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Grand Master's Address - Continued
It shall be the duty of the District Deputy Grand Masters to make annually to the Grand Lodge, a report of the amount, state and condition of the charity fund of each subordinate lodge under their jurisdiction.
I have been thus particular in bringing this subject to the notice of the Grand Lodge, because it is very important that a uniform system should exist in all the lodges, and, so far as I am informed, there are but very few which now maintain a charity fund.
If the maintenance of such a fund is the duty of masons, all lodges should do their part. It is not, in my opinion, in accordance with a correct masonic principle, to apply the funds received for conferring the degrees, to any other than charitable purposes. It is a deposit of money, the earnings of which should go to the poor brethren, their wives and children, widows and orphans. It is true, in this recommendation, this principle is departed from in a measure, by appropriating four dollars from each initiate to defray the expenses of the lodge. But, even with this deduction, it is better that a part should be saved for the benefit of the poor and distressed, than that all should be appropriated to wrong uses and lost.
It may be suggested, that the helpless condition of many of the lodges will not permit this large amount to be carried to the credit of the charity fund. Permit me to ask, when, then, shall we commence to build up a fund to answer one of the great purposes for which speculative Masonry is practiced ? When we joined the institution, we pledged our honor as men, that it was "for a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to be serviceable to our fellow creatures." Let us redeem that pledge by preserving this fund for the benefit of our poor brethren, and their widows and orphans.
I think no complaint can be made by members of lodges in regard to their incidental expenses, as small quarterly payments with the four dollars from each initiate, will discharge those. Experience has fully convinced me that small yearly payments by the members is more conducive to the well-being and prosperity of the lodge, than a free admission to all its privileges.
The amount now paid to the Grand Lodge is two dollars for each person receiving the degrees in a subordinate lodge. The question may suggest itself to you, in connection with this whole subject, whether or not this sum could not with propriety be reduced to one dollar, as that would probably cover all the expenses of the Grand Lodge, and leave more in the hands of the subordinate lodges, who, I think, will be better dispensers of charity, provided charity funds are established.
Having had the honor of holding various offices in the gift of this Grand Lodge, within the last few years, having been twice honored with an election as your Grand Master, and being about to retire from the labors and responsible duties with which you have been pleased to invest me—I should do injustice to my own feelings, did I not improve this opportunity to tender to each and to all of you my sincere thanks for the unmerited honors which you have from time to time conferred upon me.
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And now, brethren, in closing with you my relations as Grand Master, permit me to express the wish that each and all of you, while members of this earthly tabernacle, may so erect your temporal building as to fit you for that spiritual building—that bouse not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
JOHN C. HUMPHREYS, Grand Master.
Whereupon, on motion of Bro. Thompson, of Brunswick, so much of the Grand Master's address as relates to the establishment of Charity Funds in the several subordinate lodges, was referred to a select committee of five, consisting of Bros. Thompson, Chadwick, Barker, Covell and Tufts.
On motion,
Voted, That the residue of the Grand Master's address be referred to the Committee on the Doings of Grand Officers.
The M. W. Robert P. Dunlap, in a very feeling and impressive manner, then announced the decease, during the past year, of Hon. William King, Past Grand Master; R. W. Joseph M. Ger-rish, Past Grand Treasurer; and R. W. Henry H. Boody, Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodge; and concluded his address by the introduction of the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, viz:
Grand Lodge of Maine, May 6, 1853.
Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Disposer of human events in his inscrutable Providence, to remove by death, during the past masonic year, Hon. William Ring, the first Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, Joseph M. Gerrish, Esquire, Past Grand Treasurer, and Henry H. Boody, Esquire, Grand Treasurer, be it therefore
Resolved, That the members of this Grand Lodge deeply regret the loss they have sustained in the decease of those worthy brethren, who were esteemed and respected for their many virtues during life, and, by their ready co-operation in every good work, sustained the principles and conferred new honors upon our venerable institution.
