind the age in this matter. She has taken steps, the tendency of which is to cause all the children of deceased worthy Master Masons to be educated at the expense of the fraternity."
LOUISIANA.
The Grand Lodge of Louisiana comes out of her long severe trials, profited we hope by the severity of her discipline. The voice of the Grand Lodges of the Union, in regard to their former troubles, was not appealed to in vain, and the thorough investigations of the questions at issue between the two bodies once claiming to be Grand Lodges there, and between them and the Grand Lodge of a neighboring state, were of real service to the great body of Masons elsewhere, as well as Louisiana. The perplexing law suit forced upon the Grand Lodge of Louisiana by a former Treasurer, to which we referred last year, was decided in favor of the lodge, and the effort of an unworthy member to injure the lodge defeated; and his unfitness to be in the order clearly demonstrated. The acting Grand Master, in his address to the Grand Lodge, says:
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" We meet at this time under the most favorable circumstances. Since the adoption of our new constitution, I am happy to say, peace, concord and brotherly love prevail; and let me tell you it has been to me a source of pleasure and joy to have contributed in carrying out this most happy state of things. And before entering upon the duties that have called us together, the first offerings of our hearts should be our sincerest prayers of gratitude to the Grand Master above, who so kindly inspired us to forget the unfortunate difficulty heretofore existing among us, and to unite without distinction of local or sectional feelings, for the everlasting honor and glory of Masonry. In every part of this jurisdiction, Masonry is now flourishing beyond all former precedent."
The Committee of Correspondence enter on their work like men in earnest. In their report, they say:
" We are pleased to find that a spirit of inquiry and thirst for investigation into the principles, history, government and jurisprudence of our institution, are fast pervading the minds of our brethren : and that, although all proper respect is paid to the knowledge of the ritual and ceremonies of the order, these are no longer considered as the summit—the " ne plus ultra " of masonic learning and acquirements. This is most fully exemplified in the proceedings submitted to us, which exhibit, in many instances, a profound knowledge and skillful application of the customary, conventional and constitutional law and history of the order; and we believe that the reports of the committees of correspondence of the various Grand Lodges of the Union, independently of their literary merits (which are of a high character), form as admirable an analysis, as enlightened a commentary and as fine a practical illustration of these subjects as can be found in any matter wherein mental investigation has been employed. We most heartily congratulate the fraternity upon this rise from mechanical to the intellectual part of our profession. We augur from it the happiest results—the elevation of mind in those who pursue such researches, the eliciting of truth from discussion, and the spread of information resulting from their labors. While we thus rejoice in the physical and intellectual development of our beloved order, and hail in them the guaranty of a long future of prosperity and usefulness, let us not forget the evils and dangers of the past. Let us not be unmindful of the warnings of experience. Let us not leave the altars of our fathers to seek after strange idols; and we may rest assured that the Grand Master of the Universe will continue to bless our labors and cement us in the bonds of brotherly love."
Since the above was written, indeed since this Grand Lodge assembled, the committee have received the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, for January, 1852. This is an interesting document of about 250 pages. We have no time to examine it in detail. The Grand Master's address is able, and among other things he urges the establishment of a Grand Lodge charity fund, and unfolds some excellent views in relation to the proper work of the Grand Lodge. The Committee of Correspondence speak of the Grand Lodge of Maine with fraternal feelings. They say, " the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence contains an able and comprehensive summary of the principal points of interest in the transactions of many sister Grand Lodges." * * * "They appear to be in possession of no other intelligence from us than of the suit brought by the late Grand Treasurer, upon which they remark :
We regret to learn that the trials of our Louisiana brethren are not yet ended, and most ardently desire that they may soon experience a happy de-
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liverance, and be able to resume their work in the most successful manner.' We heartily thank them for their sympathy and good wishes. They have ere this learned that they were realized on the occasion for which they were tendered, and we doubt not, on learning our new troubles, the same kind aspirations, to be followed by decisive action, will have again been offered us."
