Page 350
FRATERNAL NOTICES.
It is with special pleasure that your committee meet with the most friendly notices from all parts of the Union, of the doctrines and discussions which have been published in the proceedings of this Grand Lodge. We have repeatedly referred to this feature in the communications of past years. In no previous year have these cordial responses been so full and varied as in the reports now before us. It would be easy to fill many pages with the most cordial approbation of the various discussions embraced in our reports. They come to us from the far south, the far west, and from the great central valley. Whole pages are copied and endorsed with a heartiness never anticipated by the committee. They are alluded to merely as an illustration of the growing interest felt all over our country, through all branches of our order, in the higher questions of morals, the great problems of human improvement, and the progress of our race towards a higher standard of perfection. The only unfriendly criticism we have noticed, is one which so clearly misapprehends the subject referred to, that we copy it as a curiosity. It is from the report of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, for November, 1853.
"The Committee on Foreign Correspondence devote a large portion of their report to what they are pleased to term ' the relations of Freemasonry to the moral and religious element in man, and its affinity for the religions of the world.'
" Their remarks on this subject evince much learning and ability, but savor more of philosophical speculation than practical masonic utility ; and whilst we approve of many of the noble sentiments which they utter, and would gladly copy them for the benefit of the fraternity in this jurisdiction, if our limited space would allow of it, we do not concur in all their conclusions.
| We agree with them in their conclusion, that Masonry is not a substitute for religion, and that, on the other hand, religion does not supersede or render useless the institution of Masonry—that both have their appropriate spheres and purposes; but we do not coincide with them in what would seem to be the leading feature of their argument, that Masonry and especially ancient craft Masonry, recognizes and enjoins the Christian religion in exclusion of all other religions.
" Masonry clearly teaches the existence of God, the resurrection of the dead, the immortality of the soul, and future rewards and punishments, but as to the peculiar modes and forms of religion, every brother is left to the dictates of his own conscience, and to his own preference of religious organizations and creeds.
" If Masonry were to undertake to prescribe any peculiar creed, in detail, it would be the source of the same unhappy divisions and strifes which have disturbed the harmony of the religious world, and would mar that universal concord which prevails among the vast numbers who offer up their devotions, around her altars, to the true and ever-living God"
How very singular, that our Arkansas brothers do not see their total misapprehension of our argument, when they speak of its " leading feature " as being " that Masonry, and especially ancient craft Masonry, recognizes and enjoins the Christian religion in exclusion of all other religions! " How is it possible to make this mistake, while the very point to be illustrated was " the relations of Freemasonry to the moral and religious element in man,
Page 351
and its affinity for the religions of the world!" If our brothers will re-examine that argument, they will see that this thought pervades it, and that the historical illustration developes clearly the progress of Masonry along with the religions of all nations, not stopping in its onward course to stagnate with either of the older types, but traveling on till it welcomes the advent of Christianity, and adopts the Baptist and the Evangelist as its patron saints, and recognizes the " stone which the builders refused as the head stone of the corner." Do our brothers not concur in these "conclusions " ?
PROGRESS OF IDEAS AND PRINCIPLES.
No features of the Grand Lodge correspondence are more delightful than the great moral truths—the weighty and eternal principles of virtue and morality which are more and more fully interwoven in the addresses of Grand Masters and reports of their Deputies, the communications of Grand Secretaries, the reports on foreign correspondence, and the numerous orations on public occasions, which come to us from all parts of the country. Many of these reports display a thoroughness of research into the history of the past, in its dim and shadowy distance, there finding the germs of ideas which gradually come into the light of day. Some seize upon the history of its legislation, and elaborate its organic laws—others seize its cherished emblems—the implements or working tools of the craftsmen, and wield them with a master's band, in fashioning the rough elements of our untutored natures to rules of action and forms of beauty and grace—thus the varied gifts and diverse culture of masters and teachers blend in the schools of instruction, each borrowing ideas and methods from his brother, while imparting his own light, and using, as best be may, the full measure of his gifts, the rich treasures of his experience.
It is delightful to witness the progress of a single year in putting rich thoughts upon the wing. The change in this respect, since your committee first began to trace the movements of the Grand Lodges, is surprisingly great. Then, the reports, with few exceptions, were comparatively lifeless, wanting in method, in aim and in results; now, they come to us earnest, vitalized, pregnant with ideas, principles, motives, and manliness. A generous emulation spreads from state to state—each noble endeavor rouses several others to equal or excel—" mind acts on mind," and subjects rough natures to its sway. A sort of inspiration, a kindling of the fires of genius is manifest, which, if wisely fostered, will lead to blessed results in the prosperity of our order, and the welfare of our race. It were an easy, as well as pleasant task to fill this report with beautiful gems from scores of eminent masters, whose gifted pens are moved by this magic spell. Take a passage from the address of Bro. Kinkead, the Grand Orator of Kentucky, before the Grand Lodge, in September, 1853 :
"An instance at this time is going the rounds of the press, strange above
Page 352
all the romance of fiction, exhibiting the universal sympathy cherished in the true mason's heart. I allude to the expedition that has lately embarked from our shores to seek for that undaunted explorer, Sir John Franklin. The responses of the eminent brother, Dr. Kane, the commander of this expedition, to the farewell addresses given him, as he touched at New Foundland, on his way to the North Pole, should be written in living characters upon every true mason's heart. Hear it, and treasure it as a precious memorial of masonic eloquence:
"' No language that I can command, could give utterance to the feelings it has awakened in my heart, to be thus received by brethren and Englishmen, and thus parted with, on leaving this portion of the British territory, perhaps the last we may touch at on our way, is indeed most cheering to my spirit, and encouraging to my hopes; for the cause in which I am embarked, is one which involves the feeling of universal brotherhood, bound by no limits and contracted by no sectarian views or national prejudices, for it springs from a sympathy that embraces the wide family of man, and extends its efforts to relieve, wherever suffering, distress, or want, mark out a path for it to follow.