Resolved, That we sincerely condole with the families of the deceased in the afflictive bereavement they are called to experience, and would tender to them our heartfelt sympathies.
Resolved, That, as a mark of respect to the memories of our deceased brethren, the jewels and furniture of this Grand Lodge be clothed In mourning.
Ordered, That the above preamble and resolutions be entered upon the
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records of this Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Secretary forward them to the families of the deceased.
The following proposition was then submitted by M. W. Bro. Dunlap, viz:
It is proposed that the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Maine be amended in section ninth, article first, part fourth, by striking out the " two dollars" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "one dollar."
The M. W. Grand Master then, in accordance with a provision of the constitution, put the question, " Will the Grand Lodge sustain the proposition?" which question was decided unanimously in the affirmative.
The proposition was then referred to Bros. Joseph S. Noyes, Daniel Witham and Joseph Smith, who, after duly considering the same, reported that, in their opinion, " such alteration should be made."
The proposition, therefore, in accordance with a further provision of the constitution, was ordered to be sent out to the subordinate lodges in the printed proceedings, and lie over until the next annual communication for final action and decision.
Petitions of Joseph Pollard and others, for extension of the dispensation granted to Pioneer Lodge at Plantation No. 11,— and of Daniel Stone and others, for a dispensation to open a new lodge at Plymouth, were presented and referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters.
On motion,
Voted, That the Trustees of the charity fund be requested to cancel and deliver up the note of $50, held by the Grand Lodge against sundry members of Freeport Lodge.
Petition of Stephen C. Watson and others, for a charter to Steep Falls Lodge, and for other purposes, was presented, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Bros. Miller, True and Carter.
The Grand Lodge then called off until 2-1/2 o'clock p. m.
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May 5, 1853.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 2-1/2 o'clock p. m. The Committee on the Doings of the Grand Officers then made the following report, which was read and accepted:
Masons' Hall, May 5, 1858.
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 this Grand Lodge to accept the reports of the several D. D. G. Masters, and that said reports, together with the very able communication of the M. W. Grand Master, be published with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge.
The committee would also report upon the proposition introduced by Bro. Dunlap, in relation to altering the Constitution of the Grand Lodge in section ninth, article first, part fourth, by striking out the words " two dollars" and inserting in lieu thereof the words "one dollar" that such alteration should be made.
All which is respectfully submitted,
Joseph S. Noyes,
Daniel Witham,
Joseph Smith,
Committee
On motion,
Voted, That Bros. Stevens, Carter, Dodge, French, Willard, Covell, Allen, Noyes and McArthur be a committee to consider and report to the Grand Master such plan as they may deem most expedient for dividing the state into masonic districts.
The committee to whom was referred so much of the Grand Master's address as relates to the establishment of charity funds in the several subordinate lodges, made a report thereon, which was read and laid upon the table.
election.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, and the following brethren were duly chosen for the ensuing year, viz:
| M. W. Freeman Bradford, | Grand Master, | Portland; |
| R. W. Timothy Chase, | Deputy Grand Master, | Belfast ; |
| R. W. Jabez True, | Senior Grand Warden, | Bangor; |
| R. W. Thomas B. Johnston, | Junior Grand Warden, | Wiscasset; |
| R. W. Moses Dodge, | Grand Treasurer, | Portland; |
| R. W. Charles B. Smith, | Rec. Grand Sec, | Portland. |
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Bros. John Williams of Bangor, Jacob M. Crooker of Water-ville, and Charles Megquier of New Gloucester, were elected Trustees of the charity fund.
Bros. Freeman Bradford, Abner B. Thompson and Jonathan Smith were elected a Committee of Finance for the ensuing year.
On motion,
Voted, That to-morrow, at ten o'clock, be assigned as the time for the installation of the Grand Officers.
The Grand Lodge was then called off until 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Attest: C. B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
Portland, May 6, 1853.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 9 o'clock a. m.