The new troubles to which our Louisiana brethren refer, arise from the course of some three of their subordinates, in withdrawing from its jurisdiction, since the new Constitution was adopted, and receiving charters from what claims to be the Grand Consistory or Supreme Council, in the Valley of the Mississippi. Their course in this matter is condemned by the Grand Lodges generally, and if it were needful, we feel assured that the Grand Lodge of Maine will speak with equal decision on the subject. Louisiana now speaks kind words to New York, and deals manfully with their troubles growing out of the division there, and also out of the action of the Grand Lodge of Hamburgh in chartering a lodge in that state. Your committee believe that the Grand Lodge of Maine heartily respond to the sentiments they express on this subject.
" It is time that the Grand Lodges and other supreme masonic bodies in the United States, should speak out in loud and unmistakable language their firm and unalterable determination to permit no foreign interference in their respective jurisdictions. The times are rife with the evidences of the disposition to intrude upon our territory by European masonic powers, and they must be told in clear and positive terms, that much as we rejoice in their friendship, and are desirous, as is our duty, to preserve with them the closest alliance, and interchange of brotherly affection, and services, yet they must not attempt to dictate to us our line of policy in our own jurisdictions, support usurpations in our limits, or do any act, which, however well-adapted to their manners, customs, or habits of thought, may be opposed to the interests, or conflict with the opinions and feelings of the brethren in this Union. We have always pursued this course, and as we have never attempted ourselves, so should we never hereafter permit interference directly or indirectly, so long as we remove not the ancient landmarks of the order.
"It is but a short time since Virginia had to complain of the violation of her jurisdiction by the Grand Orient of France, and although the cause of complaint was removed, when it was protested against, yet that eminent body could not have been ignorant that she was encroaching upon the territory of a power equal in rank and privileges to herself. And had she not given her countenance and support to a spurious consistory and Supreme Council in New Orleans, in flagrant violation of the rights of the legitimate bodies in the United States, they would not have possessed the power or had the hardihood to violate the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this state, seduce her lodges from their allegiance, and produce a schism, the effects of which are painfully felt by all those who were before united in the most fraternal intercourse, and would have continued so forever, but for their machinations.
" We do not wish to be understood as accusing the Grand Orient of France of any willful act of hostility, or breach of masonic comity to her sisters and compeers in the United States, but we believe she is often imposed upon by false representations, and is led into a commission of the acts complained of by a too great facility in according all that is asked of her, a fact not much to be wondered at, when we consider the complex character of her organization."
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ALABAMA.
The report of the Grand Lodge of Alabama for 1850, gives the proceedings to the close of that year. Number of lodges 133. The increase of the order during that year was greater than any previous period of the same length. Seventeen lodges were chartered, and twenty-eight received dispensations during the year. Receipts of the Grand Lodge $3,307.01. The Report on Correspondence is less full and explicit than the interests of so many young brethren just entering the order could desire, but an interesting address delivered before the Grand Lodge is published with the proceedings. Both the address and the report of a Committee on Education, take high ground on the subject of educating the rising generation of that state. The report for 1851 has come to hand since the above was written, and gives evidence of increasing prosperity. The number of lodges reported this year is 168, being an increase of 35 lodges the past year. The Committee of Correspondence failed of receiving the report of the Grand Lodge of Maine. The Grand Master's address and the correspondence report, are pervaded with a noble spirit, which shows itself in advocating the objects of paramount importance.
The report of the Committee on Education is one of great interest, and shows that several literary institutions are prospering under the fostering care of the lodges of the state. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence also speaks on this subject, as follows:
"In examining the proceedings of the Grand Lodges down to the latest period for which they have come to hand, your committee have been particularly struck with the extraordinary attention which seems lately to have been given to the cause of education. Whether this circumstance might have been looked for or not, it is extremely gratifying; for your committee are satisfied that eventually education must be the grand distinguishing benevolent feature of Freemasonry. To protect the widow and orphan, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, and to contribute to the relief of the necessities of the poor, the oppressed, and the indigent, must of course, forever be part and parcel of it; for without these, it would be but a splendid pageant, or a holiday show, gotten up as mountebank exhibitions are, to employ the vacant hours of the vain, the silly, and the listless; or to attract the gaze of an idle and thoughtless crowd! But Masonry has a higher mission, far, and nobler duties to perform. It must not only cherish and comfort the physical man, but it must nurture and educate the immortal soul. An important part of its duty is to teach men how to live as reasoning, thinking, godlike beings, and in proportion as this duty is thoroughly and efficiently performed, the demand for the performance of the other will become less and less."