" ' Such a feeling and such a sympathy is that which sent forth one hundred and thirty-eight of your brave countrymen, who are now locked up in those distant regions whither the course of our expedition is directed, and should it be our Jot to pass a period of our time in the long night which in those regions succeeds the day, amid a frozen wilderness, in the deep solitude of darkness so palpably dense as to be almost tangible—where, over the wide waste of desolation, unbroken silence reigns—still, even there, despondency will find no resting-place in our bosoms, but the cheering hope will animate them, that when the day shall again dawn upon us, a bright and glorious morrow will break forth, to be rendered brighter and more glorious still, by the crowning of our hopes, and the reward of all our anxieties and toils, in the recovery and restitution to society of England's nobly enterprising son, your countryman, and mutually our brother—Sir John Franklin."
" In the opinion of many scientific men, Sir John Franklin may yet be discovered and rescued. We can then imagine the scene that would transpire in those cheerless lands, where for eight years he has waited the approach of succor. A company from their ice-bound home are watching anxiously the coming of distant sails. As the vessels approach nearer, hope awakens within their hearts; they look at each other and whisper of deliverance. Still nearer comes their unknown visitor. One among that isolated company catches the sight of an emblem, a symbol painted upon the foresail of the foremost vessel. He recognizes it, and his heart swells with emotion. Would you know the cause of this sudden gush of feeling ? It is that time-honored and world-wide symbol of Freemasonry, the square and compass, that the gallant Kane has inscribed upon his sails ! Oh, what feelings does it excite in the heart! how it carries back the memory to scenes long left, over which despair had drawn a dark veil of oblivion ! "
We select a page also from the report of the committee of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi:
"'In the wisdom of the Almighty Architect of the universe, we are again called upon to make our annual report on the foreign correspondence of the Grand Lodge. During the year which has passed since your last grand communication, no change became visible in the general aspect of masonic affairs. Nothing of great moment has occurred, if we except the addition of another Grand Lodge to the constellation of Grand Lodges of the United States, which completes the zone of brotherly love, relief and truth, which now encircles the earth. The grandest dream of human progress and civilization forty years ago, did not anticipate that less than centuries of labor and toil of our hardy pioneers, would open the way through our vast forests and over our vaster prairies, to the shores of the Pacific. Who then believed that before a half century had disappeared in the eternity past, that the
Page 352
sound of the gavel with the Sabbath bell, would be heard in the valleys of the Willamette and Yuba, and re-echo among the cliffs of the Rocky Mountains ? Nay, farther, that the joyful sounds should be wafted by the western breeze from the distant Sandwich Islands ? Yet already our youthful sister of California greets the still younger Oregon, while Honolulu looks up to the former as a mother. Oregon not yet arrived to her majority as a political state, has already erected her Grand Masonic altar, on which to sacrifice the unholy passions of the human heart. Before quarrying the granite of her eternal hills, her moral ashler is already prepared for an eternal habitation. She claims that no mountain range shall form a barrier to her recognition as a legitimate child of Freemasonry, by her sisters of the great valley and the Atlantic. The mystic tie has no measure—it can be severed by neither ocean, plain nor mountain, and to this we respond with our welcome and congratulations. Whether a Grand Lodge be held in the city of Portland, in the State of Maine, or in the village of Portland, in the Territory of Oregon, she is equally near and equally dear to us—entitled alike to the friendship and consideration of the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi. We greet our brethren of Oregon.
" Recognition of Oregon.—The Grand Lodge of Oregon was formed by a convention of masons, on the 13th day of September, 1852, at which were present the officers of Multnomah Lodge, No. 84, chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri; Willamette Lodge, No. 11, and Lafayette Lodge, No. 15, by that of California, and several Master Masons. The proceedings being in accordance with a custom which has prevailed for the past fifty years in the United States, we present for your consideration a resolution recognizing that Grand Lodge.
" Relief to California.—There is no estimate of the amount of good which these yonng Grand Lodges and our brethren of the distant west may be instruments, under Divine Providence, of performing, not only by the unobtrusive but certain infusion of masonic principles throughout this young nation in the west, hastily formed by a congregation from all parts of the globe, and not yet become homogeneous and national, and whose members, from locality or other circumstances, are inaccessible to higher teachings; and we should not only greatly rejoice in the prosperity of the craft there, but if necessary, gladly render them friendly and pecuniary assistance.
" That the land which was flooding the world with her rich minerals—that this land of gold should require aid, was hardly realized last year, in considering the application of the Grand Lodge of California, in behalf of her brethren. But on investigation, it appears that these individuals, in their zealous and most praiseworthy effort during the prevalence of an epidemic, and a period of great distress, established a masonic hospital, and the beneficiaries were so numerous, that those brethren became deeply, and in some instances, ruinously involved, their private resources exhausted, and a debt of several thousand dollars incurred, which still bangs over them.
" To be relieved from this burden, the appeal was made last year to the generosity of the Grand Lodges of the United States, which appeal has been renewed this year. The debt, we believe, is about fourteen thousand dollars. For the few members of lodges who have been made there, or have affiliated, this amount is large. We cannot resist this appeal. Texas has generously donated two hundred and fifty dollars for this purpose, as well as one hundred and fifty dollars to Union Lodge, at Panama. We submit a resolution for your approval, and though we think a statement of the facts sufficient, we offer one suggestion in its support. We may be only returning the money expended for the benefit of some of our own initiates, who may have floated westward with the human flood in search of wealth among the golden sands of the Pacific, but whom misfortune and disease have overtaken, and destitute and friendless, far from home and among strangers, they must have perished, but for the timely assistance furnished them by that noble band of brothers."