The report of the committee upon the subject of establishing charity funds in subordinate lodges, was then called up, when a minority report was submitted upon the same subject. The matter having been freely discussed, was finally disposed of as follows:
Voted, That the plan for the establishment of charity funds in subordinate lodges, submitted by the M. W. Grand Master, be furnished to the subordinate lodges in the printed proceedings; and that the Grand Lodge earnestly recommends that it be adopted by them.
The following report was then submitted:
The undersigned, a Committee on Charters and Dispensations, having attended to the duty assigned them, beg leave to report:
1st. That they recommend the extension of the dispensation heretofore granted to Joseph Pollard and others, of Plantation No. 11, Aroostook County, to the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge.
2d. That they recommend the granting of a charter to the lodge at Or-land, now working under a dispensation, and that the name of said lodge be changed from " Orland " to " Rising Sun."
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3d. That they recommend the granting of a charter to a certain lodge in Minot, now working under dispensation by the name of " Fraternal Lodge," but that the name of said lodge be changed to " Tyrian."
4th. That they recommend the granting of a charter to Howard Lodge at Frankfort.
6th. That they recommend the granting of a charter to Mariners' Lodge at Searsport.
6th. That they also recommend the granting of a dispensation to Daniel Stone and others, for a new lodge at Plymouth, called Plymouth Lodge.
All which is respectfully submitted,
Arthur McArthur,
David Barker,
Committee.
The above report was read and adopted, and the several dispensations and charters therein recommended were ordered to be issued.
On motion,
Voted, That a new charter be issued to Vassalborough Lodge at Vassalborough, in place of one which has been lost, free of charge except the Secretary's fee.
The following report was presented and adopted:
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 6, 1853.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, having attended to the duty assigned them, ask leave to report that the good feeling throughout the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge is such, that this committee have had nothing before them for their action.
All which is respectfully submitted,
B. F. Mudgett,
Eusebius Weston,
S. B. Dockham,
Committee.
installation.
The M. W. John C. Humphreys then installed, in ample form, the M. W. Freeman Bradford as Grand Master for the ensuing year, who thereupon proceeded to install, in ample form, the remaining Grand Officers elect; after which the Grand Master announced the appointment of the following subordinate Grand Officers, who were also installed by him in ample form, viz:
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| W. E. A. Chadwick, | Cor. Grand Secretary, | Gardiner. |
| W. & Rev. Cyrus Cummings, | Grand Chaplain, | Portland. |
| W. & Rev. Cyril Pearl, | Grand Chaplain, | Baldwin. |
| W. & Rev. Joseph Hutchinson, | Grand Chaplain, | Brunswick. |
| W. & Rev. Caleb D. Pillsbury, | Grand Chaplain, | Bangor. |
| W. & Rev. Uriah Balkam, | Grand Chaplain, | Wiscasset, |
| W. Jonathan Smith, | Grand Marshal, | Westbrook. |
| W. E Gilman Rawson, | Grand Senior Deacon, | Bangor. |
| W. John S. Willard, | Grand Junior Deacon, | Wilton. |
| W. Lewis Barker, | Grand Steward, | Stetson. |
| W. J. M. Crooker, | Grand Steward, | Waterville. |
| W. O. A. Merrill, | Grand Steward, | Topsham. |
| W. William Allen, | Grand Steward, | Portland, |
| W. J. C. Boynton, | Grand Pursuivant, | Richmond. |
| W. John B. Sweat, | Grand Pursuivant, | Parsonsfield. |
| W. Stephen B. Dockham, | Grand Sword Bearer, | Warren. |
| W. John Dain, | Grand Tyler, | Portland. |
The following brethren were then appointed a Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the ensuing year, viz :
Cyril Pearl, of Baldwin.
E. A. Chadwick, of Gardiner.
E. Gilman Rawson, of Bangor.
The usual proclamation was then made by the Grand Marshal.
