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GOULD'S HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
VOLUME VI
CHAPTER ONE
FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY I
CHAPTER TWO
FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO 29
CHAPTER THREE
FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 40
CHAPTER FOUR
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA 66
CHAPTER FIVE
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH DAKOTA
CHAPTER SIX
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 85
CHAPTER SEVEN
FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA I09
CHAPTER EIGHT FREEMASONRY IN OREGON 12.5
CHAPTER NINE
FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 144
CHAPTER TEN
FREEMASONRY IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS I69
CHAPTER ELEVEN
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE ISLAND 175
CHAPTER TWELVE
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA 185
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA 207
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN UTAH
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 3I6
CHAPTER NINETEEN
FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 355
CHAPTER TWENTY
FREEMASONRY IN WEST VIRGINIA 368
CHAPTER TWENTY‑ONE
FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN 380
CHAPTER TWENTY‑TWO
FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING 394
CHAPTER TWENTY‑THREE
THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL TEMPLE 404
CHAPTER TWENTY‑FOUR
AMERICAN MILITARY LODGES
CHAPTER TWENTY‑FIVE
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS
INDEX 1AGZ 415 426 455 495
VOLUME VI General
View of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Frontispiece
Inscription on Bronze Tablet in Memory of Daniel Coxe Daniel Coxe Key to
Personages in "The Petition" The Petition Dispensation for Hiram Lodge, No. 4,
of Mark Master Jewel Warrant Granted to Hiram Lodge, No. 4 Certificate Issued
by Military Lodge, No.
Building Where Grand
Lodge of New Jersey Was Formed in 1787 Washington's Headquarters, Morristown,
New Jersey Masonic Temple, Trenton, New Jersey Old Quarters of Trenton Lodge,
No. 5 Main Building of Masonic Hall, Burlington, New Jersey Boys' Unit,
Masonic Home, Burlington, New Jersey Girls' Unit, Masonic Home, Burlington,
New Jersey William W. Griffin David J. Miller Morristown, New Jersey 19
FACINC3 PAGE page 2 2 page 8 8 10 10 I2 14 14 16 18 18 20 24 24 34 34 xii
ILLUSTRATIONS PACING PAGE Christopher ("Kit") Carson 34 Kit Carson's Rifle 34
Page from a Receipt Book of the Grand Treasurer 40 Badge Worn at the Dinner to
General La Fayette 40 King's Arms Tavern, New York 42 The Rev. William Walter
42 The Committee Inspecting the New Sign 44 The Inauguration of Washington,
1789 46 Union of Grand Lodges of New York 46 Robert R. Livingston 48 Jacob
Morton 48 Daniel D. Tompkins 48 DeWitt Clinton 48 The jail at Canandaigua, New
York 54 Block House at Fort Niagara, New York 54 Three Views of the Masonic
Washington Shrine at Tappan 56 Masonic Ceremonies, at the Dedication‑of the
Worth Monument 58 Masonic Home, Utica, New York 6o Home and Hospital Farm 6o
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital 6o Scottish Rite Cottage for Children
62 Manual Training, the Boys' Electrical Shop 62 Parade of Masons at Utica,
New York, April 22, 1922 64 ILLUSTRATIONS xiii FACING PAGE Masonic Ceremony at
the Dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital 64 Commission of
Joseph Montfort 70 Swimming Pool, Oxford Masonic Orphanage 78 Open Air Lodge
Room on Masonic Island 82 Masonic Marker at Pembina Masonic Park 82 Masonic
Temple at Dayton, Ohio go Price Hill Lodge, No. 524, Cincinnati, Ohio 1100
Masonic Temple, Chillicothe, Ohio 1100 Masonic Temple, Norwood, Ohio 1100
Masonic Temple, Troy, Ohio 1100 Masonic Temple, Canton, Ohio 1100 American
Union Lodge, No. 11, Marietta, Ohio 1100 The Temple of Scottish Rite, Oklahoma
11110 Masonic Home for the Aged, Guthrie, Oklahoma 11114 Masonic Home
Industrial School 11114 Masonic Dormitory and Campus of Oklahoma University
1122 Master Mason's Certificate of Orrin Kellogg 1130 Couch and Company's
Warehouse, Oregon 1130 Notice of the First Masonic Meeting Held West of the
Rocky Mountains 1130 Title Page of Anderson's Constitution page 1145 A
Colonial Masonic Custom, the Summons 1146 Trowel Used by Benjamin Franklin
1146 Two Interiors of the Masonic Temple, Allentown, Pennsylvania 154 xiv
PACING YAGB Grand Lodge Hall, Masonic Home, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 156
Morgue of Syria Temple, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 156 The Burning of the
Masonic Hall, Philadelphia, 1819 158 Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, Erected in
1873 158 Grand Chapter Hall, Philadelphia 16o Corinthian or Grand Lodge Hall,
Philadelphia 16o Banquet Hall, Philadelphia 162 Oriental Hall, Philadelphia
162 Masonic Temple, Bacoor, Cavite 170 Masonic Temple, Tondo, Manila 170
Masonic Hall, East Providence, Rhode Island 176 Masonic Temple, Centredale,
Rhode Island 176 Masonic Temple, Charleston, South Carolina 196 Masonic Female
College, Cokesburg, South Carolina 196 Masonic Library, Sioux Falls, South
Dakota 216 Masonic Temple, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 216 Andrew Jackson 244
James K. Polk 2‑44 Andrew Johnson 244 Wilkins Tannehill 244 Auditorium,
Masonic Home, Nashville, Tennessee 250 Scottish Rite Cathedral, Nashville,
Tennessee 250 Infirmary, Masonic Home, Nashville, Tennessee 250 Laying of the
Corner Stone of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home, ILLUSTRATIONS Fort
Worth, Texas, in 1899 z8o ILLUSTRATIONS xv FACING PAGE Administration
Building, Masonic Home and School, Fort Worth, Texas 28o Hospital Building,
Masonic Home and School, Fort Worth, Texas 282 Home of Aged Masons at
Arlington, Texas 282 Printing Department, Mason's Home and School, Fort Worth,
Texas 282 Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children of Dallas, Texas
284 Texas Scottish Rite Dormitory for Girls' University of Texas, at Austin
284 Masonic Temple, Salt Lake, Utah 292 Street in Salt Lake City in 1866 292
Masonic Temple, Rutland, Vermont 300 John Blair 318 Edmund Randolph 318 George
Washington 318 John Marshall 318 Acca Temple Mosque, Richmond, Virginia 330
Old Masonic Hall, Williamsburg, Virginia 330 Alexandria, Virginia, Relics of
Washington 352 Olympia Lodge, No. i, Olympia, Washington 362 Washington
Masonic Home at Zenith, Washington 362 Masonic Temple, Ketchikan, Alaska 366
Scottish Rite Temple, Juneau, Alaska 366 Masonic Temple, Cordova, Alaska 366
Masonic Temple, Fairbanks, Alaska 366 Masonic Temple, Huntington, West
Virginia 374 ILLUSTRATIONS Masonic Temple, Fairmont, West Virginia Masonic
Temple, Clarksburg, West Virginia West Virginia Masonic Home, Parkersburg,
West Virginia Masonic Temple, Parkersburg, West Virginia Masonic Home at
Dousman, Wisconsin sAaNG PAGE 374 374 378 378 390 Benjamin T. Kavanaugh The
Trout Stream at the Home First Masonic Hall in Wyoming, 1868 390 390 396
Masonic Marker at South Pass City, Wyoming The Whipple Letter Laying the
Corner Stone The George Washington Masonic National Memorial The George
Washington Hall page 396 405 .}o8 4o8 410 The Dedication Procession 412 Naval
Officers Who Were Members of the Masonic Fraternity Joshua Barney, Isaac
Chauncey, John A. Dahlgren, Stephen Decatur, David G. Farragut, John Paul
Jones, Jacob Jones, James Lawrence, Lord Nelson, Edward Preble, Winfield Scott
Schley, John D. Sloat, John L. Worden At end of volume GOULD'S HISTORY OF
FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD VOLUME VI A HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY THROUGHOUT
THE WORLD VOL. VI FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY DAVID MCGREGOR HE oldest known
membership Roll of a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, that of the " Lodge of
Aberdeen, No. 1 T.R," in Scotland, which dates back to 1670, is of great
interest to all Freemasons every where. But it is especially interesting to
the Masons of New Jersey, inasmuch as it contains the names of several men who
were either directly or indirectly connected with the early settlement of the
Scots in that Province, as early as 1682., and then also later. The first name
on that Roll, that of " Harrie Elphingston, Tutor, and Master of our
Honourable Lodge of Aberdeen," was that of the booking agent in Aberdeen who
arranged passage for those desirous of emigrating to New Jersey on the ship
Henry and Francis. The vessel was chartered for the purpose by George Scot, of
Pitlochie, Fifeshire, under the patronage of the Earl of Perth, a Freemason,
who was one of the chief proprietors of East Jersey. On that old Roll, too,
are to be found the names of Robert Gordon, cardmaker; George Alexander,
advocate; John Forbes, merchant; and John Skene, merchant; all " Meassons "
and members of that old Operative Lodge which had by that time become largely
speculative in character. Inasmuch as each of those men had purchased "
proprietary interest in the enterprise of colonising New Jersey," they are of
special interest to us in America.
In order to avoid
confusion, let us remember that at that time New Jersey was divided into two
provinces by a line which ran diagonally across the territory from Southeast
to Northwest. The regions were known respectively as East Jersey and West
Jersey.
Although John Forbes
migrated to East Jersey in 1684 and settled at Plainfield, he returned to
Scotland a year or so later. This left John Skene as the only one of those
Aberdeenian Freemasons to make a permanent settlement in New Jersey. With his
family, he arrived in New Jersey in October 1682.. He made his home at
Burlington, the capital of New Jersey, and there served as deputy‑ 2 ‑
FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY governor of the Province from 1685 until his death
in i6go. He has the unique distinction of being the first known Freemason in
America.
Forty years elapse
before we again find mention of members of the Fraternity as residents of New
Jersey. At that time a deputation was issued by the Earl of IN MEMORY OF
DANIEL COXE DIED IN TRENTON N. J. APRIL 25, 1739 AGED 65 YEARS A VESTRYMAN AND
BENEFACTOR OF SAINT MARY'S CHURCH A PROPRIETOR OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW JERSEY A
MEMBER OF COUNCIL AN ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY
FIRST PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE NEW WORLD, HOLDING BY
DEPUTATION FROM THE DUKE OF NORFOLK, GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN ENGLAND,
JURISDICTION OVER NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA. IN ALL OF THESE
STATIONS HE ENJOYED THE UTMOST CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT.
THIS TABLET IS
ERECTED BY THE ANCIENT AND HONORABLE SOCIETY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS IN
THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. xgo6.
Inscription on Bronze
Tablet Erected in St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Burlington, New Jersey.
Norfolk, Grand Master
of England, at the request of " several Brethren, Free and Accepted Masons,
residing and about to reside in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania." The
Deputation which was issued to Colonel Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, named him
Provincial Grand Master of those provinces. It was dated June 5, 1730‑ Colonel
Daniel Coxe was the oldest son of Dr. Daniel Coxe, FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 3
physician to the royal family of England. In 1687, after purchasing a
controlling interest in West Jersey from the estate of Edward Byllinge, Dr.
Coxe succeeded Byllinge as absentee governor. Dr. Coxe continued John Skene as
his representative and deputy‑governor.
When the proprietors
surrendered the government of the jerseys to the Crown, Dr. Coxe conveyed his
landed interests in the province to his son Daniel, who had also studied for
the medical profession. Nevertheless, the son there after devoted most of his
time to the care and furtherance of his father's colonising enterprises in
America. This brought him to New Jersey in 1702‑, at about the time of the
arrival of Lord Cornbury, a cousin of Queen Anne, who was her appointee as
governor of New York and New Jersey. It was Lord Cornbury who appointed young
Coxe to be a colonel of the New Jersey militia and a member of the provincial
Council. Colonel Coxe made his home at Burlington. There he was chosen
president of the Board of Proprietors of West Jersey, a corporation then still
in active existence and having its headquarters in that city. He also became
an assistant judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and took an active
interest in the political affairs of the Province.
When Robert Hunter
succeeded the deposed and discredited Lord Cornbury as governor of New Jersey,
Colonel Coxe's relations with the new regime became strained, and he was
finally deprived of his military, political, and judicial offices. Going back
to London to appeal against Hunter's treatment of him, Colonel Coxe sought to
have New Jersey placed on an independent footing, with a governor of its own.
It is supposed that he expected to be appointed to that office in case his
plans were followed. Although he failed to accomplish his purpose at that
time, Coxe lived to see it realised in 1738, when Lewis Morris was appointed
the first royal governor of New Jersey, then a separate and independent
province.
During his first
fourteen years of residence in New Jersey Coxe travelled extensively
throughout eastern North America observing the products and trade of the
several colonies. He later published the results of his travels in a book
entitled, A Description o f the English Province o f Carolina, by the
Spaniards call' d Florida, and by the French La Louisiane, as also of the
Great and Famous River Meschacebe or Missispi. This book, a lengthy
dissertation, was prepared with the object of encouraging the establishment of
a great commonwealth covering a large part of the watershed of the Mississippi
River. The enterprise was conceived and financed by Colonel Coxe's father to
checkmate attempts of the Spanish and French to secure possession and control
of that great waterway and the adjoining territory. In the same book Coxe
proposed a plan whereby the recognised weakness of the several British
colonies in protecting their common interests was to be overcome by uniting
those colonies under a " legal, regular, and firm establishment," with a
supreme governor to preside over the whole, together with a general council of
duly elected representatives from each province.
This far‑seeing and
statesmanlike plan was again proposed by Benjamin 4 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY
Franklin in 1784 as a solution for the difficulties that eventually led to the
Revolutionary War and to the establishment of our Federal government under
George Washington. Thus in the half century of political development which
culminated in the Declaration of Independence and the final establishment of
the United States, the names of three distinguished Freemasons, Colonel Daniel
Coxe, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, are closely associated with the
founding of our republic.
In 172‑0, when
William Burnet, son of Bishop Gilbert Burnet, succeeded Hunter as governor of
New York and New Jersey, Colonel Coxe returned to Burlington and was again
elected president of the Board of Proprietors. Later, he and his
brother‑in‑law, William Trent, became so interested in the development of the
village of Trenton that Coxe moved there with his family. There he remained
during the rest of his life. Late in 172‑9, at the instance of the Board of
Proprietors, Coxe again visited London, this time to protest against a
proposed change in the boundary line between East Jersey and West Jersey,
which would bring about the loss of a large amount of territory to them. Since
he had previously become a member of Lodge No. 8, in London, during his stay
there he presented a Petition to the Grand Master for a Deputation as
Provincial Grand Master of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. On June S,
1730, this was readily granted for a period of two years.
As has already been
said, this was the first Deputation to be issued for a Provincial Grand Master
in America, and the first recognition of American Freemasonry by the Grand
Lodge of England. The two‑hundredth anniversary of that first Grand Body in
America was suitably celebrated here in 1930. His mission accomplished, Coxe
returned to New Jersey in April 1730, and remained there until December of
that year. Whether he ever actually exercised his authority to Institute
Lodges in any of the provinces cannot be positively asserted owing to lack of
acceptable documentary evidence. Nevertheless we have reason to believe that
he Warranted the first Lodge in Philadelphia, known as St. John's Lodge, No.
1. We are sure that Lodge, with a membership of fifteen, was in existence
early in 1731, and that Benjamin Franklin was Initiated into it on February 1
of that year. Too, it has recently been discovered that there was a regular
Lodge in New York before Captain Richard Riggs, the second Provincial Grand
Master of that Province, had acquired authority to Institute Lodges there.
Therefore it seems quite probable that Colonel Daniel Coxe had granted the
Warrant for that Lodge also.
Returning to London
again, Coxe was present at a Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge there
on January 29, 1731. At that meeting he was toasted as " the Provincial Grand
Master of North America." We may reason ably believe that his warm reception
and greeting were evidences of the London Lodge's appreciation of the pioneer
Masonic work Coxe had accomplished, rather than a mere act of courtesy to one
who had been derelict in the duty assigned to him by his Deputation. Upon his
return to America shortly afterwards, Colonel Coxe resumed his duties as
president of the Board of Proprietors, FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 5 and was
reinstated as assistant judge of the supreme court. He died on April 2‑5,
1739, at the age of sixty‑six. He was buried beside his wife at Burlington, in
old St. Mary's Episcopal Church, of which he had been an active member and a
loyal supporter. Thus passed into history the first Provincial Grand Master in
America, a prominent citizen of early New Jersey.
Upon the death of
Lewis Morris, the first royal governor of New Jersey, the office of governor
was filled by Jonathan Belcher, a native of Boston. At the time of his
appointment, on February 13, 1747, Belcher was a Freemason of forty‑three
years' standing, having been admitted to membership in some British Lodge in
the year 1704. Bro. Belcher was the first native‑born American to be made a
Mason of whom we have any record. While serving as governor of Massachusetts,
an office he held from 1730 to 1741, Belcher became a member of the first
Lodge in Boston, which had been Instituted there in 1733. His son Andrew
likewise became a member of that Lodge, and later served as the first Deputy
Provincial Grand Master of that Grand Jurisdiction. During the ten years of
his administration as governor of New Jersey, Jonathan Belcher devoted himself
to his Province, and especially to the promotion of higher education within
its boundaries. It was he who fathered New Jersey College, now known as
Princeton University.
After four years'
residence in Burlington, General Belcher moved to Elizabethtown in the hope of
bettering his health. The Belcher Mansion there is still one of the landmarks
of the city. When Bro. Belcher died there on August 31, I757, at the age of
seventy‑five, his remains were conveyed to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where
they were laid to rest in the family vault.
From the foregoing
account it is clear that the following distinguished Masons lived and died in
New Jersey. The first known Freemason in America, the first Provincial Grand
Master in America, and the first native‑born Ameri can to be made a Freemason
each resided for a time at Burlington, the capital of West Jersey and each
took a prominent part in administering the public affairs of the Province.
Although New Jersey
was the home of those early American Masons, it lagged in Instituting Masonic
Lodges within its borders. Indeed, Lodges had been Instituted in ten of the
original thirteen States before we find any record of the institution of a
Lodge in New Jersey. Of those States, Delaware and Vermont alone were later
than New Jersey in the Institution of Lodges.
The first Jersey
Lodge of which we have any record was Instituted in Newark on May 13,. 1761.
It was Warranted by R..W.‑.Bro. George Harison, Provincial Grand Master of New
York, as St. John's Lodge, No. 1, with Wil liam Tuckey, a well‑known musician
of New York and a temporary resident of Newark, as its Master. David Jamison
was Senior Warden and James Banks was junior Warden. This Lodge, which has
just commemorated the one hundred seventieth anniversary of its founding,
ranks among the oldest Lodges in America. .
Just about a year
later, Temple Lodge, No. 1, of Elizabethtown, received a 6 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY Warrant from R.‑.W.‑.Bro. Jeremy Gridley, Provincial Grand Master of
New England. Jonathan Hampton was appointed its first Master. Bro. Hampton was
a native of Elizabethtown and one of those named as alderman in the new
borough Charter which was granted in 1740. John Blanchard, who was another
Mason appointed to Office was named Recorder. No Record of this Lodge of
Elizabethtown has come to light, and no information regarding its other
Officers or members is available. It is fairly certain, however, that the
Lodge continued only a few years. The establishment of that Lodge was followed
by another Warrant from the same source. That Warrant was granted to St.
John's Lodge, of Princeton, on December 27, 1765, in answer to a Petition from
seven Brethren, among whom was Richard Stockton. It was requested that the
Warrant should be issued to him as the Lodge's Master.
Richard Stockton was
the fourth generation of his family in New Jersey. The first Richard Stockton
had come from Durham, England, and settled at Burlington in 1692, while the
second had removed to Princeton and built a mansion, " Marven Hall," which is
still used as a residence. The fourth Richard Stockton was among the earliest
graduates of Princeton College, of which his father was one of the original
founders. Having studied law and been admitted to practice in 1754, this
Richard Stockton soon rose to eminence in his profession and became widely
known. Indeed, his reputation extended even to England. In 1766, when he went
to England and Scotland for the purpose of persuading Dr. John Witherspoon to
accept the presidency of Princeton College, Stockton was received with unusual
honours.
Later, Stockton
became a member of the Provincial Council, a judge of the Supreme Court, and
one of the representatives chosen by New Jersey to attend the General Congress
in Philadelphia. There he took part in the deliberations of that historic
assemblage which gave to the world the Declaration of Independence. In fact,
Stockton's name appears on that famous document as one of its signers. For
that and other patriotic activities he later suffered imprisonment and ill
treatment which brought about his premature death. He passed away on February
28, 1781, at the age of fifty, a martyr to the cause of freedom. When or where
he had been made a Freemason is not known, nor is it known how long he
presided over the activities of Princeton Lodge. Nevertheless, we do know that
he played an important part in the early Masonry of New Jersey.
Dr. John Witherspoon
also signed the Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey,
and it has also been claimed that he, too, was a Freemason. Nothing has been
produced that proves his connection with the Fraternity. Unfounded claims made
by Bro. Henry Clark of Vermont, in 1879, have not withstood the test of
critical examination. Another of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence, who was a native of New Jersey and a Freemason, was Joseph Hewes.
Although his name appears on that memorable document as a representative from
North Carolina, he was a great‑grandson of William Hewes who came from England
in 1674 and settled in Salem County, New Jersey. Aaron Hewes, father of Joseph
Hewes, removed to Kingston, FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 7 Somerset County, where
Joseph was born on April z3, 1730, the very year that Richard Stockton was
born at Princeton near by. Oddly enough, the birth of those two famous Masons
was contemporary with the establishment of regular Freemasonry in America.
Joseph Hewes acquired a common school education at Princeton, and then moved
with his parents to Philadelphia, where he served first as an apprentice in a
counting‑house and later entered upon a career. Some time between 176o and
1763 he removed to Edenton, North Carolina, where he was elected to Congress
in 1774. From then on until his death at Philadelphia, on November io, 1779,
he served in the Continental Congress when he was not engaged in military
operations. Joseph Hewes was buried in Christ Church graveyard, at
Philadelphia, the funeral service having been conducted by the Rev. Dr.
William Smith, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
The only evidence we
have of Joseph Hewes's having been a member of the Masonic Fraternity is a
record of the Minutes of Unanimity Lodge, of Edenton, North Carolina, which
mentions his having attended the celebration of St. John the Evangelist's Day
in December, 1776. However, nothing is known about where he was made a Mason,
although it seems likely that he may have joined some Philadelphia Lodge while
he was a resident of that city.
The next Warrant for
a Lodge in New Jersey was issued by R.‑. W.‑. Bro. William Ball, Provincial
Master of Pennsylvania. That Lodge, known on the Pennsylvania Registry as
Lodge No. io, was Instituted at Baskingridge, in Somerset County, in 1767, the
year Lord Stirling took up his residence there. The loss of early Records of
Lodge No. 1o leaves us in the dark as to the extent of its activities. Though
it was located in a decidedly rural district, however, it had sufficient
vitality to survive the Revolutionary War and later to become the most
powerful factor in establishing the present Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Its
activities in that matter were carried on under the leadership of Dr. William
McKissack, for many years Master of the Baskingridge Lodge.
The four Lodges named
above are the only ones known to have been in New Jersey prior to the
beginning of the Revolutionary War. Of them, two Lodges, those at
Elizabethtown and at Princeton, had apparently ceased their Labours by that
time. Like most American Lodges of the time, the other two went through a
period of suspended animation, when Masonic activities were almost exclusively
confined to the several Military Lodges in the army. Those Lodges were
established with the sanction and encouragement of General Washington, who
well knew how they would promote harmony and unanimity among the officers upon
whom he depended for the ultimate success of the colonists' cause. Nothing,
however, seems to have given so great an impetus to the revival and spread of
Freemasonry, both in the army and among the civilians of the country, as did
Bro. Washington's participation in the celebration of St. John the
Evangelist's Day in December, 1778, at Philadelphia, which was at that time
just recovering from the occupation by British troops.
During the five years
following this public celebration, and before the disbanding of the
Revolutionary army, the Grand Lodge of Philadelphia alone had FREEMASONRY IN
NEW JERSEY 9 issued Warrants for more than twenty Lodges. Of those, three were
to be located in New Jersey and another was a Military Lodge established among
New Jersey soldiers. The Warrant for the latter was granted on December 11,
1782, as Lodge No. 36, and named the Rev. Andrew Hunter, an army chaplain, as
its Master. The two other Warrants were for civil Lodges. One Warrant, granted
on December Zo, 1779, authorised the establishment of Lodge No. 23, at
Middletown, in Monmouth County, Lieutenant William Bostwick was named Master,
and was duly Installed at an Emergent Communication of the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania held at Burlington on March 30 of that year. This was the first
Lodge to be Instituted in New Jersey by a Grand Lodge. This was also the first
time that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania had assembled outside the city of
Philadelphia. This was looked upon as a distinct honour, and was direct
evidence of the paternal interest taken by that Grand Lodge in the spread of
Freemasonry in New Jersey.
During the
Revolutionary War New Jersey was the scene of a very important Masonic
gathering, held by the Military Lodges at the winter headquarters of the army
at Morristown, on December 27, 1779. At noon of that day, accompanied by a
military band, some 104. members of those Lodges, all army officers excepting
only the two Tylers, and ranging in rank from the ensigns to the
commander‑in‑chief, General George Washington himself, marched to the church
on the village green. There they took part in the service and then returned to
the Lodge room in Bro. Jacob Arnold's tavern. They opened Lodge in the Entered
Apprentice Degree, with W . . Bro. Jonathan Heart, Master of American Union
Lodge, in the East. It was their purpose to consider " some matters respecting
the good of Masonry," which were presented by a Committee in the form of a
Petition to " the Most Worshipful the present Provincial Grand Master in each
of the respective United States of America." Among the matters discussed was
the re‑establishment of the Order " on the Ancient respectable foundation," by
the appointment of a Grand Master in and over the United States of America.
The Committee also urged that the growing irregularities within the Society
should be checked, and that the distinction between the " Ancients " and "
Moderns " should be erased, in order that the Craft might be established in
unity and the established principles of its Institutions more universally
extended. The evident intent of this movement was the election of General
Washington as General Grand Master. Since the proposal was not acceptable to
all the Grand Masters of the various States, however, nothing came of it.
Among the New Jersey
Officers present at that meeting were BrigadierGeneral William Maxwell,
Colonel Elias Dayton, Colonel Jacob Arnold, Lieutenant‑Colonel Anthony W.
White, Major Jeremiah Bruen, Captains Thomas Kinney, John Armstrong, John
Sanford, and Robert Erskine, Chaplain Andrew Hunter, Surgeon Jabez Campfield,
and Lieutenant William Piatt. After the expiration of Daniel Coxe's Deputation
as Provincial Grand Master, on June Z4., 1732, New Jersey became a sort of
Masonic " no‑man's 10 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY land." The Brethren found it
necessary to apply to other Grand jurisdictions for authority to organise
Lodges and to do Masonic Work. In consequence, we find that, prior to the
Revolutionary War, one Lodge was Warranted by New York, two by Massachusetts,
and three by Pennsylvania. The first three Lodges were " Modern," and the
latter were " Ancient." As was to be expected, the need for a Provincial Grand
Master early engaged the attention of the Provincial Grand Master and from it
had received its Warrant and asked that a Provincial, or Deputy, Grand Master
be appointed for New Jersey. But their plans went unheard, and it was not
until the latter part of 1786 that a successful effort was made to Constitute
a Grand Lodge in New Jersey. The prime mover in that attempt was W.‑. Bro.
William McKissack, Master of Lodge No. 1o, at Baskingridge, who presided over
the meeting called for the purpose at New Brunswick on December 18, 1786. Also
present at that meeting were fifteen other members of Lodge No. 1o, including
the two Wardens, two Deacons, and a Past Master. St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of
Newark, although not then active, was represented by its Senior Warden, Moses
Ogden, while two Brethren of New Brunswick represented Lodge No. igo U. D.,
presumably Working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The
remaining Brethren present were members of Lodges outside New Jersey.
At that meeting the
following Officers were nominated: the Hon. Lieutenant‑Colonel David Brearley,
chief justice of New Jersey, as Right Worshipful Grand Master; the Hon.
Colonel Robert Lettis Hooper, vice‑president of New Jersey, Deputy Grand
Master; Lieutenant William Leddle, M.D., late sheriff of Morris County, Senior
Warden; Daniel Marsh, representative in the Assembly of New Jersey, Junior
Grand Warden; Colonel John Noble Cumming, Grand Secretary; Maskell Ewing, Jr.,
clerk of the assembly, Deputy Grand Secretary; Captain Joshua Corson, high
sheriff of Hunterdon County, Grand Treasurer. Of these Officers, Daniel Marsh
was a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of New York. All other Grand Officers
nominated were members of Lodges working under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania. Later additions to the names subscribed in support of
the Grand Lodge included four members of Burlington Lodge, No. 32. Thus, those
engaged were following the precedent established by the Grand Lodge of England
according to which four Lodges are represented in the Institution of a Grand
Lodge.
There were in all
fifty Brethren associated with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey, thirty‑seven of whom we can identify as members of some Lodge working
under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It will thus be seen that the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey was at its inception predominantly Ancient in character,
and that 65 per cent of its Charter members had come from the jurisdiction of
Pennsylvania.
The Grand Lodge
Officers have been duly elected, the precedent established by the Grand Lodge
of London in 1717 were again followed, and the Officers were Installed by "
the oldest Master present, now a Master of a Lodge." Since W .'. Bro. William
McKissack held that rank he had charge of the Installa‑ FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY tion service held at the White Hall Tavern in New Brunswick, on January
30, 1787. On the following day, R.‑. W.‑. Brearley granted Dispensations for
five Lodges, one to be established at Newark, with Moses Ogden as Master; one
at Bedminster, with Captain William McKissack, M.D. as Master; one at
Elizabethtown, with Colonel Elias Dayton as Master; one at Morristown, with
John Jacob Faesch, as Master; one at Freehold, with Colonel Jonathan Rhea as
Master.
The Lodge at
Bedminster, which was successor to Lodge No. Io of Baskingridge, was
unanimously accorded the honour of being known as Lodge No. i. This honour was
conferred upon the Lodge in recognition of the lead ing part played by its
Master and other members in the organisation of the Grand Lodge. The other
Lodges acquired their numbers by casting lots. Thus, St. John's Lodge, No. i,
of Newark, became Lodge No. 2; Freehold Lodge became Lodge No. 3 ; Morristown
Lodge became Lodge No. 4; and Elizabethtown Lodge became Lodge No. 5. The
first four of these Lodges were duly Warranted and Constituted, but since the
Lodge at Elizabethtown failed to materialise, its place on the Roll was later
taken by Trenton Lodge, No. 5, which received its Warrant from the Grand Lodge
on December Zo, 1787.
The men who organised
this Grand Lodge had all been in military service during the Revolutionary
War, and, as was to be expected, the Officers and members of the subordinate
Lodges were mostly veterans, and in some cases wholly veterans. In fact, an
honourable discharge from the military service appeared at that time to be
almost a pass to membership in the Fraternity. An evidence of the widespread
influence of the Military Lodges, brought about by the scattering of their
members throughout the State after peace had been declared, is to be found in
the Institution of Lodges in widely separated locations at the instance of
those men who had enjoyed the privilege of meeting on the level for the
purpose of Masonic Work and intercourse while yet in military service.
Within seven years
there were twelve Lodges in New Jersey, duly Warranted as follows: Solomon's
Lodge, No. i, at Bedminster, Somerset County; Captain William McKissack,
Master; Warranted On July 4, 1787. St. John's Lodge, No. 2, at Newark, Essex
County; Moses Ogden, Master; Warranted on July 4, 1787. Trinity Lodge, No. 3,
at Freehold, Monmouth County; LieutenantColonel Jonathan Rhea, Master;
Warranted On July 4, 1787. Hiram Lodge, No. 4, at Morristown, Morris County;
Captain William Leddle, Master; Warranted on July 4, 1787. Trenton Lodge, No.
5, at Trenton, Hunterdon County; General Aaron D. Woodruff, Master; Warranted
on December Zo, 1787. Union Lodge, No. 6, at Hackensack, Bergen County;
Captain Robert Neil, Master; Warranted on December Zo, 1787. Unity Lodge, No.
7, at Kingwood, Hunterdon County; David Baird, Master; Warranted on January
23, 1788. Harmony Lodge, No. 8, at Newtown, Sussex County; Quartermaster
Thomas Anderson, Master; Warranted on January 23, 1788. Brearley Lodge, No. 9,
at Bridgeton, Cumberland County; Lieutenant James Giles, Master; Warranted on
January 12 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 11, 1791. Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. 1o, at
Cincinnati, Ohio; Surgeon William Burnet, of Newark, New Jersey, Master;
Warranted on September 8, 1791. Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, at Woodbury,
Gloucester County; General Franklin Davenport, Master; Warranted on July z,
1792. Washington Lodge, No. 12, at New Brunswick, Middlesex County; General
Anthony W. White, Master; Warranted on January 6, 1794. Of those twelve
Lodges, only three remained active half a century later. They were St. John's
Lodge, No. 2, Trenton Lodge, No. 5, and Brearley Lodge, No. 9.
Not only were New
Jersey Freemasons represented among the signers of the Declaration of
Independence, but also among those who signed the Constitution of the United
States. One of the latter group was the first Grand Master of Freemasonry in
New Jersey, R.‑. W.‑. Bro. David Brearley. A native of Lawrenceville, Trenton,
where he was born in 1745, Bro. Brearley was admitted as a counsellor‑at‑law
in 1767. He early took an aggressive part in the activities that led up to the
Revolutionary War, and was appointed a captain of militia in 1775. The next
year he was made lieutenant‑colonel of the Fourth New Jersey Battalion in the
Continental Army. Still later, at the call of the New Jersey legislature, he
was recalled from General Sullivan's expedition against the Indians of
Pennsylvania to become chief justice of the supreme court of New Jersey. Among
the early decisions he rendered in that capacity was one which provided for a
citizen's right to a trial by a full jury of twelve of his peers. Later, as a
measure of expediency provided by the Constitution, that decision was amended
by the State legislature to permit a smaller number to constitute a jury.
Thus, for the first time, " the judicial guardianship of the organic law in
the Supreme Court, as against attempted or inadvertent encroachment by the
ordinary law " was established, and the inviolable integrity of the
Constitution was sustained. This famous decision has since become known among
the legal profession as " the New Jersey precedent." Bro. Brearley had the
further distinction of being the first person in the United States to be
selected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia. There
he exercised a great deal of influence in the deliberations of that
Convention. Later, when the Constitution was submitted to New Jersey for
approval, Bro. Brearley was Chairman of the Committee which drafted the form
of ratification by which it was adopted on December 18, 1787. That Act placed
the State of New Jersey third among the constellation of stars that grace the
azure field of our national flag. As a presidential elector, Bro. Brearley
also helped to put the Constitution into actual operation by casting his vote
for George Washington. In turn, Washington later appointed him to be the first
judge of the United States Court in New Jersey. Bro. Brearley held the Office
of Grand Master until his death in 1790, when he was succeeded, in order, by
several distinguished men, including General John Beatty, of Trenton; General
John Noble Cumming, of Newark; Governor Joseph Bloomfield, of Burlington;
General James Giles of Bridgeton, who had served as Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge of New York before taking up his residence at Bridgeton, where
FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 13 he Instituted Brearley Lodge and Brearley Chapter
of the Royal Arch Masons; and General John S. Darcy, M.D., of Newark, first
president of what is now the Pennsylvania Railroad in New Jersey.
The two Brethren
mentioned had the honour of taking part in the reception tendered to Bro.
General Lafayette at Elizabeth, New Jersey, on September 23, 1824, by
Washington Lodge, No. 41, and other near‑by Lodges. At that time M.‑. W .'.
Bro. Jepthah B. Munn, Grand Master in the name of the Brethren of New Jersey,
extended to their illustrious guest " the deep veneration, the warm affection
and friendship of his Masonic Brethren, inferior to none in ardour and
sincerity." In response, Bro. Lafayette touchingly referred to " the
persecutions which Masons and friends of human rights and liberty had ever
experienced from the hand of intolerance." While Bro. Lafayette was thus
speaking from personal experience, little did he think that his listeners and
all other members of American Freemasonry were soon to experience just such
persecution in an aggravated form, and that the closing years of the first
half century of Freemasonry in New Jersey were to be clouded by unbridled
antiMasonic agitation. That agitation has come to be known as the " Morgan
excitement.' While the " Morgan excitement " is a matter that pertains
particularly to the history of Freemasonry in New York, that being the seat of
its origin, we cannot pass it by without a brief resume of its effects in New
Jersey. Up till that time Freemasonry had been progressing slowly but surely,
and the Grand Lodge had already granted Warrants for fifty‑six Lodges during
the first forty years of its existence. Although seventeen of those Warrants
had either been stricken from the Roll or been surrendered, there were still
thirty‑nine Lodges in New Jersey at the time of the organisation of the
anti‑Masonic Society at Le Roy, New York, in 1828. Although two other Lodges
were Warranted before the end of 1832, a complete cessation of Warrant
granting on the part of the Grand Lodge followed. As a result, when the
Constituent New Jersey Lodges were remembered in 1842, it was stated that
thirty‑three more Lodges had been stricken from the Roll, thus leaving only
eight active Lodges in New Jersey. That meant that less than Zo per cent of
the Lodges in the State had survived the ordeal. In New York, however, the
loss was even greater, for only about 16 per cent of the Lodges in the Empire
State survived. Proximity to New York and Pennsylvania, where the anti‑Masonic
campaign raged most actively, together with the persistent agitation of some
newspapers of New Jersey, especially the Palladium of Liberty, of Morristown,
had almost accomplished the aim of the anti‑Masons‑the total extinction of
Freemasonry in New Jersey! It may be said of the Grand Lodge, however, that it
continued on its way in an even tenor, assembling at every regular Annual
Communication and transacting its regular business even although its financial
condition was such that it was not always able fully to meet its obligations.
At times there were scarcely enough Lodges represented at every meeting of the
Grand Lodge during those 14 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY trying times when it was
almost worth a man's life to be actively identified with the Fraternity.
Although St. John's
Lodge, No. 2, failed to send a Representative to the Grand Lodge during five
of those troublous years, when the active Lodges were renumbered in 1842, it
was placed on the Roll as Lodge No. i. Although Tren ton Lodge, No. 5, was
entitled to second place at that time, it preferred to hold its original
number, and even to‑day it continues to be known as Lodge No. 5. It is the
only Lodge bearing the original number given to it by the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey in 1787. At the renumbering of 1842, Brearley Lodge, No. 9, became
Lodge No. 2, and the eight other Lodges were numbered in accordance with their
precedence on the original Roll. All other Lodges either restored or Warranted
thereafter were numbered in the order of their application.
During the first half
century of regularly Constituted Speculative Masonry in New Jersey, efforts
were made to introduce Capitular Masonry. Indeed four Mark Master Lodges
existed before 1812 and by the end of 1824 there were three Royal Arch
Chapters Working under Warrants from the General Grand Chapter, and one other
Chapter under authority of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. Then, on January
5, 1825, a Grand Chapter of New Jersey was organised at Elizabethtown by the
first three Chapters mentioned above. Later, however, after it had issued
Warrants for two other Chapters, its progress was seriously retarded by the
anti‑Masonic agitation, and it finally suspended activities in 1836. This left
New Jersey without a Grand Chapter of its own for the next twenty years.
The beginning of the
period of revival following " the Dark Age of Ni*sonry " was marked by a
determination on the part of the comparatively few tried and true Brethren who
had remained loyal and active supporters of the Fraternity to place it on a
plane where it would be above suspicion with relation to such inuendoes and
direct charges as had been made against it during the " Morgan excitement. "
One of the principal charges which had been made against it in New Jersey was
that it exercised great influence in the political life of the State and that
it monopolised the chief political offices and dictated the character of
legislation that should be enacted. This charge was based on the fact that
many of the leading men in the Fraternity were living up to their obligations
as citizens by taking an active interest in affairs of State. Another charge
was alleged debauching influence of the Lodges upon members, through the
serving of intoxicating refreshments at, or after, their meetings.
The annual meetings
of the Grand Lodge had as a matter of convenience been scheduled immediately
to precede the meetings of the State Legislature at Trenton. Since this gave
some colour to the political charge the Grand Lodge determined to change the
time of meeting from November to January. Further, the use of any alcoholic
liquors within the Lodge room was strictly forbidden. This restriction against
combining Lodge matters with local, State, or national politics, as well as
that against the use of intoxicants in Lodge rooms, has ever since been an
outstanding characteristic of the Fraternity in New Jersey. Thus, FREEMASONRY
IN NEW JERSEY 15 through the refining fires of persecution, this Ancient and
Honourable Society in New Jersey has become an example of that political
tolerance which has always been taught by its Ritual and in the Masonic
lectures, and it has exercised an untold influence for bettering the social
and moral life of the communities in which the Fraternity exists.
At about that time
the return of prosperity was necessarily slow but none the less sure. By 1852,
the Grand Master, having Zo Lodges and almost 600 members under his
supervision, was able to congratulate the Grand Lodge .. that truth, justice,
and freedom, had at last found a resting‑place in the great and glorious
country." As time passed, progress of the Lodge in New Jersey became more and
more marked so that by the end of the next decade there were 63 Lodges within
the State, and in 1862 they totaled nearly 3400.
This brings us to the
period of the war between the States, when North and South were pitted against
each other in a life‑and‑death struggle for the maintenance of the Union, and
for the abolition of slavery. But in spite of the strife at that time,
Freemasonry advanced rapidly, and in New Jersey it almost doubled its
membership during the six years 1861 to 1866, inclusive. This abnormal
activity, which seems to be a concomitant of war, was still further emphasised
by the Institution of 5o new Lodges during the next five years, thus bringing
the total number of Lodges in 1871 up to 131, with a membership of nearly
1o,ooo, or an average of more than 70 members for each Lodge.
During the next few
years an Institution of new Lodges was again carried on as it normally had
been, but it took another third of a century to bring back a normal increase
in their number. Nevertheless, the average member ship of the subordinate
Lodges gradually increased till it was 123 by the year 1903, at which time
there was a total membership of ZZ,ooo. That number was doubled before America
entered the Great War. In the years immediately following the Great War each
year saw a similar increase in the average of Lodges Instituted within the
State. For example, there was an average of 3o Lodges Instituted during each
of the three years from 1920 to 1922. There are now 274 Lodges having more
than 97,000 members, and an average membership of 354 for each Lodge.
The abolition of
slavery in the United States, and the granting of citizenship to the Negro,
gave rise to hopes on the part of many persons for admitting the Negro to
social and Fraternal equality. As a result, in several Grand juris dictions
clandestine Negro Masons sought recognition and admission to the regular
Masonic Lodges. But they were all unsuccessful, except in the case of New
Jersey, while the Grand Lodge of New Jersey promptly refused a request for a
Warrant for a Lodge by nine Negro Masons of Newark in 1870, on the ground of
Petitioners' being clandestine and their Petition therefore irregular. Yet
several regular members of the Fraternity residing in Newark, who were strong
Abolitionists and who sympathized with the aspirations of the Negroes,
determined to try and make it possible for them to secure such a Warrant as
regular Masons. To do this, they proposed to secure a Warrant ostensibly for
16 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY a Lodge of white Brethren in Newark, to be known
as Alpha Lodge, but with the ultimate object of admitting Negro applicants to
membership in the usual manner, and qualifying them to hold Office and to
carry on the Work of a Lodge of their own. This they finally accomplished
after very strenuous opposition.
In due time those
nine Negro Masons who had been admitted to membership in Alpha Lodge, No. 116,
demitted in a body and again applied to the Grand Lodge for a Warrant for a
Lodge to be known as Sorgum Lodge. Their Petition was this time endorsed by
the remaining white members of Alpha Lodge. But the Grand Lodge once more
refused to grant their Petition, and went on record as being unwilling to
grant a Warrant for a Negro Lodge. Nevertheless, it stated that it would not
interfere with any Constituted Lodge in its choice of members, so long as they
were men, free‑born and of lawful age, who declared their trust in God and had
achieved the favourable verdict of the secret ballot. As a result of this
action, the Negro Brethren reaffiliated with Alpha Lodge. In the course of
time the white members severed their connection with the Lodge, thus leaving
it entirely in the hands of Negro Masons. To‑day it remains the only Lodge of
that character in the United States constituent to a Grand Body which is fully
recognised by all regular Masonic Bodies of this country. The membership of
Alpha Lodge now numbers about seventy, and its Masonic Work is conducted in a
highly creditable manner, while its relationship with the Fraternity is most
unobtrusive. In justice it must be said that throughout all the proceedings
leading up to its establishment as a Negro Lodge, the Negro members of that
Lodge acted frankly and honestly.
Just what may have
been the characteristics of the Ritual Work of the early New Jersey Lodges we
do not know. It was, however, along the lines laid down by the " Ancients."
Nevertheless, we do know that a great deal of irregularity and diversity in
the Work gradually arose. Again and again the lack of uniformity was brought
to the attention of the Grand Lodge by one Grand Master after another, and
occasionally efforts were made to remedy it. For a long time, however, the
results were indifferent. Then in 1822‑, the Ritual as prepared by Bro. Jeremy
Cross was recommended by the Grand Lodge as the standard Work for the
subordinate Lodges. A Grand Lecturer, or Grand Visitor, was also appointed
occasionally by the Grand Master to supplement the efforts of the Senior Grand
Officers and to give personal instruction to the Officers of such Lodges as
desired his service at their expense. Much improvement resulted from this
plan, which was followed for nearly twenty years, and not abandoned till 1843.
At that time the
Baltimore Convention of Grand Lecturers, representing sixteen of the
twenty‑three Grand jurisdictions, formulated the " National System of Work "
which was a compromise based on the various Rituals then being used in
America. The plan was to have it become a uniform system and to have it
adopted as a standard by all the Grand Jurisdictions in the United States. The
New Jersey Grand Lodge was not represented at that Convention, and in
consequence it was not until 1859 that it adopted the " Maryland Work "
FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY 17 as it came to be known. This was done at the
instance of M.'. W.‑. Bro. Joseph Trimble, Grand Master, who had been made a
Mason in a Baltimore Lodge and had become highly proficient in the " Maryland
Work." Two or three years later, however, an attempt was made to introduce
what was known as the " Conservator Work," promulgated by Bro. Robert Morris
of Kentucky, who claimed that his was the only genuine Webb‑Preston Work, and
who characterised the " Maryland Work " as " the greatest humbug of the
largest dimensions." But the Grand Lodge of New Jersey refused to have
anything to do with Bro. Morris's Work and plainly forbade its use in the
Lodges of the State.
With the coming of
the war between the States a great deal of irregularity again crept into the
Work of the Lodges. This was due, of course, to the lack of proper supervision
at that time. But with the close of the war a determined effort was made to
re‑establish uniformity and proficiency through the services of a paid Grand
Lecturer, who devoted all his time to that Work. Although this plan was a
marked success for several years, it was carried on at a cost beyond the
resources of the Grand Lodge. Consequently, in 1874, the services of a
full‑time Grand Lecturer were made available with seven District Deputy Grand
Masters, part of whose duty was to instruct the Lodges in the Work appointed.
One year of following this plan, however, was enough to show " that there
could be no undeviable standing for the Work unless there were an
unquestionable authority from which it shall emanate," with power to decide
any difference that might arise. Consequently, the Grand Lodge created the
Office of R.‑. W.‑. Grand Instructor. He was to be " Custodian and Conservator
of the Standard Work of New Jersey," and District Deputies were to look to him
for advice and instruction in the Ritual Work. This was the first time the
Grand Lodge of New Jersey officially recognised the Office of Grand Lecturer,
or Grand Instructor, as a part of the Grand Lodge organisation. By this
arrangement it established a system of instruction that has since proved
highly satisfactory.
The Grand Lodge has
been highly fortunate in the choice of Brethren to fill the important Office
of Grand Instructor. The first appointee, R.‑. W.‑. Bro. Heber Wells, held the
Office for eight years, after which he was succeeded by R.'. W.'. Bro. Henry
S. Haines, who gave unsparingly of his time and talents for a period of more
than thirty‑eight years. Aided by a loyal and efficient staff of District
Deputies, Bro. Haines placed New Jersey on a high level in regard both to the
proficiency and the uniformity of its Degree Work. That splendid quality of
the Work has since been maintained under the able leadership of M.‑. W.‑. Bro.
Richard C. Woodward, Grand Instructor, and his twenty‑nine District Deputies.
In 1907, a Committee on Ritual was appointed to " aid in conserving its form,
diction, and accuracy." This Committee is now regularly represented by one or
more of its members at each District Grand Lodge of Instruction. These
meetings are held annually in each district. At that time the esoteric Work of
the several Degrees is exemplified by the Officers of the Lodges in the
district, under the critical observation of the Grand Instructor.
18 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY Although‑ several Lodges in the State had, by consent of the Grand
Lodge, for many years conducted their Work in German, that practice was
discontinued on January i, i919. This change was due partly to the ill‑feeling
stirred up at the time of the Great War and partly to a growing desire for
complete uniformity. Since then the Grand Lodge has required all Degree Work
to be conferred, all Lodge notices to be sent out, and all Records to be kept,
in the English language.
During its early
years the Grand Lodge of New Jersey undertook to provide aid for deserving
persons. This was paid for from the proceeds of small regular assessments that
were turned into the Grand Lodge Charity Fund. But in i86o this policy was
changed and the responsibility for relief work was placed on the various
subordinate Lodges. That responsibility soon proved, however, to be a great
burden on some of the Lodges. In some cases the calls for assistance
frequently exceeded the Lodge's financial resources. This was especially true
in calls for help in caring for aged Brethren and the widows and orphans of
deceased Brethren. Consequently the beginning of the second century of the
Grand Lodge's existence was marked by the favorable consideration of a plan
for the Grand Lodge itself to care for such cases. It was not until 1898,
however, that the plan was put into effect. On St. John the Evangelist's Day
of that year a Masonic Home was dedicated.
The Home is located
about two miles south of Burlington, and at the start it consisted of a large
stone mansion of 2‑o rooms, together with 26 acres of farm land. It was
purchased for the sum of $25,ooo and was paid for by an assessment of two
dollars per member. Purchases of adjoining tracts of land have been made at
various times since, until the total area of the property is now about i5o
acres. The cost of this additional land was $25,ooo. Additional buildings have
also been erected to meet the ever‑increasing demands. By the end of the first
year there were 18 guests in the Home, of whom only one was an orphan. During
the first decade 84 men, 34 women, 9 boys and 12 girls were admitted. Of
those, 43 had died and 22 had withdrawn at the close of 1907 leaving 74
persons in the care of the Home. To provide for the ever‑increasing
applications for admission, following in the wake of a constantly increasing
membership, has been one of the chief objectives among the various activities
of the Grand Lodge. Fortunately, calls for additional support have always met
with a ready response from the Brethren.* During the more than thirty‑two
years of its existence in excess of 790 persons have been admitted as guests
of the Home. Of that number iio were boys, and 87 were girls. Almost half of
the aged who have lived there have passed to the great beyond from under the
Home's sheltering roof, after spending their declining years in that peace and
comfort which would not likely have been their lot had it not been for this
stretching forth of Masonry's helping hand in their time of need.
The last report of
the Home stated that there were 221 guests in it. Of those, *Lately the
benefits of the Home have been extended to i20lude not only the indigent or
helpless Master Mason, his wife, widow, or children, but also the mother,
sister, or daughter of any deceased Brother who was at the time of his death
chiefly dependent upon him for support.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY 19 78 were men, 89 were women, 32 were boys, and 2.2‑ were girls. The
children are comfortably housed in modern brick buildings, the latest addition
to which is the group of buildings for boys, erected at a cost of $ioo,ooo.
Provision has also been made for the education of the children. Those in
grades below the third are taught at the Home. The older children attend the
public schools at Burlington, their transportation to and from school being
provided by the Home.
Ordinary cases of
sickness, most of which are ailments due to senility, are cared for in the
hospital where from thirty to forty patients are attended by a visiting
physician, a trained nurse, three practical nurses, and a pharmacist. A
fully‑equipped dental room has also been provided by the Order for the Eastern
Star. There a dentist is kept busy one day each week caring for the teeth of
both young and old. In instances where the patient suffers some mental ailment
or requires surgical attention, he is removed to some properly‑equipped
outside hospital. The present value of the property is conservatively
estimated to be some $92o,ooo, and the annual cost of maintenance is about
$130,000.
As an auxiliary to
this Home relief work, the Grand Lodge lately established what is known as the
Charity Foundation Fund. This is derived from special assessments and
voluntary contributions which at present amount to more than half a million
dollars. Interest on this fund amounting now to about $Zo,ooo a year, is used
for the relief of those who can best be cared for by being maintained in their
own homes. This plan holds families together until they are able to care for
themselves. This applies particularly to the families of the deceased
Brothers, whose widows are given additional aid to supplement their own
earnings and are therefore enabled to keep their families under their own
care, rather than having to place their own children in the Masonic Home.
Recently these two charities have been incorporated as the Masonic Home and
Foundation of New Jersey, " to receive, hold, and administer endowments and
funds exclusively for charitable, benevolent, and hospital purposes, and to
insure absolute permanency of the Home and Foundation, and to encourage gifts
to this benevolent cause." While these charitable activities of the Grand
Lodge are for the purpose of helping those who are partially or totally unable
to support themselves, another phase of helpfulness and one that commends
itself to the support of every Mason is that of helping a Brother to help
himself by assisting him to find employment when unemployed. It was with this
aim in view that the Masonic bureau of New Jersey was established in 1914, at
the suggestion of some practically‑minded Brethren. This Bureau was suggested
by, and is managed along the lines successfully followed by, a quasi‑Masonic
organisation known as the Universal Craftsmen's Council of Engineers, a
nationwide organisation having three active local Chapters in New Jersey.
The work of this
Bureau, voluntarily supported by a few Lodges at the annual cost of one cent
per member, soon commended itself to the Grand Lodge, which in turn
recommended it to the favorable consideration and support of all the Lodges of
the State. It was not until I925, however, that the Grand Lodge zo FREEMASONRY
IN NEW JERSEY began to foster it by making all Lodges in the State members of
the Masonic Bureau of New Jersey, Incorporated. Contributions at the
above‑mentioned rate remain optional with each Lodge. A Committee on Masonic
Bureau was established to have general supervision of its work. Since 19z8,
the Grand Lodge has each year contributed $3,6oo towards the Bureau's support.
That sum is approximately one‑third of the total cost of operation. Reports
show that during the last two or three years the Bureau has been instrumental
in securing about zzoo placements annually at an average cost of about $io
each.
In addition to
securing employment, the Masonic Bureau of New Jersey, in conjunction with
similar bureaus in other jurisdictions, has rendered efficient and timely aid
to Brethren who fall into distress because of sickness or accident while
sojourning in foreign jurisdictions. Thus the helping hand of the Bureau
stretches across the continent and beyond the borders of the United States. At
the same time, through the vigilance of its agents, it has helped greatly to
reduce and in some cases has eliminated the number of undeserving who seek to
subsist on the credulity and good nature of the Brethren. Such people are
ferreted out by the Bureau, their methods of securing help are investigated by
due process of law. New Jersey Masonry has always been prompt to respond to
the cry of distress from its own members. It has also been quick to render
help to other Grand jurisdictions in times of dire distress brought on by
famine, pestilence, or other disaster. It has also held a high place among
those contributing to the George Washington National Memorial at Alexandria,
Virginia.
The Grand Lodge of
the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the
State of New Jersey consists of the following Officers the Most Worshipful
Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, the Right Worshipful
Senior Grand Warden, the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, the Right
Worshipful Grand Treasurer, the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, and the
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary.
All of these Officers
are elected to their respective stations and places by the Grand Lodge at the
Annual Communication held at Trenton in the month of April each year. At that
time the following Officers are appointed by the Grand Master: the Right
Worshipful Grand Chaplains, the Right Worshipful Grand Instructor, the Right
Worshipful District Deputies, the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon, the
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon, the Right Worshipful Senior Grand
Steward, the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Steward, the Right Worshipful Grand
Marshal, the Right Worshipful Grand Swordbearer, the Right Worshipful Grand
Pursuivant, the Right Worshipful Grand Historian, the Right Worshipful Grand
Organist, and the Right Worshipful Grand Tyler. All elected Past Grand
Officers and Past Masters, while they remain members of regular Warranted
Lodges in the New Jersey jurisdiction, and all present Masters and Wardens of
those Lodges are members of the Grand Lodge.
Each Lodge is allowed
three votes in all elections of the Grand Lodge. These may be cast by the
Master and Wardens or by such of them as are present. In FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY 2I case all three are absent, the votes may be cast by duly elected
proxies, properly accredited by the Lodge for which they are to vote. All
other members of the Grand Lodge who are present are allowed one vote each and
no more. Absentees have no voice in the decisions of the Grand Lodge by proxy
or otherwise, as they do have in some other Grand Lodges.
The various
activities of the Grand Lodge are cared for by the following Committees: (I)
The Trustees of the Grand Lodge. Of these five, one is annually elected for a
term of five years. (2) The Trustees of the Masonic Home and Charity
Foundation. Of these nine, three are annually elected for a term of three
years. (3) Of the following committees, each of the five members is appointed
annually: Committee on Appeals and Grievances, Committee on Constitutions and
By‑Laws, Committee on jurisprudence, Committee on the Masonic Bureau,
Committee on Ritual. (4) The Committee on Foreign Correspondence consists of
three members, each of whom is appointed annually. (S) The Advisory Committee
consists of all elected Grand Officers, Past Grand Masters, Trustees, and the
chairmen of the Committees already named in this paragraph. (6) The Audit
Committee, the Committee of the Grand Lodge Charity Fund, and the Committee on
the Grand Master's Address each consist of three members, all of whom are
appointed annually. (7) The Committee on Dispensations and Warrants consists
of five members, all of whom are annually appointed.
The State is divided
into twenty‑nine Districts, each having a District Deputy appointed or
re‑appointed for it. The duties of that Deputy are to instruct the Officers of
the subordinate Lodges in the District in the standard Work of the Ritual; to
make at least one official visit to each Lodge under his care during each
year; to witness an exemplification of the Work; to examine the condition of
the books and finances of the Lodge; and to perform such other duties and
services as may be assigned by the Grand Master.
The Ancient Landmarks
recognised by this Grand Lodge have been thus condensed and classified under
the following Distinct heads I. GOD: A belief in God as the Great Architect
and Supreme Ruler of the universe.
II. THE GREAT LIGHT
IN MASONRY: The acceptance of the revealed Word of God as the rule and guide
for our faith and practise, and its visible presence in every Lodge.
III. THE GRAND
MASTER: The Grand Master is elected by the Craft and holds Office until his
successor is duly Installed. He is the ruler of the Craft and as such is of
right the Presiding Officer of every assemblage of Masons. He may within his
jurisdiction convene a Lodge at any time or place and do Masonic Work therein.
He may also create Lodges by his Warrant and arrest the Warrant of any Lodge
he chooses. He may suspend during his pleasure the operation of any rule or
regulation of Masonry not a Landmark. He may suspend the Installed Officers of
any Lodge and reinstate them at his pleasure and he is not answerable for his
acts as Grand Master. He may deputise any Brother to do any act in his absence
which he himself might do if present.
22 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY IV. THE LODGE: A Masonic Lodge must have a Master and two Wardens, and
when convened for Masonic Work must be duly Tyled.
V. THE CANDIDATE: No
person can be made a Mason unless he be a man, free‑born, of mature and
discreet age, of good character and reputation, and have no bodily maim or
defect that may render him incapable of learning the art or of being advanced
to the several Degrees. But he may not apply for admission without
solicitation, or take upon himself the Masonic obligations. He cannot be
admitted to membership in a Masonic Lodge except upon a secret ballot by the
Brethren of that Lodge.
VI. THE BRETHREN :
Masons, as such, are equal. Each possesses the right to visit any Lodge or
assembly of Masons where his presence will not disturb peace and harmony. If
and when he has been aggrieved by any act of any Lodge, he may appeal to the
General Assembly of Masons or to its substitute, the Grand Lodge.
VII. MASTERS AND
WARDENS: No man may be elected the Master of a Lodge who has not first served
as a Warden. Although the Master and the Wardens are elected by the members of
their Lodge, they hold their Offices by virtue of the Warrant of the Grand
Master until their successors have qualified. They are, in fact, his
Representatives in the Lodge, and are not, therefore, responsible to the Lodge
for their official acts. Nor can they be tried or disciplined by the Lodge
during their term of Office.
VIII. JURISDICTION:
Every Mason, for Masonic purposes, is subject to the jurisdiction of the Lodge
within whose jurisdiction he resides.
IX. SECRECY: The
legend of the Third Degree. The means of recognition. The methods of
conferring the Degrees. The obligations of those Degrees. The ballot of every
Brother. These are, and must continue to be, inviolably secret.
X. DEGREES: Ancient
Craft Masonry includes only the Entered Apprentice Degree, the Fellow Craft
Degree, and the Master Mason Degree.
Membership in a Lodge
is automatically acquired when the candidate is Raised to the Master Mason
Degree, or by a Master Mason through affiliation subject to the unanimous vote
of the Lodge. Restoration of members suspended for N. P. D. may be granted by
a majority of the votes cast, but in case of suspension for other reasons, or
in case of expulsion, the restoration of the member requires a favorable
two‑thirds of the votes cast. Dual membership is not permitted in the New
Jersey Jurisdiction. Honorary Membership may be conferred as a mark of
distinction, by a two‑thirds favorable vote of a Lodge upon a member of
another New Jersey Lodge. The honour, however, carries neither voice nor vote
in the affairs of the Lodge which confers it.
Life membership may
be granted to anyone who has paid dues for consecutive years in any Lodge,
provided that Lodge has previously adopted a By‑Law to that effect. To all
others, life membership can be granted only upon payment of a sum not less
than the equivalent of ten years' dues. Each member of a Lodge in New Jersey,
who has been a Master Mason in good standing continuously for fifty years or
more, is presented by the Grand Lodge with a gold button bearing FREEMASONRY
IN NEW JERSEY z3 the Seal of the Grand Lodge and a suitable inscription
indicating that fact. In 1929, when these were first distributed there were
32.9 recipients of this token. While in some jurisdictions visitation is
looked upon as a privilege, in New Jersey it is considered a right. That
right, however, is subject to the will of any member of any Lodge who may be
present. Such member may object to the admission or continuance of any
visitor, excepting only Officers of the Grand Lodge. It is the duty of the
Master of any Lodge to refuse admission to anyone thus objected to, or if
already within the Body of the Lodge, to invite the visitor to retire, on the
ground that his presence may disturb the peace and harmony of the Lodge.
In the early days of
the New Jersey Grand Lodge, the elective Offices were held by the incumbents
for several years. This was especially true in the case of the Grand Master.
In fact, during the first thirty‑seven years of the Grand Lodge's existence,
there were only eight Grand Masters. Of these, M.. W:. Bro. Aaron D. Woodruff
held the Office for twelve years from i8os to 1816, inclusive. At the same
time Bro. Woodruff was serving as Worshipful Master of Trenton Lodge, No. S,
an Office which he held for thirty consecutive years. He held both Offices at
the time of his death. Contemporary with him as Grand Master was R: . W.‑.
Bro. William McKissack, Deputy Grand Master for fifteen years; R.: W.‑. Bro.
Thomas Bullman, Senior Grand Warden for eleven years; R.'. W .'. Bro. General
Franklin Davenport, grandnephew of R.‑.W.‑.Bro. Benjamin Franklin, Junior
Grand Warden for ten years; R.*. W.‑. Bro. General Jonathan Rhea, Grand
Treasurer for nine years; and R.‑.W.‑.Bro. George McDonald, Deputy Grand
Secretary for fourteen years. During the eighty‑year period from 1824 to 1903,
inclusive, there were thirty‑five Grand Masters. The average term for those
years was a little more than two years. Since 1904, the four highest elective
Offices have been occupied for a term of only one year by any one person. With
only one exception, each Grand Master has also served a year in each of the
other three Grand Offices. Thus, for almost thirty years, there has been a
regular, unbroken line of succession through those four Grand Lodge Offices.
To‑day there are nineteen Past Grand Masters still living. M.‑. W.‑. Bro.
George W. Fortmeyer is the Senior Past Grand Master, having occupied that high
and exalted Station during 1896 and 1897.
Fortunately, the
Offices of Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Deputy Grand Secretary have
seen few changes in personnel. R.‑. W.‑. Bro. Elias Phillips was Grand
Treasurer for twenty years, R.‑. W.‑. Bro. Charles Bechtel, for thirty years,
and‑R.'. W.'. Bro. William F. Burk, for twelve years. R.'. W.‑. Bro. Joseph H.
Hough stands at the head of the list for length of service, having been Deputy
Grand Secretary for five years and Grand Secretary for forty‑eight years. The
present Grand Secretary, R.‑. W .'. Bro. Isaac Cherry, has a record of fifteen
years, and it is hoped that he may serve many more years. R.'. W.‑. Bro. T. H.
R. Redway was Deputy Grand Secretary for thirteen years, and R.'. W.‑. Bro.
William Rutan held the Office for twenty years. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey
may well be proud of such a record of continuity of service among its
Officers. It may boast not only of the wisdom it has displayed in the choice
of Grand Officers to 2‑4 FREEMASONRY IN NEW JERSEY direct its affairs, but
also of the long continuation of harmony and good will that has characterised
its existence as a Grand Body, and is evidenced by the long service of its
Officers.
Garret Augustus
Hobart, the twenty‑fourth vice‑president of the United States, was born at
Long Branch, New Jersey, on June 3, 1844, and continued a lifelong resident of
the State. He graduated from Princeton in 1863, and after teaching for some
time took up the study of the law in Paterson where he was licensed to
practise in 1866. Three years later he was made a counsellor‑at‑law. In 1872‑
he was elected assemblyman, and two years later he became the speaker of that
legislative body. In 1876 he was elected State senator, and was president of
the Senate during 1881 and 1882‑. He was first to have the distinction of
presiding over both branches of the New Jersey legislature.
At the same time an
active business man, Hobart was associated with many industrial and public
utility enterprises, and as he himself said, " engaged in politics for
recreation." Nevertheless he put as much energy and ability into his political
activities as he put into his regular vocation, and won nationwide recognition
by being elected vice‑president of the United States in 1896. His public
career was cut short, however, by his untimely death, on November 21, 1899, at
the age of fifty‑five. At that time he was in the full maturity of his power
and held high esteem of his fellow citizens for his ability and his integrity
of character.
Bro. Hobart was
Initiated in Falls City Lodge, No. 82‑, of Paterson, on July 9, 1867, and was
raised on December 8, 1868. On November 6, 1871, he was Exalted a Royal Arch
Mason in Cataract Chapter, No. 1o, of Paterson, and that same year he was
Knighted in St. Omer Commandery, No. 13, Knights Templar. On January 1, 1876,
he received the Thirty‑second Degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry
in New Jersey Consistory, of Jersey City. Then, on December 23, 1896, he was
elected a life member of Washington Commandery, No. 1, at Washington, District
of Columbia, just prior to his installation as vice‑president.
Born in moderate
circumstances, Bro. Hobart, through his assiduous application, became the
architect and builder of his fortune, and builded so well that he had reached
almost the pinnacle of human ambition, both politically and Fraternally,
before he was called to join the innumerable throng in that house, not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.
It has been claimed
that another vice‑president of the United States, who was a native Jerseyman,
was also a Freemason. We refer to Aaron Burr, second vice‑president of the
Republic, a son of the Reverend Aaron Burr of Newark, New Jersey. But nothing
has been produced positively to identify him with the Fraternity directly or
indirectly. A complete Masonic Record of a man bearing the same name, who was
elected, entered, passed, and Raised in Union Lodge, No. 40, of Danbury,
Connecticut, between June S and September 13, 18o6, has been offered as proof
of the claim. But if one will refer to Burr's biography one may see clearly
that at that time he had something on his mind very different FREEMASONRY IN
NEW JERSEY 25 from taking upon himself the obligations of a Freemason. As a
matter of fact, he was deeply engrossed in preparing for his filibustering
expedition against Mexico, which has been satirically characterised as " being
perhaps the most magnificent enterprise ever conceived on the American
continent." Instead of being Raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on
September 13, i8o6, as recorded in those minutes, he had, then, gone West six
weeks before to embark on a scheme destined to bring him into the limelight as
a conspirator and a traitor to his country.
It has also been
stated that he visited Western Star Lodge, No. io, at Kaskaskia, Illinois, on
April 4, I8I2. But, from his own journal, we learn that on that particular
date he had sufficiently recovered from an attack of seasickness to partake of
a good dinner of codfish and potatoes, on board the ship Aurora, as he
returned from exile in Europe. Happy, indeed, are we to be thus able to remove
the blot of his name from the Records of American Freemasonry.
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN
NEW JERSEY Following the example of the Lodges in New York City, several of
the early Lodges in New Jersey had Mark Master Lodges attached to them,
working under the sanction of their Grand Lodge Warrants.
There is evidence of
one being attached to St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of Newark, Essex County, in
i8o5, and Paterson‑Orange Lodge, No. 13, of Paterson, Passaic County, had one
in active operation in I8o6. Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17, of Hanover, Morris
County, Instituted one in 1811, and Union Lodge, No. 2I, of Orange, Essex
County, authorised one in 18i2, the Minute Book of which is still to the fore;
and later we find the Mark Master Degree being conferred in one or two Lodges
in the Southern part of the State.
The establishment of
Royal Arch Masonry in New Jersey was brought up for consideration before the
Grand Lodge in 1804 and it was agreed to permit the opening of Chapters under
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge and by permis sion of the Grand Master.
The following year Grand Master Beatty granted a Dispensation to Washington
Lodge, No. I2, of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, to establish a Chapter, but
it was not until 1813 that a Warrant was issued to it by the General Grand
Chapter as Solomon's Chapter, No. 2.
This is as far as the
Grand Lodge went in the matter of establishing Royal Arch Masonry in New
Jersey, and it has ever since abstained from having anything directly to do
with it.
Washington Chapter,
No. I, was Constituted on August 7, 1813, by Dispensation from the General
Grand Scribe and it received its Warrant from the General Grand Chapter on
September II, I8ig.
The long intervals
between the Instituting and Warranting of these Chapters by the General Grand
Chapter was due to the fact that it met only once in seven years, instead of
every three as at present.
26 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY On October 16, 1815, Brearley Lodge, No. 9, of Bridgeton, Cumberland
County, granted permission to several of its members to form a Chapter there,
and on April 18, 1816, it was duly Consecrated and the Officers regularly
Installed by Officers of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, from which it
received its Warrant, with General James Giles as its first High Priest.
This Chapter followed
the policy of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania in maintaining an attitude of
aloofness from the General Grand Chapter. This stood in the way of forming a
Grand Chapter in New Jersey, when Washington Chapter, of Newark, and Solomon's
Chapter, of New Brunswick, endeavoured to bring that about in 1817 and again
in i82o, as these two Chapters were the progeny of the General Grand Chapter,
and Brearley Chapter would have no association with them on that account.
Franklin Chapter, No.
3, was Constituted at Whippany, Morris County, in 1824, thus providing the
third Chapter necessary to Constitute a Grand Chapter, which was consummated
on January 5, 1825, at Elizabeth, Union County, when Comp. John E. Ruckle was
elected Grand High Priest.
The Grand Chapter was
duly Consecrated and the Officers Installed at New Brunswick on May 9, 1825,
and it was quite fitting and appropriate that this ceremony should take place
in the city where the Grand Lodge and the first Chapter in New Jersey were
Constituted.
Hiram Chapter, No. 4,
of Trenton, Mercer County, was granted a Warrant on June 24, 1825. It had been
Working under a Dispensation from Elias J. Thompson, Deputy Grand High Priest,
dated May 18, 1825. This Chapter con tinued to function during the
anti‑Masonic agitation of 1826 to 1836, while the other Chapters and the Grand
Chapter itself became defunct, and it thereby constituted the connecting link
between the original Grand Chapter and the present Grand Chapter, thus
maintaining the continuity of Royal Arch Masonry in New Jersey from 1805 to
the present time, and it holds the proud position of the premier Chapter on
the Roll of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey. It is located at Red Bank,
Monmouth County, where it continues in a healthy condition with a membership
of over 300.
The original Grand
Chapter held its last Annual Convocation on November 8, 1836. Washington
Chapter, of Newark, had become dormant in 183o but was resuscitated on January
30, 184o, and continued to function until March 28, 1844, when it again fell
by the wayside and passed into history.
In 1848 the Deputy
General Grand High Priest gave a Dispensation to Union Chapter and Newark
Chapter, both of Newark, and these were duly Warranted by the General Grand
Chapter on September 12, 185o, but they found it impossible to maintain two
Chapters in that city and on March 25, 1853, the members of Newark Chapter
affiliated with Union Chapter.
Enterprise Chapter,
of Jersey City, was granted a Dispensation in 1854 from the General Grand
King, and the General Grand High Priest gave a Dispensation for Boudinot
Chapter at Burlington in 1856, both of which were regularly Warranted by the
General Grand Chapter on September 1I, 1856.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY z7 The three Chapters, Hiram, Enterprise and Boudinot, organised the
present Grand Chapter of New Jersey in Burlington on December 30, 1856, and
the Grand Officers were duly Installed in Jersey City on February 3, 1857, the
three constituent Chapters being recorded as Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively,
and on September 9, 1857, a Chapter was again Warranted for New Brunswick, to
be known as Scott Chapter, No. 4.
