Afternoon, May 4, 1854 - Continued
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Petitions for charters were presented from Pioneer Lodge, Plymouth Lodge, Hermon Lodge and Bristol Lodge, and also from sundry brethren for a new lodge at Kennebunkport, to be called Arundel Lodge, were received and severally referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters.
The time for the election of Grand Officers having now arrived, the M. W. Grand Master presented the following special communication, which was read by the Grand Secretary, viz :
Grand Lodge, May 4, 1854.
Brethren:
I am deeply grateful to the Grand Lodge, for the repeated expressions of its confidence in electing me to the high and responsible offices I have had the honor to fill for several years past. When I trace the history of this Grand Lodge, from Its organization to the present period, and view the roll of worthy and illustrious names of those who have preceded me as Grand Master, I am filled with mingled sensations of pride and regret—pride of the distinction in which I have been honored—regret of my unworthiness of the honor conferred. The duties of Grand Master are pleasant, but laborious I have devoted myself to those duties with cheerfulness and zeal, and to the best of my poor abilities.
An expected absence, occasionally, from this jurisdiction, during the next masonic year, renders it imperative on me to decline being a candidate for re-election. No abatement of my zeal, or interest for our beloved institution, prompts me to make this announcement. On the contrary, I have well founded hopes and an abiding confidence that the principles of our order will continue to be cherished, loved and revered through all coming time, and especially within our own jurisdiction.
I commend you, my beloved brethren, to the guidance of Him in whom is our strength and our salvation.
FREEMAN BRADFORD.
On motion of M. W. Bro. Dunlap, it was unanimously—
Voted, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to M. W. Bro. Freeman Bradford, Past Grand Master, for the ability and uniform courtesy manifested by him, while presiding over its deliberations; and that our best wishes for his continued health, prosperity and happiness will ever attend him.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz:—
| M. W. Timothy Chase, | Grand Master, | Belfast; |
| R. W. Jabez True, | Deputy Grand Master, | Bangor; |
| R.W. Ezra B. French, | Senior Grand Warden, | Damariscotta. |
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On motion,
Voted, To postpone the further election of Grand Officers until to-morrow morning.
The Grand Lodge was then called off until eight o'clock tomorrow morning.
Attest: C. B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 5, 1854.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 8 o'clock a. m., the M. W. Grand Master in the chair.
The Grand Lodge proceeded in the further election of Grand officers, and the following brethren were elected, viz:
| R. W. Thomas B. Johnston, | Junior Grand Warden, | Wiscasset; |
| Moses Dodge, | Grand Treasurer, | Portland ; |
| Charles B. Smith, | Rec. Grand Secretary, | Portland; |
Trustees of the Charity Fund. R. W. Bros. John H. Willard, William Allen.
Committee of Finance. R. W. Bros. Freeman Bradford, Abner B. Thompson, Jonathan Smith.
R. W. Bro. Humphreys was, at his request, excused from serving on the special committee on sundry petitions for remission of dues, and R. W. Bro. Herrick was appointed in his stead.
The M. W. Robert P. Dunlap then announced, in appropriate and feeling terms, the decease, during the past year, of M. W. Simon Greenleaf and M. W. William Swan, Past Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, and submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, viz:
Whereas, it has pleased the Supreme Disposer of human events, in his inscrutable Providence, to remove by death, during the past masonic year the M. W. Simon Greenleaf and the M. W. William Swan, Past Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, be it therefore 22
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Resolved, That the members of this Grand Lodge deeply regret the loss they have sustained in the decease of those worthy brethren, who were highly esteemed and respected for their many virtues during life, and for their eminent services and devotion to the sublime principles of our venerable order.
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 for our deceased brethren, the jewels and furniture of the Grand Lodge be clothed in mourning.
Ordered, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be entered upon the records of this Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Secretary forward copies thereof to the families of the deceased.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF FINANCE.
Masons' Hall, May 5, 1864.
The Committee of Finance have examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, for the past year, and find that there has been received by him, since the commencement of the last annual communication, the sum of $2,127.44-1/2, which includes the balance received from the executrix of the late Grand Treasurer, viz : $212.12.