Bro. Octavius A. Merrill, of Topsham, submitted the following resolution, which was read and unanimously adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to M. W. John C. Humphreys, Past Grand Master, for the able and courteous manner in which he has presided over their deliberations, and for the zeal and fidelity manifested by him in sustaining the interests and the honor of the craft in this jurisdiction; and that our fraternal regard be extended to him, with our best wishes for his future welfare and happiness.
Bro. B. F. Mudgett, of Bangor, then offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be extended to R. W. William Somerby for his valuable services as Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge, and for the great interest he has evinced in the prosperity of. the fraternity.
On motion of Bro. Covell,
Voted, That the Grand Lodge re-affirm, and cause to be published with
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the proceedings, the following report and action of the Grand Lodge thereon, adopted thirty years ago, viz :
"The committee to whom was referred the subject of considering the proper ceremony to be observed and paid by the lodges to the District Deputy Grand Masters, when they visit them, report the following order of ceremonies to be observed at the ordinary official visits of the D. D. G. Masters to the several lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, viz:
"The District Deputy Grand Masters shall give previous reasonable notice of their intended visit to the Master of the lodge, who shall summon the same and provide one of the ante-rooms or some other convenient place within the lodge building, to which the D. D. G. Master will repair, and inform the lodge by their Marshal that be is in waiting. The lodge being opened, the Master shall then direct the Marshal, accompanied by the Deacons and Stewards, with their rods, to wait on the D. D. G. Master, and inform him that the lodge is ready to receive him, and conduct him to the door of the lodge in the following order:
" 1st. Marshal,
" 2d. Stewards with white rods,
" 3d. Deacons with black rods,
" 4th. District Deputy Grand Master.
"On arriving at the door of the lodge, the Marshal makes demand, and -the door being opened, he announces ' The District Deputy Grand Master' and they enter the lodge. The brethren arise; the Stewards and Deacons halt within, and open to the right and left, crossing their rods; the D. D. G. Master enters between them, preceded by the Marshal. Being entered, the brethren salute him in ancient form. The Marshal then conducts him to the East, and the Master offers him the chair.
" The visit being ended, and the D. D. G. Master signifying his intention to retire, he is conducted to his chamber in the same manner, the Stewards and Deacons halting as above, at the door of his apartment only; and the substance of the above order will be observed when the D. D. G. Master visits by deputation of a Past Master or Master of a lodge, except that such Deputy will not take the chair, but will sit uncovered at the right of the Master.
"CHARLES FOX,
"GEO. THATCHER, JR.,
Committee
" January 10, 1823.
" Which report was duly considered and unanimously adopted."
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence then presented their annual report, which was read and adopted and ordered to be published with the proceedings, as follows, viz :
REPORT ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence respectfully report:
Another year of masonic labors has been performed, and its records are now a part of masonic history. It has been a year of progress. Much work has been done the last year, and we trust in general well done. Your committee feel a special pleasure in reviewing the reports which have come to hand, that there is so little to censure, or criticise with severity, in the action of the several Grand Lodges of the country. In Louisiana we find a healthful and vigorous progress since harmony has been restored. In New York,
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the Grand Lodge and its faithful subordinates seem but slightly disturbed by the complaints and erratic action of the body assuming to be a Grand Lodge, whose claims and course of conduct have been so freely criticised by us in former reports. We could wish some good genius or some kind Providence might lead back those erring brethren and the lodges they control, to a good understanding and fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge, so as to give assurance that strife and division shall no more disturb the masonic labors of the Empire State. But we have no time or heart for a further effort to secure that result at present.
In California, a new trial has arisen through what has been represented as unwarrantable and blame-worthy action of the Grand Master. The censures bestowed on him, and his reply and attempted vindication, have reached us in a pamphlet form, but we do not deem it expedient to detail the circumstances of the controversy now. We trust all questions at issue there may be justly settled by the parties, without the interposition of the Grand Lodges in other states. A great field is open before our brothers there, and a work is on their hands, which should leave no time or disposition to indulge in intestine strifes. Why should the work cease because the Master falters in his oversight ? Why cause division and strife by delinquency, or seeming rashness of labor and counsel ? We will hope that the result of the criticisms of the craft, and the explanations of the Master, will cause the truth and right to triumph, and that no further exposure or censure of the wrong, or vindication of the right, will be required at our hands.
