Page 17
The first impression, of every one, I believe, in relation to this matter of receipts from D. D. G. Masters, would be that no brother would (or at least should) ever be appointed to this honorable and responsible station, whose standing and character would not at all times be a safe guaranty for the return of his Jewel ; yet if this Grand Lodge think it necessary to have such a regulation, it is proper that it be strictly complied with.
The By-Laws of the G. Lodge, also say that the Senior Grand Steward, under the direction of the G. Treasurer, shall have in charge all the jewels, clothing, furniture and regalia of the Grand Lodge, &c.
The Sen. G. Steward appointed, has not always been a resident of the town where the sessions of the Grand Lodge have been holden ; and this duty has been performed mostly by the Grand Tyler.
1 refer to this at this time for the purpose of saying, that my attention has several times been called by the Grand Tyler, to the state of the jewels, clothing, furniture and regalia of the G. Lodge ; and although I have a strong suspicion that I am now meddling with business that does not belong to me especially, ex officio, still I wish permission to say, that, on examination, I found the property of the Grand Lodge, more especially the clothing, in such a condition as, in my opinion, renders it unfit for use, and if worn and exhibited in public would be very likely to elicit remarks from, people of cultivated manners and tastes, not very complimentary to the propriety and dignity of this Grand Body.
Now if I shall succeed in calling the attention of this M. W. Body to this subject, it will I doubt not, be all that is necessary to insure an examination into the state and condition of the jewels, clothing, furniture and regalia ; and when that is done, I am satisfied that prompt action will be taken, in reference to this matter ; and that the officers and members of this Grand Lodge will no longer appear in clothing which in colors, very fairly represents the coat Jacob gave his favorite son Joseph ; and will no longer suffer from mortified pride, and wounded vanity, when called upon to perform some public service on account of the inferior quality and damaged appearance of the furniture, regalia, &c. belonging to the Body which we are all
Page 18
proud to look up to as the head of the Order in our own progressive and flourishing State.
It is the avowed policy of the Grand Lodge to distribute in charity the full amount of income of the invested Charity fund—which, the present year amounts to nearly Five Hundred Dollars.
No part of the balance in the hands of the Treasurer at the close of the last year has been invested. It is yet experimental whether or not the annual Receipts, with the present rate of fees from subordinate Lodges, will be sufficient for the expenses of the Grand Lodge; and as no part of the funds, after being invested, can, constitutionally, be used for any purpose whatever—and as the expenses of the last year nearly equal the amount of receipts—it would seem advisable that a balance be retained uninvested for the present. Respectfully submitted,
MOSES DODGE, Grand Treasurer.
On motion,
Voted, That the Report of the Grand Treasurer be accepted, and referred to the Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers.
Petition of Eureka Lodge for a Charter, was presented; and referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters.
Petition of Washington Lodge for remission of dues, was presented, and referred to a special committee, consisting of Bro's McArthur, Covell and Pearl.
On motion of Bro. McArthur,
Voted, That the Report made by the Committee on Grievances and Appeals, at the annual communication of this Grand Lodge in 1855, and accepted,—and the subjects embraced in said report, which have been lost from the Grand Secretary's files, and have not reached the Records of the Grand Lodge,—be referred to the Committee on Grievances and Appeals ; and that said committee be requested to report, as near as may be, the substance of said report, and the action of the Grand Lodge thereon.
Page 19
| Receipts—Balance in the Treasury May 3, 1855, | $994 28 |
| Received from D. D. G. Masters the past year, | 1,112 00 |
| Charters and Dispensations, new Lodges, | 190 00 |
| Additional fees from Lodges, | 7 87 |
| Dividends Bank Stock, | 267 00 |
| $2,571 15 | |
| Expenditures—Paid D. D. G. Masters, | $252 99 |
| Fees remitted to Lodges by vote of G. Lodge, | 44 75 |
| Pay Roll, 1855, | 313 06 |
| Distributed in Charity by order of Trustees, | 365 00 |
| Salaries and bills paid, approved by Com. on Finance, | 566 48 |
| Balance in the Treasury, | 1,028 87 |
| $2,571 15 |
Submitted by A. B. THOMPSON,) Committee on
S. B. DOCKHAM, Finance.
Petition from Brethren in Fairfield, for a Dispensation or Charter; and
Petition of Hancock Lodge, U. D. for a Charter, by the name of Tremont Lodge, were presented, and referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters.
On motion,
Voted, That when the Grand Lodge call off, it be to meet again at half past two 6'clock this afternoon.