These passages, selected almost at random, illustrate what we mean by
Page 354
the progress of Ideas and principles through the genius and institutions of Freemasonry. A blessed day will it be for us, when such sentiments and sympathies mould our opinions, pervade our affections, and control our lives.
A GENERAL GRAND LODGE.
Your committee rejoice in the evidence that their labor has not been in vain, which has been devoted to the establishment of a General Grand Lodge. Not that such a body has been created or even the purpose to establish one decided upon. Indeed, the resolution adopted at the convention in Kentucky, last September, was expressly, " that, in their opinion, it is inexpedient at this time, to attempt the formation of a General Grand Lodge "
This was unquestionably the best result to which the convention could have attained at that time. If we mistake not the signs of the times and the interests of the craft, the whole tendency of this movement, and the action of that convention, is to bring about a General Grand Lodge in the best possible mode, and at the right time. It would be, of necessity, a work of time —a result of careful deliberation—the fruit of fraternal sympathy and love. The necessity of some organization to reach the objects contemplated by a General Grand Lodge, is now plainly recognized, and it matters little whether we call it a National Confederation or a General Grand Lodge. Its mission must be the same in either case, and this cannot fail to be seen and felt The prejudices against a General Grand Lodge, will give way and the masonic charity and courtesy which can fraternize in the objects necessarily aimed at in the proposed Confederation, will inevitably tend by the laws of attraction, to the very thing we have urged repeatedly upon the Grand Lodges of the country.
The doctrines put forth by this Grand Lodge, last year, and the year before, are leavening the whole country with a directness and force delightful as it is unexpected. It would not be at all surprising if the convention proposed at Washington, in January, 1855, should result in a General Grand Lodge, thoroughly matured and perfected. But there need be no tenacity as to names or favorite theories. It is hardly conceivable that such a con-vention should be held at Washington, for the "specific objects" proposed, and that the convention should mature a plan for disposing of such objects, without providing for future meetings as often at least, as once in three years.
It will, ere then, be clearly seen that the General Grand Chapter has been silently, but sorely, demonstrating its own utility, and thus disposing of the most perplexing objections against creating a General Grand Lodge. With these views, the committee cheerfully copy the proceedings of the national convention, and will submit a resolution, in which they believe this Grand Lodge will heartily concur.
Page 355
"National Masonic Coonvention—A convention of masonic delegates from several Grand Lodges in the United States, in attendance on the triennial meeting of the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment, was held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Lexington, State of Kentucky, on the 17th day of September, a. l., 5863, pursuant to previous request and notice.
"On motion, M. W. Nathan B. Haswell, of Vermont, was appointed President and R. W. John L. Lewis, Jr. of New York, and R. W. Eliphalet G. Storer, of Connecticut, were chosen Secretaries.
"The following named delegates appeared, produced their credentials and took their seats in the convention as members:—
"Maine.—M. W. A. B. Thompson,
"Vermont—M. W. Nathan B. Haswell, M. W. Philip C. Tucker.
"Rhode Island —M. W. William Field, W. J. A. D. Joslyn.
"Connecticut—M W. David Clark, R. W. Eliphalet G. Storer, R. W. George F. Daskam.
"New York.—R. W. Ezra S. Barnum, R. W. John L. Lewis, Jr., W. Thomas C. Edwards.
" The objects of the convention were briefly and pertinently stated by the President to be the consideration of a suitable plan to be presented for a National Grand Lodge, or Confederation of Grand Lodges of the masonic fraternity to the United States, for the speedy and final adjustment and decision of matters in difference, which may arise between the various Grand Lodges, to promote uniformity in work and to cultivate the general good of the fraternity.
"On motion of M. W. Bro. Clark, of Connecticut,
"Resolved, That representatives from other states, present, attending the General Grand Bodies and not accredited as delegates, be invited to take seats in the convention and participate in its proceedings.
"Whereupon the following brethren enrolled their names :—
" District of Columbia.—M. W. Benjamin B. French.
" Kentucky.—M. W. Isaac Cunningham, R. W. Philip Swigert
" Illinois— R. W. Levi Lusk.
" Georgia—M. W. Philip T. Schley.
" Michigan—R W. Ezra Platt.
" Indiana — R. W. Isaac Bartlett.
" Missouri.—R W. Joseph Foster, W. G. II Melody.
" Alabama—R. W. Amand P. Pfister.
" Ohio.—R. W. John Brown.
" Mississippi.—R. W. Charles Kopperl. " Virginia.—R. W. John Wilson.
"On motion of M. W. Bro. Tucker, of Vermont,
"Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, to report suitable resolutions, embracing a plan of action for the consideration of this convention at an adjourned meeting.
"The following brethren were appointed such committee, (M. W. Bro. Tucker having been, at his own request, excused from service thereon):—
" M. W. A. B. Thompson, of Maine.
" M. W. William Field, of Rhode Island.
" M. W. Benjamin B French, of District of Columbia.
" M. W. David Clark, of Connecticut
" R. W. John L. Lewis, Jr., of New York.
"The contention then adjourned to Monday evening.
"Monday Evening, Sept. 19, 1853— The convention re-assembled, pursuant to adjournment, M. W. Nathan B. Haswell presiding.
" M. W. Bro. Thompson, of Maine, from the committee appointed for that purpose, submitted the following report, which, having been read and considered, was unanimously adopted:—
" The committee appointed by the delegates of several Grand Lodges of the United States, assembled in convention at Lexington, Kentucky, September, 1863, for the purpose of taking into consideration the proposition sub-
Page 356
mitted by the Grand Lodge of Maine, to form a 1 General Grand Lodge of the United States, having duly considered the proposition, ask leave to report:—
"That, in their opinion, it is inexpedient at this time to attempt the formation of a General Grand Lodge; but from a free interchange of opinion among the delegates assembled, your committee believe that a proposition for a National Confederation, for specific objects, would meet the approbation of the several Grand Lodges of the Union. They therefore submit the following plan therefor:—
" 1. That all matters of difficulty which may hereafter arise in any Grand Lodges, or between two or more Grand Bodies of the same order, which cannot by their own action be satisfactorily adjusted or disposed of, shall, if the importance of the case or the common welfare of the fraternity demand it, be submitted, with accompanying evidence and documents to the several Grand Lodges, in their individual capacities; and the concurrent decision thereon of two-thirds of the whole number, officially communicated, shall be held authoritative, binding and final, on all parties concerned.