The first Grand High
Priest of this Grand Chapter was M.‑. E.‑. Companion William H. Doggett, a
native of Virginia, who took up his abode in Jersey City, was exalted in
Enterprise Chapter, No. z, in 1854, became its high Priest in 1856 and was
re‑elected the following year. He later became the Grand Commander of the
Knights Templar of the State of New Jersey. He died in Jersey City on April
25, 18go, at the age of seventy‑five, and was laid to rest with due Masonic
ceremonies by his Brethren and Companions who deeply mourned his loss.
It was not until 1851
that Brearley Chapter, of Bridgeton, was resuscitated, and neither it nor
Union Chapter, of Newark, took any part in the organisation of the Grand
Chapter, but in 1859 both of these Chapters became affiliated with it,
Brearley coming in as No. 6, and Union as No. 7. In the meantime ThreeTimes‑Three
Chapter, No. 5, had been Constituted at Trenton on May 4, 1858. Another
Chapter was Warranted for the town of Bergen, Bergen County, on September 7,
1859, to be known as Mount Vernon, No. 8, and Harmony Chapter, No. 9, of
Newark, was Warranted at the same time.
Thus at the third
Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey, local dissensions had
been healed and all the subordinate Chapters to the number of three times
three agreed in peace, love and unity, the Grand Chapter of New Jersey to
support, and through it to recognise the authority of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States of America.
Three more Chapters
were Warranted in 186o, Cataract City, No. io, of Paterson, Passaic County;
Pentalpha, No. ii, of Hoboken, Bergen County; and Temple, No. 12, of
Phillipsburg, Warren County. Those 12 Chapters had at that time a total
membership of 419, or an average of 35 per Chapter.
The Civil War checked
further development for a few years, but the Chapters in existence held their
own as to membership until peace was once more declared. At the close of the
year 1865 the Grand High Priest was able to report the Institution of two new
Chapters, Wilson, No. 13, of Lambertville, Hunterdon County, and Delta, No.
14, at Keyport, Monmouth County.
A rapid increase in
the number of Chapters and a still more rapid increase in membership marked
the years immediately following the Civil War, so that when the Grand Chapter
had reached its twenty‑first Annual Convocation there were 35 Chapters and
2384 Companions on record in the State, being about 23 per cent of the
membership of the Blue Lodges.
A reaction to this
post‑war activity followed, the membership declined, and it was not until 1891
that it had entirely recovered its former status numerically, with 36 Chapters
and about 285o members, being about Zo per cent of the Masons on record in the
State. The membership continued to increase from that 28 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
JERSEY time until the World War at an average rate of 195 per annum, and
during the four years of the War there were about isoo added to the Roll.
As in the wake of the
Civil War, so in that of the World War, an abnormal increase in membership
ensued, more than doubling itself in six years. Then the usual reaction set in
and a recession of annual increases followed until 1929 when the figures went
in the red, so that now the total membership is over 19,ooo with 5 8 active
Chapters, showing an average of about 340 members per Chapter, and a Zo per
cent relative proportion to the Blue Lodge membership as of forty years ago.
As has been already
stated the Grand Chapter of New Jersey is and always has been independent of
the Grand Lodge as a Masonic Body, but it is of course entirely dependent on
it for its personnel both as to its members and its Officers, and the progress
of the one is reflected in that of the other. Two of the living Past Grand
High Priests are Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge: M.‑. W.‑. Richard C.
Woodward and M .'. W .'. Frank C. Sayrs, and the present Grand King is also a
Past Grand Master, M.'. W .'. Donald J. Sargent; while one of the Chapters
perpetuates the name of another Past Grand Master, M . . W . . Joseph W.
Scott, of New Brunswick, and one of the youngest of the Chapters is named in
honour of a distinguished member of the Grand Lodge, R.‑. W.‑. Henry S.
Haines, Grand Instructor for many years both in the Grand Lodge and in the
Grand Chapter. Thus in recent years has the Grand Chapter of New Jersey found
itself patronised and Officered by some of the distinguished Officers of the
Grand Lodge, thereby helping to bring the two Bodies nearer to that bond of
Masonic relationship which existed in the early days, when it was declared
that " Pure Ancient Masonry consists of three Degrees and no more, viz :‑those
of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason, including
the Supreme Order of the HOLY ROYAL ARCH." FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO T is
impossible to know when or by whom Freemasonry was first introduced into that
great region from which was formed the State of New Mexico. Although a
sentence or two which appears in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Texas
indicate that in 1841 certain unnamed Brethren Petitioned for a Dispensation
to form Santa Fe Lodge, No. 15, presumably to be Instituted in that city, no
further Records remain to show what disposition was made of that Petition.
Nevertheless, William B. Pearson, Grand Secretary of Texas, has stated that a
Charter was issued, and that it was afterwards revoked in 1844. Bro. Pearson
cited no authorities, however. If the Santa Fe Lodge ever actually existed, it
was doubtless connected with the ill‑starred Texas‑Santa Fe Expedition. In
that case the fate of the expedition precluded the possibility of its ever
having held Communications in Santa Fe. At that time Texas was a republic, and
it claimed as its Territory a large part of what is now New Mexico, a claim
which stood until the settlement of boundary disputes in 185o. Perhaps that
fact explains why the first known attempt to plant Masonry in New Mexico is
believed to have been made by Texas.
Fortunately, the next
item regarding Masonry in New Mexico rests upon unimpeachable documentary
evidence. When the United States declared war on Mexico in 1847, a majority of
the troops sent to the region now known as New Mexico were recruited from
Illinois and Missouri. It happened among them was John Ralls, colonel of the
Third Regiment of Missouri Volunteers, and also at that time Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Discovering among his officers and men a number
of Master Masons, Colonel Ralls decided to organise a Military Lodge, and for
that purpose he issued a Dispensation for Missouri Military Lodge, No. 86.
That was on June 12, 1847. Three days later the Lodge was Instituted at
Independence, Missouri, then the northern end of the Santa Fe Trail. Then, on
October 14 of that year, a Charter was granted.
The second
Communication of the Lodge was held at Santa Fe. During the time that had
elapsed between the date of its Institution and that second Communication its
members had marched some goo miles. That second meeting, coming as it did
after weeks of weary marching by its members, was probably the first regular
Communication ever held in the vast territory which lies between the Missouri
River and the Pacific Ocean, bounded by Canada on the north and Texas and
Mexico on the south. To‑day that vast region is the home of thirteen Grand
Lodges. A majority of the members of that early Lodge were army officers from
Illinois and Missouri. The Minutes, kept in a book only five inches by seven
inches in size and having fewer than loo pages, are now in the possession of
the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The last meeting which they record 29 30
FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO was held at Santa Cruz, in Mexico, On July 5, 1848,
at a time when Colonel Ralls was serving as Worshipful Master. Inasmuch as the
Third Regiment was mustered out after the signing of the Guadalupe‑Hidalgo
Treaty on February 2 of that same year, it may be supposed that the Lodge
ceased to exist at about the time of its last‑recorded Communication.
When Colonel Ralls
with his regiment was ordered into Mexico, those Illinois members of Missouri
Military Lodge, No. 86, who remained in Santa Fe with the first Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers, secured from that Lodge permis sion to Petition for a
Dispensation to form another Lodge, to be called Hardin Lodge, No. 87.
Therefore, on October 9, 1847, Colonel Ralls issued the Dispensation, and nine
days later the Lodge was Instituted on a Charter which described it as
existing " for the transaction of business in Masonry, within the regiment of
volunteers from the State of Illinois, known as the First Regiment." The
duration of the Lodge was limited to the length of time that the regiment
should serve. That meant not only that Lodge No. 87 was a Military Lodge, but
that it was also a regimental Lodge, and that it was to exist for a limited
period only. The entire history of American Masonry records few, if any, other
instances of Lodges formed according to such specifications. Immediately after
its organisation, Lodge No. 87 was very busy helping Lodge No. 86 " clean its
trestleboard," and until its last Communication, which was held on August 14,
1848, it carried on its Work both vigorously and wisely. H. P. Boyakin, first
Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 87, was lieutenant‑colonel of his regiment.
Among the Lodge's membership were also many other men prominent in military
affairs, and yet others who remained in the West to take a leading part in the
affairs of the new American Territory. From the latter, seven afterwards
demitted to Montezuma Lodge, the first permanent Masonic Lodge in New Mexico.
For three years after
the signing of the Guadalupe‑Hidalgo Treaty, which constituted New Mexico a
Territory of the United States, no Lodge was formed to carry on the Work of
Lodge No. 86 and of Lodge No. 87. The Grand Lodge of New Mexico, however,
possesses the original Petition for a Dispensation addressed to the Grand
Lodge of Maryland. Although it bears no date, it was probably written about
the year 1850. Whether it was ever actually transmitted, and if so, what
disposition was made of it, there is no way of discovering. The same may be
said of another Petition, also in the possession of the Grand Lodge, addressed
to the Grand Lodge of Missouri and signed by thirteen Master Masons. It also
is undated and may possibly never have been transmitted. Nevertheless both
those documents prove that during the three‑year interim Masons were living in
Santa Fe, and that they were interested in Masonic affairs, even though they
had no Lodge.
Fortunately, a third
effort to establish a Lodge in New Mexico Territory was more successful, for
on May 8, 1851, the Grand Lodge of Missouri granted a Charter for a Lodge to
be held at Santa Fe, and to be called Montezuma Lodge, No. 1o9. Instituted on
the following August 22, it was a success from the beginning. Into its
membership came such nationally known leaders as " Kit " FREEMASONRY IN NEW
MEXICO 31 Carson, Ceran St. Vrain, Lafayette Head, many judges and other
public officials, merchants, army officers, and prominent miners and ranchers.
The conditions under which the Lodge Laboured were rough and hazardous. For
example, its first junior Warden, Robert T. Brent, was killed by Apache
Indians on the dreaded Journado del Muerto within four months after taking
Office, and was buried by the Lodge on December 2.2., 1851. But in a certain
sense those conditions told in favour of the Lodge. Only a scattering of
Americans were living in Santa Fe at the time, and among them were very few
women. Consequently almost no social life was possible, except such as was
furnished by saloons, brothels, and gambling houses, places of amusement to
which those early Americans were less addicted than is usually supposed. There
was not even a cemetery for the burying of the Protestant dead, and there were
almost no church facilities for them at all. The Lodge, therefore, satisfied
many needs, serving not only in its usual capacity, but also as a social
centre, a church, and a club, all in one. Among its first acts, carried out in
conjunction with a Lodge of Odd Fellows, was the establishment of a cemetery.
For nine such years Montezuma Lodge was the only Lodge in the Territory,
almost the only Lodge within a radius of a thousand miles. But it buried its
roots deep, was well organised, generous, and free from dissension.
Afterwards, and for a decade or more, it remained a kind of Mother Lodge which
performed the unofficial functions of a Grand Lodge and otherwise fostered
Freemasonry in a land where nothing was more difficult to carry on or more
needed. When other Lodges arose, it assisted them, notably in the cases of
Chapman Lodge, No. 95, and Aztec Lodge, No. io8. Likewise, when the proper
time arrived, it took the lead in forming a Grand Jurisdiction.
Before describing the
formation of the Grand Lodge, it is necessary to sketch rapidly the formation
of a few other Lodges. First in order was a Lodge organised at Taos, that
tripartite frontier settlement of Indians, Spanish‑Americans, and North
Americans, which even yet retains the picturesque character of frontier days.
Ten Master Masons, among whom were " Kit " Carson and Ceran St. Vrain,
Petitioned for a Dispensation. On November 16, 1859, the Dispensation was
issued by Judge Joab Houghton, then Deputy Grand Master for what was then the
Twenty‑fifth District of Missouri. Then, on the following June i, the Charter
was granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and the new Lodge became known as
Bent Lodge, No. 2.04. Despite the fact that Dr. David Waldo, a man famous in
the history of the Santa Fe Trail, deeded a lot to the Lodge, and although
other friends and members worked heroically for the Lodge's welfare, it was
confronted by too many handicaps. During its first four years it conferred
Degrees on only four candidates, and then, on November 9, 1864, it finally
surrendered its Charter and regalia to the District Deputy, Bro. R. Frank
Green. The Light thus extinguished was, however, rekindled long afterwards,
when on October 2.o, 19o9, the Grand Lodge of New Mexico organised a new Lodge
at Taos under the name of Bent Lodge, No. 42..
On June 2.o, 1862.,
the Grand Lodge of Missouri issued a Dispensation for 32 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
MEXICO Chapman Lodge, No. 95, to be held at Fort Union, an army outpost. A
Charter did not follow, however, until June 2, 1866. Then, on September 12,
1867, Grand Master John D. Vincil permitted the Lodge to be removed to Las
Vegas, where it has since remained. The following year it constructed its
first temple, an adobe building, at a cost of $2,5oo, $Zoo of which was lent
by Montezuma Lodge, No. log. Chapman Lodge is now Lodge No. 2.
Aztec Lodge, at Las
Cruces, received its Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri on June 4,
1866, and its Charter on October 1g, 1867. It is now Aztec Lodge, No. 3. " Kit
" Carson Lodge, No. 326, of Elizabethtown, at the time of the Lodge's
establishment, a mere mushroom mining village, received a Dispensation from
the Grand Lodge of Missouri on August 1o, 1869, and its Charter on October 12,
1869. But when the mining boom collapsed, it succumbed to the inevitable and
in 1878 M.‑.W.'. Thomas C. Ready, Grand Master, arrested its now useless
Charter.
Silver City Lodge,
No. 465, received its Dispensation on May 1, 1873, and its Charter on October
17 of the same year. Though it withheld from all participation in the
formation of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in 1877, it did later unite with
that Grand Lodge in 1882 and is now Silver City Lodge, No. 8. Union Lodge, No.
480, which was organised first at La junta, then removed first to Tiptonville,
and later to Watrous, and is now located at Wagon Mound, received its
Dispensation On May 3, 1874, and its Charter on October 15, 1874. It is now
Union Lodge, No. 4. Cimarron Lodge, No. 348, of Cimarron, the last Lodge to be
formed before the organisation of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, was Chartered
by the Grand Lodge of Missouri October 14, 1875, but surrendered its Charter
in 1879. It was revived, however, by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, on October
Zo, 19o8, and is now known as Cimarron Lodge, No. 37.
As has been stated,
every Lodge thus far mentioned, excepting only Santa Fe Lodge No. 15, was
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Consequently, that Grand Lodge is
entitled to be called the Mother of New Mexico Masonry. As every reader of
history may suspect, this did not just happen to be the case. From early in
the century until the railways had crossed the Rocky Mountains, St. Louis and
its adjacent towns were the head of the Santa Fe Trail, the point from which
all trade set out for New Mexico and to which it returned. St. Louis was the
financial capital for the sparsely settled region to the westward, the place
where commerce with it was planned and managed. Like every other contribution
from the East, Masonry, too, reached New Mexico through St. Louis.
For two years after
Mexico had surrendered all rights to the region, a part of which came to form
New Mexico, that vast Territory belonged to the United States though it had
not yet been legally organised as a Territory. The interior government, half
military and half civil, was rife with disorder. Occasionally it was even
bloody because of serious Indian and native Spanish uprisings, but shortly
after 1850, the year in which a complete Territorial civil government was
formed, conditions began to improve. Destined to endure, with a varying but
FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO 33 fairly satisfactory fortune, conditions in New
Mexico grew rapidly better. More Americans came into the Territory, and among
them was an increasing number of Masons By 1875 the Grand Lodge of Missouri
had Chartered eight Lodges there, exclusive of Lodge No. 86 and Lodge No. 87.
Of those, six showed signs of permanence, and forward‑looking Masons,
especially the leaders of Montezuma Lodge, No. 1og, began to pave the way for
a Grand Lodge of their own.
Montezuma Lodge, No.
iog, had already made several attempts to call a Convention, but its efforts
were not successful until 1877, when four other of the six active Lodges in
New Mexico agreed to participate. The four Lodges willing to hold the
Convention were Montezuma Lodge, No. 1og, Chapman Lodge, No. 95, Aztec Lodge,
No. 1o8, and Union Lodge, No. 48o. Unfortunately, though, Delegates from Union
Lodge, No. 48o, were not able to attend. Nevertheless, the Convention was held
at Santa Fe, from August 6 to August 1o, 1877, with eight Delegates present at
the opening session. Simon B. Newcomb, of Aztec Lodge, No. 1o8, was elected
President, and Augustus Z. Huggins, of Montezuma Lodge, No. 1og, Secretary. A
Committee of three, with Bro. Huggins acting as Chairman, drew up a
Constitution and By‑Laws and designed a seal. With some amendments, all were
adopted on the evening of August 7. The following Grand Officers were elected:
William W. Griffin, Worshipful Master of Montezuma Lodge, being chosen Grand
Master, and the afterwards‑famous David J. Miller, attending as a visiting
Brother from Montezuma Lodge, being elected Grand Secretary. That same evening
Grand Officers were installed, with Samuel B. Axtell, of an Ohio Lodge, acting
as Master of Ceremonies. Then, on August g, after a great deal of discussion,
a standard Work was adopted. That night a Third Degree was conferred in ample
form upon Frederick F. Whitehead, of Montezuma Lodge. The following day a
Committee on Foreign Correspondence, a Committee on Ways and Means, and a
Committee on Charity were appointed, and that same night Max Frost, destined
to a long career in New Mexico, was raised to the Sublime Degree. On the next
day the infant Grand Lodge adjourned after setting the first Monday of the
following January as the time for its first Annual Communication, to be held
at Santa Fe.
In view of all the
circumstances the Constitution that was there adopted was a remarkably able
document. It gave the title of the new Body as " The Grand Lodge of Ancient,
Free and Accepted Masons of New Mexico." It provided for a Grand Lecturer, for
District Deputy Grand Masters, and for ten Committees. In every other respect
it was also complete. It made especially ample and farsighted provision for
the future growth of the Grand Jurisdiction. The philosophically minded
student of Craft history may easily see in that Constitution the advantage a
recently established Grand Lodge has over the older ones. It can build on
foundations that have already been tested, it does not need to waste its own
time and energy groping in the dark or making costly experiments. In date and
personnel the Grand Lodge of New Mexico was new. In its use of funded wisdom
and crystallised experience it was as old as the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
or of Pennsylvania.
34 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
MEXICO The first Annual Communication was not held at Santa Fe until January
6, 1879. At that time Grand Master William W. Griffin was able to report that
eighteen other Grand Lodges, including that of Missouri, had officially
granted Fraternal recognition, and that he had granted new Charters to the
four member Lodges. The only trouble he had to report was that the Grand Lodge
of Missouri, which, despite the fact that it had recognised the sovereignty of
the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, had still continued its own functions in the
jurisdiction. It had arrested the Charter of " Kit Carson " Lodge, and had
appropriated that Lodge's properties. It had continued the Charters and
collected dues from Silver City Lodge and from Cimarron Lodge, neither of
which had yet joined the new Grand Lodge. The Grand Master reminded his
hearers that ' ` Americans and resident Europeans " constituted " not more
than ten to fifteen per cent of the entire population," that only during the
year had the railway " crossed our border on the north," through the Raton
Pass. While he refused to paint a pleasant picture of the future, he bade all
to be of good cheer.
At the First
Communication the Grand Treasurer also reported that he had received a sum of
$368, all of which he had disbursed. In those early years the Grand Lodge was
more than once obliged to resort to private subscriptions to replenish its
treasury, and even to‑day‑though sojourning sufferers from tuberculosis seem
to overlook the fact‑it is far from affluent. The Committee on Foreign
Correspondence submitted a full report in writing, the four subordinate Lodges
reported a total membership of 169 Master Masons, and the Proceedings of the
First Grand Communication‑remarkably complete‑were ordered to be printed.
Thus, at the end of its first sixteen months, the new Grand Lodge found itself
making normal headway. Since then nothing has occurred to disappoint the early
hopes of its members. In due time Silver City Lodge and Cimarron Lodge joined
the rolls, other new Lodges were added as conditions warranted, and that which
began as a family of four Lodges, having 169 members, is now a healthy Grand
Jurisdiction of 57 Lodges, having a total membership of over 7000.
The Grand Lodge of
New Mexico was fortunate in its early Grand Masters. The first, William W.
Griffin, served for two years, and was succeeded by a line of men, among whom
were persons well known in New Mexico affairs, such as William L. Rynerson,
Simon B. Newcomb and Henry L. Waldo. The Grand Lodge was especially fortunate
in its first Grand Secretary, David J. Miller, who for seven years served that
Office with true frontier vigour and dash. A selfdrawn portrait of the man
appears in a diary which he kept on a three months' hazardous trip he made in
1854, when he journeyed from Austin, Texas, to Santa Fe. That diary reveals
Miller as having been a bold, courageous, inventive, manly, and unselfish
person. When he passed away at St. Louis, Missouri, on December z3, 1887, he
was buried in the Masonic burial lot in Bellefontaine Cemetery by the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, with Grand Lodge honours. He was succeeded in Office by
Alpheus A. Keen, who has served continuously ever since. Alpheus Augustus Keen
was born in Pomeroy, Ohio, in 1855. Two years FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO 35
afterwards his parents returned to New England, where, after attending the
public schools, he graduated from the Highland Military Academy, of Worcester,
Massachusetts, in 1876. In 1878 he removed to Chicago, and thence to Las
Vegas, New Mexico, October 18, 1879, then the terminus of the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe Railway Co., building from La Junta, Colorado, to El Paso, Texas.
There, during the following year, he became connected with the First National
Bank. In 189o he removed to Albuquerque to become cashier of the First
National Bank. He has resided there ever since. Bro. Keen was initiated in
Chapman Lodge, No. 2, of Las Vegas, on December 29, 1881, passed on January
26, 1882, raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 16, 1882,
and is still a member of that Lodge. On November i9, 1884, he succeeded David
J. Miller as Grand Secretary. He has filled the Office continually ever since.
In point of continuous service Bro. Keen is second only after Bro. Fay
Hempstead of Arkansas (who has since died), dean of all living Grand
Secretaries of America and probably of the world. He has been Grand Secretary
of the Grand Chapter since its organisation on October 3, 1898, and Grand
Recorder of the Grand Commandery since October 23, 1902. He was constituted a
noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in Ballut
Abyad Temple, Albuquerque, on June 8, 1892. On November 1o, 19io, he received
the Thirtysecond Degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry in New
Mexico Consistory, No. i, of Santa Fe. On October Zo, 1915, he was Knight
Commander of the Court of Honour, Southern jurisdiction, and on October 19,
1917, he was crowned as Honorary Inspector General of the Thirty‑third Degree,
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, Southern jurisdiction, at
Washington, District of Columbia.
Better known, and
equally devoted to the Craft, was Christopher Carson, or " Kit " Carson as he
was usually known. This remarkable man, as modest as he was heroic, and always
a gentleman, was born in what is now Madison County, Kentucky, on December 24,
18o9. After being apprenticed as a lad to a saddler at Franklin, Missouri, he
ran away, went West, and afterwards became the West's most famous trapper,
scout, trader, Indian fighter, and soldier. He was initiated into Montezuma
Lodge on March 29, 1854, passed on June 17, 1854, and raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason on December 26, 1854. On April 30, 186o, he demitted to
help form Bent Lodge at Taos. His application, written in his own scrawly
hand, and his apron, are now in the possession of the Grand Lodge, and one of
his rifles is owned by Montezuma Lodge, No. 1. Becoming Junior Warden, Bro.
Carson worked constantly for that Lodge. Later, after the surrender of its
Charter, he reaffiliated himself with Montezuma Lodge. Bro. Carson died at
Fort Lyon, Colorado, on May 23, 1868, but his body was removed to Taos, where
the Grand Lodge with Masonic ceremony erected a monument and placed an iron
fence about his grave. Later his old home at Taos was purchased by the Grand
Lodge, which cared for it until 1914 when it was turned over to the present
Bent Lodge, which still holds it.
Bracketed in
Southwestern fame with the name of " Kit " Carson is the 3 6 FREEMASONRY IN
NEW MEXICO name of the martyred Territorial governor, Charles Bent. A native
of Virginia, a graduate of West Point, Charles Bent early came to Colorado
with his brother William. There, in 182‑8, he built Bent's Fort, the largest
and most noted furtrading post in the whole Rocky Mountain region. Later the
brothers established a store in Santa Fe. It was then that Charles entered
into a partnership with Ceran St. Vrain. A man who combined far‑sweeping
imagination with great executive ability, Charles Bent was literally one of
the architects of the Southwest. It was fitting, then, that he should be
selected as the first civil governor of the region after General Kearny took
possession of it for the United States in 1846. But Bent's tenure of office
was both brief and tragic. During the uprisings of 1847 he was assassinated in
his home at Taos by a mob of Indians and natives. Bent, a Charter Member of
Missouri Lodge, No. 1, of St. Louis, became one of the earliest Masonic
leaders in New Mexico.
Many other men famous
for their pioneering work were in one way or another connected with the Craft
in New Mexico. There was Ceran St. Vrain, Bent's partner, a trader on a grand
scale, an Indian fighter, hero of two wars, who was raised in Montezuma Lodge
in 1855. And there was John W. Poe, Grand Master in 1897, a brave man who had
been brought from Texas to crush a gang of desperadoes who operated in Lincoln
County under the leadership of Billy the Kid. There was also Stephen B.
Elkins, who later became a wellknown United States senator, whose life was
saved in Missouri by G.H.S., and who lived for a time in Santa Fe, where he
was an active Mason. General Lew Wallace, who finished writing his famous
novel, Ben Hur, in the Governor's Palace at Santa Fe during his term as
Territorial governor, was reputed to be an Indiana Mason. There were scores of
others besides‑heroes, wealthy cattle men, Indian fighters, soldiers, and
scouts. Perhaps no other Grand Jurisdiction in America has ever numbered among
its members so picturesque a procession. Already half legendary, many of them
await their proper places in the epic account of their fortunes which remains
to be written.
In its institutional
activities, the Grand Lodge of New Mexico has followed the familiar pattern.
During its early years it maintained headquarters at Santa Fe, but afterwards
removed them to Albuquerque, the State's metrop olis, where they were more
centrally located and so more accessible to a great number of member Lodges.
For a time it planned a building of its own, and Temple Lodge, No. 6, of
Albuquerque, offered to donate a plot of ground on which to erect it, but lack
of funds made the following of that plan impossible. In 1911, however, Temple
Lodge erected a spacious temple of its own, in which were set aside
appropriate quarters for the Grand Lodge's use. These it has occupied
continuously ever since. The only Lodge outside the State to be Chartered by
the Grand Lodge of New Mexico was White Mountain Lodge, No. 5, at Globe,
Arizona, on January 18, 1881. The following year, however, it united with the
Grand Lodge of Arizona.
Efforts to establish
a Masonic Home in New Mexico were begun early. In i89o io per cent of the per
capita tax was ordered converted into a Masonic FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO 37
Home Fund with a view to raising an eventual total of $i2o,ooo. At present a
sum of $114,ooo has been raised, but whether that sum will go into a building
or will take the form of some permanent plan for administering outside relief
is as yet undecided. Emergency relief is managed by a Committee on Masonic
Relief which consists of the Grand Master, the Grand Treasurer, and the Grand
Secretary, who have the use of a sum amounting to 50 cents per capita.
New Mexico Masons are
by tradition open‑handedly generous. As early as 1867, the members of
Montezuma Lodge contributed a sum of $965 to war sufferers among Brethren in
the South, that having been the largest amount sent from any State or
Territory. Of late years, however, they have found both their funds and their
ingenuity taxed to the utmost to meet the claims being made upon them by
sojourners coming into the State to seek relief from pulmonary affections,
especially tuberculosis. New Mexico does all it can for those sufferers. The
Grand Lodge annually contributes a large fund to the Sojourners' Club (United
States Veterans' Hospital, No. 55), at Fort Bayard, and to the Trowel Club
(The United States Marine Hospital, No. 9) at Fort Stanton, while the
subordinate Lodges exhaust their resources for unfortunates who come into
their respective communities. All the usual efforts are also made, with the
usual high average of failures, to interest Lodges outside the State in their
members who have become stranded in New Mexico, but to date all the assistance
thus enlisted has not been enough. Sooner or later a better method of meeting
the emergency must be found. The Grand Lodge did its full share in forming the
National Masonic Tuberculosis Sanataria Association which was chartered in
1925, and it created a fund to cover its contribution by assessing one dollar
per capita. A majority of the Grand Lodges elsewhere refused their support,
however, and at present the plans of the Association remain in abeyance.
In 1923 the Grand
Lodge created a Revolving Student Loan Fund, by appropriation and later
covered by an assessment of fifty cents per capita, to make loans to " worthy
students to complete their education in our State educational institutions."
The first levy brought the sum of $3276 into the fund. Now this sum has grown
to well in excess of $16,ooo.
In 1915 the Grand
Lodge became a member of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Association. By the end of 1930 it had paid towards its share in meeting the
expenses of erecting the Temple the sum of $6453 Payments from other Masonic
sources in New Mexico had brought the grand total for the State to $7762.
The history of the
Concordant Orders in New Mexico shows a steady and normal development. The
first Royal Arch Chapter, Santa Fe Chapter, No. 1, was Instituted on December
11, 1865. Following it came Silver City Chapter No. 2, Instituted on February
22, 1876; Las Vegas Chapter, No. 3, Instituted on March io, 1881; Rio Grande
Chapter, No. 4, of Albuquerque, Instituted on January 12, 1882; Deming
Chapter, No. 5, Instituted on February 28, 1885; and so on. The Grand Chapter
was organised on October 3, 1898. At present it 38 FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO
numbers 15 Chapters and has a total membership of 1968. Knight Templarism
followed a similar course, its Grand Commandery having been organised on
August 21, 19o1. There are now 14 Commanderies within the State. These have a
total membership of 1337 Scottish Rite Masonry began with the organisation of
the Santa Fe Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, founded on February 1, 1883. It was
followed by the Atzlan Chapter of Rose Croix, No. i, which dates from February
17, i9o8. The Coronado Council of Kadosh, No. 1, and the New Mexico
Consistory, No. 1, were both formed on December 21, i9o8. The father of the
New Mexico Scottish Rite was Harper S. Cunningham, an active member of the
Supreme Council of the Southern jurisdiction, the only Inspector‑General the
jurisdiction has ever had. The monumental temple at Santa Fe, the
Alhambra‑like design of which is so appropriate to its setting, was his dream.
It was made possible by his energy. Although he did not live to see it
completed, it was finished under the leadership of his Deputy, Richard H.
Hanna. What he had hoped for it came to pass, and, fittingly enough, his
remains rest within the building.
The Ancient Arabic
Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine began with the formation of Ballut Abyad
Temple, at Albuquerque, on June 11, 1887. Ever since it has flourished, and
to‑day it has 1919 members.
The Order of the
Eastern Star began with the formation of Queen Esther Chapter, No. 1, at
Raton, on April 11, 19o2. There are now 48 Chapters having a total membership
of 5518.
In history,
population, and geography, the State of New Mexico is in many respects unique
among its sister States. Indeed, upon first entering the State, tourists and
travellers from the East and the Middle West often feel that they are coming
into a foreign land. There one finds a mingling of the sharp contrasts of the
old and the new. White men entered the region sixty‑nine years before the
Pilgrims set foot upon Plymouth Rock. Relics and customs of those early days
exist side by side with airplanes and radios and modern ways. The State's
population is bi‑lingual, and is divided among English‑speaking people, or "
Anglos," Spanish‑speaking Americans or " natives," and Indians. Of the last
named, some So,ooo to 6o,ooo who live within the State's boundaries occupy
reservations covering about one‑fourth of the State's area. While they have
been superficially recast to fit the mould of white civilisation, they remain
essentially the same primitive people they were two thousand years ago.
Tourists may leave the California Limited at Albuquerque to witness at Isleta,
at San Domingo, or at San Felipe, within the hour, ceremonial dances which
were already ancient when Cxsar crossed the Rubicon. Geographically, the State
is a vast plateau, subsiding by easy stages to the level of Texas, broken by
scattered and still wild ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Except for a few areas
where sufficient rain sometimes falls, the desert lands are unarable except
along the tiny rivers. Because of these conditions towns are small, few in
number, and widely scattered. Most of them are mere hamlets consisting of
flat‑roofed adobe houses. The State has existed under three
governments‑Spanish, Mexi‑ FREEMASONRY IN NEW MEXICO 39 can, and American. Its
history has been checkered throughout with every possible variety of frontier
event and surprise, and to‑day the influence of the ancient Spanish culture,
of which the Catholic Church is the principal embodiment, continues to
dominate the lives of a majority of its people. It is against such a
background and working on such a terrain, that New Mexico Masonry must be
envisioned and judged. Those who are most familiar with both the Craft and the
country know beyond all cavil that what Masonry has accomplished there,
against many handicaps and under difficult conditions, is not the least of the
trophies of Freemasonry's age‑long genius for tolerance, charity, and
brotherliness.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK OSSIAN LANG EARLIEST LODGES AND PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE HE membership of
the first Provincial Grand Lodge of New York was made up almost exclusively of
landed gentry and social leaders of the period. The Lodge was aristocratic. It
chiefly served as a centre of union for the men who felt responsible for the
course of affairs in the Province of New York. Political discussions and all
reference to denominational religious matters were rigidly excluded. In itself
that was a comfort at a time and in situations when men's convictions were
constantly put to test. Since gentlemen met gentlemen there, the character of
the Lodge was a guarantee that no violation of the moral code would be
tolerated. Meeting as Brother with Brother, forgetting the dividing lines
drawn by the code of etiquette peculiar to Colonial society, they could give
free rein to their desire for enjoyment. They drank toasts‑many of them. They
sang, and the songs had zest. They listened to addresses on subjects
interesting to men of culture. The atmosphere of the Lodge was conducive to
both seriousness and light‑heartedness. Having once assented to the
obligations imposed by the Lodge, those no longer represented a weight.
Rather, they were merely a mutual voucher of decency so that all members could
be boys again, as real men will be when thev gather together as Brothers.
The first Deputation
of Provincial Grand Master for any part of the world was issued on June S,
I73o, by the Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, to
Colonel Daniel Coxe for the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania. The reason for the appointment given by the Duke was that "
application has been made to us by our Rt. Worshipful and well beloved
Brother, Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, Esq., and by several of our brethren,
free and accepted Masons, residing and about to reside in the said Provinces
New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania that we would be pleased to nominate and
appoint a Provincial Grand Master of the said Provinces." Colonel Coxe was an
active, public‑spirited, and constructive leader in the affairs of the
Colonies. He was the first to outline and propose a statesmanlike plan for the
" Union of the British Colonies on the Continent of North Amer40 1l~ ~‑a <
0‑4,0 '2. ,2. o Page from a Receipt Book of the Grand Treasurer, Showing the
Signature of John Jacob Astor, 1798.
In the collection of
the Grand Lodge Museum, F. & A. M., New York.
Badge Worn at the
Dinner Given by the Grand Lodge, Washington Hall, New York, September 2.o,
182.4, in Honour of the Distinguished Brother, General La Fayette.
In the collection of
the Grand Lodge Museum, F. & A. M., New York.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK 41 ica," a plan which was revived half a century later, adapted to new
conditions, and utilized by Benjamin Franklin in marking out the groundwork of
the Constitution of the United States. Among Colonel Coxe's descendants were
several who contributed noteworthy service to America. What Coxe himself did
for Freemasonry, if anything, is yet to be determined, since only a beginning
has thus far been made in carrying out necessary research.
Tantalising clues
intimate that a Masonic Lodge was at work in New York as early as 1731, but
tangible evidence of this is wanting. In those days, as is well known, Boston,
New York, and Philadelphia were the chief North Ameri can seaports and trade
centres. Anything that stirred gossip in Old London Town was sure to interest
them. Masonic doings received frequent mention in the news prints of those
days over there, and even catchpenny exposures of the " secrets " of
Freemasons had been put on the market as early as 1730. References to Masonry
appeared in the news prints of New York from 1733 onward, perhaps even from an
earlier date.
Until Daniel
McGregor, historian of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, started on his untiring
search for evidences of American Freemasonry in the early days, and until he
produced unimpeachable evidence in 1931 which showed that an active Lodge met
regularly in New York City at the Black Horse Tavern, the soothing assumption
had been fostered that search for signs of organised Freemasonry in New York
of the earlier 173o's was a waste of time. In the New York Weekly Journal of
January 24, 1737 (1738), Bro. McGregor found a news item saying that David
Provoost, merchant, popularly known as " Readymoney Provoost," " being about
to Depart this Province, at a Lodge held that evening, January 1g, 1737,
desired leave to resign his Office " as Master of the Lodge, and that Captain
Mathew Norris, Esquire, son of Sir John Norris, admiral of the British fleet,
had been elected in his place. What the name of the Lodge was, when it was
Constituted, and whether or not it was Warranted by Colonel Coxe, are
questions not yet answered. A " letter to the editor " printed in the New York
Gazette of November 26, 1737, warns the public that a dangerous " new and
unusual sect of society " of Freemasons " at last has extended to these parts
" and meets behind closed doors, with " a Guard at the Outside to prevent any
approach near to hear or see what they are doing." The second Provincial Grand
Master of New York was Captain Richard Riggs, commander of the Fusileers at
Fort George on the Battery. While visiting London in 1737, he received his
Deputation from the Earl of Darnley, Grand Master of England. He returned to
New York on May 1g, 1738. Four months later the New York Gazette announced
that " the members of the Lodge are desired to meet at four o'clock in the
afternoon " on Wednesday, September 22, at the Black Horse Tavern. Here again
the Lodge at the Black Horse Tavern is referred to. No other Lodge being
mentioned, a reasonable inference is that there was none other in the town at
that time. Captain Riggs died at New York in 1773.
The third Provincial
Grand Master was Francis Goelet, appointed in 1751 42 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK
by Lord Byron, Grand Master of England. The celebration of the Festival of St.
John the Baptist, in 1753, was reported in a local newspaper as shown below.
At that " elegant Entertainment " the Brethren drank " his Majesty's health "
and other loyal toasts " The Ancient and Right Worshipful Society of FREE and
accepted MASONS of this City assembled at the Spring Garden, and being
properly cloathed made a regular Procession in due Form to the King's Arms
Tavern in Broad Street, near the Long Bridge, where an elegant Entertainment
was provided." About the zeal of George Harison, the next Grand Master, there
is abundant evidence. He established at least seventeen new Lodges during his
eighteen years of service (1753‑7I), and most of them have survived to this
day. His Deputation was dated June 9, 1753, but doubtless owing to delay in
its transmission from London it was not received in New York till some time in
October. An announcement in the New York Mercury " by order of the Grand
Master," endorsed by " H. Gaine, Secretary," asked the members of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons in New York to meet at
the King's Tavern on Wednesday, December 19, 1753.
Harison's
Installation took place on St. John the Evangelist's Day. The following
interesting account of the event appeared in the Mercury. The editorial "
Query " was doubtless intended to confound the detractors of the Craft and to
appease public opinion.
On Thursday last at a
Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Worshipful Fraternity of Free and Accepted
Masons, a Commission from the Honourable John Proby, Baron of Craysfort, in
the Kingdom of Ireland, Grand Master of England, appointing George Harison,
Esquire, to be Provincial Grand Master, was solemnly published, we hear, to
the universal satisfaction of all the brethren present after which, it being
the festival of St. John the Evangelist, service at Trinity Church. The order
to which they proceeded was as follows: First walked the Sword Bearer,
carrying a drawn sword; then four stewards with White Maces, followed by the
Treasurer and Secretary, who bore each a crimson damask cushion, on which lay
a gilt Bible, and the Book of Constitution; after these came the Grand Wardens
and Wardens; then came the Grand Master himself, bearing a trunchion and other
badges of his office, followed by the rest of the brotherhood, according to
their respective ranks‑Masters, Fellow Crafts and 'Prentices, to about the
number of Fifty, all clothed with their jewels, aprons, white gloves and
stockings. The whole ceremony was conducted with utmost decorum, under a
discharge of guns from some vessels in the harbour, and made a genteel
appearance. We hear they afterwards conferred a generous donation of fifteen
pounds from the public stock of the Society to be expended in clothing for the
poor children belonging to our charity school; and made a handsome private
contribution for the relief of indigent prisoners. In the evening, by the
particular request of the brethren, a comedy, called " The Conscious Lovers,
was presented in the Theatre in Nassau Street to a very crowded audience.
Several pieces of vocal music, in praise of the Fraternity, were performed
between the acts. An epilogue suitable to the occasion was pronounced by
FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 43 Mrs. Hallam, with all grace of gesture, and
propriety of execution, and met with universal and loud applause.
Query: Whether the
performance of public and private acts of beneficence, such as feeding the
hungry and clothing the naked, be most correspondent to the Genius of
Christianity, or to the Institution of the Prince of Darkness? From this time
on notices of individual Lodges began to increase. The Mercury of December 23,
1758, announced a celebration of the Festival of St. John to be held by Temple
Lodge at Fountain Tavern. Nine years later the same paper mentioned a like
celebration planned by " the brethren composing St. John's, Trinity, Union,
and King Solomon's Lodges." We read that on January 2, 1768, the festival was
celebrated at Trinity Church by several other Lodges, among them Hiram Lodge
which on that occasion " contributed alone one hundred pounds " for poor
relief.
Harison was for many
years surveyor of the Port of New York. Later he held the position of city
recorder. When revolutionary activities got under way in 1765, he was marked "
loyal " on the roster of an exclusive social club that rated Robert R.
Livingston as " disaffected." Harison died in May 1773, and was thus spared
the trials of the War for Independence. Harrison Street in the lower part of
the present Borough of Manhattan was named after him.
The following Lodges
are known to have been Constituted by George Harison St. John's No. 2 (now No.
1). New York, December 7, 1757. Temple. New York, 1758 or earlier.
La Parfaite Union
(French Lodge). New York, November 1, 1760.
Jean Baptiste Rieux
was the first Master of this Lodge. He was named as such in the Warrant
granted by Harison.
St. John's
Independent Royal Arch No. 8 (now Independent Royal Arch No. 2). New York,
December 15, 176o.
This Lodge may be
even older. It was reconstituted on May 13, 1761. St. John's No. 1 (now No. 1
Grand Lodge of New Jersey). Newark, New Jersey.
St. John's No. 1.
Fairfield, Connecticut, 1762. Zion No. i. Detroit, Michigan, April 24, 1764.
This Lodge wrote to
the Grand Lodge of New York in 1816, saying that " owing to the late war "
[1812‑14.1, in which Detroit surrendered, the Lodge had been " obliged to
suspend its labours for so long a time as thereby to forfeit its Charter." It
asked for a renewal and that was granted on March 6, 1816.
Union No. i (now
Mount Vernon No. 3). Albany, February 2, 1765. This Lodge sprang from a
military Lodge warranted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1737 to Brethren of
a regiment which was located at Albany from 1754 till 1758. It continued under
copy of that Warrant until it was reconstituted by George Harison.
44 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK St. John's No. i (now No. 6 Grand Lodge of Connecticut). Norwalk,
Connecticut, May 23, 1765.
St. John's No. 1 (now
No. 8 Grand Lodge of Connecticut). Stratford, Connecticut, April 22, 1766.
St. Patrick's No. 8
(now No. 4). Johnstown, May 23, 1766. Trinity. New York, 1767 or earlier.
This Lodge may have
been established even before Harison's time. Its Charter was renewed by him.
Union. New York,
1767.
King Solomon's. New
York, 1767.
Master's No. 2 (now
No. 5). Albany, March 5, 1768. King David's. New York, February 17, 1769.
This Lodge was later
located in Rhode Island. Hiram. New York, 1769 or earlier.
Solomon's No. i.
Poughkeepsie, April 18, 1771.
This Lodge was
constituted and its officers installed by Chancellor Livingston, Master of
Union Lodge, New York City, 'as a personal representative of Harison.
The writer is
indebted to Grand Secretary Henry C. Shellard, of the Grand Lodge of Ireland,
for a photostat from the Records of that Grand Lodge which shows that on July
7, 1763, a Lodge, No. 399, was Constituted in New York City under a Warrant
issued by the Grand Lodge of Ireland to " Jeremiah Van Renselaer, James
Mullin, and Thomas Clark," to be respectively Master, Senior Warden and Junior
Warden. Having made no Return for a number of years, this Lodge was struck
from the Roll on October 7, 1813. Since the Grand Lodge of Ireland at that
time entertained fraternal relations with the Ancient Grand Lodge of England
and not with the premier body, and since the Grand Lodges of England,
Scotland, and Ireland exercised joint Masonic jurisdiction in the colonies of
Great Britain by common consent, the Constitution of Lodge No. 399 was
justified and regular in every way.
Sir John Johnson, son
of Sir William Johnson, distinguished diplomat and friend of the American
Indians, was Harison's successor in Office. His Deputation by Lord Blaney was
dated 1767, but he was not Installed until 1771. St.
George Lodge, No. 1
(now No. 6), of Schenectady, Constituted on September 14, 1774, appears to
have been the only Lodge Warranted by him. Sir John was a Tory of the Tories.
He went to Canada when the War for Independence began, and for some reason or
other he took the Provincial Warrant with him. Before departing he appointed
Dr. Peter Middleton as his Deputy.
Dr. Middleton was a
son‑in‑law of Governor Cadwallader Colden and thus related to George Harison,
whose Grand Warden he was in 1766 and as whose Deputy he later acted. It was
he who Warranted St. John's Regimental, No. 1, a Lodge composed of Brethren in
the Colonial army. In 1776 he re‑Warranted American Union Lodge, Constituted
shortly before by Massachusetts while its members were in camp at Roxbury,
Massachusetts, and before they were trans‑ FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 45 ferred
to New York. Deputy Grand Master Middleton changed the name of this Lodge to
Military Union. It was the leading fraternal Organisation in the Colonial army
and had a stirring history. In 1791 the later Grand Lodge of the State of New
York received a letter from Marietta, then only a frontier settlement in that
part of the Northwest Territory later known as Ohio, conveying the information
that a number of Brethren had incorporated themselves into a Lodge under the
Warrant of American Union Lodge, No. I.
The departure of Sir
John Johnson with the Provincial Charter practically put an end to the
Provincial Grand Lodge that had emanated from the Premier Grand Lodge of
England.
SECOND PROVINCIAL
GRAND LODGE The founding of the Grand Lodge in 1781 was chiefly the work of
one Lodge, known as No. 169. This Lodge originally had its home in
Massachusetts, having been Constituted in Boston by a Warrant granted to it by
the Antient Grand Lodge of England and dated July 13, 1771. The latter Lodge,
Constituted in 1751‑52, was called " Antient " to distinguish it from the
premier Grand Lodge of England which had been established in 1717. The latter
was dubbed " Modern " because, about 1730, it had departed, as some believed,
from " antient practices and usages." When the War for Independence broke out,
the Brethren of Lodge No. 169 remained loyal to Great Britain. The Rev.
William Walter, rector of Trinity Church in Boston, was a member of that
Lodge. He was a Harvard man, as his father and uncle and grandfather had been,
and of illustrious family connections. It was said that he became a Mason in
an Antient Lodge while he was in London in 1764. In 1776 William Walter
followed the British troops to Nova Scotia and from there to New York.
After New York City
was taken by General Howe, it became a haven of refuge for Loyalists from
everywhere. Among the earliest to arrive were the Brethren of Lodge No. 169.
They brought their Warrant with them. Some twenty or more Lodges connected
with the regimental units‑dragoons, footguards, artillery, and horse‑were also
there. These were of the Antient, and of the Scot and the Irish Constitutions
with which the Antients were in close relation. The few Brethren who had
remained in the town and were members of old St. John's, of King David's, of
Independent Royal Arch, and of other Lodges of the Modern Constitution also
held together in their particular groups. The Warrant of St. John's Lodge had
been carried away by those who had followed General Washington, but the
furniture of the Lodge Room, as well as the Jewels and Regalia, had been left
behind.
Lodge No. 169 saw
that with so many other Lodges present a Grand Lodge might be started.
Consequently it called a meeting to which a number of the other Lodges were
invited. On January 23, 1781, the called Assembly met as a Grand Lodge " in
ample form." Bro. McCuen (McEwen) presided. William 46 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK
Walter was elected Grand Master by unanimous vote. For Wardens the Rev. John
Beardsley, a native of Connecticut and a Yale man, and John Studholme
Brownrigg, ensign of the 38th Regiment, were chosen. The London " Grand Lodge
of Ancient York Masons," presided over by the Duke of Atholl, Grand Master,
issued a Provincial Grand Lodge Warrant to Lodge No. 169 under date of
September S, 1781. Since ocean travel was hazardous in those days, and they
were willing to entrust the Warrant only to a ship sailing under convoy, it
was not received in New York until late in 1782.
Meanwhile the
inchoate Grand Lodge met frequently to complete its organisation and transact
such business as occasion demanded. In June, 1781, the Brethren celebrated the
Feast of St. John the Baptist by going to church and then dining together. The
Feast of St. John the Evangelist was observed in like manner, as was also St.
John the Baptist's Day in 1782. In connection with the celebration of the
first‑named feast, the question arose as to whether or not Masonic propriety
would admit of allowing Brethren of regular Lodges of the earlier Provincial
Grand Lodge to participate. Some of the Lodges had legal scruples about this
matter. Here the Grand Master stepped into the breach and addressed a letter
to the Grand Lodge which not only removed all doubts but prepared the way for
a later complete union of all Lodges of New York under the xgis of the Grand
Lodge.
On December S, 1782,
the Grand Lodge met in Roubalet's Assembly Hall, with the Rev. Dr. William
Walter, Grand Master, presiding, and the other Officers mentioned in the
Warrant at their several Stations. James McEwen, Past Master of Lodge No. 169,
was appointed Provincial Deputy Grand Master. William Cock, Master of Lodge
No. 212, was made Grand Secretary, and Joshua Watson, Master of Lodge No. 21o,
was made Grand Treasurer. A Deputy Grand Secretary, four Deacons, and three
Grand Stewards were also Installed. The Provincial Grand Lodge of New York was
Constituted. Nine Lodges took part in the formation.
The first public
appearance of the Grand Lodge occurred on St. John the Evangelist's Day,
December 27, 1782, with all the Officers and Brethren marching in procession
to St. Paul's Chapel, where Bro. the Rev. Dr. Samuel Seabury delivered the
sermon. Dr. Seabury later became the first Bishop of the Independent Episcopal
Church of America, having been consecrated as such in Scotland. The collection
taken on this December day was donated to the charity fund of the Grand Lodge.
On St. John the Baptist's Day, 1783, the Rev. Dr. Charles Inglis, rector of
Trinity Church, officiated. The Lodges which attended those festivals of the
two St. Johns were No. 169, No. Zio, No. 213, No. S2, No. 478, and St. John's
Lodge, No. 4, composed of former members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, which had
been " healed and admitted into the mysteries of the Ancient Craft " on
February 4, 1783, and granted a Warrant on February 13 of that year.
The Grand Lodge held
regular monthly meetings in 1783. Several new Lodges were Constituted, among
them Hiram Lodge, No. S, Concordia Lodge, FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 47 No. 6,
composed of German Brethren, and Lodge No. 7 " in His Majesty's Loyal American
Regiment." Lodge No. go, an Ancient Lodge, was admitted by affiliation.
A rather interesting
departure that occurred in 1783 was the appointment of a Committee to grant
relief to the needy and to take care of the general affairs of the Craft
during the interval between the quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge.
This Committee included the three oldest Masters of the Lodges. They, with the
two Grand Secretaries, constituted a " Grand Steward's Lodge." Another
noteworthy move was the establishment of a Committee made up of " the several
Grand Officers, together with the respective Masters‑in‑theChair of the Lodges
within the jurisdiction," to inaugurate " correspondence with the different
Grand Lodges of America." This also took place in 1783. After letters of
greeting had been sent to Lodges in the several States, among the very first
acts of this Committee on Correspondence was the appointment of a
sub‑Committee to respond to a request from Connecticut for advice as to how "
to determine the most eligible mode for the Grand Officers‑elect of
Connecticut obtaining a Grand Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England."
Meanwhile peace had been declared. The independence of the United States had
been recognised by a definitive treaty between Great Britain and the United
States. The evacuation of New York by the British had been decided upon. That
explains why nearly all the principal Grand Officers of 1781 had vacated their
Offices and departed for Nova Scotia before the end of 1783. At about this
time the Rev. John Beardsley was succeeded by William Cock, Master of Lodge
No. 21o, as junior Grand Warden. Patrick McDavitt, a prominent New York
merchant, Master of Lodge No. 16g, succeeded John S. Brownrigg as Senior Grand
Warden. Samuel Kerr, a retired merchant, followed Archibald Cunningham as
Deputy Grand Master.
In a Grand Lodge of
Emergency held on September 1g, 1783, when the Rev. William Walter took
affectionate leave of his New York Brethren to proceed with his family to Nova
Scotia, it was " resolved that the Grand Warrant, by which this Lodge is
established in the Province of New York‑should be left and remain in the care
of such brethren as may hereafter be appointed to succeed the present Grand
Officers, the most of whom being under necessity of leaving New York upon the
removal of His Majesty's troops." There were present at this Grand Lodge of
Emergency the Masters and Warrants of Lodges No. 16g, No. 21o, No. 212, No.
213, No. 441, No. 487, No. 4, and No. 6.
William Cock, Deputy
Register of the Court of Chancery in New York, had taken over the Grand
Mastership only temporarily. An agreement had been formed between him and
William Walter as to who the first Grand Master of the independent Grand Lodge
of the " State " of New York should be. Accordingly, at a Communication held
on February 4, 1784, William Cock resigned and nominated the Hon. Robert R.
Livingston for the Office of Grand Master. The nomination was greeted with
enthusiasm, upheld by unanimous 48 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK votc, and the new
Grand Master was Installed by proxy. A letter preserved in the archives of the
Grand Lodge of New York indicates that the great Chancellor would have been
present in person if he possibly could have done so.
The Chancellor's
acceptance of the Office was to be of the greatest importance to Freemasonry.
In itself, the fact that the Rev. William Walter, an outstanding supporter of
the British cause, could have been succeeded in the Grand Mastership by a
great constructive leader who was second to none in forwarding the cause of
the Colonies furnishes a striking example of the thought that lies at the root
of Freemasonry: " All we are Brethren." Freemasonry drew together these two
noble exemplars of its spirit after the conclusion of the War for
Independence, when each could then again follow the inclination of his own
heart and mind.
LIVINGSTON, MORTON,
CLINTON, TOMPKINS‑0784‑I822) When Livingston, " the Cicero of America," became
Grand Master, he was thirty‑six years old, having been born in New York City
on November 27, 1746. He had been a delegate to the Continental Congress. He
had been associated with Jefferson, Franklin, John Adams, and Sherman. He was
one of the Committee which drafted the Declaration of Independence, and later
a member of the Committee which drew up the Constitution of the State of New
York. From 1781 to 1783 he was Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the United
States. He held the supreme judicial office of the State of New York from 1777
to i8oi, when he became Minister to France. As such he negotiated the
Louisiana Purchase which added to the United States all that territory
extending from the northern border of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains and till
then held by France.
While chancellor of
the State of New York, and being then Grand Master, Livingston administered
the oath of office to Washington at the President's inauguration. In
connection with this event it is interesting to note that Gen eral Jacob
Morton, then Grand Secretary and later Grand Master, was marshal of the day.
General Morgan Lewis, who escorted Washington, was also a member of the
Fraternity and its Grand Master from 1830 to 1844. The Bible on which the
President was sworn was that of St. John's Lodge, No. 2 (now No. I). This
Bible was later carried on a black cushion in the public procession in which
the Grand Lodge and all Lodges under its jurisdiction took part at the funeral
of Washington in 1799.
The first problem
confronting Grand Master Livingston was to gather into the Grand Lodge all
those Lodges that had been established under authority of the premier Grand
Lodge of England. The fact that he himself had been Master of a Lodge (Union
Lodge, No. 8) originally identified with the premier Grand Lodge made it
easier to overcome existing scruples.
On March 3, 1784,
Chancellor Livingston " was installed, inducted in the chair, and proclaimed
Grand Master of this Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 49
after which he received the salutations of the several Lodges present, with
the ceremonies usual on such occasions." The only Lodges on the Grand Lodge
Register at the time of Livingston's election on February 4, a month before,
were No. 169, No. 21o, No. zit, St. John's Lodge, No. 4, Hiram Lodge, No. 5,
and Union Lodge, No. 8, all of which were located in New York City.
St. John's Lodge, No.
z, presented its Warrant on March 3, was added to the Roll, and its Master and
Junior Warden were appointed joint Grand Secretaries. " All other Lodges in
the State, in the same situation as St. John's Lodge, No 2, and willing to
conform to the Regulations of this Grand Lodge " were invited to be " received
in a like manner as St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and be entitled to all the Rights
and Privileges of the other Lodges now in this City." Royal Arch Lodge, No. 8,
was enrolled on June 2. Other Lodges Constituted in Colonial times were
admitted on June 23, 1784. They included Solomon's Lodge, at Poughkeepsie,
which had been Constituted in 1767 by Robert R. Livingston while acting as
Deputy of George Harison; Union Lodge, at Albany; Masters Lodge, at Albany;
and St. John's Lodge, No. 1, at Clark's Town.
On June 3, 1785, the
Grand Lodge was attended by Representatives of the following Lodges: No. 169,
No. 21o, No. 4, No. 5, Union Lodge, No. 8, St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and
Independent Royal Arch Lodge, No. 8, all of New York City. By Union Lodge and
Masters Lodge, both of Albany. By Solomon's Lodge, of Poughkeepsie, and by St.
John's Lodge, No. i, of Clark's Town. At this meeting the Grand Lodge granted
Warrants for Lodges in Dutchess County, at or near Fort Edward and near
Fishkill. It denied a Petition for a Lodge at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
The first Book of
Constitutions adopted by the Grand Lodge, printed in 1785, was dedicated To
His Excellency, George Washington, Esq., In Testimony, as well of his exalted
Services to his Country, as of his distinguished Character as a Mason, the
following Book of Constitutions of the most ancient and honourable Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons, by order and in behalf of the Grand Lodge of the
State of New York, is dedicated.
By his most Humble
Servant, JAMEs GILEs, G. Secretary.
In 1786 one Lodge
asserted its independence. This called forth a ruling of the Grand Lodge that
" no Lodge can exist in this State but under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge." Early in 1788 the Grand Lodge also decided that '` the word Provincial
now on the Grand seal is inappropriate," and ordered `` that the Grand
Secretary cause the seal to be altered," and " that the words Grand Lodge of
the State of New York be sunk on the seal in place of the present inscription.
" In the same year a Grand Secretary of Foreign Affairs was elected to have
charge of correspondence with other Masonic Jurisdictions.
The rank of the New
York City Lodges on the basis of priority of Constitu‑ 50 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK tion was established on June 3, 1789. The resolution calling for such
action had been passed, two years before. The list was as follows St. John's
Lodge No. i (former No. 2).
Independent Royal
Arch Lodge No. 2 (former No. 8). St. Andrew's Lodge No. (former No. 169).
St. John's Lodge No.
4 (;ormer No. Zio). St. Patrick's Lodge No. (former No. 212). St. John's Lodge
No. 6 former No. 4).
St. John's Lodge No.
7 (former No. 5). Holland Lodge No. 8.
The last named Lodge,
which had been Warranted on September Zo, 1787, was made up of descendants of
old New Amsterdam families. Though it Worked in the Dutch language, the Grand
Lodge required that it keep its Records in English as well as in Dutch, so as
to make them available for inspection.
In 1795 a resolution
was adopted declaring that " the Grand Master has full power and authority
when the Grand Lodge is duly assembled to cause to be made in his presence a
Free and Accepted Mason at sight, but that it can not be done out of his
presence without a written Dispensation." The principle of exclusive
territorial jurisdiction was proclaimed in 1796 by the following resolution: "
Resolved and declared by this Grand Lodge, That no Charter or Dispensation for
holding a Lodge of Masons be ever granted to any person or persons,
whomsoever, residing out of this State, and within the jurisdiction of any
other Grand Lodge." Keeping in mind the relative purchasing value of money
then and now, it would appear that the per capita contribution, in dues and
for relief, made by the Lodges of those times equals about four times the
average contribution of to‑day. The sums expended by the Committee on Charity
appointed in 1783 not infrequently amounted to as much as $Zoo for one needy
person. The list of recipients of such charities is indeed interesting. Widows
of Loyalists who had lost all their possessions appear as pensioners. Exiled
Brethren from the Island of Madeira, victims of measures taken against Masons
by the Portuguese Government, were formally received into the Grand Lodge,
lavishly entertained, and given every comfort and needed aid. On one St. John
the Baptist's Day a collection amounting to " )Cqo exclusive of coppers " was
given to the Society for the Relief of Distressed Debtors Confined in Prison,
" to be applied by them to the benevolent purposes of their institution." At
another time )C1o was granted to a needy prisoner then confined in jail. The
Committee which reported on the matter commented that the cause of the
incarceration appeared to be of a family nature into which it was not their
province to inquire as it would lead to an indelicate and impertinent inquiry.
At one time prisoners confined in jail for debt were given permission, on
request, " to congregate on St. John Baptist Day and celebrate as a Lodge."
FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK When Chancellor Livingston was appointed United States
Minister to France in 18o1, General Jacob Morton, one of the most popular
citizens of New York, was elected to succeed him as Grand Master. The Deputy
Grand Master elected at the time was Edward Livingston (1764‑1836), a brother
of the chancellor, who was then mayor of the City of New York. From 1829 to
1831 Edward Livingston was a United States senator. He was Secretary of State
for the United States from 1831 to 1833, and he served as United States
Minister to France from 1833 to 1835. Distinguished leaders also filled the
other Offices of the Grand Lodge at this time.
DeWitt Clinton
(1769‑1828) succeeded General Jacob Morton as Grand Master. He was a
constructive statesman, of phenomenal popularity in his time, who held the
Grand Mastership for fourteen years, from 18o6 to 182o. In 18oo Clinton had
been a United States senator, and at the time of his election as Grand Master
he was mayor of the City of New York. He occupied this position for nine
years. Later, in 1812, he was his party's candidate for President of the
United States. He served as governor of the State of New York for two terms,
from 1817 to 1823 and from 1825 to 1828, a total of nine years. He was founder
and patron of several literary, scientific, art, and educational societies.
Outstanding achievements, carried through by him almost single‑handed, were
the establishment of the public education systems of both New York City and
the State of New York, and the opening of the Erie Canal which connected the
Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean and thus gave New York City supremacy
among American seaports.
Sincere by nature and
keenly appreciative of the spirit and scope of Freemasonry, Clinton
scrupulously upheld the non‑political character of the Institution. Yet
whenever an opportunity arose for the Craft to render a public service
consistent with its professions, he never hesitated to enlist the help of the
Lodges. Two such occasions deserve mention as outstanding: One gave to the
Fraternity the distinction of having shared in the support of a non‑sectarian
educational undertaking from which sprang the common school system of the City
of New York. The other afforded a demonstration of the Fraternity's patriotic
zeal.
Before 18o8 private
and church schools were the only institutions supplying elementary, education
in New York City. Schools maintained by the churches, specially intended for
children of the poor, were known as charity schools. The Craft's interest in
these charity schools is revealed by the records of the Grand Lodge. On St.
John the Baptist's Day, 1793, the Grand Lodge attended service at Trinity
Church. Rev. Dr. Beach, Grand Chaplain, delivered the sermon. An anthem was
sung by the children of the Episcopal Charity School. Odes from Handel's "
Messiah " were recited. And " a collection made for the benefit of the Charity
School of Trinity Church, amounting to X77, odd shillings," was taken up. At
another celebration the collection was turned over to the charity school of
the Presbyterian church on Beekman Street.
In i8o5, when New
York City had a population of 75,700, a Free School 52.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK Society was established. DeWitt Clinton was the leader and first
president of that organisation. A book containing the autograph signatures of
the first contributors to the Society's fund, with Clinton's signature heading
the list, is preserved in the library of the New York Historical Society.
Early in 18og a Committee appointed " to devise and report a plan for the
education of children of poor Masons " recommended to the Grand Lodge that a
fund " sufficient to defray the expense of an establishment to consist of
fifty children " be raised. In order to ascertain the cost of tuition, needed
books, and other supplies, a conference was held with the trustees of the
first free school, opened in Henry Street in i8og. The Society agreed to take
over the fifty children of Masons for the sum of $3oo a year, " one half less
than would be required for their education in a separate school." On St. John
the Evangelist's Day, 18o9, the fifty children were "delivered over to the New
York Free School. " All the Lodges of the city contributed their share of the
expense involved by this undertaking, and in addition they contributed added
money for supplying the children with proper clothing. About the close of the
year 1817 this school passed under the control of the State school fund and
its pioneer work as a privately supported institution thus came to an end.
During the War of
1812‑ DeWitt Clinton called upon the Lodges of New York City to relieve the
destitution of the people of Buffalo. Every Lodge responded to his call. Under
Clinton's leadership the Grand Lodge offered to perform one day's labour on
fortifications at such time as the Committee of Defense should designate. In
September the members of all the Lodges of New York and Brooklyn did the work
assigned them. A second day of work was contributed to finish what later
became known as Fort Masonic, on Brooklyn Heights.
In 1817 the
Transactions of the Grand Lodge were printed for the first time. The
publication of such proceedings has been uninterruptedly continued from that
day to this.
Daniel D. Tompkins,
who was Vice‑president of the United States from 1817 to 182‑5, held that
office when he became Grand Master. At the very gathering which elected him, a
difficult situation arose. Upstate discontent, due to the fact that
practically all Grand Officers were members of New York City Lodges, had been
brewing ever since Chancellor Livingston left for France. The up‑State Country
Lodges also felt that they had no real share in legislation because the
distance from headquarters imposed upon their Representatives considerable
hardship and expense which few were willing to bear. Moreover, Past Masters
had a vote in the Grand Lodge, and this gave further advantage to the New York
City contingent. " Taxation without representation " had been the watchword of
the War for Independence, and anything suggesting the recurrence of such a
condition, this time in Masonry, appeared to be intolerable. The result was
that the up‑State Lodges withheld dues.
Under the Grand
Mastership of DeWitt Clinton a move had been made to allay sectional
grievances by dividing the State into three Grand Districts with A Grand
Visitor for each. Those liaison Officers were to serve as Instructors and
FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 53 Guides to promote harmony among the Lodges, and to
collect outstanding dues, making allowance for their own expenses and for
compensation for the time that had to be devoted to the Work. These Grand
Visitors rendered their first reports on June 8, 182o. One of them turned in
only $30. Ebenezer Wadsworth, another of them, turned in $1291.87, and $1130
was allowed him for compensation. Joseph Enos, another Grand Visitor, turned
in $13oo, and the whole amount was allowed him for his Work. After deducting
expenses from the reported sums, the Grand Lodge decided that the plan was too
expensive and voted to do away with Grand Visitors. When this occurred,
naturally the up‑State Lodges regarded the removal of those Officers simply as
another attempt of the New York City contingent to retain control of the Grand
Lodge.
Realising the
seriousness of the situation, Daniel Tompkins called a Grand Lodge of
Emergency. At its meeting the system of visitation by Grand Visitors was
admitted to be " essential to the preservation of that intimate connection
between the Grand Lodge and all Lodges under its jurisdiction." A Committee
was appointed and ordered to submit an equitable plan in the following
December. But nothing was reported at that time. The result was a Convention
of western New York Lodges, held at Canandaigua. There it was proposed that
the Lodges elect eighteen District Grand Visitors to represent them at Grand
Lodge meetings as their accredited proxies.
In 1822 Grand Master
Tompkins declined re‑election. Grand Visitor Joseph Enos, who had been a
leading figure in the Canandaigua Convention, was chosen to succeed him.
DISSENSION AND THE
MORGAN EXCITEMENT In 1823 the up‑State Delegates came prepared to elect as
Grand Officers only men not connected with New York City Lodges. The result of
this action was two Grand Lodges. One had Joseph Enos at its head. A
schismatic " City Grand Lodge " had Martin Hoffmann as its Grand Master. He
had been Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State for sixteen
years, from 1804 to 1820.
In 1825, Stephen Van
Rensselaer, chancellor of the University of the State of New York, was elected
Grand Master. With the help of DeWitt Clinton the schism of 1823 was healed.
On June 7, 1827, the union was celebrated. On that day the official title
became The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free
Masons in the State of New York.
Van Rensselaer
remained Grand Master until 1830. Meanwhile a crisis arose which put the
Masonry of New York to the severest test ever experienced by the world of
English‑speaking Masons. This eight years' nightmare is commonly referred to
as " The Morgan Excitement." The three principal actors in the " Morgan
Excitement " were David Miller, a village printer; Thurlow Weed, a wily
politician; and Captain William Morgan, a stonemason by trade and an
adventurer by disposition. There were, besides, a score of supes and a million
dupes. The scenes were laid in western 54 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK New York,
Canada, and the United States at large. The time was from 1826 to about 1840.
Captain Morgan was a
Virginian by birth, at the time some fifty years old. He earned his title in
the War of 1812 by his good work at the Battle of New Orleans. After that
battle he tried his hand at trading; he operated a brewery in Canada, and when
all had gone wrong he returned to his trade of stonemason and took his family
to Batavia, New York, where he had friends. If, when, and where he was made a
Mason has not yet been ascertained. The general belief is that he was "
book‑made." Nevertheless he may have been Initiated somewhere, and in any
event he visited the Lodge at Batavia. There, doubts arose as to his Masonic
character. When he tried to take part in the formation of a Royal Arch
Chapter, he was refused. This so angered him that he threatened to publish an
exposure of all Masonic Degrees.
Miller, another of
the persons involved, conducted a local newspaper at Batavia, and like Morgan
had got himself into debt. He had been Initiated in the Batavia Lodge, but had
been denied advancement because of his questionable business transactions.
Morgan's threat interested him. The idea of printing an exposure of Masonic
Degrees seemed likely to keep his press going day and night and to produce
millions in money. Ever on the lookout for the " main chance,'' Morgan agreed
to let Miller publish his promised exposures. All that was needed was money
for bringing out the book. Miller made a start on the venture by announcing in
his newspaper that a complete exposure of all Masonic Degrees would soon
appear in print. Great excitement in that part of the State furnished water
for the publicity mill. At this juncture Miller's printshop got afire. The
blaze brought out the fire company but did no serious damage. All this was
more copy for news, of course.
And just then the
hoped‑for " angel " who would finance the undertaking appeared on the scene.
He came from New York City. He had been expelled from the Fraternity there
after having passed through Lodge, Chapter, and Com mandery, and was now ready
to supply needed cash for Miller's proposed enterprise. Besides, he agreed to
furnish information about Degrees of which neither Miller nor Morgan had any
knowledge. A contract was signed whereby Morgan was bought out, but it later
so turned out that the bills of payment given to him were not negotiable.
Though Morgan rued his bargain, he could get no redress. Then he appealed to
some of his friends and asked their help.
What happened
afterwards is involved in seemingly impenetrable mystery. One story runs that
some Brethren came to an agreement with Morgan that they would take him to
Canada and give him enough money to start life there anew. The known facts are
that he was thrown into prison for one of his many small debts. Bro. Loton
Lawson paid the debt and so obtained the prisoner's release. As Morgan left
the prison building he and Lawson entered a waiting carriage in which were
seated Nicholas G. Cheseboro, Master of the Lodge at Canandaigua, Colonel
Edward Sawyer, and John Sheldon. The carriage at once drove away, presumably
to Canada. All else was obscurity which neither official nor private
FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK SS investigations could ever dispel. So far the upshot
of the matter simply was that Morgan had disappeared.
The four men in whose
company Morgan rode away were later indicted, first, for conspiracy to seize
William Morgan and carry him to foreign parts, there to secrete and confine
him; second, for carrying the conspiracy into execution. That is the limit to
which the charges could be brought.
Morgan disappeared on
September 12, 1826, but Miller kept the excitement alive for his own
advantage. It quickly spread to all parts of the State and even beyond. Masons
were charged with having murdered Morgan. The favorite version of the incident
was that he had been rowed in a boat to the middle of the Niagara River " at
the black hour of midnight," and that, after heavy weights had been attached
to his body, he had been " plunged into the dark and angry torrent. "
Immediately after having obtained all facts officially ascertained in
connection with Morgan's abduction, Governor Clinton, Past Grand Master and
the foremost Mason of the State, issued a proclamation calling upon all
officers and civil magistrates of the State to " pursue all just and proper
measures for the apprehension of the offenders." In October the governor
offered several pecuniary rewards for authentic information concerning any and
every offender in the matter and as to the place to which Morgan had been
conveyed. In a third proclamation the governor offered $looo " for the
discovery of William Morgan, if alive; and if murdered, a reward of $Zooo for
the discovery of the offender or offenders, to be paid on conviction." The
immediate effect of all this was to give political pot‑hunters opportunity for
riding into office on the wave of public excitement. Thurlow Weed's was the
master mind that built up an antiMasonic political party as a consequence.
Seven months after
Governor Clinton's third proclamation, and more than a year after Morgan's
disappearance, a corpse was found on a beach of Lake Ontario. Thurlow Weed
attended the inquest that was presently held, and there the body was declared
to be that of Morgan. An elaborate funeral procession formed of anti‑Masonic
partisans followed the corpse to the place of interment. A month after the
burial the body was exhumed. At another inquest, held in the presence of the
widow of the deceased, she identified the corpse as that of her husband,
Timothy Munroe, and ordered it to be conveyed to Canada for burial.