OHIO.
Ohio sends us at a late hour her report of the annual communication of four days at Cleveland, commencing on the 24th of October, 1851. The address of the Grand Master gives a comprehensive view of masonic principles and duties, an extract from which we here present;
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" Look well, then, to your duties as masons; have respect for yourselves and your high estate as such. Your lodges are more numerous in this than in any other state in the Union. Your influence for the good of your fellow men, as well as for posterity, is not in proclaiming and not following your principles and seeking to make proselytes to your order—not in processions and gaudy displays for the gaze and stare of the idle and the curious—but by so living, by so practicing out of the lodge the principles taught in it, that others seeing your good works may follow after, and all thus add glory to the Grand Architect of the Universe. How delightful the thought, of all masons living and acting in perfect accordance with their principles and duties as taught them. I allude to no modern Masonry, to no innovations from the time of Solomon. What Masonry was. Masonry is; and what Masonry taught us and required of its members in King Solomon's time, it teaches and requires now. Let us see what would be the estate and condition of each mason if all among us were true and faithful to the order!"
The Committee of Correspondence close their report with the following resolutions, all but the third of which were adopted:
"Resolved, That the happiness of the fraternity in Ohio requires the entire abolition of the office of Grand Lecturer.
" Resolved, That as many of the principles of our Order have been often unsettled by the conflicting opinions of the various committees of the several Grand Lodges of the Union, a work on masonic jurisprudence, carefully compiled, would at this time prove of great value to the craft.
"Resolved, That it is both proper and expedient that this Grand Lodge should create a fund for general relief.
"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge, as heretofore, continue to recognize the Grand Body in New York, known as the Willard Grand Lodge, and as heretofore, will have n6 masonic communication with any other body that assumes to exercise, in that jurisdiction, the powers of a Grand Lodge.
"Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana has adopted the only proper course to maintain her authority, by excluding from the privileges of the order those lodges within her jurisdiction that assume to derive their charters from any unauthorized and spurious body."
MISSOURI.
Missouri reports one hundred and thirty-six lodges, most of which are in a working state. A masonic college is located in Lexington, which appears to be in a flourishing condition, and an excellent report is submitted by its President and curator to the Grand Lodge, and forms a part of its proceedings. We submit the closing remarks of the President:
"In conclusion, I am happy in being permitted to state that the prospects of our college are decidedly more encouraging than at any period since its location at the city of Lexington. It is now getting to be understood that the officers are all at their proper places, with ' the working tools of their profession' all in good order, ready for the duties and responsibilities before them. Public attention is turning towards us very favorably, if we may credit the many assurances given us on this score ; and we expect, if sustained by your worshipful body a few years longer, to be able to take our stand by the side of the most flourishing institutions of learning in our land."
We will hope to see in her proceedings the present year a full and thorough report of the Committee of Correspondence. Missouri has masonic talent fitted for it.
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ARKANSAS.
Arkansas returns forty-four lodges. The Grand Master, after enumerating some of the leading principles of the order, then remarks:
"Did our lives correspond with the excellent precepts taught in our several masonic lectures; were those excellent tenets of our order carefully observed by us and practiced in our lives, what a different state of things would be exhibited to the world.
" Instead of being looked upon with a jealous or suspicious eye, the world would be constrained to cry out ' see how these masons love each other.' and Masonry assume that station to which she is justly entitled—the handmaid to Christianity. Some may ask, are these things so ? Has Masonry so far degenerated in the State of Arkansas ? Let facts speak. Why this luke-warmness on the subject that we see manifested throughout the state ? Why this utter disregard of the ties that should bind us together as a society of brethren ? Why this difficulty in lodges composed of forty or fifty members in getting a quorum to transact business ? "
NEW JERSEY.
From New Jersey we have communications for 1851, and January, 1862. Both documents are very brief, and the report of a Committee of Correspondence is among the deferred articles. The number of subordinate lodges is twenty, one of which was recently formed.
DELAWARE.