" 2. That from and after the adoption of the foregoing proposition by two-thirds of the several Grand Lodges, its provisions shall be considered ratified, and all matters therein contemplated for adjustment, shall then and thereafter take the course prescribed.
" 3. That each of the Grand Lodges be requested to adopt a resolution (if they accede to the proposed measure) pledging themselves to abide the concurrent decisions of two-thirds of the several Grand Lodges, relating to all matters submitted to their action.
" For the purpose of further maturing the plan for the proposed Confederation, your committee propose that the several Grand Lodges be respectfully requested to send one or more delegates each to a convention to be held at Washington, D. C., on the first Wednesday of January, 1855, to consider such propositions as may be submitted by the several Grand Lodges in relation thereto.
"The committee further recommend that the proceedings of this convention be officially communicated to the several Grand Lodges in the United States.
"All of which is respectfully submitted.
A. B. Thompson, John L. Lewis, Jr., B. B. French, David Clark, William Field,
Committee.
" Lexington, Ky., Sept. 19, 1853.
"On motion of R. W. Bro. Swigert, of Kentucky,
"Resolved, That the proceedings of this convention, attested by its officers, be published under the direction of the Secretaries, and transmitted to the several Grand Lodges, and that their publication be respectfully requested in the various masonic periodicals of the United States.
"The convention then adjourned without day.
Nathan B. Haswell, President
John L. Lewis, Jr. E. G. Stoker, J, Secretaries
The committee recommend the adoption of the following resolutions in relation to the action of the national masonic convention:
1. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge re-affirms its repeated declarations of opinion that the formation of a General Grand Lodge, with appropriate powers and limitations, would greatly advance the interests of our masonic order in this country and throughout the world.
Page 357
2. Resolved, That we believe the time has fully come when this work can be undertaken with the fairest prospects of complete success.
3. Resolved, That we cordially approve the action of our delegates at the convention whose proceedings are recorded above, and the proposition to call another convention at Washington, in January, 1855.
4. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will at this time select two delegates to the said convention, with discretionary power to co-operate in forming a General Grand Lodge of the United States, or to mature a Confederation for the " specific objects " which the interests of ancient craft Masonry in our country, require; and that the M. W. Grand Master be instructed to draw his order on the Grand Treasurer for their necessary expenses.
5. Resolved, That so much of this report as pertains to the General Grand Lodge, be immediately printed and transmitted by the Grand Secretary to all the Grand Lodges of the country.
The reasons for prompt action will be clearly seen, as a great portion of the Grand Lodges of the country will hold sessions between this time and the date fixed upon for the proposed convention. It is well that all of them should understand the position of Maine upon this question.
OPERATIVE AND SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
In many of the Grand Lodge reports, and in public addresses, there are found learned and critical disquisitions on the relations of operative and speculative Freemasonry. Some of these assume that the period of operative Masonry has passed ; and that now we have only the speculative type of it. Your committee do not altogether like this mode of treating the subject. If we mistake not, there is danger that we shall have too much of the speculative and too little of the operative. We certainly need to apply vigorously the operative, till we clear the masonic temple of all such rubbish as the Grand Lodge of Connecticut has noticed in the light of our " meridian splendor." Doubtless, if the moral telescope were tamed and swept through the galaxy of the Grand Lodges of the Union, or through their published reports, it would be easy to apply the " common gavel " with great force, even where jewelled emblems of authority clothe a nakedness of moral deformity unworthy of our order. We do not propose to cast stones, certainly while reminded that we live in glass houses; but we may well rejoice to see the earnestness of the overseers in many of the jurisdictions, in the inspection of their work and the application of the appropriate tests. We copy with great pleasure a page from the opening address of M. W. Archelaus M. Hughes to the Grand Lodge of Tennessee :
" A mason's love and devotion to Masonry, can generally be measured by the amount of light and information he has attained of the objects and principles of our order. Show me a bright mason, and I will show you an ardent lover of the craft. Cannot some means be devised for the more thorough instruction of our new members ? The eleventh edict of this
Page 378
Grand Lodge, does not effect the object of its passage. I would suggest that it be so amended as to require all those hereafter initiated in our lodges, to understand, and be able to repeat the entire lecture on the first degree in Masonry, before they are permitted to pass to the second; and so of the second, before they are raised to the third. If this were done, and its spirit and letter obeyed, we would hear no more of the want of uniformity in our work, or the scarcity of workmen in our lodges. All would understand their duty, and be willing to perform it. Whilst we may be permitted to rejoice in the restoration of our time-honored institution to public confidence and esteem, let us enjoy our prosperity with meekness. Let us not, by our deportment, furnish fuel to enkindle afresh the fires of persecution, which have so long retarded our progress; let us cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, and unite our energies with the good and wise of all classes and conditions in life, in making men happier, by making them wiser.
Let me then, my brethren, in the relation we sustain to each other, urge you to sustain or adopt some system of education that will fulfill the requirements of our whole duty—some system that will reach the wants of all the poor and destitute children of masons in our state; so that no mason's child within our borders shall be raised in ignorance. Much good has already been accomplished by union and concert of action.