Your committee also find that the Grand Treasurer has paid out during the past year the sum of $1,276.34, for all of which he has exhibited satisfactory vouchers.
This sum of $1,276.34 includes $500 invested in bank stock ; and we find that there remains in his hands a balance of $851.10-1/2.
The committee would recommend as salary to the Grand Secretary, the sum of $75.
All which is respectfully submitted,
FREEMAN BRADFORD,
A. B. THOMPSON,
Committee
The foregoing report was read and accepted. On motion of R. W. Bro. True,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary cause to be printed for the use of the Grand Lodge, 500 copies of its Constitution and By-Laws; and that he cause the same to be published also with the proceedings of this communication of the Grand Lodge.
Bro. Chase, of Belfast, presented a proposition to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, in relation to the appointment of proxies by subordinate lodges, when the question, "Will the
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Grand Lodge sustain the proposition ?" was put, and decided in the negative, and so the proposition was lost.
On motion,
Voted, That a set of jewels, now in possession of the Grand Lodge, be loaned to Hermon Lodge, at Gardiner, they duly receipting for the same, to be returned on demand.
Bro. Lawson, having exhibited certain plans for new and additional furniture to be used in a Fellow Craft's Lodge,
On motion,
Voted, That Bros. Chase, Miller and Moulton be a committee to examine and report upon the same.
The following report was then submitted:
The special committee on the remission of dues have attended to the duty assigned them, and beg leave to report—
That twenty-six dollars be remitted to Tyrian Lodge, it being the amount of dues to the Grand Lodge for initiations under their dispensation.
That thirty-three dollars be remitted to Pioneer Lodge, it being three-fourths of the dues to the Grand Lodge for initiations under their dispensation.
That the amount of fees paid into the Grand Treasury for initiations the past year, by Hermon Lodge, be remitted.
That fourteen dollars be remitted to Plymouth Lodge, it being the amount of dues to the Grand Lodge for initiations during the past year, under their dispensation.
All which is respectfully submitted,
J. Herrick,
R. R. Kendall,
William Allen,
Committee.
Report read and accepted.
Bro. Arthur McArthur was appointed on the Committee on Returns, in place of a member who has left.
installation.
The M. W. Grand Master proceeded to install, in ample form, the several Grand Officers elect.
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The following appointments of subordinate Grand Officers
were then announced from the chair, viz:
| 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. Stephen B. Dockham, | Grand Marshal, | Warren. |
| W. E. Gilman Rawson, | Grand Senior Deacon, | Bangor. |
| W. John H. Willard, | Grand Junior Deacon, | Wilton. |
| W. J. D. Warren. | Grand Steward, | Gardiner. |
| W. J. M. Crooker, | Grand Steward, | Waterville. |
| W. O. A. Merrill, | Grand Steward, | Topsham. |
| W. J. J. Bell, | Grand Steward, | Carmel |
| W. J. C. Boynton, | Grand Pursuivant, | Richmond. |
| W. John B. Sweat, | Grand Pursuivant, | Parsonfield. |
| W. William Allen, | Grand Sword Bearer, | Portland. |
| Bro. John Dain, | Grand Tyler, | Portland. |
And they were severally duly installed, and the usual proclamation was made by the Grand Marshal.
The Committee on the Pay Roll made their report, which was read and accepted, and the Grand Treasurer directed to pay the delegates in accordance with the same.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence then submitted their annual report, which was read and accepted, and ordered to be published with the proceedings, as follows:—
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Maine.