For the first time for many years, we are favored with proceedings from the Grand Lodge of Delaware. We are happy to welcome her salutations. In the Grand Master's address occurs the following passage:
" The cathedrals of Europe, upon which volumes have been written, edifices equalling, if not surpassing in grandeur and beauty, the noblest creations of Grecian architects, were conceived and executed by our ancient brethren. I have, my brethren, suggested and can only do so, enough to prove that masons have a literature of which they may be proud enough to show that to the inquiring mason, who would be an accomplished lecturer, a field is opened, wide indeed of research, requiring many volumes and the study of years to master them. If this generous thirst for masonic knowledge be excited, it will demand books to slake it, the supply will follow and the formation of libraries by individuals and by lodges will be as easy as it will be certain."
MISSISSIPPI.
The report of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, of more than three hundred pages, reached the committee too late to be fully examined. The report of the Correspondence Committee is extended and able, and its bearing towards the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, since its reorganization, is courteous in the main, as it is towards the order generally. About one hundred
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and fifty subordinates are numbered in Mississippi, and most of them appear to be in a prosperous condition, and capable of fulfilling a noble masonic destiny in the south.
MARYLAND.
The Committee of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in 1850, acknowledge the receipt of the reports of only twelve of the thirty-two Grand Lodges now existing. Maine is not included in the list. The report of the Committee of Correspondence notices the proceedings of several Grand Lodges, and notices some of the past efforts to establish a General Grand Lodge, but without going extensively into the discussion of the question.
Since writing the above, the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Maryland for July, 1851, have been received, in which she speaks of her sister in Maine with fraternal affection. Maryland, as well as some of the other Grand Lodges, publishes the report of the Grand Lodge of England on the schism in New York, and her justification of the legitimate Grand Lodge in that state. She also publishes a pleasant description of the stone furnished by the Grand Lodge of Maryland for the Washington National Monument, but your committee forbear to publish this description lest it should awaken unpleasant recollections of the fate of a proposition made last year to furnish a block for the same object. Maryland numbers ninety-six subordinate lodges, and has apparent prosperity.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
From Washington we have communications embracing the sessions of the Grand Lodge for May, July, November and December, 1851. We have also an address on the masonic character and standing of Washington by W. G. Master Benjamin B. French, whose masonic skill and instructions we were permitted to share, a few years since, on a festive occasion in this city. The address was delivered at the tomb of Washington, the 24th of June, 1851. Your committee are persuaded that the deep interest all men and masons feel in all that belongs to Washington will justify our use of the closing part of the address. After copious extracts from various authorities showing the love of Washington for our order, the address thus proceeds:
"All this incontrovertible evidence goes to show that Washington often mingled with the craft in their public celebrations, and was present in their lodges. And we cannot doubt that one or the other of the constructions I have given to his letter to Mr. Snyder is the true one; and our departed brother to whose ashes we have come to-day to manifest our love and our veneration for his memory was a true and worthy brother from the day of his initiation, in 1752, to the day when he yielded up his spirit to his Maker.
" We have seen, from the record of Alexandria Lodge, that an emergent meeting was held for the burial of General Washington, and it is proper that I close this portion of these remarks by adding that, in accordance with
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the proceedings of the lodge at that meeting, the remains of Washington were consigned to the tomb with masonic honors. Among those who composed the procession to the tomb, according to the account given in the appendix to the Life of Washington, by Sparks, and copied from the very particular and interesting narrative of his last illness by Mr. Lear, an inmate of his household, appears ' Lodge No. 23'; and, of the services at the tomb, it is said, ' The masons performed their ceremonies, and the body was deposited in the vault.'
" I have been thus particular, my respected brethren, in gathering together and laying before you the evidences of the masonic standing, character and opinions of Washington, for the reason that no pains have been spared by the enemies of our order to wrest from us the honor of calling him our brother.
" At the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone of the noble monument to his memory, now in progress in Washington city, I had the high honor of addressing the immense body of masons there assembled. That address was no sooner before the public in printed form than some of those restless spirits, who sought to ride into public favor on the anti-masonic hobby of 1829-'30, commenced addressing letters to me, controverting some of the statements contained in that address. I frankly admitted that rumor had led me into a single error. I had alluded to General Arnold, and stated that he was not a mason. I was mistaken; for I have since seen an authenticated copy from the records of a lodge in New Haven, showing that he was a member of our fraternity. I can only add, here, that he proved himself to be a most unworthy one. The other controverted points were, touching the masonic character and standing of Washington. I went immediately into a thorough examination of his masonic history, and was happy to find that every assertion I there made in relation to him was more than proved by the record, and by unquestionable tradition. The first appropriate opportunity that presented was taken by me to allude to the subject before the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and I then pledged myself to pursue the subject and, upon the first appropriate occasion, to embody all the facts in such a manner as should convince any reasonable individual that we claim nothing for Washington as a Freemason that is not fully sustained by either authentic history or undoubted oral tradition.