" We have, or should create for ourselves, a high standard of moral action. It is but just that the world should expect our lives and conduct to conform to our profession. We ought, then, to be circumspect in our deportment. The purity of our precepts can only be manifest by our actions. J Walk worthy, then, of the vocation wherewith you are called; cultivate among yourselves a spirit of unity, and withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the traditions of the order.' Be careful in guarding against all intemperance and excess. No wisdom, no reputation, no public honors, can secure you against the desolating influence of intemperance. This fearful vice is found in the cottage and in the palace, in the church and in the halls of legislation, and, I fear, too often, in our lodges. It has robbed age of its support, youth and innocence of its protection, and the domestic fireside of its peace and happiness.
" And whilst we are careful to avoid the besetting sin of drunkenness and intemperance, let us remember that we are bound to abstain from another vice which I know is practiced by some of our brethren ; I allude to the detestable and unmasonic practice of swearing by, and invoking the solemn name of our great and glorious God, on the most trifling and frivolous occasions. This vice has not one motive or inducement, in my bumble opinion, to sustain the practice of it. It is practiced by the vulgar, and that alone should constitute a good reason why masons should abstain from it, if no other. But it is in direct violation of the express command of Deity himself: 'For our God is a jealous God, and will not hold him guiltless who taketh his name in vain.'
" There is one other practice indulged in by evil disposed and uninstructed masons, occasionally, which, though not so sinful, is, if possible, more despicable in a man or mason; I mean the habit of slandering and envying a worthy brother. I can find no language strong enough to express my contempt for it. It has no sanction in the teachings of Masonry, and no ' good mason, and true ' will be guilty of it. The noble eagle seldom condescends to prey upon a dead carcass; it is the flesh fly, the vilest of his tribe, that instinctively finds, and alights upon the diseased parts of the system; so with the slanderer. He has praise for no one; brotherly love, relief and truth have no abiding place in his bosom, but envy, hatred and malice are always cherished by him. Such a man is unworthy the name of mason, much less the association of ' good men and true.'"
This is what we may claim as the true operative Masonry which our order and this age and country greatly need. Let the master builders see to it that they " set the craft to work and give them proper instructions " in this
Page 359
department of labor. We mast not rest satisfied with becoming merely intelligent masons in the emblems and ceremonials of its ancient rituals. It is not enough that we become versed in the history and jurisprudence of the order. We must not feel that our work is done when we have perfected our organizations, and settled perplexing dificulties among the workmen. There is a vital force to be imparted to all the energies which can give direction and impulse to the elevation of man and welfare of the world.
Freemasonry will prove a splendid failure, if it does not aid in accomplishing this work. Having the motive and opportunity to select its materials and reject what is refuse and worthless; having working tools of plastic power, with which to mould these materials and fit them for their place in the temple; having principles of art to guide us, fixed and definite as our immovable jewels; and having before us a long array of masters and teachers, whose skill and work are fitted to inspire a lofty and generous emulation, and call forth our best endeavors; we shall deserve execration, if we do not contribute something worthy of our high professions towards rearing a temple for the instruction of our common humanity—a bethel for purer worship—a Bethesda for healing the maladies which afflict our race, where the poor, the tempted and fallen shall find succor—the sick and sorrowing shall find the balm of Gilead, and the "good physician," as well as good Samaritan.
But we are at the same time admonished by past experience not to neglect this higher and nobler, practical work of operative Masonry. The age is now eminently practical. There is everywhere prevalent, scrutinizing all pretences, the searching questions, " What are your objects? What are you doing ? What results do you propose ? And where are the fruits of your labor ? Give us specimens of your work ?" These and the like challenges are to meet us at every door of the temple. If we cannot answer them honestly and without a blush, we may as well abandon our work as a failure, and " disperse into the country "—become hewers of wood and drawers of water, and no more pretend to be master builders and overseers. The instructive experience of those who were active workmen and careful watchmen, a quarter of a century ago, must not be lost upon us. We must not build the temple now with waste material—wood, hay and stubble, unless we desire to invite and hasten the day of fire, which shall prove every man's work of what sort it is. Fiercer flames will burn than those mere bonfires kindled by a Morgan and his satellites, if we prove recreant to our high calling.
MASONIC HISTORY.
Many of the lodges and chapters of this country are just waking to the importance of seizing and fixing in a permanent and accessible form, the important facts of their history. It is an important work, and will be regarded far more important, fifty years hence, than it is now. It is then important
Page 360
for something to be done effectually, in gathering the scattered materials, many of which are still unwritten but treasured in faithful memories with true masonic affection, but which, with the fathers who cherish them, will soon pass from our reach. Your committee would suggest that some specific mode be devised and speedily put in operation, to gather such materials for the early history of Masonry in Maine, and place them on record, before they are lost to the world. Perhaps such materials, if gathered, could be published in the Grand Lodge proceedings, and form a part of the annual instruction diffused among the lodges. Such an effort, if made, should not be content with merely collating the facts which are already on the records of the Grand Lodge and its subordinates, but materials should be gathered from the older and well instructed masons, who could now furnish them in abundance. Such materials, when gathered, would need careful revision and condensation, so as to convey in brief compass, the materials worth preserving for those who come after us.
MASONIC CHARITY AND CHARITY FUND.
It is doubtless remembered, that in the address of M. W. Grand Master J. C. Humphreys, published in 1853, it was earnestly recommended that a charity fund be established and carefully fostered, with some practical hints upon the best mode of doing this. It was recommended that the District Deputy Grand Masters ascertain, and report each year, the amount of such fund in the several lodges, and report the same to the Grand Lodge. This suggestion was adopted as a part of the proceedings, and it is presumed has been attended to in their reports to be here presented. It should be understood that this movement has awakened a deep interest among the Grand Lodges of the country, whose subsequent proceedings have reached us. The results of this movement in Maine, will have an important influence upon those who, in other states, are now marking its progress. It is hoped that the expectations thus awakened may not be disappointed.