An exciting political
campaign being just then in progress, anti‑Masonic partisans insisted that the
second inquest had been only a ruse perpetrated by the " Mingos," as they
dubbed the Masons, for the purpose of deceiving the public.
The vote cast for
avowedly anti‑Masonic candidates in that election afforded them much
satisfaction. On being asked what he thought of the deceit practised on the
voters, Weed replied in a cynical phrase which has held its place in the
political vocabulary to this very day, " Well, anyway, it was a good‑enough
Morgan till after election." Nineteen anti‑Masonic Conventions, two of them
made up of " Seceding Masons," were held in New York State alone in 182‑7. In
the national Presiden‑ 56 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK tial election of 1832 the
anti‑Masonic party polled 340,800 votes. That year Vermont cast its vote for
the anti‑Masonic candidates for President and VicePresident. Despite all the
anti‑Masonic activity, Andrew Jackson, an active Mason, was elected President.
He carried three‑fourths of the States.
During " The Morgan
Excitement " hundreds of Lodges in the State of New York stopped Work and
either turned in their Charters or threw them away. Out of more than Soo
Lodges, having a membership of some Zo,oo0 in 1829, only 52 Lodges, numbering
about 1Soo members, remained in 1832. By far the largest defection occurred in
rural sections of the State. Sorely tried as were the faithful members, they
stood loyally by the Grand Lodge and acquitted themselves as men firmly
persuaded of the beneficent mission of Freemasonry in the sight of God and
resolved to carry on, whatever the consequences.
In 1830 Chancellor
Van Rensselaer was succeeded in the Grand Mastership by Major‑General Morgan
Lewis, son of Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. He himself was noted for his outstanding services to the United
States. He had been a close personal friend of George Washington. He had
served the State of New York as chief justice, as governor, and in various
other important public offices. During our second war with England he had been
quartermaster‑general of the armies of the United States. His acceptance of
the Grand Mastership did much to cause the people of the State to lose
confidence in the anti‑Masonic demagogues.
Thurlow Weed,
political leader of the anti‑Masonic movement, wrote the following in his
autobiography The election of 1833 demonstrated unmistakably not only that
opposition to Masonry as a party in a political aspect had lost its hold upon
the public mind, but that its leading object, namely, to awaken and perpetuate
a public sentiment against secret societies, had signally failed. The Jackson
party was now more powerful than ever in three fourths of the States of the
Union. The National Republican party was quite as fatally demoralized as that
to which I belonged. This discouraging condition of political affairs, after a
consultation with W. H. Seward, Francis Granger, Trumbull Cary, Bates Cook,
Millard Fillmore, Frederick Whittlesey, John H. Spencer, Philo C. Fuller,
Edward Dodd, George W. Patterson, Timothy Childs, Lewis Benedict, John
Townsend, Thomas Clowes, Nicholas Devereux, James Wadsworth, Thomas C. Love,
and others, resulted in a virtual dissolution of the Anti‑Masonic party.
Referring to the
persecution to which the Craft had been subjected, General Morgan Lewis said
the following when he was Installed as Grand Master: The circumstance is one
to be contemplated more in pity than in anger, except, perhaps, as it regards
those who certainly had the power, and whose duty it was rather to stifle than
to fan the embers of discord, until they had blown them into a flame of
persecution, better adapted to the darkness of the Middle Ages than to the
enlightened period of the present day. When we behold these men connecting the
excitement, which, if they did not create, they FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 57
have certainly cherished and increased, with political party views, the
conclusion is irresistible that they have been actuated by sinister and
selfish, not by virtuous and laudable, motives.
The concluding part
of General Morgan's address to the Grand Lodge also deserves mention. In this
he said We have our mysteries. So has our holy religion. The writings of our
patron saint are full of them. We shall not, therefore, I trust, discard the
one or the other.
Our forms have also
been made the subject of ridicule. A sufficient answer to this is that forms
are essential to the existence of all societies. As they are arbitrary, they
will sometimes give scope to the car pings of the too fastidious; but they
never can with justice be held to derogate from the fundamental principles of
any institution. I have been a member of this useful and honourable Fraternity
for more than half a century, and have never till now heard the calumny
uttered, that its obligations, under any circumstances, impugned the
ordinances of civil or religious society. On the contrary, we hold ourselves
bound to render unto Cxsar the things which are Cxsar's, and unto God the
things which are God's; and I can with truth affirm that I never knew a man
who became a Mason, and whose practise conformed to the precepts it
inculcates, who did not become a better man than he had been theretofore.
NEW SCHISMS AND THE
RESTORATION OF UNITY When the sky cleared after " The Morgan Excitement," and
Freemasonry had been reinstated in public favor, the membership of the Order
increased by leaps and bounds. Certain ambitious persons then resolved that
the time had come to restore those solemn public processions on St. John the
Baptist's Day which had been outstanding annual events of earlier times. The
Grand Lodge had decided in 1826, however, that such exhibitions were " highly
prejudicial to the interest and respectability of the Order," and that they
were not to be permitted except by the Grand Master's Dispensation and " only
upon very extraordinary occasions." Early in 1836, William F. Piatt, Master of
Lafayette Lodge, No. 373 (now No. 6q.), submitted to the Grand Lodge a request
endorsed by several New York City Lodges asking that a public procession be
held on June 2.4. Assent was emphatically refused. The next year York Lodge,
No. 367, invited other City Lodges to join in a public procession and feast on
St. John the Baptist's Day. Three Lodges agreed to the plan. Henry C. Atwood,
Master of York Lodge, No. 367, a pugnacious person by nature, took the lead in
this undertaking. Aided by William C. Piatt the demonstration was carried out
despite official interdicts.
Three months later
both those Masters, together with a number of other recalcitrant Brethren,
were expelled from the Craft. Within a week after that took place, 127 rebels
adopted a " Declaration of Rights and Independence " 58 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK and resolved themselves into a " St. John's Grand Lodge of the Most
Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
New York." Although a bargain price of nine dollars for the three Degrees was
offered as an inducement for the purpose of gaining new members, Atwood had a
hard time to keep his organisation going. Beginning in 1848 a triumvirate of
influential leaders, John W. Simons, General Daniel Sickles, and Robert McCoy,
took the initiative and made the schismatic body a formidable rival of the
regular Grand Lodge presided over by the Hon. John Dwight Willard.
Having become
persuaded of the illegitimacy of the " St. John's Grand Lodge," Simons and
McCoy concentrated their endeavour upon effecting a union with the regular
Grand Lodge. Their tactful handling of arbitration and the great willingness
of Grand Master Willard brought about the desired result. On St. John the
Evangelist's Day, 1850, the union was consummated and celebrated with imposing
ceremonies. Twenty‑five Lodges of the dissolved Organisation were taken over
and given new Warrants in return for those under which they had been Working.
Meanwhile another
schism had taken place. Again an honest but aspiring and contentious person
was the cause. His name was Isaac Phillips. Twice Phillips had been defeated
in an attempt to be elected to Office, once to the post of Grand Secretary and
the following year to that of Grand Master. As a lawyer he raised the issue
that a change in the Constitution which deprived Past Masters of their former
right to vote in Grand Lodge was " unconstitutional and revolutionary," and
must be considered " void and of no force or effect." The change, originally
made chiefly by the vote of the up‑State country Lodges, had later been
revived. Phillips called upon those who stood ready " to continue the
organisation of the Grand Lodge according to its original Constitution, to
unite for that purpose." Among his associates were Past Deputy Grand Master
Willis, Grand Treasurer Horspool, and Past Grand Secretary Herring. They
seized the Records, monies and other property of the Grand Lodge, and with
their following, which included a majority of the New York City Lodges, they
formed a new Grand Lodge. This took place in 1849.
The Phillips Body
managed to keep going for nine years. In 1858 a fusion with the regular Grand
Lodge was effected on exceedingly generous terms. One of the articles of union
provided that all Past Masters who had served one year in the Chair prior to
December 31, 1849, were to be members of the Grand Lodge. All archives, funds,
and other properties were returned. All difficulties were adjusted " freely
and fully as though no differences had occurred heretofore." In 1859 Judge
John L. Lewis, Jr., Grand Master, proclaimed, " We have effected a durable
union of the entire Craft in our State under one governing body, and without
sacrifice of principle." MASONIC HALLS AND RELIEF OF DISTRESS In 1843 the
Grand Lodge decided to erect a Masonic Hall and to found " an asylum for
worthy, decayed Masons, their widows and orphans:" At once the FREEMASONRY IN
NEW YORK 59 New York City Lodges energetically set to work to raise the needed
funds. The anti‑Masonic hue and cry stopped progress for a while. After that
came the schisms which have just been described. By 1858, however, the Hall
and Asylum Fund amounted to about $28,ooo. Of that amount Bro. Edwin Forrest,
the eminent tragedian, contributed $5oo. Then the outbreak of war between
North and South, together with other troubles, again caused delay. It seems to
have been highly unfortunate that the idea of the hall and the idea of the
asylum were associated in the minds of the Brethren at the same time. That
encouraged them in an ill‑grounded belief that the hall would in some way
provide funds for the care of the unfortunate. This attitude, and a very
natural desire for worthy, dignified headquarters, favored the immediate
erection of a new Masonic Hall.
In 1871, when a
terrible fire destroyed more than 14,ooo buildings in Chicago, the Grand Lodge
of New York sent $17,536 to the Grand Master of Illinois to be used for relief
purposes. Two years later $3404 of that amount was re turned as unneeded. This
refund was then turned into the Hall and Asylum Fund. Presently a new interest
was awakened, and in 1875 the Masonic Hall was dedicated. It stood at the
northeast corner of Twenty‑third Street and Sixth Avenue, on the site now
occupied by part of the monumental headquarters building that was opened in
1909. The hall of 1875 was noble and impressive both outside and inside.
Napoleon Le Brun, one of the foremost architects of his day, was the designer
of the edifice. At the head of the main stairway stood a beautiful marble
statue of " Silence," sculptured by renowned Augustus SaintGaudens, who did
the work at the suggestion of Past Grand Master Willard.
The Order's hope that
the building would provide rental revenue sufficient j to establish and
support an asylum was soon dissipated. A heavy debt that rested on the
property kept the Brethren worried for more than a dozen years about the
payment of interest. When Frank Lawrence became Grand Master, he made it his
chief object to have that debt cancelled, and finally he succeeded. In 1889 he
sent this cheering message to the Craft: " The great task is done. The last
dollar is paid. We are free." Now the road was clear to push the plan for a
Masonic Home to realisation. Various schemes were resorted to in order to
raise additional needed funds. The aim appealed to Bro. Ole Bull, the famous
blind Norwegian violinist, who donated the proceeds of his farewell concert*
to the " Widows' and Orphans' Fund. " An extensive site for the proposed
Masonic Home was acquired at Utica and there the corner‑stone of the first
building was laid on May 1, 1891. At last the enterprise had been started.
Since then many other buildings have been added *One number on the program Ole
Bull rendered on that occasion was entitled " To the Memory of Washington."
Upon being received in the Grand Lodge after the concert and invested with the
magnificent regalia of the Grand Lodge, OIe Bull said, " The tribute to the
memory of Washington is not my own. It is the tribute of the people of Norway
which I only echo. The principles for which the people of this country drew
their swords and shed their blood electrified the people of Norway and
animated them in their exertions for liberty. The admiration of the Norwegians
for the institutions of America and for their great founder were early
implanted in my heart, and the admiration for Washington and the love of
liberty, are impressed there and are eternal." 6o FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK to
the establishment. Soon after the first building was completed, Bro. Edwin
Booth, the eminent actor, donated $5,000 toward a Children's Building. That
was opened in 1896.* The beautiful Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel was
added as a tribute to the memory of that Vice‑President of the United States
who became Grand Master. The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the State
of New York supplied a building for housing girls, and the Scottish Rite
Bodies donated a cottage for babies. A magnificent million dollar Soldiers and
Sailors Memorial Hospital was built by the whole Craft and opened in 192‑2‑.
In addition to all the handsome and commodious structures mentioned, there are
now modern cowbarns that house an excellent dairy herd which provides milk,
cheese, and butter for the inmates of the Masonic Home, and in addition there
are a hay barn, a silo, and many other buildings needed by the model farm that
forms part of the institution.
On Round Lake, some
forty miles from Utica, is a delightful Masonic Home Camp in a location
unsurpassed for beauty and healthfulness. Here are a hospital, dormitories, a
special building for babies, and all sorts of other require ments needed to
supply real recreation to young and old. This establishment affords a welcome
change of surroundings during the summer months. Ever since 19o6 William J.
Wiley, Superintendent of both Home and Camp, has been the master mind that has
inspired the splendid development of the extensive plant.
Charity work done by
individual Lodges, by Districts, and by groups of Districts affords another
chapter in the history of New York Masonry. In a recent year Brethren of the
Craft raised more than $6oo,ooo for relief in their re spective,communities
and in the country at large. To this sum must be added $2‑Soo sent to Porto
Rico to aid stricken children; $zooo sent to Santo Domingo for relief; and
$18,ooo contributed to the National Red Cross Society. These items and others,
aside from $675,000 spent by the trustees on philanthropic work in their own
charge, amounted to approximately $1,2‑79,Soo. Nor does this include
expenditures for welfare undertakings maintained by the various Masonic
Districts.
The Fifth Manhattan
District, for example, sends about 8oo boys to summer camps. Other Districts
also maintain camps. The Seventh Manhattan District maintains a camp for
under‑privileged girls. In some Districts funds are maintained for aiding
sufferers from tuberculosis, for aiding young people to obtain advanced
education, for supplying Christmas cheer to the poor, and for other similar
philanthropic purposes. The Ninth Manhattan District maintains a special
organisation, similar to that of the Trustees of the Grand Lodge Hall and
Asylum Fund. Lodges in this District are chiefly composed of Brethren of
German descent who "not only loyally support the Work of the Craft at large
but at their own cost also maintain at Tappan, New York, a Home for the aged.
Families of these Brethren in the Old Country, as well as Ma *The Edwin Booth
Theatre that formerly stood opposite the Masonic Hall on Twenty‑third Street,
New York City, resembled it in architectural design.
FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK 61 sonic and other eleemosynary and educational institutions there, know
that the heart of the Ninth Manhattan District does not forget. That knowledge
is indeed a comfort in the dark days which seem to have no end. And since 1878
this District has owned its own Masonic Hall! Many Districts contain Masonic
Halls that count among the noteworthy architectural monuments of the
respective localities. There are a total of nearly 400 Masonic Halls in the
State. The present headquarters of the Grand Lodge, extending from
Twenty‑third Street to Twenty‑fourth Street, and twenty stories high, was
opened in igo9. Aside from twelve splendidly equipped Lodge rooms and all that
pertains to them so far as concerns the convenience and ceremonial
requirements of members, the building also contains the offices of the Grand
Master, the Grand Secretary, and the Trustees of the Hall and Asylum Fund. The
Grand Lodge Library and Museum are housed in it, and it provides quarters for
the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, the Masonic Employment Exchange, the
Board of Relief, and for various other departments.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES
Just as during former wars so also there was an abnormal influx of candidates
into Masonry during and immediately after the World War. A Sea and Field Lodge
was organised to hasten the admission of enlisted men who had been ordered
overseas, and who desired to have the benefits of Masonic fellowship. No
adequate understanding of the purposes of the Fraternity could be gained under
such conditions. When the men returned it became evident that something would
have to be done to disseminate instruction in order both to save the Craft
from misuse of its privileges and to turn promising newcomers into forceful
members. Lectures were provided, educational bulletins were broadcast, local
study circles were initiated, and an official periodical was published.
Finally, all these endeavours and others were focused in a program that was
put in charge of a Board of General Activities.
One unexpected result
was that many of the new members who had counted on gaining material profits
from the Order were disappointed in their anticipations. They neglected their
Lodges, they failed to meet their financial obliga tions, and in the end their
names had to be struck from the Roll. On the other hand, however, a new spirit
set to work among the younger Brethren who had caught the meaning of
Freemasonry. One evidence of this awakening was that The Masonic Outlook,
house organ of the Grand Lodge, was soon able to attract and hold more than
go,ooo subscribers.
Under the leadership
of the Grand Master, the Board of General Activities devised other
constructive features designed to satisfy the demand for information. One of
these was the preparation of twenty‑two educational booklets for free
distribution. More than 8oo,ooo copies of those booklets were sent out.
Another device was to make the Grand Lodge Library* accessible to members in
*The library now contains more than ts,ooo volumes. Incorporated with it is a
Grand Lodge Museum containing a mass of historical records and many priceless
treasures. Among the latter is a letter written by George Washington the
Great, to which a lock of his hair is attached.
62 FREEMASONRY IN NEW
YORK all parts of the State, by establishing a circulation department. Books
ordered are mailed prepaid to any part of the State, simply with the
understanding that the borrower shall pay return postal charges on them. No
set courses of study are offered. The primary aim of the Board is to foster a
desire for Masonic reading and study. As Brethren become interested in
particular subjects, they tend to form their own courses of reading according
to individual taste.
Another service that
has attracted widespread attention is known as the Sojourner's Plan. It grew
out of a desire to retain in the Fraternity the many Brethren who annually
drift away and lose connection with their particular Lodges because of removal
to new surroundings. Under this plan each Lodge is asked to supply the Grand
Lodge promptly with notice of the removal of a Mason from his home Lodge to
any other place within the State or outside it. Upon receipt of such
information, a notification is at once sent to the Master,of the Lodge in that
community in which the New York Brother has taken up his new residence. This
gives the Brother's new address and suggests that an invitation to attend
meetings be extended to him. At the same time a notice is sent to the
sojourner telling him the name of the Lodge nearest his new residence,
indicating the meeting night, and giving the address of the Master. The notice
also states, of course, that the sojourner will be welcome, and that by
visiting the Lodge he will be able to keep up his Masonic acquaintances.
Officers of various Grand Lodges have become much interested in the
Sojourner's Plan, which has from the outset proved very successful. In many
cases correspondence is conducted entirely with them.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Since the very beginning of organised Masonry in New York endeavours have been
made to maintain fraternal personal relations with other jurisdictions. Such
efforts have included the appointment of a Committee on Foreign Corre
spondence in Colonial times; the addition of a Foreign Grand Secretary to the
Grand Master's staff in 1788; the pioneer move of 1838 which required that
annual reports on foreign jurisdictions be submitted to the Grand Lodge. All
these steps indicate a broad view of the central thought of Freemasonry.
In Colonial days each
of the Provincial Grand Masters made visits to headquarters in London. Records
of the English Lodges frequently mention the presence of visitors from New
York. Those of Old Dundee Lodge, of London, tell of visiting Brethren from New
York, in 1751. In 185o, during the time of the schisms, the Grand Master of
England was asked to arbitrate between the factions. Both Judge Willard and
Isaac Phillips wrote to him for suggestions. In 1851, Bro. Willard, then Past
Grand Master, appeared in the Grand Lodge of England as the official Delegate
of New York to explain the plans then under way for bringing about a union.
The Grand Lodge of England stood by the " Willard Grand Lodge " and asked "
the erring Brethren to reconsider their differences of opinion." Other visits
to the Parent Grand Lodge included that of Grand Master Vrooman who held
Office from 1889 to 1891. Upon his return he brought FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK
63 back facsimiles of Records relating to the connections of both the " Modern
" and " Antient " English Grand Lodges with the Grand Lodge of New York. Among
other treasures he brought back was a large water‑color portrait of John
Studholme Brownrigg, the first junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New
York. This had been painted by the Rev. John Studholme Brownrigg, M.A., a
descendant. In 1919 an official Delegation of the Grand Lodge of New York
attended the Peace Celebration in England. Another Delegation was present at
the laying of the foundation‑stone of the great Masonic Peace Memorial of the
United Grand Lodge of England in 192‑7. Since the close of the World War,
Officers of the Grand Lodge of New York have held an annual Conference with
Officers of the Parent Grand Lodge in London.
Records of the Lodges
of Scotland also tell of visits paid by New Yorkers, and on May 7, 1874,
General Charles Roome, then Past District Grand Master, later Grand Master of
New York, attended a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Judge Willard,
whose presence in the Grand Lodge of England has already been mentioned, made
frequent visits to Europe. On one occasion he had copied from the Records of
the United Grand Lodge of England all documents relating to Provincial Masonry
in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. As the Grand Representative of the
Lodges of the Grand Orient of France, located near New York, he attended
meetings of that Body in 185o. He also visited the National Grand Lodge of
Switzerland the same year. In 1855 he was delegated to represent the Grand
Lodge of New York at a Universal Masonic Congress, held in Paris at the call
of H. R. H. Prince Lucien Marat, Grand Master of the Grand Orient of France.
The aim of this Congress was an interchange of social and fraternal
expressions of mutual regard. New York City was proposed as the meeting place
of a future Congress, but that never met.
While a resident of
Staten Island, Giuseppe Garibaldi was made a Mason in Tompkinsville Lodge, No.
471, and on December 2‑o, 1870, Kalakaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands, was
received as a Fellowcraft by Grand Master Anthon. The Third Degree was
conferred upon Kalakaua in New York Lodge, No. 330. Though it may seem
extraordinary that those distinguished foreigners entered Masonry while
resident in New York City, this becomes more comprehensible when it is
recalled that New York, as the chief port of entry and the metropolis of the
United States, has from the first been the most cosmopolitan city in the
country.
As has already been
said, a French Lodge, La Parfaite Union, was Constituted in New York in 176o.
Other French Lodges were Constituted there in the latter part of the
eighteenth century. Of those, L'Union Fran~aise, Constituted in 1797, is the
only one that remains. Two other French Lodges at work today are La Sincerite
and La Clemente Amitie Cosmopolite, Warranted respectively in 1855 and 1857.
In an open Grand Lodge of 1794, Bro. Reinier Jan Vandenbroeck Conferred the
three Degrees on Jean Baptiste Couret by special resolution.
One German Lodge took
part in the formation of the second Provincial 64 FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK
Grand Lodge in 1781. The oldest German Lodge now in existence in this
jurisdiction is Trinity Lodge, No. 12‑, which was Constituted in 1795. German
Union Lodge, No. 54, was Constituted in 1819, and Pythagoras Lodge, No. 86, in
1841. After the collapse of the republican uprisings in Germany in 1848, many
other German Lodges were added to the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New
York. In 1931 there were in New York City alone 2‑9 German Lodges having a
membership of 792‑2‑. Those form the Ninth Manhattan District. At that time
many of the German Lodges were Working in the English language.
The Tenth Manhattan
District, commonly spoken of as the " Latin District," is composed of 2‑o
Lodges; 4 are French, 2‑ are Spanish, 13 are Italian, and i is Greek. On
January 1, 1931, the total membership of these Lodges was 5671. Damascus
Lodge, No. 867, is composed of Syrian Brethren. Koaziusko Lodge, No. 1085, is
Polish. In addition to these there are Czech, Hungarian, Swedish, Danish,
Norwegian, Latvian, and Dutch Lodges, not to speak of those made up of
Scotsmen, Irishmen, and men of other nationalities. Of necessity, an ideal
situation showing the Masonic thought at work as a great unifying force
encourages every endeavour to extend fraternal relations with foreign Grand
jurisdictions which meet the rigid requirements for mutual recognition agreed
upon by the Grand Lodge of New York.
In a sincere belief
that the Great War had chastened the few Grand jurisdictions which had
departed from the fundamental Landmarks of the Craft, the Grand Lodge of New
York in 192‑o took the lead in promoting a Universal Masonic Congress for the
purpose of forming acquaintances and removing obstacles in the way to a
world‑wide union of regular Masons. As a clearing house, a Masonic
International Association was formed at Geneva, Switzerland, The intrusion of
an illegitimate organisation caused the first blockade. That out of the way,
the domination of affairs by the Grand Orients of France and Belgium created a
situation which rendered impossible a continuance of co‑operation by the Grand
Lodge of New York. Fraternal intercourse with the Grand Orient of France had
been interdicted ever since that organisation had abolished the requirement
that no candidate can be admitted to Masonic fellowship unless he has first
declared his belief in God. The French Grand Orient refused to recede from
this position. Next, it turned out that the Grand Orient of Belgium actually,
and the Grand Lodge of France practically, also ignore the fundamental
requirement. Formal rupture of relations with the Belgium Body was voted by
the Grand Lodge of New York, and the Grand Lodge of France never had been
accepted into our fellowship. That ended New York's connection with the
Masonic International Association.
Undaunted, the Grand
Lodge of New York sought to realise its purpose by means of another plan. By a
liberal interpretation of its scope, this plan has yielded results far greater
than were ever anticipated. The plan was got under way in 192‑2‑ by Past Grand
Master S. Nelson Sawyer, chairman of the Committee, who offered a resolution
directing a Committee to obtain accurate information regarding foreign Masonic
jurisdictions and to report its findings to FREEMASONRY IN NEW YORK 65 the
Grand Lodge. This resolution was unanimously approved that same year.
Meanwhile, requests had been received from countries in which no Grand Lodge
then existed, asking that the Grand Lodge of New York establish Lodges there.
Two of those requests were complied with, and as a result the Grand Lodge of
New York set up Lodges in Finland and in Rumania. In 1923 came a call from
Syria, endorsed by Masons connected with the American college at Beyrout. That
call led to the establishment of two Lodges in Beyrout the next year, and the
subsequent Constitution of others at Damascus. Amioun Lodge, Chouf Lodge,
Zahle Lodge, and two other Lodges are now in Beyrout. The three New York
Lodges Constituted in Finland in 1922 and 1923, located respectively at
Helsinki, Tampere, and Abo, were formed into an independent Grand Lodge of
Finland by Past Grand Master Arthur S. Tompkins in 1924. The nine New York
Lodges in Rumania entered the Grand Orient of Rumania in 1926 by consent of
Grand Master William A. Rowan. The seven Lodges in Syria prefer to remain in
the jurisdiction of New York until they feel adequately prepared for
maintaining an independent centre of union.
The harvest of the
annual visits to Masonic jurisdictions in foreign lands is summarised
admirably in five sentences of the address delivered in 1931 by Grand Master
Charles Johnson at the isoth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Grand
Lodge of New York: We point with much pride to our foreign activities. Our
Masonic Brethren in many of the European nations have much to contend with in
the way of opposition, both open and insidious. By personal contact we believe
we have been able to encourage, help, sympathise with, and understand our
Brethren in other countries, as no written correspondence could possibly
enable us to do. The Grand Lodge of New York has recognised more foreign
jurisdictions than any other Grand Lodge, and we may also say very definitely
that these recognitions have been based upon personal and accurate knowledge
of the Masonic situation in the respective countries. We have not depended
upon correspondence, which is necessarily fragmentary and always incomplete,
but from personal contact the Grand Lodge of New York has secured first‑hand
information which may be considered reliable.
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH
CAROLINA* FRANCIS D. WINSTON FOREWORD North Carolina Masonry subscribes to the
following declarations! THE MASONIC BELIEF There is one God, The Father of all
men. The Holy Bible is the Great Light in Masonry, and the Rule and Guide for
faith and practise. Man is immortal. Character determines destiny. Love of man
is, next to love of God, man's first duty. Prayer, communion of man with God,
is helpful.
THE MASONIC TEACHING
Masonry teaches man to practise charity and benevolence, to protect chastity,
to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and
revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind,
raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the altar, support the
government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, implore
His mercy, and hope for happiness.
HE above declarations
have the official endorsement of the Grand Lodge j of North Carolina. They
formed part of the report of the Committee .l on Masonic Education which was
submitted by its Chairman, R.‑. W.‑. Bro. J. Edward Allen. Other Grand
jurisdictions have adopted similar declarations of principle.
The Colony of
Carolina was fertile soil for the growth of Masonry. After the division of
that Colony into North Carolina and South Carolina, the Institution of Masonry
rapidly spread over the more thickly settled portions of our State. On St.
John's Day, June 24, 1789, in an historical address before St. John's Lodge,
now Lodge No. 3, of New Bern, Fran~ois Xavier Martin, jurist and publicist,
gave the following narrative of Masonry's coming to the Colonies.
" Masons crossed the
Atlantic with the first settlers of the British Colonies in America, and soon
after the Grand Master of England appointed Provincial *The writer of this
article wishes to acknowledge his obligations to the following persons for
their kindness in supplying him with suggestions, material, and valuable help
of other kinds: Hon. John H. Anderson, Past Grand Master, now Grand Secretary
of Grand Lodge; Prof. J. Edward Allen, of the Committee of Foreign
Correspondence of the Grand Lodge; Rev. C. K. Proctor, Superintendent of the
Oxford Orphanage; F. M. Pinnix, editor of The Orphans' Friend and The Masonic
Journal. Hon. Marshall DeLancey Haywood, late marshal and librarian of the
Supreme Court of North Carolina and late Historian of the Grand Lodge of this
State.
66 FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH CAROLINA 67 Grand Masters and Constituted regular Lodges in the New
World. The Carolinas, whose settlement is of later date, had no Provincial
Grand Master until 2736 (A. L. 5736), when the Earl of Loudoun appointed John
Hammerton, Esquire, to that dignity. From him a regular succession can be
traced to Joseph Montford, Esquire, who was appointed by the Duke of
Beaufort." This extract is quoted from the Ahiman Rezon and Masonic Ritual,
published at New Bern in 1805 by John C. Sims and Edward G. Moss at the order
of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee. The formation of the State
of Tennessee out of part of North Carolina, in 1796, left Lodges in the new
State operating under the Grand Jurisdiction of the Mother State. This was
kept up for several years under an amicable fraternal arrangement, the final
separation coming later.
Provincial Grand
Master Hammerton (1736‑'37; 1741‑'43, etc.) was a South Carolinian. There are
no records of any Charters in North Carolina issued by him or his successors
in Office in that State. Several Lodges in the jurisdiction obtained Charters
directly from England. Of those, St. John's Lodge, now Lodge No. i, of
Wilmington, was so Chartered in 1755. That Lodge was No. 213 in the English
Jurisdiction. In 1767 Royal White Hart Lodge, of Halifax, received English
Charter No. 403. It has been at Work since November 1, 1764, " by virtue of a
letter of authority obtained from Cornelius Harnett, Grand Master of the Lodge
in Wilmington." There is no record of authority conferring the Grand Master's
powers on Harnett. His high character is ample justification for saying that
he would not have acted without authority.
An interesting
historical fact in connection with the North Carolina jurisdiction is that
dues have been received from North Carolina Lodges by the Grand Lodge at
Boston. The Records of that Grand jurisdiction plainly show the fact. The "
First Lodge in Pitt County " was formed under such authority. It held its
meetings in the home of Colonel Allen, who resided on the public road leading
from Halifax to New Bern. Major Henry Hanrahan Harding, late of Pitt County, a
Mason and citizen of noble character, related this narrative. Colonel Allen
was a native of Crown Point, in New York State, and a near kinsman of the
celebrated Revolutionary hero, Ethan Allen. He came to Pitt County and
established his home. His daughter married Henry Hanrahan. The Allen and
Hanrahan home was about half way between Halifax and New Bern, and a
convenient stopping place for judges and lawyers going to and from the towns
named. Colonel Allen was an ardent Mason; he and his neighbours formed a Lodge
which was Instituted under the name " Crown Point Lodge," thus bearing the
appellation of the home of Ethan Allen. Major Harding remembered well that a
certain room in the home was always called " the Masons' Room," and that it
bore the legend of having witnessed " Masonic Mysteries and Secrets." Major
Harding had in his possession a Certificate of membership in that " First
Lodge in Pitt County," and permitted a copy of it to be made for the Grand
Lodge. Bro. Edwin B. Hay, of Washington, District of Columbia, a government
handwriting expert, made the copy. This was later presented to the 68
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA Grand Lodge and now adorns the walls of the
Masonic Temple in Raleigh.* The following is an interesting copy of that
document.
Right Worshipful
Thrice Worthy And Respectable Brethren: We having found in the W. what we
sought for, we duly arrise to greet you with our affectionate salutation
together with our united wishes by the hands of our Esteemed Brother Clemant
Holliday, hoping that all who profess the royal art do enjoy Health and
Prosperity.
We therefore having
due regard for our said Brother do recommend him as worthy and can testify
that he has been regularly initiated in the three degrees of Masonry and as a
Member of this Lodge. We are well assured he has the three grand principles at
heart, And flatter ourselves he will be acceptable to you and that you will do
him whatsoever services he may stand in need of and we shall esteem it as done
ourselves and readily embrace every opportunity of returning the kindness.
We are truly Dear
Sirs, Your most sincere Faithful and Affectionate Brethren, Thomas Cooper, M.
Peter Blin, S. W.
John Simpson, J. W.
By the Master's Order
Jas. Hass, Secretary From the first Lodge in Pitt County North Carolina the
27th. Day of March Anno Domini 1768 and of Masonry 5768.
It is apparent that
the Officers who signed the Certificate are those named in the original
Charter obtained from Henry Price, Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina.
In confirmation of all the above, the following statement from Sidney Morse's
Freemasonry in the American Revolution is of interest.
In North Carolina,
Freemasonry was introduced from several sources, Warrants having been issued
by the Grand Lodge of England, for Lodges at Wilmington (1755) and Halifax
(1756); by Scotland, at Fayetteville; by Vir ginia, at Warrenton (1766); and
by Joesph Montford, commissioned in 1771 by the Grand Lodge of England, as
Provincial Grand Master of North America, for Lodges at New Bern (1772),
Kinston (1777), Edenton (1775), and Windsor and Winton (1775). Thus, no less
than eleven Lodges had been at Work in North Carolina, of which ten were of
English, or Provincial, and one of Scotch origin, before the close of the
Revolution. Unhappily, the bitter partisan strife of Whig and Tory caused the
destruction of many of the old records. Partial Minutes have come down to us,
however, which prove that the Lodges were as a whole intensely patriotic,
since so many members were absent on military service during the Revolution
that meetings were often impossible. Grand Master Monfort, his Deputy,
Cornelius Harnett, and Colonel Robert Howe *See p. z86, vol. If, Nocaldre.
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH
CAROLINA 69 were among the leading patriots in North Carolina, the last two
having been excluded by Sir Henry Clinton from his general offer of amnesty.
The Presidents of the three Provincial Congresses, and of the Provincial
Council which exercised the authority of the State in the intervals between
the Congresses, and many of the leading officers of the militia, and of all
North Carolina Continental line, were Masons.
The following
officers of the Continental line were Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of
North Carolina: Samuel Johnson, Richard Caswell, William R. Davie, William
Polk, John Louis Taylor, John Hall, Benjamin Smith, and Robert Williams.
The oldest
subordinate Lodge now Working in North Carolina is St. John's Lodge (now No. i),
of Wilmington, which was Chartered in 1755 as Lodge No. 213 by the Grand Lodge
of England. That number was later changed several times. When Royal White Hart
Lodge, at Halifax, the second oldest Lodge now in the State, first began Work,
on November 1, 1764, it was " by Virtue of a Letter of Authority obtained from
Cornelius Harnett, Grand Master of the Lodge in Wilmington." Whether Harnett
then held Provincial authority of any kind, as he afterwards did, or whether
he acted upon a misapprehension as to his powers, cannot be said. At any rate,
Royal White Hart Lodge later secured a Charter‑No. 403‑from the Grand Lodge of
England, under date of August zi, 1767. That number likewise underwent several
changes later on. Although the early Records of the Lodge in Wilmington are
lost, many original Records of great value are still preserved in Royal White
Hart Lodge, No. z, of Halifax; in St. John's Lodge, No. 3, of New Bern; and in
Unanimity Lodge, No. 7, of Edenton. The Colonial and Revolutionary Records of
Blanford Bute Lodge are also preserved, and are now owned by Johnston‑Caswell
Lodge, No. 1o, of Warrenton.
The Records of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of Boston show that as early as 1766 a Lodge called the
" First Lodge in Pitt County" existed in North Carolina. Thomas Cooper was
Worshipful Master of this Lodge. He was later made Deputy Provincial Grand
Master, as shown by the following Commission which has been copied from the
Records of the Grand Lodge of Boston.
. now, therefore,
Know ye, That by Virtue of the Power and Authority committed to us by the
Right Honourable and Right Worshipful Anthony, Lord Viscount Montague, Grand
Master of Masons, Do hereby nomi nate, Appoint and Authorise our said Right
Worshipful Brother, Thomas Cooper, to be our Deputy Grand Master within the
Province of North Carolina aforesaid, and do empower him to congregate all the
Brethren that at present reside (or may hereafter reside) in said Province,
into one or more Lodges, as he may think fit, and in such place or places
within the same as shall most redound to the general benefit of Masonry: He
taking special care that Masters, Wardens, and all other Proper officers to a
Lodge appertaining be duly chosen at their next Meeting preceding the Feasts
of St. John the Baptist, or 70 FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA St. John the
Evangelist, or both, as shall be most convenient, and so on annually. Also no
person be admitted into any Lodge within this Deputation at any time but
regularly made Masons. And that all and every the regulations contained in the
Printe Book of Constitutions (except so far as they have been altered by the
Grand Lodge in London) be kept and observed, with such other instructions as
may be transmitted by us or our Successors. That an Account in writing be
annually sent to us, our Successors or our Deputies, of the Names of the
Members of the Lodge or Lodges, and their places or abode, with the days and
places of their meeting, with any other Things that may be for the Benefit of
Masonry in those parts; and that the Feasts of St. John the Baptist, or St.
John the Evangelist, be kept yearly, and Dine together on those Days or as
near them as may be. That for each Lodge constituted by him, he is to Remit to
the Grand Secretary in this place three guineas and one half, two of which is
for Registering them here. Lastly a Charitable Fund must be established for
the relief of poor distress'd Brothers in those Parts, in such manner as is
practised elsewhere by Regular Lodges.
Given under our hand
and the seal of Masonry at Boston, in New England, the thirtieth day of
December, Anno Domini One Thousand, Seven Hundred, and Sixty‑seven; and of
Masonry, Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty seven. Witness the Deputy
Grand Master and Grand Wardens whose names are hereunto subscribed. John Rowe,
D. G. M.
Archibald McNeill, S.
G. W. John Cutler, J. G. W.
By the Grand Master's
Command Abr'm Savage, G. Secretary.
So far as is now
known, Deputy Provincial Grand Master Cooper never Chartered any Lodges by
authority of this Commission. A few years later Joseph Montfort, Worshipful
Master of Royal White Hart Lodge, at Halifax, received a Commission vesting
him with higher authority than was at that time delegated to any other
Provincial Grand Master in the Western Hemisphere. The original of this
Commission is still preserved by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, and is
held in the Hall of History at Raleigh. It reads as follows Seal BEAUFORT, G.
M.
To All and Every our
Right Worshipful, Worshipful and Loving Brethren: We, Henry Somerset, Duke of
Beaufort, Marquis and Earl of Worcester, Earl of Glamorgan, Viscount Grosmont,
Baron Herbert, Lord of Ragland, Chepstow, and Gower, Baron Beaufort of
Caldecot Castle, Grand Master of the most Ancient and Honourable Society of
Free and Accepted Masons, Greeting: KNOW YE that we, of the Great Trust and
Confidence reposed in our Right Worshipful and well beloved Brother, Joseph
Montfort, Esquire, of Halifax, in the Province of North Carolina, in America,
Do hereby Constitute and Appoint him, the said Joseph Montfort, Provincial
Grand Master of and for America, with full power and Authority in due form to
make Masons and Constitute and Regulate Lodges, as Occasion may Require. And
also to Do and Execute FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA 71 all and every such
other Acts and things ap ertaning to said Office as usually have been and
ought to be done and executed by Other Provincial Grand Masters; he the said
Joseph Montfort taking special care that all and every the Members of every
Lodge he shall Constitute have been Regularly made Masons and that they do
observe, perform, and keep all and every the Rules, Orders, and Regulations
contained in the Book of Constitutions (Except such as have been or may be
Repealed at any Quarterly Communication or other General Meeting), together
also with all such other Rules, Orders, Regulations, and Instructions as shall
from time to time be transmitted by Us, or by the Honourable Charles Dillon,
our Deputy, or by any of our Successors, Grand Masters or their Deputys for
the time being. AND we hereby Will and Require you our Provincial Grand Master
to cause four Quarterly Communications to be held Yearly, one whereof to be
upon or as near the feast Day of St. John the Baptist as conveniently may be,
and that you promote on those and all other occasions whatever may be for the
Honour and Advantage of Masonry and the Benefit of the Grand Charity, and that
you yearly, send to us or our successors, Grand Masters, an Account in Writing
of the proceedings therein and also of what Lodges you Constitute and when and
where held, with a list of the members thereof, and copies of all such Rules,
Orders, and Regulations as shall be made for the good Government of the same,
with whatever else you shall do by Virtue of these Presents. And that you at
the same time remit to the Treasurer of the Society for the time being at
London, Three Pounds, Three Shilling sterling for every Lodge you shall
constitute, for the use of the Grand Charity and other necessary purposes.
Given at London under
our hand and seal of Masonry this 14th day of January, A. L. 5771, A. D.
17711.
By the Grand Master's
Command Charles Dillon, D. G. M. Witness: Jas. Heseltine, G. S.
The choice of Joseph
Montfort as Provincial Grand Master was very fortunate. The Minute Books of
the Lodges at New Bern and Edenton, as well as in his home town, Halifax, show
that he paid frequent visits to them. What is more important still, he
Chartered a number of new Lodges, as will be shown. He also appointed a full
complement of Grand Lodge Officers to aid him in carrying on the Work. James
Milner was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master, but died soon thereafter,
on December 9, 1772. A lawyer, he held a high place in his profession. In
accordance with Bro. Milnor's request, his body was buried beneath the old
church in Halifax. More than a century and a quarter later, when the debris of
this old wooden structure was cleared away following its collapse, his tomb
was brought to view. It is still in a splendid state of preservation and may
be seen in Halifax.
Milnor's successor as
Deputy Provincial Grand Master of America was Cornelius Harnett, Worshipful
Master of St. John's Lodge, of Wilmington, now Lodge No. i. Harnett, one of
the best‑known statesmen of his time, 72 FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA finally
fell a martyr to the cause of freedom. In addition to high offices held by him
prior to the War for Independence, he took a leading part in the deliberations
of the patriots during that war. Finally he was chosen President of the
Council of the entire Province of North Carolina. Having been captured by the
British while he was seriously ill, he was placed in an open prisoners'
stockade at Wilmington, and died there in the spring of 1781.
The Provincial Grand
Secretary of America under Provincial Grand Master Montfort was William
Brimage, judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty for the Port of Roanoke, at
Edenton, though his place of residence was in Bertie County during the greater
part of his stay in North Carolina. When the War for Independence began, the
Whigs elected Brimage to be a member of the Provincial Congress. He declined
to serve, however, and soon afterwards he espoused the cause of the King.
After various vicissitudes, including imprisonment on the charge of raising a
Tory insurrection, judge Brimage left North Carolina and went to Bermuda. He
resided there for a while, then went to England, where he died on March 16,
1793. Through his daughters, numerous descendants of judge Brimage still live
in North Carolina, Tennessee, and elsewhere. None bear his name, however, for
his only son who reached manhood died unmarried. The property of William
Brimage was confiscated by the State, but was returned to him after the War
for Independence. His legal residence was at Brimage's Neck, on Cashie River,
in Bertie County. His membership was in Royal Edwin Lodge, No. 4, now Charity
Lodge, No. S, of Windsor. Some of his descendants bearing the names Outlaw and
Miller still live in Bertie County.
From the above it
will be seen that of all the Masonic Officials who held Provincial authority
in North Carolina during the Colonial period, not one was living in the State
at the close of the War for Independence. Consequently there was not in the
State any authority higher than that of the Particular Lodges, several of
which had managed to preserve an existence throughout the progress of
hostilities. When peace was finally declared, several of the Lodges were
revived after having lain dormant throughout the war. It was therefore
apparent to all that an independent Grand Lodge would have to be established
in North Carolina. The first step taken toward organising this Grand Lodge was
a circular letter sent to the various Lodges in the State by Union Lodge of
Fayetteville, then Working under authority presumed to have been issued (but
not yet proven) from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This Lodge was afterwards
Chartered, on November 18, 1789, under the name of Phoenix Lodge, by the Grand
Lodge of North Carolina, upon agreement to surrender its previous authority.
The establishment of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, after the War for
Independence, is thus described by the historian, Fran~ois Xavier Martin, in
the Ahinzan Rezon: The Great Architect of the Universe having permitted a
dissolution of the political bands which united North Carolina to Great
Britain, propriety seemed to point out that the lodges of this State should
not remain longer under any FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA 73 allegiance to or
dependence on the Grand Lodge or Grand Master of that Kingdom. In (A.L.) 5786
the Union Lodge, of Fayetteville, being advised thereto by a number of
visiting brothers from the different parts of the State, proposed that a
convention of all the regularly constituted lodges of North Carolina should be
held at Fayetteville, on the 24th of June, (A.L.) 5787 (A.D. 1787), to take
under consideration the propriety of declaring by a solemn act the
independence of the lodges of North Carolina, and to appoint a State Grand
Master and other Grand Officers. The great distance to and small intercourse
between the different parts of this extensive State having prevented a
sufficient number of delegates from attending, the convention adjourned to the
town of Tarborough, where the (Masonic) declaration of independence took
place, and a form of government was adopted. The Most Worshipful Samuel
Johnston having been appointed Grand Master, and the Right Worshipful Richard
Caswell (then Governor of this State), Deputy Grand Master, the first Grand
Lodge was held on the following day.
So far as is known,
the Lodges which existed in North Carolina prior to the War for Independence
were the following Solomon's Lodge, near the present town of Wilmington, said
to have been Chartered by Viscount Weymouth, Grand Master of England in 1735
(but the existence of which has not yet been proven). (See History of
Freemasonry and Concordant Orders.) The North Carolina Records, however, show
nothing concerning this Lodge.
St. John's Lodge, in
Wilmington, Chartered in 1755 by the Grand Lodge of England. This Lodge, still
in existence, is Lodge No. 1 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
Hanover Lodge, near
Wilmington, is said to have been first Chartered as an army Lodge while the
North Carolina troops were in the northern Colonies during the French and
Indian War. There is no documentary proof, however, of the existence of this
Lodge at that time.
Royal White Hart
Lodge, in the town of Halifax, first began Work on November 1, 1764, " by
virtue of a letter of authority obtained from Cornelius Harnett, Grand Master
of the lodge in Wilmington," to quote the language of the old manuscript
Records still preserved at Halifax. A new Charter, under date of August 21,
1767, was issued to this Lodge by the Duke of Beaufort when he was Grand
Master. This Charter is still preserved in the archives of Royal White Hart
Lodge, now No. 2 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
The " First Lodge in
Pitt County," as it was called, was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Boston as
early as,1766, for there is mention of it on the Records at Boston. This Lodge
probably passed out of existence, however, before the War for Independence
began.
St. John's Lodge, in
New Bern, has its original Records which show that it was Chartered by
Provincial Grand Master Montfort on January 1o, 1772.. This Lodge is now No. 3
on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
74 FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH CAROLINA St. John's Lodge, in Kinston, was Chartered by Provincial Grand
Master Montfort, though its original Records have been lost. It is now Lodge
No. 4 on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
Royal Edwin Lodge, in
Windsor, is another Lodge that was Chartered by Provincial Grand Master
Montfort, though its original Records are also lost. Immediately after the War
for Independence it was made Lodge No. S . That number has since been assigned
to Charity Lodge of the same town.
Royal William Lodge,
in Herford County, which was Chartered by Provincial Grand Master Montfort,
surrendered its Charter in November 1799. None of its Records are known to
exist.
Unanimity Lodge, in
Edenton, has its original Records, which show that it was Chartered by
Provincial Grand Master Montfort. Its first meeting was held under
Dispensation on November 8, 1775. It is now Lodge No. 7 on the Roll of the
Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
Blandford, or
Blandford‑Bute Lodge, was in Bute County. That county was eventually divided
into Warren and Franklin Counties. The Lodge was of the Colonial period. It
held its first meeting, probably by Dispensation, on April 29, 1766, and owes
its origin to Blandford Lodge (No. 3) of Petersburg, Virginia. At a meeting
held on December 12, 1788, this Lodge accepted a new Charter under the name of
Johnston‑Caswell Lodge, the new Charter being issued by the Grand Lodge of
North Carolina.
Dornoch Lodge, in
Warren County, earlier known as Bute County, sent Delegates to the Convention
which organised the Grand Lodge of North Carolina after the War for
Independence. The Convention held that the Lodge's Delegates should be given
seats on the floor, since they had been made Masons lawfully, but were not
permitted to vote for the election of Officers.
As has been stated,
the Convention which was to have been held at Fayetteville in June 1787 did
not take place. The Convention which organised the Grand Lodge assembled at
Tarborough in December of that year. John Mare, of Unanimity Lodge, in
Edenton, was President of the Convention, and Benjamin Manchester, of St.
John's Lodge, in New Bern, was Secretary. The following Officers of the new
Grand Lodge were elected on December ii: Samuel Johnston, later governor of
the State, was chosen to be Grand Master; Governor Richard Caswell, to be
Deputy Grand Master; Richard Ellis, to be Senior Grand Warden; Michael Payne,
to be junior Grand Warden; Abner Neale, to be Grand Treasurer; James Glasgow,
to be Grand Secretary. The Lodges and their Representatives at the first
session of the Grand Lodge were as follows: Unanimity Lodge, of Edenton, John
Mare and Stephen Cabarrus; St. John's Lodge, No. 2, of New Bern, Benjamin
Manchester and Abner Neale; Royal Edwin Lodge, No. 4, of Windsor, John
Johnston, Andrew Oliver and Silas William Arnett; Royal White Hart Lodge, No.
403 (English Constitution), of Halifax, William Muir, Samuel McDougall, and
John Geddy; Royal William Lodge, No. 8, of Winton, Hardy Murfree, Patrick
Garvey, and William Person Little; Union Lodge (afterwards Phoenix Lodge), of
Fayetteville, James Porterfield; Bland‑ FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA 75 ford,
Bute Lodge, of Warren County, Edward Jones and William Johnson; St. John's
Lodge, No. 3, of Kinston, Richard Caswell, James Glasgow, and William Randall;
and John Macon and Henry Hill, Dornoch Lodge, No. 5. In the earliest written
Records of the Grand Lodge it is recorded that Old Cone Lodge, of Salisbury,
was present at the meeting held in December 1787 and that John Armstrong was
its Delegate; nearly a year later Old Cone Lodge received its new authority by
the following action of the Grand Lodge, dated November Zo, 1788: " Brother
John Armstrong presented a petition from sundry brethren in and near
Salisbury, praying a warrant to hold a lodge at that place by the name of '
Old Cone,' which was granted, and the Worshipful Brothers James Craig
appointed Master; Alexander Dobbins, Senior Warden; and John Armstrong, Junior
Warden." In 1791, when there were eighteen Lodges on the Roll of the Grand
Lodge, the much disputed question of seniority and precedence was settled by
ranking the Lodges in the following order: No. i, St. John's Lodge, of
Wilmington; No. z, Royal White Hart Lodge, of Halifax; No. 3, St. John's
Lodge, of New Bern; No. 4, St. John's Lodge, of Kinston; No. 5, Royal Edwin
Lodge (now Charity Lodge), of Windsor; No. 6, Royal William Lodge, of Winton;
No. 7, Unanimity Lodge, of Edenton; No. 8, Phcenix Lodge (formerly Union
Lodge), of Fayetteville; No. 9, Old Cone Lodge, of Salisbury; No. 1o,
Johnston‑Caswell Lodge, of Warrenton; No. i 1, Caswell Brotherhood Lodge, of
Caswell County; No. 12., Independence Lodge, of Chatham County; No. 13, St.
John's Lodge, of Duplin County; No. 14, Rutherford Fellowship Lodge, of
Rutherford County; No. 15, Washington Lodge, of Beaufort County; No. 16,
Tammany Lodge, of Martin County; No. 17, American George Lodge, of Hertford
County; No. 18, King Solomon Lodge, of Jones County.
In November 1797 the
Grand Lodge of North Carolina was legally incorporated by Chapter X of the
Laws of 1917, which reads as follows: " Be it enacted by the General Assembly
of the State of North Carolina, and it is hereby en acted by authority of the
same, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Master, Wardens and Members, who are at present, or in the future may be, of
the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, be, and they are hereby, constituted and
declared to be a body corporate under the name and title of the Grand Lodge of
North Carolina, and by such name they shall have perpetual succession and a
common seal, and they may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, acquire and
transfer property, and pass all such by‑laws and regulations as shall not be
inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of this State or of the United
States, anything to the contrary notwithstanding." When North Carolina ceded
to the United States its vast domain west of the mountains for the purpose of
erecting the State of Tennessee, and when Masonic Lodges had begun to spring
up in that region, the two States were under a single Masonic jurisdiction
known as the Grand Lodge of North‑Carolina and Tennessee. This state of
affairs continued for some years. On December 76 FREEMASONRY IN NORTH CAROLINA
2, 1811, a Convention of all the Lodges of the State of Tennessee met at
Knoxville, and drew up a Petition filled with fraternal expressions of
Brotherly love and asking that the establishment of a separate Grand Lodge in
Tennessee be authorised. At the next Session of the Grand Lodge this Petition
was granted, and the Grand Master was authorised to take such action as was
necessary to carry out the wishes of the Brethren west of the mountains. On
September 30, 1813, the Charter of the New Grand Lodge was sent to Tennessee.
This, the only Charter for a Grand Lodge which has ever been issued, reads as
follows SIT LUX et Fuit To All and Every of Our Right Worshipful, Worshipful,
and Well‑beloved Brethren Greeting Know Ye, That the Most Worshipful Robert
Williams, Esq., General, etc., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina and Tennessee of Ancient York Masons, has ordained and directed as
follows, viz.: I, Robert Williams, Grand Master of Masons, by the powers and
authorities vested in me as such by the Ancient Landmarks of our Order, and by
and with the advice and consent of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and
Tennes see for this purpose had and obtained, Do hereby Declare and Ordain
that the following Lodges within the State of Tennessee, viz.: Tennessee Lodge
No. 41, in the town of Knoxville; Greenville Lodge No. 43, in the town of
Greenville; Newport Lodge No. 50, in the town of Newport; Overton Lodge No.
51, in the town of Rogerville; King Solomon Lodge No. 52, in the town of
Gallatin; Hiram Lodge No. 55, in the town of Franklin; Cumberland Lodge No.
6o, in the town of Nashville; Western Star Lodge No. 61, in Port Royal, Be,
and they are hereby, authorised and empowered either by themselves or by their
Representatives, chosen for that purpose, to constitute a Grand Lodge for the
State of Tennessee. And I do, as Grand Master of Masons, by and with the
advice and consent of our Grand Lodge aforesaid, renounce and release unto the
said Lodges all jurisdiction over them; and I do hereby transfer and make over
to said Lodges all the powers and authorities which our Grand Lodge had, by
ancient usage, a right to exercise over them or either of them, upon the
following terms and conditions, to‑wit: That the said Lodges, or a majority of
them, shall within twelve months after the reception of this authority by
them, either by themselves or by Representatives duly appointed by them for
that purpose, meet in Convention, and then and there make such rules,
regulations or laws for the government of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee as they
may think proper; and that said Grand Lodge, when thus constituted shall once
in each year and every year elect a brother of our Order as Grand Master of
said Grand Lodge; that they also shall elect a Grand Senior Warden, Grand
Junior Warden, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer; and the Grand Master so
elected and installed, under his own sign manual shall appoint a Deputy Grand
Master, Grand Senior Deacon, Grand Junior Deacon, Grand Chaplain, Grand
Pursuivant, Grand Marshal, Grand Sword Bearer, and one or more FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH CAROLINA 77 Grand Tylers, also such members of Stewards and other
inferior officers as he may from time to time think proper to make.
It is further Ordered
and Ordained that the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, thus constituted, shall be
vested with all powers and authorities which any other Grand Lodge, known
among our Craft, has a right to use and exercise; and that they may make and
constitute new Lodges at their discretion within their jurisdiction, and the
Charters of each and every Lodge, as well as those by them to be made and
those recited in this instrument, to arrest and dissolve upon such terms as
the said Grand Lodge of Tennessee may think proper to prescribe.
And it is further
Ordered and Ordained that the said Grand Lodge of Tennessee take special care
that the Ancient Landmarks of our most ancient and honourable Institution
shall be in every instance whatever solemnly kept and preserved.
In testimony whereof
I do hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of Masonry to be affixed,
at Raleigh, this 30th. day of September, A. L. 5813, A. D. 1813. Robt.
Williams. [SEAL] Test A. Lucius, Grand Secretary.
In the early part of
the nineteenth century the Grand Lodge of North Carolina began to consider the
desirability of erecting a building in which to hold its meetings. On the
Feast of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1813, the corner stone of a wooden
building was laid. This building stood at the corner of Dawson and Morgan
Streets in the city of 'Raleigh. A few years after the war between the States,
efforts were made to raise funds for the erection of a Temple at the corner of
Fayetteville and Davie Streets, opposite the present Municipal Building. Those
efforts were unsuccessful. The Grand Lodge remained in its old quarters until
about the year 1880. After that it met in the local hall of the Lodges in
Raleigh, and continued to do so until the completion of the present Masonic
Temple at the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett Streets. The corner‑stone of
this Temple was laid on October 16, 1907. The first meeting of the Grand Lodge
was held there on January 12, 1908.
In the Grand Lodge of
1838, a resolution was passed looking to the estabment of a charity school
under the care of Grand Lodge. The State of North Carolina was then evolving
its first workable public school law. In other Grand jurisdictions there were
flourishing schools under the auspices of Masonry; such were contemplated for
North Carolina. In 1847 Grand Lodge undertook such an establishment and
unanimously passed a resolution declaring that " in this seminary of learning
there was to be education free from charge for such poor and destitute
orphans, and children of living brother Masons, who have not the means to
confer the benefits upon their offsprings; upon a fair and equitable plan of
admission to be determined upon by the Grand Lodge." In 1850 Grand Lodge took
action as to the location of such a school.
78 FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH CAROLINA Oxford, in Granville County, was finally selected. A Committee
consisting of J. B. Bynum, of Lincoln County, J. A. Lillington, of Davie
County, and Patrick Henry Winston, of Bertie County, was directed to prepare
an address setting forth the system of education proposed and the course of
study. The address was issued. It contained some startling statements. The
following is a copy.
It is not to be
disguised that in most of the colleges of the Union the system of education
has not kept ace with the improvements of the age. It is the intention of the
Grand Loge that their institutions shall be able to furnish all young men with
as full and complete collegiate education as can be obtained at any similar
institution in the Union. No gentleman's education can be regarded as
complete, nor ought to be regarded as complete, without a knowledge of the
dead languages, but it is certainly improper that two thirds of a young man's
life should be occupied in this one branch of education‑to be forgotten in
most instances very soon after he engages in busy avocations of life, to the
exclusion of those other more useful species of knowledge which will better
prepare him to act well his part as a man.
Remember that this
was written and broadcast in our North Carolina press in 1851. The Committee
urged in this address that something of astronomy, natural philosophy,
chemistry, geology, electricity and galvanism, as taught in some schools, be
combined, but that a larger emphasis should be placed upon architecture, the
power of steam and its application to machinery, various processes of
manufactures, metallurgy, natural history, and engineering.
Property was
purchased in Oxford. An Act of the General Assembly was passed for a Masonic
college to be called St. John's College. Contracts were let, and the building
erected. On June Zq., 1855, the corner‑stone of St. John's Col lege was laid
by Grand Lodge. It is an interesting story to read of the ups and downs of
those in charge of the work. The college was opened July 13, 1858. When the
war between the States came on, it was moved in the Grand Lodge that St.
John's College be converted into a military school. This, however, was not
carried; indeed, the suggestion received scant support. St. John's College
went down before the wave of war that swept the State. After the war between
the States various attempts were made to conduct a girls' school, and for a
year or two such a school was conducted there. The property belonged to the
corporation. The contractors and builders had never been paid. In 1868 a sale
was held according to the terms of the deed of trust that secured the debt,
and the Grand Lodge of North Carolina became the owner of the property.
Space does not permit
the interesting story of the various efforts to bring the property to some
useful purpose. The crucial hour came in the Grand Lodge held in December
1872. John H. Mills, giant in intellect, heart, and body, moved " That St.
John's College be made into an asylum for the protection, training, and
education of indigent orphan children. " It was a great hour. The argument was
lengthy. A vote was taken. A tie vote was announced.
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH
CAROLINA 79 Nichols, then Grand Master and afterwards member of Congress,
favour of the orphanage, and the resolution was adopted. Bro. elected
Superintendent, and arrangements were made to approally to the work. In
February 1873 the first child was received n. A student of the Horner School
witnessed the incident. remonial. The student, afterwards Grand Master of the
Grand ied a bundle of clothing as a donation to the institution. John anding
in the doorway looking down the path that led to the His greeting was gruff
but honest. The bundle was placed as hen a carryall wagon came up the
driveway. A dull cloud hung man in the wagon stopped at the front of the
building. Superasked him his mission. His answer was indifferent. " I am man
who wants this boy," he said. The boy was delivered. frame shook with emotion.
He lifted the pale child from the h with the paw of a lion. He raised him
above his head as if ing him as a votive offering to Heaven. He dropped the
child reast, then kissed him. It was the kiss of love. From that hour was
safe, though its struggles have been many. Thus orphanage our State. The
example set by Masonry was soon followed by orders, and fraternities, and by
individuals charitably inclined. phanage is now perfect in all its equipment.
Five thousand chilcared for. The State gives $30,000 annually to its support.
A major been those not o might well be Though it i to Masonic acti 12, 1914,
the M boro to house t Lodge and its i Masons are now achievements of of the
old days, true character.
FREEMASONRY IN NORTH
DAKOTA WALTER LINCOLN STOCKWELL NORTH DAKOTA became a State on November z,
1889. The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Dakota was
organised at the town of Mitchell, now in the State of South Dakota, on June
12, 1889, when the Grand Lodge of Dakota Territory divided. A few of those who
were present on that memorable occasion are still alive.
Part of the present
State of North Dakota was in the original grant made by England at the
conclusion of the War for Independence. The remainder of the State, that which
is contiguous to the Missouri River, formed part of the Louisiana Purchase.
Although the region had been visited by two white men, O. O. Verendrye and O.
O. Thompson, even before 18oo, for the most part it remained unknown until
after the middle of the nineteenth century. True it is that Meriwether Lewis
and William Clark spent the winter of 1803‑0q. near the present site of
Washburn, on the Missouri River, while on their famous expedition into the
northwestern regions. This camp site will be marked by the Grand Lodge some
day because of the Masonic connections of those two intrepid American
explorers. There was a Hudson's Bay Company trading post and a settlement at
Pembina more than a century ago, as well as other trading posts along the Red
River of the North. The United States Government established posts at
Abercrombie, Pembina, Fort Rice, Fort Totten, Fort Buford, Fort Abraham
Lincoln, and one or two other points. Early Masonic history centres about
those military posts.
The first Lodge in
the present jurisdiction of North Dakota was established at Fort Pembina. On
September 13, 1863, Grand Master A. T. C. Pierson, of the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota, granted a Dispensation to form a Lodge. This Dis pensation was
given to a detachment of soldiers who were going to garrison the post at Fort
Pembina. The Brethren named in the Dispensation were Bro. C. W. Nash,
afterwards Grand Master, Bro. L. L. Armington, Bro. A. F. Chamberlain, and
Bro. Charles H. Mix, together with eight others. The Lodge was known as
Northern Light Lodge. Its first meeting was held in January 1864 in the
quartermaster's building, a site now owned by the Grand Lodge and suitably
marked. That winter Degrees were conferred upon several Brethren from Fort
Garry, now Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, Canada. Because of the removal of
the soldiers who had been interested in this Lodge, the Dispensation was
renewed and the Lodge itself was later removed to Fort Garry. Bro. John
Schultz was named as Worshipful Master. Bro. A. G. Bannatyne, the second story
of whose trading house was used as the Lodge room, was Senior Warden. Bro.
William 80 FREEMASONRY IN NORTH DAKOTA 81 Inkster was junior Warden. Though
the Lodge was Chartered in 1867, the Charter was never delivered. Because of
troublesome times in the late 6o's the Lodge ceased to exist. It had, however,
already laid the Masonic foundations in this jurisdiction and in the Canadian
Northwest.
After the Sioux
Indian massacre that occurred in western Minnesota during the summer of 1863,
troops commanded by General H. H. Sibley pursued certain bands of those
Indians along Apple Creek, to the south of Bismarck. Attached to General
Sibley's staff was Lieutenant Beaver, a young Englishman, an Oxford graduate,
a soldier of fortune, and a Mason. In a skirmish with the Indians late in July
he was killed. Among the troops were many well‑known Minnesota Masons, R.'. W
.'. Bro. John C. Whipple, Deputy Grand Master, being one of them. An Emergent
Lodge was convened on the last Sunday in July, 1863, with Bro. A. J. Edgerton,
afterwards Federal judge in South Dakota, as Worshipful Master. Bro. J. C.
Braden, afterwards Grand Master, acted as Senior Warden, and Bro. Patch, as
junior Warden. The remains of Bro. Beaver were buried with Masonic honours in
the rifle pits overlooking Apple Creek. Later the body was disinterred and
removed elsewhere. A marker has been placed on the site of this first Masonic
service in North Dakota. On August g, 1864, the Masonic funeral of Bro.
Charles B. Clark, a soldier in General Sully's command, took place at Fort
Rice, north of Mandan. Seventy‑eight Masons, officers and soldiers, were
present. Bro. M. W. Getchell, Worshipful Master of Cataract Lodge, No. 2, of
Minneapolis, presided. Not many days later, on August 25, another Masonic
funeral took place at Fort Abercrombie at the burial of Bro. Frederic Duhn.
Bro. C. W. Nash, who had been Worshipful Master of the Lodge established at
Fort Pembina the preceding fall, presided at this funeral. Doubtless there
were also other Masonic ceremonies conducted during those Indian campaigns but
of them there is apparently no record.
The second Lodge
established in North Dakota was Yellowstone Lodge at Fort Buford. A
Dispensation was granted on January 26, 1871, to Bro. Asa Blunt, an army
officer, and eleven others, six of whom were officers of the Seventh United
States Infantry. Thirty‑two Master Masons were Raised. This Lodge was
Chartered on January io, 1872, as No. 88. In June 1874 it ceased to exist
because the removal of the troops left it without an Officer or Past Master.
The site of the Masonic Hall on the Fort Buford reservation has been
definitely located and so soon as this land can be purchased for a reasonable
price it will be included in the State Park, and a marker will be placed
there.
This brief account
brings us to the beginnings of permanent Masonry in the State of North Dakota.
The days of Military Lodges and military Masonic ceremonies were gone. The
coming of the Northern Pacific Railroad to North Dakota in the early 7o's led
to the establishment of a settlement known as Fargo, at the Red River Crossing
on the North Dakota side. Fargo has for years been the chief city of the
State. On November 22, 1872, a Dispensation was issued to organise Shiloh
Lodge in Fargo. The Charter‑No. 1o5‑was granted on January 14, 1874. The first
Master of this Lodge was Bro. W. H. Smith. Bro.
82‑ FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH DAKOTA Samuel G. Roberts was Senior Warden and Bro. Jacob Lowell, Sr.,
was junior Warden. Both Bro. Roberts and Bro. Lowell were well‑known citizens
who played prominent parts in the development of Fargo. The Northern Pacific
Railroad reached Bismarck in 1872‑. At once a busy pioneer town sprang up,
destined to play a very important part in the life of Dakota Territory and
afterwards in that of the State of North Dakota. A Dispensation to form a
Lodge was issued in 1874 but because of certain irregularities a Charter was
refused and another Dispensation was issued. On January 12‑, 1876, a Charter
was issued to Bismarck Lodge, No. 12o, with Bro. Colonel Clement A. Lounsberry
as Worshipful Master, Bro. John B. MacLean as Senior Warden, and Bro. Colonel
E. M. Brown as junior Warden.
Now comes one of the
most interesting episodes in the Masonic history of the Dakotas. While
Minnesota had been establishing Lodges in the northern part of Dakota
Territory, the Grand Lodge of Iowa had been organising others in the southern
part of the Territory, especially in that part of it adjacent to the State of
Iowa. On June 2‑z and 2‑3, 1875, a Convention of the Lodges of Dakota
Territory met at Elk Point and formed the Grand Lodge of Dakota Territory, as
was their right. The claim was made that notice had been sent to Lodges in the
northern part of the Territory, at least to the Lodge in Fargo and to the
supposed Lodge at Pembina. Knowledge of a Lodge at Bismarck was disclaimed. In
any event, neither Shiloh Lodge, No. 105, of Fargo, nor Bismarck Lodge, No.
12.o, was represented, and in consequence neither became part of the Grand
Lodge of Dakota Territory. Those two Lodges continued on the Register of the
Grand Lodge of Minnesota with the approval of the Officers of that
jurisdiction, in spite of the well‑known American Masonic idea of territorial
sovereignty. On this point a bitter controversy raged between these two Grand
Lodges for several years. Finally, on June 7, 1879, Shiloh Lodge, No. io5,
came under the jurisdiction of Dakota Territory as Lodge No. 8. Not until June
i88o, however, did Bismarck Lodge, No. i2‑o, become a member of the
Territorial Grand Lodge. Before that took place, three other Lodges, those of
Pembina, of Casselton, and Acacia Lodge at Grand Forks, had been organised and
Chartered. Thus, instead of becoming Lodge No. 2 on the register of the Grand
Lodge of North Dakota, Bismarck Lodge became Lodge No. 5. During the 8o's, up
to the time of the division of the Territory into a northern and a southern
part, twenty‑six Lodges had been organised. Eight of them were along the main
line of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and seven of them were south of that
line. Sixteen Lodges were north of the Northern Pacific Railroad line and only
two or three of the sixteen were outside what is commonly known as the Red
River Valley.
With 31 Lodges having
a total membership of 1322‑ Masons, the Grand Lodge of North Dakota began its
separate existence. Among the Brethren who formed the Grand Lodge were some of
the best‑known citizens of the State.
Bro. Dr. James W.
Cloes, of Jamestown, was elected Grand Master; Bro. Frank J. Thompson, of
Fargo, was Deputy Grand Master; Bro. John F. Selby, of Hills‑ FREEMASONRY IN
NORTH DAKOTA 83 boro, was Senior Grand Warden; Bro. Dr. A. B. Herrick, of
Lisbon, was junior Grand Warden; Bro. Charles E. Jackson, of Pembina, was
Grand Treasurer; Bro. David S. Dodds, of Lakota, was Grand Secretary; Bro.
Rev. W. T. Currie, of Grand Forks, was Grand Chaplain; Bro. William H.
Topping, of Grand Forks, was Grand Marshal; Bro. William H. Gannon, of
Ellendale, was Senior Grand Deacon; Bro. Warren S. Wilson, of Sanborn, was
junior Grand Deacon; Bro. James H. Marshall, of Bismarck, was Senior Grand
Steward; Bro. Roswell W. Knowlton, of Fargo, was junior Grand Steward; Bro.
George L. McGregor, of Jamestown, was Grand Sword Bearer; Bro. Henry Baldwin,
of Park River, was Grand Pursuivant; Bro. Louis B. Hanna, of Page, was Grand
Tyler. During the more than forty‑five years that have elapsed since the
organisation of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, the entire State has been
settled. The Register of the Grand Lodge records 12.9 Chartered Lodges having
a membership of over 15,000.
The Grand Lodge of
North Dakota has from the beginning emphasised the educational side of
Freemasonry. Bro. Theodore S. Parvin, the distinguished first Grand Secretary
of Iowa, who founded the Grand Lodge library, presented the Grand Lodge with
the books which formed the nucleus of the collection. When that library was
destroyed by fire in 1893, Bro. Parvin again furnished a nucleus from which,
during the last thirty‑nine years, one of the most complete Grand Lodge
libraries in this country has developed. The library is strictly a Masonic and
reference collection. It serves not only members of the Craft but also every
other seeker after Light. It is one of the fine cultural and educational
institutions of the State, and its service is widely and favourably recognised.
Since 1915 the library has been under the direction of Miss Clara A. Richards,
a trained librarian.
For over twenty years
the Grand Lodge of North Dakota has been carrying on a programme of service
and education, and some ten years ago the Committee on Masonic Service and
Education was established. According to the Grand Lodge By‑Laws, the function
of this Committee is " to bring to the whole Craft information upon the laws,
customs, traditions, symbolism, history, and philosophy of Masonry, and to
translate Masonic principles into the life and conduct of individual Masons."
A full‑time Executive Secretary is responsible for carrying this work forward.
For several years Bro. William J. Hutcheson has been the Executive Secretary.
Since 1916 the Grand
Lodge has maintained an Educational Fund, sometimes called an Educational
Foundation. From this fund loans are made to worthy young people seeking a
higher education. The Foundation now has a capital fund of more than $2.5,000.
It has already made some 650 loans totaling more than $5o,ooo.
The relief work of
the Dakota Grand Lodge has been under the direction of three Trustees. A fund
of some $5o,ooo has been accumulated, and income from that is used to assist
particular Lodges in their own relief work. An an nual contribution of fifteen
cents per capita is contributed from the general 84 FREEMASONRY IN NORTH
DAKOTA fund, and each newly made Master Mason also contributes $S to the
relief fund. Beginning with the year 1932‑ a special tax of fifty cents per
capita was collected to create a Home or Hospital Fund.
The Grand Lodge of
North Dakota has in times past made substantial contributions to welfare work.