"No more proper time, place, or occasion than the present could have presented, and I have endeavored here to redeem my promise. I hope I have done it to your satisfaction, although I have extended my remarks on this part of my subject to a greater length than I had intended this entire address should have occupied.
" While, as freemasons, we cherish, and we guard as we would the apple of our eye, the masonic character of Washington; as American citizens, and individuals of this Union of States, which he founded, we are always ready to recur to his memory, as that of one who was born to be the benefactor of his race; and who,
" ' Moving on from high to higher, Became, on fortune's crowning slope, The pillar of a people's hope, The centre of a world's desire.' —
" To use the language of our eloquent Brother Chandler,' The nation felt that his existence was connected with every pulsation of its heart; and the world looked in admiration at the bright luminary of the West, that poured back upon his race the accumulation of the wisdom and prudence of mankind, a golden light, that lay upon the earth in evening beauty—rich and enriching—lovely in itself, and diffusing loveliness on all upon which it shone.'
"Of the character of Washington as a General, a Statesman, a great and a good man, we can say nothing new; it has all been written, not only in books, but upon the hearts of his countrymen. Age cannot efface the record; time cannot blot it; but, like the light of that star which blazed
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over Bethlehem, and which blazes still among the constellations as brightly as it did on that night when the wise men saw it, shall the name and the memory of Washington blaze on and on, and grow brighter and brighter, as generations succeed generations, till time shall be no more."
The published proceedings of this Grand Lodge give a very interesting detail of the ceremonies of laying the corner stone for the new addition to the Capitol at Washington, but our limits forbid a further notice.
NEW YORK.
The proceedings of the legitimate Grand Lodge of New York received, are from October, 1850, to June, 1851. The report of the Committee on Correspondence occupies more than eighty closely printed pages. Of these, nearly eight are devoted to the Grand Lodge of Maine, and its proceedings for 1850. Their notice of us is very carefully drawn, and is respectful and fraternal. They say:
" The Committee on Foreign Correspondence review the proceedings of twenty-three Grand Lodges; and the subjects chiefly treated of, are the difficulties in New York, Grand Lodge certificates, difficulties in Louisiana, and a General Grand Lodge, all which are ably and dispassionately treated."
This committee also explain the reason why Maine received no reports from Louisiana Grand Lodge in 1850. They say :
" A box of documents for the Grand Lodges of the Northern States, including some for Maine, fell into the hands of those ' who took forcible possession of the Grand Secretary's office and its contents, at the time of their trouble in New York."
They supposed that this circumstance might have deprived us of the version of the Louisiana troubles as given by the old Grand Lodge ; but if they had examined the Maine report for 1849, they would have seen that we had given a fair hearing to the whole question, and that the four resolves recommended by us in 1850, and adopted by this Grand Lodge, were submitted and adopted in view of all the aspects of the case. Possibly this fact might have saved them the long argument they entered upon to justify the old Grand Lodge in its course of cumulating different rites. We do not deem it necessary now, to review their argument or justify those resolutions, inasmuch as the final settlement of the troubles in Louisiana, with the restoration of harmony there, which gave us so much joy last year, was precisely on the basis urged in the resolutions of this Grand Lodge, in 1850. Could the committee be as successful in striking out a course and laying a foundation on which a similar union could be brought about between the two conflicting bodies, claiming to be Grand Lodges in New York, we would willingly review the whole controversy again, as " dispassionately " as we did those of Louisiana in 1849 and 1850, and as we did their own troubles in 1850 and 1851. The Grand Lodge of Maine has substantially upheld the position of the Grand Lodge, whose report is now under review. We call it the only
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"legitimate" Grand Lodge in New York. We have rejoiced in the settlement of the controversy between her and the St. John's Grand Lodge. Why may we not rejoice in another victory of reason, of faith, hope and charity over all the frictions of party strife ? Why should Masonry in the Empire State be as a kingdom divided against itself ? We will, at least, rejoice that the severity of excited passion and hostility is abated. When "sober second thought" shall prevail, and kind affectionate feelings shall sway all parties, we will hope for re-union in New York. Some attempt has been made to secure a union. Let not one failure discourage effort. " Try, try again" is the motto. If the parties cannot agree on the terms of union, why not enlist the kind offices of competent brothers, mutually chosen from the lodges in other states, who shall act as a Committee of Reference ? Is it not time to make an earnest effort to heal the " strifes among the workmen at the temple" in the great and able jurisdiction of this sister state? Cannot the noble hearted brothers of the Grand Lodge be not only just, but generous and magnanimous in this matter ?