MASONIC PERMANENCY AND PROGRESS.
It will be seen, especially by the subjects discussed in this and previous reports, that we are confidently expecting the permanency and progress of our institution. And why not expect this ? It is but a superficial view which the merest tyro of our craft ought to be ashamed of, to suppose that Masonry is to vanish away or be superseded by modern improvements and devices. We have had occasion to express this conviction in various forms, in previous reports, but the time has come when we may as well do this somewhat thoroughly, that those not of our number, who may desire to know the reasons of our masonic hope, may see that it is not without foundation. We do not now propose to discuss all parts of this question, nor of its adaptation
Page 361
to particular ages, countries and diversified conditions of man, or the varying phases of human society. We choose to limit the enquiry now to a single view—the foundation for the existence and permanency of the institutions of Freemasonry in the essential nature and necessities of man.
It is needless to remark, that man has necessities and a nature appropriately his own. Made a little lower than the angels, yet he is not a mere brute. He has an animal nature that chains him to earth, with necessities that the earth must supply, in common with other animals. But he has also a higher nature, with necessities—fundamental, eternal necessities and aspirations which soar above the earth—which the world can never fill. He has necessities and yearnings, craving—
" What nothing earthly gives or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy."
It is folly to ignore these higher necessities; it is madness to live as if they had no existence. It is the path of wisdom to recognize and provide for them by all the appliances in our reach. In training, supplying and controlling these necessities, we need help from each other. We have need of the ardor of youth, the vigorous, mature energy of manhood, and the wisdom of age. We need, also, wise and skilful teachers who can aid our endeavors; and, more than all, we need that wisdom which descends from heaven. These great facts were recognized and deeply impressed when first we knelt at the altar of Masonry and were taught its first lessons, to have faith in immortality and charity to all mankind. When first we saw masonic light, its emblems taught us to look upward and aspire to a habitation above the cloudy canopy, where peace and order eternally reign, and that to climb the emblematic ladder, we must circumscribe and subdue our passions and square our actions by the exact standard of a divine morality. We must discipline our bodies and our souls for a higher and holier destiny than has been common with those who have gone before us, and the claim which we vindicate is, that Freemasonry is adapted to this end, if we will learn to use it well and wisely.
Let us glance hastily at the evidence of this assumption. What are some of those elements of our nature, which our masonic discipline has to deal with ? What necessities must be met by this discipline ?
1. Those of our animal nature. We must be fed, clothed and sheltered. To meet these wants, we have instinctive appetites, desires and propensities. There is the desire of life and the desire of comfort to urge us on the one hand—the dread of suffering and death to warn us on the other.
The love of gain—the desire of acquisition, stimulates us on one hand, the suffering, reproach and dread of poverty urge us on the other.
Then our necessities are constantly returning. The hunger and thirst we
Page 362
satisfy to-day will clamor again to-morrow, and other necessities are felt or feared so soon as we have means to satisfy them. 2. But the wants of the soul are still more varied and unceasing.
1. First comes curiosity—the desire of knowledge. Each one, like the first mother, desires to pluck and eat of the tree of knowledge. No matter if it is the "knowledge of good and evil"—of good lost and evil got," each must taste for himself. Then, too, the world is full of temptation—full of the principles of knowledge just fitted to meet this desire. The whole creation is as if made to waken and draw out this thirst for knowledge, and the soul is fitted to respond to the appeals which come in from the world around us. And how imperative this curiosity ! How many are impelled by it to ask and receive—seek and find—knock and find open to them the door and the light of our ancient sanctuary !
2. Then comes the desire of society. He must find kindred sympathies to share his knowledge. He loves to compare and communicate. This desire is so strong we have to curb it by the law of silence and secrecy. Man is greatly inclined to tell what he knows and many things which he does not know. He must have society; he is made for it and must seek it.
But he needs congenial society—those with whom he may safely commune and whose sympathies shall beat responsively with his own. To gain such society, we must either search till we find it, or else we must seek to create. Our order attempts to do both. Its honest intention is to shut out such as give no promise of ever becoming congenial, and admitting none till, by proper examination, there is found a reasonable hope that they may become fitted to live and labor in harmony with good men. Then it seeks to mould these native elements of character by its own peculiar discipline, so as to unite in fraternal sympathies those whom the factions and antagonisms of life might otherwise sever.
3. There is also the desire of character. No one can desire society merely to receive its loathings and execrations. A desire to possess the favor and good will of others, is natural to us and necessary to our welfare. No one can safely be without. A young man who does not care what good men think or say of him, is not far from ruin. There is little hope of him, either for this life or the life to come. Doubtless many have been led to ask for the light of Masonry, because they have seen it reflected from the life and labors of good men whose characters they have desired to share.
How many of us can be indifferent to the fact that honored names, whose praise is on all lips, were once recorded as the youngest apprentices, and learned, like us, the first lessons of this art which we highly prize !
4. The desire for improvement. It is an idle wish to possess the credit of a good character, without the corresponding reality. It is difficult to admire a noble character and desire the society and approbation of such, without desiring to emulate it. Indeed, the young man must have low notions of life and character and degrading views of our order, who shall
Page 363
seek admission there without an honest desire to gain help and motives and a discipline which shall make him a better man. He avows this as his impelling motive. He declares his wish and purpose to improve himself in Masonry.
5. Man has affections to be trained. He comes to the door of the lodge and avows the desire to possess charity—to cultivate good will—to de-velope an active benevolence. What nobler object can we aim at, than to cultivate that charity, which, while it seeks the good of all mankind, is more especially concerned first to train his own heart, and then to draw out humane and benevolent affections from the hearts of brethren and companions ? He does not love others less, because, by creating and cultivating a closer union, he loves a brother more. Let us be more deeply impressed with the beauty of charity and learn to use the trowel more skilfully and earnestly, till our hearts glow with intenser ardor.