In 1913 the Grand Lodge was assisted by the Grand Chapter, the Royal Arch
Masons, and the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star to erect and
furnish a sixteen‑bed cottage at the State Tuberculosis Sanitorium in
Dunseith. This praiseworthy undertaking involved an expenditure of some $8ooo.
During the summer of 1931 a cabin cottage costing $looo was erected at Camp
Grassick by the Grand Lodge. This institution, which is maintained by the
North Dakota Tuberculosis Society, is a summer camp for undernourished
children.
The Grand Lodge of
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Dakota adheres faithfully to the
fundamentals of Freemasonry. It believes that, since Masonry is a progressive
science, the Fraternity must always adapt its pro gramme to the needs of the
present. North Dakota Masons are forward‑looking and acting.
During the
Spanish‑American War of 1898 the North Dakota Military Lodge under
Dispensation No. i was attached to the First North Dakota Volunteer Infantry
in the Philippine Islands. During the World War, North Dakota Military Lodge
under Dispensation No. z was organised for overseas Work with the 164th United
States Infantry.
Needless to say, many
leaders in the early life of the Territory and State were Freemasons. A
majority of the governors, United States senators, members of Congress,
members of the Supreme Court, and State officials have been Masons.
The other Bodies of
Masonry are represented in North Dakota by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons and by the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar which was organised when
the Territory attained Statehood. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons
was organised in 1916. The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star,
closely allied with Masonry though not a Masonic Body, was organised in 1894.
The Scottish Rite Masons have four Consistories under the leadership of
Inspector‑General, Bro. Walter R. Reed. North Dakota is in the Southern
Jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North
Dakota, which represents Freemasonry in this State, is indeed one of the
constructive and stabilising influences in the Commonwealth.
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
NELSON WILLIAMS SYMBOLIC FREEMASONRY FREEMASONRY first made itself known in
that part of the great region lying northwest of the Ohio River, commonly
called the Northwest Territory, many years before any part of the region was
crowned with the dignity and sovereignty of Statehood. On April 30, i8oz, the
Congress of the United States passed an Act authorising the call for a
convention to form a constitution for a new State to be known as Ohio, whose
boundaries were to be essentially as they are at present. This convention
assembled at Chillicothe on November I, i8oz. After almost a month of
deliberation, a constitution of State government was ratified and signed on
November z9, thus adding a new member to the sisterhood of States composing
the Federal Union. There is positive proof, however, that Freemasonry was
actively at Work in the Northwest Territory for more than a decade before the
State of Ohio was carved from that vast domain, and undoubtedly this had much
to do not only with creating sentiment in favour of Statehood but also with
shaping the policies of the new State and solving its problems. Freemasonry
came not as a thief in the night to pilfer from those of sturdy body and brave
heart who with limited means were blazing a way through the unbroken forests
that civilisation might advance. Rather, it came unheralded and without
acclaim, as it always does. It came bearing aloft the torch destined to light
the fires of fraternal brotherhood in the valleys and on the hills of the
great territory then chiefly inhabited by Indians.
Previous to the
Declaration of Independence, on February 15, 1776, to be exact, John Rowe, "
Grand Master for North America and the territories thereunto belonging," who
had been appointed by Lord Beaufort, Grand Master of Masons in England,
commissioned " Joel Clark, Esquire, Master of the American Union Lodge, now
erected in Roxbury (a part of Boston), or wherever your body shall remove in
the Continent of America, provided it is where no Grand Master is appointed."
Reference will be made later to the formal Organisation of this Lodge.
By an Act of the
Parliament of Great Britain passed in 1774, the whole of the Northwest
Territory was annexed to the Province of Quebec and made a part of it. That
Province had been created and established by the royal procla mation of
October 7, 1763. Thus, when the Warrant for American Union Lodge, No. I, was
granted, according to the statement already quoted, the entire 85 86
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO Northwest Territory was under the dominion of England.
Since no Masonic Lodge or Masonic Grand Lodge had been established and
organised in that region, the Grand Lodge of England was fully authorised
under the fundamental law of Freemasonry as practiced in America, to issue a
Warrant for a Masonic Lodge there, or for a Lodge which would function there.
The claim of the
English monarch to that vast northwestern region was ceded to the United
States by the treaty of peace signed at Paris on September 3, 1783. There is
no evidence that the Grand Lodge of England ever claimed jurisdiction over
that part of the Northwest Territory now included within the boundaries of the
State of Ohio. It might be inferred, however, that this is shown by the
granting of the Warrant for American Union Lodge, No. i. This Lodge was
revivified and established as a permanent one at Marietta, in the Northwest
Territory, in June 1790.
Precisely when
Freemasonry first entered the Northwest Territory, and by whom it was first
introduced, cannot be stated with certainty, but there is evidence that it
manifested itself some years before any organised Lodge existed in the region.
Good authority states that on January 1o, 1789, at the burial of judge James
Mitchell Varnum, a disinguished Mason who was one of the pioneer settlers at
Marietta, the funeral ceremonies were conducted by Masons without an organised
Lodge formation. Representatives of the Six Tribes of Indians, then holding a
parley with the settlers at Marietta in an effort to draw up a treaty of
peace, participated in the ceremonies. The redskins marched two by two in the
procession, so it is said, an unusual concession, since their invariable
custom was to march in single file. The account of this funeral tells that the
Indians showed much interest in the ceremonies, and that they apparently had
some knowledge of Masonic signs and symbols. How and where they could have
received instruction in the Secret Art is at present wrapped in a veil of
mystery which will probably never be removed.
On January io, 1786,
General Rufus Putnam and General Benjamin Tupper, distinguished military men
and both Masons, who had been appointed by Congress in 1785 to survey lands
that had been secured by treaty with the Indians in the territory northwest of
the Ohio River, gave public notice to all citizens desirous of joining in the
settlement of the Ohio River country to meet in Boston on March 1, 1786.
Delegates were to be selected in counties where people had an interest in
western settlement. On the appointed date a convention was held at the Bunch
of Grapes Tavern, long a well‑known and favourite meetingplace of Boston
Freemasons. After choosing General Putnam as Chairman, a land company to be
known as the Ohio Company was organised.
A second meeting of
the Ohio Company was held in Boston on March 8, 1787. General Putnam and two
others were then appointed as a Committee to negotiate with Congress for the
purchase of approximately a million acres of land along the Ohio River in the
southeastern part of the Northwest Territory. Without mentioning many other
details, it is enough to say that the land was ultimately purchased. During
the winter of 1787 General Putnam and forty‑ FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 87 seven
other pioneers, many of whom were Freemasons, crossed the mountains of
Pennsylvania and made their way to the mouth of Youghiogheny River. There they
built a boat, said to have been forty‑five feet long and twelve feet wide, and
christened it the Mayflower. In this they floated down the Ohio to the mouth
of the Muskingum River during the spring of 1788. They landed there and
established the first white settlement in the Northwest Territory. The city of
Marietta is built upon the very site of that early settlement.
No available record
shows how many of these early pioneers were Freemasons, but it is known that
several besides General Putnam, General Tupper, and Captain Jonathan Heart
were members of the Fraternity. Those men carried the Rituals of Freemasonry
in their heads, its principles in their hearts. Their lives were examples
attesting the excellence of the Order's tenets and teachings, and of the
virtues it enjoins. General Putnam was Master of American Union Lodge and
Custodian of its Warrant, or Charter. Captain Heart, who was stationed at Fort
Harmar on the bank of the Muskingum River opposite Marietta, was also a member
of that Lodge and a Past Master, as well as a Past Grand Lecturer of the Grand
Lodge of Connecticut. In 1777 this Lodge was within the jurisdiction of New
York, where there was a Grand Master. Consequently it applied to him for
confirmation of its Acts. The Deputy Provincial Grand Master of New York
issued them a new Warrant as Military Union Lodge, No. i, but the Lodge
continued to function under its old name.
On June zs, 1790, W .
. Bro. Putnam, with ten other Brothers, held a meeting at Marietta to consider
the subject of Lodge Organisation. A Petition signed by all those present was
addressed to Bro. Jonathan Heart as Master of American Union Lodge, the army
organisation, requesting him to revive and re‑establish the Lodge as
permanently located. To this Petition Bro. Heart replied promptly. Since his
letter and the conclusions he reached played such an important part in the
organisation of the first Lodge in the Northwest Territory, the following
quotation* from it is given here: Previous to the late Revolution, all
authority exercised in America, with respect to Masonry, was derived from the
Grand Lodge in Great Britain, delegated to deputies in and over certain
districts, by virtue of which all regular lodges were then held. The Federal
territories not coming within the district of any Grand Lodge holding under
authority of the Grand Lodge of Great Britain, and the United States not as
yet having formed a Federal head in Masonry, it may be in doubt whether, at
this time, there is any power in America having jurisdiction over the Federal
territories. From whence it follows, the power is still in the Grand Lodge in
Great Britain, unless there can be found some ower which has been delegated
other ways than through the present Gran Lodges, and extending its
jurisdiction to this country. Whether the warrant under which you wish to be
convened affords protection is the next subject of inquiry.
*Since the original
of this letter was undoubtedly lost in a fire of r8or that destroyed the
Records of the Lodge, what appears here is an exact reprint of an account that
stands in an early history of American Union Lodge. The paragraph beginning
with the words, " Wherefore, under every consideration with respect to . . .
etc.," seems to be incomplete.
88 FREEMASONRY IN
OHIO This warrant was granted* in the year 1776, previous to the Declaration
of Independence, by Richard Gridley, Esq., Deputy Grand Master, whose
authority extended to all parts of North America where no special Grand
Masters were appointed, as may appear from the Book of Constitution, and as
expressed in the same instrument. It will therefore follow that, there being
no special Grand Master for this territory, a more ample authority for holding
a lodge in this country could not be obtained, provided there was a competent
number of the former members present. But there are only two, viz., Brother
Putnam and myself, who were actual enrolled members. To remove this objection
it is observable there are two others who are members and resident in this
country ‑but at present at too great a distance to attend. There are also two
of the petitioners who were constant visitors of this lodge during the war,
one of them a Past Master [Brother Benjamin Tupper], who by custom is a member
of all lodges. There are also others of the petitioners who have frequently
visited the lodge at different times.
Wherefore, under
every consideration with respect to your situation‑the difficulty of obtaining
authority, a doubt whether more ample authority can at this time be
obtained‑the right which is ever retained by the individuals of incorporating
themselves where there is no existing power already lodged with particulars
for that purpose.
Wherefore, being the
present Master of the Lodge held under authority of said warrant, as may
appear by having recourse to the records deposited in Frederick's Lodge, held
at Farmington, State of Connecticut, and being the eldest Ancient Mason within
said territory, I have thought proper, with the advice of Brother Putnam,
member, and Brother Benjamin Tupper, Past Master, to grant the request
contained in your petition, and will meet you in Campus Martius, on Monday,
the 28th inst., at six o'clock P.M. for the purpose of forming you into a
lodge.
I am, with every
sentiment of respect, Brother, Your most obedient and humble servant, Jonathan
Heart, M. A. U. Lodge.
In accordance with
the decision he expressed in this letter, W.‑. Bro. Heart ordered that a
meeting of the Petitioners be called for June 28, 1790. The following Brothers
were present at that meeting: W.. Bro. Benjamin Tupper, Past Master, and Bros.
Thomas Stanley, William Burnham, Griffin Green, William Mills, Robert Oliver,
and William Stacy. The Lodge was opened in due form with W.‑. Bro. Jonathan
Heart as Master; W.‑. Bro. Benjamin Tupper, Past Master, as Senior Warden; and
W.‑. Bro. Rufus Putnam, Past Master, as junior Warden. The Warrant issued for
American Union Lodge on February 15, 1776, by John Rowe, Grand Master of St.
John's Provincial Grand Lodge, at Boston, was read. All those present were
elected members of the Lodge, except Bros. Heart and Putnam who were already
members. From then until the year 1815, American Union Lodge, No. i, as it was
called, was recognised as a legitimate and regularly formed Lodge, of Master
Masons.
*This statement is
erroneous. Richard Gridley signed at the bottom as " Deputy Grand Master," but
John Rowe, who issued the document, signed at the top as " Grand Master."
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 89 On March Z2., i8o1, the hall, the Charter and all other
Records and papers of American Union Lodge, No. 1, were destroyed by fire.
Although its old Records were nearly all reprinted in 1859, little is known
about its activities during the period between its reorganisation, or
rehabilitation, in 1790, and the year i8oi. After the destructive fire,
American Union Lodge, No. i, requested the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which
was the Jurisdiction immediately adjoining on the East, to issue another
Warrant to it, but this the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania declined to do. It
then appealed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which issued a conditional
Dispensation authorising American Union Lodge, No. i, to continue as a regular
Lodge until a Grand Lodge should be organised in Ohio. The Lodge was
reorganised under this Dispensation in January 1804.
On October 15, 1788,
judge John Cleves Symmes, a Freemason, together with certain associates,
entered into a contract with the Treasury of the United States for the
purchase of a large tract of land lying in the Northwest Territory between the
Great and Little Miami Rivers and north of the Ohio River. They were able to
pay for only part of the land purchased. On September 30, 1794, the government
gave them a patent for 2.48,540 acres of the land covered by their contract.
This land extended northward from the Ohio River. Meanwhile, the second white
settlement in the Northwest Territory was established on the north bank of the
Ohio River near the mouth of the Little Miami River and " in the Symmes
purchase." At about the same time still another settlement, probably an
offshoot of that on the Little Miami River, was established at a point nearly
opposite the mouth of the Licking River. Both sites are now within the
Cincinnati city limits. Some of the early pioneers in those settlements, among
them General Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory, were
Freemasons. Desirous of having an organised Lodge in their midst, these men
Petitioned the Grand Lodge of New Jersey for a Warrant. Their Petition was
granted, and on September 8, 1791, the Grand Lodge of New Jersey issued a
Warrant for a Lodge to be known as Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. 1o. This Lodge was
formally organised under its Warrant on December 27, 1794, although neither
the Worshipful Master nor the Senior Warden named in the Warrant was present.
This Warrant, still in a good state of preservation, is now in possession of
the Lodge known on the Grand Lodge Roll of Ohio as Nova Cxsarea Harmony Lodge,
No. 2, and commonly called " N. C. Harmony Lodge, No. 2." The Record of the
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey at its Annual Communication held
in 1805 shows that up to that time no report had ever been made to it by Nova
Coesarea Lodge, No. io, since the time of granting its Charter. Among the
Records of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, however, is a copy of a letter dated
December io, 1805, addressed to it by Matthew Nimmo, late Master of Nova
Coesarea Lodge, No. 1o. He returned the Charter with the statement that the
Lodge could no longer pay its dues to the Grand Lodge. Apparently this action
did not meet with the approval of some other 9o FREEMASONRY IN OHIO members of
the Lodge, for they requested the return of the Charter. This the Grand Lodge
of New Jersey refused to do. Following this surrender of the Charter, a number
of former members of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io, Petitioned the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky for a Dispensation granting the establishment of a Lodge in the city
of Cincinnati. The Dispensation providing for the establishment of a Lodge to
be known as Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, was granted. This Lodge was organised,
and on December 27, 18o5, its Master was Installed by three Past Masters of
Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io. The Records of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky do not
show just when the Dispensation for Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, was issued, but
that probably took place shortly before December 27, 18o5. The Records do
show, however, that a Charter was issued to Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, on March
19, 18o6.
It appears that
although the Charter of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io, had been surrendered to
the Grand Lodge of New Jersey at the time when the Grand Lodge of Kentucky
Chartered Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, the Charter had not in fact been cancelled
and annulled. Consequently there was conflict of opinion as to the relative
rights and authority of the two Lodges. This conflict continued until the
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held on January 7, 1812. At
that time a Petition was presented to the Grand Lodge of Ohio soliciting
mediation in the affairs of the Cincinnati and Nova Cxsarea Lodges of
Cincinnati.
A resolution adopted
by the Grand Lodge of Ohio recommended that Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, pay its
dues to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and that the Lodge have leave to withdraw
its Charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio and return it to the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky. Further, that Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, notify the Grand Lodge of
New Jersey of any steps taken, request it to return the original Charter of
Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io, and assure it that all delinquent dues would be
paid. The resolution also provided that Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, should be
known and called by the name of Nova Cxsarea Lodge henceforth, that it should
be represented in the Grand Lodge of Ohio by that name, and that upon
complying with these provisions it should be entitled to a Charter. Otherwise
it was to have none. The Records of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky show that the
Charter of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, was surrendered on August 27, 1812.
At the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held on January 5, 1813, it was
reported that differences existing between members of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No.
io, and Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, had been amicably set tled, that each Lodge
had paid its dues to its Mother Grand Lodge, that each had surrendered its
Charter, and that the two Lodges desired to be formed into a single
subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. A
resolution was thereupon adopted directing that a Charter be issued to the
Petitioners for the establishment of a Lodge in Cincinnati to be known as Nova
Cxsarea Harmony Lodge, No. 2. Upon later request, the Grand Lodge of New
Jersey returned to Nova Cxsarea Harmony Lodge, No. 2, the Charter origi‑
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 91 nally issued by it for Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. 1o. This
Charter is still safely preserved, as has been explained.
Another of the
Masonic Lodges early established in the Northwest Territory was located at a
place known as Old Mingo Town, on the west bank of the Ohio River three miles
south of the present city of Steubenville. A War rant for a Lodge to be known
as Mingo Lodge, No. 78, to be located in Old Mingo Town in the Northwest
Territory, was granted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on March 4, 1799. On
April 1o, 1799, the Grand Master issued a Dispensation to Absalom Baird,
empowering him to open and Constitute the Lodge and to Install its Officers.
The Dispensation returned to the Grand Lodge showed that an Installation of
Officers of the Lodge had taken place on May 21, 1799. This Lodge had a brief
existence of only seven years. It was not functioning when the Grand Lodge of
Ohio was organised in 18o8.
On October 19, 1803,
a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut to Samuel Tyke and
twenty‑one other residents of the Connecticut Western Reserve for the
establishment of a Masonic Lodge in the town of War ren. This was to be known
as Erie Lodge, No. 47. Bro. Samuel Tylee was sent by the Petitioners to the
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut held at New Haven in
1804. Upon the granting of the Charter it was placed in Bro. Tylee's charge
and he was appointed a Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut
for the purpose of Constituting Erie Lodge, No. 47, and Installing its
Officers. On March 16, 1804, the Deputy Grand Master, thus appointed and
authorised, assisted by other Grand Officers pro tempore, appointed for the
purpose from among the Brethren present, opened a Deputy Grand Lodge,
Constituted the Lodge, and Installed the Officers who had been chosen by the
Petitioners. Later the Grand Officers made a report to the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut.
The Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts granted a Charter to a number of Masons living in and near the
village of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, on November 22, 18o5. The Lodge was
to be known as Scioto Lodge, No. 2, and to be located at Chillicothe. Colonel
Thomas Gibson, Auditor of the Northwest Territory, was designated as the first
Master; Jarvis Cutler, as Senior Warden; Nathaniel Willis, as junior Warden.
This Lodge actively participated in organising the Grand Lodge of Ohio. After
the organisation of the Grand Lodge this became Lodge No. 6 on the Roll of
particular Lodges in Ohio.
On October i9, 1803,
the Grand Lodge of Connecticut issued a Charter to a group of Brethren
residing at or near the town of Worthington, in what had been the Northwest
Territory, for a Lodge to be known as New England Lodge, No. 48, and to be
located in Worthington. Rev. James Kilbourne was named as first Master. This
Lodge continued to function under its Connecticut Charter until that was
surrendered to the Grand Lodge of Ohio in exchange for a temporary
Dispensation. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held in
1814, a Charter was granted to the Lodge at Worthington under the name of New
England Lodge, No. 4.
92 FREEMASONRY IN
OHIO When the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania held its Annual Communication on
June 24, 1805, it granted a Warrant for the establishment of a Lodge to be
located at the town of Zanesville, Ohio, and to be known as Amity Lodge, No.
105. Lewis Cass was named as the Master, William Smyth as Senior Warden, and
Peter Fuller as junior Warden. Because of lack of travelling facilities in
those days, or some other reason, this Lodge was not Constituted until
sometime in 1806. The exact date of its Constitution is not known. Since,
however, its first meeting took place on September 26, 1806, this Lodge was
doubtless Constituted and Organised at about that time. At its first meeting,
a set of jewels was presented to the Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
At a meeting of Amity Lodge, No. 105, held on August 2, 1807, it was
unanimously resolved that the Lodge coincide with the opinion of Erie Lodge,
No. 47, and of Scioto Lodge, No. 2, that a Grand Lodge of Masons should be
formed in Ohio. A Committee of three from this Lodge was appointed to promote
such an organisation.
On January 4, 1808,
Representatives of six Ohio Lodges met in Chillicothe, according to
arrangements previously made, for the purpose of organising the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. These Lodges
included American Union Lodge, No. 1, of Marietta, and Scioto Lodge, No. 2, of
Chillicothe, both under obedience to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts;
Cincinnati Lodge, No. 13, of Cincinnati, under obedience to the Grand Lodge of
Kentucky; Erie Lodge, No. 47, of Warren, and New England Lodge, No. 48, of
Worthington, both under obedience to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut; and Amity
Lodge, No. 105, of Zanesville, under obedience to the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania. Bro. Robert Oliver, of American Union Lodge, No. 1, was made
Chairman, and Bro. George Todd, of Erie Lodge, No. 47, was made Secretary of
the Convention. Although New England Lodge, No. 48, had been very active in
arranging for the Convention, the Representative of that Lodge was denied a
seat because he lacked the requisite credentials.
First of all, a
resolution declaring it to be expedient to form a Grand Lodge in the State of
Ohio was proposed. Pending a discussion of it, the meeting adjourned till the
following evening. Then the resolution was unanimously adopted and a Committee
was appointed to prepare rules necessary for carrying it into effect. The
Committee's report was adopted, and at an adjourned Session of the Convention,
held on the evening of January 7, 1808, the following resolution reported by
the Committee was unanimously adopted Resolved, That a Grand Lodge be formed,
to be known and styled the Grand Lodge of Ohio, whose powers shall be to grant
charters and dispensations, on proper application, to all such as shall apply
and shall be deemed worthy, and shall have jurisdiction over the same, and
shall in all respects be clothed with full powers, as a Grand Lodge, according
to ancient and due form, and agreeably to the rules and landmarks of Masonry.
The Convention also
ordered that the first Annual Communication of the FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 93
Grand Lodge should be held on the first Monday of January i8og. At that time
each Lodge was to surrender to the Grand Lodge a copy of its By‑Laws and the
Charter under which it had been Working. The Grand Lodge was then to issue a
new Charter to each Lodge and to number those Charters serially according to
priority of date of the Charters surrendered.
After adopting this
resolution, the Convention then elected Grand Officers to serve during the
following year. General Rufus Putnam, of American Union Lodge, No. i, was
elected as first Grand Master; Thomas Henderson, of Cin cinnati Lodge, No. 13,
as Deputy Grand Master; George Todd, of Erie Lodge, No. 47, as Grand Senior
Warden; and Isaac Van Horn, of Amity Lodge, No. ios, as junior Grand Warden.
Other line Officers were also chosen. At the final Session, which took place
on January 8, 18o8, it was resolved that members of the Convention should sign
the Proceedings. When this was done, the Body adjourned. The Installation of
the Grand Officers who had been elected was deferred until January 2, i8o9,
the date of the first Annual Communication. This was probably done because
General Rufus Putnam, Grand Master‑elect, was not present at the Convention
that nominated him. These, then, were the steps leading to the organisation of
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, a
Sovereign Grand Lodge that now has a place among the leading Grand Lodges of
the world. The Grand Lodge of Ohio was the sixteenth Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons established in the United States. Those of Massachusetts,
Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, South
Carolina, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont,
Kentucky, and Delaware had already been organised.
Early years of the
Grand Lodge of Ohio were not without their perplexities. At the first Annual
Communication, held at Chillicothe, this problem arose: Could a Grand Lodge
function when only four of its Constituent Lodges were represented, if five
Lodges had participated in the organisation Convention? American Union Lodge,
No. z, of Marietta, sent no Representative to this Annual Communication, and
New England Lodge, No. 48, of Worthington, whose Representative had been
barred from participating in the organisation of the Grand Lodge, also sent
none. Since only four Lodges had been represented, the question mentioned
above was now raised.
The whole matter was
referred to a Committee of three, of which General Lewis Cass, afterwards
Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, was Chairman. The Committee's report stated
that the presence of five Lodges was not essential to organising a Grand
Lodge. It said that although Constitutions of several Grand Lodges, which had
been examined, contained provisions requiring the presence of five Lodges in
order to organise a Grand Lodge, and although the Committee thought it likely
that such a requirement might properly be adopted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio
whenever the number of its particular Lodges had increased, yet until the
adoption of such a regulation by the Grand Lodge, so the Committee said, the
precedent set by the Grand Lodge of England might 94 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
safely be followed. The report of the committee referred to a statement in
Preston's Illustrations of Masonry in which it is said that, at the
organisation of the Grand Lodge of England, which took place in 1717 at the
Appletree Tavern in London, only four Lodges were represented. Those were the
Lodge at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St. Paul's Churchyard; that at the
Crown Tavern in Parker's Lane near Drury Lane; that at the Appletree Tavern in
Charles Street, Covent Garden; and that at the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in
Channel Row, Westminster. Those were the only four Lodges in the south of
England at the time. In view of all this, the Committee stated that although
the laws of most Grand Lodges require the participation of five Lodges, the
ancient regulations of the Fraternity do not make any such requirement. The
report as outlined here was finally adopted, and except for the Grand Master,
who was not present, all the Grand Officers who had been elected at the
Convention of the previous year were now regularly Installed.
A letter from the
Grand Master‑elect, General Rufus Putnam, stated that his physical condition
made it impossible for him to serve, and that he was obliged to decline the
high honour which had been conferred upon him. To the great regret of
everybody, the proceedings were carried on in his absence. This Installation
of Grand Officers was merely formal, since it was necessary only in order to
complete the organisation of the Grand Lodge that had been begun the year
before. On the fourth day of the Session Grand Officers were elected and
Installed. The Grand Master was M.'. W.'. Bro. Samuel Huntington, at that time
governor of the State of Ohio. By incorporating a few necessary changes, the
Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky was adopted as the Constitution of
the Grand Lodge of Ohio. A code of By‑Laws consisting of forty‑six Articles
was adopted for the government of the Grand Lodge.
At the second Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, which convened at Chillicothe on January 1,
181o, New England Lodge, No. 48, of Worthington, was represented, but American
Union Lodge, No. i, of Marietta, for reasons not stated in the Record of the
Session, was not. Indeed, the old American Union Lodge, No. 1, was never again
represented in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. At the Annual Communication held in
1816 its Charter was declared to be null and void. The reason for this action
was that the authority of the Charter expired at the time when a Grand Lodge
was formed in Ohio. It will be recalled that the Charter of American Union
Lodge, No. i, held from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, was largely a copy
of the Charter granted by John Rowe to the Military, or Travelling, American
Union Lodge. This Charter had been destroyed by fire, as has been explained.
American Union Lodge,
No. 1, rebelled against the Grand Lodge's order that all particular Lodges
surrender their Charters to it and receive new Charters. It refused to
surrender its Charter. It even attempted to continue as an independent Lodge
after the organisation of the Grand Lodge, although it had been one of the
first Lodges to suggest an organisation Convention and had participated in the
meeting. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 95
held in 1815, strong resolutions condemning the attitude of American Union
Lodge, No. i, were adopted. The Grand Lodge declared that by refusing to
recognise its jurisdiction the rebellious Lodge had forfeited its right to
Labour and had become an unauthorised and unwarranted Lodge. The resolutions
barred all members of American Union Lodge, No. 1, and all Masons who should
sit in it with knowledge of its attitude, from again visiting or holding
membership in the loyal, legitimate Lodges of the State. American Union Lodge,
No. 1, was granted the right to hold one meeting, however, to consider the
resolutions that had been sent to it by the Grand Secretary. Having failed to
take any favourable action in the matter, American Union Lodge, No. i, lost
its Charter. An appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, but it
also refused to sanction American Union Lodge, No. i, in remaining independent
of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
At this same Annual
Communication a number of members of American Union Lodge, No. 1, which had
previously been under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts,
presented a Petition praying that a Charter for a new Lodge be granted them.
They asked that the Charter be in the nature of a revivor of their former
Charter and that it be under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. They
also prayed that their original number be retained. This petition was granted.
The Lodge became a constituent of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and from then on it
was represented in the Grand Lodge at its Annual Communications. In accordance
with earlier action by the Grand Lodge, its Roll of subordinates now retained
American Union Lodge as No. i. Nova Cxsarea Harmony Lodge became No. 2; Erie
Lodge became No. 3 ; New England Lodge became No. 4; Amity Lodge became No. 5
; and Scioto Lodge became No. 6.
From the close of the
first Annual Communication the progress of the Grand Lodge of Ohio has been
remarkable. In 18og only 4 Lodges, numbering a small group of Masons, were
represented. In 1931 the Grand Lodge num bered 618 Lodges having Zo8,SS9
Masons under their obedience. During the first ninety years of its existence
the growth of the Grand Lodge of Ohio was not at all rapid. In 1898 it had Soo
Lodges with a total membership of only 42,848. During this time it passed
through two periods of stagnation. The first period began in 1826 and
continued for several years during which " The Morgan Excitement " occurred.
The second period of stagnation commenced in the early 8o's and also lasted
for some years. During this time what was known as " The Cerneau Fight " was
waged with much bitterness and determination. It resulted in complete victory
for legitimate Freemasonry in Ohio. The civil court to which the case was
carried held that the courts should not interfere and that the Grand Lodge was
supreme since no property rights were involved. Shortly after this decision
was made the Lodges displayed great activity. Their number increased rapidly,
as has been said. The membership grew from 42,848 in 1898 to nearly Zo9,ooo,
an average annual increase of Soon members throughout the first third of the
twentieth century.
The Grand Lodge of
Ohio may justly be proud that the membership Rolls 96 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO of
its particular Lodges bear the names of many men who have distinguished
themselves not only in Masonry but also in State and national affairs. General
Rufus Putnam, elected as first Grand Master, was a distinguished American
soldier of the War for Independence. General Lewis Cass, another of its early
Grand Masters, also became Grand Master of Masons in the State of Michigan, to
which he had removed and of which he became governor. The first Installed
Grand Master was M.‑. W.‑. Bro. Samuel Huntington, who was governor of Ohio at
the time of his election. Four Presidents of the United States have held
membership in Ohio Lodges. Those were James A. Garfield, William McKinley,
William H. Taft, afterwards chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States, and Warren G. Harding. Many members of Lodges under obedience to the
Grand Lodge of Ohio have held high place in other Masonic Grand Bodies of Ohio
and in national Masonic Bodies. In all those positions they have shown a
knowledge of the fundamental precepts and teachings of the Symbolic Degrees of
Freemasonry and have strictly adhered to them.
CAPITULAR FREEMASONRY
Capitular Freemasonry was co‑existent with Symbolic Freemasonry in that part
of the Northwest Territory now known as the State of Ohio from the very
establishment of the first settlement there, made at Marietta in 1788. No Chap
ter was formally organised in the Northwest Territory, however, until 1792.
Records show an " R. A." after some names of those present at Marietta on June
28, I79o, when American Union Lodge, No. I, was organised, or reorganised, as
a Lodge to be permanently located there. These letters certainly indicate that
the participants were Royal Arch Masons. And there can be no doubt that
several of the pioneers who formed the settlements at Marietta and near
Cincinnati had received the Royal Arch Degree, perhaps in organised Chapters
of Royal Arch Masons, perhaps in connection with or supplementary to the
Master Mason Degree in the Lodge. The first unquestionable evidence of any
activity in Capitular Freemasonry in the Northwest Territory, however, was the
organisation of American Union Chapter, No. I, at Marietta. This Chapter
appears to have grown spontaneously out of the body of American Union Lodge,
No. I. For in those early days other Degrees besides the Symbolic ones were
often conferred under the authority of a Lodge Charter.
On June 16, I792, a
Royal Arch " Lodge " was opened at Marietta by Robert Oliver, Rufus Putnam,
and Griffin Green. Although described only as Master Masons, these men must
have been Royal Arch Masons as well, as the following quotation from the
Minutes of the meeting seems to show: ROYAL ARCH LODGE Under the Sanction of
American Union Lodge No. 1 MARIETTA CAMPUS MARTIUS June 16, 1792 The Lodge
convened and present Right Worshipful Brother Robert Oliver, FREEMASONRY IN
OHIO 97 Right Worshipful Brother Rufus Putnam, and Right Worshipful Brother
Griffin Green, when Brother Daniel Story, R. J. Meigs, Senior, and Joseph
Woods, all of the degree of Master Mason, were regularly advanced through the
several grades, from third to the seventh step of Masonry.
A second meeting of
the " Lodge," by which is certainly meant the Royal Arch " Lodge," was held on
December 5, 1792. At that time several persons who had not attended the first
meeting were present. Whether or not they were members of a Chapter, and to
what Chapter any of them belonged, are not shown by the Record of this
meeting. On this occasion the Chapter was formally organised by electing Rufus
Putnam as High Priest; Robert Oliver as King; Daniel Story as Scribe; R. J.
Meigs as Secretary; and Joseph Woods as Treasurer.
The following year
two meetings were held, at which three candidates were advanced to the seventh
Degree of Masonry. In advancing candidates at that time, they received the
Past Master Degree before obtaining the Mark Master Degree. Little or no other
activity was shown, however, by the " Lodge," as they seem to have persisted
in calling the Chapter, until March 4, 18oo. Then a meeting was held and two
candidates were admitted to the Past Master Degree and the Mark Master Degree.
The Minutes of that meeting read as follows Benjamin Tupper and Ichabod Nye,
two learned and skillful Masters, having petitioned on the last regular Lodge
night to be advanced to the Chair, they were balloted for and accepted, and
being in waiting, thev were admitted to the degrees of Past and Mark degrees.
These two candidates
received the Most Excellent Degree and the Royal Arch Degree On June 3 of the
same year, but following that meeting no other was held until January 5, 1804.
This is explained by the Record thus: On the night of the 22, March, 1801, the
Charter under which the American Union Lodge prosecuted its labours was
destroyed by fire, together with the furniture, etc., of the Royal Arch, and
were not renewed until November, 1803, consequently the Royal Arch did not
commence its labours until the 5th of January, 1804.
At the January
meeting Rufus Putnam was appointed as High Priest, and Benjamin Tupper as
Secretary. They were to act until the Royal Arch " Lodge " should be again
regularly established and another choice made. At an election held the
following day, Rufus Putnam was again elected High Priest and other Officers
were also chosen. It is of interest that at a subsequent meeting of this
Chapter, held on August 7, 1804, Lewis Cass, who afterwards served for three
years as Grand Master of Masons in Ohio, received all the Chapter Degrees.
At a meeting held in
1914, a Committee was appointed to inquire into the authority under which this
Chapter was established. An investigation failed to show, however, that any
statement relating to this important event had ever 98 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
been made a part of the Record. What is even more deplorable is that Records
of several Convocations of the Chapter held at about that same time are
missing. Almost a quarter of a century after the first meeting of a Royal Arch
Chapter took place at Marietta, some Companions of the Cincinnati Chapter sent
a letter to the Marietta Companions suggesting the formation of a Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Ohio. Upon receiving this letter, Joseph Wood,
John Green, and Oliver Dodge, who signed themselves as the oldest members of
the Marietta Chapter, called a meeting. At this meeting three Delegates were
appointed to attend a Convention to be held in Worthington about October 28,
1816. Thomas Smith Webb, Deputy General Grand High Priest of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States, was to be present there for the purpose of
assisting to form a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State of Ohio.
Because of the
incompleteness of the early Records there is some uncertainty as to the date
of organisation of what is now known as Cincinnati Chapter, No. 2, Royal Arch
Masons, which is located in Cincinnati. There is even more uncertainty as to
the authority under which that Chapter was organised. At an early date it
claimed the sanction of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. 1o, which was established at
Cincinnati under a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. As has been
explained, American Union Chapter, of Marietta, made a similar claim by
stating that its organisation had been sanctioned by American Union Lodge, No.
i. These contentions probably merely mean that those two Lodges understood
that, under their Charters, they had authority and power to erect Chapters of
Royal Arch Masons upon their Lodge structures without further authorisation
from a Grand Chapter. There is no evidence that either the Chapter at Marietta
or the one at Cincinnati had any Grand Chapter authority for its organisation
or claimed to have. Nor did either claim to be organised under the
Jurisdiction of any Grand Chapter. Obviously, those Lodges felt that under the
authority of their Warrants they had the right to organise Chapters of Royal
Arch Masons without higher or greater authority than the mere sanction of the
Lodge itself. That such was the case is borne out by language used in the
closing paragraph of the Minutes of a meeting of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io,
held on December S, 1799‑ It runs as follows: " Lodge adjourned to meet on
Friday for the purpose of forming a Royal Arch Lodge." Although Cincinnati
Chapter, No. 2, was formally organised into a Chapter in December 1799, with
the sanction of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. io, as will be explained later, yet
the extract below appears in the Minutes of a meet ing of that Lodge held on
February 1g, 18oo. The quotation shows how the Chapter Degrees were conferred
in the Lodge, but after closing in the Third Degree.
Present: Jacob
Burnet, W. M.; Wm. McMillen, S. W.; Thomas Gibson, J. W.; J. S. Gano, P. M. S.
D. P. T.; James Ferguson, J. D. P. T.; G. W. Burnet, Sec'y.; Abraham Carey,
Tyler, and S. Sibley, Patrick Dickey, M. M., and R.
W. Bro. John Ludlow.
After opening and closing in all three degrees as above, Sibley, Ferguson and
Dickey withdrew upon request and Lodge opened in 4th.
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
99 degree of Masonry. This trio then raised the 4th. degree and " passed the
chair " in due form. Lodge closed and opened on 5th. degree. Sibley, Ferguson
and Dickey then raised to 5th. degree of Masonry in due form and received the
mark. G. W. BURNET, Sec'y.
The Records of Nova
Cxsarea Lodge, No. io, show that at a stated meeting of the Lodge, held on
December 5, 1799, the members were directed to meet " on Friday evening next
at the Lodge room for the purpose of forming a Royal Arch Lodge." Such a
meeting appears to have been held. Those who were not above the degree of
Master Mason were requested to retire so that business might be done in the
higher Degrees. There is no information, however, as to whether or not any
formal organisation of a Chapter took place.
At this and
subsequent early meetings of the Chapter, Robert Oliver and R. J. Meigs, both
Past Masters and members of American Union Chapter, No. i, at Marietta, appear
to have been the directing heads and to have had charge. The Minutes of a
meeting under the sanction of Nova Cxsarea Lodge, No. 1o, held on " November
6, 1799," so the Record states, although this date should probably read
December 6, 1799, say that " a Lodge was opened on the 4th. step of Masonry."
These Minutes show that six candidates were " raised " to Past Master Degree.
The " Lodge " was then opened on the fifth step of Masonry and the same
candidates were " raised " to the Mark Master Degree.
Another meeting was
held on December ii, 1799. At that meeting a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters
was opened, the candidates were " raised " to that Degree, and the Chapter was
then closed. It was then again opened, this time on the Royal Arch Degree, to
which six candidates were " raised." The following excerpt from the Minutes of
the next meeting show how this Chapter, or " Lodge," was proceeding.
At a meeting of the
Royal Arch Chapter by order of the Worshipful Master under the sanction of
Nova Cxsarea Lodge No. io, on the 11th. December A. L. 5799 Present: Robert
Oliver, R. A., in the Chair; Edward Miller, R. A., R. J.
Meigs, R. A.,
Secretary Pro Tem. A Mark Lodge was opened, and no business presenting on this
step the Lodge was closed and a Most Excellent Masters Lodge was opened, when
Brothers Jacob Burnet, William MacMillen, Thomas Gibson, George W. Burnet,
John S. Gano and Abraham Carey, all Mark Masters, made application to be
raised to the degree of Most Excellent Master, and the Lodge being satisfied
that they were worthy proceeded to labour in the 6th step of Masonry, and each
of the applicants was raised accordingly. The Lodge was then closed in due
form.
The last mentioned
brethren having withdrawn a Royal Arch Lodge was opened, when the before
mentioned Most Excellent Masters made application to be raised to the degree
of Royal Arch Mason. The Lodge then proceded to labour on the 7th step of
Masonry, and the applicants above mentioned were each of them raised to the
Degree of Royal Arch Mason agreeably to their request in due and ancient form,
and having received from the chair the proper instructions in the last
mentioned degree were set to labour.
zoo FREEMASONRY IN
OHIO Companions Oliver and Meigs informed the Companions that the distance to
their place of residence [Marietta] rendered their regular attendance
inconvenient and requested the Chapter to elect proper officers in their
places, where upon the following Companions were duly elected: Jacob Burnet,
H. P., William MacMillen, K., Thomas Gibson, S., G. W. Burnet, Secretary. The
officers were then installed in their offices and respectively took their
seats. The Chap ter was then closed. R. J. MEIGS, Sec. pro tem.
Following the meeting
recounted in these Minutes all activity seems to have ceased for a while,
since the next meeting of which the Record speaks took place on March 25,
1812. On that date, twelve Royal Arch Masons met for the pur pose of reviving
interest in the Chapter Work. No real progress was made until November 16,
1812. At that time ten Companion Royal Arch Masons met in the Lodge room at
Cincinnati and appointed a Committee of five members to arrange a uniform mode
of Working. On November 28, 1812, the Committee made a report which was
approved, and at the same time another Committee was appointed to procure
paraphernalia for the proposed Chapter. Minutes of this meeting say that " it
was unanimously agreed to be unnecessary to apply for a Charter; it was deemed
legal where a sufficient number of Companions be found, and having a lawful
Master's Warrant, to establish a Holy Royal Arch Chapter." The next day,
November 2ca, 1812, plans were carried into effect, according to the Record.
On December 12, 1812,
a Mark Master Lodge numbering eleven Companions was opened according to
ancient custom. At an election, Edwin Matthews was chosen as High Priest,
Samuel Ramsey as King, and John S. Gano as Arch Scribe. Other line Officers
were also selected. According to the Minutes " the Grand Chief and Subordinate
Officers being enrolled and seated in order, the Chapter was considered fully
established, and the Scribe was ordered to Record the same,' bearing its date
from this day, to wit: the 12th day of December, the year of Redemption one
thousand eight hundred and twelve, and of Masonry five thousand eight hundred
and twelve." From this time on the Cincinnati Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
prospered. As has been said, in 1816 this Chapter first proposed forming a
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Ohio, and sent out circulars asking the
co‑operation of other Chapters in the State. In a letter written by Thomas
Smith Webb, Deputy General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons, some time prior to the organisation of the Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, he said he believed that the Cincinnati Chapter had
a legal existence as early as 1798. As yet, however, no ground for any such
belief has been found. On March 8, 1815, a Dispensation was issued by
Alexander McCormick, Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of Maryland, to James Kilbourne and others of Worthington, Ohio,
granting permission for the location of a Chapter at that place. This was to
be known as the Horeb Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. James Kilbourne was named
as first High Priest. A resolution FREEMASONRY IN OHIO I0I adopted at a
meeting of the Grand Chapter of Maryland held on November IS, 1815, gave the
Grand Officers power to grant a Charter to Horeb Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
in case application were made by February following. Meanwhile the
Dispensation under which the Chapter Worked was to be continued. Maryland
Records do not show that any such Charter was ever issued, nor is there any
reliable information proving that Horeb Chapter was ever organised under a
Charter.
Upon receiving the
letter of October I, 1816, sent out by Companions of the Cincinnati Chapter,
Delegates from American Union Chapter of Marietta, from Horeb Chapter of
Worthington, and from Cincinnati Chapter of Cincinnati met at Worthington on
October 2I to consider the formation of a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
in Ohio. Companion James Kilbourne, P. H. P., was chosen as Chairman of the
Convention and Companion Benjamin Gardiner was chosen as Secretary. When the
qualifications of the Delegates had been approved, those present adopted a
resolution declaring it right and expedient to establish a Grand Royal Arch
Chapter in the State. At an adjourned Session held on October z4., 1816, a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened and the following Grand Officers were
elected: Samuel Hoit of Marietta, Grand High Priest; Chester Griswold of
Worthington, Deputy Grand High Priest; Davis Embree of Cincinnati, Grand King;
Calvin Washburn of Cincinnati, Grand Scribe; Benjamin Gardiner of Columbus,
Grand Secretary; and Lincoln Goodale of Columbus, Grand Treasurer. Other Grand
Officers were appointed. Five days later, on October z9, 1816, the Chapter
went as a procession to the Worthington Academy, accompanied by Thomas Smith
Webb, Deputy General Grand High Priest, and Peter Grinnel, General Grand
Treasurer of the General Grand Chapter. The former Installed the Grand
Officers‑elect. At a meeting later held in the Chapter room, the three
Chapters that had participated were Inscribed on the Roll of Grand Chapter
Subordinates and a Charter was issued to each. The Chapters were American
Union Chapter, No. I, Cincinnati Chapter, No. 2, and Horeb Chapter, No. 3.
And thus was formed
the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio. Its existence of
more than a century has been singularly free from internal strife. Its growth
has been substantial and satisfactory, for it now has 2‑o9 Constituent
Chapters with a total membership of over 76,ooo.
THE ORDER OF HIGH
PRIESTHOOD As is well known, membership in the Order of High Priesthood is
limited to Present and Past High Priests who have been elected to preside over
Constituted Chapters of Royal Arch Masons. Those who receive the Degree are
said to be Anointed, Consecreated, and set apart to the Holy Order of High
Priesthood. In some States the organisation is known as a Convention, or Grand
Convention, of High Priests, but in Ohio it has always been called a Council,
or Grand Council, of Anointed High Priests.
102 FREEMASONRY IN
OHIO On January 15, 1828, a regular number of members who had received the
Order of High Priesthood met in Columbus, Ohio, and organised themselves into
a Council of Anointed High Priests for the purpose of conferring the Order
upon all qualified Masons who desired to receive it. At an election these
Officers were chosen: John Snow, President; Charles R. Sherman,
Vice‑President; Joshua Downer, Chaplain; Pratt Benedict, Treasurer; Bela
Latham, Secretary; William Greene, Master of Ceremonies; James Gates,
Conductor; and James Pearce, Herald. Minutes of annual meetings of this Order,
if kept, have always been printed with the Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. No Minutes appeared from 1830 to 1838 while " The
Morgan Excitement ä was going on.
Ohio has the largest
Grand Council of Anointed High Priests in the world. Although this Body has no
way of showing its total annual membership, as do other Masonic Bodies,
nevertheless the classes have annually averaged about loo members for the last
thirty years. This is a far larger membership than can be shown elsewhere.
At the Triennial
Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, held at Topeka,
Kansas, in 1894, Officers of Grand Councils and Grand Conventions of Anointed
High Priests of various States held a meeting. Most Eminent Companion John W.
Chamberlin, who for ten years had been President of the Grand Council of
Anointed High Priests of Ohio, was chosen Chairman of a Committee to revise
and rewrite the Ritual of the Order. He did this very satisfactorily. The
Ritual he prepared, known as the " Chamberlin Ritual," is now used in many
States.
CRYPTIC FREEMASONRY
The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Ohio was
organised in Worthington on January 6, 1830. Five Councils represented at that
meeting participated in the organisation. They were Cincinnati Council, No. I;
Steubenville Council, No. z; Adoniram Council, NO. 3; Lancaster Council, No.
4, and Chillicothe Council, No. 5.
More than two years
before, on October 24, 1827, thirteen Royal and Select Masters had assembled
in the Masonic Hall at Cincinnati to consider the organisation of a Council of
Royal and Select Masters in that city. After choosing Robert Punshon as
Chairman and Elias Dudley as Secretary the meeting adopted a resolution
declaring it expedient to form a Council of Royal and Select Masters in
Cincinnati. The resolution also directed that Illustrious Companion John
Barker, " Agent of the Supreme Council," then in Cincinnati, be solicited to
organise the Council and grant it a Charter. A Committee advised Companion
Barker of the wishes of those who had assembled and requested his presence in
the Lodge room. After his introduction and reception, Companion Barker
organised a Council of Royal and Select Masters in due form and " agreeably to
the powers vested in him by the Supreme Council in the United States of
America." At the election of Officers Robert Punshon was chosen as Thrice 102
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 103 Illustrious Grand Master, Robert T. Lytle as
Illustrious Deputy Grand Master; and Joseph Jonas as Principal Conductor of
the Work. Companion Barker then granted a Charter for Cincinnati Council, No.
i, to be held at Cincinnati. The Charter is signed " John Barker, K.H.S.P.R.S.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty‑third Degree and General Agent
of the Supreme Council in the United States of America." This Council has been
active and flourishing throughout its entire existence.
The four other
Councils which united with that of Cincinnati in 1830 to form the Grand
Council of Ohio were also organised under Charters granted by Illustrious
Companion Barker. These Charters were essentially like that issued to
Cincinnati Council, No. 1, and of essentially the same form. The Charter of
Adoniram Council, No. 3, is dated January 1, 1828, and that of Chillicothe
Council, No. S, is dated January 18, 1828. The dates of the Charters issued to
Steubenville Council, No. 2, and to Lancaster Council, No. 4, are unknown, but
the former was probably issued in November or December, 1827, and the latter
in January, 1828.
The authority of John
Barker to organise Councils of Royal and Select Masters and to issue Charters
to them, as agent of the Mother Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite Masons of the United States, seems never to have been
questioned. It is, however, unusual for agents and even for Officers of
Masonic Grand Bodies to issue Charters, since such Warrants are commonly
issued only by the governing Body.
On January 6, 1830,
in response to a request made by Cincinnati Council, No. i, Representatives
from that Council and from Steubenville Council, No. 2, Adoniram Council, No.
3, Lancaster Council, No. 4, and Chillicothe Council, No. 5, met in
Worthington to consider the advisability of forming a Grand Council of Royal
and Select Masters in the State of Ohio. Companion Robert T. Lytle of
Cincinnati Council, No. i, was chosen Chairman of the Convention, and
Companion William James Reese of Lancaster Council, No. 4, was appointed
Secretary. After the object of the Convention had been made known, a
resolution declaring it expedient to form a Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters in the State of Ohio was unanimously adopted. At an adjourned Session
of the Convention, held on the afternoon of the same day, a Constitution that
had been prepared by a Committee was adopted. Next, Grand Officers were
elected, Companion Robert Punshon of Cincinnati Council, No. 1, having been
chosen as the first Puissant Grand Master. The Convention was then dissolved.
Immediately afterwards the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters was
regularly opened. The Constitution that had been adopted was recognised as the
Constitution of the Grand Council, and the Proceedings of the Convention were
approved. Charters under which the five Councils had been Working were ordered
to be transmitted to the Grand Recorder. He was to issue new Charters in
exchange for them.
In such fashion the
Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in the State of Ohio was organised.
The growth of this Grand Council has been remarkable, 104 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
and for many years it has been the largest in the world, with 98 Constituent
Councils having a total membership in the neighborhood of 43,000.
THE ORDERS OF
KNIGHTHOOD The Orders of Christian Knighthood have no Masonic connection
whatever with Ancient Craft Masonry, yet membership in Lodge and Chapter is
prerequisite to membership in a Commandery of Knights Templar. These Orders
now form part of what is sometimes called the American System of Freemasonry.
Consequently it is well to recount the organisation and early activities of
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in the State of Ohio.
From the time of
their establishment and, indeed, until 1867, the Templar Bodies of Ohio were
known as " Encampments." In 1856, however, the General Grand Encampment of
Knights Templar of the United States of America so amended its Constitution as
to affect the use of that term. The word " Encampment " was left unchanged in
its own title, but was changed to " Commandery " in the titles of all
Encampments and Grand Encampments under its jurisdiction. The amendment also
provided that the presiding Officer of each Grand Commandery was to be known
as " Grand Commander," that of each Subordinate Commandery as "Commander." The
Grand Encampment of Knights Templars in Ohio rebelled against these changes.
It refused to comply with orders of the General Grand Encampment until it
could hold an Annual Conclave. That was done in 1857. The Constitution was
then amended, and the words " Commandery " and " Commander " have been used by
the Grand and Subordinate Templar Bodies of the State ever since. It is a
trifling matter of interest that the original Constitution of the Grand
Encampment of Ohio used the double plural‑" Knights Templars." This double
plural was also used in the Records of the Grand Commandery of the State until
192.2., since when only the word " Knight " has been pluralised.
Mt. Vernon Commandery,
No. I, originally located at Worthington but now at Columbus, was the first
Encampment established west of the Allegheny Mountains by the General Grand
Encampment of the United States. On March 14, 1818, Thomas Smith Webb, Deputy
Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, answered a
petition by issuing a Dispensation to John Snow, Knight Templar, Knight of
Malta and of the Red Cross, authorising him to " congregate and assemble
together in the Town of Worthington, in the State of Ohio, a sufficient and
legal number of the above mentioned Orders, and to open a Council and
Encampment in the said Town and therein confer said Orders upon such tried and
worthy Companions of the Royal Arch as may make application for the same."
Unless revoked, this Dispensation was to remain in force for a period of three
months. It was then to be returned with a report of work done. Under authority
of this Dispensation, Sir Knight John Snow summoned all the Sir Knights living
within forty miles to assemble at the Masonic Hall in Worthington, Ohio. In
obedience to this FREEMASONRY IN OHIO 1105 summons Thomas Smith Webb, hailing
from the General Grand Encampment of the United States and from the Grand
Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island; John Snow, hailing from St.
John's Encampment of Rhode Island; and Frederick Curtis, hailing from Ireland,
met on March 15, 1818. After exchanging credentials those men proceeded to
open a Council of Red Cross Knights, and to confer the Order upon two
candidates. Five days later, on March z.o, 1818, an Encampment of Knights
Templars was opened and the Order of the Temple and of Malta were conferred
upon one candidate. Thus were the Orders of Knighthood formally organised in
Ohio.
At the Triennial
Conclave of the General Grand Encampment held in New York City on September
16, 1819, Sir Knight John Snow of Worthington reported the progress that had
been made by Mt. Vernon Encampment under its Dispensation and asked that a
Charter be granted to it. A resolution authorising the Charter was adopted and
it was issued on the very same day. This Charter has been carefully preserved
by the Mt. Vernon Commandery. Except that the signature of the General Grand
Master, of the General Grand Captain‑General, and of the General Grand
Recorder have entirely faded out, the document is still in a good state of
preservation. Because of its historical interest it is reprinted in full
below.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY
CONCERN The General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars the appendant Orders
for the United States of America, convened and assembled in the City of New
York in the State of New York, September 16th, A.D. 1819, send greeting.
Whereas a petition
has been presented at this General Grand Encampment from John Snow, Chester
Griswold, Roger Searle, Joseph S. Hughes, James Kilbourne, Levi Pinny,
Benjamin Gardner, William Little, Chauncey Barber, Mark Seeley, residents in
the town of Worthington in the state of Ohio, all true and courteous Knights
of the Red Cross, Knights Templars and Knights of Malta, stating that they
have heretofore assembled together under a warrant of dispensation from the
late Deputy General Grand Master, Thomas Smith Webb, Esq., and therefore pray
for a charter, extending and forming under them the right and privileges of a
regularly constituted Encampment. Now be it known that the General Grand
Encampment aforesaid, considering that the interest of the institution will be
promoted by granting the prayer of said petition, have authorised and
empowered, and by these presence, authorize and empower the said John Snow,
his associates above named, to form, open and hold a regularly constituted
Encampment of the valiant and magnanimous Orders of Knights of the Red Cross,
Knights Templars and Knights of Malta of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem,
by the name, style and title of Mt. Vernon Encampment, to confer those Orders
respectively upon tried and worthy candidates, made By‑Laws and ordinances for
their own government, and to admit members and to do and transact all such
matters and things as are lawful and proper to be done in such an assemblage,
and furthermore we do hereby declare the rank and precedence of the said Mt.
Vernon Encampment in the General Grand Encampment and elsewhere to be from the
sixth day of io6 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO June, A.D. 1818 and from the said Mt.
Vernon Encampment, we do name and appoint Sir John Snow to be the first Grand
Commander, Sir Chester Griswold to be the first Generalissimo, the Rev. Sir
Roger Searle to be the first Captain General, Rev. Sir Joseph S. Hughes to be
the first Prelate, Sir James Kilbourne to be the first Senior Warden, Sir Levi
Pinny to be the first junior Warden, and Sir Benjamin Gardner to be the first
Treasurer, and Sir William Little to be the first Recorder, and we do hereby
enjoin it upon said Mt. Vernon Encampment to be particular in making their
return to the General Grand Recorder, and the payment of their dues to the
General Grand Treasurer, and to conform in all things to the Constitution and
edicts of the General Grand Encampment, otherwise the charter and the
privileges hereby granted shall cease and to be of no further validity.
In testimony whereof
we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the General Grand
Encampment to be hereunto affixed the day and year first above written. HENRY
FoWLE, Deputy General Grand Master. JOHN Show, General Grand Generalissimo.
The Mt. Vernon
Encampment was organised under its Charter on September Zo, 182o. Although it
received no number on its original Charter, it became Encampment No. i because
it was the first Encampment Chartered in the State. At the second Session of
the Grand Encampment of Ohio, held at Columbus in October 1844, the Mt. Vernon
Encampment was authorised to hold its meetings there from then on instead of
at Worthington as provided in the Charter. From the beginning of its
activities this Commandery has been a leader in the State.
On December 16, 1835,
a Charter was issued by the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the
United States to some Sir Knights of Lancaster for an Encampment to be known
as Lancaster Encampment, No. 2. On Sep tember 17, 1841, a Charter was granted
and issued to Cincinnati Encampment, No. 3, of Cincinnati. The General Grand
Encampment issued a Dispensation to some Sir Knights of Massillon on July S,
1843, authorising them to form and open an Encampment at that place to be
known as Massillon Encampment, No. 4. On July 22, 1843, a Dispensation was
issued by the General Grand Encampment for an Encampment at Mt. Vernon to be
known as Clinton Encampment, No. 5.
Representatives from
the five Ohio Encampments met at Lancaster on October 24, 1843, in response to
a Warrant that had been issued on September Zo, 1841, by the General Grand
Encampment of the United States. This War rant authorised the Ohio Encampments
to Constitute a Grand Encampment of Knights Templar and appendant Orders for
the State. Those present then formally organised a Grand Encampment of Knights
Templars for the State of Ohio, and elected and Installed Officers. The Grand
Encampment formed, now known as the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of
Ohio, has 79 Subordinate Commanderies on its Roll with a membership of over
32,000.
FREEMASONRY IN OHIO
107 SCOTTISH RITE FREEMASONRY That branch of Freemasonry known as the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite did not make its appearance in Ohio until long after
the York Rite Bodies had been established. There is some evidence, however,
that in 1827 John Barker, Thirty‑third Degree, member of the Supreme Council
of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern jurisdiction, conferred
upon Masons residing in Cincinnati at least some of the Degrees of the Rite
under claim of authority from that Supreme Body. Candidates were obliged to
cross the Ohio River into Kentucky in order to receive the Degrees. The names
of those early candidates are not now known, nor is there any evidence at all
of their having been active in behalf of the Scottish Rite in Ohio.
The beginning of the
correspondence that resulted in organising Scottish Rite Bodies in Ohio was a
letter written by Absalom Death, of Cincinnati, to the Grand Secretary‑General
of the Supreme Grand Council for the Northern Jurisdiction. The letter was
received on December 13, 1848, though no immediate action seems to have been
taken. Early in 1852, however, a Dispensation was issued for a Lodge of
Perfection and a Council of Princes of Jerusalem at Columbus. These Bodies
fitted up a Hall for their use but at the end of two years it was torn down to
make way for business improvements. After two years of idleness the
Dispensation under which the Bodies had been working was returned. Meantime, a
Dispensation was issued to seven members who had received the fourteenth to
sixteenth Degrees, inclusive, on December 17, 1852. It authorised a Grand
Lodge of Perfection and a Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem to be located
in Cincinnati. The Grand Lodge of Perfection received the name " Gibulum," a
word used as an exclamation at that time but having no signification under the
present Ritual. The name " Dalcho " was given to the Grand Council of Princes
of Jerusalem. Under authority of a Dispensation dated January Zo, 1853, those
two Bodies were formally Instituted and their Officers were elected and
Installed on the following April 27 by Killian H. Van Rensselaer, Thirty‑third
Degree, Deputy for Western Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Under authority of a
Dispensation issued by M. P. Edward A. Raymond, Sovereign Grand Commander of
the Supreme Council, the Ohio Sovereign Consistory of Most Valiant and
Illustrious Sublime Princes and Commanders of the Royal Secret was formally
organised and Instituted at Cincinnati on December 27, 1853. Its Officers were
elected that same day. This Dispensation granted authority to confer Degrees
from the seventeenth to the thirty‑second, inclusive, but no candidate could
receive the thirtieth, thirty‑first, or thirty‑second Degrees without a
Dispensation from the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council or from
his Deputy. William B. Hubbard, one of the most distinguished Masons of his
day, was chosen as Sovereign Grand Commander. Killian H. Van Rensselaer, also
well known for his Masonic activity, was chosen as First Lieutenant‑Commander
and as Grand Secretary and Grand io8 FREEMASONRY IN OHIO Treasurer. On March
23, 1853, the Cincinnati Bodies under Dispensation applied to the Supreme
Council for Charters. Because a resolution required six months of Work under
Dispensation, the Charters were not granted at that time. On May 4, 1854,
authority was voted by the Supreme Council for the granting of Charters to the
Lodge, Council, and Consistory, but prior to 1857 none seem to have been
issued under this authority. On May 14, 1857, the Committee on Returns in the
Supreme Council recommended that Charters be granted to Gibulum Grand Lodge of
Perfection and Dalcho Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem. Eleven days later
Charters for Lodge, Council, Chapter, and Consistory were ready for delivery.
Those were dated as follows: Lodge and Council Charter, March 24, 1853;
Chapter Charter, May 14, 1857; Consistory Charter, January 8, 1856. All those
Charters were destroyed by fire on December 24, 1884. On December 25, 1857,
Cincinnati Sovereign Grand Chapter of Rose Croix, having received a Charter,
took over the conferring of the seventeenth and eighteenth Degrees.
For the first third
of a century after the granting of a Charter to the Ohio Consistory, Scottish
Rite Freemasonry in this State did not rapidly increase in membership. About
1890, however, greater interest was shown and since then there has been a
steady and satisfactory increase. There are now more than 36,ooo Sublime
Princes of the Royal Secret in Ohio.
Other Bodies
conferring the Degrees up to and including the eighteenth were organised in
Ohio at the following places on the dates named: Cambridge, May 14, 1857;
Cleveland, May i9, 1866; Columbus, September 1o, 1877; Dayton, September 22,
188o; Toledo, September Zo, 1881. Until the organisation of the Lake Erie
Consistory at Cleveland under a Charter issued on September 18, 18go, all
candidates from these Bodies were obliged to go to the Ohio Consistory in
order to obtain the Consistorial Degrees. A Charter was granted to the Scioto
Consistory at Columbus on September Zo, i_goo; to the Toledo Consistory on
September 21, 1905; and to the Dayton Consistory on September 18, 1907; and to
the Canton Consistory in 1932.
FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA CHARLES E. CREAGEN HE story of Freemasonry in Oklahoma offers romance
and comedy, personal sacrifice which almost touches the sublime, and such
courage and fortitude as distinguish the pioneers of the Southwest. It is the
story of a wonderful development, a triumph achieved only through ambition,
determination, and patient perseverance. Who really sowed the first Masonic
seed in what is now the State of Oklahoma, who nourished the tender shoots, or
when and how those benefactors of mankind laid the first foundation‑stones
will never be definitely known. It is sufficient to know, though, that from
the very earliest days of the region that now constitutes Oklahoma, Masonic
influence played an important part in every development.
The accurate historic
Record of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma begins with the Proceedings of a formal
Convention assembled in Caddo, Indian Territory, on Monday, October 5, 1874.
The date of the actual beginning of organ ised Masonry within the present
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge is the date of the Dispensation of the first
Masonic Lodge, that is, November 9, 1848, when Cherokee Lodge, No. 2.1, came
into regular existence under authority of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. But in
those days Arkansas Lodges, even those which formed the nucleus of the
wonderful Grand Lodge of Arkansas, depended largely upon the support of
Brethren who were residents of the Indian country. Kentucky gave Arkansas her
first Lodge on June z4, 1818, but long before that such distinguished Brethren
as Captain Zebulon Pike, the explorer, Colonel Matthew Arbuckle, the famous
soldier who first established organised government under the Stars and Stripes
in the Arkansas Valley, Matthew Leeper, Indian agent and personal friend of
Bro. Andrew Jackson, Pierre Choteau, Indian trader and pioneer, and the famous
Indian chieftains, Peter P. Pitchlyn, a Choctaw, and John Ross, a Cherokee,
had " held Masonic Communication with their Brethren " in the Indian country.
It is impossible to
write the history of industrial, social, or political Oklahoma without taking
into serious account the important part played by Indians. Indeed, Indians are
the real founders of what is now a great State and a great Grand Lodge.
Without their consent, development measured by the standard of the white man's
civilisation would have been utterly impossible, and without their assistance
and influence very little could have been log i 1o FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA
accomplished in any worthy enterprise. Indian philosophy, Indian tradition,
Indian religion, and Indian economics are all features which must be
understood before the growth of the State of Oklahoma Masonry can be
understood.
Popular ideas and
notions concerning the Oklahoma Indian are for the most part, erroneous.
Perhaps no people in all the world have been so unkindly treated by the
historian and the fiction writer as the American Indian. Frequently the idea
is given that the quality known as " courage " in a white man is " brutality "
in an Indian. For example, the result of any battle was either a " victory "
for the white man or a " massacre " by the Indian. Too, the notion is quite
prevalent that the Indian is proverbially " lazy " because he procured food,
raiment, and shelter by means other than those adopted by the less skillful
and less patient white man. Thus odious comparisons have multiplied until the
Indian up to this good hour is thoroughly‑and perhaps
shamefully‑misunderstood.
For present purposes
let it be simply stated that when the Indians of the Five Civilised Tribes,
that is the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole groups, were
driven from the Eastern coast and Tennessee‑at the point of the bayonet‑to
lands west of the Mississippi River, they came with well‑organised socialistic
governments, with schools and churches of their own, and (a fact too often
overlooked) with a philosophy of their own. Like ours, their governments
included three branches, legislative, judicial, and executive. Their laws,
honestly and efficiently enforced, were a credit to the conglomeration of "
statutes " made by the modern white man. Their courts were fair, impartial,
and intelligent. The two outstanding Indian leaders of early Indian Territory
were Peter P. Pitchlyn and John Ross‑both personal friends of Abraham Lincoln.
Charles Dickens rendered to Chief Pitchlyn one of the highest compliments paid
to any American citizen by that skilled social observer. Both chieftains were
able statesmen. Both were Master Masons.
The affairs of the
Indian country were administered from Washington through " agencies "
established along the Arkansas frontier. Besides the Indian governments of the
Five Civilised Tribes, the United States War Department exercised certain
authority over the Indians. Among the officers who played important parts in
the early drama were Colonel Arbuckle and other Master Masons. The effect of
the influence of those great men is shown in the Oklahoma of the present and
in the Masonry of the State.
For a long time the
Lodges at Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, all in Arkansas, were the
only Masonic homes which the Indian Territory Brethren could enjoy. Their
membership, of course, represented almost every Grand Lodge from Connecticut
to Louisiana. Quite a few were members of Lodges in Virginia and the District
of Columbia.
Fort Gibson having
been established at the confluence of the Grand, the Verdigris, and the
Arkansas rivers, and Fort Towson on the Red River, the Brethren of the Indian
Territory became eager to establish more accessible Ma sonic bases.
Accordingly, the Brethren at Tahlaquah, seat of Cherokee Indian FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA III activities, Petitioned the Grand Lodge of Arkansas for a Charter.
The most prominent officials in the affairs of the army and of the Cherokee
Indians became affiliated with this Lodge. It prospered from 1848 until the
dark days of the Civil War. Not to be outdone by their Cherokee Brethren, the
Choctaw Masons, also including many army men stationed at Fort Towson,
Petitioned the Grand Lodge of Arkansas for a Lodge. As a result, November 4,
1852, saw Doaksville Lodge, No. 52, regularly Chartered. This Lodge also
succumbed to the ravages of the war. At their Agency the Creek Indians also
organised a Lodge which was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Arkansas on
November 9, 185 5. This was known as Mus‑co‑gee Lodge, No. 93. Among the
members of this Lodge were Chief Justice George W. Stidham and tribal
treasurer Ben Marshall. The latter held office without bond for more than
thirty years. During his official career he received and disbursed more than
$15,ooo,ooo, nearly all in currency, without a single discrepancy in his
accounts. Then on November 9, 1853, a second Cherokee Indian Lodge was set to
Work under another Charter from the Grand Lodge of Arkansas.
The difficulties
which the four frontier Lodges were obliged to overcome will be better
appreciated when it is understood that they were scattered over an area of
more than 6ooo square miles. Yet those early Bodies not only served as social
centres, but they were also the principal encouragement and support of the
early missionaries and of the churches. They actually established and
maintained schools. They housed the only available public libraries in the
several communities. Brethren rode as far as a hundred miles on horseback in
all kinds of weather to attend Lodge.
The Cherokee Indians
were divided as to politics, feuds between two factions having been brought
with them from the East. Nevertheless, leaders of both factions assembled
before the Masonic Altar, performed their Masonic duties, and in their public
lives discharged their Masonic obligations cheerfully and fully. It is
recorded that during a severe dispute over the terms of a treaty then in
negotiation with the government, the partisans attended a Communication of
Federal Lodge, No. I, in Washington. At that meeting Chief Ross himself was
Raised. The next day the dispute was amicably adjusted, and the treaty
consummated.
Evil days fell upon
the Indian Territory when the Northern and Southern sections of the country
became involved in war. The Indian did not understand the situation. He was
not concerned in the struggle except to grieve that men of intelligence and
integrity should permit themselves to engage in civil strife. The Indian could
not enter into the spirit of the times. He had no one to hate. Nothing in his
own sphere was involved in the dispute. It was a white man's battle and he
tried to stand aloof. But as actual hostilities developed, the Indian found
himself more deeply concerned than he wished to be. The government of the
United States, which had pledged protection, had all it could do to protect
its own interests. Soldiers, placed at strategic points within the borders of
the Indian country, were rushed away to defend more important cities and
proper‑ III FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA ties. The Indian's confidence in the
government wavered. On the other hand, such a thing as a rival government was
beyond his understanding. It was an experiment to him. Though Indian leaders
admonished the observance of strict neutrality, both of the belligerent
factions sent influential messengers into the Territory in the hope of
enlisting sympathy at first and soldiers later. Before the Indian was really
aware of what was going on about him, regiments of soldiers had been recruited
by both North and South. Then came actual fighting, and without real warning
the Indian country began to go to ruin between two fires.
While the storms of
battle were raging, Indian homes were laid waste. Schools, churches, farms,
and buildings were wiped out of existence. Lodges could not meet. A beautiful
Masonic Hall at Doaksville was burned to the ground. Lodge furniture of all
four Lodges in the region was destroyed or carried away. Long after the war
the Charter of Flint Lodge was recovered from an Indian who had found it in
the woods. There were no Communications, no reports to the Grand Lodge.
Darkness completely shrouded the Masonic horizon.
At the height of
hostilities, General Albert Pike of the Confederate Army, then unknown to
Masonry, won the confidence and friendship of many leading Indians. His Indian
agent for the Creeks and Seminoles was a young Baptist missionary from
Georgia, the Rev. Joseph Samuel Murrow. The preacher‑agent distributed among
the refugees, who were huddled in camps at safe distances from the firing
line, such supplies of beef and other rations as he could procure. Religious
meetings were held wherever and whenever opportunity permitted. Rev. Murrow
earned the lasting love of those people.
The Indians recovered
more rapidly from the devastation of the war than did the white people of the
South. In their territory there were no railroads or factories or large cities
to restore. New cabins rose from the ashes of the old. Willing hands, directed
by such men as Murrow, soon built new churches and new schoolhouses. All four
Lodges resumed Labour. But officially they had passed out of existence, for no
reports had been sent to the Grand Lodge, no Representatives had attended its
meetings. Though not revoked, Charters had automatically lapsed. An exception
occurred, however, in the case of Mus‑cogee Lodge, No. 93. Its Charter was
officially revoked, but the Brethren did not know of their Masonic " death, "
so that they continued to Work, as lively Masonic " corpses " should do. The
Lodge later became one of the constituent Bodies of the first Grand Lodge.
On July II, 1868, the
Grand Master of Arkansas issued his Dispensation to Rev. Murrow and some other
Brethren to establish a Lodge at Bogey Depot in the Choctaw Nation. Later it
was Chartered as Ok‑la‑ho‑ma Lodge. Shortly afterwards, by consent of the
Grand Lodge of Arkansas, Doaksville Lodge was revived. Meantime another Lodge
had been Chartered in the Choctaw Nation near the present site of Wheelock
Academy, but it was short lived. In due time one of the Cherokee Lodges was
re‑established, and a Lodge was Instituted at Fort Gibson, under the auspices
of the Grand Lodge of Kansas. Still another FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA Lodge was
organised at Caddo, then a terminus of the newly built Missouri, Kansas and
Texas Railroad. By this time the region had taken on new growth and was in its
first stage of industrial development. Masonry flourished. The Brethren became
ambitious. Town sites having been opened along the new railroad line, the
ingress of white settlers made social problems more complex. The demands upon
Masonry increased. There was little occasion for charity or Masonic courtesy,
but the Lodges were in large measure regarded as civic centres, the Brethren
as leading citizens. Though Masonry was in no sense made an instrument of law
enforcement, the fact remains and should be recorded that in those days civic
reforms frequently originated in Masonic Lodges.