We love not the work of censure nor the tone of reproof, and rejoice that so little demand for it is apparent in the work of the order which comes for our inspection. We have returns from the Grand Lodges of
| New Hampshire, | Virginia, | North Carolina, |
| Vermont, | Georgia, | South Carolina, |
| Massachusetts, | Kentucky, | Missouri, |
| Connecticut, | Tennessee, | Mississippi, |
| Rhode Island, | Alabama, | Louisiana, |
| New York, | Texas, | Florida, |
| New Jersey, | Michigan, | Arkansas, |
| Pennsylvania, | Indiana, | California, |
| Maryland, | Wisconsin, | Oregon. |
| District of Columbia, |
We have also a communication of fraternal sentiments from St. John's Lodge, No. 3/491, of Canada West. It is addressed to us as a branch of the great masonic family, and we insert their brief communication as a part of this report. We feel assured the Grand Lodge of Maine reciprocate masonic courtesies and greetings, wherever they may concentrate, and feel a very cordial sympathy with our brethren in Canada West, as also throughout the British Provinces of this continent. As the power of steam and the iron horse are now about to make us near neighbors, we will hope to know and
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love each other better, both as men and masons. We would suggest that our Wor. Grand Secretary be requested to send our proceedings of the last year and also of the current year, when published, in return for their communication which here follows :
St. John's Lodge, No. 3/491,
Kingston, Dec. 27, A. L. 5855.
Sir and Brother :
I have the pleasure to transmit, herewith, by command of the Worshipful Master, the list of the officers of St. John's Lodge, No. 3/491, Kingston, Canada West, for the ensuing masonic year.
The St. John's Lodge tender their heartfelt wishes for the continuing prosperity of your lodge, with the customary congratulations of the season to its members.
We trust that our united efforts will add yet another pillar to adorn our time-honored institution, and that brotherly love will ever prevail among us. Brother Samuel Deadman Fowler, Worshipful Master. Brother James George Fortier, Senior Warden. Brother Ellery Wanzer Palmer, Junior Warden. Brother Henry Armstrong, Treasurer. Brother William Rudston, Secretary. Brother Thomas Perkins, Senior Deacon. Brother William Martin, Junior Deacon. Brother John Alexander Harvey, Director of Ceremonies. Brother Robert Stewart, Stewards Brother Hugh Fraser, Stewards Brother Thomas Duncan, Inner Guard. Brother James Gibson, Tyler. I beg to remain, sir and brother,
Yours fraternally,
William Rudston, Secretary.
To the Secretary of-Lodge, No. --.
Your committee invite particular attention to the interesting communication from the Grand Orient of France, and the cordial greetings of the Prince Lucien Murat, on his elevation to the office of Grand Master of the masonic order in France. We submit a free translation prepared by one of the committee :
Affranchir ;
To make free.
Orient of Paris, 1st May, 1852.
Grand Orient of France.
Secretary General's Office of
The Masonic Order in France.
ADDRESS OF G.: O.: To the Grand Orient of France. Rue des Mathurins—Saint Jacques, 10.
TT.: CC.: et ILL.: FF.:
I have the high honor to transmit to you the letter which the new Grand Master of Masons in France, Prince Lucien Murat, writes to the masons of other countries owing allegiance to the Grand Orient, in order to announce to them his accession to that high office, and to draw closer the bonds which attach the masons of the whole world to those of France. I avail myself of this circumstance TT.: CC.: and TT.: ILL.: FF.:, in order to assure you of all the devotedness which I have the honor, of V.: S.: P.: L.: M.: L.:
S.: and av.: the H.: Q.: V.: S.: D.:
For the Secretary General of G. O.
By the Chief Assistant of the Secretary General, Hubert, 33d.
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