The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment.
The Committee on Finance made the following Report, which was read and accepted:—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 1, 1856.
The Committee on Finance have examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, of receipts and expenditures by him during the past year,—and report as follows:—
Page xx
Masonic Hall, Portland, May 1, 1856,
The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor at half past 2 o'clock P. M.
Officers present as in the morning.
Petitions for remission of dues, from Richmond, Blazing Star, St. John's (Rockport), St. John's (Bangor), and Star in the West, Lodges, were presented, and referred to the special committee having under consideration a similar petition from Washington Lodge.
Report of proceedings in Grand Lodge, opened at Saco, by M. W. R. P. Dunlap, Aug. 15, 1855, for the purpose of laying the corner stone of a building, intended for a Town Hall, was presented, and ordered to be placed on file.
The Committee on Doings of the Grand Officers made the following Report, which was accepted, and the recommendations adopted.
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 1, 1856,
The Committee to whom was referred the doings of the Grand Officers, have attended to the duty assigned to them, and would ask leave to report.
That they have had under consideration the Communication of our late M. W. Grand Master John Miller, and would recommend its acceptance by the Grand Lodge, and that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to him for the able, zealous and acceptable manner in which he has performed the duties of Grand Master of this Grand Lodge for the past year. And now that he is about to retire from the active duties of an office, which he has filled with so much courtesy and affability, may he have the consciousness of having always faithfully discharged his duty to the Craft, and enjoy the happy reflections consequent upon a well spent life, and may we for years yet to come have the high satisfaction of frequently taking him
Page xx
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION—MAY, 1856. 21
the hand and welcoming him to the bosom of a "fraternity, to whose happiness and prosperity he has contributed so much.
Your Committee would recommend that 60 much of the M. W. G. Master's address as relates to the conferring upon a candidate no more than one degree a month except on special occasions, be strictly adhered to by the several Lodges within this jurisdiction.
Your Committee would further recommend the acceptance by this Grand Lodge of the report of the R. W. G. Treasurer, and that the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to him for his indefatigable efforts to regulate and systematize the finances of this Grand Lodge, and that his successful efforts may be duly appreciated by this Grand Lodge.
Your Committee have been highly gratified with the suggestions of the R. W. G. Treasurer, on the subject of the Jewels and other property of this Grand Lodge. The limited investigation which he has given to a matter which comes more particularly within the official duty of the Grand Stewards, has forcibly impressed upon the minds of your committee the importance of giving to this subject a more thorough examination. Your Committee would therefore recommend that this portion of the R. W. G. Treasurer's report be referred to a special committee.
Your Committee would further recommend that you accept the reports of the several D. D. G. Masters, and that the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to them for the very satisfactory manner in which they have performed the duties of the office entrusted to them: and that said reports together with the report of the R. W. G. Treasurer, as well as the communication of the M. W. G. M., be published with the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
WM. P. PREBLE, Jr., ARTHUR McARTHUR, Committee M. M. RAWSON,
On motion.
Voted. That the Grand Lodge continue for another year their subscription for the Masonic Journal, published at Brunswick, for each Lodge in the State.
Page xx
22 GRAND LODGE OF MAINE.
The subject of Regalia was committed to Bro. Bacheller.
Proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and the following named R. W. and W. Brethren were elected :—
Jabez True, Grand Master, Bangor ; Hiram Chase, Deputy G. Master, Belfast; Isaac Downing, Sen. G. Warden, Kennebunk ; William Allen, Jun. G. Warden, Portland ; Moses Dodge, Grand Treasurer, Portland; Ira Berry, Grand Secretary, Portland.
Trustees of the Charity Fund.
John Miller, Warren ;
Charles B. Smith, Portland ; John Williams, Bangor; Stephen Webber, Gardiner.
Committee of Finance.
Freeman Bradford, Portland ; Abner B. Thompson, Brunswick; Stephen B. Dockham, Warren.
A resolution, specifying what Brethren are to be returned as members by subordinate Lodges, was offered by Bro. David Barker, and referred to a special committee, consisting of Bro's Bacheller, Fenno and Barker.
A resolution, providing for the appointment of a committee to examine the By-Laws of subordinate Lodges, was offered by Bro. Mulliken, and, on motion, was referred to the same Committee.
Page 23
On motion.
Voted, That when this Grand Lodge call off, it be until to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock.
The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment.
Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856,
The Grand Lodge was called to labor at 10 o'clock, M. W. Grand Master John Miller presiding.