On October 5, 1874,
Representatives of Caddo Lodge, No. 31 I, Mus‑co‑gee Lodge, No. 93, and
Doaksville Lodge, No. 279, met in Caddo for the purpose of organising a Grand
Lodge. Since Murrow opposed the movement, Ok‑la‑ho‑ma Lodge was not
represented, nor were Flint Lodge, Cherokee Lodge, and Fort Gibson Lodge. Only
half the Lodges constituent to Arkansas were present, and less than half of
the whole number were there. Nor was a majority of the total membership on
hand. Nevertheless, those present deemed it both wise and expedient to launch
the movement, and accordingly a complete organisation was effected with Bro.
Granville McPherson as the first Grand Master.
The lineal descent of
the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory was from the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina, organised in 1754 under the allegiance of the " moderns." The Grand
Lodge of Tennessee organised by Lodges constituent to the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina, in 1807, and the Grand Lodge of Arkansas originally composed of
Lodges that had been Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 183 5 .
The infant Grand
Lodge of Oklahoma was regarded rather dubiously by most of the other Grand
Lodges, and in consequence formal recognition of it by them came rather
slowly. It was well known that the membership consisted largely of Indians
whom persons not directly informed regarded as Masonic material of
questionable value. The country was indeed " wild and wooly," as was commonly
said, the hills of the eastern part of the region being the rendezvous of
outlaws, renegades, and fugitives from justice.
Because of his
literary attainments, his notable work as a missionary, and his Masonic
activities, Bro. Murrow was more widely known than the Officers of the Grand
Lodge. In his correspondence files are many letters of inquiry from Josiah
Drummond, Albert Pike, and other distinguished Masons throughout the country,
in which they inquire about the status of the new Grand Lodge and ask whether
or not it would be proper to accept its Representatives. Bro. Murrow's replies
were invariably considerate of the enterprise, and his praise for the Indian
Mason and citizen commonly set the inquiring Masons right. Skepticism
gradually vanished, and by 1876 two more Lodges (one of which was the
Ok‑la‑ho‑ma Lodge headed by Bro. Murrow, having come into the fold, the Grand
Lodge of the Indian Territory had been accepted by the Grand Lodges of Texas,
Arkansas, Indiana, Maine, New York, Maryland, and some other States. Kansas,
how‑ FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA 115 the appointment was received, he and several
other Brethren " had started after a bunch of horse thieves." They were gone
ten days. Having been absent that long, it is quite evident that the trail was
not abandoned and the fate of the pursued may be easily conjectured.
Masonic activities in
the early days of Indian Territory were not confined to the narrow limits of
the Lodge. Chief Ross and Chief Pitchlyn had been made Royal Arch Masons
before the war between the States. Grand Master Mc Pherson had served as an
Officer in the Chapter at Little Rock before he had cast his fortune with the
Indians; Grand Master Murrow had been made a Royal Arch Mason in Texas before
his Oklahoma Lodge had been Chartered. The eminent success which had attended
the efforts of the Lodges was sufficient urge for the Royal Craft to enter the
field, and accordingly, on February 23, 1878, M.‑. E.‑. General Grand High
Priest John Frizzell issued his Dispensation to organise Indian Chapter, at
McAlester, in the Choctaw Nation. Colonel E. J. Brooks, of the United States
Army, then on duty in Indian Territory, was the High Priest, U. D., Companion
Murrow was King, and Judge Stidham, of the Creek Supreme Court, was Scribe.
The membership for the most part came from Bellevue Chapter, at Fort Smith,
Arkansas. This beginning of Capitular Masonry flourished beyond the
expectations of its sponsors. Although centrally located, it was not
accessible to all the Masons who desired " further Light," and accordingly, on
September 11, 1879, another Chapter was authorised to be located at Atoka,
where Companion Murrow had moved from Bogey Depot. Sometime later in order
that the Companions of the Cherokee country would not be obliged to spend
three days away from home to attend a Convocation, a third Chapter was
Instituted at Tahlequah. Later, an ill‑timed effort to encourage the Craft
resulted in the establishment of another Chapter at Savannah, but it did not
prosper. Still another effort at Burneyville failed for want of support. In
order to set this Chapter to Work, Companion Murrow and several others drove
teams across country, camped on the open prairie at night, and depended upon
their rifles for subsistence. They opened the Chapter on June 24, called off
and resumed in due courses until late in the night on July 27 in order to
complete their Work, and then returned overland to their homes.
The large measure of
success which had attended the Grand Lodge encouraged the Companions of the
Royal Arch to undertake an identity of their own. During the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge in 1889, the Royal Arch Masons in attendance
held a conference and proceeded in the regular way to organise a Grand
Chapter. Later, a Convention was held. The matter was presented formally to
General Grand High Priest Larner, who denied the Petition. Reporting his
action to the General Grand Chapter at Atlanta, on November Zo, 1889, the
General Grand High Priest, recalling several unfortunate situations in the
Grand Lodge of Indian Territory, remarked: " the ethical tendencies of the
Masons out in that wild country hardly commend them to membership in such a
Body as this." Companion Murrow, who was present, resented the report in a
vigorous speech from the floor, with the result that the 116 FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA Petition of the Oklahoma Companions was taken from the Committee and
a Charter was ordered by an overwhelming majority. Capitular Masonry has
prospered from that time to the present.
Soon after the
Institution of the Grand Chapter of Indian Territory, by authority of the
Congress of the United States, Oklahoma Territory was organised. The western
plains country was opened to settlement and homestead. There was a rush of
pioneers. Towns and cities rose from the prairie in a day. By competent
resolutions, recognised everywhere, Masonic jurisdictional lines by Indian
Territory extended as far west as Texas and Colorado. Therefore, Lodges and
Chapters organised in the newly‑created Oklahoma Territory owed their
allegiance to Indian Territory Grand Bodies. This unprecedented increase in
material brought a new era of prosperity to Indian Territory Masonry. Lodges
and Chapters were organised at Guthrie, the first capital, at Oklahoma City,
Kingfisher, Enid, and other towns. The newly‑enriched territory added power to
the movements which the Grand Bodies had inaugurated, but naturally they also
increased their responsibilities. While social, economic, and political life
differed in the separate regions, the Masonic contingencies fitted into one
another's purposes admirably. Later, however, because of a membership which
seemed unwieldy in that early day, and because transportation facilities were
sadly inadequate, a Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Territory was organised, with the
consent of the Indian Territory Grand Lodge. Thus, two separate sovereignties
controlled the Masonic situation.
The Grand Lodge of
Oklahoma Territory was organised in a Convention called for that purpose at
Oklahoma City, on November io, 1892‑eighteen years after the parent Grand
Lodge had come into existence. There were present at the Convention
Representatives from io subordinate Lodges, representing a total membership of
286 Master Masons, all owing allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Indian
Territory. The first Grand Master was Bro. A. J. Sprengle, of Guthrie Lodge.
It is interesting that the Lodge and the city of Guthrie were named in honor
of M.. W.% Bro. John Guthrie, active Mason of Kansas, who was Grand Master at
the time the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory was recognised.
At the time of the
division, if in fact the creation of two separate organisations may be called
that, the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory had grown in less than two decades
from the modest beginning of 3 Lodges, having 6o members, to 48 Lodges, having
a membership of 1705, and with cash resources on hand amounting to $2598, part
of which had been set aside for the purpose of building and equipping an
adequate Orphans' Home.
The Fates treated the
new Grand Lodge more kindly than the parent Body. Recognition from other Grand
Bodies came promptly, the first being from Indian Territory, whose Grand
Master Installed the first Grand Officers. Other Grand Lodges followed in
rapid succession. Within a very short time, the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma
Territory was universally welcomed and Grand Representatives were exchanged.
It produced Masons of national prominence.
FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA 1117 The very first enterprise undertaken by the Oklahoma Masons was
the establishment of an Orphans' Home. Bro. William Eagleton took general
charge of this work, while Bro. Henry M. Furman had charge of a similar
undertaking among the Indian Territory Brethren.
After ten years of
activity, the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Territory had developed into an
organisation of 78 Lodges, having a membership of 3291 and a cash balance of
$3302 on hand. For the same year, Indian Territory Grand Lodge received
Reports from 98 Lodges, having a total membership of 4086, and a cash balance
of $16,i59, which included the separate fund reserved for building a Masonic
Home. In his annual address that year, Grand Master Allen made an appeal in
behalf of the Home Fund in which he declared: " My brethren, we build Lodges,
initiate candidates, and parade our moral excellence before the world, but if
we fail in our duty to the friendless, homeless orphan, we have so far failed
to be Masons." But during that very year various Lodges had on their own
account provided books, clothing, and homes for 130 orphan children, in
addition to paying their proportionate shares into the general Home Fund. One
Lodge had completely exhausted its resources in providing food, clothing, and
shelter for the destitute widow of one of its members.
In 1907, Congress
made a State of the two Territories, and by proclamation of President
Roosevelt, on November 17 of that year, the State of Oklahoma became the
forty‑sixth member of the Union. Talk of amalgamation of the two Grand Lodges
then became general. At each Grand Communication, resolutions were offered,
considered and then postponed. The Brethren from every part of the State had
become so thoroughly attached to their respective Grand Bodies, that it seemed
to them a calamity to permit the death or re‑formation of either. Opposition
to uniting the two came largely from Grand Officers and their partisans who
were ambitious to receive Grand Honours. Although no petty jealousies
developed in either Body, for four years the matter was the leading question
before Masonry in Oklahoma.
Resolutions providing
for the appointment of Committees to arrange all details for consolidation
finally prevailed in both Bodies. In 19o9 the Grand Lodge of Indian Territory
met at McAlester, while the Grand Lodge of Okla homa Territory met at Guthrie.
Each completed all its routine business. Then the Grand Lodge of Indian
Territory was called off, and the Brethren proceeded by special train to
Guthrie where the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma Territory was in Session. Both
Lodges were closed sine die. Then the Grand Lodge of the State of Oklahoma was
organised. As such it has flourished. All the resources of every kind
belonging to both Bodies were transferred to the new organisation. At the time
of the consolidation, there were 296 subordinate Lodges represented. The
combined cash resources, not including the properties of subordinate Lodges,
amounted to approximately $24,000 in the General Fund, and to $iio,0oo in the
Masonic Home Fund.
Of the many pathetic
scenes which were enacted during the proceedings of final closing and
amalgamation, none touched the hearts of the Brethren present 118 FREEMASONRY
IN OKLAHOMA more deeply than the farewell address of Grand Secretary Murrow.
True, he had not been present at the organisation of the Grand Lodge of Indian
Territory nearly thirty‑five years before, but he was its second Grand Master
and for thirty‑two years had been its Grand Secretary and moving spirit. He
had aided or supervised the organisation of the older Lodges. He had
officiated at the reception into Masonry of many of the Grand Officers. He had
been at the head of all the other Grand Bodies and had served them faithfully
and well.
While feeding the
hungry, clothing the destitute, praying with the sick and wounded during the
war between the States, the Indians called him " Father Murrow. " The little
churches which he helped to erect with his own hands more than fifty of
them‑are monuments of his zeal as a missionary and to the good country folk
who made up his congregations, presented themselves to him for their wedding
ceremony, or sent for him in times of sickness or distress, knowing he would
not fail them. To them also he was known as " Father Murrow." It was through
his influence and energy that Masonry revived after the war. It was his wise
counsel and untiring zeal which brought the Grand Lodge to its feet; it was he
who suggested the organisation of the first Chapter and the Grand Chapter; and
it was his eloquence which won a Charter from the General Grand Chapter.
Likewise, it was he who organised the first Council and first Grand Council;
he, as Grand Secretary and Grand Reviewer, brought the Indian Templar to the
attention of Christian Knighthood; he, who aided in the establishment of the
Scottish Rite. Quite naturally did he come to be known as the " Father " of
Oklahoma Masonry. His memory will be revered as ` Father Murrow " so long as
Masonry thrives in the country in which seventyone years of his ninety‑four
were devoted to the service of God and the welfare of humanity.
Although General
Grand Master Josiah Drummond was unable to attend the Assembly of the General
Grand Council held in Denver in 1883, he prepared his address in which he
reported that he had authorised his personal friend, Companion Murrow, to act
as his Special Deputy in Communicating the Degrees of the Cryptic Rite to such
Royal Arch Masons as he deemed worthy, and that a Petition, signed by the
requisite number of Royal and Select Masons thus made, had been presented for
a Dispensation to open a Council, and that the Dispensation had been granted.
He urged that a Charter be issued. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations
reported that although there was no precedent for the action taken by the
General Grand Master, they deemed it to be to the best interests of the Craft
that a Charter be issued. The first Cryptic Work within Indian Territory,
however unusual as it may have been, was a " tnouth‑to‑ear ceremony " until a
sufficient number of members to ask for Dispensation had thus been collected.
The date of the original Charter to Oklahoma Council is November 7, 1887, but
in issuing it there was a delay of nearly a year, through some strange
oversight. Royal Arch Masons from McAlester, Muskogee, Tahlequah, and other
Indian Territory towns received the Cryptic Degrees in Oklahoma Council, which
usually held its Assemblies at the same time and at FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA
119 the same places as the annual Communications of the Grand Lodge. Oklahoma
Territory had not been opened, but when Lodges began to spring up in the
prairie region of the west, the Cryptic Rite entered into an era of prosperity
there also.
Oklahoma Council
enjoyed a sort of exclusive jurisdiction for several years until a Council
(No. 2) was organised at Muskogee. Although the Brethren of the newer
Territory had organised their own Grand Lodge, they never estab lished either
a Grand Chapter or a Grand Council. Despite the facts that the Companions were
obliged to travel hundreds of miles to attend the Annual Sessions, interest in
both Rites steadily increased, and growth was rapid. In due time subordinate
Councils were organised at McAlester and Muskogee. Soon after these Councils
were Instituted, the three Bodies held a Convention at McAlester, where, on
November S, 1894, they organised the Grand Council of Indian Territory. Eight
of the Representatives who were present afterwards became Grand Masters.
The outstanding
achievement of the Royal and Select Masters in Oklahoma was the excavation and
erection of a Crypt on the side and top of a majestic mountain north of
McAlester. The idea was conceived by Past Grand Master Edmond H. Doyle who was
assisted in carrying it out by zealous Companions Christopher Springer,
William H. Essex, Jabez Mann, Past Grand Masters, and Companion Edward
Richards, who financed the enterprise. The Crypt occupies a site on the brow
of the mountain which was named Mount Moriah. As nearly as physical conditions
permit, the exposed superstructure resembles the original Temple. Secret
vaults with appropriate arches and passages are cut out of the solid rock.
This project was undertaken and completed by Union Council at McAlester, which
carried the burden alone with no assistance from the Grand Council except the
conferring of concurrent jurisdiction throughout the entire State so that the
Council at McAlester may receive Petitions and so enjoy the benefit of fees
and dues. Annual pilgrimages to Mount Moriah have been attended by General
Grand Masters and by prominent Masons from every part of the United States and
Canada.
The Royal and Select
Masons of Oklahoma have been faithful and punctual in the discharge of all
their obligations to Masonry. They have participated in every Masonic
movement, engaged wholeheartedly in every general project undertaken.
Under the auspices of
Companion Robert W. Hill and Joseph S. Murrow, the Order of High Priesthood
was established within the two Territories during the Annual Convocation of
the Grand Chapter held at Oklahoma City in 18gi.
Companion Hill was
made the first President, Bro. Murrow, Vice‑President. Companion Past Grand
High Priest Edmond H. Doyle was elected Secretary, but he surrendered the
Station two years later to Bro. Murrow who held it until igi2. The Order of
High Priesthood is held in high esteem by the permanent members of the Grand
Chapter. As an auxiliary to that Body it has helped wonderfully in carrying
out projects which might otherwise have suffered delay. Its Pro‑ 12‑0
FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA ceedings are published annually in the same volume
with those of the Grand Chapter.
After the Civil War
the centre of Masonic activity in Indian Territory was within the territory of
the Choctaw Nation. Brothers Murrow, Doyle, Coyle, and the other Masonic
leaders all resided within the territory of that tribe. The first Lodges,
Chapters, and Councils, and the first three Grand Bodies existed within the
geographical limits of Indian Territory. And it should be remembered that
until 1889, the area later known as Oklahoma Territory was nothing but a vast
prairie, where millions of cattle were grazed under rental contracts with the
Indians, chiefly the Cherokees, the Choctaws, and the Chickasaws.
Under treaties with
the Indian governments, the Territory was acquired by the United States
Government and as such was opened to home‑seekers as public land. Settlement
began in 1889. Later, additional land was acquired. Known as the " Cherokee
Strip," this was also opened to homestead in 1892‑. Until 189o, the country
was occupied only by cattlemen, except for a few scattered bands of "
squatters " who were repeatedly expelled from the country by detachments of
the United States Army. It was impracticable, if not impossible, to establish
Masonry permanently under conditions which existed in plains country prior to
1889, the year of the " opening." This explains why Masonic activity was up to
that time confined to Indian Territory.
Then, in 18go,
conditions were reversed. By that time several railroads had extended their
lines across the region, and several towns had grown to sizable proportions.
Chief among these, and lively rivals, were Guthrie, the capital, and Oklahoma
City. Both towns represented every characteristic of western enterprise.
Territorial Governor Cassius M. Barnes was prominent and energetic in all
Masonic activities, as was also Bro. Harper S. Cunningham, who afterwards
became Inspector‑General of the Scottish Rite in both Oklahoma Territory and
Indian Territory.
On July 12‑, 18go, a
Dispensation was issued by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar to Governor
Barnes and his associates, empowering them to organise a Commandery. Knights
from Oklahoma assisted in the movement and deposited their dimits. So soon as
the Commandery was properly organised, receptions into the several Orders were
rapid. Quite a number of Royal Arch Masons from the Indian Territory
Petitioned to Guthrie Commandery, but the " Stalwarts," Hill, Murrow, and
Doyle, took the position that the time was not quite right to undertake an
establishment of Templarism, and counselled delay until such time as the
Capitular and Cryptic Bodies already organised had become more firmly
established. But the spirit of progress was in the air. Masons were too
ambitious to permit any delays while the boom was on in the social, religious,
commercial, and political life of the country. This feeling prevailed to such
an extent that in 1891 another Dispensation was issued from the Grand
Encampment, empowering the opening of a Commandery at Muskogee. The following
year still another Commandery was Instituted at Oklahoma City. All these
Commanderies prospered from the outset.
FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA 121 Within a short time, additional Commanderies were organised by
proper Warrants at El Reno, in Oklahoma Territory, and at Purcell, in Indian
Territory. On September 3, 1894, a Commandery was authorised at McAlester in
Indian Territory. It is true that in that " wild and wooly " country,
Templarism on parade may not have been as thrilling or inspiring as
well‑equipped Commanderies in older communities, but the Commanderies then
existing never lost an opportunity to appear in public, in such uniforms as
were available, to escort Lodges at funeral ceremonies or at the laying of
corner‑stones.
Past Grand Master
James A. Scott, the first to be dubbed in Indian Territory when the Commandery
at Muskogee was Instituted, and who, as Grand Master, secured the first $iooo
for the Masonic Home, remarked the appearance of a Commandery of the early
go's and the splendidly equipped prize‑winning drill teams of the present
generation. Admitting that there could be no real comparison, in displays, he
offered the challenge: "As man an' boy, I'll bet most anything that we ole
timers fed more hungry, handed out more clothes, bought more medicine and
fuel, protected more good names‑man for man, I meanthan our crowd does to‑day.
" It is a matter of record that the deeds of the first Commanderies in
attending to charity and other noble duties spread their fame throughout the
country.
Naturally enough, the
question of organising a Grand Commandery presented itself. Some of the
Brethren suggested that it was Oklahoma Territory's turn to domicile a new
Grand Body, one which should include Indian Territory within its jurisdiction.
Other Brethren maintained that inasmuch as all the other Grand Bodies had been
established within the older Territory, the new Grand Commandery should be
established there also, and should bear the same name, in order to avoid
confusion in the Masonic world. The combined Templar strength was only six
Commanderies. No one gave the idea of two Grand Bodies a second thought. But
at the Triennial Conclave held in Boston in 1895, rival Petitions to organise
a Grand Commandery were presented. The possibility of a complication was soon
dissolved by authorising two Grand Commanderies. The respective groups
returned to their homes, jubilant and determined. The Indian Territory
Commanderies met at Muskogee on December 27, 1895, and organised under the
auspices of V.‑.E.‑.Sir William H. Mayo, of St. Louis. Grand Recorder and
proxy for the Grand Master R.‑.E.‑.Sir Robert W. Hill was elected and
Installed as the first Grand Commander. The first business of the new Grand
Commandery was to borrow $loo from the local Commandery with which to pay the
expense of entertainment and the purchase of supplies and other necessary
incidentals. The Grand Commandery of Oklahoma Territory was organised at
Guthrie on February io, 1896, R.‑. E.'. Sir Cassius M. Barnes acting as the
proxy for the Grand Master. The occasion made it a gala day for Masonry in the
new region. Governor Barnes was elected first Grand Commander.
Chivalric Masonry did
not enjoy (or suffer) the rapid growth which has attended the other Masonic
Institutions. One reason for this was the general 12.2 FREEMASONRY IN OKLAHOMA
business depression which prevailed throughout the country during those years,
and another was the fact that the Asylums were vigilantly and valiantly
guarded. There was little rivalry between the two Grand Commanderies. Their
Representatives met each year at the Convocations of the Grand Chapter,
compared notes, encouraged and helped one another. They grew apace. The " West
Side " increased its numbers more rapidly because its general population was
increasing more rapidly. It was not until several years later that the Indians
of the Five Civilised Tribes divided their lands so that their allotments
might be offered for sale. Until that time there were no lands available to
white men except under leasing contracts, and those were under government and
tribal supervision. Town sites had been established along the railroads, and
white men entering the Indian country were obliged to live in those.
As early as 19os some
of the Brethren began to admit that they doubted the wisdom of trying to
maintain two separate organisations. Feeling came into evidence that one
strong Commandery could be more useful than two weak ones. This impression
grew in both Bodies. Committees were, therefore, appointed to confer upon the
proposal of consolidation, but nothing was accomplished. Leading Knights from
each Commandery visited the other to advocate definite steps toward
consolidation, but no action was taken. Congress passed the Enabling Act which
joined the two Territories into one State, and the other Grand Lodges
consolidated, but until 1911 two separate Grand Commanderies, each with its
jurisdictional lines, continued to operate. M.. E:. Grand Master William B.
Melish addressed what was really an ultimatum, couched in diplomatic terms,
urging Indian Territory to take the initiative and offering the assurance that
any method or any terms agreed upon by majority vote in each Body would have
the approval of the Grand Encampment. Later in the year, terms were agreed
upon, the disposition of Offices was arranged, the designation of Commanderies
determined, and on October 6, both Commanderies assembled in Special Conclave
at Oklahoma City. Grand Master Melish was present to supervise the ceremonies,
which were most impressive. Two Grand Commanderies were in Session in the same
city at the same time; and two Grand Commanderies passed out of existence at
the same moment, an event unprecedented in Templar history. The Grand
Commandery of Oklahoma was then organised, its Officers were elected and
installed, and one of the most active units in Christian Masonry became an
established and busy identity. The Drill Team of Trinity Commandery,
representing Oklahoma, was a close second in the contests at the Grand
Encampment in 1931 and ran a brilliant first in 1934.
Masonry contributed
generally to the soldiery of the United States for the Spanish‑American War.
While the Grand Lodge was in session at Vinita, word was received that the
Grand Tyler, Bro. William M. Simms, had been seriously wounded at El Caney and
was in a critical condition. Steps were immediately taken to offer such relief
as might be appropriate. Bro. Simms was one of the first of Theodore
Roosevelt's Rough Riders to be struck. Although he recovered from his wounds,
he was rendered a cripple. Nevertheless, he made himself FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA 12.3 useful to Masonry for many years. Captain Allyn K. Capron and
Private Cox, both soldiers in the Rough Riders contingent, and both Oklahoma
Masons, were killed in the engagement before Santiago. Rolls of honor were
proudly displayed in the various Lodge Rooms.
Although the Masons
of the two Territories may be said to have been ambitious, it is certainly
equally true that they were methodical. They undertook much and they
accomplished a great deal. It was only natural that men with such spirit as
that which prevailed among the Lodge members at Muskogee, Guthrie, Oklahoma
City, and McAlester, who had already established every branch of American
Masonry, should consider that the time had arrived for organising the Scottish
Rite. Therefore Bro. Barnes and Bro. Cunningham, of Oklahoma City, and Bro.
Robert W. Hill, of Muskogee, launched this enterprise so soon as Templarism
had been firmly planted. Letters Temporary were first issued to the Brethren
at Guthrie. Similar authority was then issued to Muskogee and Chickasha. The
Guthrie Body prospered from the very beginning. Both Muskogee and Chickasha
wanted to be known as "Albert Pike Lodge, No. i," but the Lodge of Perfection
at Chickasha, for which letters were issued by Bro. Hill to Bro. Eugene
Hamilton and others, was the first actually to show signs of activity. Neither
of these two Lodges was ever completed.
The Transactions of
the Supreme Council for 1897 show reports from Bro. Hill, Deputy for Indian
Territory, and Bro. Cunningham, Deputy for Oklahoma Territory. The latter, who
had been appointed in 189o, stated that he had made no permanent organisation
until January i9, 1896. At that time the Lodge of Perfection was opened at
Guthrie. He expressed the hope that a Chapter of Rose Croix would be
established at least within two years. This ambition was realised. In his
report, Bro. Hill was quite as enthusiastic in his survey of conditions, but
his efforts were less fruitful. Within a few years the Scottish Rite was
firmly and thoroughly organised at Guthrie, in each of its Bodies. A
commodious cathedral was then erected. This was later turned over to the Grand
Lodge, and a new two‑million‑dollar Temple erected. It is one of the most
beautiful and completely appointed structures devoted to Masonry to be found
anywhere in the United States.
Through the active
efforts of Bro. Doyle, who succeeded Bro. Hill, Bro. Murrow and others, a
Lodge of Perfection was organised at McAlester. This effort was permanently
successful. It grew rapidly. Fortunate in its member ship, the young Lodge
soon became famous for the character of its Work. The other Bodies of the Rite
flourished, and long before statehood was achieved, under the ambitious
leadership of Bro. William Busby, there was a beautiful Temple at McAlester.
This structure, which includes a dormitory, has since been enlarged. Albert
Pike Hospital is part of the McAlester organisation.
On February io, 19o1,
the Consistories at Guthrie and at McAlester were placed under one
jurisdiction and government by order of the Grand Commander. Bro. Cunningham
was appointed Deputy over both Valleys. Several years later he was succeeded
by Bro. William Busby. Upon the latter's death Dr. D. M.
124 FREEMASONRY IN
OKLAHOMA Hailey, who had served in the Grand East of all the other Bodies,
became his successor. The Scottish Rite Bodies in Oklahoma have been
influential in every important public enterprise. They have sponsored the
publication of the Oklahoma Mason, a monthly magazine devoted to the interests
of the Rite and of the Grand Lodge. In times of crisis or emergency the
Consistories are usually the first to respond to local appeals.
The experience of
Masonry in Oklahoma during the Great War was not unlike that of the other
American Grand Jurisdictions. The Grand Lodge and local Lodges rendered every
public service to those Brethren who were called to the colors. The immediate
wants of their families were by no means neglected. Since the war, Masonic
auxiliary organisations, particularly the Craftsman's Club, have maintained
constant contact with the patients at United States Veterans' Hospital, No.
9o, located at Muskogee, with the personnel at Fort Sill, and with those at
other points where Masonry can be of service to its dependents.
The Grand Lodge of
Oklahoma joined wholeheartedly in the Masonic Service movement, with the
George Washington Memorial movement, and with the several gestures which
intimated closer relation with the Grand Lodges or widened the scope of the
Craft in its outlook upon social welfare.
Beginning early in
the last century, Masons have since contributed liberally to the development
of the social, civic, commercial, and industrial interests of what is now the
State of Oklahoma. As already stated, all the outstanding chiefs of the
several Indian tribes and the leading members of the several supreme courts
have been Masons. This was true in Oklahoma Territory, nearly every
Territorial governor having been a Mason. One of them, Governor Cassius M.
Barnes, was a leader of the organisation of the Commandery and the Consistory,
at Guthrie, and in the organisation of the Grand Commandery. Since the
Territory was admitted to statehood, each governor, excepting one, has been a
Mason. One of them was a Past Grand Master. The first United States judge in
either Territory, Hon. John R. Thomas, was a Past Grand Master in Illinois.
The oldest bank in the State was organised by Masons and is still controlled
and operated by members of the Craft; a Master Mason stands at the head of the
largest banking and trust concern in the State. Truly, Masonic ideals prevail
in Oklahoma, and her most active public spirits are affiliated with the Craft.
FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
LESLIE MCCHESNEY SCOTT PRODUCT OF PIONEER LIFE HE beginnings of Masonry in
Oregon sprang spontaneously from associations of pioneer life, in which the
ornaments of Brotherly love, relief and truth had more fitting use, perhaps,
than in any other stage of American progress. The early settlement of Oregon
marked a climax of more than two hundred years of westward frontier expansion.
It presented phases of society that were peculiar to the conditions that
produced them. The universal precepts of Masonry took hold the more firmly,
because of the simplicity of human affairs. The pioneer habits have
disappeared, but have left behind an enduring Masonic edifice.
These beginnings in
Oregon were the first on the Pacific Coast; and, from the Oregon Jurisdiction,
the Masonic Order spread to Washington, Idaho and Alaska.
There was need for
the kindly precepts of human fellowship in the settlement of Oregon. This
land, the first foothold of American empire on the Pacific Coast when the
treaty between the United States and Great Britain defined the boundaries,
June 15, 1846, was distant from the Middle West frontier of Illinois and
Missouri ZSoo miles, a journey which consumed between five and six months of
primitive travel. The hardships of this journey were severe, suffering and
death were frequent, and poverty was the portion of each family that made the
long migration. In the eighteen annual migrations between the years 1842 and
1859, there were not less than 3o,ooo deaths on the Oregon Trail, west of
Missouri River. The shorter route by sea and the Isthmus of Panama was used
only by a relatively few traders and merchants from the Atlantic seaboard.
Oregon was peopled mostly by pioneers from the Middle West, who transported
their large families and their few goods by means of ox teams, averaging
fifteen miles or less a day, through the intervening and unpeopled wilderness.
The trials of scant food, of sickness, death and Indian barbarity, afforded
full scope for the exercise of truly Masonic precepts.
Accordingly, the
records of the Oregon migration period, beginning, say, in 1842 and lasting
for twenty‑five years, give clear evidence that many men who met as strangers
in adversity knew one another as Brethren in the means of 125 126 FREEMASONRY
IN OREGON relief, and that widows and orphans often recognised the lifting
hand, although by comparison of modern days, the means may now seem crude and
scant. And just as the pioneer colonists took the germs of social organisation
first to Plymouth and Jamestown, their ox‑team successors bore them to Oregon,
where, in 1843, they set up a provisional government, to rule the Oregon
country, then consisting of the later States of Oregon, Washington and Idaho,
and parts of Montana and Wyoming, until the United States should establish the
national authority, which latter was accomplished by a territorial government
in 1849, pursuant to the treaty of 1846 and a territorial Act of Congress of
1848. The pillars of this social structure were mostly the selfsame men who
were founding and supporting the Masonic Organisation.
We find the Masonic
Order springing into existence in 1846, just as government did three years
previously. The call went forth on February 5, 1846, for a meeting of Master
Masons at Oregon City on February 21, following, " to adopt some measures to
obtain a charter for a lodge," and was published in the first issue of the
Oregon Spectator, the first newspaper published on the Pacific Coast. These
were not regular summonses, but they served the purpose of showing the need of
Masonic fellowship. The signers of the call were Joseph Hull, Peter G. Stewart
and William P. Dougherty. Bro. Hull became the first Worshipful Master of the
Lodge thereafter constituted, known as Multnomah Lodge, No. 84, of Missouri.
Bro. Stewart was a leader of the Oregon provisional government and in 1854,
was Worshipful Master of Multnomah Lodge. Afterwards he took up residence at
Tacoma, where he attached himself to the Masonic Jurisdiction of Washington
Territory. Bro. Dougherty, then an enterprising merchant of Oregon City, was
named Senior Warden in the Charter of Multnomah Lodge, although he was not
Installed as such. Eight years later, in 1854, he acted as one of the founders
of Steilacoom Lodge, which then was No. 8 of the Oregon jurisdiction, and,
since 1858, has been No. 2 of the Washington Jurisdiction.
The called meeting at
Oregon City took place sixteen days later, on February 21, 1846, attended by
seven Master Masons: Joseph Hull, Peter G. Stewart, William P. Dougherty,
Fendal C. Cason, Leon A. Smith, Frederick Waymire and Lot Whitcomb. These men
addressed a Petition to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, praying for a Charter for
Multnomah Lodge. Missouri was then the nearest member, excepting Iowa, of the
family of States, and was the beginning of the route of the Oregon Trail. St.
Louis was the metropolis of the frontier West, and the trade and outfitting
centre of Western activities. Bro. Dougherty was a member of that
jurisdiction, in Platte City Lodge, No. 56, and his agent there, Bro. James P.
Spratt, was also a member of that Lodge, and held a sum of money as a credit
for Bro. Dougherty, from which the latter instructed Bro. Spratt to defray the
costs of securing the Charter for the Lodge in Oregon.
It thus appears to
have been a natural and logical move to seek a Charter in Missouri. But the
seat of the Missouri jurisdiction was nearly Zsoo miles distant, by the long
route of the Oregon Trail, through a wild and unpeopled FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
127 country, infested with marauding bands of Indian savages; the only methods
of travel afforded being those of walking, horseback riding and canoeing, each
highly perilous for small parties because of Indian thievery and hostility.
Needless to say, railroads, steamboats and telegraphs were unknown in the
West, and the whole region, between the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the
Missouri River crossing at Saint Joseph, was a barbaric wilderness.
Oregon City, in 1846,
was the leading community in the Pacific Northwest, having a population of not
exceeding 400. It was the only incorporated town, the recognised seat of
American judicial authority on the Pacific Coast, as was evidenced by the
filing there of the city plot of San Francisco, because being the place of the
nearest United States Court. When the Brethren at Oregon City, early in 1846,
undertook to establish a Masonic Lodge, California was yet a Mexican
dependency, and San Francisco, Yerba Buena as then called, was a Mexican
village. The Pacific Northwest had been claimed by both the United States and
Great Britain for fifty years, and the dispute had made a dispute between the
people of the two national powers. For a period of twenty years, ending in
1843, the British Hudson's Bay Company had governed the country. In the latter
year, Americans set up a provisional government which supplanted the British
rule. The years 1845 and 1846 were a time of strained relations. Both nations
sent warships to represent their claims, and agents to pry into conditions.
The population was less than io,ooo most of whom were Americans. The trade and
political centre of American influence was Oregon City. The few settlers north
of Columbia River, before the autumn of 1845, were practically all British
subjects. The opposing nationalities were uneasy lest hostilities should break
out. The Presidential election of 1844 had been won by James K. Polk on a
platform of " Fifty‑four Forty or Fight," which asserted American claims as
far north as the Southern limit of Alaska.
Oregon City was as
far away from currents of the world, in 1846, as distant Tibet would be
regarded at the present day. It was practically as remote in the eyes of that
time as the distant country from which no traveller returns. News of the
treaty of 1846, ratified by the United States Senate on June 15 of that year,
did not reach the pioneer settlement of Willamette Falls until November
following. Meanwhile, the boundary question remained a tense issue in Oregon
affairs for five months after the line had been fixed between Canada and the
United States at the forty‑ninth parallel. A war feeling thrilled the currents
of affairs in this distant segment of the world. The year 1846 was the most
eventful that Oregon ever had known. The provisional government was perfecting
functions under the leadership of men who were accustomed to use the‑symbolic
tools of Masonry. Many of these men were given to religious and devotional
expression, apart from churches and missionary groups. The three churches at
Oregon City, Methodist, Congregational, and Catholic, could not satisfy their
longings for fraternal association and theistic worship. The intimate
relationship which these men craved for purposes of religion and fellowship
were those of a Masonic Lodge. And the sufferings of poverty, sickness 128
FREEMASONRY IN OREGON and death, in the outdoor affairs of daily life, called
for the assuagements which Masonic practise affords. There was further scope
for Masonic activities, in the softening of political asperities of the Whig
and Democratic contentions of the period, and in the friction between British
and Americans.
Oregon then had no
steamboats, no railroads, no improved highways. Portland was but a name. The
leading towns were Oregon City and Champoeg. American settlement of Puget
Sound had just begun, and there were few in habitants north of Columbia River.
There were but five or six small grist mills. Farmers had no agricultural
machinery. Harvesting and threshing were performed by hand methods. The only
markets, outside of those of the small population in Willamette Valley, were
those of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver, Cowlitz, and Fort
Nisqually. Several small sawmills were in operation, as at Oregon City, Salem,
Vancouver, Tualatin Plain and near Astoria. Nine years before, in 1837, a
large herd of Spanish cattle had been obtained from California, and these,
together with the cattle, horses, and sheep which the migrating pioneers
brought with them by way of the Oregon Trail in the years 1842, 1843, 1844,
and 1845, had stimulated the progress of animal husbandry. Protestant churches
and public schools were but beginning in primitive community life. The
amusements which we of to‑day regard as essentials were wholly lacking. Houses
were small and crude; furniture was simple and scant; clothing was rough and
plain. Luxuries of food and recreation were few. Everybody had to " live low
and lie hard." But amid the crudeness and roughness of individual and
community life, the amenities of fellowship rose up into spontaneous exercise
to make life endurable and enjoyable,.to save human existence from solitude
and monotony. Such life as this brings forth the best attributes of
kindliness, sympathy, hospitality and fraternity. Thus it came to pass that
Masonic Brethren found themselves drawn together as by the mysterious beauties
of their profession. They interchanged felicities and confidences as Brethren
of a speculative and honourable Craft. And then, to gain authoritative
sanction for the designs upon their trestle board, they met together and
addressed a Petition to the Grand Lodge of Missouri for a Charter.
To carry the Petition
to Platt City, Missouri, the signers, led by Bro. Dougherty, chose the best
messenger that Oregon then afforded. This was a highly enterprising man of
thirty‑six years; a foremost figure in exploration of the West and in
subsequent migration; a person of culture and humane sympathies. This man in
October 1845, a few months before, had opened the route of the Barlow road
across Cascade Mountains. Afterwards, in 1863, he blazed the route of the
modern Columbia River Highway. He founded the town of Dayton, Oregon, was
author of an Oregon trail guide which was published in 1847 and was used more
than any other book by Oregon Trail pioneers. He built a grist mill at Dayton,
Oregon, and engaged extensively in transportation in the placer gold
activities of 1860‑70. Upon organisation of Multnomah Lodge in 1848, he was
Installed as Secretary. Three years later he acted as an FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
129 Organiser, and in 1853, as Worshipful Master of Lafayette Lodge,
originally No. 15 of the California ,jurisdiction, and later, No. 3 of Oregon.
He was one of the most noted of the Indian agents of Oregon.
This messenger to the
Grand Lodge of Missouri was Joel Palmer, who had arrived at Oregon City four
months previously, on a tour of investigation of the Oregon Trail and of
Oregon, and was preparing to return to Indiana in the spring and summer of
1846, and to come back in 1847 to Oregon, as the leader of that year's
migration. No envoy more faithful could have been chosen for this mission.
Doubtless he had been often tried as a true Mason in Indiana and on the Oregon
Trail; the Oregon City Petitioners hardly could have trusted the fervency and
zeal of any other emissary than the one of their own Fraternity. Bro. Palmer
discharged the duty reposed in him and delivered the Petition; Bro. Spratt
presented the Petition to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and that Body granted a
Charter on October 19, 1846, to Multnomah Lodge, No. 84, which later was
Chartered as Multnomah Lodge, No. i of Oregon Jurisdiction, by the Grand Lodge
of Oregon.
The journey of the
Charter to Oregon was long delayed, by comparison with the time taken by Bro.
Palmer to deliver the Petition. No travellers were setting forth for Oregon so
late in the year as the date of the Charter, namely, October 19, 1846. On
account of the length and hardships of the journey, travellers always started
for Oregon in the spring, aiming thereby to arrive at the goal of their
journey before the succeeding winter. Failure of the Donner party to cross the
Sierra Nevada Mountains into California sufficiently early in 1846 resulted in
the most terrible starvation tragedy of Western annals. For more than a year
the Charter awaited transportation to Oregon.
Finally the
opportunity came in the migration of 1848. Bro. B. P. Cornwall was outfitting
a party bound for Oregon, in the winter of 1847‑48 at Saint Joseph, Missouri,
and to him Bro. Spratt entrusted the Charter of Multnomah Lodge, in December
1847. The Cornwall party set out from Saint Joseph on the Oregon Trail in
April 1848. Only five persons made up the party, and it was too small to
travel safely among the hostile Indians. So Bro. Cornwall and his associates
tarried at Omaha, Nebraska, until a large group of Ohioans came along, with
whom they journeyed to Fort Hall, near the later Pocatello, Idaho, where they
arrived in August 1848. There the trail divided, the left or southerly branch
leading to California; the right, or westerly, leading to Oregon. Contrary to
his original plans, Bro. Cornwall took the road to California, lured thither
by tales of the golden Eldorado, which the Oregon pioneers in California,
James W. Marshall and Charles Bennett, had discovered near Coloma, in the
valley of American River, in January preceding. The migration of 1848 was
electrified by these tales of riches easily gathered, and there followed a
large diversion of pioneers to California, both from Oregon and from the
Oregon Trail.
True to his promise
of safeguarding the Charter of Multnomah Lodge, Bro. Cornwall sought hands as
worthy and as well qualified as his own to bear 130 FREEMASONRY IN OREGON the
document to Oregon City. These he found in the persons of Orrin and Joseph
Kellogg, who, as father and son, were travelling from Ohio to Oregon. These
latter men carried the Charter safely to the metropolis at Willamette Falls.
The receptacle used to hold the Charter in transit was a homemade rawhide
trunk owned by Bro. Joseph Kellogg.
Thus was discharged a
duty which all members of the Oregon Craft have been glad ever since to
acknowledge, pertaining to Emblems more ancient than the Golden Fleece or
Roman Eagle.
Bro. Cornwall found
his portion of the riches of California and became a prominent citizen and
craftsman in that Commonwealth. Bro. Kellogg won fortune and distinction in
Oregon.
Bro. Joseph Kellogg
handed the Charter, at Oregon City on September ii, 1848, to Bro. Joseph Hull,
who had headed the call for the Masonic meeting for February 21, 1846, and the
Petition to the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and had been named Worshipful Master
in the Charter. Bro. Hull on that same day summoned the members of the Craft
for the Installation and immediately began the Work of organisation. Bro.
William P. Dougherty owned a log store building at Oregon City, facing Main
Street, and there, on the second floor, Bro. Hull called the Brethren to
order; Masonic tradition relates, upon substantial authority, that a rough
packing box served the uses of an Altar, and that the wages of corn, wine and
oil were represented by a barrel of flour for the Master's Pedestal; by a
barrel of whiskey for the Senior Warden's; and a barrel of salt pork for the
junior Warden's.
Bro. Dougherty
shortly before had gone temporarily to California to seek his fortunes in the
gold fields, so that it was necessary to Install some other Craftsman as
Senior Warden, this post having been assigned to Bro. Dougherty by the Grand
Lodge of Missouri. Bro. Orrin Kellogg was chosen for this honour; Fendal C.
Cason, Junior Warden; Joseph Kellogg, Treasurer; Joel Palmer, Secretary; Lot
Whitcomb, Senior Deacon; Berryman Jennings, Junior Deacon; J. H. Bosworth,
Tyler. Bro. Berryman Jennings acted as Installing Officer, and probably
performed the ceremonies of Constitution of the Lodge. Owing to destruction of
the Records of the Lodge in 1857, by fire, the narrative of the proceedings
and of subsequent activities of the Lodge is meager. But we are informed that
the first Session lasted sixteen hours, until the morning tints that gilded
the eastern portals of September 12, 1848. Three candidates were elected and
at once Initiated: Christopher Taylor, Asa L. Lovejoy and Albert E. Wilson.
Bro. Taylor received the Master Mason's Degree that night, and it has been
said that Bros. Lovejoy and Wilson also were Raised as Master Masons at that
time, but this latter fact lacks verification. However, it is known that Bro.
Taylor was the first Master Mason Raised in Multnomah Lodge, which means that
he was the first person on the Pacific Coast to receive Masonic Degrees. The
next Lodge on this coast to organise was in California, in October 1849,
eleven months later.
Multnomah Lodge
appears to have been inactive for two years after or‑ FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
131 ganisation. No further meetings seem to have been held, and no Officers
were elected until the Lodge was revived in 185o, by Bro. John C. Ainsworth
(Captain). The gold mines of California drew away from Oregon many men and
caused the suspension of various activities in the territory. One of the
professions thus rendered dormant was that of Masonry. Bro. Hull, Worshipful
Master of the Multnomah Lodge, went to California soon after organisation of
that Body, and did not resume Masonic Work.
Bro. Ainsworth became
distinguished in the annals of Oregon Masonry and steamboat transportation.
Born in Ohio, he had come to Oregon from Missouri in 185o. At once he
proceeded to re‑organise Multnomah Lodge, and to report his doing to the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, doubtless at the request of Officers of that jurisdiction.
In a letter dated March 21, 1886, addressed to Bro. Peter Paquet, of Oregon
City, Past Master of Multnomah Lodge, Bro. Ainsworth said In 185o I overhauled
the records of Multnomah Lodge No. 8q., at Oregon City, and made a report of
the situation to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. I revived
the old lodge, and after much labor, got it in working order, and was elected
Master at the first election ever held under the charter, and was therefore
the first elected Master of the oldest chartered lodge on the Pacific Coast.
The Senior Warden
elected at this time was Bro. R. R. Thompson, later distinguished in steamboat
activities; the junior Warden, Bro. Forbes Barclay, a physician at Oregon
City, afterwards Treasurer of this Lodge twenty years, a man widely beloved.
Owing to destruction
of the Records by fire in 1857, the detail of authentic history pertaining to
this Lodge is small. The Records since 1857 are, however, intact. The
consecutive activity of this Lodge may be said to have begun in i85o, when the
Lodge was revived by Bro. Ainsworth. Among the Worshipful Masters of this
Lodge were some of the most noted citizens of Oregon, among them being Captain
J. C. Ainsworth, A. E. Wait, Lot Whitcomb, Amory Holbrook, Asa L. Lovejoy,
David P. Thompson, Thomas Charman, Owen Wade, J. T. Apperson, George A. Pease,
J. W. McCully, Peter Paquet, Franklin T. Griffith, Joseph E. Hedges, R. C.
Ganong, and L. L. Porter. This Lodge has contributed largely to the social
upbuilding of Oregon and to the amelioration of stressful episodes.
By resolution of the
Grand Lodge of Oregon, dated September 15, 1851, to which this Lodge
transferred constituency from Missouri, Multnomah Lodge was designated No. i
of the Oregon jurisdiction, and the following indorsement was ordered made on
the original Charter of the Lodge: This charter having been submitted to the
Grand Lodge of the Territory of Oregon Ordered. That the lodge (Multnomah) be
recognized as a legally con‑ 132 FREEMASONRY IN OREGON stituted lodge, under
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, aforesaid, by the original name; and that
they (Multnomah, Willamette, and Lafayette Lodges) be numbered according to
the date of their charters; and that this order be signed by the M. W. Grand
Master (Berryman Jennings), the R. W. Deputy Grand Master (John Elliott), and
the Grand Wardens (William J. Berry and R. R. Thompson), and countersigned by
the R. W. Grand Secretary (Benjamin Stark).
The second Masonic
Body in Oregon was Willamette Lodge of Portland, which began activity
contemporaneously with the revival of Multnomah Lodge at Oregon City in i85o.
Portland had grown to be a town of 400 or 5oo persons, but as yet was not
incorporated and was less important in rank than Oregon City and Salem. But
the community had become large enough to need the intellectual and fraternal
activities of a Masonic Lodge. Multnomah Lodge at Oregon City was distant
about four hours by canoe travel on Willamette River or by horseback on the
rough trails through dense forests. Asa L. Lovejoy, afterwards a member of
Multnomah Lodge, and Francis W. Pettygrove had laid out the town site of
Portland in 1844, and John H. Couch, later a member of Willamette Lodge, had
made his town addition adjoining.
A meeting of Master
Masons at Portland, June 24, 1850, was called by Bros. Benjamin Stark,
Berryman Jennings, and S. H. Tryon. This date was Saint John's Day. It is
recorded that fifteen Brethren responded to the invita tion to meet together
in a Masonic conclave, according to the ancient customs. The meeting took
place in the store of Bro. Joseph B. V. Butler, at or near First and Alder
Streets. The Brethren unanimously decided to take steps preparatory to
organisation of a Lodge at Portland. As the Grand Lodge of California had been
created two months before, in April, the Brethren decided to Petition the
Grand Master of that jurisdiction for a Dispensation to open a Lodge.
The Petition, dated
June 24, 185o, drafted by Bro. Benjamin Stark, was signed by the following
Brethren: James P. Long, Ralph Wilcox, Thomas J. Hobbs, Albert E. Wilson,
William M. King, Benjamin Stark, Jacob Goldsmith, Nathaniel Crosby, Samuel W.
Bell, S. H. Tryon, Dennis Tryon, Joseph B. V. Butler, Robert Thompson (not R.
R.), J. W. Whaples, and George H. Flanders. Benjamin Stark afterwards became
Grand Secretary of the Oregon Jurisdiction (1851), Master of Willamette Lodge
(1854), and Grand Master of the jurisdiction (1857); Berryman Jennings became
the first Grand Master of the Oregon Jurisdiction (1851).
The following
Officers were recommended for Willamette Lodge, which was to be opened by
Dispensation: James P. Long, Worshipful Master; Ralph Wilcox, Senior Warden;
Thomas J. Hobbs, Junior Warden; William M. King, Treasurer; Benjamin Stark,
Secretary; J. W. Whaples, Senior Deacon; Dennis Tryon, Junior Deacon; Joseph
B. V. Butler, Tyler.
To obtain the
Dispensation from the Grand Master of California, Bros. Benjamin Stark and S.
H. Tryon journeyed to San Francisco by steamship and on July 5, 1850, obtained
the document, signed by M. W. Jonathan D. Steven‑ FREEMASONRY IN OREGON 133
son, first Grand Master of California, attested by John H. Gibon, Grand
Secretary. Pursuant to this Dispensation, Bro. S. H. Tryon returned to
Portland, carrying the proxy authority of the Grand Master of California, to
organise the Lodge and set it to Work. This he accomplished on July 17, 185o,
on the upper floor of John H. Couch's warehouse, on Front Street between
Burnside and Couch Streets. The Lodge continued Work under Dispensation until
the Session of the Grand Lodge of California at Sacramento, November 27, 185o,
on which date a Charter was granted to Willamette Lodge, No. 11. Representing
the Portland Brethren there were Bros. Jacob Goldsmith, Benjamin Stark, and S.
H. Tryon, who had been delegated to apply for the Charter at a meeting of the
Portland Brethren, October 21, 1850. On January 4, 1851, the following
Officers were Installed: John Elliott, Worshipful Master; Lewis May, Senior
Warden; H. D. O'Bryant, Junior Warden; D. H. Lownsdale, Treasurer; W. S.
Caldwell, Secretary; W. H. Fisher, Senior Deacon; John H. Couch, Junior
Deacon; Nichols DeLin, Tyler. We read in the narrative of Past Grand Master
John M. Hodson, Masonic History of the Northwest, page 271: Under dispensation
the lodge held thirty meetings, in which sixteen brethren participated as
charter members, three were affiliated, ten were initiated, eight passed and
eight raised, the fees and dues amounting to $678. The meet ings were held in
the upper story of Couch & Company's warehouse, with the primitive furniture,
rough boxes, barrels, etc., such as are usually found about such places, being
used for stools, pedestals, and altars. It is related that the altar was a
rough box, covered with a French flag obtained from a vessel lying at the
wharf; the jewels were manufactured by a local tinner; and the tyler's sword
was a present from Captain Couch, that had seen a quarter of a century's
service on the high seas.
In the spring of
1851, Willamette Lodge changed the meeting‑place from the Couch warehouse to a
building at Third and Alder Streets, but in February 1852, this building was
destroyed by a windfall fir tree, and the Lodge repaired to a building
belonging to Bro. George H. Flanders, at Front and Burnside Streets, where it
continued to meet for twenty years, until 1872, when it moved to the Masonic
Temple at Third and Alder Streets, which had been erected by the Masonic
Building Association, a group of Masons who put up the money for the purpose.
Later, the controlling ownership of this building came into possession of the
Grand Lodge, through investment of the Educational Fund. In i9o6 this building
was sold for $i5o,ooo, and the Masonic Building Association, under control of
the Grand Lodge, built a Temple at West Park and Yamhill Streets, which was
dedicated in December 1907, and to which Willamette Lodge and other city
Lodges then removed.
The last meeting
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California was held September 8,
1851, at which time Willamette Lodge became a constituent of the Oregon Grand
Lodge, which organised at Oregon City, September 15, 1851.
134 FREEMASONRY IN
OREGON Willamette Lodge then was designated as Willamette Lodge, No. 2. Among
the well‑known Masters of this Lodge may be mentioned: John Elliott, Benjamin
Stark, T. J. Dryer, Cicero H. Lewis, James W. Cook, T. J. Holmes, R. B.
Wilson, Philip C. Schuyler, J. B. Congle, Thomas Mann, Henry L. Hoyt, George
L. Story, Eugene D. White, Douglas W. Taylor, A. P. DeLin, A. C. Panton, D.
Solis Cohen, Francis Sealy, Russell E. Sewell, Thomas H. Crawford, Jacob
Mayer, Thomas Gray, William Wadhams, Edward Holman, Charles H. Dodd, Norris R.
Cox, Frank Robertson, Hugh J. Boyd, Edward J. Failing, Omar C. Spencer, Earl
C. Bronaugh. As the oldest Lodge in Portland, Willamette has exhibited a
notable career of usefulness and efficiency.
About the same time
in 185o that Multnomah Lodge at Oregon City was revived and Willamette Lodge
at Portland received a Dispensation, Masonic Brethren at Lafayette were
contemplating the organisation of a Lodge at that place. Lafayette was the
most active centre of trade and politics on the west side of the Willamette
River at this time. In 1852, the town had fifteen merchandise stores. Late in
the year 185o and after the Grand Lodge of California had granted a Charter to
Willamette Lodge, the Grand Master of that jurisdiction, Jonathan D.
Stevenson, issued a Dispensation authorising the creation of Lafayette Lodge.
The Grand Lodge of California, in second Annual Communication on May 9, 1851,
ordered the issuance of a Charter to Lafayette Lodge, No. I5. In the report
made to the Grand Lodge of California at that time, of the Work of Lafayette
Lodge under Dispensation, the Officers named were: F. B. Martin, Worshipful
Master; Joel Palmer, Senior Warden; A. J. Hembree, Junior Warden; W. D.
Martin, Treasurer; David Logan, Secretary; H. D. Garrett, Senior Deacon; W. J.
Martin, Junior Deacon; J. B. Walling, Tyler. Other Craft members of this Lodge
were: Oliver Moore, S. Moore, S. Hibbed, George B. Goudy, S. M. Gilmore,
Christopher Taylor, R. Clark and W. Blanchard. These Officers continued to
serve under the Charter organisation. This Lodge withdrew from the California
Jurisdiction in September 1851, and entered that of the Oregon Grand Lodge, in
which it was designated Lafayette Lodge, No. 3. Among the Worshipful Masters
of this Lodge have been: F. B. Martin, Joel Palmer, Ransom Clark, John R.
McBride, T. V. B. Embree, Horace R. Littlefield, Christopher Taylor, Robert P.
Bird, William H. Moore. After‑the decline of Lafayette as a town, the Lodge
moved to Yamhill.
We come now to the
organisation of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the
Territory of Oregon, effected on September 15, 1851. Be it remembered that
there were three constituent Bodies of Masonry in Oregon at that time:
Multnomah Lodge, No. 8q., of Oregon City, Chartered in Missouri in 1846;
Willamette Lodge, No. 11, of Portland, Chartered in California in 185o; and
Lafayette Lodge, No. 15 of Lafayette, Chartered in California in 1851. This
was the requisite number of just and legally Constituted Lodges to authorise
the formation of a Grand Lodge. Oregon Territory, until 1853, included the
later areas of Washington and Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming, and was
not set apart as a State, within present boundaries, FREEMASONRY IN OREGON 135
until 1859. Oregon, therefore, included the pioneer settlements of Cowlitz
River and Puget Sound.
The project of a
Grand Lodge came from the Lodge at Oregon City, where on Saturday, August 16,
an Assembly of Masons was held in the hall of Multnomah Lodge, Bro. Berryman
Jennings, of Multnomah Lodge, Chairman, and Bro. Stark, of Willamette Lodge,
Secretary. By resolution, the Brethren set for Saturday, September 13, 1851,
four weeks later, at Oregon City, 9 A.M., " the assembly of delegates duly
authorized to organize a Worshipful Grand Lodge." Secretary Stark was
authorised " To address to the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren of
the several lodges in this territory, a communication suggesting the propriety
of organizing a Worshipful Grand Lodge for the Territory of Oregon." The
Record shows no other business transacted at this Assembly.
Oregon until 1851 had
made but little progress since the Petition for the Charter of the first Lodge
in 1846, but development thereafter was destined to be more rapid. The
migration of pioneers of 1851 was just beginning to arrive, at the time of
this call for organisation of a Grand Lodge in the fall of 1851. This was not
a large migration; the largest influx of pioneers was to take place next year,
in 1852., followed by lesser numbers in 1853 and 1854. Steamboat navigation
was beginning in 1851. The steamboat Columbia had been built at Astoria the
year previously, and the steamboat Lot Whitcomb had been built at Milwaukie
and begun to ply the waters of Willamette and Columbia Rivers in March 185 1.
These were the first steamboats in Oregon. Several other steamboats were added
in 1851, so that this year saw an active expansion in transportation
facilities. The original fare of $25 between Astoria and Portland was reduced
to $15 in 1851. Previously two days were consumed from Vancouver to Oregon
City, in bateaux of the Hudson's Bay Company. There were as yet no roads for
wagon traffic. Indian hostilities were beginning to trouble the new
settlements in the Rogue River country, but would not involve all the Oregon
country until 1855. Oregon Territory had been functioning as a government for
two years. Open lands for claimants under the donation land law, which gave
64o acres of land free to each pioneer family, were becoming scarce, because
most lands were heavily timbered, and timber was an obstacle and a hardship to
pioneer farmers. Portland was reaching out for trade by opening the Canyon
Road to Tualatin Valley, and now was beginning to rival Oregon City, with 5oo
inhabitants, but was agitated by the ambitions of Milwaukie, Linnton and Saint
Helens. The population of all Oregon was 15,000, mostly in Willamette Valley.
The industries were almost wholly agricultural, the only manufactured product
being lumber in small quantities, which was shipped to California for use amid
gold activities. Grain and fruits also were exported to that market. Farming
machinery was not used until 1852‑, and toilsome hand methods of threshing
continued as formerly.
On the appointed day,
September 13, 1851, the Convention assembled in Oregon City, in the hall of
Multnomah Lodge, and organised at 4 o'clock by 136 FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
electing as temporary Officers: John Elliott, Chairman; and William S.
Caldwell, Secretary, both being from Willamette Lodge at Portland. The
delegates present were Multnomah Lodge, No. 84‑Bros. J. C. Ainsworth, R. R.
Thompson, and Forbes Barclay. Willamette Lodge, No. ii‑Bros. John Elliott,
Lewis May and Benjamin Stark. Lafayette Lodge, No. is‑Bros. William J. Berry,
H. D. Garrett and G. B. Goudy.
The Committee on
Credentials and Order of Business was declared, by vote of the Convention, to
be the Worshipful Master of each of the three Lodges, namely, Bros. Ainsworth,
Elliott and Berry, and proceeded to examine the Credentials of the Delegates,
and " to ascertain and report the authority in them vested to organize a Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Territory of Oregon." The Committee,
reporting the same day, announced that the Charter of each of the three
constituent Lodges had been regularly and legally granted by a competent Grand
Lodge jurisdiction, and that the Delegates from these three Lodges bore proper
and regular Credentials. Pursuant to this report and on motion of Bro.
Benjamin Stark, the Convention declared that, inasmuch as there were then in
Oregon Territory " the requisite number of just and legally constituted Lodges
to authorize the formation of a Grand Lodge and delegates from said Lodges are
now present, clothed with ample authority to organize and constitute such
Grand Lodge," therefore, Resolved, That the representatives of the several
empowered lodges proceed to the organization of a convention for the formation
of a Grand Lodge for the Territory of Oregon.
Bro. John Elliott
then was elected permanent Chairman of the Convention and Bro. William S.
Caldwell, permanent Secretary. On motion, all " Master Masons in good standing
" were invited to participate in the proceedings. This ended the afternoon
Session, and in the evening a Committee of five members was authorised, " to
draft a constitution for a Grand Lodge for the Territory oú Oregon," and to
report such draft on the following Monday morning. Chairman Elliott appointed,
for this Committee, Bros. Berryman Jennings, Benjamin Stark, William J. Berry
and John C. Ainsworth, to serve with himself as Chairman. The Convention then
adjourned over Sunday, and met again on Monday morning at 7.30 o'clock. On
that day Bro. Amory Holbrook appeared as proxy for Bro. John C. Ainsworth. The
Committee reported a Constitution which was unanimously adopted, whereupon, a
motion of Bro. Benjamin Stark, that " a lodge of Master Masons be opened in
due and ancient form," carried and the following served as Officers Bros. John
Elliott, Worshipful Master; R. R. Thompson, Senior Warden; H. D. Garrett,
Junior Warden; W. S. Caldwell, Secretary; Forbes Barclay, Treasurer; Armory
Holbrook, Senior Deacon; Benjamin Stark, Junior Deacon; G. B. Goudy, Steward;
Herman S. Buck, Tyler.
FREEMASONRY IN OREGON
137 Grand Lodge Officers thereupon elected and Installed were: Berryman
Jennings, M. W. Grand Master; John Elliott, R. W. Deputy Grand Master; William
J. Berry, R. W. Senior Grand Warden; John C. Ainsworth, R. W. Junior Grand
Warden; R. R. Thompson, R. W. Grand Treasurer; Beniamin Stark, R. W. Grand
Secretary.
Bro. Amory Holbrook
acted as substitute for Bro. John C. Ainsworth in the Installation. Bro. John
Elliott, P. M., Installed Bro. Berryman Jennings, and M. W. Bro. Berryman
Jennings Installed R. W. Bro. John Elliott and other Officers.
The Lodge of Master
Masons then was closed in due and ancient form, and the Brethren repaired to
luncheon, preparatory for the Grand Lodge Session. In the afternoon of
September 15, 1851, at 2 o'clock, the Grand Lodge was opened by M. W. Grand
Master Berryman Jennings, assisted by the Officers elected at the morning
Session of the Convention, preceding, and by the following Grand Officers pro
tempore : R. R. Thompson, Junior Grand Warden, in addition to his regular
duties as Grand Treasurer; H. D. Garrett, Acting Grand Senior Deacon; Amory
Holbrook, Acting Grand Junior Deacon; and Peter G. Stewart, Acting Grand
Tyler. The Grand Lodge was attended also, so the Record states, by " a number
of brothers, members of the Grand Lodge and visiting brothers," and was opened
on the Master Mason Degree in ample form.
By resolution the
Grand Lodge directed that the Charters of each constituent Lodge be endorsed
as having been submitted to the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Oregon, and
that each Lodge be recognised as a legally Con stituted Lodge, " under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, by the original name;" that the three Lodges
" be numbered according to the date of their charters," and that this order be
signed by the M. W. Grand Master, the R.W. Deputy Grand Master, and the R. W.
Grand Wardens and be countersigned by the R. W. Grand Secretary.
The three constituent
Lodges were " requested " by resolution of the Grand Lodge to pay into the
treasury of the Grand Lodge the sum of $Zso, as follows: Multnomah Lodge, No.
i and Willamette Lodge, No. 2, each $ioo; and Lafay ette Lodge, No. 3, $So.
Such was the beginning of the funds of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, which have
grown to the substantial totals of the presentday.
As a Committee to
procure a Seal for the Grand Lodge, M. W. Grand Master Berryman Jennings,
Acting Grand Junior Deacon Amory Holbrook and R. W. Grand Secretary Benjamin
Stark were appointed by resolution. As a Committee to prepare a Code of
By‑Laws, supplementary to the Constitution, M. W. Grand Master Berryman
Jennings, R. W. Deputy Grand Master John Elliott and R. W. Grand Secretary
Benjamin Stark were named by resolution.
The M. W. Grand
Master appointed the following Officers and Committees: Grand Chaplain, David
Leslie; Grand Marshal, Lewis May; Grand Standard Bearer, William S. Caldwell;
Grand Sword Bearer, H. S. Buck; Grand Senior Deacon, R. R. Thompson; Grand
Junior Deacon, H. D. Garrett; Grand Stewards, 138 FREEMASONRY IN OREGON G. H.
Harrison and F. A. Clark; Grand Tyler, William Holmes; Committee on Grievance,
John Elliott, W. J. Berry, John C. Ainsworth; Committee on Foreign
Correspondence, Benjamin Stark, R. R. Thompson, Lewis May.
The Grand Lodge then
closed in ample form, to meet in second Annual Communication on June 14, 1852‑
These beginnings of Masonry in Oregon were seemingly small in a primitive
far‑away country, but small only in material and numerical proportion; just as
every part of nature's things is miniature by comparison with the whole. The
precepts of the constituent Lodges and of the Grand Lodge of Oregon Territory
were as large and far‑reaching as in the Grand Jurisdiction of New York State,
which had been created in 1781.
The Jurisdiction of
Oregon Territory, at the time of the creation of the Grand Lodge, 1851, had
but 116 constituent members. This number has since grown to some 8o,ooo in the
States of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and the Terri tory ofAlaska. Of this
total the figures for 1935 show, Washington and Alaska, 44111; Idaho, 9462‑;
Oregon, 2‑5,866. The number of Lodges has increased from 3, at the time of the
organisation of the Grand Lodge of Oregon in 1851, to 52.o as follows: Oregon,
173; Washington, 2‑66; Idaho, 81. Of the 116 Master Masons, members of the 3
original Oregon Lodges, Multnomah Lodge had 48; Willamette Lodge, 34;
Lafayette Lodge, 34. Nine months later, at the second Annual; Communication,
June 14, 1852, the membership of Multnomah Lodge had grown to 6o; of
Willamette Lodge to 55, and of Lafayette Lodge to 41. The names of the
founders of Masonry in Oregon, members of constituent Lodges in 1851, are
those of men well known as builders of the Commonwealth: MULTNOMAH LODGE, NO.
I John C. Ainsworth Andrew Jackson John L. Morrison Lot Whitcomb H. S. Buck H.
M. Chase ‑ R.1.R. Thompson George Walling Aaron E. Wait William Barlow J. L.
Barlow J. R. Ralston Amory Holbrook J. S. Holland J. E. Hurford A. Lee Lewis
Forbes Barclay A. K. Post William Hood A. Holland C. McCue John McLoskey
Berryman Jennings Fendal C. Cason Jacob Kamm Wm. P. Dougherty Peter G. Stewart
George W. Jackson Asa L. Lovejoy John P. Gaines M. Davenport A. F. Wilson
Samuel J. Oakley Wm. C. McKay William Holmes R. Crawford James A. Graham Orrin
Kellogg James G. Swafford G. A. Cone J. B. Backenstos Jeremiah Collins D. B.
Hanner B. B. Rogers William C. Dement Jacob Rinearson W. W. Buck Neil McArthur
FREEMASONRY IN OREGON 139 WILLAMETTE LODGE, NO. 2 John Elliott F. H. McKinney
Ellis Walker Benjamin Stark Wm. W. Chapman Robert Hall Robert Thompson S. H.
Tryon J. Menzie Thomas J. Dryer Dennis Tryon W. H. Harris George H. Flanders
F. Dewitt Lewis Day A. C. Bonnell A. G. Tripp T. G. Robinson James Logie Clark
Drew J. Warren Davis Eli Stewart Isaac Kohn Fred A. Clark James Loomis Andrew
Weisenthal John H. Couch P. Fulkerson Charles Hutchins H. D. O'Bryant Z. C.
Morton R. Hoyt D. H. Lownsdale George H. Ambrose LAFAYETTE LODGE, NO. 3 Joel
Palmer D. P. Barnes Chris Taylor Oliver Moore P. Hibbed H. C. Owens H. H. Snow
S. Moore J. Y. Lodd E. D. Harris E. Horner John Monroe A. B. Westerfield M. R.
Crisp E. R. Geary S. Ransdel M. Gilman William Blanchard J. A. Campbell J.
Richardson F. Doress J. Odle C. Richardson S. E. Darnes F. B. Martin Jerome
Walling A. Henry H. D. Martin C. M. Johnson George B. Goudy W. Martin From
these beginnings, Masonry in the original Oregon country has grown like a
progressive science, until there are now three Grand Lodge jurisdictions,
together with the several kindred affiliations of the York and Scottish Rites.
A separate Grand Lodge jurisdiction was created in Washington Territory on
December 9, 1858, the four constituent Lodges being those Chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Oregon Territory, as follows: Olympia Lodge, No. 5, June 15,
1853; Steilacoom Lodge, No. 8, June 13, 1854; Grand Mound Lodge, No. 21, July
13, 1858; Washington Lodge, No. 22 (Vancouver), July 13, 1858. These four
Lodges, in the new jurisdiction, took the new consecutive numbers of one to
four, and the old numbers are blank in the Oregon Jurisdiction. Washington had
been made a territory in 1853. After the State was created by Congress, in
1889, the title of the Grand Lodge was changed conformably.
Similarly, Masonry in
Idaho Territory grew out of that of Oregon. The Grand Lodge of Oregon
Territory Chartered the three first Lodges of Idaho, as follows: Idaho Lodge,
No. 35, at Bannock, June 21, 1864; Boise Lodge, No. 37, June 2o, 1865; Placer
Lodge, No. 38, at Placerville. The Grand Lodge of Washington Territory
Chartered the fourth Lodge in Idaho Territory, Pioneer Lodge, 142 FREEMASONRY
IN OREGON The project for this Home first was proposed by the Grand Chapter,
Order of Eastern Star, in 1897, as a refuge for widows and orphans. In 1917
the Grand Lodge took up the project, augmented the funds and carried the plans
to reali sation in 1922. The fund of the Eastern Star for this work, when the
Grand Lodge adopted the plan in 1917, was $io,ooo. A joint Committee of the
two Orders undertook the work in 1918, composed of the following: Will Moore,
Frank J. Miller, Loyal M. Graham, and J. S. Roark, representing the Grand
Lodge; Pauline Moore Riley, Rose J. Wilson and Lena C. Mendenhall,
representing the Eastern Star. The sum of $5o,ooo was raised in 1919. The
joint Home Committee selected the site in 1919, the east half of the land
being given by Holbrook Lodge, No. 30, of Forest Grove. W. C. Knighton was
architect. The Eastern Star contributed $40,000 for construction and the Grand
Lodge, the balance of the cost of $479,000. M. W. Grand Masters Earl C.
Bronaugh and William J. Kerr worked out the plans for raising the funds in
1919‑2o.
The management of the
Home is directed by a Committee consisting of the Grand Lodge Trustees and
three members from the Eastern Star, with the Grand Master as Chairman.
The Educational Fund,
amounting to some $28o,ooo in securities and cash, is the product of eighty
years of growth, which began in 1854, when the Grand Lodge appropriated $i5o
for this purpose, and adopted a plan of member con tributions. At the next
Annual Communication, in 1855, the Committee in charge, J. D. Ainsworth,
Berryman Jennings, and A. M. Belt, reported that the fund stood at $525.97. In
1856 the same Committee reported $1,201.71; in 1857, $2,673.02; in 1858,
$3,816.64; in 1859, $4,766.72; in 1860, $6,139‑33; in 1861, $7,34029; in 1862,
$8,612.39; in 1865, $io,493.8o; in 1866, $11,333‑42. In 1879 the fund,
amounting to $19,40492, was used to buy 635 shares of the Masonic Building
Association, of Portland, and from that time afterwards, until the year 1920,
the Grand Lodge remained a stockholder of that Association, acquiring
additional stock from time to time, until it became the controlling owner, and
finally sold to the Knights of Pythias and converted the proceeds into an
active fund for relief of needy children of Master Masons in education.
The original plan of
this fund, adopted in 1854, contemplated expenditure for facilities of
education for children of indigent Brethren, but the development of the public
school system caused the plan to be modified to that of the present practise‑financial
aid to such children who are attending public school. The first plan for the
fund is contained in a report to the Grand Lodge in 1854 of a Special
Committee‑W. S. Caldwell, A. W. Ferguson, and Thomas J. Dryer ‑and their
recommendation was adopted that " Every Master Mason within this jurisdiction
be and is hereby requested to contribute a sum not exceeding five dollars."
The first Committee named to receive and hold the fund was composed of J. C.