The committee entrusted with the foreign correspondence of this body, rejoice in the privilege of submitting once more their annual report. More fully than ever are they impressed with the magnitude of the work assigned them, and of the deep and abiding interest involved in this effort to explore and record the legislation, the progress and work of our order. They are expected to bring forward appropriate subjects for the consideration of those here assembled, not merely to enjoy the passing hour, but to labor and legislate for a growing constituency, now looking to us for light and counsel, which shall guide to present duty, and which shall cheer our successors when these eyes shall be closed, and these voices hushed in the silence of the grave. No one can trace from year to year the onward course of Freemasonry in
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this country, without being impressed with the favorite words of the eloquent Hungarian exile, who loved to speak of the political union of this country as a "power on earth." Freemasonry in these United States is emphatically a " power on earth," and we are summoned by the highest motives to understand the elements of this power, and what is necessary to its right direction and its benevolent results. The rapid growth of the order in this country calls earnestly not merely for joy and gratitude, but still more earnestly for circumspection—for the most sacred regard not only to ancient landmarks, and constitutional legislation, but for the primary application of all the educational and moral forces that can be wielded by our principles, our emblems, and our heartfelt aspirations.
The correspondence of this Grand Lodge has been more varied and voluminous the past year than ever before, increasing materially the labor of the committee, and the difficulty of condensing their report within a desirable compass. There have been before us some forty communications, varying from eight to three hundred and fifty pages each. They are from the following jurisdictions:
| Alabama, | Indiana, | New Jersey, |
| Arkansas, | Kentucky, | North Carolina, |
| Connecticut, | Louisiana, | Ohio, |
| California, | Massachusetts, | Oregon, |
| Canada West, | Maryland, | Rhode Island, |
| Delaware, | Mississippi, | South Carolina, |
| District of Columbia, | Missouri, | Tennessee, |
| Florida, | Michigan, | Texas, |
| Georgia, | Minnesota, | Virginia, |
| Iowa, | New York, | Wisconsin. |
| Illinois, | New Hampshire, |
These documents contain an aggregate of nearly four thousand pages, and afford evidence of a progress more rapid than has ever been known before in the history of our order. In general, these communications exhibit a high order of talent, and a decided improvement upon those of previous years, in the higher qualities which make up a good report, From almost every quarter we find evidence that zeal and fidelity on the part of the overseers, is meeting and skillfully training the corresponding zeal which urges multitudes of the active and intelligent enquirers for light and truth to knock for admission at our temple gates. | In some quarters, however, the voices of warning and complaint are heard that sentinels have slept or faltered, while those have crept in who wear the lamb skin with no honor or profit to themselves or those who have welcomed them.
the grand lodge of CALIFORNIA.
No jurisdiction has so deeply felt the mischiefs of hasty admissions and
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defective masonic discipline, as our brothers in California. They suffer, not so much from the work of their own hands, as from lodges this side of the mountains, and especially in the Western states. Their remonstrances are finally heard and it is hoped will be heeded. It seems that multitudes who had lived indifferent if not in hostility to the order, till seized with the California fever, have rushed hastily into the western lodges as they would into an insurance company, and thus deposited their fees with the home lodges; but carried their ignorance and incompetence and unskillful workmanship to those in California, where their unfitness for becoming workmen in the temple could scarcely exceed their impudence in claiming masonic sympathy and charity. Many, we are assured, have thus proved a detriment or dead weight upon the order, and charity has often been extended to those who probably could not have gained admission to their respective lodges at all, except on condition of leaving the country. The remedy for this evil, it would seem, has already been applied in some quarters, and it is to be hoped the disease will not spread, now that its exciting cause is distinctly traced.
The difficulty between the Grand Master Hyam, of California, referred to last year, was spread somewhat widely before the Grand Lodges of the country, which met at a later day than ours, and were promptly passed upon by able committees. They have been adjusted in a manner to suggest a salutary caution to all concerned, and we do not deem it necessary to detail them at this time. It is proper simply to state, that, in the judgment of all who have investigated the troubles, the Grand Master, on the one hand, claimed and exercised powers which were doubtful or unwarranted, and that his accusers in the Grand Lodge, on the other hand, censured him unjustly in some particulars. It is gratifying to find that the parties have been able to settle these difficulties so promptly, and enter on their more important work.
appeals for aid.
In renewing their appeals for aid, our brothers in California have stated more fully the precise nature and reasons of their claims. It is not to aid in sustaining members made or received in their own lodges, but in relieving them of a burden of debt incurred in that prompt exercise of charity which relieved the early sufferings of multitudes who had gone to seek their fortunes from the lodges of the older states. It was an earnest call, in short for the eastern lodges to aid in sustaining or relieving their own members— to refund some portion of the money which had been paid into their treasuries. Whether Maine has not good reason to respond to this call, and share in lifting this burden of debt, the committee will submit to the consideration of this body.