6. Kind words, actions, as well as affections, demand our culture. Selfishness is too strong to be overcome merely by tasking latent feelings. There must be affections which speak out not only in gentle and fraternal words, but in significant acts. Hence the reason why we are urged to establish and maintain an increasing charity fund in the bosom of each lodge. There ought to be a savings bank, where every member should frequently deposit not merely a paltry shilling, as he would in an iron safe or stone vault, but where he can deposit the rich ore of a kindly heart, to be coined into substantial comfort for a worthy and distressed brother, his widow and orphans. Brotherly love, relief and truth, should all be constantly on hand to meet necessities always arising.
7. Patience, Fobearance and Forgiveness. These are necessities which cluster about our pathway through the world, and the discipline of the lodge room does wisely inculcate these, precept upon precept, line upon line, as we pass along towards the valley and shadow of death.
8. Man has also, necessarily, a sense of justice—a binding recognition of the claims of rectitude. He cannot safely live without this. He must be just, before he can well be generous. He cannot cultivate benevolence with a heart full of injustice. He cannot love a brother as he ought, while meditating injustice or planning mischief.
9. A Sense of Honor. Closely allied to justice, is a just appreciation of the claims of honor. A dishonorable man can neither be just or generous. No kindly affection can dwell in his heart. He is unfit for the society of men, and is intensely abhorred of his Maker. And this sense of honor needs cultivation. It will not grow in the garden of man's selfishness, without a fostering care which shall extricate the weeds and thistles of our cherished depravity.
10. Necessity for Worship. The principle of reverence, instinctive in man, needs cultivation and direction, or its perversion and abuse will be among the active agencies of ruin. Perversion of the religious element not
Page 364
only debases and distorts the character, but it may cause the fiercest passions to burn in the bosom of seciety. Man needs the elevating tendencies of a pure, spiritual worship to save him not merely from perdition hereafter, but to save him from launching himself and his fellows in perdition now. Well is it required of those who come to the altar, to bow in reverence before the Father of spirits, whose laws and whose counsels are so needful to save us from the perversion and abuse of the wonderful mysteries of the undying soul. But why need we trace this last thought, which was so fully discussed in our report for the last year ? Why should we pursue or illustrate this subject further ? Is it not apparent that Freemasonry will have a mission on earth, so long as these elements of our nature and these instinctive necessities remain to us ?
The answer to this question will indeed turn upon another one; it is this: Does Freemasonry recognize these necessities ? Does it provide for them ? Can men, by its principles and its discipline, derive substantial aid in meeting these necessities ? This is the practical question to which we invite enquiry of honest men. The question is not, whether all who wear its drapery and its emblems, have actually secured appropriate results. It is not, whether we have fully tested its power. We ask men to take its acknowledged text books, its standards of instruction, and tell us if they do not clearly show that the real necessities of man are there recognized. We challenge them to explore the nature and necessities of man and point us to a single want in our nature for which there is not some specific prescription in the instructions and symbols of our order. And here for the present we rest the discussion. We are willing to leave it with the decision of honest and candid men, who will take the trouble to understand what is so completely within their reach.
With this proposition, we turn from this discussion of principles, and in conclusion, merely ask a passing attention to the eloquence of facts.
This Grand Lodge, in its drapery of death, reminds us of two significant facts. Simon Greenleaf and William Swan, two Grand Masters of this Grand Lodge, identified with its earliest history and its darkest trials, have spoken to us their earthly farewell. We need not speak their eulogy. It is engraven on every heart which knew them here and elsewhere. Did they not find a use for the discipline of Masonry ? They were Christians. Did this compel them to renounce the order whose discipline they had shared in early manhood ? Did they learn to despise and disparage it as they drew near the spirit land ? Let us just read a brief note, written near the close of life's journey.
" Cambridge, June 24, 1852.
" Hon. R. P. Dunlap, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.
" Dear Sir and Companion :—You are already aware that during the war of the revolution, there was a lodge of freemasons in the main army, called Washington Lodge, of which my father, the late Captain Moses Green-
Page 365
leaf, of the eleventh Massachusetts regiment, was Master. I have often heard him mention the visits of the Commander-in-chief to this lodge, and the high gratification they afforded to the officers and members—especially as he came without ceremony, as a private brother. It has occurred to me that the records of this lodge may still be in existence, and that, if so, they ought to be recovered and deposited for safe keeping in the archives of the craft. Permit me, therefore, to invite your attention to this subject, as I know of no member of the fraternity whose position affords equal facilities for the accomplishment of this desirable object. " Believe me, dear sir, with great regard, faithfully yours,
"SIMON GREENLEAF."
Washington, Swan, Greenleaf! What a meeting! Was it the attractions of kindred spirits across the river of death, which dictated that letter to our M. E. Grand High Priest ? We will not seek to solve this problem. No, rather let us solve other problems that more nearly concern us. Let us urge more earnestly that prayer of the ancient worshipper, " So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Soon will our work be done, and we launch our tremulous bark upon the river of death, which separates us from those who have gone before. So let us buffet the waves and steer our course on life's ocean, that the dangers and terrors of the dark river shall all be dispelled by the visions of the blest haven, the loved companions, and eternal employments of the distant shore.
Respectfully submitted,
CYRIL PEARL,
E. G. RAWSON,
E. A. CHADWICK,
Committee
The following report was then presented and accepted, viz:
The committee to whom was referred a plan or diagram presented by Bro. R. W. Lawson, the object of which is, by certain fixtures in the lodge room, to render the conferring of the Fellow Craft's degree more striking and interesting, have examined said plan, and are unanimous in the opinion that such fixtures would, in no respect, interfere with the conferring the degree as approved by the Grand Lodge, but would be carrying out the true intent and spirit of the ceremony; and your committee would therefore beg leave to submit the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge do not consider that the adoption of said fixtures alluded to in the report, would be in violation of any regulation of the Grand Lodge, or of any masonic principle or usage; and that the lodges under this jurisdiction, have full liberty to adopt it, or otherwise, at their discretion.