The Trustees of the Charity Fund made the following Report, which was read, and on motion, adopted.
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The Trustees of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine, would respectfully Report,— That the invested funds of the Grand Lodge are,
| 25 | Shares Canal Bank Stock, | $2500 |
| 28 | Shares Casco Bank Stock, | 2800 |
| 5 | Shares Freeman's Bank Stock, | 500 |
| $5800 |
From the report of the Grand Treasurer of the funds in his hands, the Trustees would recommend that the Grand Treasurer be directed to make a further investment of five hundred Dollars in some safe Bank.
The Trustees would further report, that they have appropriated the sum of four hundred and seventy-five dollars, for the relief of certain distressed Brethren, their widows and orphans, named in a schedule herewith annexed.
JABEZ TRUE; per order,
Page 24
On motion of Bro. Covell,
Voted, That the sum of Fifty Dollars, which was appropriated to the Lodges in Portland, for the use of the new Masonic Hall, and which said Lodges declined to accept, be donated to Bro. Charles B. Smith, as a token of our appreciation of his past services as Grand Secretary.
Voted, That Fifty Dollars be appropriated to Bro. Moses Dodge, for his services in making up the accounts with the District Deputy Grand Masters for years past.
The following report was presented and read :—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The special committee to whom was referred the resolve introduced by Bro. Barker, in relation to returns of members, and also, the resolve introduced by Bro. Mulliken, in regard to By-Laws of subordinate Lodges, have had the same under consideration, and ask leave to report the following resolves.
Resolved, That all subordinate Lodges, shall return annually, as members, all Masons who have been admitted to membership in their respective Lodges, and whose residence is in this State at the time of making said return, subject to the following exceptions, viz:—All ministers of the gospel who have received the degrees without charge, and all Masons who have been lawfully expelled or honorably discharged from membership; and the foregoing shall be considered the construction of the word "members" in Sec. 9, Art. 1, Part 4th of the Constitutions and General Regulations of this Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That the Recording Grand Secretary forthwith procure a copy of the By-Laws of each of the subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge; and that a Committee of three be now appointed, whose duty it shall be to examine and compare said By-Laws with Constitutions and General Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and ascertain if they conflict in any respect with said Constitutions, or well established Masonic law, and report thereon at the
Page 25
next annual communication ; and also to report a code of By-Laws to be recommended to subordinate Lodges.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
0. R. BACHELLER,
DAVID BARKER,
JEREMIAH FENNO,
Committee
The report was accepted, the resolutions severally adopted ; and on motion,
Voted, That Bro's Freeman Bradford, Abner B. Thompson and Ira Berry be a Committee to examine and revise the By-Laws of the several subordinate Lodges in this State.
On motion, voted to proceed to the installation of Grand Officers elect.
R. W. Jabez True was presented by the Grand Marshal, and installed as Grand Master by M. W. John Miller.
The other Grand Officers elect were then presented, in person or by proxy, and duly installed by M. W. Past G. Master Freeman Bradford.
The following appointments were then announced :—
Corresponding Grand. Secretary.
R. W. Charles B. Smith, Portland,
Grand Chaplains.
W. and Rev. Cyrus Cummings, Portland;
W. and Rev. Cyril Pearl, Baldwin.
W. and Rev. Caleb D. Pillsbury, Bangor;
W. and Rev. 0. J. Fernald, Thomaston;
W. and Rev. Horatio Merrill, Portland.
Grand Marshal.
W. Stephen B. Dockham, Warren.
Page 26
Grand Deacons.
W. E. G. Rawson, (Sen.) Bangor;
W. Edward P. Buknham, (Jun.) Saco.
Grand Stewards.
W. Octavius A. Merrill, Brunswick;
W. Thomas J. Sanborn, Portland ;
W. Elias G. Hedge, Augusta;
W. G. F. Sargent, Bangor.
Grand Pursuivants.
W. John Benson, Newport;
W. Thurston Libby, Danville.
Grand Sword Bearer.
W. Franklin Fox, Portland.
Grand Tyler.
Bro. John Dain, Portland.
which appointments were confirmed by the Grand Lodge, and the Officers installed by M. W. F. Bradford ; and proclamation was made, that the Grand Officers for the ensuing year, elected and appointed, were duly and legally installed into their respective stations.
M. W. Grand Master True, then took the East.
Bro. McArthur offered the following resolution :—
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge pay to Adoniram Lodge the sum of ninety-five Dollars, paid by them to Steep Falls Lodge, to enable said Lodge to procure a Charter, etc.