Ainsworth, A. M. Belt and Berryman Jennings. In 1860 the members were John
McCraken, A. M. Belt and A. E. Wait. In 1861, T. J. Holmes and Ralph
FREEMASONRY IN OREGON 143 Wilcox were appointed. Other members were S. F.
Chadwick, C. H. Lewis, Philip C. Schuyler, J. W. Cook, A. G. Walling, R. R.
Thompson, J. R. Bayley, Alex Martin, J. B. Underwood, W. H. Brackett, Daniel
H. Murphy, Jacob Conser, J. B. Congle, W. F. Alexander, Robert Clow, John
Myers, J. H. Albert, David Froman, R. P. Earhart, T. McF. Patton, I. W. Pratt,
W. D. Hare, Robert Thompson, T. G. Reames, J. C. Moreland, and Jacob Mayer.
By investment of this
fund, the Grand Lodge became controlling owner of the Masonic building at
Third and Alder Streets, Portland, which was completed in 1872‑, and which was
sold in 19o6; and also controlling owner of the Masonic building built in
19o6‑1907 at West Park and Yamhill Streets. The Knights of Pythias bought the
latter building in 192.o, thus releasing the educational fund for present
uses.
It thus appears that
the Grand Lodge of Oregon and the 173 constituent Lodges compose an active
fraternal utility, and that they are engaged in conspicuous benevolent
activities. Masonry in Oregon has progressed with the growth of the
Commonwealth, from pioneer beginnings. The most distinguished men of Oregon,
both in public life and in private business, have been votaries at the Shrine
of Masonic usefulness.
FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA FREDERIc E. MANSON N any historical consideration of Freemasonry
in Pennsylvania, it has to be remembered that many of the Masons resident in
the Province left the mother country before the organisation of the Grand
Lodge of England in 1717. This is indicated by the old land records, names on
which afterward appeared in connection with Masonic events chronicled in the
press. Masonic events were recorded in the Pennsylvania Gazette for many
years. Naturally such Masons, acquainted with the customs, usages, and
proceedings of Operative Masonry, and uninformed or only partially informed
concerning the changes brought about and contemplated by the Grand Lodge of
England, clung to the former until authoritatively advised concerning the
latter. To them a Lodge was a meeting‑place, a Grand Lodge the Annual
Assembly, and the Work of the Lodge was the reading to Initiates of the old
Constitutions and Charges. As they became better informed, however, the Lodge
became a unit of organised Masonry, the Grand Lodge became the supreme
governing Body, and Work was the ceremonials employing Rituals in the
conferring of Degrees. But the meeting‑place, the Annual Assembly, and the old
Constitutions were not only the beginnings of organised Masonry but also prime
factors in the evolution of organisation‑they were the first steps in Masonic
growth and in the progress of ' an institution.
Those early Masons
possessed a purpose to which they adhered, and to the fullest extent of their
Masonic knowledge and ability they carried it out. And their successors in
Pennsylvania Masonry, in the Grand and Subordinate Lodges, have credited them
with planting Masonry in the Province, of nurturing it, and of developing it
into a Masonic jurisdiction that has preserved Ancient York Masonry for the
Masonic world. Therefore Pennsylvania Masons to‑day hold to those early
beginnings of Masonry as marking the birth of the Craft in the Keystone State,
and in so doing they have the support of the Grand Lodge of England. In 1930
that Grand Lodge conveyed its felicitations to the Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, and in 1931 the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Subordinate
Lodges of the State celebrated two hundred years of Freemasonry in
Pennsylvania and the bicentenary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The two
hundred years celebrated do not include the period in which Lodges were purely
voluntary gatherings of Masons. In his address at that celebration Bro. Henry
S. Borneman, District Deputy Grand Master, said The fundamental and vitalising
purpose of Freemasonry is to build; to build an ideal; particularly to build
that impressive portion of the great Tem 1óó FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 145
ple of Truth which is dedicated to the beautiful art of fine living. The faith
of a Freemason has at least three essentials: First, adherence to a belief in
a Supreme Being, the Great Architect of Heaven and Earth, the Giver of all
good gifts and graces. Second, the adoption of a Supreme Book of the Law, the
THiy CONSTITUTIONS O F THE FREE‑MASONS.
CONTAINING THE
Hi.Firory, Charger, Regulations, &c. of that moft Ancient and Right Worfhipful
FRATERNITY.
For the Ufe of the
LODGES.
L O N D O N Printed;
Aa00 S723'Re‑printed in 'Phdadrlpf.ia by fpcviol Order, far the We of the
Brethren in NORTH‑AME R ICA. in the Year of Msfonry t)34, Am 11rNMr 1;34ò
Title Page of Benjamin Franklin's Reprint (1734) of Anderson's Constitutions
of 172‑3The first known Masonic book published in America. In the collection
of the Grand Lodge Museum, F. & A. M., New York.
Holy Bible, as the
only infallible guide of his faith and practise. Third, the enjoyment of the
blessed hope of a state beyond this life, where his personality persists and
his soul reigns in immortality. The practises and conduct of a Freemason are
in a Brotherhood which teaches that the burden of each is the burden of all;
that the deepening twilight of old age with its weakness of body and fret of
mind must be illumined; that the terrors of the open grave must be assuaged;
that in their despair the widow and the orphan must be supported 146
FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA and encouraged, that he must tender his staying
hand to every Brother if he is worthy and his cause just.
There were Freemasons
in Pennsylvania in the early years of the eighteenth century. St. John's
Lodge, of Philadelphia, in particular, is known to have existed in 172.7. As
indicated by the document itself, this Lodge probably pos sessed the Carmick
Constitutions, the original manuscript of which is preserved in the library of
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. On December 8, 173o, Dr.
Benjamin Franklin printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette the statement that ''
there are several Lodges of Freemasons erected in this Province." Undoubtedly
these Lodges were voluntary organisations Working under no authority or
supervision, and active mainly for social purposes and for the celebration of
St. John's Day. The Carmick Constitutions, so called because they bear the
signature of " Tho. Carmick," were evidently copied from older Constitutions"
from Prince Edwin's‑according to their title and text. They provide that seven
Masons may form a Lodge, or six with the consent of the seventh. Thus the
statement of Dr. Franklin may have been true in a sense, though not true as we
understand the word " Lodge " to‑day. On the other hand, such voluntary Lodges
evidently resulted in authorised Lodges.
Authorised Masonry
did not appear in the Province until after the Grand Lodge of England granted
a Deputation to Daniel Coxe. This Deputation implies, if it does not confirm,
the residence of Masons in the then Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania. It is significant that, though Daniel Coxe may never have
organised a Grand Lodge, following this Deputation there resulted at
Philadelphia the Provincial Grand Lodge of June 2.q, 173 Whatever Daniel Coxe
may have done with it, the Deputation is interesting. It is dated June S,
1730. In part it reads as follows: Whereas application has been made unto us
by our Rt. Worshipful and well beloved Brother Daniel Cox, of New Jersey, esqr.,
and by several other brethren Free and Accepted Masons residing and about to
reside in the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania that we
would be pleased to nominate and appoint a Provincial Grand Master of the said
Provinces Now know ye that we have nominated, ordained, constituted and
appointed, and do by these presents nominate, ordain, constitute and appoint
our Right Worshipful and wellbeloved Brother Daniel Cox, Provincial Grand
Master of the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with
full power and authority to nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master and
Grand Wardens for the space of two years from the Feast of St. John the
Baptist now next ensuing; after which time it is our will and pleasure and we
do hereby ordain that the brethren who do now reside or may hereafter reside
in all or any of the said Provinces, shall and they are hereby impowered every
other year on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, to elect a Provincial Grand
Master who shall have the power of nominating and appointing his Deputy Grand
Master and Grand Wardens; and we do hereby impower our said Provincial Grand
Master and the Grand Master Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens FREEMASONRY
IN PENNSYLVANIA 147 for the time being, for us and in our place and stead to
constitute the brethren (Free and Accepted Masons) now residing or who shall
hereafter reside in those parts, into one or more regular Lodge or Lodges as
he shall think fit, and as often as occasion shall require he, the said Daniel
Cox, and the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens
for the time being, taking special care that all and every member of any Lodge
or Lodges so to be constituted have been or shall be made regular Masons and
that they do cause all and every the Regulations contained in the printed Book
of Constitutions, except so far as they have been altered by the Grand Lodge
at their Quarterly Meetings, to be kept and observed, and also all such other
Rules and Instructions as Shall from time to time be transmitted to him or
them by us, or Nathl. Blackerby, esqr., our Deputy Grand Master or the Grand
Master or his Deputy for the time being; and that he, the said Daniel Cox, our
Provincial Grand Master of the said Provinces and the Provincial Grand Master
for the time being or his Deputy, do send to us or our Deputy Grand Master and
to the Grand Master of England or his Deputy for the time being, annually an
Account in Writing of the number of Lodges so constituted with the names of
several members of each particular Lodge together with such other matters and
things as he or they shall think fit to be communicated for the prosperity of
the Craft; and, lastly, we will and require that our said Provincial Grand
Master and the Grand Master for the time being, or his Deputy, do annually
cause the Brethren to keep the Feast of St. John, the Evangelist, and dine
together on that day or (in case any accident should happen to prevent their
dining together on that day) on any other day near that time, as the
Provincial Grand Master for the time being shall judge most fit, as is done
here, and at that time more particularly and at all Quarterly Communications
he do recommend a general charity to be established for the relief of poor
Brethren of the said Provinces. Given under our hand and Seal of Office at
London this fifth day of June, 1730, and of Masonry 5730 This Deputation not
only appointed Daniel Coxe to be Provincial Grand Master of the three
Provinces, with full power and authority to nominate and appoint his Deputy
Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the space of two years, but it also
ordained that " the Brethren who do now reside or may thereafter reside in all
or any of said Provinces shall, and they are hereby impowered every other year
on the feast of St. John the Evangelist to elect a Provincial Grand Master who
shall have the power of nominating and appointing his Deputy Grand Master, and
Grand Wardens," and so on. This Deputation appears to have been retained by
Daniel Coxe as his personal property. Though he remained at home during 1730,
and evidently during most of 1731, according to documentary evidence, he seems
not to have been interested in Masonic matters. Yet he was active in business,
and in political and social affairs. This is indicated by the minutes of the
Council of Proprietors of the Western Division of New Jersey from 1730 to
1732, and by letters written by him during this period. His wife came from
Philadelphia, which was only twenty miles distant from Burlington, New Jersey,
where he resided. But documentary evidence is lacking 148 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA that directly connects him with the Provincial Grand Lodge of
1731, and the weight of the evidence would seem to indicate that that Grand
Lodge was organised independently.
The date of the
organisation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been determined
from "Liber B," the account book of St. John's Lodge of Philadelphia, now in
possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. From this book is
learned the name of the first Provincial Grand Master of Pennsylvania, William
Allen; that of his Deputy Grand Master, William Pringle; and the place of
meeting, The Tun Tavern. From the " Masonic Notices " in the Pennsylvania
Gazette there are known the names of sixteen of the Grand Masters who served
from 1731 to 1755, during which period Pennsylvania Masons were " Moderns."
Dr. Franklin was Provincial Grand Master in 1734 and 1749. William Allen was
Provincial Grand Master eight times. This Provincial Grand Lodge of Moderns
made no report to the Grand Lodge of England, so far as the Minutes of that
Body show. Because it was independent it evidently had no accounting to make.
Nor do the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of England contain any item which
indicates that that Body endeavoured to secure reports from the Provincial
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, so far as has been ascertained. However, the
Grand Lodge of England and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
affiliated to the extent that the latter approved and adopted the changes in
the Ritual made by the former subsequent to 1730. It also adopted changes made
by the former in the Anderson Constitutions, of which an American edition was
printed by Dr. Franklin in 1734.
Had the Records of
this first Provincial Grand Lodge not been lost or destroyed there might have
been preserved some very important and interesting data, probably explanatory
of the transition from Moderns to Ancients, which was undoubtedly taking place
between 1755 and 1761 when Pennsylvania York Masons apparently were gaining
the ascendancy. About all we have is the fact that on July 15, 1761, a
Provincial Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons was organised with William Ball
as Grand Master. It subsequently received a Warrant from the Ancient York
Grand Lodge of England. Of this second Provincial Lodge of Pennsylvania more
is known. It was very active and it extended its jurisdiction to other
Provinces, even to the West Indies, by Warranting Lodges in them. While it
extended its ,Jurisdiction, it also multiplied its troubles. For though it
planted Ancients in detached territories it could not combat the tendency
therein to become Moderns. As Masonry in these provinces grew, all but one
Grand Lodge obtained Warrants from the Grand Lodge of England.
The break in
Pennsylvania from Moderns to Ancients, according to its Minutes of December
z7, 1757, appears to have begun in Tun Tavern Lodge, which had been suspended
by the First Provincial Grand Lodge. As the result of deliberations then held,
and again on January 3, 1758, a Petition for a Warrant was on January io, 175
8, sent to the Grand Lodge of the Ancients in England. It issued the Warrant
prayed for on June 7, 175 8. This Warrant was recorded as No. 1 in
Pennsylvania and No. 69 in England. The Lodge severed all relations
FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 149 with the Provincial Grand Lodge and
Subordinate Lodges of the Moderns. The Minutes of this Lodge contain the
By‑Laws of the Lodge transmitted from the Ancient York Grand Lodge of England
by Laurence Dermott, Grand Secretary.
Lodge No. 1,
afterwards Lodge No. 2 on the Roster of the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Ancients, appears to have been the moving spirit in the organisation of that
Grand Lodge. It had everything to gain and was favored by the growing
prejudice against England. Indeed, it may be said that for a time this Lodge
was a Grand Lodge, though Representatives of other Lodges were included in the
membership of the Grand Lodge. The Lodge was decidedly aggressive in promoting
Ancient York Masonry. It is regrettable that the Minutes of the Grand Lodge up
to 1779 were " mislaid or carried away by some enemies to the Royal Art during
the confusions of the present war," as the preface to a reprint of the Minutes
of 1779 says. At the close of the year 178o the Grand Lodge had granted
thirty‑three Warrants, including Warrants for Army Lodges, and before the
momentous meeting of September ZS, 1786, it had granted a total of forty‑five
Warrants. At that meeting the following resolution was unanimously passed:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge is, and ought to be a Grand Lodge, independent
of Great Britain or any other Authority Whatever, and that they are not under
any ties to any other Grand Lodge except those of Brotherly Love and
Affection, which they will always be happy to cultivate and preserve with all
Lodges throughout the Globe.
The following day a
Grand Convention of thirteen different Lodges, Working by virtue of Warrants
from the late Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with full power from their
constituents to act, formed themselves into a Grand Lodge to be called the "
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto Belonging." On
September 28 the Act of that Convention was ratified by the new Grand Lodge
thus formed. The new Grand Lodge recalled Warrants granted to Subordinate
Lodges and substituted therefor " fresh Warrants " granted by its authority.
In 1789 the Grand Lodge made "Rules and Regulations" for its government. At
the close of the century the Grand Lodge had granted eightyone Warrants all
told.
During the period of
the War for Independence, and for several years thereafter, however, the Grand
Lodge was not without its troubles. The Ancients as a rule sympathised with
the Colonists, and many of their members entered the Colonial army. At times
the Grand Lodge met with vacant Stations and had to fill them pro rempore, and
some Subordinate Lodges had no meetings at all. This resulted in more or less
confusion. To prevent utter disorganisation, the Grand Master, at the
conclusion of the War for Independence, was compelled to call upon Subordinate
Lodges to produce their Warrants. Some did so, others did not, and the Grand
Lodge, with its Minutes lost, was forced to adopt measures to obtain knowledge
of " the state of the Craft." At the Grand Lodge Communication in December
1779 ten Subordinate 150 FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA Lodges produced their
Warrants, among them Lodge No. z, or Lodge No. 69 on the Register of the Grand
Lodge of York. This Lodge was old Lodge No. i, before the second Provincial
Grand Lodge was formed. In this old Lodge the then moving spirit was Alexander
Rutherford, a born organiser, later Deputy Grand Master, and finally Grand
Master. Rutherford conceived the idea of having the Grand Lodge vacate on the
Register the numbers of those Subordinate Lodges which, within a specified
time, failed to produce their Warrants. The resolution to this effect,
unanimously adopted by the Grand Lodge, became a rule which obtains to this
day. Vacant numbers on the Grand Lodge Roster are thus accounted for.
One practice that
more or less obstructed Grand Lodge reorganisation was the proxy system.
Representatives from Subordinate Lodges in Philadelphia and adjoining towns
could easily attend Grand Lodge Communications. Not so Representatives from
country Subordinate Lodges, which, to insure representation at Grand Lodge
Communications, employed Masons residing in Philadelphia to attend
Communications and represent them. Those proxies frequently found it as
difficult to communicate with the Subordinate Lodges they represented as did
the Grand Lodge. Furthermore, those proxies were not always upheld by the
Subordinate Lodges they represented, so far as concerned what they did in
Grand Lodge. Yet unsatisfactory as such representation in Grand Lodge was, the
system continued almost up to the time of the war between the States. The
proxy system was also one of the chief obstacles to the efforts of the Grand
Lodge to extend supreme authority over the Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Lodge
sought uniformity in fees, dues, procedure, and recognition of its authority.
The Subordinate Lodges were inclined to be independent, disregardful of form
and precedent, and distrustful of the efforts of the Grand Lodge to bring
order out of chaos. Several Subordinate Lodges were mildly disciplined, and
one was deprived of its Warrant before the Grand Lodge's authority was
recognised.
For several years the
greater the number of Subordinate Lodges Warranted, the greater became the
task of maintaining the authority of the Grand Lodge and of securing
uniformity in procedure and Ritual. One Grand Master after another essayed the
task with indifferent results, until finally Grand Master James Milnor gave
those matters his personal attention. His method was that of making Grand
Visitations, during which he instructed the Lodges and checked their Officers.
By 1813 he had succeeded to such an extent as to report to the Grand Lodge
that there was conformity to laws, rules, and regulations, and uniformity of
procedure and Ritualistic work.
Toward the close of
the eighteenth century the Grand Lodge was confronted by a situation for which
it had made little or no preparation. The Subordinate Lodges it had Warranted
in other Provinces were inclined to change from Ancient to Modern. Several of
them that developed themselves into Grand Lodges did so, and obtained Warrants
from the Grand Lodge of England. Noting the fact that the Grand Jurisdiction
of Pennsylvania was shrink‑ FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 151 ing, the Grand
Lodge of New Jersey suggested an amalgamation of Ancients and Moderns, but the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania would not seriously consider the proposition.
During this period, too, on January 13, 1780, to be exact, the Grand Lodge
passed a resolution favouring a Grand Master of Masons throughout the United
States, and proceeded to elect " His Excellency George Washington, Esquire,
General and Commander‑in‑Chief of the United States," to that office. The
Grand Lodge then directed that copies of the Minutes of this action be sent to
the other Grand Lodges in the United States. The feasibility of such a project
was questioned by several Grand Lodges, among them that of Massachusetts.
Discussion of the matter gradually subsided, and nothing ever came of it.
However, the Grand Lodge on June 18, 1787, presented General Washington a copy
of the Book of the Constitutions, and early in 1792. presented him with an
address, as follows To His Excellency, George Washington President of the
United States Sir and Brother.
The Ancient York
Masons of the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, for the first time assembled in
General Communication to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, since
your Election to the Chair of Government in the United States, beg leave to
approach you with congratulations from the East, and in the pride of Fraternal
affection to hail you as the Great Master Builder (under the Supreme
Architect) by whose Labourers the Temple of Liberty hath been reared in the
West, exhibiting to the Nations of the Earth a Model of Beauty, Order, and
Harmony worthy of their Imitation and Praise.
Your Knowledge of the
Origin and Objects of our Institution; its Tendency to promote the Social
Affections and harmonise the Heart, give us a sure pledge that this tribute of
our Veneration, this Effusion of our Love will not be un grateful to you; nor
will Heaven reject our Prayer that you may be long continued to adorn the
bright list of Master Workmen which our Fraternity produces in the terrestrial
Lodge; and that you may be late removed to that Celestial Lodge where Love and
Harmony reign transcendent and Divine; where the Great Architect more
immediately presides, and where Cherubim and Seraphim, wafting our
Congratulations from Earth to Heaven, shall hail, you Brother.
By order and in
behalf of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in general Communication assembled
in ample form. J. B. Smith, G. M.
Attest. P Le Barrier
Duplessis, G'd. Secy.
This address, which
is still preserved, brought a brief reply from Washington. It reads as follows
Gentlemen and Brothers. ‑ I received your Kind congratulations with the purest
Sensations of fraternal affection, and from a Heart deeply impressed with your
generous wishes for my present and future Happiness I beg you to accept of my
thanks.
152 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA At the same time I request you will be assured of my best wishes
and earnest prayers for your Happiness while you remain in this terrestrial
Mansion, and that we may hereafter meet as brethren in the Eternal Temple of
the Supreme Architect.
G. Washington This
reply is also preserved among other Washingtonia, including an address and
Washington's reply thereto on his retirement from the Presidency. In 1779 a
Committee from the Grand Lodge, upon invitation of the Committee of
Arrangements of Congress, attended the " funeral oration in Honour of the late
Lieutenant‑General George Washington as directed by order of Congress."
Perhaps the most noteworthy event in the history of Pennsylvania Freemasonry
near the close of the eighteenth century was the resumption of Fraternal
relations with the Grand Lodge of England. In this the Grand Lodge of England,
so far as the Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania disclose, took the
initiative, the former having received the Book of the Constitutions of the
latter. The communication from London in 1792 contains the following: It
having, however, pleased the Almighty Architect of the Universe to erect the
Province of Pennsylvania into a sovereign state, we coincide with you in
opinion, that it became expedient to remove those doubts which either had or
might be entertained by the uninformed upon that point, by declaring in the
most explicit manner the independence of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the
full and ample Authority of which, limited only by the unchangeable Landmarks
of the System, as it cannot be increased, so neither can it ever be diminished
by Political Changes or Revolutions.
The Grand Lodge of
England informed the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that it had communicated to
other Grand Lodges in Fraternal relations the action it had taken.
By the opening of the
nineteenth century the Moderns had almost disappeared and the Independent
Grand Lodge looked for an increasing number of Subordinate Lodges and for
prosperity throughout the jurisdiction. It did Warrant several new Lodges but
it was soon confronted by two disturbing intrusions‑clandestine Masonry and
the anti‑Masonic movement. For several years regular Masons ignorantly or
carelessly visited spurious Lodges, and irregular Lodges entertained visitors
from regular Lodges. The Grand Lodge disciplined members of Subordinate Lodges
as well as the Lodges themselves. But not until the Grand Lodge circularised
both Lodges and members did it succeed in preventing the practice. It was
twenty years before the Grand Lodge stemmed the anti‑Masonic movement, and
then only after taking drastic measures. Its Communications to Subordinate
Lodges were ignored. It received neither reports nor dues, and, when it
threatened to lift Warrants if dues were not paid, it received more Warrants
than dues. Lodges suspended Work or went entirely out of existence. The
situation for a time challenged FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 153 the Grand
Lodge, its Deputies, and Instructors. But finally, as excitement abated, the
Grand Lodge appealed to reason and to loyalty, and in many cases aided the
resuscitation of Substitute Lodges.
These interruptions
only delayed the expected growth of the Fraternity. Just before and
immediately after the war between the States, Subordinate Lodges increased in
number, and many of them gained unprecedented member ship. Similar conditions
prevailed at the time of the Spanish‑American War. The Fraternity became
stronger and stronger as the century advanced, until, as the new century
opened, it exerted a tremendous and healthful influence on society throughout
the State. It did so largely because it numbered among its members some of the
foremost members of society.
Soon after the
opening of the twentieth century the World War broke out. Both Subordinate
Lodges and members again increased, the latter in such numbers as to alarm the
more conservative members of the Fraternity. But again growth was retarded by
adverse economic conditions resulting from the war. In the midst of these
conditions the Grand Lodge celebrated two hundred years of organised
Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, and what was approximately the bicentenary of the
Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The ceremonies took place from
October 11 to 14, 1931. Representatives from thirtythree Grand jurisdictions
participated in the celebration, among them the M.‑. W.‑. Deputy Grand Master
of the United Grand Lodge of England, the R.‑. W.‑. Grand Secretary, and the
V.‑. W.‑. Deputy Master of Ceremonies. All Representatives were greeted by
R.‑. W.‑. Grand Master William S. Snyder and other Grand Officers, and their
felicitations ‑were gratefully received.
On December 2, 1934,
the Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania included'568 Subordinate Lodges, and
had about Zoi,6i8 members. These Lodges were divided into 52 Districts, each
under a District Deputy Grand Master. More than a score of Subordinate Lodges
had over iooo members each, and the state of the Craft was excellent in every
respect.
The names of
eighty‑three Grand Masters are now known, despite the loss or destruction of
the Grand Lodge Minutes. The large majority of them served in the several
places and Stations before elevation to the Oriental Chair. Many of them
served more than two terms. William Allen, Grand Master of the First
Provincial Grand Lodge, served eight terms; William Ball, Grand Master of the
Second Provincial Grand Lodge, served at least twelve terms and still another
term after the Grand Lodge had declared its independence. James Milnor,
elected Grand Master in 18o6, served eight terms.
In Subordinate
Lodges, the Worshipful Masters in early times served several terms, sometimes
consecutively. Yet in these Lodges, in recent years, Masters have, with few
exceptions, come up through the line. Only a few Master Masons in large Lodges
ever get in line, which fact supplies the argument for smaller Lodges. To this
argument it may be said, to the lasting credit of Pennsylvania Masons, that
loyalty to Masonry remedies this situation.
The Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania has always met at Philadelphia. It was 154 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA organised in 173, at the Tun Tavern, where it met in 1732. In
1735 it met at the Indian King Tavern, and in 1749 at the Royal Standard
Tavern. However, in 1755 it began to meet in Freemasons' Lodge, the first
building in America 'erected for Masonic purposes, which was dedicated with
extensive ceremonies on June 24, 175 5. From 1769 to 1790 the Grand Lodge met
in its " building on Videll's Alley," and during the War for Independence it
met at the City Tavern. From 1790 to 1799 its meeting‑place was the Free
Quaker Meeting House. From 18oo to 1802 it met in Independence Hall, and from
1802 to 1810 it met in Pennsylvania Freemasons' Hall. The following nine years
it met in Masonic Hall, which was later destroyed by fire. In 1819 and 1820
the Grand Lodge resumed its meetings in Pennsylvania Freemasons' Hall. Then it
returned for the next fifteen years to Masonic Hall, which had been rebuilt.
From 1835 to 1855 it met in Washington Hall, and from then till 1873 in the
New Masonic Hall. Since the last named year the Grand Lodge has met in Masonic
Temple, which it still occupies. Masonic Temple was dedicated on September 26,
1873, the ceremonies taking place in Corinthian Hall. Grand Master Perkins
presided. The Temple is a noble example of Norman architecture. Of its three
main towers, the Grand Tower at the southwest corner rises some Z5o feet.
However impressive the exterior may be, there are exhibited in the interior
those splendid illustrations of the builder's art that make the Temple a
symbol of the art of building temples not made with hands.
ANCIENT YORK
CEREMONIALS The Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania has from the beginning
Worked under the Old Constitutions. The old voluntary Lodges could have had no
other guidance, though St. John's Lodge probably had the Carmick
Constitutions.
Those contained a
history of the Art, the Ancient Charges and the Apprentices' Charge, which
closed with an " admonition." As in England, before organised Masonry, all
these were read to the neophyte, and to them he assented. Evidently there was
also secret Work, for the " admonition " contained the following: " Thus let
the man that is a Mason choose out of the Lodge one to be his tutor who is to
instruct him in the secrets that are not to be written." These secrets largely
pertained to the means of recognising a Brother Mason, and of being recognised
by him. But whether or not they were the same as those employed to‑day is not
known. Fundamentally, they may have been so. Some Masonic writers claim that
they were.
The first Provincial
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, that Of 1731, undoubtedly Worked under the
Anderson Constitutions. Where the Pennsylvania Masons may have obtained those
Constitutions matters little at this time. The more impor tant matter is that,
by direction of the Provincial Grand Lodge, Dr. Franklin reprinted the
Anderson Constitutions. In 1906 the Grand Lodge reprinted the Franklin edition
of those Constitutions, evidently that Of 1723, since it is addressed to the
Duke of Montagu. These Constitutions contain the history of Masonry, its Laws,
Charges, Orders, Regulations, and Usages, and directs how FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA 155 they shall be employed. The history is more extensive than
that of the Carmick Constitutions, which at least causes one to infer that the
latter was based upon, or copied from, older Constitutions. The Charges
contain the much‑discussed direction " Concerning God and Religion," and the
much‑quoted definition of a Lodge as " a place where Masons assemble and
work," a definition which plainly came from Operative Masonry. Both the
Carmick and the Anderson Constitutions of 172‑3 omit the oath administered to
the Entered Apprentice Mason, which was published in the Old Constitutions of
Freemasonry by J. Roberts in 172.2. This was " taken from a Manuscript Wrote
About Five Hundred Years Since. " Under these Anderson Constitutions,
Subordinate Lodges " made " Masons at first, simply by reading the Charges and
by placing emphasis on those portions pertaining to the conduct of a Mason.
Then, after the candidate had taken an oath, the secret Work was communicated.
According to the most
reliable authorities, the Rituals of the First and Second Degrees were
obtained by Pennsylvania Masons about 1738, but that of the Third Degree not
until 1741 or 1742. As the Rituals were obtained chiefly from English Masons
visiting the Lodges, and as each visitor relied on his memory and differed
from other visitors in some detail or other, the Lodges never had the Work
uniformly perfect. In consequence the ceremonials differed more or less from
one another.
The Second Provincial
Grand Lodge of 1761 was better circumstanced as regards instruction in Degree
Work. Several years before this Grand Lodge was organised, Ancient York Masons
from England visited Lodge No. 1 and imparted to the members of that Lodge
Ancient York Work. The members of the Lodge carried their knowledge of the
Work into the Grand Lodge, which early secured from the Ancient York Grand
Lodge of England a copy of the Ahiman Rezon. Correspondence with Laurence
Dermott, Grand Secretary of the Ancient York Grand Lodge, finally resulted in
the Provincial Grand Lodge's revising the Ahiman Rezon in 1790. Since,
however, Modern Lodges were coexistent with this Second Provincial Grand
Lodge, and since Fraternal relations existed among them, the purity of Ancient
York Work was gradually lost. just before the Provincial Grand Lodge declared
its independence in 1786, Lodge work, according to one commentator, was "
neither Modern nor Ancient." According to a statement made in the Independent
Grand Lodge twenty years later, " a mistake has been made in not providing
Subordinate Lodges with a key or monitor," but so far as can be learned from
the Minutes of Grand Lodge and from other sources, neither the one nor the
other was ever provided, except for The Free Mason's Companion, by John
Phillips. It was not until i8o6 that Grand Master Milnor undertook to obtain
uniformity in Degree Work, Ritually and otherwise. Grand Master Milnor
appointed an Instructor whose business it was to visit the Lodges and correct
errors and inaccuracies. For a time visits were confined to Lodges in and
about Philadelphia, but according to the Minutes of the Grand Lodge and the
histories of Subordinate Lodges, Lecturers were subsequently sent to Lodges
remote from Philadelphia.
156 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA In 1817 Grand Master Kerr recommended to the Grand Lodge that it
appoint District Deputy Grand Masters to supervise Subordinate Lodges. These
Deputies were also to grant Dispensations. About that time clandestine Ma
sonry and the anti‑Masonic movement monopolised the attention of those
Deputies, and Degree Work again suffered. To remedy the situation, Grand
Master Read in 1837 organised a Lodge of Instruction, Worked the Degrees, and
delivered lectures on them. In 185o Grand Master Whitney continued this Lodge
of Instruction, as did also subsequent Grand Masters. In 1879 Grand Master
Nisbet established the Grand Lodge's Temple School of Instruction. Early in
the twentieth century District schools of Instruction were established
throughout the State, with Instructors for a time from the Temple School of
Instruction of the Grand Lodge at Philadelphia. With Degree Work so thoroughly
supervised, there is now a uniformity throughout the State that could not
otherwise obtain. While the Ritual has undergone changes, principally in the
nineteenth century, it is to‑day practically identical with that used more
than a hundred fifty years ago. And this Ritual is employed by no other Grand
Jurisdiction in the United States‑it is what makes Pennsylvania Masonry
distinctive. Beyond this, Pennsylvania has also preserved our fundamental
laws, customs, usages, and traditions of Ancient York Masonry.
Pennsylvania Work is
not dramatised. It consists largely of ceremonies and lectures, and these
lectures rehearse the ceremonies and explain their symbolism. The lectures are
an expansion of the Ancient Charges of Operative Masons, too. The
subject‑matter, if not the form, has been traced back to a period five hundred
years earlier than the organisation of the Grand Lodge of England, in 1717. In
these lectures and in other parts of the Ritual, some of the language is
retained with only slight changes. Use is made of expressions and words having
meanings not easily understood until their ancient signification is learned.
Changes in word and construction have from time to time been made, but the
Ritual still shows its ancient origin. Pennsylvania Work has never been "
communicated " as a whole, or taught. The jurisdiction has never had a printed
Key, and so far as investigation shows, it has had only one monitor. That was
frowned upon by the Grand Lodge. The Work has been imparted as it was
received, and this fact has ever been a source of pride to Pennsylvania
Masons.
Organisation, Work,
everything, were jeopardized early in the nineteenth century by the
anti‑Masonic movement. During this movement the Pennsylvania Legislature
passed a resolution and summoned Grand Master Dallas be fore a house
inquisitorial committee. Among other accusations, the obligations administered
to Initiates were represented to the Legislature to be blasphemous. The
committee gained no information, since Grand Master Dallas stood on his
constitutional rights and refused to answer questions. The Legislature was
none the wiser, although it claimed to have secured the " secrets " of the
Order from a man who had been a Mason.
When the war between
the States broke out, the Pennsylvania Masons FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 157
fraternised with Masons from other jurisdictions, Ritualistic differences were
gradually forgotten in the greater gratification of Masonic association.
Mutual toleration of differences brought about mutual respect, with the result
that after the war ended jurisdictional controversies were more or less
forgotten, although there was not in all jurisdictions, and there is not
to‑day, any respect for rejection in a Lodge of Pennsylvania Masons.
Several peculiarities
of Pennsylvania Work have aroused curiosity in other jurisdictions. Among them
is the prerogative of the Grand Master peremptorily, for cause, to remove a
Worshipful Master and in his place Install a member of the Lodge with the
customary honours from the Brethren. Another prerogative is his power to make
a Mason " at sight." Without petition, recommenders, committee of inquiry, or
ballot, the Grand Master directs the conferring of Degrees, with the result
that the Initiate is made a Mason but not a member of any Lodge. The Mason
made " at sight " may petition some Lodge for membership. The Grand Master may
deputise a District Deputy Grand Master to make a Mason " at sight," though
there has been recorded only one instance when this was done.
In consequence of all
this, Pennsylvania Masons have been compelled to create practically all their
Masonic literature. Early in the eighteenth century two Philadelphia Masons
attempted an exposition of Pennsylvania Work, but the Grand Lodge suppressed
their proposed publication. The Grand Lodge had earlier passed a resolution
prohibiting any publication unless the sanction of the Grand Master were first
obtained. About the middle of the nineteenth century all addresses in
Subordinate Lodges were prohibited unless they had first been submitted to the
Grand Master and had been given his approval. Not until 1922, when the Grand
Lodge created the Lecture Corps, was such close supervision relinquished, and
then only on condition that lectures conform to outlines approved by the Grand
Master. These outlines pertain to the history of Masonry in Pennsylvania, to
the ethics, the philosophy, and the Symbolism of Masonry. Supervision of such
lectures was placed in the hands of the Committee on Lectures which annually
reports to the Grand Lodge.
Such literature as
the Grand Lodge possesses is largely of an historical character. Much of it
was written by Dr. Julius F. Sachse, for many years librarian and curator of
the Grand Lodge library. Some of it was prepared by historians of Subordinate
Lodges throughout the States and by members of the Grand Lodge Library
Committee. It also includes scores of addresses by Grand and Subordinate Lodge
Officers and members, prepared for special occasions. But it is without books
or pamphlets on the speculative or dogmatic phases of Masonry, principally
because publication has been and still is so controlled by Grand Lodge that
there is little incentive for students of Masonry to attempt it. For very much
the same reason, the Grand Lodge has no magazine or periodical through which
to promote Masonic education throughout the jurisdiction. These deficiencies,
if they may be so regarded, are compensated for by other agencies, among them
the District Deputy system, the District schools of 158 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA instruction, the division among the Officers of the Work in the
Subordinate Lodges, and the Subordinate Lodge Committee on Masonic
Instruction. Through these agencies, Pennsylvania Masons have been given
opportunity to learn the Ritual, its interpretations and application. Since
these agencies have been supplemented by the lectures given by members of the
Grand Lodge lecture corps, there has been built up a splendid and effective
system of Masonic education.
Pennsylvania has
always boasted of its " unwritten Work." For many years it was the only
jurisdiction that could boast such Work. Prior to 1824, when the most radical
change was made in its Ritual, there is evidence of the existence of only
handbooks for ceremonies and services, such as the laying of corner‑stones,
the consecration of Masonic Temples, and the burial of deceased Brethren.
Since that date even these have been done away with. The forms now appear in
the Ahiman Rezon. Because the Work is unwritten it has never been obtainable
except in the regular way, though the Rituals of several other Grand
jurisdictions have been reproduced to some extent by would‑be exposers of the
Craft. Furthermore, Pennsylvania has had no catechism. Aside from certain
formalities, its examination of visitors is conducted in whatever way Lodge
Committees deem most effective for determining the Masonic knowledge of the
stranger. Pennsylvania Work has always been conducted in the Lodge Room‑not in
two or three compartments of it. For many years it has been conducted without
music. Pennsylvania makes the Lodge Room Masonry's workshop, and the Work a
solemn undertaking not to be disturbed by anything that does not contribute to
it. Furthermore, its symbolism is limited to Masonry's Working tools, and the
Lights, the means to enable users to employ them more effectively. It knows
nothing of Jacob's Ladder; it has no use for chalk, charcoal, and clay; it
makes no reference to globes, lilywork, network, or the pomegranate; it has no
winding stairs; it contains only a slight reference to Geometry, the Lost
Word, and such. Its symbolism comports with its mission and
undertaking‑character building in man‑and this is divested of every
superfluity of symbol as well as of speech. Indeed, the English of the
Pennsylvania Ritual has repeatedly been commended for its classic purity. Its
beauty is found in its simplicity.
PENNSYLVANIA'S
MASONIC CHARITY For the early years of authorised Masonry in Pennsylvania
there are no Records of Masonic charity. Early Masons were gentlemen, landed
proprietors, clergymen, lawyers, physicians, business men. They belonged to
the aristo cratic class of the population of the Province. Not till the
organisation of the Subordinate Lodges comprised in the second Provincial
Grand Lodge are there found on the Minutes items referring to relief extended
to members and to the families of members. The membership of Ancient Lodges
was more largely democratic, to use the terminology of one historian. For
example, on the Minutes of Lodge No. 2, under date of February I2, 1765,
appears an item to the effect that " between three and four pounds had been
collected for the relief FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 159 of Widow Power." This
would indicate that the Lodge had no charity fund. Yet on the Minutes of this
Lodge, under date of November 14, 1769, is an item which might indicate the
contrary. It reads: " A committee is appointed to meet to‑morrow evening to
consider the case of Bro. Bell and grant such relief as circumstances of the
Lodge may admit of." Careful study of the Minutes of both the Grand Lodge and
the Subordinate Lodges now available, however, indicates that neither had
charity funds nor charity committees. The Grand Lodge had no regular charity
committee until early in the nineteenth century. Furthermore, all funds,
except those raised by subscription or otherwise for Hall construction
purposes, were pooled into a general fund. Even then the Minutes of the Grand
Lodge indicate that charity was not extensive and that there was frequently
available less money than demands required. On those occasions the Grand Lodge
borrowed from Officers and members. It may be truthfully said that in neither
the Grand Lodge nor the Subordinate Lodges was there organised Masonic charity
until after 1831. On December 28 of that year there was read in the Grand
Lodge the will of Stephen Girard. Item VII of the will was as follows VII: I
give and bequeath to the gentlemen who shall be Trustees of the Masonic Loan
at the time of my decease the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars, including
therein ten thousand and nine hundred dollars due to me, part of the Masonic
Loan, and any interest that may be due thereon at the time of my decease, in
trust for the use and benefits of The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Masonic
jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging, and to be paid over by the Trustees to the
said Grand Lodge, for the purpose of being invested in some safe stock or
funds or other good security and the dividends and interest arising therefrom
to be again invested and added to the Capital, without applying any part
thereof to any other purpose, until the whole Capital shall amount to Thirty
Thousand Dollars, when the same shall forever after remain a Permanent fund or
Capital of the said Amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars, the interest whereof
shall be applied from time to time to the relief of poor and respectable
Brethren, and in order that the real benevolent purposes of Masonic
institutions may be attained, I recommend to the several Lodges not to admit
to membership or to receive members from other Lodges unless the applicants
shall absolutely be men of sound and good morals.
The Masonic loans
mentioned in the above item of Stephen Girard's will were for the payment of
the cost of the Masonic Temple on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Furthermore,
the Stephen Girard bequest was the foundation stone on which the Grand Lodge
established its charities. By means of appropriations and added interest the
conditions of the bequest were complied with, and within twenty years the
interest from the bequest was being used for charitable purposes. In 1930 the
Girard bequest amounted to $io8,295. It had so stimulated gifts to the Grand
Lodge that more than a hundred bequests, ranging from a few thousands of
dollars to more than a million and a half, had, with 16o FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA the accumulated interest, brought the total amount to
approximately $15,ooo,ooo. More than a third of this amount is invested in the
plant and endowment of the Elizabethtown Masonic Homes. Besides all this, the
Grand Lodge owns the magnificent Masonic Temple at Broad and Filbert Streets,
in Philadelphia.
The Elizabethtown
Masonic Homes are the greatest Masonic charity in the world. Inaugurated
during the administration of Past Grand Master George B. Orlady, in 19o8, the
first permanent building, Grand Lodge Hall, was occupied in 1913. There were
in 1935 more than a score of buildings, including homes for both adult and
children guests, schools, hospitals, and housing facilities for the staff and
employes. These buildings are situated upon a thousand acres that are laid out
in farms, fruit orchards, gardens, and pleasure courts. The property has
water, sewerage and heating systems. In 1934 the Homes sheltered some 700
guests, of whom zoo were boys and girls. In addition, the Grand Lodge rendered
assistance to 175 children during the year elsewhere. Grand Lodge Hall, over
400 feet long and three stories high, is constructed of Holmesburg granite and
limestone in the Tudor style of architecture. The majority of the permanent
buildings, also similarly constructed, combine to create a harmonious setting
for this remarkable institution. They are of striking architecture and the
institution is unique in its method of entertaining guests. The Homes are
maintained by Grand Lodge appropriations, by bequests, gifts, and other
donations specifically designated, and by income derived from the Masonic
Homes Endowment Fund. In 1935 this endowment fund was approaching $1,ooo,ooo.
In these Homes the Masons of Pennsylvania take justifiable pride.
The first
authoritative suggestion for the Masonic Homes of Pennsylvania was made in
19o2 by Past Grand Master Edgar A. Tennis. At the Quarterly Communication of
March 4, 1903, a resolution was unanimously adopted that the District Deputy
Grand Masters be constituted a Committee to confer at once with the Lodges in
their several Districts, and report at the next Quarterly Communication of the
Grand Lodge upon the subject of establishing, in central and western
Pennsylvania, Homes for the care of indigent Brethren, their aged wives, their
widows, and their orphan children. Admission to the Homes was to be absolutely
free. The management was to be under the complete control of the Grand Lodge.
On September 2, 1903,
Bro. William B. Meredith offered in the Grand Lodge a series of resolutions
covering the establishment, location, and necessity of such Homes. Those
resolutions were adopted. On December 2, 1903, he also offered a resolution
appointing a Committee on Masonic Homes. On June 6, 1904, that Committee made
an elaborate report in which it said, among other things, that " it is evident
that there is a widespread desire on the part of the Craft to have a home for
Masons, their wives, widows, and orphans established in another part of the
State (i.e., other than Philadelphia), and it is a desire that should be
gratified." When at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on December
27, 19o4, other resolutions were adopted, looking forward FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA 161 to establishing a Masonic Home, the Committee on Masonic
Homes submitted an amendment to the Ahiman Rezan. After postponement this was
adopted in December, 1906.
The establishment of
Masonic Homes was a serious problem for the Grand Lodge. It thoroughly
investigated the need for such an institution, and the financial ability of
the Grand Lodge so far as concerned maintaining it. It also considered where
the institution should be located if it were constructed, and how it should be
financed. Although the Grand Lodge had a large sum of money invested in real
estate and in various funds, the income from those funds was practically all
allotted to specific purposes. Consequently it could not be applied to the
erection of Masonic Homes or to maintaining them. At this time, December 1907,
there were in the State 470 Lodges having a total of 84,341 members. The
income of the Grand Lodge for 1907 was $180,429, and the expenditures were
$139,193. This left a balance of $41,236.
On December 2, 1908,
the Committee on Masonic Homes was authorised to purchase real estate, to
employ architects and a superintendent, to adopt plans and specifications, and
to make contracts for the erection of Masonic Homes and other buildings. The
resolution called for the location of the institution near a main line of
railroad, in central location, with abundance of water, and in the country.
The purposes of the Committee were made known through the Lodges and the
newspapers. After full consideration and the personal inspection of a number
of the more favourably located properties, the choice of Elizabethtown was
decided upon. The tract at that time contained 967 acres and was priced at
$135,297. This amount was later increased by donations, and iooo acres were
bought.
Year by year the
funds of the Grand Lodge are increased by the gifts and bequests of members.
It is also increased by the funds of Subordinate Lodges which extend financial
assistance to sick and unfortunate members by means of Charity Committees.
Because of the large membership of Subordinate Lodges, small contributions
amount in the aggregate to considerable sums. Therefore, in the middle of the
nineteenth century the Grand Lodge changed the form of trusteeship of such
funds in order to conserve charity funds in both the Grand Lodge and
Subordinate Lodges. It created Almoners of its own funds, and stipulated that
the Worshipful Masters and Wardens in Subordinate Lodges should act as Charity
Committees. The Almoners of the Grand Lodge adopted by‑laws which made
regulations for the Charity Committees of Subordinate Lodges. These
regulations limited the employment of Lodge funds to the relief of Masons.
Such limitation was subsequently extended to limit all Lodge funds to purely
Masonic purposes. At the same time the charitable activities of both the Grand
Lodge and the Subordinate Lodges were constantly extended. Through funds given
to it and through co‑operation of the Subordinate Lodges, the Grand Lodge
assists in the education of the orphaned children of Masons and in making
Christmas cheer for the children at the Elizabethtown Homes. The Grand Lodge
bureaus in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh assist the unem‑ 162 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA ployed at all times. It promotes other charitable activities, all
of which involve the expenditure of several hundred thousand dollars each
year.
One of the most
beautiful things about Masonic charity in Pennsylvania is the secrecy with
which it is dispensed. There is no published roster of the guests at the
Elizabethtown Homes. There is only limited local knowledge regarding admission
of the guests, and such information as may be gained locally through
correspondence. Frequently the announcement of the death of a guest in the
Home is the first news of residence there. The report of Almoners of charity
funds carries no names of Masons aided, nor does it carry the names of those
helped in finding employment or otherwise assisted. Except in extraordinary
cases, the names of Masons relieved by Subordinate Lodge Charity Committees
are also kept secret. At no time is Masonic charity made public.
DISTINGUISHED
PENNSYLVANIA MASONS From the organisation of the first Provincial Grand Lodge,
many distinguished Pennsylvanians have been Masons. Old St. John's Lodge
numbered among its members men of culture and prominence in the life of the
Province ‑men of character and social standing, of civic and political rank.
In a new world they were the builders of its institutions and social and
political fabric. William Allen, the first Provincial Grand Master of
Pennsylvania, was a judge of the Orphans' Court of Philadelphia County when
first mentioned in the Records of St. John's Lodge. When elected Grand Master,
he was a judge of the Common Pleas Court of that county. He was mayor of
Philadelphia in 1735, and chief justice of the Province of Pennsylvania in
1741. According to the records of city and State, William Allen was a very
prominent and influential citizen.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin
was distinguished as a scientist, philosopher, statesman, and diplomat. He was
clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1737; postmaster of Philadelphia in
1744; a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1747; judge of the Court of
Common Pleas in 1749; justice of the Orphans' Court in 1752;
postmaster‑general in 1754; commissioner to England for the Provinces of
Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Georgia from 1756 to 1759; a member
of Congress and president of the Committee of Safety in 1775; ambassador to
France in 1776; and governor of Pennsylvania in 1785. Franklin was a member of
St. John's Lodge in 1731. He was junior Grand Warden of the first Provincial
Grand Lodge in 1732, Grand Master of it in 1734 and 1749, and Deputy Grand
Master from 1750 to 1755 Other distinguished members of St. John's Lodge who
became Grand Masters were the following: Humphrey Murray, mayor of
Philadelphia in 1745 ‑ James Hamilton, who became governor of Pennsylvania in
1748. Thomas Hopkinson, who in 1741 was sole judge of the Vice‑Admiralty Court
in Philadelphia. William Plumstead, who in 1764 was president‑judge of the
Court of Quarterly Sessions in Philadelphia. Joseph Shippen, a scientist, and
Philip FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 163 Syng, treasurer of the American
Philosophical Society. Of twenty‑three members whose names appear on the pages
of Liber B, nine were lawyers, seven were judges, four were mayors of
Philadelphia, two were high sheriffs of Philadelphia County, two were
physicians, two were coroners of Philadelphia County, two were governors of
Pennsylvania, and one, Benjamin Franklin, was a signer of the Declaration of
Independence.
In the account of the
period of the War for Independence, the name of one Pennsylvania Mason stands
out prominently because of his patriotic service to the Colonies. It is that
of General John Peter Muhlenberg, whose gallantry during the Battle of Stony
Point won for him a commendation from General Washington. Born in Philadelphia
in 1746, Muhlenberg went to Virginia, and at the outbreak of the war he raised
a regiment there. For meritorious service he was promoted step by step from
the rank of colonel to that of majorgeneral. After the war he returned to
Pennsylvania. He served as vice‑president of the Supreme Executive Council in
1787 and 1788. He was a representative in Congress from 1789 to 1791, from
1793 to 1795, and from 1799 to 1801. In 1801 he was elected a member of the
United States Senate. Muhlenberg's membership has not definitely been
determined, though one authority states that he was made a Mason in an Army
Lodge. Muhlenberg College was named in honour of this distinguished patriot
and Mason.
An outstanding Grand
Master of the early nineteenth century was James Milnor, clergyman and member
of Congress. His constructive work in unifying the jurisdiction and in
securing uniformity in the Ritualistic ceremonies won for him the gratitude
and veneration of the Craft. This was expressed in an address prepared by a
Committee of the Grand Lodge at the time when he retired from active service:
Of such value were Grand Master Milnor's addresses to the Craft that they have
been preserved in the Reprint of the Minutes of the Grand Lodge, and are
to‑day referred to with profit by Officers who consult them.
As has already been
explained, the Girard bequest to the Grand Lodge was the corner‑stone on which
it built its charities. Stephen Girard was born in France in 1750, and settled
in Philadelphia in 1776. He was a shipowner and merchant who rapidly
accumulated wealth. In 1810 he assisted the Federal Government to bolster up
its finances. Later he established the Bank of Stephen Girard. In 1814, when
the government called fora loan of $50,000,000 and was able to secure only $Zo,ooo,ooo,
Girard advanced the whole amount needed, a vast sum in those days. He devoted
his time and money to the upbuilding of Philadelphia, and when he died, in
1831, he left a fortune of $9,ooo,ooo, up to that time the largest fortune
accumulated by an individual in this country. He bequeathed that fortune in
ways that he thought would do most good. His most famous bequest was his
provision for Girard College. Girard was made a Mason in 1788. His Certificate
showed membership in Union Blue Lodge, No. 8, under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of Charleston, South Carolina.
Among world‑famed
scientists the name of Dr. Elisha Kent Kane stands 164 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA out brilliantly. He was an honour student in science at the
University of Virginia, and after being graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania Medical School he entered the navy. Serving in the capacity of
naval surgeon, he accompanied Lieutenant De Haven on an expedition to the
Arctic regions in search of Dr. Franklin, the lost explorer. Unsuccessful at
first, Dr. Kane made a second expedition. He again failed, but he did discover
an open polar sea. There his ship became ice‑bound. Abandoning his ship, he
marched overland i2oo miles to a Danish settlement in Greenland. Brought home
by a government vessel, his health broke and he died in Cuba in 1857. Dr.
Kane's scientific reports were very valuable. He was a member of Lodge No.
134, in Philadelphia.
Major‑General
Winfield Scott Hancock was made a Mason in Charity Lcdge, No. go, at
Norristown, on October 31, i86o. He served with distinction in the Mexican War
and in the war between the States. He was a popular officer.
General George B.
McClellan was also a Pennsylvanian, having been born in Philadelphia in 1826.
He was by Dispensation entered, passed, and Raised in Willamette Lodge, No. 2,
of Portland, Oregon, on December 9, 18 Pennsylvania has had only one citizen
to occupy the Presidential chair: James Buchanan, the fifteenth President. He
was Raised in Lodge No. 43, at Lancaster, on January 24, 1817, made junior
Warden on December 13, 1820, and made Master on December 23, 1822. In 1858 he
was given a life membership in the Lodge. Buchanan became a District Deputy
Grand Master on December 27, 1823. On May Zo, 1826, he was Exalted in Royal
Arch Chapter, No. 43, of Lancaster.
Governors of
Pennsylvania who have been Masons were Joseph Hiester, of Perseverance Lodge,
No. 21; George Wolfe, of Lodge No. 152; William Fisher Packer, of Perseverance
Lodge, No. 21; Andrew Gregg Curtain, of Belle fonte Lodge, No. 268; John White
Geary, of Philanthropy Lodge, No. 225; John Frederick Hartranft, of Lodge No.
1go; Henry Martyn Hoyt, of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21; Robert Emory Pattison,
of Union Lodge, No. 121; Daniel Hartman Hastings, of Bellefonte Lodge, No.
268; William A. Stone, of Allegheny Lodge, No. 223; Samuel W. Pennypacker, of
Lodge No. 59; Edwin S. Stuart, of Lodge No. 271; John K. Tener, of Lodge No.
371; Martin Grove Brumbaugh, of Lodge No. 300; William Cameron Sproul, of
Lodge No. 236; and John A. Fisher, of Lodge No. 313.
Besides those just
named, other Pennsylvania Masons have occupied important political offices.
Among them was John Wanamaker, who was made a Mason at sight. Bro. Wanamaker
was Postmaster‑General. Andrew Mellon, also made a Mason at sight, was
Secretary of the Treasury. William B. Wilson and James J. Davis were
Secretaries of Commerce and Labour.
The list of
distinguished Pennsylvania Masons also includes Bishop John Henry Hopkins, who
was made a Mason in Pittsburgh about 1817; Bishop H. Odenheimer, of New
Jersey, who was a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 134, at Philadelphia; Bishop
Bedell, who was Knighted in Holy and Undivided 166 FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA
the Grand Lodge and elected Michael Nisbet to be Grand High Priest. The Grand
Chapter, however, has never affiliated with the General Grand Chapter. The
Grand Chapter now has 153 local Chapters having a total membership of over
49,ooo.
CRYPTIC MASONRY Just
when the first Council of Royal and Select Masters was organised in
Pennsylvania is uncertain. Two councils at least existed prior to October 26,
1847, for on that date, at Pittsburgh, action was taken which resulted in the
creation of " The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Pennsylvania
and Masonic Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging. " This Grand Council comprised
Washington Council, No. I, of Washington, Mt. Moriah Council, No. 2, of
Pittsburgh, and Lone Star Council, No. 3, of Washington, Texas.
From the first there
was controversy concerning the rights of the Council to its Degrees. The Royal
and Select Master's Degrees were intimately connected with the Royal Arch
Degree of the Chapter, and there was question as to whether or not those
Degrees did not belong to the Council of Princes of Jerusalem of the Scottish
Rite. The Grand Chapter tried several times to relinquish the Degrees. In the
meantime the Grand Chapter was outlawed by the General Grand Chapter. The old
question of Grand Lodge authority was also involved. In 1864 the Grand Council
decreed that " the Degrees of Royal Master and Select Master shall be
conferred in Councils of Royal and Select Masters, which, with the
Super‑excellent Master's Degree, shall constitute the system of Cryptic
Masonry." Nevertheless the Grand Council subsequently endeavoured to rid
itself of the Royal and Select Master's Degree, but without success. Finally,
in 1877, the Grand Council settled for all time the proprietary rights of the
Chapter, and a little later it made the Chapter Degrees prerequisite to the
Council Degrees. It then endeavoured to induce the Grand Commandery of Knights
Templar to make Council Degrees prerequisite to the Templar Degrees, but
without success.
There are no Minutes
of the Grand Council from 1847 to 1851, and the Minutes immediately thereafter
are not complete enough to supply information regarding several matters in
controversy. They do show, however, that the Grand Council of Pennsylvania was
made independent of the General Grand Councils and that on January 11, 1874,
it declined to act with other Grand Councils in several matters pertaining to
Cryptic Masonry. Now the Grand Council governs 39 Subordinate Councils that
have a total of about 11,733 members.
TEMPLAR MASONRY
Pennsylvania claims to have had the first Grand Encampment of the United
States. It was Constituted on May 12, 1797, as the outcome of a Convention
held at Philadelphia which was attended by Delegates from local Encampments
No. I and No. 2, of Philadelphia; Encampment No. 3, of Harrisburg; and
Encampment No. 4, of Carlisle. Those Encampments came into existence between
FREEMASONRY IN PENNSYLVANIA 167 1793 and the date of the Convention of 1797.
That Grand Encampment appears to have undergone some changes in its component
units and to have been followed in 1814 by a second Grand Encampment which
styled itself the " Pennsylvania Grand Encampment with Masonic Jurisdiction
Thereunto Belonging." The second Grand Body existed until June Io, 1824.
The Grand Encampment
recognised as its superior authority the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and for
this reason its Delegates left a Convention in Philadelphia on June 16, 1816,
which was attended by Delegates from other jurisdictions. The Pennsylvania
Delegates could not agree with those from other jurisdictions concerning
Degrees. After this occurrence interest in Templar Masonry waned, and in 1824
all local Encampments, except St. John's Encampment No. 4, ceased to Labour.
However, in 1852, St. John's Encampment, No. 4, with four others organised a
third Grand Encampment under the authority of the Grand Lodge. But in 1857 the
Grand Lodge declared that it had no authority over the Degrees of Knighthood,
and both existing Grand Encampments then acknowledged the General Grand
Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States. Thus Templar Masonry
alone, of the York Rite, has membership in a national organisation. This
affiliation settled the Degree question, and the Templar system then
definitely comprised the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the Order of
Malta, and the Order of the Temple. Now the Pennsylvania Grand Encampment has
a Roster of 96 Subordinate Commanderies. Their total membership approaches
36,ooo.
SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY
In the library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is an attested copy of the
Minutes of a Grand Chapter of the Scottish Rite held at Philadelphia on June
25, 1781. That was the first Grand Chapter of the Scottish Rite in America of
which there is documentary Record. Bro. Solomon Bush, Deputy Grand Inspector
for Pennsylvania, was in the Chair. The Chapter, which appears to have met in
the room of Lodge No. 3, adopted rules and regulations. The Minutes‑book now
in the Grand Lodge library indicates that a Lodge of Perfection was
subsequently active until February 21, 1789. Then the Minutes and the Seal
were taken away by Augustine Prevost, a lieutenant in the British Army.
In 1790 this same
Prevost appointed Peter De Barbier Duplessis to be Deputy Inspector‑General.
He in turn deputised John B. Tardy, who seems to have taken a very active
interest in the Rite, especially in other States. Duplessis himself seems not
to have been active, though he and other Scottish Rite Masons attended Supreme
Council meetings in New York and there witnessed the conferring of Degrees. In
Pennsylvania, however, the Rite seems to have lacked leadership, at least so
far as concerned bringing Scottish Rite Masons together into properly
organised Bodies. Not till 1852 was a permanent Lodge of Perfection organised.
This was at Pittsburgh. There, in 1857, a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, a
Chapter of Rose Croix, and a Consistory were also Chartered.
168 FREEMASONRY IN
PENNSYLVANIA The Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation dates from 1870. Now
Pennsylvania has 15 Lodges of Perfection, 12 Councils of Princes of Jerusalem
and Chapters of Rose Croix, and 11 Consistories. The total membership of the
Lodges is 79,237, of the Councils, 76,668, of the Chapters, 76,548, and of the
Consistories, 76,462.
In an address
delivered at Philadelphia in 1925, the late Illustrious James Isaac Buchanan,
Thirty‑third Degree, in sketching the history of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite in Pennsylvania, said that, from the organisation of the Chapter of 1781,
the Grand Lodge and the Scottish Rite had lived together in harmony. The Grand
Lodge early disclaimed any authority over the Degrees of the Rite, and in
early years it informed the Bodies of the Rite about the suspension or
expulsion of Masons from Blue Lodges. On the other hand, the Scottish Rite
recognised its dependence on the Subordinate Lodges of the York Rite for its
members, and consequently, so far as it can, supports the Grand Lodge, in all
Masonic undertakings that are plainly in the interests of Masonry as a whole.
FREEMASONRY IN THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS J. HuGO TATSCH HE historian of Freemasonry can never afford
to neglect the economic and social background against which the story of the
Craft rests, for without this setting, the Fraternity itself does not appear
in its proper light. The background is all the more important when the story
to be told deals with regions and races differing greatly from those of the
British Isles where our Institution had its birth and also its greatest
development. Philippine Freemasonry offers no exceptions to this
generalisation.
The story of the
Craft in the Philippines is developed under three headings. It has its
traditions which cannot be supported by complete documentary or other
authentic evidence; it has a second phase coming under the history of Spanish
rule in the Islands; its third aspect, and its highest, is synchronous with
the advent of the Americans in 1898, and presents features which require an
appreciative and sympathetic understanding of Far East problems, many of which
have not been encountered elsewhere in the development of Freemasonry. The
historian of the future will doubtless treat of a fourth development, as
coming events are already casting perplexing shadows over Philippine
Freemasonry.
THE TRADITIONAL
ASPECTS One Craft historian has found traces of Freemasonry in the Philippines
as early as 1752., while more definite information is had four years later,
when two Irishmen, James O'Kennedy, a merchant, and Dr. Edward Wigat, a phy
sician, were arrested because of their Masonic connections, which had been
forbidden under a Spanish royal decree. Their trial before the Inquisition at
Manila brought them no greater punishment than a reprimand, as their accusers
took cognizance of their British citizenship.
More solid ground is
attained in 1762., when a British expedition from India reached the Islands.
England was at war with Spain, and sent an expedition from Madras on August I
to capture and occupy Manila. This was accomplished successfully on October 6.
Shortly after the departure of the British for other stations in 1764,
complaint was made by the Archbishop of Manila against the desecration of the
local cathedral by its use for Masonic meetings. He proposed to burn the
edifice in order to purify the premises, but this extreme remedial measure was
not concurred in by the ecclesiastical authorities in Spain.
The Archbishop's
correspondence in the archives at Sevilla is the only tangible evidence we
have of Masonic Work in Manila during the period of 169 170 FREEMASONRY IN THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 1762‑6q.. Exhaustive researches have failed definitely to
identify any Lodges or individuals involved in the reported activities, though
it is highly probable that there was a field Lodge with the British forces.
FREEMASONRY DURING
THE SPANISH REGIME The unrelenting hostility of the Roman Catholic Church
towards Freemasonry was responsible for numerous decrees against the
Fraternity. Freemasonry was forbidden, by governmental decree of 1812, in
Spain and the In dies. The discovery of a case of Masonic books, entitled
Illustraci6n a la Masoneria, in a shipment to Manila in November 1829, brought
about strict regulations in 1830 for the examination of vessels for such
prohibited literature.
The year 1856 marks
the definite establishment of Freemasonry in the Philippine Islands. In that
year the Lodge Primera Luz Filipina (First Light of the Philippines) was
founded at Cavite by two lieutenants in the Spanish Navy, Jose Malcampo y
Monge and Casto Mendez Nufiez, under Warrant from the Gran Oriente Lusitano
(Grand Lodge of Portugal). Membership was restricted to Spanish naval and
governmental officials; natives were not admitted. The first Filipino to be
made a Mason, so far as is known, was Jacob Zobel y Zangronis, member of the
Royal Academy of History at Madrid, and Secretary of the second Lodge in the
Islands. He held membership in a Lodge formed by foreigners, mostly Germans,
the Lodge being attributed to authority from Hong Kong. A third Lodge was
formed at Manila by British Brethren, and to which distinguished natives were
admitted.
The Grande Oriente
Espafiol founded the fourth Lodge, composed of resident Spaniards, many of
them exiles, who admitted natives in order to gain their confidence and
support. Representative Filipinos, residing in foreign coun tries, were
admitted to the Fraternity there, among them Dr. Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. del
Pilar, who were destined to take first rank among the Masonic patriots and
martyrs of the Philippines. They were members of Solidaridad Lodge, No. 53,
formed at Madrid, consisting entirely of Filipinos.
The light of Masonry
was eclipsed in the period of 1872‑88. An uprising against the government in
1872, at Cavite, was laid at Masonic doors, and a number of Brethren exiled.
Freemasonry raised its head again in 1875, only to go into retirement once
more when Malcampo, a founder of the first Lodge, returned to the Islands as
captain‑general. He was fearful that Masons were meddling in political
matters, and the adoption of restrictive methods was so provocative of
intrigue and dissension, that the Lodges declined. The native element was
forced out of the Fraternity. Not until 1889 were the Lodge doors re‑opened,
largely due to the efforts of educated Filipinos who had studied abroad and
had affiliated with Lodges there. Several Lodges were formed in Spain, among
them Solidaridad, already mentioned. Their members became marked men in the
Philippines, where the friars wielded great influence, soon to be used against
the enlightened Brethren.
The first Filipino
Lodge was Nilad, No. 144, Manila, formally Constituted FREEMASONRY IN THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 171 March 12, 1892. Again the ecclesiastical authorities
became alarmed, for the activities of the Freemasons in diffusing doctrines of
intellectual and spiritual independence aroused the enmity of the friars,
whose influence, power and revenues were in danger because of the
enlightenment acquired by the Filipinos. Vigorous opposition was instituted in
1893, which only aroused the people further. The dreaded Kataastaasan
Kagalanggalang Katipunan Society was formed to overthrow the friar rule. This
society, which had borrowed the secrecy and general forms of Freemasonry,
unavoidably brought down a relentless persecution of the Freemasons
themselves, who were in no way responsible for the acts of the Katipunan
Society. Says Fischer: The panic‑stricken Spanish community, urged on by the
friars, blamed the Masons for the uprising, as they identified the Katipunan
with our Order. Wholesale arrests of Masons, trials which were a travesty of
justice, preceded in many cases by torture, and the shooting of innocent
victims on the Luneta or,'some other public place were the characteristic
features of the last months of 1896 and the early part Of 1897. On December
30, 1896, Dr. ,Jose Rizal, an enthusiastic Mason, died heroically at the hands
of a firing squad on the field of Bagumbayan at Manila. On January II, 1897,
the same field drank the blood of eleven other Masons, one of whom had to be
carried to the place of execution and shot lying down, because his limbs had
been dislocated by the torture to which he had been subjected. Executions,
murders, and torture all over the islands quenched Masonry in blood.
The story of Spanish
influence in Philippine Freemasonry concludes with the activities of the Gran
Logia Regional, formed in 1907, nine years after the first American Lodge was
founded. This regional Grand Lodge, operating under the Grande Oriente Espanol,
was formed of the older Spanish Lodges, and presented some problems of
jurisprudence, when the present Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands was
formed in 1912. The regional Grand Lodge went out of existence in 1917, when
the twenty‑seven Lodges under its Jurisdiction accepted the sovereignty of the
new Grand Lodge.
THE COMING OF THE
AMERICANS History repeats itself in the coming of the Americans to the
Philippines, for again Freemasonry followed the flag. A Dispensation was
issued June I, 1898, by Grand Master Robert M. Carothers of North Dakota to
Lieutenant Colonel William C. Treumann, Major Frank White and Major John H.
Fraine, Master and Wardens, respectively, for a field Lodge in the North
Dakota Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. The Lodge held its first meeting August
21, 1898, in a building situated at old No. 69 Calle Nueva, Malate. When the
regiment left the Islands July 31, 1899, the Lodge had received one hundred
applicants for the Degrees, conferring the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft
Degrees only, as the outbreak of the Filipino insurrection February 4, 1899,
prevented 172. FREEMASONRY IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS a meeting at which the
Master Mason Degree was to have been Worked. During one meeting in the field,
on February 22, 1899, the Work was conferred with the Officers wearing side
arms, and during the administering of the obligation bullets crashed through
the roof of the church where the meeting was being held.
As the Philippine
Islands were open territory for the introduction of Freemasonry from any
legitimate source, Lodges were also formed by other Masonic powers, as follows
Source Lodge Date Grand Orient of France Rizal Minerva, Isarog, Tayabbas; 19o1
and later various places.
Grand Lodge of
Scotland Perla del Oriente, No. 1034 1907 Cebu Lodge, No. IIo6 1912 Grande
Oriente Lusitano Minerva Lodge, Manila 1912 FORMATION OF THE GRAND LODGE The
difficulties encountered by the Craft from 1898 to 1912, when the present Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands
was formed, present material for a voluminous work. The roots of the Grand
Lodge spread in many directions, but a stout one reached into the Sojourners
Club of Manila, which held its first meeting April z, 19oo. Out of this grew
Manila Lodge, No. 342, Chartered by the Grand Lodge of California October Io,
1901, and was followed by Cavite Lodge, No. 350 (October 15, 1903) and
Corregidor Lodge, No. 386 (October io, 1907). These three Lodges met in
Convention, upon invitation to each of them and also to the two Scottish
Lodges at Manila and Cebu, November 17, 1912. As the Scottish Lodges had not
taken action upon the invitation to participate in the formation of the
proposed Grand Lodge, the first formal Convention was not held until December
12. The Grand Lodge was actually formed December 18‑i9, 1912. The Scottish
Lodges erroneously believed they had no power to act without consent of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, and held themselves aloof. Recognition was granted in
due course to the new Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Scotland with the
proviso that the rights and privileges of resident Scottish Brethren were not
to be impaired. Lodge No. 1034 is still on the Scottish Register, but No. 1106
has been removed.
The French Lodges in
the Islands merged with the Gran Logia Regional, or went out of existence.
Efforts made in 1904
to unite Manila Lodge, No. 342 and Cavite, No. 350, and the three Spanish
Lodges, Modestia, Dalisay and Sinukuan, into a Grand Lodge had failed. Hence
it was not until 1917 that the then existing 27 Spanish Lodges, with 1139
members, came under the banner of the Grand Lodge formed in i91z, and which,
in 1917, consisted of 11 Lodges and approximately 8oo FREEMASONRY IN THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 173 members. The Portuguese Lodge, Minerva, at Manila,
relinquished its original Charter of 19i2 and accepted a new one as No. 41 in
1917.
The merger brought an
overwhelming Filipino majority into control, Brethren familiar with the
Freemasonry of the Latin countries. These yielded to the influence of the
others, and many dropped the Spanish Ritual and adopted that of the
English‑speaking Grand Lodge, which used California Work. A gentlemen's
agreement to alternate the Office of Grand Master by an American one year and
a Filipino the next, has been faithfully observed.
Lodges have also been
Chartered by the Grand Lodge in China. Amity Lodge, No. 1o6 was Instituted May
25, 1931, at Shanghai; Nanking Lodge, No. io8 on September 11, 1931, at Amoy;
and Pearl River Lodge came into existence at Canton February 7, 1934. Another
distant Lodge is Charleston, No. 44, located at Agana, Guam, Marianas Islands,
Chartered in 19i9.
Statistics published
in 1935 reveal a list of 104 Lodges with 5458 members, covering 3100 islands
with a population of 11,ooo,ooo. The Grand Lodge is accumulating funds for a
Masonic Home, School and Dormitory, and has sup ported the usual charitable
activities in keeping with the best traditions of the Fraternity. The Grand
Lodge publishes a capably edited official journal of exceptional merit and
high literary standards, The Cable Tow, founded as a monthly in 1923. It
contains scholarly articles in English, Spanish, and native languages, and in
recent years has carried the reports of the Committee on Correspondence,
thereafter omitted from the annual Proceedings.
SPURIOUS AND
IMITATIVE BODIES Philippine Freemasonry has been much troubled by spurious
Bodies. One of them is the " Gran Logia Soberana del Archipielago Filipino,"
composed of spurious Lodges Chartered by the Grand Orient of Spain since 1922.
Another is the " Gran Logia National de Filipinas," created in 1924 by a
so‑called general Assembly of Master Masons. Other organisations barred to the
regular Craft are the " Gran Oriente Filipino," " Martires de Filipinas," and
" Gran Luz Masoneria Filipina," and all of their Lodges or branches in the
Islands and abroad. There is also a " Supremo Consejo del Gr. 33 para
Filipinas " which is a spurious Scottish Rite Organisation. The American
Masonic Federation, Working many Rites and Degrees and suppressed by the
Federal Court at Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1922, had also been active at Manila
in 1917‑18.