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difficulties in new york.
The jurisdiction of New York is still rent in a manner to call for the sympathy and wise counsels of sister Grand Lodges. It is not deemed necessary to re-open the questions which we have so fully discussed and passed upon in previous reports, but it seems to your committee that a decided word should be spoken by all the Grand Lodges, in relation to those who still disturb the peace of that state, and wrong the order whose name they bear. It will be remembered that this Grand Lodge, like most of the others, has decided to recognize but one Grand Lodge in New York—the one of which Chancellor Walworth was last year installed the M. W. Grand Master. It may be known that his installation was protested against by some able members of the Grand Lodge, and certain objections urged on account of opinions or declarations ascribed to him in the dark hours of persecution, but which were promptly explained and the objections obviated.
It may also be known that at a convention of a large number of subordinates, chiefly in the western part, of the state, during the year, they adopted a resolution to the effect that it is expedient to divide the Grand Lodge of the state into two jurisdictions. The remonstrance against this, in many of the Grand Lodges, has been prompt and earnest. And why should it not be ? Why will not our brothers in that great state, be content to heal all their dissensions, and live and labor and love as brethren ought to do ? This ceaseless love of change—this impatience under trial—this alienation—is not right nor honorable. It is not worthy of the men, or their mission as masons. Let them cease from all other strifes and desires till they have overcome the elements of disunion which the demon of discord has sown in their fruitful soil. The hour of trial may be dark, but the day of deliverance will dawn the more cheeringly, if tbey watch for the morning with their lamps trimmed and burning. We will not despair of their patient endurance, or their final victory. Kind counsels and fraternal mediation is offered in various quarters. One proposition, emanating from a distinguished source, we present as worthy of consideration. It is as follows:—
" Saint Louis, Oct. 1st, 1853.
" In looking calmly at the affairs of Masonry in the State of New York, and the causes as developed in the long continued strife and confusion in that jurisdiction, I am induced to make an effort to settle the conflict, restore peace and harmony, or, in the event of a failure, to advise a separation, in order to avoid the consequences which must inevitably result from their present reckless and unmasonic course.
"After mature reflection, I am fully convinced that it is the bounden duty of the several Grand Lodges of the Union, to make one simultaneous effort to settle the difficulties there pending, or take such action as will free themselves from all participation, or affiliation, with the discord now stalking abroad in that portion of the masonic vineyard, and by which legitimate Masonry is made to bleed at every pore.
"But how shall so desirable an event be accomplished, is a question, the solution of which requires the united wisdom of the several Grand Lodges of the Union.
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" That the best interests of the craft imperiously demand the speedy adjustment of these difficulties, none can doubt who have paid any attention to their proceedings, and that thus far they have been unable to settle their differences, with such assistance as the several Grand Lodges have given them, is equally certain ; for it is a lamentable fact, that every effort hitherto made, has but increased the storm, and widened the breach to such an extent, that it is now impossible to recognize any of the beautiful and sublime workings of Masonry in their midst, or to ascertain with any certainty who and who are not worthy of our confidence and esteem.
" With these impressions, and others that will readily suggest themselves to all who reflect on the cause and effect of such things in connection with Masonry, I have deemed it my duty, as the chairman of foreign correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, to consult you by letter and elicit from you as well as from my brethren in the several states, your views on the unhappy state of affairs in that jurisdiction, and thus prepare the Grand Lodges of the United States for one vigorous and timely effort to banish forever the discord now existing among our brethren of New York.
" In view of the magnitude of the subject, I would venture the following suggestion: that the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts and Virginia, because they are the oldest, be appointed by the several Grand Lodges as arbitrators to settle the entire difference, to hear all parties, and dispose of all questions in connection with the conflict now raging in New York, at least so far as ancient craft Masonry is concerned or compromitted; and in case of disagreement or inability to settle the difficulties aforesaid, they shall be empowered to call to their aid a similar committee from any Grand Lodge jurisdiction they may think proper.