VERMONT.
The last annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Vermont was held at Burlington, January 13, 1852. A noble zeal for masonic labor is exhibited by our Vermont brethren, since the revival of their Grand Lodge. The founders of the Grand Lodge in 1794, did not allow that body the right of revising their Constitution, but required that two-thirds of the subordinates should first petition the Grand Lodge for revision, and that the Grand Master should issue his warrant to all the lodges, requiring them to elect each a representative to meet in convention at a time and place specified by the Grand Lodge, and that this convention should have full power to revise and amend the Constitution. All these conditions have been complied with, and a revised Constitution is now published, as the result.
The address of the M. W. Grand Master, Philip C. Tucker, is one of the most full and thorough that your committee have seen in its discussion of important questions now extant in the Grand Lodges of this country.
The Committee of Correspondence commence their notice of the several Grand Lodges, with a liberal quotation from the last year's report of this Grand Lodge. The notices of the several Grand Lodges appear to be able, fair and manly. The Grand Master is chairman of the committee.
CONNECTICUT.
The Grand Lodge of Connecticut held its last annual communication at Hartford, in May, 1851. Seventy-eight subordinates are numbered, but several are not in active operation. The Committee of Correspondence give a somewhat extended report, embracing most of the Grand Lodges of the
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Union, which seems to be fairly and discriminately prepared. Their notice of the Grand Lodge of Maine is very respectful.
provincial GRAND lodge of canada west,
The committee are sure that the Grand Lodge of Maine are happy to receive the salutations of their brethren in Canada and the other British Provinces in this country. We still hope, at no distant day, that the iron horse will not only carry these salutations more frequently and surely, but also render our intercourse with those brethren as much more frequent as it will be convenient.
washington festival.
Among the circulars received from various masonic bodies, one is from the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi, with an extract from their minutes, dated Natchez, February 3, 1851, as follows :
"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommend to all lodges under its jurisdiction, that they celebrate in appropriate manner on the 4th day of November, 1852, the one hundredth anniversary of the reception of the illustrious Washington into the masonic fraternity.
"Resolved, That this Grand, Lodge respectfully recommends the adoption of similar resolutions to all Grand Lodges with which it holds correspondence, and the adoption of similar resolutions to all Grand Lodges with which it holds correspondence, and that the Grand Secretary communicate a copy of these resolutions to said Grand Lodges.
" A true copy. Attest: Wm. P. Mellen, G. S"
sublime masonry-supreme councils.
Several documents have been sent to this Grand Lodge from bodies claiming to be Supreme Grand Councils of Sovereign Inspectors General. These documents have been sent, no doubt, for the purpose of being duly considered and passed upon by the bodies to which they are sent. To your committee it seems inexpedient to report particularly on these documents at this time. Several reasons might be given for this:
1. The length of this report is an objection.
2. The subjects presented in these documents, if dealt with at all, should be treated with mature consideration, and not hastily decided.
3. There are several bodies, each of which maintains claims either inconsistent with another or with the rights of existing lodges.
4. Another, and a serious one, is, that conflicting claims in some cases, descend to unamiable personalities, and lead masons of long experience who ought to be models of propriety, to display unlovely traits of character. The committee feel it to be wise to suspend judgment in the premises, and
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advise the parties to change their coarse of conduct, or change their motto so it shall not read "Ordo ab chao" Some of the articles written by the conflicting parties will otherwise need to be labelled "confusion worse confounded."