Labour organisations
which have adopted Masonic emblems as a part of their insignia have given
trouble to the Masonic authorities. Among them was the " Legionarios del
Trabajo " (Legion of Labourers), which used the square and compasses, with a
rising sun in the centre, as its emblem, as well as the double‑headed eagle of
the Scottish Rite. Aprons, collars, and Scottish Rite caps were also used. The
Ritual of the organisation was based upon old Spanish Craft texts. Not only
were such Bodies established in the Islands, but members for new organisations
were recruited from Filipinos residing in the United States, as " Lodges "
were known to exist in the Pacific Coast States, 174 FREEMASONRY IN THE
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS as well as in New York and Massachusetts. Local
difficulties were adjusted in 1927, when the organisation finally agreed to
drop all Masonic resemblances and confusing activities.
OTHER MASONIC AND
RELATED BODIES Scottish Rite Freemasonry is active in the Islands. There are
four Bodies of the Rite at Manila, Working in English; another set, known as
the Philippine Bodies, also at Manila, Works exclusively in the Spanish
language for the benefit of Filipino Masons preferring that tongue. Other
Bodies exist elsewhere in the Islands, all of them under the jurisdiction of
the Supreme Council Thirtythird Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
Southern Jurisdiction, U. S. A. There are York Rite Bodies which do not admit
natives. The Red Cross of Constantine and the Royal Order of Scotland are
represented, as is also the Order of the Eastern Star. The Sojourners, an
organisation consisting of Masons holding Commissions in the six uniformed
forces of the United States, has Chapters at Manila and Camp Stotsenburg. The
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine is represented by a Shrine
Club at Manila. The national organisation is not in good favour among the
Representative Masons because of difficulties it has created by disturbing the
sovereignty of the Grand Lodge by ignoring matters in which local policies and
situations peculiar to the Far East were factors worthy of most serious
consideration.
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND EDWARD M. WHEELER RADITION and legend are often intermingled when
harking back to the origin of societies and organisations, and the beginnings
of the Masonic Fraternity in Rhode Island are no exception to the rule. In
exploring the past in an endeavour accurately to ascertain whence and where
the organisation began its existence, we almost immediately run up against the
mythical statement as recorded by Bro. ,J. L. Gould of Connecticut in his
publication in 1868 of the " Guide to the Chapter " when he says The earliest
account of the introduction of Masonry into the United States is the history
of a Lodge organised in Rhode Island, A.D. 1658, or fifty‑nine years before
the Revival in England, and seventy‑five years before the establishment of the
first Lodge in Massachusetts.
Then, as if to
corroborate the above paragraph, here is a quotation from a History of Rhode
Island compiled by Rev. Edward Peterson, who stated therein: In the spring of
1658, Mordecai Campennell, Moses Peckeckol, Levi, and others, in all fifteen
families, arrived at Newport from Holland. They brought with them the three
first degrees of Masonry, and worked them in the house of Campennell, and
continued to do so, they and their successors, to the year 1742.
And lastly, in the
way of quotation, this information, contained in a letter from Bro. Nathan H.
Gould, formerly of Rhode Island, but later of Texas, is cited, wherein he
reported that his father in administering the estate of a distant relative had
found in an old dilapidated trunk certain papers, one of them in a tender
state and very much worn, reading as follows The ye (the day and month were
obliterated) 1656 or 8 (not certain which, as the place was stained and
broken: the three first figures were plain) Wee mett att ye House off Mordecai
Campunall and affter Synagog Wee gave Abm Moses the degrees of Maconrie.
After careful and
painstaking study and examination of the subject by the Masonic historians of
Rhode Island, no authentic information has yet been uncovered which will
confirm the actuality of these early gatherings of Rhode Island's Masonic
ancestors. The document in question cannot be found or accounted for. And so
the legend and tradition, while interesting and entertain I75 176 FREEMASONRY
IN RHODE ISLAND ing reading, must be considered unworthy of further notice and
the statement of plain facts resorted to, as revealed in undisputed records.
December 2‑7, 1749,
is the first positive date on which a Masonic starting point may be pinned,
for at that time Saint John's Lodge in Newport was Warranted under authority
of Thomas Oxnard, Provincial Grand Master of the Pro vincial Grand Lodge
having its see at Boston. Caleb Phillips was the first Master, and because of
the fact that for some unknown reason he withheld the Dispensation granted to
the Lodge, a second Warrant was issued bearing date of May 14, 1753 These
Warrants permitted the conferring only of the first two Degrees, but this
limitation evidently carried no weight with our ancient Brethren, for the
Record has it that they proceeded in due course to exemplify the Master
Mason's Degree as well, and on being taken to task for the apparent assumption
of authority not contained in the Warrant, they gave so plausible an
explanation of the matter that the Grand Lodge confirmed the action by giving
them a Charter empowering them to hold a Master's Lodge, this document being
dated March 2‑o, 1759.
In the meantime,
another Saint John's Lodge had begun its existence, this one in Providence,
under a Charter granted by Jeremy Gridley, Provincial Grand Master of North
America, under date of January 18, 1757. This Lodge func tioned for six years;
then for a similar length of time met spasmodically; and from June 1769, to
December 3, 1778, was entirely dormant; being revived on this latter date,
since which time it has had an uninterrupted history.
Now must be
chronicled the temporary decline of Saint John's Lodge in Newport and the
organisation on June 7, 178o, of a new Lodge in that city, King David's by
name, under authority of a general Warrant purporting to issue from George
Harrison, Esq., Provincial Grand Master of New York, who for a time resided in
Newport. While there has been some question as to the regularity of this
Lodge, nevertheless it prospered and maintained itself for ten years, and
finally, on October i9, 1790, it was merged with the original Saint John's
Lodge, which had been revived in the meantime. This Lodge, together with Saint
John's in Providence, on June 2‑7, 1791, organised at Newport the Grand Lodge
of Rhode Island, with 113 members in Newport and 12‑4 in Providence.
A season of
prosperity then ensued and during the next twenty years eleven new Lodges came
into being.
It was during this
period that the distinguished Mason and eminent Craftsman, Thomas Smith Webb,
loomed large in the Masonic world. Webb came to Providence from Boston,
probably in 1799, and at once became a power in at least three branches of
Rhode Island Masonry. For the present his record in the Grand Lodge of Rhode
Island is only alluded to, which comprised service as junior Grand Warden for
one year, Senior Grand Warden for three years, Deputy Grand Master for two
years, and as Grand Master in 1813 and 1814, declining a re‑election.
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND 177 He died suddenly in Cleveland, Ohio, July 6, 1819, and was first
buried in that city, but later on the Grand Lodge and other Masonic Bodies in
Rhode Island arranged for the removal of his body to Providence, where it was
brought by a two‑horse wagon in two relays, at a total cost of $13 S . On
November 8, 1819, it was given an honoured Masonic burial in the North Burial
Ground, an unpretentious memorial erected by the Grand Lodge marking the spot.
Rhode Island, like
other of its sister jurisdictions, suffered severely from the Morgan
excitement and Anti‑Masonic crusade, and here the feeling against Freemasonry
has been declared as more intense and longer protracted than in any other
State, with the possible exceptions of Vermont and New York.
The storm of
opposition was slow in gathering, but in 182.9 it broke in terrible fury,
culminating in a bitter political contest such as heretofore had been unknown
in the State, and resulting in alienation and division between friends and
neighbours.
The accusation was
made that the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island sanctioned the Morgan " outrage."
The General Assembly was memorialised to make an investigation anent " the
designs, principles and practices of Freemasons, be lieved to be adverse to
religion and morality, subversive of civil government, and incompatible with
all social and civil virtues." A State convention of Anti‑Masons issued an
address to the people of Rhode Island strongly opposing Freemasonry and
controverting any good in the Institution.
A special committee
of the State Legislature conducted an investigation of the Masonic
organisation, its report showing the worst accusations against the Fraternity
absolutely false and substantially exonerating it from all criminal charges
preferred against it.
But to satisfy the
overwrought public mind it recommended that the Masons owed it to the
community to discontinue the Institution, which recommendation was adopted by
the General Assembly and later responded to by the Grand Lodge in resolutions
declaring " a determination peacefully to adhere to our Institution through
evil as well as good report." The high point in the excitement was reached
when the General Assembly in 1834, in response to a memorial, repealed the
civil charter of six of the Lodges, but leaving quite a number of others still
in effect.
However, not a single
one of the nineteen Lodges relinquished its Masonic Charter. They met
infrequently and maintained their respective organisations. But the time of
testing had its effect upon the membership, for while " there were giants in
those days," yet many of the Brethren for political and other reasons forsook
the organisation, and when in 1840 the storm may be said to have subsided, the
returns to Grand Lodge indicated a total membership of 9So, about one‑third
the number reported ten years previously.
As the clouds and
mists eventually cleared away and brighter skies appeared, Lodges again began
to function and evidences of renewed prosperity became apparent. And so it has
continued until the financial depression of 1929 178 FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND hit the country, Freemasonry in this State, as in all the others,
seriously feeling the effects of that catastrophe.
At the present time
there are 43 Lodges constituent to the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, with a
total membership of 17,462 as last reported.
True patriotism and
love of country has never been wanting among the Masons in Rhode Island. The
first conflict and exchange of shots between contestants representing the
British Government and the American Colonies was on June 8, 1772, when the
British schooner Gds& was captured and burned in Narragansett Bay, a
considerable number of Craftsmen participating in the successful enterprise.
Another evidence of
loyalty is shown during the War of 1812, whey on October 3, 1814, the Grand
Lodge of Rhode Island met in Special Communication, and at eight o'clock in
the morning paraded with music to Fox Point, in the southern part of
Providence, where a breastwork 430 feet long, 1o feet wide and 5 feet high was
erected and dignified by the Grand Master, Thomas Smith Webb, with the name of
Fort Hiram. Two hundred and thirty Brethren, representing nine Lodges,
participated in this work, the undertaking and the name given to it receiving
the sanction of the governor of the State on the same day.
The same spirit of
devotion to country was shown during the Civil War, as well as in the World
War, the records revealing 227 Rhode Island Masons as having been enrolled in
the former conflict, with 9 of them giving up their lives for the cause, while
in the latter strife 1254 Brethren are listed, with 17 of them making the
supreme sacrifice.
During war times two
efforts looking to the organisation of " Army " Lodges have been made. The
first was in 1861, when a Dispensation was granted for the formation of "
American Union Lodge " to be attached to the Rhode Island regiment of
Volunteer Militia, this Lodge not to make Masons but to meet simply for
fraternal and social purposes. It failed to function, however, as no place or
room easily accessible or properly secluded could be found for the meetings,
and the Dispensation was returned.
The second attempt,
made shortly after the close of the World War, resulted more successfully,
Overseas Lodge, U.D., having been organised in the Army of Occupation at
Coblentz, Germany, on April 24, 1919. This Lodge, which receives as candidates
and members only those who have served during the World War in the army and
navy, or in the auxiliary service connected therewith, is unique in having
been organised in the enemy's country and the only Lodge originating in the
American Expeditionary Force which has been perpetuated, it now being known as
Overseas Lodge, No. 40, on the register of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.
THE CAPITULAR RITE
The first recorded mention of any action taken looking to the formation of a
Chapter in Rhode Island appears in the Master's Lodge Record book of Saint
John's Lodge, No. I, Providence, a record of business appertaining only
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE ISLAND 179 to the Master's Degree being kept in that
book, at a meeting held July ZS, 1793 At an adjourned meeting held six days
later it was voted that the Officers of the Lodge be empowered and ordered to
apply to any legal Royal Arch Chapter in the United States for authority to
organise.
Acting under this
authority, the Worshipful Master, Bro. Daniel Stillwell, personally journeyed
to New York City during the following month and was successful in securing a
Charter from " A Washington Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the City of New
York," bearing date of September 3, 1793, and the title " Providence Chapter,
No. 2, of Royal Arch Masons." Would that we knew authoritatively what became
of this " mother " organisation! This Charter was presented on October S,
1793, at a meeting of " a number of the brethren of sublime degrees in
Masonry, members of Saint John's Lodge, No. i, Providence." At this meeting it
was suggested that before the Royal Arch Degree could be conferred on waiting
candidates a Lodge be immediately opened to Initiate them in the Degrees
between Master Mason and Royal Arch, and six Brethren forthwith received the
several Degrees of Mark Master Mason, Past Master and Most Excellent Master.
Two meetings followed in October for a similar purpose.
Thus, it will be
observed, that these preparatory Degrees were conferred in Saint John's Lodge
before Providence Royal Arch Chapter was Constituted, which ceremony did not
take place until November 23, 1793, on which occasion nine Brethren were
Exalted to the Royal Arch Degree.
This raises the
question‑where did the " founders " get the Degrees? Perhaps one guess is as
good as another, but it is altogether possible that they received them in or "
beside " (as the language of the day then put it) Saint John's Lodge under
authority then believed to inhere in a Charter granted to any Lodge by
competent Masonic authority, and while there is no actual record which
authentically reveals this to be the case, yet it is a significant fact that
to this day the jewels worn by the Deacons in Saint John's Lodge are the
Working tools of the Royal Arch Degree.
The next outstanding
event in the life of Providence Royal Arch Chapter was its participation with
nine other similar Bodies in the formation at Hartford, Connecticut, on
January 2‑4, 1798, of the " Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of
America," which later was designated as the General Grand Chapter of the
United States of America.
On March 12, 1798,
the three principal Officers of Providence Chapter met to form a Deputy Grand
Chapter for the State, which one year later took upon itself the title of
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations, thus giving to it the indisputable prestige of being the first
Grand Body to be organised in this particular Rite.
Just about this time
Thomas Smith Webb became a resident of Rhode Island and at once took an active
part in the doings of the Capitular Rite, serving for two years as High Priest
of Providence Chapter and for eleven years as Grand High Priest, and being in
the forefront in the organisation of the General Grand 18o FREEMASONRY IN
RHODE ISLAND Chapter, filling the Station of General Deputy Grand High Priest
at the time of his decease in i8i9.
For a period of eight
years Providence Chapter was the only constituent Body of the Grand Chapter,
but in I8o6 a Chapter was formed at Newport, followed in later years with
similar Bodies in Warren and Pawtucket.
As the Lodges
suffered from the stress and strain of the Anti‑Masonic excitement, so the
Chapters endured a corresponding experience, a few faithful and resolute
members bearing the financial burden as well as shaping the course necessary
to counteract the attacks of unprincipled antagonists.
The present
statistics for this Rite show 16 Royal Arch Chapters constituent to the Grand
Chapter, with 8642 Companions enrolled therein.
THE CRYPTIC RITE On
March 28, 1818, ten Royal Arch Masons, who had somewhere received the Degree
of Royal Master, met in Saint John's Hall, Old Market House (now the Chamber
of Commerce), in Providence and " agreed that it is advisable to establish a
Council of Royal Masters and transact business appertaining to said Degree
until it can be ascertained where or how a regular Dispensation can be
obtained." In passing it is interesting to note that the Old Market House
above alluded to was at that time the seat of the town government of
Providence. The Brethren of Saint John's Lodge, No. I, after having obtained
the necessary permission from the authorities, added, at their own expense, a
third story to the building, and this became the first Masonic Hall in the
city, being occupied as such from 1797 to 1853.
One week later these
same Companions, together with several others, again met, adopted By‑Laws,
elected Officers and completed the organisation of Providence Council.
At a subsequent
meeting held on May i9, 1818, the Degree of Select Master was attached to the
Council, which from that time until September 27, 1819, proceeded to carry on
without a Charter. On the latter date it received this important document at
the hands of Jeremy L. Cross, " free from expense," the same signed by him as
D.G.P. (which we translate Deputy Grand Puissant), and purporting to issue
from the Grand Council of Maryland, authorising the conferring of the Degrees
of Royal and Select Master.
For over six years
these were the only Degrees exemplified, but on April 14, 1826, appears the
Record that the Super Excellent Master's Degree was given to four Companions,
" all the other Companions having had that Degree." The Morgan excitement
affected Providence Council in like manner as the other Masonic Bodies in
Rhode Island, but occasional assemblies were held until early in the year
1833, when it was voted to unite with Providence Royal Arch Chapter on terms
and conditions mutually satisfactory, the consolidation being confirmed in due
course by the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island. However, the Records of
Providence Chapter fail to show that the Cryptic FREEMASONRY IN RHODE ISLAND
181 Degrees were ever conferred in that Body, and on February 15, 1841, the
union was dissolved and Providence Council again became an individual entity
and has since so continued.
For a considerable
number of years Rhode Island was open territory to the adjacent jurisdictions
so far as the Cryptic Rite was concerned. Hence we find a Council established
in Pawtucket in 1847 under the authority of the Grand Council of
Massachusetts, and another at Warren in 186o sanctioned by the Grand Council
of Connecticut, while since 1848 the Cryptic Degrees had been conferred in
Newport by virtue of particular authority vested in the Lodge of Perfection in
that city contained in a Special Warrant later referred to when considering
Scottish Rite Masonry in Rhode Island.
Whether, in these
early days, there existed in Newport an actual Council organisation, or
whether the Cryptic Degrees were given in the Lodge of Perfection by Officers
bearing the appropriate titles, is a matter of conjecture, no Records extant
revealing the actual facts. Report has it that when in the later years of his
life Ill.‑. Nathan H. Gould, prominent for a long time in Scottish Rite
affairs in Rhode Island, removed from this State to Texas, he carried with him
certain Record Books, which may contain the key to the situation.
Be that as it may, an
autograph letter of Companion Gould, now in the Archives of the present De
Blois Council at Newport, and dated March 3, 1870, positively states that the
following had served as Thrice Illustrious Master of De Blois Council: Nathan
H. Gould from 1848 to 1851, and again from 1857 to March 1870; Henry D. De
Blois from 1851 to 1854; Gilbert Chase from 1854 to 1857.
From its inception in
1818 until the year 186o, Providence Council was a law unto itself, standing
entirely alone and apart from any governing authority, but 'on October 30 of
the latter year the Grand Council of Rhode Island was Instituted by
Representatives from the Councils in Providence, Pawtucket and Warren, and
began its honoured and successful career. The Companions at Newport were
invited to participate in the enterprise, but held aloof from the organisation
at that time, ten years later, however, coming into the fold and accepting a
Charter from Grand Council.
As time advanced and
all branches of Masonry flourished, other Councils sprang up from time to
time, so that now the Grand Council of Rhode Island boasts 8 constituent
Bodies, with an aggregate Of 4533 Companions on its Rolls.
THE CHIVALRIC ORDERS
Thomas Smith Webb is the undisputed leader and pioneer in the introduction and
Organisation of the Orders of Christian Knighthood in Rhode Island, for on
August 23, 18o2, he, in company with five others, formed and opened Saint
John's Encampment in Providence, Webb becoming the ranking Officer, then
styled Grand Master.
Five of the six Sir.
Knights present had, without‑doubt, been Templars for 182 FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND some years, although when and where they received this signal honour
has not as yet been brought to light.
Webb was especially
gifted as a leader and organiser, and less than three years had elapsed after
the Institution of Saint John's Encampment when he was instrumental in and
largely responsible for the formation of a " Grand Encamp ment of Knights
Templar," which organised on May 13, 18os, in the Old Market House in
Providence, heretofore referred to, with Representatives present from
Encampments in Boston and Newburyport, Massachusetts, as well as from the
Providence Encampment.
A Constitution was
adopted and Officers elected, with Webb, as might well be expected, chosen to
the highest Office, then known as Grand Master. Thus was started on its
glorious existence a Grand Body, which later became known as the Grand
Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
The uppermost
achievement in Webb's Masonic endeavours has been declared to be the
organisation at New York City, in June 1816, of the Grand Encampment of
Knights Templar of the United States, a project in which he was intensely
interested and actively engaged.
It has been
authoritatively stated that Webb was urged to become the first Grand Master,
but yielded the honour to DeWitt Clinton, taking for himself the lesser
position of Deputy Grand Master, which Office he was filling at the time of
his decease.
The second Encampment
to appear in Rhode Island was Washington at Newport, which was founded on
December 26, 1812, under the authority given in a Charter granted by " The
Grand Consistory " in New York City, of which Joseph Cerneau was Commander and
DeWitt Clinton, Deputy Grand Commander. However, after a time, the Newport
Fraters found difficulties in the way in acting under this New York Charter,
and in June 1814, they Petitioned the Grand Encampment organised in Providence
for admission thereto, and their prayer being granted, they became allegiant
to the Grand Body of which they are now a part.
These two Encampments
were the only Bodies of Templars existing in Rhode Island until after the
violent popular feeling against the Masonic Fraternity, occasioned by the
Morgan incident, had died out. During this season of fanaticism and opposition
the Body in Newport merely had a name, but the Fraters in Providence remained
faithful and unyielding, meeting occasionally for business and instruction and
never failing to hold the annual election of Officers.
However, in due time
the storm clouds of strife and acrimonious discussion gave way to the bright
sun of toleration and clear thinking and Templarism, like all other branches
of Masonry, came into its own and continually went forward, until at this
writing 7 Commanderies of Knights Templar within the confines of the State of
Rhode Island pay allegiance to the Grand Commandery of Massachusetts and Rhode
Island, with a total membership of 3997 Sir Knights.
FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND 183 THE SCOTTISH RITE With no desire to enter into any controversial
discussion as to whether this or that branch of early Scottish Rite Masonry in
the United States was genuine or spurious, suffice it to say that a Supreme
Council of " Sovereign Grand Inspectors‑General for the United States of
America, its‑ Territories and Dependencies," headed by Joseph Cerneau, gave
authority to certain Brethren in Newport to organise a Consistory in 1813,
about which time Bro. John A. Shaw of that city became Deputy Inspector for
Rhode Island, under which sanction the Sublime Degrees were Conferred for the
succeeding twelve or fifteen years.
According to Bro.
Nathan H. Gould, for many years Deputy for Rhode Island, there were earlier
meetings of this branch of Masonry, for in his report to the Supreme Council
in 1876 he stated that at a meeting of the Council of Deliberation held a
short time previous he had taken occasion " to give a resume of the
introduction into the State of our beautiful Rite, from the year 1768 by Moses
Michael Hays, Thirty‑third Degree under patent of authority from Henry Andrew
Franken, Thirty‑third Degree to the resuscitation in 1848 by Ill.‑. Bro.
Killian Henry Van Rensselaer and Giles Fonda Yates." Then the Anti‑Masonic
hysteria came along, during which period the aforesaid Supreme Council
succumbed and never was resuscitated. Likewise the Consistory at Newport
became dormant and so remained until the latter part of 1849, when, in
response to a Petition from the Brethren in Newport for permission to convene
as Scottish Rite Masons, Charters were granted by the Supreme Council,
Northern jurisdiction, under date of September 16 of that year, permitting the
holding of all four Bodies of the Rite, these documents bearing the signatures
of John J. J. Gourgas as M.‑. P.‑. Sovereign Grand Commander, and Giles F.
Yates as Deputy Grand Commander.
The Records of the
Supreme Council show that on January 14, 185o, the Charters were delivered to
and Officers elected in the Lodge of Perfection and the Council of Princes of
Jerusalem. The Chapter of Rose Croix and the Con sistory evidently did not
effect an organisation until somewhat later, the latter Body being inaugurated
by Edward B. Hays, Sovereign Grand Commander, on May 18, 1863, and the former
beginning its existence a few weeks later, Returns to the Supreme Council
meeting in May 1864, showing about twenty‑one members in each Body.
The Charter of the
Lodge of Perfection gave full power and authority for ` ` a Council of Select
Masons of 27 **** and the appendant Degrees of Royal Master and
Super‑Excellent Master," and under this sanction the Cryptic De grees were
Conferred in Newport until the authority was revoked by the Supreme Council in
1870.
King Solomon's Lodge
of Perfection began its existence in Stonington, Connecticut, under a Charter
dated in 1848, being placed under the Superintendence of the Council of
Princes of Jerusalem in New Haven. It apparently 184 FREEMASONRY IN RHODE
ISLAND met with little success, for ten years after its organisation the
membership numbered but eleven, and on May 25, 1859, the Supreme Council
approved its removal to Providence, where the first meeting was held just one
year later.
Providence Council of
Princes of Jerusalem, Providence Chapter of Rose Croix and Providence
Sovereign Grand Consistory were all organised on the same day, January 2.o,
1869, by Ill . . Bro. Nathan H. Gould, Deputy for Rhode Island.
The four Bodies in
each of the two cities apparently functioned with small measure of success,
for III.‑. Bro. Thomas A. Doyle, then Deputy for Rhode Island, reported to the
meeting of the Supreme Council in September 188o, that interest in the Rite
seemed almost to have ceased, and verbally suggested that the Bodies be placed
under the care of another jurisdiction, but no change in the situation was
made.
However, in 1883, the
proposal for a consolidation of the Princes of Jerusalem, Rose Croix and
Consistory Bodies received the favourable consideration of the Supreme
Council, and on June 16, 1885, the merger was consummated, the three Bodies
taking the names in vogue in Newport, viz.: Rhode Island Council Princes of
Jerusalem, Rhode Island Chapter of Rose Croix, and Rhode Island Consistory.
By the terms of the
merger all regular meetings of the three Bodies were to be held in Providence,
but the Triennial election in the Consistory was to be held in Newport. This
provision maintained for five years, but on September 17, 18go, the Grand East
was changed to Providence.
The 4 Bodies in
Providence, together with Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection in Newport, now
constitute the organisation of the Rite in Rhode Island, with a total
membership of 1911.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA GEORGE T. HARMON "I hear the tread of pioneers Of nations yet to be,
The first low wash of waves, where soon Shall roll a human sea." ri HESE
prophetic lines reveal the emotions of the poet as he breathes the atmosphere
of humble beginnings. A kindred emotion stirs the heart of the Masonic student
as he scans the meagre documents of those early days that mark the beginnings
of Freemasonry in America. He, too, breathes the atmosphere of humble
beginnings, and in addition he enjoys a privileged advantage over the poet, in
that his perspective has been shifted by two centuries of marvellous
realisation. This great nation bears testimony to the fulfillment of the
poet's vision and prophecy, and, in no less degree, the vast structure of
Freemasonry existing in America to‑day bears witness to the dream of the
Masonic pioneer.
Unmistakable traces
of the Masonic pioneer in North America are to be found along the Atlantic
seaboard from the coast of Massachusetts to that of Georgia. Boston,
Philadelphia, Charleston, and Savannah are the points‑of romantic interest
that engage the attention of the Masonic historian. But since the scope of
this treatise is confined to the history of Freemasonry in South Carolina, the
attention of the reader is directed to only one of those ports of great
historic interest‑Charleston.
The early history of
Colonial America reveals that South Carolina was the favourite Province of the
Mother Country. This being true, it is readily understood why constant
intercourse was maintained with the new country, not only by the British
Government, but also by the business, religious, and benevolent institutions
of England. Not least among those was the Institution of Freemasonry, which
had been characterised by such a widespread revival of interest as to
culminate in the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Under the
circumstances, then, it is not beyond reasonable belief that, by the process
of fortuitous filtration, Freemasonry began to find expression among the
Colonists shortly thereafter. Such inference becomes so apparent that the
student of Masonry is led to believe that South Carolina is a cradle of
Freemasonry in North America.
However, the faithful
historian is not permitted to indulge in surmise. Rather, he must base his
claims upon unmistakable evidence. In this respect the South Carolina
historian is at an unfortunate disadvantage, for from its =8s 186 FREEMASONRY
IN SOUTH CAROLINA earliest days the city of Charleston has been the victim of
storms and earthquakes with their resultant conflagrations. Such devastations
occurred in 1777, in 1822 and in 1838, at which times most of the Records of
the Colony, including those of Freemasonry, were forever lost. The writer is,
therefore, confined to the use of such authenticated historical sources as
fortunately remain, chief among which are the various Official Lists of the
Grand Lodge of England. Many of the facts regarding the early days of the
Order in South Carolina are taken from the tabulations contained in The
Official English Lists for 1760; the Sixth Edition of Jachin and BoaZ,
published in London in 1765: A New and Correct List of All the English Regular
Lodges in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, according to their seniority and
Constitution; By order of the Grand Master, brought down to February 1768; and
a List o f Lodges (with their numbers) as altered by the Grand Lodge, April
18, 1792.
The name of the first
Lodge at " Charles Town," South Carolina, appears for the first time in The
Official English Lists for 1760. It is given there as No. 251, but later it
took the place vacated by Bristol Lodge and became Lodge No. 74 Its Warrant
was granted by Lord Weymouth, who was Installed as Grand Master on April 17,
1735, and the Lists accredit the Warrant to the year 1735. The date of the
Constitution of this Lodge is given in the Sixth Edition of Jachin and BoaZ as
November 12, 173 Past Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson, of Massachusetts,
Editor‑in‑Chief of this volume, author of The Beginnings of Freemasonry in
America, and a Masonic student of marked intelligence and unimpeachable
integrity, in commenting upon this date says that " no reliance can be placed
upon this month and day. Bristol Lodge, Gloucestershire, Constituted on
November 12, 1735, was No. 74 in the 1755 listing. That Lodge was erased in
1757, but the date of Constitution was retained in the Lists against the
number, although no Lodge was given. This is the case in the 0. flicial List
for 1761 (the original of which is in the archives of the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts), where `Solomon's Lodge in Charles Town, South Carolina,
meeting the 1st and 3rd Thursdays', is given as Lodge No. 251, with 1735 as
the date of its Constitution. Later, Solomon's Lodge was assigned the No. 74
which had been vacated by the Bristol Lodge. This brought it in with the
Lodges of the year 1735, where it should properly have been, but the date of
the constitution of Bristol Lodge was left. Thus the date (other than the
year) clearly does not belong to the South Carolina Lodge." The List of
English Regular Lodges in Europe, Asia, Africa and America gives the following
tabulation: "74. Solomon's Lodge, Charles Town, South Carolina; First and
Third Thursday, 1735," and " 75. Savannah, at Savannah, in the Province of
Georgia, 1735." The List of Lodges (with their numbers), as altered by the
Grand Lodge, April 18, 1792, shows that Lodge No. 45 was Warranted in 1735,
under the name of " Solomon Lodge, of Charles Town, South Carolina." This
entry is followed by another, showing that Lodge No. 46 was Warranted in 1735,
under the name of " Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, of Savannah, Georgia." This does
not mean, however, that both those Lodges were organised during the year 1735,
nor does FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA 187 the position of the South Carolina
Lodge in the List indicate priority of the Constitution. Nevertheless, the
fact is established by documentary evidence that both those Lodges received
their Warrants from Lord Weymouth, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England,
in the year 1735.
Fortunately, it is
not left to conjecture when Solomon's Lodge in Charleston was actually
organised. Another contemporaneous source of equal importance is found in the
South Carolina Gazette, a weekly journal published in Charleston during its
early days. In the issue of Friday, October 29, 1736, the following
interesting news item is recorded: " Last night a Lodge of the Ancient and
Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons was held, for the first time, at
Mr. Charles Shepheard's, in Broad Street, when John Hammerton, Esq., Secretary
and Receiver General for this Province, was unanimously chosen Master, who was
pleased to appoint Mr. Thomas Denne, Senior Warden, Mr. Tho. Harbin, Junior
Warden, and Mr. James Gordon, Secretary." This item convinces us that
Solomon's Lodge, of Charleston, South Carolina, unquestionably received its
Warrant from Lord Weymouth, Grand Master, in 1735, and that it was organised
on October 28, 1736.
It is interesting to
note that the first Master of the first Lodge organised in South Carolina was
the first Provincial Grand Master of South Carolina. In the List given on page
195 of the Second Edition of Anderson's Constitutions, pub lished in 1738, we
read: " Loudoun, G .M., granted a Deputation to John Hammerton, Esq., to be
Provincial Grand Master of South Carolina in America." In the List of Visitors
who attended the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of England, held
on April 16, 1738, we also find the name of " John Hammerton, Esq., Provincial
Grand Master of South Carolina," registered. Mr. Hammerton exercised his
prerogatives as Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Carolina until
July 21, 1737, when he was succeeded by James Greame, as we learn from an item
which appeared in the South Carolina Gazette, on July 23, 1737. The item reads
as follows: Last Thursday, John Hammerton Esq; Receiver General of his
Majesty's Quit Rents, Secretary, and one his Majesty's Honourable Council, who
has been the first Master of the Lodge of the ancient and honourable Society
of Free Masons in this Place, and intending to embark on board the Ship Molly
Gally, John Carruthers, Master, for London, at a Lodge held that evening,
resign'd his Office; for the true and faithful Discharge of which he received
the Thanks of the whole Society, who were 30 in Number. James Greame Esq; was
then unanimously chosen Master in his room, and having been duly install'd
into that Office with the usual Ceremonies, was pleased to chuse and appoint
James Wright Esq; who was junior Warden to be Senior Warden, and Maurice Lewis
esq; Junior Warden.
This is only one of
many items of news concerning Masonic activities which appeared in the South
Carolina Gazette in those days. The great number of those items and the
character of them indicates the interest in Freemasonry 188 FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA and the esteem in which the early Society was held by the
people at large. Others of those items will be quoted from time to time in the
course of this article.
The exact date of the
formation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of South Carolina will probably never
be known, but documentary evidence establishes the fact that it was in
existence prior to December 27, 1737. This is proved by the following account
which appeared in the South Carolina Gazette on December 29, 1737: On Tuesday
last, being St. John's Day, all the Members of the ancient and honourable
Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this Place met at Mr. Seaman's, Master
of Solomon's Lodge, from whence they proceeded all properly cloth'd, under the
Sound of French Horns, to wait on James Graeme Esq; Provincial Grand Master,
at his House in Broad street, where they were received by all the Members of
the Grand Lodge. After a short Stay there, they all went in Procession, and
with the Ensigns of their Order, into the Court‑Room at Mr. Charles
Shepheard's House, making a very grand Show, there, to a numerous Audience of
Ladies and Gentlemen, who were admitted by Tickets, the Grand Master made a
very elegant Speech in Praise of Masonry, which, we hear was universally
applauded. Then the Grand Lodge withdrew in order to proceed to the Election
of a Grand Master for the ensuing Year, when James Graeme Esq; was unanimously
re‑chosen Grand Master, who appointed James Wright Esq; D. G. M., Maurice
Lewis Esq; S. G. W., John Crookshanks Esq; J. G. W., James Michie Esq; G. T.,
and James Gordon Esq; G. S.
That the Grand Lodge
was in existence prior to December 27, 1737, is made clear by the above
account, for it is stated that the members of the Ancient and Honourable
Society of Freemasons " proceeded to the house of James Greame, Esq., Grand
Master, where they were received by all the members of the Grand Lodge," and
that later " the Grand Lodge withdrew in order to proceed to the election of a
Grand Master for the ensuing year." As a matter of fact, the Grand Lodge had
been in existence for many months, if not a year or more, and the above
account establishes the fact that it was Constituted some time before December
27, 1737.
Open your ears; for
which of you will stop The vent of hearing, when loud rumor speaks? 1, from
the Orient to the drooping West, Making the wind my post‑horse, still unfold
The acts commenced. . .
In the preceding
pages we have traced the beginnings of Freemasonry in South Carolina. It is
significant that many of those whose names appear in the Official Lists of the
early organisation were among the most prominent men of the Colony. This is
indicative of the favour and esteem in which the Order in the Colony was held
from the very beginning. It is not surprising FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA
189 then, that we find many references to its social and benevolent activities
in the weekly journal of that day, as well as entries regarding it in the
English Lists. On May 28, 1737, the South Carolina Gazette contained another
item of interest to the student of Masonry. The item reads as follows On
Thursday Night last, the RECRUITING OFFICER was acted for the Entertainment of
the ancient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, who came to
the Play‑house about 7 o'Clock, in the usual Manner, and made a very decent
and solemn Appearance; there was a fuller house on this occasion than ever had
been known in this Place before. A proper Prologue and Epilogue were spoke,
and the entered Apprentice's and Master's Songs sung upon the Stage, which
were joined in Chorus by the Masons in the Pit, to the Satisfaction and
Entertainment of the whole Audience. After the Play, the Masons returned to
the Lodge at Mr. Shepheard's, in the same order observed in coming to the
Play‑House.
Still another item
appearing in the same journal on January 26, 1738, indicates the formation of
a new Lodge in the Colony. It reads as follows We hear that at Mr. William
Flud's at the Sign of the Harp and Crown, is held a Lodge of the ancient and
honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the Lodge of St.
John, Doct. Newman Oglethorpe being chosen Master.
Several other issues
of the South Carolina Gazette, appearing from time to time over a period of
years, announce the various arrivals of the sloop Free Mason. The fact that a
vessel had been so named is still another indication of the high favour in
which Freemasonry was held among the seamen of that day. Perhaps, though, no
more convincing evidence of the popularity of Freemasonry and the interest
that it inspired in the Colony can be found than that conveyed by the
description of the Festival of Saint John the Evangelist, appearing in the
December 27, 1738, issue of the South Carolina Gazette. That account reads as
follows Yesterday being the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, the Day was
usher'd in with firing of Guns at Sunrise from several Ships in the Harbour,
with all their colours flying. At 9 o'clock all the Members of Solomon's
Lodge, belong ing to the ancient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted
Masons, met at the House of the Hon. James Crokatt Esq; Master of the said
Lodge, and at io proceeded from thence properly clothed with the Ensigns of
their Order, and Musick before them, to the House of the Provincial Grand
Master, James Graeme Esq; where a Grand Lodge was held, and James Wright Esq;
elected Provincial Grand Master for the ensuing Year, then the following
Officers were chosen, viz. Maurice Lewis Esq; D. P. G. M., Mr. George Seaman
S. G. W., James Graeme Esq; J. G. W., James Michie Esq; G. T., and Mr. Ja:
Gordon G. S.
19o FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA At eleven o'clock, both Lodges went in Procession to Church to
attend divine Service, and in the same Order returned to the house of Mr. Ch:
Shepheard, where in the Court‑Room, to a numerous Assembly of Ladies and
Gentle men the newly elected Provincial Grand Master made a very eloquent
Speech of the Usefulness of Societies, and the benefits arising therefrom to
Mankind. The Assembly being dismissed, Solomon's Lodge proceeded to the
Election of Officers for the ensuing Year, when Mr. John Houghton was chosen
Master, Doct. John Lining S. W., Mr. David McClellan J. W., Mr. Arthur Strahan
S. and Mr. Alex. Murray T.
After an elegant
Dinner, all the Brethren were invited by Capt. Th : White on board the Hope;
there several loyal Healths were drunk, and at their coming on board and
return on Shore, they were saluted by the Discharge of 39 Guns, being the same
Number observ'd in each of the different Salutes of this Day, so that in all
there were about z5o Guns fired. The Evening was concluded with a Ball and
Entertainment for the Ladies, and the whole was performed with much Grandeur
and Decorum.
At intervals
throughout succeeding years, other accounts of Grand Lodge meetings, Masonic
processions, and celebrations of Saint John's Day Festivals appeared in the
various issues of that journal. The first public mention of benev olent
activity was made in the November 18, 1740 issue, which also carried an
account of the conflagration that destroyed every house between Church Street
and East Bay Street, in Charleston. From this source we learn that a solemn
fast was proclaimed, and that contributions were taken up for the sufferers,
and that " The Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons
contributed the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds." Thus, Freemasonry
continued an uninterrupted development in South Carolina. New Lodges were
Constituted, and the activities of the Grand Lodge spread to other parts of
the Colony. In 1743 the Grand Lodge of England granted a Warrant for Prince
George Lodge, at Georgetown, in South Carolina, and in 1756 a Warrant was
granted for Port Royal Lodge, in South Carolina. Although space forbids a
listing of the many Lodges that were formed between 1756 and 18oo, the fact
that they were established in so many sections, that is, in the Colonial
Districts of Charleston, Georgetown, Beaufort, Barnwell, Kershaw,
Chesterfield, Abbeville, Fairfield, Chester, Spartanburg, Greenville,
Cokesbury, Edgefield, and Colleton, indicates the rapid and widespread growth
of the Order. In 1754, a re‑organisation of the Grand Lodge was effected, when
Peter Leigh, Chief Justice of South Carolina, was elected Grand Master. At
that time the other Offices of the Grand Lodge were also filled by some of the
most distinguished men of the Colony, so it is not surprising that their
interest in Freemasonry stimulated the Fraternity's prosperity and growth.
We now come to a most
interesting phase of Colonial Masonic history. The Provincial Grand Master
having left the Province in 1776, John Wells, Jr., issued the summons for the
Annual Communication " by order of the Grand Lodge. " Shortly after this, the
Colonies having declared their independence FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA 191
of England, the Grand Lodge severed its relationship with the Grand Lodge of
England and established the Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, with the Honourable Barnard Elliott acting as Grand Master. This Body
was the lineal descendant of the Provincial Grand Lodge, which had been
established during the year 1737. The Provincial Grand Lodge was never
dissolved; it effected the change of its status by virtue of its own
resolution of independence.
In 1787 another Grand
Lodge appeared in South Carolina under the name of the Grand Lodge of Ancient
York Masons. This Body had been formed by five Lodges of Ancient York Masons
which did not acknowledge allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of South Carolina. Two of its Constituent Lodges had derived their
Warrants from the Athol Grand Lodge of England, while the other three had
received theirs from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, that Body being Ancient
York in its Masonry. Fortunately, however, the influence of the saner leaders
of the rival Bodies ultimately prevailed, and a union was effected in 1817.
This resulted in the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons
of South Carolina, which has " ever been deemed, held, and taken as the true
and only lawful Grand Lodge of Freemasons in South Carolina; and which
contains the true and supreme Masonic Authority thereof." Thus the Grand Lodge
of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina, the lineal descendant of the
Provincial Grand Lodge of South Carolina, which was organised during the year
1737, and which had preserved an unbroken continuity until the present day,
will enjoy the undisputed privilege of celebrating its Bicentennial in 1937 At
a special Communication held February 18, 1818, the first Communication of the
Grand Lodge held after the union of the two Grand Lodges, Dr. Dalcho's Ahiman
Rezon was adopted for the government of the Grand and sub ordinate Lodges in
the jurisdiction, until a new Code of By‑Laws should be agreed upon. It was
also ordered that the numbers of the Lodges should be agreed upon, the old
Warrants surrendered, and new ones issued. Provision was also made for the
incorporation of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina,
which was consummated by the Legislature of South Carolina during December
1818. This act of incorporation is perpetual, and is the one from which the
Grand Lodge of South Carolina derives its civil powers.
During this same
Communication, a letter was received from sundry Masonic Brethren at Havana,
praying a Warrant for a Lodge to be established at that place, and at the
Quarterly Communication, March z.7, 1818, a Warrant was granted for the
formation of the Lodge in the city of Havana, Cuba, known as La Constancia
Lodge, No. So.
This incident is
worthy of mention in this article, since it indicates that South Carolina is
the Mother of Freemasonry in the Island of Cuba. No invasion of jurisdiction
was involved in this action, because Spain, the governing power of the island,
had no Grand Lodge of Masons, and, therefore, had no Masonic jurisdiction.
192 FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA At the Quarterly Communication on March 26, 1819 a like
Petition was presented from Masons who had migrated westward and settled in
what was known as the Territory of Alabama. This Petition was honoured and a
Dis pensation issued on June 7, 18 19 at the Quarterly Communication for the
formation of a Lodge to be known as Clairborne Lodge, No. 51; and thus South
Carolina became the Mother of Freemasonry in Alabama.
At a Special
Communication held on June 18 of the same year the Committee which had been
appointed at the preceding Communication to form a new set of By‑Laws, made
its report. This report was adopted in part, and at a subsequent Special
Communication, held on June 23, after making certain alterations, the new
By‑Laws consisting of thirty rules in all, were adopted. Those By‑Laws
continued to be the code for the government of the Grand Lodge until 186o,
when they were displaced by the present Constitution.
At a Quarterly
Communication held in 1822, resolutions were adopted establishing the Office
of Grand Lecturer. This was found to be necessary in order to preserve
uniformity in the Work. The salary was fixed at $500 a year.
At the same
Communication, a group of Masons in Washington, District of Columbia, proposed
that a General Grand Lodge should be established, but their proposal was
rejected. Although the Grand Lodge of South Carolina was once favourable to
such a proposal, the action of 1822 placed that Body on record as being
opposed to such a movement. It has ever since maintained that attitude.
Coincident with the
visit of General Lafayette to South Carolina in 1825, the Grand Lodge issued a
Dispensation to Kershaw Lodge, No. 29, for the purpose of laying the
corner‑stone of a monument erected to the memory of Baron DeKalb. This event
was a red‑letter day in the history of Freemasonry in South Carolina. The
corner‑stone of the monument was laid on March 9, 1825, by General Lafayette,
assisted by the Officers and members of Kershaw Lodge and by many visiting
Masons from distant parts of the country. The silver trowel used by Lafayette
is still in possession of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, and has ever
since been used by the Grand Masters of the jurisdiction in laying other
corner‑stones. The monument to Baron DeKalb still stands in the city of
Camden, and is a perpetual reminder of the patriotism of the Masons and
citizens of Camden, as well as of the visit of that distinguished Mason,
General Lafayette.
For many years after
the opening of the nineteenth century, the Grand Lodge of South Carolina
entertained the idea of erecting a Masonic Temple in the city of Charleston.
For a long time the financial condition of the Grand Lodge militated against
the realisation of this ideal, but that obstacle was finally overcome, and in
183 5 a lot was purchased at the corner of Meeting and Market Streets. Plans
were then rapidly completed for the building of the Temple. When the actual
construction had been begun, the Grand Lodge was convened in Special
Communication on August 23, 1837, for the purpose of laying the corner‑stone.
This was a memorable occasion in the history of Free‑ FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA 193 masonry in South Carolina, and much prominence was given to it.
The ceremony was carried out in due Masonic form, and an address was delivered
by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Bro. J. J. Alexander, who said: " The
fabric which will arise from this foundation will give to Masonry an abiding
place, to our city its first Masonic Temple." But this desire was not to be
realised, for on the night of April 2.7, 1838, a fire which broke out in
Charleston consumed nearly a third of the city, including the unfinished
Temple. Nevertheless, the history of this building is given here to preserve a
record of the site of the first Masonic Temple in the city of Charleston.
To‑day the old Charleston Market, at the corner of Market and Meeting Streets,
stands where that first Temple was begun. The Temple site was sold to the city
of Charleston during the year 1839. Then, in 1840, a new site was purchased by
the Grand Lodge, at the corner of King and Wentworth Streets. At the Annual
Communication of that year, a resolution was introduced by Alexander McDonald,
who, having for twenty years promoted the idea of erecting a Temple for the
Grand Lodge, succeeded in committing the Grand Lodge to a building programme
involving the sum of $12,ooo. Actual construction was begun during the same
year, and the corner‑stone was laid with imposing ceremony. The building was
completed during the following year, and September Zz., 1841, was set as the
day of dedication. An impressive programme was given on that occasion, which
was indeed an epochal day in the history of Freemasonry in South Carolina.
Although other Temples have since been built, all have stood on the same site,
which is still preserved as the location of Charleston's Masonic Temples.
During the 1844
Communication, the first attempt was made to create Masonic Districts and the
Office of District Deputy Grand Master. Although an amendment providing for
both was adopted, its provisions were never carried out, and it was omitted in
a subsequent revision of the Constitution. During the same year the Grand
Lodge concurred in the opinion declared by the Baltimore Convention that a
subordinate Lodge had no right to try its Master, but that he is amenable to
the Grand Lodge. In due time this opinion found expression in the Constitution
of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. It is embodied in the Constitution that
now governs that Body.
The matter of
duelling received attention at the 1848 Communication, and the Grand Lodge
expressed its attitude toward it in the following words " The practise of
duelling is repugnant to the principles of Freemasonry, and in all cases where
two Brethren resort to this mode of settling their disputes, it becomes the
duty of the Lodge, or Lodges, of which they are members, forthwith to expel
them from all rights and privileges of Masonry, subject, as usual, to the
confirmation of the Grand Lodge." It was at the 1852 Communication that the
Ahiman Rezon, or Book of Constitutions, prepared by Albert G. Mackey, was
adopted for the use and government of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina and
the Lodges under its jurisdic tion. This Work took the place of the one that
had originally been prepared 194 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA by Dr. Dalcho.
It contains a system of monitorial instruction, which, with a few amendments,
is now in force in the Grand Jurisdiction of South Carolina. On November 4,
1852‑, the Grand Lodge, assisted by a number of subordinate Lodges throughout
the State, met at Hibernian Hall, in Charleston, and celebrated the centennial
anniversary of the Initiation of George Washington into Freemasonry. The
programme was an imposing one, and a copy of it is now in the possession of
the Grand Secretary. This event is worthy oú record here, since the Grand
Lodge of South Carolina has ever been foremost among those that honour the
memory of that great man and Mason. This was shown years ago when it made its
contribution to the purchase of the Mount Vernon property, and, in recent
years, when it took part in the construction of the George Washington Masonic
National Memorial, at Alexandria, Virginia. From its earliest days in this
country to the present time, the question of conferring Degrees in less than
the statutory time seems to have troubled the Craft all over America. In the
Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as in many other Grand Bodies, the question was
agitated at intervals for many years. Then, during the Communication of 1856,
the Grand Lodge took action in the matter that is of historic interest. At
that time the Grand Lodge adopted a resolution imposing a tax of $5o on all
such applications. We find no instance, however, where this provision was ever
carried out. In South Carolina the conviction has always prevailed that the
Landmarks of Freemasonry fix the dispensing power as an inherent prerogative
of the Grand Master. The action of 1856 was, therefore, later repealed, and
such prerogative continues to be exercised by the Grand Master.
For a number of years
preceding the year 1859, a topic of great importance commanded the attention
of the Grand Lodge. Three matters were involved; they were (1) the proxy
system, (z) paid representation from all Lodges, and (3) Quarterly
Communications. Obviously, those three matters were inseparably connected. The
proxy system obtained by virtue of the absence of the Master or Wardens of a
distant Lodge. Such absence was, of course, made necessary by the expense of
transportation. This expense was all the greater when Quarterly Communications
were held. In fact, the holding of such frequent meetings made it practically
impossible for distant Lodges to be regularly represented, and made it
necessary for such Lodges to be represented by Past Masters who were able to
be present, regardless of the Lodge to which they belonged. Under such
circumstances, it is not surprising that the proxies sometimes influenced
action and legislation that did not always reflect the desires of the Lodges
they represented. As a result, the balance of power was exercised by proxies
within, or immediately adjacent to, Charleston, the Grand East of the
Jurisdiction. But the time came when this practice became unbearable, and
Grand Secretary Albert G. Mackey headed a movement which gathered momentum as
the years passed and finally reached a decisive issue at the Communication of
1858. At that time the proxy system and the Quarterly Communications were
abolished and a paid representation from all Lodges was FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA 195 provided for. The fees and dues of the several Lodges throughout
the jurisdiction were then so equalised as to insure the equitable
distribution of such expense. This policy has been preserved until the present
time.
South Carolina has
always maintained the position that the Grand Master possessed the prerogative
of making Masons " at sight." In this matter it follows the example of the
Grand Lodge of England, which has always sanctioned the practice and whose
Grand Masters have frequently exercised such prerogative. The first instance
of this practise recorded in South Carolina is found in the Proceedings of the
year 1859, when Grand Master Henry Buist summoned an Occasional Lodge, and
conferred the Degrees of Masonry on Colonel Charles Augustus May, a
distinguished officer in the United States Army, who was visiting Charleston
at the time. The character of his profession and the transient life that he
lived were deemed sufficient reasons for such extraordinary procedure.
Nevertheless, this prerogative has been exercised by Grand Masters in South
Carolina only a few times.
In 186o the Annual
Communication was held outside the city of Charleston for the first time. That
year it met at Greenville. This temporary change of meeting‑place was effected
by the Representatives of country Lodges, who were deeply interested in
securing the adoption of a Constitution, revised particularly to fix the
relationship of Past Masters to the Grand Lodge. Up till then, Past Masters
had been considered to be active members of the Grand Lodge, and in as much as
the Annual Communication was always held at Charleston, the large number of
Past Masters in that city unduly influenced the voting power in the Grand
Lodge. The revised Constitution, though strongly opposed by those who favoured
the retention of Past Masters as active members, was adopted at this
Communication, and the disfranchisement of Past Masters was accomplished.
Since then Past Masters have been recognised as members of the Grand Lodge to
the extent of enjoying the privilege of the floor and of being eligible for
election to Office, but they have no right to vote on any question.
Perhaps no more
trying years were experienced in the history of the Freemasonry of South
Carolina than those between 1861 and 1865, the period of the war between the
States. Nevertheless, during that troublous era, Free masonry in South
Carolina endeavoured always to maintain those principles of Brotherhood which
have ever characterised our beloved Institution. The following statement,
taken from the Encyclical Letter of Grand Master David Ramsey to the Brethren
throughout the jurisdiction during those dark days, is characteristic of the
attitude of Freemasonry, and is worthy of a place in this narrative BRETHREN.
The Grand Lodge, anxious for your prosperity, and desirous that, as members of
the great mystic family, you should preserve in unfaded brightness the light
of Masonry which has been entrusted to your keeping, has requested me to
direct this letter to you.
Special matters
remain concerning which I have to charge you. Walk circumspectly in the
present evil time, ever mindful of solemn undertakings on 196 FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA your part in the presence of Almighty God; be faithful in
observance thereof towards all and singular Brethren, whether these be met in
Lodges dedicate, or only known to you by divers means, in darkness or light;
in health or sickness; in wealth or want; in peril or safety; in prison or
escape of freedom; in charity or evil‑mindedness; armed or unarmed; friend or
seeming foe; and to these, most certainly as towards Brethren, when
Masonically met on, by, or with all due and regular communication and
intelligence. You have registered words which cannot be unspoken or recalled,
antedating, as they will survive, all disturbances among men and turmoils in
State; words which in fullest force and meaning should be ever present unto
you in thought, utterance, and deed. Time with its affairs will soon to
everyone be past. We are at labor for a short while only in the work of Him
who hath no respect of persons, building us, if vouchsafed unto us so to be
edified, into another and enduring Temple; and it will never be regret to
remember any good deed done in the name of a common Master and Father to
whatsoever Brother, even to him whom the profane would call an enemy.
Such was the spirit
of Freemasonry. As is well known, some of the most touching incidents that
occurred during the war between the States grew out of the relationship of
Brotherliness and kindred sympathy engendered in the hearts of men by the
principles of our beloved Order‑principles that have been preserved throughout
the ages. During those troublous days many Travelling Lodges were organised by
Dispensation for the benefit of the soldiers in various regiments. From time
to time appropriations were also made by the Grand Lodge for the alleviation
of their suffering and want.
The same fine spirit
was revealed in the attitude of many Grand Lodges and Brethren throughout the
Union towards the destitute Lodges in various parts of South Carolina
immediately following the destruction of property that was experienced during
the closing period of the war. The Proceedings of 1866 mention the following
donations and thoughtful Returns received at that time: " One Thousand Dollars
from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Two Hundred dollars from the Grand
Lodge of Maine." They also state that " some worthy Brethren in Boston have
presented a set of jewels to Orange Lodge, No. 14, and a worthy Brother in New
York succeeded in obtaining there a Past Master's jewel which had been
abstracted, and restored it to Landmark Lodge, No. 76, while a Brother in
Syracuse, New York, has interested himself to recover the jewels of Claremont
Lodge. Sumter has supplied such as could not be recovered, and restored them.
A Brother from Illinois has recovered and kindly restored the Warrant of
Constitution of Allen Lodge, and several similar acts of kindness have been
extended to Lodges of this State." Records for the following year also state
that other donations were received from the Grand Lodges of New York,
Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, and New Mexico, aggregating the sum of nearly
$6ooo. Thus the spirit of Freemasonry was influential in spreading the cement
of Brotherly love and affection in a hitherto divided and discordant land.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA 197 During the bombardment of Charleston by the Union fleet, the
Records of the Grand Lodge as well as many of the Subordinate Lodges were sent
to Columbia for safekeeping and in the burning of the city of Columbia by the
Union General, Sherman, much of the property was destroyed and carried away.
In the Records of
Union Kilwinning Lodge, No. 4 in 1871, there is a communication between Bro.
W. T. Walter, W. M. of Richland Lodge at Columbia, in regard to a silver
compass, one of the jewels of this Lodge, which a Brother in Earlham, Iowa, J.
E. Parkins had given to him by one of his employees, and desired to return it
to its proper owner. The compass was enclosed in a paper slip which states, "
Presented as a war Trophy by one of Shermans Bummers, Columbia, South
Carolina, February 18th. 1864." This trophy is now in the archives of Union
Kilwinning Lodge.
The dedication of the
second Temple, also built on the corner of King and Wentworth Streets, in
Charleston, took place on December 1o, 1872. This building, with added
improvements made during subsequent years, is still used by the Grand Lodge.
Its erection was a great undertaking for the Grand jurisdiction of that day,
and its dedication was marked by imposing ceremonies. The issue of the
Charleston Daily News for December 11, 1872, gives the following description
of the setting in which those ceremonies took place: " The Grand Lodge Room of
the Temple was densely crowded with ladies and gentlemen, most of whom were
seated in chairs provided for the occasion. Against the west wall, in the
centre of the room, was a platform about fifty feet long, ten feet wide, and
three feet high. The platform was in the form of a half oval, and was reached
by a row of steps extending around the entire front. In the centre of this
platform was a white Pedestal bearing Masonic inscriptions, and directly
behind it was the Grand Master's chair. At either end of the platform was a
similar pedestal and chair for the two Grand Wardens. The platform was also
provided with chairs for members of the Grand Lodge. Upon the floor of the
Room, directly in front of the Grand Master's pedestal, was the Ark of the
Covenant. It was made of black walnut and bore the usual amount of mysterious
inscriptions. Before it, on the side next the audience, was a woolen mat of
bright and varied colors, and a symbolic G worked in the centre. In front of
the platform, at its south end, was a white marble Altar, and ranged around
the Altar, resting upon the floor, were three gigantic brazen candlesticks
which bore lighted candles. These candlesticks, about five feet in height,
were presented to Union Kilwinning Lodge No. 4, of this city, by the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, in the year 1759." The oration delivered on this occasion
was made by Past Grand Master Henry Buist. It bears all the marks of Masonic
scholarship and is well worthy a conspicuous place in the Masonic literary
annals of South Carolina.
Since 1872 no radical
change of any kind has taken place within the Body of Freemasonry in South
Carolina. Later years have been characterised by peace and harmony and a
steady and uninterrupted growth of the Order. In South Carolina, as in all
other jurisdictions throughout the United States, the 198 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA greatest influx of members took place during the Great War. At that
time much unworthy material found its way into the warm embrace of our beloved
Institution. As were nearly all other organisations during those days,
Freemasonry was moved by patriotism and sentiment. It felt that nothing which
could be done was either too much or too good for the boys who were on their
way to the battle front. Fortunately, most of the unworthy material that came
in at that time has gradually been eliminated by the process of suspension,
and normal conditions have been restored. It must also be remembered that not
all the material taken into the Order during those feverish days was
undesirable. On the contrary, some of the finest material within our ranks
to‑day came in at that time, and is now woven into the fabric of Freemasonry
in South Carolina.
Inspired by the
principles that constitute its foundation, Freemasonry in South Carolina has
always been actuated by the highest ideals. Its leadership has always been
made up of men of irreproachable character and recognised ability. It has
taken second place to no institution in advocating those measures and
movements that have contributed to the highest and best interests of the
State, and it has never failed to condemn whatever might prove to be ruinous.
It has fostered the educational and benevolent interests of the people, and it
has appropriated large sums of money for promoting those interests. It has at
all times ranked high among the Grand Lodge of America in promoting the
interests of the nation.
Be no longer a chaos,
but a world, or even a worldkin. Produce, produce; were it but the pitifulest
infinitesimal fraction of a product, produce it, in God's name.
There are, in the
Masonic world, two schools of thought so far as concerns Masonic activity. One
insists that it is the business of Freemasonry to inculcate the principles of
morality, relief, and truth, leaving it to the individual Mason to translate
them in terms of a virtuous and beneficent life. The other insists, with equal
ardour, that an Institution which inculcates such principles should exemplify
them in its own corporate life. Freemasonry in South Carolina has pursued a
middle course between these two extremes. Though it has always refrained from
entering the field of institutionalised benevolence, its history is rich in
beneficent and constructive service, both in promoting the welfare of its own
constituency and that of mankind at large.
Naturally, the relief
of destitution and suffering has always commanded the serious consideration of
Freemasons. It is, indeed, one of the cardinal teachings of the Order, and
South Carolina Freemasonry has exemplified it from the very beginning.
Although it is impossible to trace the history of the administration of relief
by the Grand Lodge during the first century of its existence, items from the
news columns of those days clearly indicate that our early FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA 3199 Masonic fathers were responsive to this great tenet of the
Order. As early as 31740, when a devastating fire swept the city of
Charleston, it is recorded that " the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free
and Accepted Masons contributed the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds " for
relief purposes. This occurred when the Provincial Grand Lodge was only three
years old. When we reflect that our Brethren were few in number at that time,
we have full assurance that this was no small sum of money for them to
contribute. Other items telling of similar contributions appeared from time to
time. It must be remembered, too, that such items referred only to public
contributions. However, they indicate that the administration of relief, both
public and Masonic, commanded the serious attention of the Grand and
Subordinate Lodges during those years.
The following
statement from the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 31822 proves that the
administration of relief had assumed organised form long before that year. It
reads as follows: " The fees directed to be paid to the Charity Fund of the
Grand Lodge by the Subordinate Lodges in the country may be retained for
charitable purposes: Provided they make an annual return of the sum collected
for that purpose; the name or names of every Brother or Brother's family whom
they have relieved, and the amount of the charity bestowed." Many other
entries in the Proceedings of succeeding years reveal that relief work grew
rapidly, for various regulations were adopted concerning it. Although the
matter of establishing a Masonic Home was discussed from time to time, the
Grand Lodge seemed always to be averse to the idea of any sort of institution
and continued to confine its charitable work to dispensing the regular
assessment that was levied for that purpose.
The matter of a
permanent relief fund began to take shape at the Communication of 319o6. The
original resolution contemplated the erection of a Masonic Home for the
support and education of the children of deceased Master Masons, but after
serious deliberations, the Committee to which the matter was referred advised
that it would be better to build up a permanent Masonic Relief Fund than to
erect a Home. The proceeds from such a fund, together with the regular
assessment for relief, should be used to assist worthy distressed Master
Masons, their widows, and orphans, who resided in their customary
surroundings, or lived in institutions already existing. This policy was
adopted, and as a result, the Masonic Relief Fund began to be built up. It has
now reached a total of more than $15o,ooo, and the proceeds from it, together
with the regular assessment, aggregate a total of more than $35,ooo a year.
This sum is expended by the Trustees for the relief of Masonic dependents. By
this means, thousands of needy Brethren, their widows, and orphans have been
assisted throughout the years. Wherever possible those dependents are
supported in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or friends. The
orphans are cared for in various orphanages. South Carolina Masons believe
this method of caring for its dependents serves the double purpose of keeping
them better satisfied and of relieving the Grand Lodge of the additional
expense of maintaining an expensive Masonic Institution.
Zoo FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA The story of the origin, growth, and development of the Masonic
Relief Fund would be incomplete without mentioning the Masonic leadership
responsible for its inception and development. This leadership was composed of
the following Brethren: Frank E. Harrison, James R. ,Johnson, George S. Mower,
George T. Bryan, Claude E. Sawyer, and William W. Wannamaker. These Brethren,
later all Past‑Grand Masters, were not only the promoters of the movement, but
they also served for years as Trustees of the Masonic Relief Fund. Too much
praise cannot be accorded to their painstaking efforts and sacrificial service
in building up this fund, safeguarding it, and promoting its effectiveness.
For many years the
question of tubercular relief has been a matter of deep concern to the various
Grand Lodges of America. The story of the immigration of our Brethren
afflicted with this dread disease, to the arid climate of Arizona and New
Mexico, is well known. We are familiar with the fearful problem that it
created for the Grand Lodges of those two States, and with the many appeals
for assistance. In the course of time, when the nature of this fearful malady
and its treatment became better understood, and when it was discovered that
the cure might be effected in almost any climate by means of rest, sunshine,
and proper diet, the several Grand Lodges began to confine their assistance to
institutions within their own bounds. Excepting its response to calls for help
from distressed Masons who had immigrated to the above mentioned arid States,
the Grand Lodge of South Carolina took no definite action in this matter until
192.8. Credit for the splendid contribution which the Grand Lodge has since
made to this need is due entirely to one person‑Most Worshipful Bro. Charlton
DuRant.
At the close of Bro.
DuRant's administration as Grand Master, he reviewed in his annual address the
matter of tubercular relief and called attention to what had recently been
done in adjoining jurisdictions. He urged that the Brethren of his own
jurisdiction give some attention to it. Bro. DuRant's earnestness and
sincerity in advocating this worthy cause brought results that surpassed his
most sanguine hopes. The atmosphere of the Grand Lodge became saturated with
the desire to do something at once, and a resolution was adopted appropriating
the sum of $1o,ooo for the purpose of building an additional unit for men at
the State Sanitorium. This course was adopted because Bro. DuRant thought it
best for the Freemasonry of South Carolina to exercise its beneficent
influence in leading the people of the State to a better understanding of the
situation and to making a greater effort to cope with the problem. The history
of this movement has proved his wisdom. Since then, the Legislature, backed by
a growing public sentiment, has responded to the interest of the Masonic
Fraternity in the matter, and has provided more adequately for solving the
problem than it might otherwise have done.
This, however, was
only the beginning of a movement destined to be received ever more
enthusiastically. From the outset, Bro. DuRant, Chairman of the Committee on
Tubercular Relief, was in constant touch with the authori‑ FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH CAROLINA Zo1 ties of the sanitorium and with the institution's needs.
Encouraged by the response which the Grand Lodge made to his original appeal,
and convinced of the need for an additional woman's building to take care of a
long waiting‑list of tuberculous mothers, Bro. DuRant enlisted the
co‑operation of Dr. Robert Wilson, dean of the Medical College of South
Carolina at Charleston and chairman of the State Board of Health. After the
need and the plan proposed to meet it had been explained, the Grand Lodge
ordered a campaign to be launched during the next year to raise by voluntary
contributions the amount necessary to erect such a building. As a result, the
sum of $50,000 was raised and a splendid unit was erected for the use of
tuberculous mothers irrespective of their Masonic connections. The building
was named DuRant Hall in honour of our distinguished Brother who laboured so
faithfully to bring about the completion of it.
The Grand Lodge of
South Carolina has taken such a conspicuous part in the promotion and
realisation of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial that its
efforts deserve to be told in any history of the Freemasonry of South
Carolina. As most Masons know, the idea of erecting a memorial to " George
Washington, the Man and the Mason," was long considered in many Grand Lodges.
It remained, however, for a small group of Masonic leaders, of whom Most
Worshipful Bro. James R. Johnson, of South Carolina, was one, to translate the
idea into terms of a great undertaking on the part of the Grand Lodges of the
United States. Most Worshipful Bro. Johnson has served as first Vice‑President
of the Association created for that purpose, since its organisation in igio.
The story of this great objective is so familiar to the Masonic Fraternity
that it does not need to be repeated here. The impressive monument at
Alexandria, Virginia, stands as a perpetual reminder of the love and
appreciation of the Freemasons of America for that greatest American, who was
also an ardent and devoted Mason.
The Grand Lodge of
South Carolina has done its share in making this monument possible by
contributing a sum equal to 139 per cent of the original amount of it. Thus it
has maintained a position near the top of the list of those Grand Lodges that
have contributed beyond their original quota.
The writer of this
article has been told by a member of the group that originally proposed the
George Washington Masonic National Memorial that Most Worshipful Bro. Johnson,
of South Carolina, offered the resolution that launched the undertaking. Thus,
the Grand Lodge of South Carolina has reason to be proud of that magnificent
memorial at Alexandria, of the part she has taken in it, and of James R.
Johnson.
The Grand Lodge of
South Carolina also contributed generously to the fund raised for purchasing
Mount Vernon, once the home of George Washington. In 1858, when that beautiful
estate was being purchased by the Daugh ters of the American Revolution, this
Grand Lodge contributed $1359, the largest contribution made by any Grand
Lodge in America. That movement was initiated by a South Carolina woman,
Pamela Cunningham.
201 202 FREEMASONRY
IN SOUTH CAROLINA The early history of the educational and benevolent work of
Freemasonry in South Carolina cannot be traced from Official Records. Only a
few items in the public prints of the early days suggest such activity, and
those refer to benevolent services rendered in behalf of soldiers of the
Continental Army, work doubtless similar to that which was carried on by the
Grand Lodges of America during the recent Great War. However, the Records from
1840 to the present furnish ample evidence of the many efforts put forth to
encourage Masonic and public education. During the war between the States a
great deal of benevolent work was done not only in behalf of the soldiers but
also for their families.
Masonic education is
a matter of recent development. It seems that the Brethren of earlier days
were chiefly concerned about Ritualistic perfection, and judging from what we
may learn of them, they were proficient in that Work. Although the Office of
Grand Lecturer was established in the early part of the nineteenth century,
even the Work of that Officer was confined largely to instruction in the
Ritual. This Office was later abolished, and District Deputy Grand Masters
were appointed, whose duties consisted in visiting the several Lodges in their
districts and preserving uniformity in the Work.
In matters pertaining
to the education of the masses and to public welfare, Freemasonry in South
Carolina has always played an important part. Even in its early days many
resolutions were passed to encourage whatever move ments were inaugurated
within the State for the enlightenment and betterment of the people. As early
as 1851, the Grand Lodge contributed to the education of young women. The
Masonic College at Cokesbury, now extinct, was built by the Masons of that
section. Though the Grand Lodge did not own the institution, it made large
contributions towards its erection and assumed support of a professorship for
it. The mother of the writer of this article was a graduate of that school in
the class of 1859. The writer now treasures her diploma as a valuable Masonic
relic. The document is a beautifully designed parchment, at the top of which
appears an Altar bearing the three Great Lights of Masonry. These are
surrounded by the three lesser Lights. At either side of the parchment the
columns, Jachim and Boaz, are artistically portrayed.
It is needless to
give details of the service work done by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina for
the benefit of American soldiers in the Great War. The history of the Masonic
Service Association of the United States is well known throughout the world.
The Grand Lodge of South Carolina was a member of that Association, and Past
Grand Master Samuel T. Lanham was Chairman of the South Atlantic Division, a
position which was later occupied by the writer of this article. In all this
work the Grand Lodge of South Carolina nobly did its part, both throughout the
State and the nation. In later years, when disasters overtook our Brethren in
the Mississippi Valley, Alabama, Florida, and Porto Rico, the Grand Lodge of
South Carolina played no small part in raising the magnificent sum of more
than $9oo,ooo for their relief. The story of this work has been published by
the Masonic Service Association. A copy of it FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH CAROLINA
zo3 was placed in the hands of every Grand Lodge Officer, both past and
present, throughout the United States.
It was not until I9z7
that the Grand Lodge of South Carolina committed itself to a definite
programme of Masonic education. This movement was inspired by Grand Secretary
O. Frank Hart, whose contact with the Craft at large had made him realise the
need of some agency whereby the Craft might be led into a clearer
understanding and deeper appreciation of the meaning and purpose of
Freemasonry, its rich history, its contribution to the world, and its
potential usefulness. In order to promote this undertaking, Bro. Hart enlisted
the co‑operation of the author of this article, who was Grand Chaplain at that
time. After a careful canvas of the Craft, those Brethren presented the matter
to the Grand Lodge and secured an enthusiastic response. The Grand Lodge then
appointed a Service Committee, and the sum of $io,ooo was appropriated for its
use. The work of the Service Committee has been most valuable to the
jurisdiction, as the Grand Master and the Craft at large have repeatedly
testified. Past Grand Master Charles K. Chreitzberg was employed as
Educational Director, a position which he held for four years. Although this
position has since been abolished, the Service Committee still carries on the
work efficiently and at less expense. It has encouraged the reading of Masonic
literature, assisted in increasing the attendance upon District meetings and
the usefulness of them. It has inspired inter‑Lodge visitation, set up
District Programme Committees, conducted educational meetings throughout the
jurisdiction, and furnished speakers wherever needed. Its Official Bulletin,
known as Masonic Light, has become so popular that many Lodges, though
supplied with a certain number each month, order from fifty to a hundred
additional copies. The Grand Lodge has no thought of discontinuing this work,
whose usefulness will doubtless increase during the coming years.
Lives of great men
all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
Freemasonry in South
Carolina has been enriched by the lives of a host of men who have been
identified with its growth and development. Any detailed history would be
incomplete without mention of their names and an appreciative recognition of
their contributions. However, since this is only a limited history of
Freemasonry in South Carolina, the names mentioned here are only those of the
more widely known Masons in or from the jurisdiction of South Carolina. Of
those, the first three to be mentioned are John Hammerton, James Greame, and
Peter Leigh.
John Hammerton was
the first Provincial Grand Master of South Carolina. His intelligence and
ability caused him to be recognised by the parent government, and in 1732 he
was appointed Receiver General of his Majesty's Quit Rents. Two years later he
was appointed Secretary of the Colony. Bro. Ham‑ Zo6 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
CAROLINA born in Charleston, on March 12, 1807, and died at Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, on June Zo, 1881.