The resolution, after discussion, was indefinitely postponed, by a vote of 23 to 8.
Page 27
The Committee on Finance made a Report, which, on motion, was received and adopted, to wit:—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The Committee on Finance recommend that there be allowed, as compensation for services the past year,
To Moses Dodge, Grand Treasurer, Twenty Dollars;
To Charles B. Smith, Grand Secretary, Seventy-five Dollars.
A. B. THOMPSON,
S. B. DOCKHAM,
Committee on Finance.
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters reported as follows:—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The Committee on Dispensations and Charters, having attended to their duty, report—
I. That St. John's Lodge, No. 51, at South Berwick, have their original Charter restored to them, together with the records and effects.
II. That a Charter be granted to a Lodge at Rockport, to be called St Paul's Lodge, No. 82.
III. That a Charter be granted to the Lodge at Tremont, to be called Tremont Lodge. No. 77.
IV. That a Charter be granted to a new Lodge at Bangor, to be called St Andrew's Lodge, No. 83.
V. That a Charter be granted to the Lodge at St. George, to be called Eureka Lodge, No. 84.
VI. That a Charter be granted to the Lodge at Unity, to be called Star in the West Lodge, No. 85, upon the presentation to the officers of the Grand Lodge of a petition in proper form—the other requirements having been complied with.
VII. That a Charter be granted to the Lodge at Saccarappa, to to be filled Temple Lodge, No. 86.
Page 28
The Committee have not been able to obtain sufficient information in relation to the petition for a Lodge at Kendall's Mills, to warrant action at the present session ; and would recommend reference of the same to the M. W. Grand Master.
We would recommend the use of the term " Stated Communication" instead of " Regular Communication" which we find used in apportion of the By-Laws and Records presented by the foregoing Lodges.
All of the foregoing Lodges working under dispensation, have surrendered the same, and presented transcripts of their doings and copies of their By-Laws; and they appear to be generally correct and masonic.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
ELIAS G. HEDGE,
T. J. MURRAY,
Committee
Which report was accepted ; and, on motion of Bro. Bell.
Voted, That Charters be issued, as recommended by the committee.
The Committee on the Pay Roll reported that of the Lodges represented, sixty are entitled to a portion of the Representative Fund ; that the number of miles travelled is 4828 ; and the total amount due said Lodges is $386 24 ; which report was accepted, and an order passed for the payment of the same.
The Grand Lodge was then called off, until three o'clock P. M.
Page 29
Friday, May 2—Afternoon.
The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor at 3 o'clock, M. W. G. Master True in the East.
Petition of Crescent Lodge, U. D., at Pembroke, for a Charter, was presented, with their Dispensation and Records, and referred to the Committee on Dispensations and Charters ; and it being stated that a vacancy existed in that Committee, Bro. E. B. Averill was appointed to fill said vacancy.
Bro. Bell, from the special committee on the case of Union Lodge, presented the following Report:—
In Grand Lodge of Maine, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The special Committee appointed to consider the difficulties in Union Lodge, No. 31, have attended to that duty, have heard the parties, and would Report—
That certain zealous brethren, filled with a narrow construction of the cardinal virtue of Temperance and carrying the same into the Lodge, were met by a similar though opposite construction, which resulted in such disregard of the true principles of Masonry as introduced into the Lodge matters of difference outside the Lodge and disconnected with Masonry, to such extent that the harmony of the Lodge was entirely destroyed and its usefulness gone. The bitterness of feeling existing among the members of Union Lodge is such, that no hope of the return of such usefulness exists until the softening influence of time and a due consideration of their masonic teachings shall have modified their present feelings towards each other. We therefore recommend the passage of the annexed resolutions and Order.
JOHN J. BELL,
O. B. DORRANCE,
DAVID BARKER,
Committee
Page 30
The Report was accepted, and the Resolutions and Order reported by the committee were adopted, viz:—
Resolved, That the action of the M. W. Grand Master in arresting the Charter of Union Lodge, No. 31, meets the approval of this Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That Union Lodge, No. 31, be suspended for one year, and until such time as the harmony of the same shall be restored.
Resolved, That after the expiration of one year, the M. W. Grand Master, being satisfied of the restoration of harmony in Union Lodge, No. 31, may restore their Charter and other properties, upon receiving a petition therefor, accompanied by the recommendation of the D. D. G. Master, and of the two nearest Lodges.