Should it become necessary to discuss this subject hereafter, the documents might properly be placed in the hands of your committee, when appointed for another year. There are four of these Grand Councils claiming jurisdiction in this country. One is at Charlestown, S. C.; one in the Valley of New Orleans. The other two claim authority in New York and New England.
The one at Charleston and the one at the North, which has W. Charles W. Moore of Boston as its Secretary, are the only two which recognize each other as legitimate bodies. The other body, at New York, claiming authority in this part of the country, has as its champion W. Henry C. Atwood, who was lately at the head of St. John's Grand Lodge. His course in regard to the other body, as exhibited in the Masonic Sentinel, is certainly very un-masonic, and much of his language in regard to Bro. Moore and the Freemasons' Magazine at Boston, is exceedingly offensive and uncharitable. It would be fortunate if nothing had been said in reply equally offensive. These personalities and bitter controversies between masonic brethren and those who have received high honors deserve severe rebuke. They will do much to bring reproach on the bodies they represent and upon the masonic fraternity. The " Supreme Council" for the Valley of New Orleans, as we have seen, has claimed and exercised the right to charter lodges in Louisiana, regardless of the jurisdiction and rights of the Grand Lodge of that state—a course of conduct justly exposed and rebuked in the prompt action of that Grand Lodge and its excellent Grand Master, and responded to by many of the Grand Lodges of this Union.
The Grand Lodge of Maine will doubtless coincide with all other Grand Lodges in resisting all attempts of such bodies to interfere with their jurisdictions. If these Supreme Grand Councils have a mission to fulfill, a first duty is manifestly to lay aside all bitterness and strife and evil speaking, to settle their intestine strifes, and cease from all attempts to interfere with the regular and established authority of the Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters of the Union. Then those of us who now are comparatively ignorant of their merits, may be disposed to give them a fair hearing.
conclusion.
In closing this report, the committee crave the indulgence of the Grand Lodge for its length. We could not well make it shorter without injustice to the advancing interests of our beloved and rapidly increasing order. We have desired to let the members of this body enjoy with us a taste of " the
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feast of reason and flow of soul " which Masonry is annually preparing in our land, and that our subordinates, now rapidly filling up with earnest men, desiring " light" and " more light" in Masonry. We might have given them still more evidence of the deep interest felt in other states in what is passing here in Maine, but this we have not thought desirable. Indeed, it might flatter our vanity too much to tell them all the kind things which our brethren in other states say of us as a masonic fraternity.
No Grand Lodge in the Union has received more respectful notice in the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of other states. No reports are more complimented or liberally and approvingly copied from, than the reports emanating from this body.
While we gratefully accept the salutations and sympathies of our brethren in other states, let us receive them only as incitements to increasing activity and fidelity in our masonic labor. A blessed work is committed to our hands. Though placed in the " north-east corner " of our glorious Union, let us show ourselves worthy to share in the glorious work of building the temple of freedom and national greatness, whose pillars of wisdom, strength and beauty shall stand in the East, in the West, in the North and in the South,—stand firmly and imperishably—whatever tempests shall sweep around their base, or threaten the social fabric, and the national institutions and interests which we highly prize and which our order is fitted to preserve.
In addition to their other duties, the Committee of Correspondence were instructed to correspond with other Grand Lodges of the Union, and to urge the formation of a General Grand Lodge of the United States. On this subject, your committee ask leave to submit a separate report. All which is respectfully submitted,
Cyril Pearl,
Allen Haines,
F. Bradford,
Committee
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.
The following report, submitted by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, upon the subject of the formation of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, having been approved and adopted by this Grand Lodge, was ordered to be published with
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our proceedings, and also in the form of a circular, and forwarded to the several Grand Lodges and to the principal officers thereof, as well as to the elective officers of the Grand Chapters and Grand Encampments of the United States; with the expression of our desire that the several Grand Lodges will give their early attention to the subject, and indicate their views and action thereon in an early reply.
Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence in relation to a General grand lodge of the United States.
To the W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
At the last annual communication of this Grand Lodge, it was
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 necessary steps for forming a General Grand Lodge of the United States.
As the committee were not instructed in relation to the method of correspondence or the time of presenting the result of their labors, they have felt somewhat embarrassed as to the best method of complying with the resolution and meeting the wishes of this Grand Lodge. From the results of efforts thus far made to secure a General Grand Lodge, the committee were satisfied that nothing could be gained by precipitation, but that if such a body was to be formed with any prospect of success, it must be a work of time and mature deliberation.