"To carry out the foregoing views, with your concurrence, I expect to append to my next report the following resolutions:
" 1. That the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts and Virginia are hereby fraternally solicited each to appoint a committee on behalf of the Grand Lodges of the United States, to examine and adjust all differences existing among the fraternity in the State of New York; and the Grand Lodge of New York is hereby fraternally requested to submit the entire difficulties of that jurisdiction to the aforesaid committee, so far as the same is connected with ancient craft Masonry ; that all parties interested be permitted and required to lay their grievances before the said committee, that they may be finally and forever healed.
" 2. Should the aforesaid committee of Massachusetts and Virginia be unable to adjust the differences thus submitted to them, they are hereby empowered to call to their assistance an equal number of brethren from any other Grand Lodge in the Union.
" I have forwarded a copy of the foregoing to the Secretary or Chairman of Foreign Correspondence of each Grand Lodge in the Union, and will be pleased to hear from you on the subject, at your earliest convenience. Masonry has suffered so much from the unhappy differences which have agitated that jurisdiction, that, in my opinion, it behooves the craft throughout this continent to look well to the future.
"Fraternally, JOSEPH FOSTER."
If the brethren of New York will listen to counsels like the above, and call to their aid a committee of reference so able as Virginia and Massachusetts can give them, we see no reason to doubt that a final settlement can be made, honorable to all who are willing to do right. In the meantime, we cheerfully submit, as expressing happily our own views, the very able and carefully drawn report of a committee of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in relation to the duty of other Grand Lodges while the difficulties in New York are unsettled.
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" REPORT.
" To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts:
" At the quarterly communication of this M. W. Grand Lodge, in September last, the following vote was referred to the undersigned, with instructions to consider and report on the subject therein embraced:
"Voted, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration what instructions should be given to the lodges in this state in reference to visiting members of subordinate lodges from New York.'
" Affecting as it does, to some extent, the free and brotherly intercourse which this Grand Lodge, for nearly three-quarters of a century, has sustained to brethren bailing from a neighboring jurisdiction, your committee could not fail to regard the subject-matter of the inquiry contemplated by the foregoing resolution, as of the highest; importance. And they have endeavored to conduct the necessary investigation, impressed with a deep sense of the obligations resting upon them and all good masons, to regard those things which make for peace, while seeking to maintain the integrity of those fundamental laws and principles which are essential to the purity and preservation of our ancient and honored institution.
" Your committee cannot enter upon this report without an expression of their deep regret at the condition of the fraternity in New York, as developed by their investigation. Dissensions among brethren of the same house-bold of faith, are to be lamented ; but, constituted as human nature is, they are not, unfortunately, always to be avoided, We find them in all the various orders and classes of society—in the family circle—in the Christian church. They began while the world was yet in its infancy, and they will end only with the consummation of the great purpose for which man and the world were created. It is one of the designs of Masonry, and the tendency of its sublime teachings, so to subdue and harmonize the passions of its disciples, as to lessen the frequency of such differences, and to soften their asperity whenever, from unavoidable or other causes, they may unhappily occur. No merely human institution can do more than this. And wherever this great purpose of Masonry has been accomplished—wherever the beneficent spirit of its teachings has been allowed to work its way into the heart—there the door of reconcilation is found thrown back upon its hinges—wide open to the free entrance of the spirit of peace. May we not still hope for the realization of this truth—a living manifestation of its redeeming power—at the bands of our unreconciled brethren in New York ? Have we not a masonic and moral right to expect so much of them ? Or must we be driven to the sad conclusion, that their actions are never to correspond with their professions ?
" Your committee have not desired, nor are they instructed by your vote, to extend their inquiries into the causes which have led to the unhappy divisions that exist among our brethren in New York; nor yet to seek the means of reconciling them. Neither would they assume to dictate to the Grand Lodge of that or any other state, as to its duty in the government of its lodges, or in the administration of its internal affairs. With these they would not unnecessarily interfere; nor, indeed, from any consideration other than that they are so conducted as to endanger those essential landmarks which were set up by the ancient fathers in Masonry, as guides for the government and preservation of our institution, in its purity and integrity. They have, therefore, limited their investigations to the actual condition of the order in New York, with a view to recommend, for the action of this Grand Lodge, such protective measures as the exigencies of the case submitted for their consideration, seem to demand.