Ordered, That the M. W. Past Grand Master John Miller be directed to deliver the Charter and other properties of Union Lodge, No. 31, now in his custody, to the R. W. Grand Treasurer, to be kept until disposed of as provided in the accompanying resolutions.
The following report was received and adopted:—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The special committee to whom were referred the petitions of several Lodges for remission of dues to this Grand Lodge, ask leave to report—
That on the petition of St. John's Lodge, Bangor, the sum of six dollars for dues while under dispensation, be remitted, and that said sum be repaid to St. John's Lodge.
On petition of Star in the West Lodge, that the dues to Grand Lodge for membership be remitted and repaid, amounting to $1,50.
On petition of St. Paul's Lodge, that the sum of $2,25, fees for membership, be remitted and repaid.
On petition of Rockland Lodge, that the fees for membership, amounting to $1 87 1-2, be remitted and repaid.
Page 31
On petition of Joseph Covell, to remit and repay to Blazing Star Lodge, $1, dues overpaid last year.
On petition of Washington Lodge, that the facts developed to your committee would not, in their opinion, warrant the Grand Lodge in granting the relief sought by the petitioners, and that they have leave to withdraw. All which is respectfully submitted.
ARTHUR McARTHUR,
JOSEPH COVELL,
CYRIL PEARL,
Committee
Bro. D. Barker presented a Report in relation to Crescent Lodge, which was received and adopted, as follows :—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The undersigned, to whom was referred the petition of Crescent Lodge, No. 78, at Pembroke, have attended to their duty, and present the following Report:—
That they do not find all the necessary papers accompanying the petition ; and they recommend that the Grand Lodge grant said Lodge a Charter, when the proper papers required by the Constitution of said Grand Lodge shall be presented to the Grand Officers ; and that said Lodge be known as " Crescent Lodge, No. 78."
T. J. MURRAY,
DAVID BARKER,
Committee
Bro. H. Chase, from the Committee on Grievances and Appeals, made the following Report, which was accepted, and the recommendations of the committee adopted.
IN GRAND LODGE OP MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
The Committee on Grievances and Appeals, having attended to the duty assigned them, would respectfully ask leave to report, that the expulsion of A. J. Downing, from Tyrian Lodge, Minot, on the 24th of April, A. D. 1855, should "be confirmed, and that the Secretary of said Lodge be requested to furnish the Grand Secretary with attested copies of the proceedings of the trial and examination had in the case, the game having "been misplaced in the Grand Lodge-
Page 32
They would also recommend, that the Charter of Steep Falls Lodge, at Standish, be revoked, and that the District Deputy Grand Master of the Third District be directed to take possession of the Charter, Jewels, Records and Property of said Lodge, if the same can be found, and return them to the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge.
They recommend also, that the proceedings of Portland Lodge, in the case of J. R. Milliken, be referred to the next Grand Lodge.
In the case of Ancient Landmark Lodge against William Andrews, the Committee would say, that neither party have appeared before the Committee. A statement from the defendant has been placed before the Committee, saying that at the time of the examination he was out of the Country, and denying the truth of the accusations. The Committee would therefore recommend, that the whole matter be referred back to Ancient Landmark Lodge, that the accused may be further heard, if desired.
Your Committee would also further recommend, that the expulsion of James Belcher from Lygonia Lodge, No. 40, located at Ellsworth, be confirmed;—and that the whole matter relating to the expulsion of Thomas Johnson from Cumberland Lodge, be referred back to said Lodge, they not having furnished an attested copy of their proceedings.
In the case of difficulties between St. Croix Lodge, Calais, and Union Lodge, Milltown, St. Stephens, (documents in explanation of which are herewith annexed,) we recommend that the subject be referred to the M. W. Grand Master, with directions to open a correspondence upon the matter with Alex'r Balloch, St. John, N. B., Deputy Grand Master of New Brunswick.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
HIRAM CHASE,
J. FENNO,
FRANKLIN FOX,
Committee on Grievances and Appeals.
The following Resolution, offered by Bro. Geo. W. Chase, was adopted :—
Resolved, That no petition for initiation or for membership can be received, nor ballot had thereon, at any special communication of any Lodge, except on Dispensation.
Page 33
Bro. Fenno offered the following Resolutions, which were adopted :—
Resolved, That the D. D. G. Master of each Masonic District under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, be authorized and requested to call conventions of Masons in the respective Districts, at the most convenient place, twice in each masonic year, for the purpose of instruction in the Work and Lectures, connected with the first three degrees of Masonry—such convention not to exceed three days in length.