It has seemed to them desirable that if another attempt were made to organize such a body, it should be done when this branch of the masonic fra -ternity could be generally and ably represented, and without involving heavy expense to the several state Grand Lodges.
It has also seemed desirable that such an attempt should be made when there were no exciting influences or perplexing controversies to disturb the deliberations of a preliminary meeting, or enlist any of the Grand Lodges-against the measure, or against each other.
The committee have also desired to profit by the experience of the General Grand Bodies in the other departments of Masonry, and by whatever 17
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light the communications from the several Grand Lodges and Grand Chapters of the Union might incidentally reflect on this subject the present year.
They have believed that the most favorable time for attempting an organization would be at the time of the next triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment, which bodies are to assemble in Lexington, Kentucky, in September, 1863.
For these and other reasons, your committee have thought proper to delay addressing the sister Grand Lodges on this subject till their views could be better matured and submitted to this Grand Lodge, and if approved, to send them out in connection with the proceedings of this annual communication, and also in the form of a circular, to all the elective officers of the several Grand Lodges in the United States, inviting the early attention and reply of their respective bodies to this proposition.
Such being the views of the committee, they will indicate briefly the outlines of this question as they understand it:
1. They believe the interests of Freemasonry in our country, in all its departments, would be greatly promoted by the formation of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, with appropriate powers and limitations.
2. That the voice of a decided majority of the Grand Lodges of this country has been clearly expressed in favor of such an organization.
3. That the diversities of sentiment as to the precise duties, powers and limitations of such a body, so far as expressed, do not at all discourage the hope of essential agreement on a satisfactory basis, whenever a suitable meeting of delegates can be assembled.
4. That the progress already made in the settlement of long standing difficulties in some of the states, is one of the most encouraging evidences that a General Grand Lodge may be harmoniously and successfully organized.
5. If all the difficulties of jurisdiction and the intestine strifes in the several states were healed, so far from diminishing the necessity of a General Grand Lodge, the difficulties in the way of its organization would be removed and the way successfully opened for its beneficent career.
6. That such an organization is highly desirable, that it may complete our national masonic organization and co-operate successfully with the other national bodies, the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment. Such an organization should hold its sessions in connection with the other two, and in some cases the same individuals could represent each department of the order, and the expense of representation be shared equitably by their several bodies.
In this way all the interests of Masonry would be brought into notice and in a way most likely to harmonize and promote the interests and prosperity of all the departments.
Such a gathering of the masonic family, in all its branches, would bring together masons of high character, talent and moral worth, familiar with the
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wants of the various departments of the order, and the happiest results might be anticipated from their labors.
7. Your committee believe that such an organization, with proper regulations, would be of great value, not only to the masonic fraternity in this country but to the interests of our order throughout the world. It would be the centre of correspondence for all the Grand Lodges of the world, and a masonic union of these United States would present to our brethren of all lands a most happy illustration of our national motto, "E Pluribus Unum."
8. In conclusion, the committee suggest that such an organization, meeting regularly with the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment, and bringing together from all parts of the country, noble minded men, imbued with the spirit of Masonry and charged with the responsibilities of legislating for its welfare, would be most happy in its influence on the stability and welfare of our Union. The meetings of this body might sometimes occur near our halls of national legislation, and give them an example of legislation which knows " no North, no South, no East, no West," and has no " Mason and Dixon's line."
In the report on Foreign Correspondence for the last year, the committee gave some views of the mission of Masonry in relation to our national Union, to which they respectfully refer.
Should this Grand Lodge approve these suggestions of the committee, they would propose that they be sent out to the fraternity as proposed, with an introductory note, desiring early attention and reply.
They would also propose that a copy of the circular be sent to the elective officers of all the Grand Chapters and Grand Encampments of the United States.
Cyril Pearl,
Allen Haines,
F. Bradford,
Committee
REPORTS OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
report of d. d. g. master of first district.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine:
The District Deputy Grand Master of the first masonic district, respectfully asks leave to present the following report:
There are in this district seven working lodges, which I will briefly notice.
1. Cumberland Lodge, No. 12, at New Gloucester, consists of twenty
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