" From the best sources of information of which your committee have been able to avail themselves, they learn that there are at the present time, in the city of New York, the following organizations, exercising control over the three degrees of ancient craft Masonry :
" 1. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York, over which the Hon.
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Reuben H. Walworth presides as Grand Master. This body has under its jurisdiction about two hundred and fifty lodges,—seventy of which are located in the city. This number includes, with the exceptions hereafter named, all those spurious lodges, which, prior to the year 1851, were working under the body known as St. John's Grand Lodge, and had been unlawfully created by that illegal organization. And it may not be out of place here to notice, that those lodges, and their members—the latter numbering about one thousand—were, at the time of the 'union,' received and acknowledged by the lawful Grand Lodge, by a resolution of reconciliation, agreed upon by the parties. It is true, that many of the persons so received, are among the best and most steadfast masons in the city; and, as men, are of much respectability. But it is also true, that many of them are among that class of masons who reflect no honor on the institution.
"2. The Philips Grand Lodge, so called, over which the Hon. Mordecai Myers presides as Grand Master. It will be recollected, that this is the body which separated from the lawful Grand Lodge, at the eventful session of 1849. It has under its jurisdiction, at the present time, twenty-two lodges, as follows:
| No. 1. | St. John's * | New York City. |
| 4. | St. Patrick's. | |
| 19. | Fortitude, | Brooklyn. |
| 20. | Abrams,+ | New York City. |
| 21. | Washington, | New York City. |
| 23. | Adelphi, | New York City. |
| 26. | Albion, | New York City. |
| 27. | Mount Moriah, | New York City. |
| 28. | Benevolent,++ | New York City. |
| 64. | German Union, | New York City. |
| 66. | Hohenlinden, | Brooklyn. |
| 64. | Lafayette,§ | New York City. |
| 66. | Richmond, | Staten Island. |
| 69. | Naval,§ | New York City. |
| 94. | Strict Observance, | New York City. |
| 106. | Manitou, | New York City. |
| 141. | Oltmans. | New York City. |
| 142. | Rising Sun, | Yonkers. |
| 143. | Mount Moriah, | Albany. |
| Delta, | Brooklyn. | |
| Hiram. | ||
| ------, (new,) | Staten Island. |
" The number of masons affiliated with these lodges, and acknowledging the authority of the parent body, is estimated at about seven hundred. They are illegal or recusant masons, and cannot be lawfully admitted into any regular lodge in the country ; but it is undoubtedly true, that they frequently visit and are received by lodges in other states. Whether this is done with a knowledge of their true masonic character and relations, it is impossible to say. They are mainly highly respectable as men, and your committee cannot doubt, that many of them are conscientious in their persistence in what they believe to be their inherent and legal rights. All that need be said farther in relation to them, is, that this Grand Lodge, in common with their brethren throughout the world, has decided that they are in the wrong.
" 3. St. John's Grand Lodge. This spurious body, which was merged in the Grand Lodge of New York in 1851, was revived on Sunday, the 12th of
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* There are four lodges of this name, and three of the same name and number in New York.
+ There are three lodges of this name in the city.
++ There are three lodges of this name, and two of the same name and number in the city.
§ There are two of this name and number. Also two under the name of Franklin-one irregular.
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June last, by two seceding lodges from the lawful Grand Lodge, with the cooperation of its former Grand Master, and other members of city lodges. The name of its first officer is Richard Thum; and it has under its jurisdiction, three lodges, viz: Benevolent and Key-Stone, (old,) and Freeman, (new,) with about two hundred avowed adherents.