Resolved, That the M. W. G. Master is authorized and requested to appoint one or more Grand Lecturers, one of whom shall attend the District Convention when requested by the D. D. G. Master; and that the expense of such Grand Lecturer, in attending said convention, not exceeding three dollars per day and expenses, shall be paid by the Grand Lodge.
Bro. Moody, from the Committee on Returns, presented the following Report, which was accepted:—
IN GRAND LODGE OF MAINE, Masonic Hall, Portland, May 2, 1856.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine.
The Committee on Returns ask leave to submit the following Report:—
There are returns from all the Lodges except Fraternal.
The Returns of Dunlap, Saco, Solar, Richmond, Rising Sun and Lygonia Lodges, are not signed by the D. D. G. Masters.
Rising Sun Lodge returns two initiates, and fees to the Grand Lodge for initiation, 30 cents each.
Freeport Lodge does not return the date of acceptance, initiation, crafting or raising her candidates.
Blazing Star Lodge returns thirteen members and eighteen suspensions, but gives no reasons of their suspension.*
J. C. MOODY, for the Committee.
----
* Reason, non-payment of dues—see D. D. G. Master's Report.
Page 34
Bro. Cyril Pearl submitted the Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, which was accepted, and ordered to be published.
(For this Report, see Appendix.)
The action of the Grand Lodge on subjects embraced in the Report on Correspondence, was as follows:—
The Resolutions recognizing the Grand Lodge of Canada, after some discussion, were referred to the next Grand Lodge, by a vote of 26 to 22.
The Resolution against excluding all allusions to Christianity from Masonic Lodges, and in favor of retaining the Bible entire, as the " Great Light in Masonry," was adopted.
The Resolution providing for publishing a volume of Masonic Literature, was indefinitely postponed.
Bro's Cyril Pearl, E. G. Rawson and E. A. Chadwick were appointed a Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the current year.
Bro. Bacheller submitted an Order respecting Regalia for the Grand Lodge, viz :—
Ordered, That a Committee of three be appointed to procure Regalia for the Grand Lodge, or make such improvements and additions as may be thought proper; and that the expense of the same be paid by the Grand Treasurer from the funds of the Grand Lodge.
Which Order was passed ; and Bro's Freeman Bradford, A. P. Stinson and Ira Berry, were appointed a committee to perform that duty.
On motion,
Ordered, That the Recording G. Secretary be instructed to have six hundred copies of the Proceedings of this session of the Grand Lodge, printed for distribution ; to foward two copies separately, and on different days, to each Grand Lodge
Page 35
in the United States; and also two copies to each Masonic Periodical in Europe and America.
On motion of Bro. Geo. W. Chase.
Voted, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to the Masons of Portland, for the use of their Hall for our Communications.
On motion of Bro. Hiram Chase,
Voted, unanimously, that the thanks of the Grand Lodge of Maine be presented to M. W. John Miller, Past Grand Master, for the courteous and fraternal manner in which he has presided over its deliberations ; and for the diligence, fidelity, and masonic devotedness with which he has discharged his duties as Grand Master, during the past year.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum of Seventy-five Dollars be allowed and paid to Bro. Cyril Pearl, from the funds of the Grand Lodge, for his services and expenses as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence during the past year.
Bro. Covell submitted the following proposition, which was referred to the Committee on By-Laws.
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine.
" Believing that the Masonic Fraternity owe it to themselves and their posterity to have the history of the Institution in this State published, while it is in their power, I propose to make an effort to carry the same into effect, and to publish the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, from its organization to the present year, on the following conditions :—
" 1st. The Grand Lodge to appropriate Ten Dollars to cover the expense of publishing a prospectus and procuring subscribers.
" 2nd. The Grand Lodge to subscribe for one hundred and twenty-five copies, and to furnish a copy of the Proceed-
Page 36
ings for the years which are not in print,—all of which I have, excepting for 1820, '21, '32, '34 and '42—the Grand Lodge to secure to me the copy-right.
" The Proceedings will make two volumes, of about five hundred pages each ; which I propose to furnish at $1 60 per volume, provided a subscription for eight hundred copies can be procured.
" JOSEPH COVELL."
On motion of Bro. Pearl,
Voted, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to procure Reports of Proceedings of other Grand Lodges, to complete our files of Correspondence, so far as they can be supplied, and to have them bound into volumes of convenient size, in a plain but substantial manner.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form.
JABEZ TRUE, Grand Master. Attest, Ira Berry, Rec. G. Sec'y.
>> Next Page