All which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN MILLER,
SOLOMON MOULTON,
Committee.
Page 366
Grand Lodge of Maine, Portland, May 5, 1864.
Your Committee, to whom was referred the doings of the Grand Officers, having attended to the duties assigned them, ask leave to report—
That we recommend the Grand Lodge to accept the reports of the several D. D. Grand Masters, together with the report of the M. W. Grand Master, and that they be published with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
B. P. MUDGETT,
A. J. FULLER,
JOHN GLOVER,
Committee
The report was read and accepted.
The following report was then submitted, viz:—
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters, having attended to their duty, report and recommend—
1. That a charter be granted for a lodge at Kennebunkport, to be called Arundel Lodge.
2. That Oxford Lodge be removed from Paris to Norway.
3. That a charter be granted to Pioneer Lodge at Plantation No. 11, in Aroostook County.
4. That a charter be granted to Plymouth Lodge at Plymouth.
5. That a charter be granted to Bristol Lodge at Bristol.
6. That a charter be granted to Hermon Lodge at Gardiner, without any additional payment, to replace their old charter that was destroyed by fire, bearing the same date and number, and being as nearly as possible a copy of the same.
Respectfully submitted,
E. B. FRENCH,
E. G. RAWSON,
Committee
Which report was read and accepted and the several recommendations therein were adopted.
On motion,
Voted, That the M. W. Grand Master be, and he is hereby, authorized and empowered to issue a dispensation to Tranquil Lodge for the removal of said lodge from Danville to Lewiston, with the approbation of the nearest lodge, whenever, in his opinion, the good of Masonry may require it.
A resolution was submitted, providing that, on the decease of any Master Mason in good standing, and a member of any lodge under this jurisdiction, a record of his decease, with his age, shall be made in the lodge books, and a certificate of his mem-
Page 367
bership and standing be issued to his widow or family; and the same was referred to the M. W. Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge was then called off until 2-1/2 o'clock p. m.
Attest: C. B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
May 5, 1854.
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 2-1/2 o'clock p. m., the M. W. Grand Master in the chair.
On motion,
Voted, That a special communication of the Grand Lodge be holden at Masons' Hall in Portland, on the Wednesday next preceding the first Thursday in May, 1855, at 9 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of considering and deciding upon the time mode of working and lecturing in the third, or Master Mason's degree.
The following report was then presented and accepted, viz:
The Committee on Returns of Subordinate Lodges have attended to the duties assigned them, and report, that returns have been received from sixty lodges, by which it appears that there have been four hundred and ninety-eight initiations therein during the past year, and that the present number of members is 2,153.
The returns, for the most part, are pretty correctly made, but in some of them the defect heretofore complained of, is still manifest, viz: the dates of initiation, crafting and raising candidates are still omitted.
The committee recommend that the Secretaries of the several lodges in the state be particularly requested, in making future returns, to give the date of each initiation and of each degree conferred.
Stephen Webber,
C. B. Smith,
Arthur McArthur,
Committee
Bro. Bell presented the following resolutions, which were read and adopted, viz:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge especially approves that portion of the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, relative to the diffi-
Page 368
culties in New York, and, adopting the language and action of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in December last,
Resolved, That the lodges under this jurisdiction be instructed, in the examination of visitors hailing from lodges in New York, to follow the mode above recommended.
The following resolution, offered by Bro. Webber, was then adopted, viz:
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, no candidate should be permitted to receive the degree of Fellow Craft or Master Mason, without a sufficient knowledge of the preceding degree to prove himself as a mason of such a degree in the usual manner, unless in a case of absolute emergency; and that a more hasty manner is unmasonic and reprehensible.
On motion,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be requested to procure three hundred copies of parchment diplomas for Master Masons, and that they be furnished to the lodges on the order of the W. Masters thereof, upon the payment of fifty cents for each parchment blank so furnished.
On motion,
Voted, That a committee of three be appointed from the chair, who, after consultation together, shall designate one of their own number, who shall be the delegate of this Grand Lodge to the General Convention of delegates from Grand Lodges of the United States, to be holden at Washington, in the District of Columbia, in January, 1855, to consider the expediency of establishing a General Grand Lodge of the United States.
And R. W. Ezra B. French, B. F. Mudgett and E. G. Rawson, were appointed said committee.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum ot twenty dollars be appropriated and paid to the Grand Treasurer, for his official services the past year.
Voted, To appropriate and pay to Rev. Bro. Cyril Pearl, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, the sum of forty dollars, for his extra services and expenses in preparing the report of said committee.
The proposition submitted at the last annual communication, by M. W. Robert P. Dunlap, to amend the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, in section 9th, article 1st, part 4th, by striking out the words " two dollars" and inserting in lieu thereof the words,
Page 369
"one dollar" was called up, and, after due discussion, the said amendment was adopted by the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lodge having disposed of all the business before them, was then closed in due form.
Attest: C. B. SMITH, Grand Secretary.
DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS.
The following R. W. brothers have been appointed by the M. W. Grand Master to be District Deputy Grand Masters for the ensuing year, viz :
First District—Isaac Downing, of Kennebunk.
Second District—Joseph Covell, of Jay.
Third District—William Allen, of Portland.
Fourth District—John Miller, of Warren.
Fifth District—Stephen Webber, of Gardiner.
Sixth District—John Glover, of Camden.
Seventh District—Benjamin F. Mudgett, of Bangor.
Eighth District—Samuel Carter, of Bucksport.
Ninth District—John C. Talbot, of East Machias.
June 2, 1864.
>> Next Page