" 4. Foreign lodges. There are two of this class of lodges in the city, working under warrants from the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, viz: Pythagoras and Franklin, numbering about one hundred and thirty members. The first named lodge was formerly under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York ; but, becoming dissatisfied with the management of that body, or from some other cause, it a few years since surrendered its charter, and took out a new warrant under the Grand Lodge of Hamburg. Both of these lodges are so far irregular, as not to allow of their recognition by the Grand Lodges in this country. Independently of this circumstance, they are believed to be well conducted and respectable bodies.
" 5. Scottish Rite Lodges. There are two spurious lodges of this rite in the city, viz: St. John's. No. 1, and La Sincerité, No. 2, with, it is supposed, about one hundred adherents. The person who formerly presided over the St. John's Grand Lodge, and has probably caused the brethren in New York more trouble, and brought more shame on the institution there, than any other mason in the city; and who, it is understood, has recently been a second time expelled and cast off by his Grand Lodge, is at the head of the schismatic body and imposture, under which these pretended lodges are working.
" It will be seen from the foregoing, that there are five classes of lodges in the city of New York. Four of these classes are made up of unlawful lodges,— amounting in the aggregate to twenty-nine*—all actively at work and multiplying. The number of members affiliated with them, is from ten to twelve hundred,—all of whom, by the rules of Masonry, are to be regarded as irregular and clandestine masons ; and, as such, to be excluded from all regular lodges. In addition to these, there are a large number of brethren, who, though in regular standing in their lodges, are, nevertheless, either in open rebellion, or secretly engaged in fomenting dissension among the craft, and in attempts to subvert the lawful authority of the Grand Lodge of their state. Your committee are fully aware of the extreme delicacy of this point of the inquiry ; but they cannot allow the fact, that such a dangerous and suicidal state of things exists,—not only in many of the lodges in the city, but in the bosom of the Grand Lodge itself,—to pass unnoticed and unrebuked. They desire to put upon it, and upon those masons who have so far forgotten their obligations and duties as to be engaged in it, the stamp of reprobation. Their conduct is not only pregnant with destruction to the peace of their own Grand Lodge, but is subversive of all masonic law and government. It is setting an example, the evil influence of which, if not checked in its incip-iency, cannot fail to disturb the peace of other jurisdictions than that of New York. Far better for the repose of their Grand Lodge, and the welfare of the fraternity abroad, that such members should secede, and join its more honorable, because more open and manly, enemies.
" In view of the preceding facts, and of the unfortunate condition of the order in our sister state,—in view, also, of the dangers to which our own lodges are continually exposed, from the great difficulty of distinguishing the true from the false, among the many visiting brethren from New York, who are daily knocking at their doors for admission, your committee recommend, as a protective measure, the adoption, by this Grand Lodge, of the following resolutions :
" Resolved, That the lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge are hereby instructed to require of all persons assuming to be masons, and hailing from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, who may apply at their doors for admission as visitors, (unless known and avouched, by a brother present, to be as herein provided,) a diploma, or
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*It is probable there may be others, not known to your committee.
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certificate, under the signature and official seal of the R. W. G. Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, of which the M. W. and Hon. Reuben H. Walworth is Grand Master, certifying that the brother therein named was made a mason in a regularly and duly constituted lodge, which, at the time of said making, was working under the authority of a constitutional and lawfully organized Grand Lodge; that the said brother is now in regular standing as a mason; and that he is no schismatic, or disturber of the harmony of the craft; but true in his allegiance, and obedient to the laws and authority of the Grand Lodge of New York, aforesaid.
" Resolved, That in case the person named in said diploma, or certificate, was made a mason in an unlawful or irregularly formed lodge, or under any authority which, at the time of said making, was not recognized by this Grand Lodge, then, and in that case, said diploma, or certificate, shall certify, under the signature and official seal of the R. W. the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York, aforesaid, that the brother therein named, has been duly and lawfully ' healed ' and obligated, by competent authority, and in the only form and manner sanctioned by the usages and customs of Masonry ; that he is now in good and honorable repute and standing as a mason, obedient to the laws, and acknowledging the jurisdiction and supreme authority of the only lawful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, aforesaid.
" Resolved, That the lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, are hereby strictly forbidden, under the penalty of forfeiture of charter, to receive as visitors, or hold masonic intercourse with any persons bailing from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York, who do not famish the evidence required by the preceding resolutions, of their regularity and present good standing as masons.
" Respectfully submitted,
Simon W. Robinson, Edward A. Raymond, E. M. P. Wells, J. V. C. Smith, Thomas Restieaux,
Boston, Dec. 12, 5853.
Committee."
Your committee believe this report covers the whole question admirably, and furnishes safe ground for this Grand Lodge to stand upon.
PHYSICAL DEFORMITY.
The committee are happy to find evidence that the views presented by the special committee on physical deformity, and adopted by this Grand Lodge, at its last session, are likely to harmonize the great body of masons in our country. Few things in the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, have been more censured than the article of our constitution upon this point, yet the natural interpretation of it, as given in last year's report, harmonizes perfectly with the able report to the General Grand Chapter, at its late session, and the resolution adopted by that body. It is as follows:
" Your committee, then, having treated the question as one resting upon constitutional, paramount authority, and not upon mere regulation ; having investigated the authority which, in their opinion, should govern the decision upon it, and having satisfied themselves that the subject matter is not a question of mere policy, but one which involves an ' ancient landmark ' of the order, have reached the unavoidable conclusion, that it is competent and masonically lawful for Royal Arch Chapters, as well as Blue Lodges, to confer the respective degrees of Masonry, properly conferrable by each, upon
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all candidates whose defects of bodily qualifications are not such as to prevent them from conforming literally to what the several degrees respectively require of them. If their physical capacities enable them to do this, they are admissible, and can comply with every requisition of the order.
Your committee are perfectly aware that the Ahiman Rezon contains a different rule, and requires a candidate to be perfect in every bodily qualification ; but they have already said that they do not acknowledge that work as authority, when it conflicts with the constitutions of Anderson.
" Resolved, That it is incompetent for Royal Arch Chapters to confer the respective degrees of Masonry upon candidates whose physical defects are such as to prevent them from conforming literally to all the requirements of those degrees."
MORAL DEFORMITY.
One part of our proceedings last year brings to light a serious case of moral deformity which is somewhat freely criticised in various quarters. It is the action of this body in relation to the case sent up from Meridian Splendor Lodge, detailing the conduct of the Master of said lodge, and the complaint from Rising Virtue Lodge. After spreading all the details of this case upon the pages of their report, the committee of correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut remark:
" The action of the enlightened Grand Lodge of Maine, strikes us as rather Strange. When a subordinate lodge, or its Master, so far loses sight of the principles of Masonry, as to violate, deliberately and willfully, the laws of the Grand Lodge, and that, too, in spite of the earnest remonstrance of a Grand officer; and especially, when, to this violation of written law, is added an utter disregard of the first principle of Masonry, which requires that a candidate for the honors of Masonry shall be 'of good report;' when a masonic lodge will so far demean itself as to admit within its walls a candidate who is 'so drunk at the time as to render it difficult for him to either walk or speak,'--it does appear to your committee, that for the Grand Lodge merely to pass a 'vote of censure' against such lodge or master, is not measuring punishment according to the enormity of the offence. We doubt whether there is another Grand Lodge in the United States, that would not have promptly annulled the charter of the offending lodge, and expelled its master from all the rights and benefits of Masonry,—and we are surprised that this course was not pursued by the Grand Lodge of Maine."
This criticism comes with all the more keenness, from the well-know candor and courtesy of the excellent chairman, while on the same page, as in previous reports, he pays a very high compliment to this Grand Lodge and the reports of its committee. Similar criticisms from other quarters are not very flattering to our sense of honor or acknowledged temperance principle. They cannot be very flattering compliments to the " meridian splendors " of our masonic jurisdiction, but it is hoped they may be salutary as they are just. It is reasonable that brethren who thus criticize, should be aware that this Grand Lodge has had so little occasion for discipline, that for first offences she may be allowed to lean towards the side of mercy. Should not this mild treatment effect a cure, we can safely pledge the fidelity of this Grand Lodge to a course of treatment which will effectually reach the disease.
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