William Gilmore
Simms, an ardent and devoted Mason, achieved a place of distinction in the
field of American literature. His books have been widely read. Bro. Simms's
history of South Carolina is perhaps the most faithful in detail of any that
has ever been written; on that account it was for many years used as a
textbook in the schools of the State. William Gilmore Simms lived a long and
useful life and was ever an honour to the Fraternity that he loved so well.
Eight Grand Masters
of South Carolina have been governor of the State. They were: John Drayton,
Paul Hamilton, John Lyde Wilson, John Geddes, David Johnson, James Lawrence
Orr, Robert A. Cooper, and Ibra C. Black wood. Five of those occupied the
exalted position of Grand Master and of governor at the same time: They were
John Drayton, Paul Hamilton, John L. Wilson in the early part of the
eighteenth century, and James L. Orr was Grand Master of Masons and governor
of South Carolina immediately after the close of the war between the States.
Ibra C. Blackwood was Grand Master of Masons and governor of South Carolina in
1931‑32‑ Among the Grand Secretaries of South Carolina who have come into
national prominence are Albert G. Mackey, Charles Inglesby, Jacob T. Barron,
and the present incumbent, O. Frank Hart. Charles Inglesby and Jacob T. Barron
proved their worthiness as the successors of Bro. Mackey. Both came to be
widely known through their national Masonic contacts and through their
contributions to the literature of Fraternal Correspondence. The wealth of
instruction and information which they annually bestowed upon their Brethren
throughout the Masonic world has been appreciated by Masons everywhere. O.
Frank Hart, Grand Secretary of South Carolina, is doubtless one of the best
known Masons in the United States. Since his ability as an executive has long
been recognised, he is constantly being drafted for service in national
circles. His position as General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of
the United States has brought him into touch with Masons in every section of
this country, Canada, and Mexico. He has been the efficient Grand Secretary of
the Grand Lodge of South Carolina since 1910; a more ardent or more devoted
Mason cannot be found.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA GEORGE A. PETTIGREW T is impossible to give the exact date on which the
region now known as South Dakota was first visited by the white man. Yet there
is reason to believe that the territory may have been penetrated by the French
some time early in the 168o's. In fact, it is thought that Charles Le Sueur
may have ventured into the region, near the present site of Sioux Falls, at
about that time, and that French trappers and traders may have engaged in some
little trade with the Indians of southeastern Dakota before 1700. But all this
is only conjectural, for the first authentic record of the white man's
entrance into that stronghold of the Sioux Indians deals with the explorations
of the Verendrye brothers. Coming down from Canada, in 1743, in what proved to
be a futile search for a " Western Ocean," those adventuresome explorers
travelled across the region now known as North Dakota, then southward through
the Black Hills and eastward to a point on the Missouri River where now stands
the city, of Pierre, South Dakota.
In spite of this
early penetration, however, forty or more years were to elapse before the
white man paid much attention to this part of the country. And even then those
distant regions were visited only occasionally by fur traders, some of whom
came up from St. Louis or Wisconsin, others down from the French settlements
in Canada. There was, indeed, nothing permanent about any of those early
trading expeditions, and it was not until 1794 that white men thought it worth
their while even to erect a single building in that vast stretch of land from
which two States were later to be carved. In fact, it was only after the
consummation of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, in 1803, and the consequent
transfer of the territory from French to American ownership, that the country
was really opened up to settlement.
SOME HISTORIC
INSTANCES FROM THE ADDRESS OF SANFORD GRANT DONALDSON, P.G.M.
. Freemasonry was
established in Dakota Territory in 1862 by a Warrant of Dispensation from the
Grand Lodge of Iowa granting a Charter for St. John's Lodge U. D. 166 Iowa
that subsequently became St. John's Lodge, No. I, and is the Mother Lodge
located in the Mother City of the Dakotas.
Here was the
principal village of the Yankton Indians. Here Pierre Durion, the
French‑Canadian hunter and trapper in 1780 became the first permanent white
settler of the Dakotas. This white man, Pierre Durion, in 1804 was the Zo8
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA guide of the Lewis and Clark expedition from St.
Louis to Yankton. Here they held their first council with the Dakota Indians.
Here in the Valley between the James and the Sioux Rivers dwelt the Yankton
Sioux Indians under Chief Strike‑the‑Ree and when the Lewis and Clark
expedition found its way up the Missouri River and as the expedition neared
the mouth of the James River, an Indian swam to the boat and informed them
that a large body of Indians encam ed in the vicinity. Captain Lewis
dispatched his men with Durion to confer with the Indians and arrange for a
council that was held on Calumet Bluff. This is the hill overlooking the river
in the west part of Yankton. The expedition proceeded to the meeting‑place and
planted the Stars and Stripes on the top of this hill, and here the council
took place between the bodies of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the
Yankton Sioux. An event is recorded in the outline of Dakota history to the
effect that during the time the Indians were encamped near Calumet Bluff, a
baby was born in the Sioux camp. The information reached the captain of the
expedition, and they requested the child to be brought to them and they
clothed it in the Stars and Stripes with ceremony. The child grew up to be the
notable " Strike‑by‑theRee " or " Old Strike." The boy grew to manhood a loyal
citizen and his services were most valuable in the interest of the government
during the Minnesota outbreak.
History further tells
us that Pierre Durion had a son, Pierre Durion, Jr., who likewise followed the
footsteps of his father and was the guide for the Astorian expedition that
Washington Irving described in that classic of Amer ican literature, "
Astoria." These two pioneers lived and died and are buried here at Yankton.
They were buried according to the ancient custom of being buried in the tree
tops. They had respectively guided the most important exploring expeditions
that ever crossed the continent.
Yankton was the
principal Indian trading post of the Northwest. It was the capital of Dakota
Territory by decree of President Lincoln in 1861. The following year the
Indians became restless and hostile in our neighbouring State and the
Minnesota massacre occurred. The settlers became alarmed when the outbreak
came and here at Yankton on the site of our present court‑house is a monument
marking the place where the Yankton stockade was built. It was the principal
haven and refuge for the settlers from all over this part of the country.
ADDRESS OF THE MOST
WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER My Brethren In sending to you the first Masonic Bible
in the Dakotas from ‑the Mother Lodge, I do so with a feeling of joy upon one
hand and regret upon the other; joy because it brings to you some historic
interest, and a regret because it must leave our Altar for an indefinite time.
From an historic standpoint, it is not known just when the first Mason paddled
his bark canoe up the Mississippi River, or the Missouri River, its tributary,
nor the exact time or place where a member of the Craft, travelling westward
in search of a home for himself and FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA 2.09 family,
first set foot on the soil of the Dakotas. However, tradition asserts that
long years ago certain white trappers, claiming to be Masons, were greeted and
" hailed " by a red chieftain in a strange Dakota wigwam. This may be true or
it may be false, but we are fairly convinced that Masonry was represented in
the Lewis and Clark expedition that encamped for several days, in the summer
of 1804, on the townsite of what is now the city of Yankton. Since then
Masonry has had a known but unmentioned place in the early history of the
States formed and settled in the nineteenth century; yet in no State has
Masonry been more beneficial and helpful than in our own.
The hardships and
privations endured by our Masonic forefathers, in their efforts to found the
new Order in Dakota, seem to have quickened their judgment and enlarged their
vision as to the necessity of action. Their wisdom and care account for the
stability of the foundation of the structure erected by them, to be later
enlarged and adorned by their successors.
Was it chance, fate
or providence, that caused the first Lodge in Dakota Territory to be organised
at Yankton, the Mother City of the Dakotas and the camping ground of the first
known Mason in the Dakotas? With this historic background, St. Johns Lodge
graciously lends to you this Old Bible, hallowed by so many years of Masonic
Work. Our hope is that its message of love and affection will aid and assist
in a time of need, and will bring joy and happiness to the hearts of our
Brethren.
This Great Light, my
Brethren, is supposed to have been given to St. Johns Lodge by Rev. Melancthon
Hoyt, its first Worshipful Master, and the first rector of the first church
(Christ Church Episcopal) in Dakota Territory located at Yankton. This Bible
comes to you with the heartiest fraternal greetings and best wishes of the
Mother Lodge of the Dakotas for your prosperity and welfare. Its sacred pages
are worn by the touch of thousands of hands that have rested upon it. It is
consecrated by their solemn obligations, and there seems to reecho the murmur
of the silent voice of those sturdy pioneers, those " Builders " of the "
Incompleted Tem le." Those brothers have long since passed on, but they left
us an heritage ofpcourage and devotion, they gave to us the strength and the
energy to work faithfully and diligently so that at the close of the day we
would receive masters' wages.
May this visitation
of the " Great Light " of St. Johns Lodge increase and strengthen your belief
in the value of its every‑day lessons.
It has been truly
said that " Somewhere in the secret of every soul is hidden the gleam of a
perfect life." It is the mission of this historical pilgrimage to your Lodge
to fan that little gleam until it becomes a beacon to light and point out the
way to the grandeur of ideal manhood.
" Masonry breathes
into the every‑day, the common life of men, the glory of the ideal. Human
standards have been raised, human hearts have been soothed, comforted and
strengthened and in word and deed, God has been glorified." Let us turn for
guidance and inspiration to this momentous occasion; for in this
re‑consecration a sacred trust to God and humanity is administered. Looking
beyond our own lives we shall, by our loyalty and worthiness as just and
upright Masons of to‑day, forecast the destinies of our Institution, yes, of
mankind, until verily the facts shall outrun our faith, and war, and misery,
and evil shall fade away and be blotted out from human consciousness and from
210 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA human experience, so there shall be
established on earth and in the hearts and lives of men the world over, the
glorious sovereignty of brotherly love. Most fraternally yours, Sanford G.
Donaldson.
Yankton, South
Dakota, M. W. Grand Master.
January io, 1934
AL5934 Within a year after the purchase of Louisiana Territory by the United
States, the Dakota region was visited by the members of the famous Lewis and
Clark expedition, and from then on settlements there began to develop.
Thirteen years later, in 1817, Joseph La Framboise built a fort which soon
became the centre of the fur trade in the Dakota country. This fort, named
after its founder, served as the nucleus for the first real settlement in that
part of the United States. On the site of old Fort Framboise the present city
of Pierre now stands. In 1855, this fort, together with other holdings in the
region, was sold by its owner, the American Fur Company, to the United States
Government.
Then followed a new
era in the history of Dakota. At last its fertile plains, especially those in
the southeastern section, began to attract attention as a promising
agricultural region. Sturdy pioneers, eager to put the virgin soil under
cultivation, came in by the hundreds. But the early agricultural settlements
which they established in the Sioux River Valley were doomed to failure, for
frequent outbreaks by the Indians made life there unsafe for the scattered
white farmers. Nevertheless, in 1859, a permanent settlement was finally made
at Yankton. Two years later an Act of the United States Congress created the
Dakota Territory. By the same Act, the newly founded Yankton became the
territorial capital. Yet settlement continued to be very slow, and for several
years Yankton and Sioux Falls were the only important villages in the entire
territory.
The year 1874 stands
out as one of great importance in the history of Dakota. For it was then that
the members of the Custer expedition discovered gold in the more rugged
section to the West. This startling discovery led to the opening up of the
hitherto unsettled part of the territory. Coming in search of the precious
metal, men flocked into the Black Hills region by the thousands. Custer and
Deadwood soon became famous, while other bustling mining centres sprang up
almost overnight. Excitement ran high. Then, in 1876, the Homestake lode was
discovered. News of this great find sent other thousands of prospectors and
miners into the forbidding, rugged sections of the territory. Soon Lead City
was a thriving metropolis of several thousand inhabitants. Since those days
the Homestake Mine alone has produced more than $Zoo,ooo,ooo worth of ore.
To‑day South Dakota ranks fourth among the goldproducing States of this
country.
The next ten years
brought rapid advancement for Dakota. Busy pioneer towns sprang up all over
the territory, and thousands of homesteads were entered. Population increased
rapidly, railroads were built, stagecoach lines were FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 211 established, and agriculture and mining throve. It is not
surprising, then, that all this increased activity brought a demand for a
Grand Lodge of Freemasons for the newly‑awakened Dakota. But before we discuss
that movement, let us review the earlier Masonic history of the territory.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MASONRY
IN THE DAKOTAS A. C. WARNER, P.M.
I suppose that it
will never be known who was the first Master Mason to come within what is now
the State of South Dakota. There seems good grounds for believing that there
were Brethren of our fraternity among the members of the Lewis and Clark
expedition. But we know that Masonry had its adherents among the French of
Canada; and it is possible, indeed it is probable, that some of those
eighteenth century traders and trappers along the Missouri and other streams
of our Commonwealth were of the Craft.
However, historic
Masonry in our State began almost immediately after the opening of the
territory to settlement in 1859, and by permission of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.
So far as the southern section of the State is concerned it would seem
eminently fitting that it was from Iowa that Masonry was introduced. It is an
interesting fact not generally known, I think, that for a very brief period
the nine southeastern counties were actually a part of the State of Iowa. For
when Congress in 1846 enacted the legislation admitting Iowa into the Union,
it established the northern boundary of the new State as the parallel of 43░
3o' N. Lat. and reaching from the Mississippi to the Missouri. But the new
State, unwilling to undertake the responsibility of caring for that great
stretched‑out arm of land at its northwest frontier, asked Congress to change
the boundary, extending the line only to the Big Sioux River. That, of course,
is a little aside from our story, but it is a matter of curious interest.
In April 1862, the
Grand Master of Iowa granted a Dispensation to F. J. DeWitt and nine others to
open a Lodge to be known as Dakota Lodge at Ft. Randall. At the Grand Lodge
meeting the following June the Grand Master was authorised to renew the
Dispensation if he deemed wise. Nothing further ever came of this; the little
population of Ft. Randall composed as it was mostly of soldiers, was
constantly changing, and if the Lodge ever was formally Instituted it quickly
ceased to exist.
On December 5, of
that same year, a Dispensation was granted by the Deputy Grand Master, E. A.
Guilbert (the Grand Master, Col. T. H. Benton, Jr. being with his regiment in
active service) to open a Lodge at Yank ton, Dakota Territory. This was
granted to Rev. Melancthon Hoyt and others. The following year, upon June 3,
1863, a Charter was granted, the Lodge to be known as St. John's Lodge, No.
166.
Other Dispensations
and Charters soon followed, their order being: Incense Lodge, Vermillion; Elk
Point Lodge, Elk Point; Minnehaha Lodge, Sioux Falls; Silver Star Lodge,
Canton; and Mt. Zion Lodge, Springfield. In date of Dispensation Silver Star
Lodge is ten days older than Mt. Zion Lodge; 212 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA
in date of Charter, June 3, 1875, they are twins. It is of interest as showing
the rapid growth of Masonry during those years in the Iowa jurisdiction to
note that St. John's Lodge, Chartered in June 1863, is No. 166; Mt. Zion
Lodge, Chartered twelve years later to the very day, is No. 346. The number of
Lodges had increased 18o in twelve years.
On June 22, 1875, a
Convention of these Lodges that had been Instituted in Dakota Territory was
held in Elk Point. The Charter of Mt. Zion Lodge did not reach it in time for
that Lodge to be represented, but Representatives of the other five were
present, and the Grand Lodge of Dakota was organised, and Bro. T. H. Brown of
Sioux Falls was elected as the first Grand Master. Since not all the elected
and appointed Officers were present a later meeting was arranged for the
Installation; and accordingly in July the Grand Lodge convened in the hall of
Incense Lodge, Vermillion, and then marched in procession to the Baptist
Church, where an address was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Bro. J. H.
Magoffin, following which the Officers were publicly Installed by Past Master
T. S. Parvin of Iowa. The six Lodges deposited their old Charters with the
Grand Lodge, and new Charters were issued, numbered from one to six.
There were at this
time two other Lodges within the territory, one at Fargo (Shiloh Lodge) acting
under Charter from the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and the other at Bismarck,
acting under a Dispensation from the same Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of
Dakota claimed jurisdiction over both of these, and for some years there was
considerable correspondence between the two Grand Lodges over the matter. But
finally Shiloh Lodge surrendered its Charter in 1879, and received a new
Charter as No. 8, and the next year Bismarck Lodge did the same thing, its new
Charter giving it the number 16.
Deadwood had in the
meantime been granted a Charter as No. 7. The next application disclosed the
extent of the Grand Lodge jurisdiction, being from Pembina. It received a
Dispensation in May 1878, and a Charter in June i89o, when it became No. 1o,
Golden Star Lodge at Lead being No. 9.
When the Grand Lodge
met at Mitchell in 1889 statehood was under way and the Grand Master
recommended that the Representatives of the northern Lodges be permitted to
withdraw and form a Convention to organise the Grand Lodge of North Dakota.
This was done and the Representatives of twenty Lodges withdrew and organised
the Grand Lodge of North Dakota.
F The Grand Lodge
also amended its Constitution to change its own name to the Grand Lodge of
Ancient and Accepted Masons of South Dakota. It apointed a Committee to make
recommendations regarding the division of the unds. This Committee found that
in jewels, in other property including a considerable library, and in cash,
the Grand Lodge had approximately $4,600. Since there were seventy‑three
Lodges in the south, and twenty‑six in the north, they recommended that the
new Grand Lodge of North Dakota be given onethird of that amount. This was
done. Then, upon their invitation, the new Grand Lodge joined them, and Past
Grand Master George H. Hand duly Installed the Officers of both Grand Lodges.
Following the
Installation two actions were taken by the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. One of
those was the adoption of a resolution making all Past Elective Grand Officers
who were now members of Lodges in North Dakota FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA 213
honorary members of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. (A reciprocal action was
later taken by the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, when they reconvened.) The
other action was the presentation to the Grand Lodge of North Dakota of the
Jewels of the Grand Lodge of Dakota. Needless to say this unexpected and
generous gift deeply moved the hearts of the Northern Brethren, and presently
they passed a resolution of appreciation, declaring that they would hold the
jewels as a lasting memorial of their past fraternal relations, and an
offering of affection that should " forever unite and cement ' them as
Brethren to the Grand Lodge in the South. These jewels are still preserved and
used by our Brethren of North Dakota.
Such are some of the
highlights of the beginnings of our Masonic Fraternity in South Dakota.
As is usually the
case, among the early pioneers in Dakota were a number of devoted Masons eager
to continue their Masonic activities in their new homes and hopeful of
offering the benefits of the Craft to others there. It is not sur prising,
then, that the enterprising pioneers should have early sought to organise a
Lodge in the territory. Indeed, the first permanent settlement had been
founded less than three years when a number of devoted Brethren applied to the
Grand Lodge of Iowa for a Dispensation to form a Masonic Lodge at Fort
Randall. Their application was approved, and a Dispensation was granted on
April 27, 1862. Bro. Franklin J. De Witt was named Worshipful Master, Bro. A.
G. Fuller, Senior Warden, and Bro. M. R. Luse, Junior Warden. A Charter was
never granted to it, as no Work was done. Several years later, upon the death
of Bro. De Witt, one of the interesting documents found among his effects was
the Dispensation for this Lodge. It was signed by Grand Master Thomas H.
Benton, of Iowa, and countersigned by Bro. T. S. Parvin, Grand Secretary of
the Iowa Body.
The year 1862 was,
however, an important one in the history of Dakota Masonry. For on December S
of that year, the Iowa Grand Lodge issued another Dispensation for a Lodge to
be formed in Dakota Territory. This Lodge, at Yankton, became permanent.
Indeed, it is to‑day one of the most vigorous of South Dakota Lodges and is
often referred to as the " mother of Freemasonry " in this State. This Lodge,
known as St. John's Lodge, No. 166, was granted a Charter on June 3, 1863. The
Rev. Bro. Melancthon Hoyt served as its first Worshipful Master; Bro. D. T.
Bramble as Senior Warden, and Bro. John Hutchinson as junior Warden. The
Lodge's initial membership numbered eighteen. In 1913, at the Annual
Communication held in Yankton on June io, the Grand Lodge of South Dakota
celebrated the fiftieth anniversaryof the founding of St. John's Lodge, the
first permanent Lodge in South Dakota, which when Chartered had perhaps the
largest territorial jurisdiction of any Lodge in the United States.
Six years elapsed
before another Lodge was formed in that part of the territory which was later
to be known as the State of South Dakota. Then, in 1869, St. John's Lodge, No.
166, recommended that the Grand Lodge of Iowa issue a 214 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA Dispensation to a number of Brethren at Vermillion, in Dakota
Territory. This was done on January 14, and a Charter was granted on the
following June 2. This Lodge was called Incense Lodge, No. 257, and is to‑day
also active in South Dakota Masonry. The following Brethren served as its
first Officers: Bro. A. G. Fuller, Worshipful Master; Bro. J. C. Damon, Senior
Warden; and Bro. H. E. Austin, Junior Warden.
The next year saw the
issuance of a Dispensation for a Lodge at Elk Point. This Dispensation was
also granted by the Grand Lodge of Iowa, on March 23, 1870. Bro. H. H. Blair
was its first Worshipful Master, Bro. Elias Howe, Senior Warden, and Bro. E.
H. Webb, Junior Warden. A Charter was granted on June 8, 1871, and the Lodge
became No. 288 on the Iowa Roster.
On July 13, 1873, the
Grand Lodge of Iowa issued still another Dispensation for a Lodge in Dakota
Territory. This was granted to Minnehaha Lodge, of Sioux Falls. The first
Officers of the new Lodge were: Bro. T. H. Brown, Wor shipful Master, Bro. R.
C. Hawkins, Senior Warden, and Bro. Edwin Sharpe, Junior Warden. This Lodge
received its Charter on June 4, 1874, and was thereafter known as Lodge No.
328.
Silver Star Lodge, of
Canton, was the next Lodge to be organised in that part of the territory which
was later to become South Dakota. The Dispensation for this Lodge was granted
by the Grand Lodge of Iowa on February 6, 1875.
The first Officers of
the Lodge were: Bro. William Miller, Sr., Worshipful Master, Bro. Mark W.
Bailey, Senior Warden, and Bro. S. H. Stafford, Junior Warden. A Charter was
granted to Silver Star Lodge on June 3, 1875, and it was assigned No. 345 on
the Iowa Grand Lodge Roll.
Mt. Zion Lodge, of
Springfield, was also granted a Dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Iowa in
1875 ‑ on February 16, to be exact. Its first Officers were Bro. B. E. Wood,
Worshipful Master, Bro. John L. Turner, Senior Warden, and Bro. Daniel Niles,
Junior Warden. A Charter for this Lodge was issued on June 3, 1875, and the
Lodge became known as No. 346. As will be shown later, the failure of this
document to reach Mt. Zion Lodge before the date of the founding of the Dakota
Grand Lodge kept its Delegate from taking part in the proceedings which
brought that Grand Body into being. By the time the Grand Lodge was
Instituted, a month later, however, the Charter had been received, and Mt.
Zion Lodge took an active part in Instituting the territory's governing
Masonic Institution.
Meantime, Lodges had
also been formed in that part of the territory which was later to become the
State of North Dakota. Rather than give an account of those here, however, the
reader is referred to the article on the Freemasonry of that State which
appears elsewhere in this work. There the history of the Craft in the more
northern part of the territory is set out at length. A brief survey will show
that the status of Freemasonry in Dakota in June 1875 was as follows.
As has been said,
there were in the southern part of the territory five active Chartered Lodges
and one other active Lodge Working under Dispensation ‑ FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 215 all under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Besides those,
there were, in the northern part of the territory, one active Lodge ‑ Shiloh
Lodge, No. 1o5 ‑ Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and another active
Lodge ‑ Bismarck Lodge u. D.‑ Working under a Dispensation from that Grand
Body.
For some time, now,
the Brethren in Dakota had been informally discussing the expediency of
organising a Grand Lodge within the territory, but no steps were taken to
bring this about until the spring of 1875. Then, Elk Point Lodge, No. 288,
feeling that the time was ripe for such a move, called a Convention of
Delegates from all Lodges in the territory for the purpose of considering the
matter. Notices were sent out to every known Lodge within the territory
inviting each to send Representatives to Elk Point on June 21, 1875. In
response to this invitation, Delegates from the following Lodges assembled in
the Elk Point Hall at the appointed time: Elk Point Lodge, No. 288, of Elk
Point; St. John's Lodge, No. 166, of Yankton; Incense Lodge, No. 257, of
Vermilion; Minnehaha Lodge, No. 328, of Sioux Falls; Silver Star Lodge, No.
257, of Vermilion; and Mt. Zion Lodge u. D., of Springfield. When it was found
that no Delegates had been sent from the Lodges in northern Dakota, and that
those Lodges had made no response to the invitation sent them, the Delegates
from the six Lodges represented expressed their deep regret. But since most of
the Lodges in the territory were represented, those present set about to carry
out the purpose for which they had met.
The Convention was
called to order by Bro. H. H. Blair, of Elk Point Lodge, No. 288. Bro.
Franklinj. De Witt, of St. John's Lodge, No. 166, acted as Chairman, while
Bro. Mark W. Bailey, of Silver Star Lodge, No. 345, served as Secretary. Since
Mt. Zion Lodge u. D., of Springfield, had not yet received its Charter, its
Delegate, Bro. John L. Turner, was invited to a seat in the Convention,
although he could not legally take part in the proceedings.
The following
resolution was then adopted: " Resolved, That this Convention deem it
expedient, for the good of Masonry, that a Grand Lodge be organised for
Dakota." It was also resolved that the President should appoint a Committee to
draw up a Constitution and a code of By‑Laws for the government of the Grand
Lodge. This Committee, consisting of one member from each of the five actively
participating Lodges, was, therefore, appointed and asked to submit a report
at its earliest convenience. Those chosen to serve in this capacity were Bro.
Mark W. Bailey, Bro. H. H. Blair, Bro. George H. Hand, Bro. R. F. Pettigrew,
and Bro. H. J. Austin. On the following day, June 22, 1875, the Committee
reported, and a Constitution and By‑Laws were then adopted. This done, the
following Grand Officers were elected: Bro. Thomas H. Brown, of Sioux Falls,
as Grand Master; Bro. Franklin J. De Witt, of Yankton, as Deputy Grand Master;
Bro. Calvin G. Shaw, of Vermilion, as Senior Grand Warden; Bro. H. H. Blair,
of Elk Point, as junior Grand Warden; Bro. George H. Hand, of Yankton, as
Grand Treasurer; Bro. J. C. Damon, of Vermilion, as Grand Chaplain; Bro.
Leonidas Congleton, of Yankton, as Grand Marshal; Bro. William H. Miller, Sr.,
of Canton, as Grand Senior Deacon; Bro. O. P.
2.16 FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH DAKOTA Weston, of Sioux Falls, as Grand Junior Deacon; Bro. Thomas
Robinson, of Vermilion, as Grand Senior Steward; Bro. Charles F. Mallahan, of
Elk Point, as Grand Junior Steward; Bro. S. H. Stafford, Jr., of Canton, as
Grand Sword Bearer; Bro. P. W. McManus, of Elk Point, as Grand Pursuivant; and
Bro. D. W. Hassen, of Elk Point, as Grand Tyler. Bro. Franklin J. De Witt, of
Yankton, who was elected as Deputy Grand Master at the organisation of the
Grand Lodge in Vermilion and unanimously chosen as Most Worshipful Grand
Master the next year enjoys in Masonic history the unique distinction of being
the only man who has ever refused the Office of Grand Master.
The Convention then
adjourned to meet in Vermilion on the following July 21. After adjournment,
invitations were again sent to the Lodges in northern Dakota, asking them to
send Delegates to the reassembling of the Con vention and apprising them of
the formation of the Grand Lodge of Dakota. Nevertheless, when the Special
Convention met in July in the First Baptist Church of Dakota Territory just
across the street from a log cabin, which was the first school house erected
in Dakota, thus demonstrating clearly the close relationship of the
triumvirate, Masonry, religion and the public school, no Delegates from the
northern Dakota Lodges were present; nor had any response been received from
those Lodges. In spite of this fact, the Grand Lodge was finally Constituted
and its Officers Installed by Bro. Theodore S. Parvin, Past Grand Master and
Grand Secretary of Iowa, who had been invited to attend for that purpose.
To‑day a large boulder marks the place where the Grand Lodge was Instituted on
July z1, 1875. Later, a circular letter was sent to every Grand Lodge in
America ‑ that of Minnesota included ‑ telling them of the formation of the
new Grand Body of Dakota. Shiloh Lodge, No. 1o5, of Fargo, and Bismarck Lodge,
which had by that time been Chartered as Lodge No. izo, of Bismarck, were also
informed of all that had taken place.
When the Grand Lodge
of Iowa was told of the organisation of the new Grand Lodge, it very
graciously and at once passed the following resolution " Resolved, That the
Grand Lodge of Iowa hereby recognise the new Grand Lodge of Dakota ... and
extend to it a hearty welcome into the fraternity of Grand Lodges and invite
an interchange of Representatives." In 1876, in his address at the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master of Iowa made the following
statement: " It has been customary to note the appearance of new stars in the
constellation of Grand Lodges of this country, and to hail with fraternal
recognition every new accession to our ranks. We gladly welcome to the
sisterhood of Grand Lodges one in whom we feel an especial interest, and who
should receive our most fraternal greetings. The Grand Lodge of Dakota,
organised by R .'. W.‑. Bro. Theodore S. Parvin, Past Grand Master, On July
2.1, A. D. 1875 (A. 1,. 5875), now unites those who were formerly under our
protection and who received from us their first instructions. While we regret
to part with our good fraters of Dakota, we can but approve their course in
having arrived at maturity, now desiring to fight the battles of life alone.
The Lodges present in Convention were all Iowa Lodges." FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 217 Unfortunately, this attitude was not also taken by all the near‑by
Grand Lodges. And soon a bitter controversy arose between the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota and the Grand Lodge of Dakota. The two Dakota Lodges Chartered by
the former Grand Body took no steps to yield to the authority of the latter,
and the Grand Lodge of Minnesota itself continued to ignore all correspondence
from the Grand Lodge of Dakota. In fact, it did not even recognise the
newly‑formed Grand Body, and it upheld the right of the two Dakota Lodges to
continue Working under their Charters from Minnesota. Although this was
contrary to the American law regarding territorial sovereignty, the Officers
of the Minnesota Grand Body approved the action. As was to be expected,
relations between the two Grand Lodges became more and more strained. This
unfortunate condition continued to exist for several years, and only healed
through the active efforts of Dakota's Masonic Godfather, Bro. T. S. Parvin,
Grand Secretary of Iowa. Finally, however, in 1879, Shiloh Lodge, No. io5,
became a member of the Dakota Grand Lodge and was thereafter known as Lodge
No. 8. The next year, Bismarck Lodge, No. i2o, also came under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Body of Dakota and became Lodge No. 16. This
transfer of allegiance more or less ended the unhappy controversy, and by 1881
the Grand Master of Dakota was able to announce that " the Grand Lodge of
Minnesota has not only recognised this, the Dakota Grand Body, and extended to
it a warm and fraternal greeting, but it has also recognised the principle of
exclusive jurisdiction for which we have so earnestly contended." This
announcement brought great pleasure to the Grand Body of Dakota, for everybody
connected with it was relieved to have the unfortunate difficulty at last
settled.
At the special
meeting held in Vermilion in July 1875, the pioneer member Lodges of the Grand
Lodge were renumbered. Thus, St. John's Lodge, of Yankton, became Lodge No. i;
Incense Lodge, of Vermilion, became Lodge No. 2; Elk Point Lodge, of Elk
Point, became Lodge No. 3 ; Silver Star Lodge, of Canton, became Lodge No. 4;
Minnehaha Lodge, of Sioux Falls, became Lodge No. 5 ; and Mt. Zion Lodge, of
Springfield, became Lodge No. 6.
During the next
fourteen years conditions in Dakota grew steadily better. There were, of
course, certain setbacks, but on the whole the territory made great
advancement. Agriculture was put upon a firm basis, new towns were established
throughout the territory, and nearly half the area was homesteaded. Industries
grew up here and there, while the deep mines of the Black Hills region
continued to produce vast amounts of gold and silver. By 1889 the population
had passed the three‑hundred‑thousand mark, and there was a great deal of
agitation for statehood among the inhabitants. It was also being urged that
the territory should be divided into two States.
All this improvement
had, of course, greatly increased the strength of the Fraternity in Dakota. As
was natural, the rapid settlement and increase in population throughout the
territory had been attended by an amazing spread of the Craft there. As new
towns had sprung up, demands for new Lodges had been presented to the Grand
Body in ever‑increasing numbers. These demands had 218 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA been met, and scores of new Lodges had been formed. The Grand Lodge,
which had been organised in 1875 with 6 Constituent Lodges having a total
membership of 195, now numbered on its Roll 99 active and flourishing Lodges
having a total membership of 4595. Grand Lodge finances had never before been
in better condition. The balance on hand had grown from $181.37 at the end of
the Grand Lodge's first year of existence, in 1876, to $4,590.79, in 1889.
This, then, was the
status of the Craft in Dakota when the Grand Lodge met at Mitchell, on June
11, 1889, to hold its fifteenth Annual Communication. On the preceding
February 22, the United States Congress had passed an Act providing for the
division of the Territory and its admission into the Union as the States of
South Dakota and North Dakota. The inhabitants of South Dakota had already
practically adopted a constitution, and there was little doubt that each of
the proposed States would become such in fact within the next few months. This
meant that, if Dakota Masonry was to conform to the American plan of
territorial jurisdiction, it must either provide for the division of its Grand
Lodge or erect a new Grand Lodge in North Dakota. Since there was no precedent
to follow in this matter, a Committee on Division was appointed on the opening
day of the Communication.
In rendering its
report on the following day, the Committee said: "Whereas, the division of the
Territory within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and the creation of two
States under the provisions of the act of Congress approved on February 22,
1889, will undoubtedly be accomplished within the next six months; and
whereas, the Representatives from the Constituent Lodges north of the seventh
standard parallel have appeared before this Committee and unanimously
expressed the desire to withdraw from this Grand Lodge and organise a Grand
Lodge to be known as the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons; and whereas, it is made apparent to your Committee, on
account of the full representation from the Lodges of North Dakota, that this
would be the most convenient time to take the necessary preliminary steps in
the organisation of a new Grand Lodge, we would, therefore, most respectfully
recommend the adoption of the following Resolution " Resolved, That in
response to the unanimously expressed desire of the Representatives from the
Lodges existing in Dakota north of the seventh standard parallel, this Grand
Lodge does hereby accord to the Representatives from what is known as North
Dakota, with fraternal regards and kind wishes, full, free, and cordial
consent to withdraw from this Grand Lodge for the purpose of organising a
Grand Lodge in North Dakota, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, to occupy and
hold exclusive Masonic jurisdiction in all that portion of Dakota north of the
seventh standard parallel. " It was also " Resolved, That a Committee of ten
[should] be at once appointed to report a just and equitable division of all
monies and other Grand Lodge property." These resolutions were then adopted.
Thus the Grand Lodge of Dakota became the Grand Lodge of South Dakota and
those Lodges located in that part of the territory that was to become the
State of North Dakota were permitted FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH DAKOTA 219 to form a
Grand Lodge of their own, to be known as the Grand Lodge of North Dakota.
Following the
recommendations made by the Committee on the Division of Property, one‑third
of the property belonging to the Grand Lodge of Dakota was turned over to the
Grand Lodge of North Dakota, and two‑thirds were retained by the Grand Lodge
of South Dakota. And thus, on June 12, 1889, a division of the Grand Lodge
which corresponded with the political division of the territory was finally
decided upon.
The Grand Lodge of
South Dakota has at all times shown a keen interest in the dissemination of
Masonic information. Almost at the beginning of its career it undertook the
collection of a library designed to supply all who sought it with information
about the Craft. This library, which is to‑day one of the finest in the State,
was begun by our distinguished benefactor, Bro. Theodore S. Parvin, Past Grand
Master and first Grand Secretary of Iowa, whose interest in Dakota Masonry has
caused him to be called the " Father of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota."
Within the first year of the Grand Lodge's existence, Bro. Parvin presented it
with a number of valuable books which were to serve as a nucleus for to‑day's
splendid collection. To these, others were constantly added. So great was the
library's growth that within three years after its founding the Committee on
the Library was able to report that it had already progressed in a most
gratifying manner. At that time the library consisted chiefly of a number of
copies of Proceedings of the various Grand Lodges of the world, a few choice
works on Masonry donated by generous Brethren, and several Masonic magazines
and other publications. So promising had the library at that time already
become, that the continuance of it was strongly recommended. By 1887 the
library had grown to such an extent that the Grand Master, in his annual
address that year, made the following statement concerning it " Our library
has now assumed such proportions that more attention must be paid to its safe
keeping and better and more convenient arrangement. The Proceedings presented
to this Grand Lodge by M . . W .'. Bro. Theodore S. Parvin have all been bound
and comprise five hundred volumes. They contain the Masonic history of the
century, the exposition of Masonic law and ethics by the ablest and most
illustrious of Masonic writers, and in completeness they are not surpassed by
any like collection in any Masonic library in the world ... The volumes have
been bound under the kind supervision of Bro. Parvin, and at the low price of
$351‑75." Within the year, Bro. Parvin had made another generous gift to the
library. This consisted of 227 volumes of Proceedings of the various Grand
Lodges in the United States, 132 volumes of Grand Chapter Proceedings, loo
volumes of Grand Commandery Proceedings, and a number of other valuable works
‑ in all, 468 volumes, all of which had been " bound in a uniform manner and
in appropriate colors." Thus it may be seen that the nucleus of our
magnificent library, which is of inestimable value to the Fraternity in
Dakota, was largely the beneficent gift of Bro. Parvin.
ZZO FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH DAKOTA Every year since its founding, the library has been improved.
From the beginning it has been connected with the Office of the Grand
Secretary. Since 192‑5 it has occupied beautiful fireproof quarters in the
handsome Grand Lodge Build ing at Sioux Falls. During the last few years a
great interest in Masonic literature has become very noticeable in South
Dakota, and the Craft is beginning to realise what a wonderful Masonic library
is at its disposal. A thoroughly competent librarian is in charge of the
collection at all times. This librarian is always glad to send books and other
literature to the Lodges and to individual Masons, as such materials are
requested. Indeed, during the year 1932‑‑1933 nearly 2‑5oo books were
distributed to all parts of the State. Members interested in Masonic history,
biography, and other subjects relating to the Craft find the library a rich
source of information. During a recent single year, more than looo volumes
were added to this interesting collection. During that same year, the South
Dakota Daughters of the American Revolution placed their library in the
genealogical section on our shelves.
For a number of years
now, the Grand Secretary, Geo. A. Pettgrew, Thirtythird Degree, who has held
Office since 1894, has been eagerly collecting as many mementoes of days gone
by as he can find. In time these are to become part of a proposed Masonic
museum for the State. Already several priceless collections and single
accessions have been secured with this end in view. These are being carefully
preserved until such time as proper display cases can be purchased. Then they
will be placed on exhibition in the Grand Lodge Building at Sioux Falls.
During its entire
career the Dakota Grand Lodge has played a prominent part in the civic life of
the region, at first, in that of the Territory, later, in that of the State.
It has, of course, laid the corner‑stone of many of the important structures
erected within its jurisdiction. As early as 1887 it had charge of such
important ceremonies as laying the corner‑stone for an opera house at
Watertown, an Episcopal church at Castleton, a building for the Dakota Normal
School, at Madison, and a new normal school building at Spearfish. Almost
every year since then the Grand Lodge has taken part in similar ceremonies for
other churches, hospitals, colleges, elementary and high schools,
court‑houses, and so on. On June 2‑_5, i9o8, at an Emergent Communication, the
Grand Master had charge of laying the corner‑stone for the new State capitol
at Pierre. Besides these, the Grand Lodge has, of course, laid the
corner‑stone for many fine Masonic Halls and Temples throughout its
jurisdiction. One of the most impressive of such ceremonies was that of June
6, 1924, when the corner‑stone of the new Grand Lodge Building in Sioux Falls
was laid.
The year 1899 marked
the twenty‑fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Grand Lodge of South
Dakota. When the Quarto‑Centennial Communication was held at Yankton on June
13 and 14 of that year, it was quite apparent that Freemasonry in South Dakota
already had a record of which it might well be proud. Peace and harmony
existed among all the Lodges of the State, and the Grand Lodge's relationship
with its sister Grand Bodies was above reproach.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 221 During its twenty‑five years of existence the Grand Lodge had grown
in an amazing manner. From 6 Constituent Lodges in 1875, it had increased its
number to 93. The total valuation of the cash, furniture, fixtures, and other
property of these Lodges was about $95,ooo. Lodge finances were in excellent
condition, and membership had increased in a highly satisfactory manner. There
were in the State at the time 4250 Masons in good standing. It was evident
that Masonry had kept step with other institutions of both the State and the
nation.
On June 13, 19oo, the
Masonic Veterans' Association of South Dakota was organised. This Association
was made up of those who had been Master Masons for at least twenty‑one years.
Although the number belonging to this organisation at the time of its
establishment was only twenty‑eight, its membership has since increased to
several hundred. To‑day the organisation is in a thriving condition.
For years now, the
Grand Lodge has presented a medal to each Mason who has been a member for
fifty or more years. This honour is bestowed in the belief that any man who
maintains membership over such a long period of time has in his heart a
veneration and esteem for the Craft that merits an honorary reward. It has
been found that the awarding of these service medals not only increases the
enthusiasm of the recipients, but that it also creates a great deal of
interest among the younger Masons of the State, causing many of them to strive
for the honour.
South Dakota Masonry
has at all times shown an eagerness to do honour to the memory of our
country's greatest Mason ‑ Bro. George Washington. Like many of its sister
Grand Bodies, the Grand Lodge of South Dakota properly observed the centennial
anniversary of President Washington's death. At its Annual Communication of
igoo, an appropriate ceremony honouring the memory of the Father of our Nation
was held at Aberdeen. Eleven years later the South Dakota Grand Body endorsed
the movement for the erection of a Memorial Temple at Alexandria, Virginia,
under the auspices of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Association, and began at once to solicit funds to help defray the expense of
that great undertaking. As one of our Grand Masters so aptly put it, most
South Dakota Masons regarded the erection of this memorial as " the greatest
co‑operative effort ever undertaken by American Freemasonry." It is not
surprising, then, that the South Dakota Lodges soon associated themselves with
the association in charge of erecting the memorial. When the corner‑stone of
the magnificently handsome structure was laid in 1929, our Grand Lodge sent
Representatives to that function. In like manner, it was represented at the
dedication of the handsome structure in 1932. Although unfortunate financial
conditions prevented our Grand Lodge from contributing as liberally as it
desired, still it did give a considerable sum towards the accomplishment of
this great memorial to George Washington, the Man and the Mason. In 1932 the
bicentennial of Washington's birth was also appropriately celebrated by the
Lodges of South Dakota.
From its very
inception, Freemasonry in South Dakota has interested itself 222 FREEMASONRY
IN SOUTH DAKOTA in the charitable aspects of the Fraternity's guiding
principles. Nor has it confined its work in this field to its own
jurisdiction. Whenever the call for assistance has been made, it has been
answered willingly and freely. Until 18go, the funds for such welfare and
relief work were raised by the various Lodges, but in a more or less haphazard
way. Until that time there was at least no uniformity in the manner of levying
assessments for charitable undertakings. Nor was there any Grand Lodge fund
for relief purposes. So far, the Lodges had been able to meet the demands made
upon them, but it was becoming apparent to all that a special Grand Lodge fund
should be established. Consequently, at the Annual Communication of 189o, the
Grand Master recommended that the Grand Lodge take steps to establish two
funds, one to be known as the Grand Charity Fund, the other as the Widows' and
Orphans' Fund. The aim was, of course, to provide for the relief of aged,
poor, and distressed Brethren and to protect the widows and orphans of
deceased Masons. The Committee which was appointed to consider the proposal
recommended that both funds be established and that the monies of each " be
kept separate and distinct." In order to raise money for this purpose, it was
also recommended that " the attention of each subordinate Lodge be called to
this matter as soon as practicable, and that each Lodge be required to
contribute such sums as its circumstances and ability would permit." Five per
cent of the Grand Lodge receipts were then set aside to take care of the Funds
for the ensuing year, and it was also decided that all monies received from
contributions and bequests, and those accruing from the sale of property of
suspended and defunct Lodges, should also be used for that purpose.
In 1893 the Grand
Lodge decided to merge the two Funds into one, which was to be known as the
Grand Charity Fund. Later, the By‑Laws were amended in various ways to provide
for the raising of sufficient sums to carry on the beneficent work of this
department. From time to time, gifts, too, have added to the amount available
for charitable purposes. Among those was a bequest of $Zooo received in 1927
under the will of Mrs. Elizabeth Pfeffer, widow of Charles Pfeffer, former
member of Acacia Lodge, No. io8, at Eureka. In 1928 the Grand Charity Fund was
further enlarged by the bequest of a substantial amount willed to it by the
late Bro. P. F. McClure, of Pierre. Despite the increase of the Fund, however,
it is now apparent that it is not sufficiently large to meet the demands being
made upon it. This has especially been the case during the last few years of
nation‑wide depression. Speaking of this matter at the Annual Communication of
1933, the Grand Master said in part: " Late experience has taught us that our
Grand Charity Fund is not of sufficient amount to cope with the demands made
upon us during these periods of depression. Although we had hoped to have
special donations during the year, on account of the general depression none
has been made, with the exception of Antelope Lodge, No. 2‑o9, it having
contributed $1 per member, for the Fund. Several years ago each of a few
Lodges insured one member with a life insurance policy ‑ made out to the Grand
Charity Fund. But lately some of these policies have been surrendered, and
paid‑up policies taken in exchange, or the accumulated amount withdrawn.
FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 223 . . . This department of Masonry in South Dakota is our memorial to
those great tenets of our Order ‑ Love and Charity. It is the symbol of our
lives which leads us to discharge our duty even though at times through
sacrifices. The exercise of relief should be considered not alone an
obligation, but also a privilege and a joy. Calls from our Brethren for relief
and assistance are becoming more and more persistent and urgent. Owing to the
economic conditions during the past few years, many Lodges have been caught in
bank failures and are faced with embarrassing financial situations. For many
years the relief work of our Grand Lodge has been carried on from our
temporary Grand Charity Fund, which has been provided from the earnings of
income from investments of our permanent Grand Charity Fund. Now we are faced
with the task of providing adequate funds to answer demands satisfactorily."
This statement of conditions was then followed by an appeal for a contribution
of $i from each member of each South Dakota Lodge ‑ an appeal which is likely
to be answered. For even though the various Lodges have been seriously
affected by the present depressing conditions, all are willing and eager to
help in caring for every needy member of the Craft. Indeed, all are eager to
continue the good work they have carried on so well in the past, and to
execute the mandate of the Biblical admonition that " it is more blessed to
give than to receive." The Trustees who have supervised the Grand Charity Fund
have already done a wonderful work and are continuing to do so. They have
given of their time, effort, and talent. They have worked without remuneration
and only for the satisfaction of having done their work well. They have put
into action the genuine principles of Freemasonry, and we may be very sure
that they will continue to render assistance to those in need or distress
whenever and wherever they are able to do so. Already, hundreds of needy
Brethren, and the widows and orphans of deceased South Dakota Masons, have
been relieved through the Grand Charity Fund. The work thus far accomplished
is incalculable, and there is every reason to believe that it will increase
during the coming years.
During the years 1932
and 1933, the Grand Lodge Trustees passed a resolution diverting $Sooo.oo in
the next biennial from the receipts that should accrue to the Permanent Grand
Lodge Charity Fund for the temporary Grand Charity Fund to meet the great call
for assistance. This matter was brought to the attention of the Subordinate
Lodges that it was very necessary that a portion of this fund should be
replaced. A plan was conceived to send the Oldest Masonic Lodge Bible in the
two Dakotas, on a visitation to all of the Subordinate Lodges in the State.
This Bible is the property of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, the Mother Lodge of the
two Dakotas. Special programmes were prepared for its reception and usually a
ceremony of re‑consecration to Masonry was impressively held and at the close
of the meeting a voluntary contribution was made to the Grand Charity Fund.
It is the sincere
belief of every Mason that the quiet waters of Masonic endeavour stirred anew
by the vital lessons of this volume, sanctified by the touch of thousands of
Masonic hands and invaluable with its priceless memo‑ 224 FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA ries of the dead past,will spread in ever‑widening circles through the
distant years. At the Annual Communication held at Huron, in June 1922., the
Grand Secretary recommended the erection of a suitable building to house the
office and library of the Grand Lodge and other Masonic Bodies of the State.
At the same time it was reported that the Masonic Bodies of Sioux Falls had
purchased a suitable plot of ground and were prepared to tender it to the
Grand Lodge, provided a building would be erected upon it. The matter was
referred to a special Committee who recommended the acceptance of the land and
the erection of a Grand Lodge Building. On June 6, 1924, the corner‑stone of
this building was laid. The following year, which marked the semi‑centennial
of the organisation of the Grand Lodge, saw the completion of the fine, new
structure. The building was dedicated on June 9, 1925. These quarters have
since become the home of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. The building, which
was erected at a cost of $75,876, is one of the finest structures in the whole
State. At the time of its dedication, which fittingly fell on the fiftieth
anniversary of the establishment of the Grand Lodge, there were in the State
167 Lodges having a total membership of 19,296.
The Grand Lodge of
South Dakota believes in the fundamentals of Freemasonry and has at all times
done everything possible to carry them out. It has always taken great interest
in the Work of its Constituent Lodges and has made every effort to fit every
member both " mentally and morally for a citizen's part in promoting
unadulterated Americanism." It has at all times striven to keep its recruits
alive in Masonry and to offer every member an opportunity to do something
constructive in advancing both the fraternal and civic life of the State. For
this purpose it has long carried out a satisfactory programme of Masonic
service and education.
From the time of the
establishment of the various co‑ordinate Bodies of the State, they have shown
a sincere desire to advance the best interests of Craft Masonry. The
relationships of the Grand Chapter, the Grand Commandery, the Scottish Rite
Bodies, the various groups of members of the Order of the Mystic Shrine, and
the Order of the Eastern Star have been harmonious and pleasant. The first
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Dakota was Chartered by the General Grand
Chapter of the United States on August 24, 188o. This Chapter was known as
Yankton Chapter, No. i. On February 25, 1885, this Chapter, together with the
following Dakota Chapters, organised the Grand Chapter of Dakota Territory:
Sioux Falls Chapter, No. 2; Dakota Chapter, No. 3; Siroc Chapter, No. 4;
Casselton Chapter, No. 7; Cheyenne Chapter, No. 9 u. D.; Huron Chapter, No. 10
u. D.; Keystone Chapter, No. 11 u. D.; Watertown Chapter, No. 12 u. D.;
Jamestown Chapter, No. 13 u. D.; and Aberdeen Chapter, No. 14U. D. The first
Annual Convocation was held on June 8, 1885. When the division of the
territory took place in 1889, the Grand Chapter of Dakota Territory gave
permission to the Lodges located in the newly‑formed State of South Dakota to
organise a Grand Chapter of South Dakota. This was done at a meeting held at
Yankton on January 6, 189o. Three days later, the Grand FREEMASONRY IN SOUTH
DAKOTA 22.5 Chapter of North Dakota was organised. Representatives from the
following Chapters participated in the formation of the Grand Chapter of South
Dakota Yankton Chapter, No. i; Aberdeen Chapter, No. 14; Mitchell Chapter, No.
16; Brookings Chapter, No. 18; Orient Chapter, No. i9; and Rabbon Chapter No.
23.
The first Commandery
of Knights Templar to be established in Dakota Territory was known as Dakota
Commandery, No. 1. Since it was located in that part of the territory which
later became the State of South Dakota, it may also be considered the first
Commandery in South Dakota. On May 14, 1884, the Grand Commandery of Dakota
was organised at Sioux Falls. This action was taken by Representatives from
the following four Commanderies: Dakota Commandery, No. 1; Cyrene Commandery,
No. 2; De Molay Commandery, No. 3 ; and Fargo Commandery, No. 5. Later, after
the division of the territory, the name of this Grand Commandery was changed
to that of the Grand Commandery of South Dakota.
The first Council of
Royal and Select Masons in Dakota Territory, which was known as Fargo Council,
No. 1, was Chartered on November 19, 1889. Since this Council was located in
the northern part of the original Dakota Terri tory, after 1889 it came to be
regarded as the first Council of the State of North Dakota. There was no
General Council in Dakota Territory. The first Council to be established in
South Dakota was Alpha Council, No. i, at Sioux Falls. A Dispensation was
issued to this Council on April 11, 1891. On the following July 2.i, a Charter
was granted to it by the General Grand Council of the United States. At a
meeting of Representatives of this and the other Chartered Councils of South
Dakota, held on June 9, 1916, a new Grand Council was Constituted.
A Consistory of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern jurisdiction, was established at
Yankton in 1888. The Charter for this Consistory was dated December 22 of that
year. On March 1o, 1887, a Council of Kadosh, known as Robert de Bruce
Council, No. i, was Chartered in South Dakota. A Council of Rose Croix, known
as Mackey Council, No. 1, was Chartered on February 27, 1882, while a Lodge of
Perfection ‑ Alpha Lodge, No. i ‑ was Chartered on February 8, 1882. The Grand
Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organised. In his address before
the Annual Communication of 1919, the Grand Master of South Dakota said: " The
Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of South Dakota was the first to
recognise the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in this State and
to exchange greetings at the time of their annual session." During the year
1933 St. John's Lodge, No. 1, was again honoured for the fifth time in its
history with the selection of a member of that Lodge for the Office of the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, namely, Bro. Sanford G.
Donaldson, Thirty‑third Degree Mason, active member of the Supreme Council A.
S. A. S. R., Southern Jurisdiction, United States of America, said to be the
youngest man ever given that honor and one of the youngest men ever selected
Grand Master of South Dakota.
2.26 FREEMASONRY IN
SOUTH DAKOTA Of national Masonic interest was placing South Dakota among the
few States of the Union that have had a member of the Supreme Council serving
as Most Worshipful Grand Master.
From this brief
account of Freemasonry in the State of South Dakota it may be seen that the
Craft has prospered here. Despite many handicaps, it has gradually increased
in numbers and in influence. According to the last report there were 2.18
Chartered Lodges and one Lodge under Dispensation. The total membership was
over 18,ooo. Although this figure represents a slight decrease from the high
enrollment of 19,843 attained in 1931, nevertheless there is every reason to
believe that Freemasonry will continue to spread in this State. Although the
depression of the last few years has caused a decrease in the number of
Petitioners, the members are confident that as general conditions improve, so,
too, will Freemasonry go forward, just as it has in the past. Certainly, it
has already proved itself to be one of the truly great forces for
enlightenment in the State of South Dakota.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE CHARLES COMSTOCK AND K. W. PARKHAM WHEN the American explorers and
settlers crossed the great divide that marked the western boundary of the
early seaboard Colonies, we know not who among them may have been members of
the Mystic Tie. The Spirit of Brotherhood somehow lingered there, even before
the firing of that rifle shot which resounded in Lexington and so roused the
slumbering forces of liberty. Even while Greer and Dugger and Boone were
hewing timbers for their primitive cabins, the Mystic Builder's Art was
keeping pace with the advance guard of civilisation. Speedily the new
settlements lured from Virginia and North Carolina such stalwart pioneers as
James Robertson, John Sevier, John Anderson, John Rhea, Joseph Martin, Landon
Carter, and Daniel Kennedy. They came westward before or during the War for
Independence. Afterwards they were joined by Archibald Roane, Andrew Jackson,
Howel Tatum, Robert Searcy, Bennett Searcy, James Grant, Hugh Montgomery, and
George Roulstone, who eventually published the first newspaper in Tennessee.
Other of those early pioneer Masons were Stephen Brooks, a Methodist minister,
John Sommerville, James Trimble, Anthony Foster, Colonel Hardy Murfree,
William Lytle, Joseph Dickson, later a member of Congress, George Washington
Campbell, Patrick Campbell, Edward Douglass, William P. Chester, Benjamin
Dulaney, Elkanah Roberts Dulaney, John Kennedy, John Williams, William Tait,
Robert Hays, and John Overton. There were many others, too, whose names appear
on the Rosters of our early Lodges. Except for Howel Tatum, Patrick Campbell,
and John Campbell, and John Williams, we cannot tell where those Brethren
first beheld the Mystic Light. They were loyal Craftsmen, however, who wielded
great influence for the spiritual and material upbuilding of America's
sixteenth Commonwealth. Whether their restless footsteps followed along upon
the mountain tops, or beside the winding Tennessee and Cumberland rivers in a
western course to the great Father of Waters and even beyond, wherever
opportunity lured them or duty impelled them to go, they resolutely bore aloft
the banner of progress. Their influence was felt at the memorable Battle of
King's Mountain on October 7, 178o. They broke the power of the redskins at
Horseshoe Bend, and there Bro. Sam Houston received his baptism of fire on
March 27, 1814. And at New Orleans, on January 8, 1815, Andrew Jackson, the
only Past Grand Master who ever occupied the White House, gained renown as a
soldier. There, too, he was at last compensated for the wound he received when
a cowardly British officer struck him at Waxhaw years before. He it was who
defeated the British, and so freed our American Union from foreign aggression.
It was another Tennessee Craftsman who won the Battle of San Jacinto on April
21, 1836, and thus became first President of the Lone Star 227 228 FREEMASONRY
IN TENNESSEE Republic. Still another, Past Grand Master Archibald Yell, paid
the price of his life for Texas's final liberation at the Battle of Buena
Vista on February 22, 1847. In peace, however, as well as in war, in
statesmanship, in science and in art and in humanitarian endeavour, Tennessee
Masons have gained distinction.
At historic
"Blockhouse," in the northwestern part of the present Sullivan County, dwelt
Colonel John Anderson, veteran of the War for Independence and assistant
justice of the State of Franklin. It is likely that North Fork Lodge, No. Zo,
the first Masonic Lodge to be held west of the Alleghany Mountains, met in
that commodious pioneer structure. Of the Lodge's origin, by what authority it
was held, we do not know. We have conclusive evidence, however, that the Lodge
did exist, and that Bro. Anderson, doubtless its Master, was one of its
leading members. The names of two other members, Benjamin Crow and John
Sevier, Jr., the latter a son of Governor Sevier, have also been preserved,
though the Record of the Lodge's activities and the Roster of all other
Craftsmen who paid allegiance to it are no longer known to exist. Like the
Lodge of Fredericksburg, Virginia, where George Washington was Initiated, this
too was probably an " inherent privilege Lodge. " It bore a number which
strongly indicates that it had been established and started on its way by
authority of some governing Body. Diligent search, however, has revealed only
one numberNo. 2.o‑issued by Grand Lodge, of those days, which can reasonably
be conceived as having been this Lodge's number. In the autumn of 1779 the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania issued its Military Warrant, No. Zo, to Craftsmen
of the North Carolina Line, then with Washington's army. It has long been
supposed that this document was lost in the disastrous South Carolina campaign
which took place during the following year. We have no proof, however, either
of its loss or of its preservation. The present writer's opinion is that the
old Pennsylvania Warrant was preserved, probably brought to East Tennessee
after the Battle of King's Mountain, and then used as a basis for North Fork
Lodge, No. Zo.
When the Grand Lodge
of North Carolina held its Annual Communication on November 18, 1789, it
received a Petition sent by several Brethren of the Mero District (Nashville),
who asked for a Charter empowering them to hold a Lodge to be called by the
name of Saint Tammany. One of the Petitioners, a certain Bro. Anderson, was
probably William P. Anderson. This Petition was granted on November 24, 1789.
No information regarding this Lodge appears in the Record until December 17,
1796. Then the Grand Lodge of North Carolina granted a Charter for Saint
Tammany Lodge, No. 29, which was Lodge No. 1, of Tennessee, to be held at
Nashville. This Lodge's name was later changed to Harmony Lodge, No. 29, at
the Annual Communication of i8oo. The only known Record of this pioneer Lodge,
now preserved at Raleigh in the archives of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina,
is a letter which was sent to the Grand Secretary in 18oo. It was signed by
Bro. Robert Searcy, Treasurer and Acting Master, by Bro. William Dickson,
Senior Warden, by Bro. William Tait, Junior Warden, and by Bro. Bennett
Searcy, Secretary. The printed Proceedings of the FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE 229
Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee for the year 18o5 give a complete
Roster of this Lodge's membership. The Master of the Lodge was Bro. Howel
Tatum, who formerly was a member of Royal White Hart Lodge, No. 2, at Halifax,
North Carolina. Bro. Robert Searcy was Treasurer, and Bro. Bennett Searcy was
Secretary. The list of names of the forty members includes those of Andrew
Jackson, John Overton, James Robertson, Robert Hays, Anthony Foster, and
others who were among the founders of Tennessee's capital city. At the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, held on December 9, 18o8,
the Charter of this pioneer Lodge was forfeited because of the Lodge's failure
to make annual reports.
On January 15, 18oo,
Colonel William Polk, Grand Master of North Carolina, issued a Dispensation
establishing Polk Lodge U. D., which was to be located at Knoxville, then the
capital of Tennessee. Governor John Sevier was to be Master, Major James
Grant, Senior Warden, and George Washington Campbell, Junior Warden. The first
meeting of this Lodge was held at Samuel Love's tavern, in Knoxville, on March
24, 18oo. The Lodge's distinguished Master presided, while judge Edward Scott,
father of Bro. Charles Scott who was twice Grand Master of Mississippi, acted
as Secretary. On this occasion two distinguished visitors were present. One
was Theodore Bland, of Alexandria Lodge, No. 22, afterwards known as
Alexandria‑Washington Lodge. The other visitor was Andrew Jackson, a member of
Harmony Lodge, No. i, of Nashville, at that time judge of the superior court
of Tennessee. A complete Record of this meeting and subsequent ones held as
late as November 1, 18oo, is in the archives of the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina at Raleigh. This, and a Roster of the Lodge's members for the years i
8o5 and 1807, which appear in the printed Proceedings of the North Carolina
Grand Lodge, are the only known Records of Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, the name
under which this Lodge was Chartered on November 30, i8oo. Although the Lodge
probably continued to Work for some twenty years, nothing is known about its
later activities. It is represented in the Convention held at Knoxville on
December 2, 1811, preparatory to forming the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, and
again at the first Annual Communication, held on December 27, 1813, when the
Grand Lodge was organised. At that time three members of Tennessee Lodge, No.
2, became Officers of the Governing Body of the Grand Lodge. On February 2,
1826, this Lodge was succeeded by Mount Libanus Lodge, No. 59, which had been
formed under a Dispensation issued by Grand Master Matthew Delamer Cooper. A
Charter was granted to the newly‑established Lodge on October 3, 1826.
At its Annual
Communication held on December 9, 1798, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina
approved a Dispensation for a new Lodge at Greeneville, Tennessee, with
Colonel Waightstill Avery as Worshipful Master. Because the Master lived at
Morganton, North Carolina, and was unable to visit Greeneville during the
year, the Lodge was not organised. In November 18oo, a new Petition was
presented, and a Dispensation was authorised for Greeneville Lodge, No. 43,
which was also designated as Lodge No. 3, of Tennessee. George Wash‑ 230
FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE ington Campbell, Junior Warden of Tennessee Lodge,
No. 2, was appointed Master of the newly‑established Lodge, while Jenkin
Whiteside and John Rhea, also members of Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, were
respectively appointed Senior Warden and Junior Warden. Under such authority
the Lodge was formally organised on September 5, i8oi, with Bro. Campbell
presiding. Before November i, i8oi, several other meetings of this Lodge were
held. A Record of those meetings which was sent to the Grand Secretary at
Raleigh is still preserved in the archives of the Grand Lodge there. This
pioneer Lodge, whose Charter was granted on December 11, 18o1, is still at
Work. It is the oldest Lodge now on the Roster of the Grand Lodge, although it
was inactive for more than three score years. During its period of inactivity,
a new Lodge was formed under a Dispensation issued in 1845 by Grand Master
Edmund Dillahunty. The Dispensation was continued at the next Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, and a Charter was not finally granted to the
new Lodge till October 5, 1847. This substitute Lodge, long known as
Greeneville Lodge, No. 119, continued to Labour until January 31, 1907. On
that date the original Tennessee Charter of Greeneville Lodge, No. 3, which
was issued on October 6, 1814, was restored to it. The Lodge now ranks as the
senior of the Volunteer State, since both Lodge No. 1 and Lodge No. 2 have
been defunct for more than a century. The Work of the Craft was always
successfully performed in Greeneville Lodge, No. 119. It steadily progressed
in adding new members and in influence, except during the period of the war
between the States. Then Masonry everywhere suffered a great deal, and at the
time all this Lodge's Records that antedated 1857 were destroyed. This Lodge
justly claims a distinctive honour in that it Initiated, Passed, and Raised
one whom American Masons may well hold in deep veneration: Andrew Jackson,
governor of Tennessee, United States senator, and seventeenth President of the
nation‑a man who suffered persecution, yet triumphed over all obstacles and
ever earnestly and fearlessly served his people.
The Grand Lodge
Records of North Carolina‑Old North State, our Masonic Mother‑show that on
December 5, 18o6, a Charter was granted for Newport Lodge, No. 5o‑Lodge No. 4,
of Tennessee‑which was located at the thriving settlement of Newport, on
French Broad River. Henry Stephen was the Lodge's Master, Nathaniel Mitchell
its Senior Warden, and Augustine Jenkins its junior Warden. Since the Records
of this Lodge were destroyed long ago, little is certainly known about its
early activities. After participating in the formation of the Grand Lodge, in
1813, it seems to have become inactive, for it made no reports of either its
Work or its membership. After the year 182‑4 even the name of the Lodge no
longer appears on the Roster of the Grand Lodge. On October 3, 1854, some
forty years after this Lodge was last mentioned in our Records, a Charter was
granted for Newport Lodge, No. 234. The organisation, established on the
obscure foundations of the old Lodge, has continued to be successful and
prosperous.
In the Records of the
Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee, under FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE
2.31 date of November 21, 1807, is an order for a Charter to be issued to
Overton Lodge, No. 5i‑Lodge No. 5 of Tennessee. The Lodge was to be located at
Rogersville, Tennessee, and to have the Officers who were named in the
Dispensation that had been issued on December 14, 1805. Those were: Bro.
Samuel Powell, Master, Bro. Jonathan Stryker, Senior Warden, and Bro. John
Johnston, Junior Warden. Early reports of this Lodge are missing, and no
Record of it antedating 1823 has yet been discovered. The Lodge has survived
however, and is to‑day both prosperous and successful. This Lodge participated
in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 1813, and on October 4,
1819, it was re‑Chartered as Lodge No. 5.
On December 9, 1808,
the Mother Grand Lodge authorised a Charter for Lodge No. 52‑Lodge No. 6 of
Tennessee. It was to be located at Gallatin, in Sumner County, a civic unit
named after a distinguished Craftsman of Revo lutionary times, General Jethro
Sumner, of North Carolina. The new Lodge was to have the following Officers:
Bro. John Johnston, Master, Bro. Andrew Buckham, Senior Warden, and Bro. John
Mitchell, Junior Warden. This Lodge Laboured successfully until October 5,
1836, when its jewels and its Tennessee Charter were surrendered to the Grand
Lodge by the Master, Bro. John Bell, cousin of the distinguished statesman,
John Bell of Tennessee. On October 8, 1840, a new Charter was granted to King
Solomon Lodge. Now known as Lodge No. 94, it was to succeed the original
pioneer Lodge‑No. 6. Bro. John Bell was to be Master, Bro. George W. Parker,
Senior Warden, and Bro. Samuel R. Anderson, Junior Warden. This Lodge is still
active and prosperous.
Hiram Lodge, No. 7,
at Franklin, largely owes its existence to one of Tennessee's early
distinguished citizens, Lieutenant‑Colonel Hardy Murfree. Founder of the
Murfree family in this State, this distinguished Mason was grandfather of Mary
Noailles Murfree, who used the pen name Charles Egbert Craddock. Colonel
Murfree was a North Carolina veteran of the War for Independence. A devoted
Craftsman, one of the founders of the Mother Grand Lodge, first Master of
American George Lodge, No. 17, of North Carolina, Bro. Murfree was largely
responsible for the founding of a pioneer organisation known as the Franklin
Lodge. After Bro. Murfree passed within the Mystic Veil on April 6, 1809, this
Lodge was established under Dispensation later in the summer. On December 11,
1809, it was Chartered as Hiram Lodge, No. 55 ‑Lodge No. 7 of Tennessee. The
following were the Officers: Charles McAlister, Master; Guilford Dudley,
formerly of Royal White Hart Lodge, No. 2, of North Carolina, Senior Warden;
George Hulme, Junior Warden. Although the early Records of this Lodge have
also been destroyed or lost, it has maintained an unbroken existence up to the
present, and is still vigorously active. This Lodge took the initiative in
forming the Grand Lodge of Tennessee by making the suggestion for a
preliminary Convention to be held at Knoxville on December 2, 18 11. On May
27, 1814, this Lodge received a new Dispensation, and in October of that year
it was Chartered.
Cumberland Lodge, No.
8, at Nashville, was the direct successor of Har‑ 2‑32‑ FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE mony Lodge, No. 1, which ceased to work in December 18o8, by order
of the Grand Lodge at Raleigh. At that time several members of the pioneer
Lodge became Charter applicants for a new Lodge. They included judge John
Overton, an intimate associate of Andrew Jackson's who became first Master of
Cumberland Lodge, No. 8. In the spring of i8iz, Robert Searcy, oldest Past
Master of Harmony Lodge, No. i, journeyed on horseback to Raleigh. He later
returned with the Dispensation by virtue of which he formed the new Lodge and
Installed its Officers on June 2‑4, 18iz. On February 8, 1814, after the
formation of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, this Lodge received a new
Dispensation and on October 2o of that year it was Chartered. On the Roster of
the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, this Lodge was known as No. 6o.
Shortly before
Cumberland Lodge, No. 6o, was formed, on May 1, 1812‑, to be exact, a
Dispensation was issued by Grand Master Robert Williams empowering the
establishment of Rhea Lodge at Port Royal, in Robertson County, Tennessee. The
Lodge was organised on the following June 2‑4, with Bro. John Baker as Master,
Bro. John E. Turner as Senior Warden, and Bro. H. James Norfleet as junior
Warden. This was Chartered Western Star Lodge, No. S 1Lodge No. 9 of
Tennessee‑on November 2‑1, 1811. The Lodge continued to operate successfully
at Port Royal until January S, 1818. Then the Grand Lodge granted it
permission to remove to Springfield, official county seat of Robertson County,
and there the Lodge remains active and vigorous. It received a new Charter
from the Grand Lodge of Tennessee on October 1, 1814, and under that Charter
it has Laboured for over twelve decades.
Philanthropic Lodge,
No. 12‑, another Lodge established in Tennessee before the Grand Lodge was
formed, also lasted a few years and then quietly passed out of existence. In
Davidson County some ten miles east of Nashville, not far from the historic "
Hermitage," once the home of Andrew Jackson, and on a part of his plantation,
lies the famous Clover Bottom field where Old Hickory raised his blooded
horses. Several Brethren who lived in that region, desiring to form a Lodge
conveniently nearby, united in a Petition for a Dispensation early in 18o5.
This Petition was erringly presented to the Grand Master of Kentucky instead
of the Grand Master of North Carolina, whose jurisdiction included all
Tennessee. The application was approved, and Philanthropic Lodge U. D.
speedily set to Work. A Charter was granted at the next Annual Communication
of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, held on September 18, 18o5, and this Lodge was
enrolled on its Roster as No. 12‑. One of the Petitioners for this Lodge was
Hutchins Gordon Burton, a member of a North Carolina Lodge then sojourning in
Tennessee, who later returned to his native State and twenty years afterwards
became Grand Master of his Lodge and Governor of the Commonwealth. The
formation of Philanthropic Lodge, No. I2‑, provoked an extended controversy
between the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and of North Carolina, since the former
claimed that the Lodge was in unoccupied territory and therefore properly open
to any Grand Lodge. Kentucky's side of the controversy was conducted by Bro.
Henry Clay, who afterwards became FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE 2‑33 Grand Master.
North Carolina was represented by Bro. Burton. The whole matter, a detailed
account of which cannot be related here, was finally brought to a satisfactory
conclusion when the Grand Lodge of the Blue Grass State adopted a resolution
at its Annual Communication held on August 29, i8i2, in which it agreed to
recall the Charter of Lodge No. 12, provided the Lodge should be permitted to
continue its Work until June 24, 1813. This proposal having been accepted, the
Lodge at Clover Bottom ceased to exist after the date stipulated. Most of its
members then became attached to other Tennessee Lodges. Though it has often
been claimed that Andrew Jackson was a member of Philanthropic Lodge, No. 12,
there is no evidence that he ever was. A Roster of the Lodge's members now in
possession of the present writer does not include Andrew Jackson's name at
all.
In conformity with
the plan that had been set forth in an invitation which Hiram Lodge, No. 7, of
Franklin, had extended to the other Tennessee Lodges, a preliminary Convention
was held at Knoxville on December 2, 1811, for the purpose of arranging for an
independent Grand Lodge for the Volunteer State. The following Representatives
attended: George Wilson and William Kelly of Tennessee Lodge, No. 2. Rev.
Stephen Brooks of Greeneville Lodge, No. 3. Edward Scott, as proxy for Newport
Lodge, No. 4. John A. Rogers and John Williams of Overton Lodge, No. S. John
Hall of King Solomon Lodge, No. 6. Archibald Potter of Hiram Lodge, No. 7.
Neither Cumberland Lodge, No. 8, nor Western Star Lodge, No. 9, was
represented, since they had not yet been formed.
When the Convention
opened Bro. Stephen Brooks was chosen to be Chairman, and Bro. John A. Rogers,
Secretary. A series of Resolutions setting forth the purpose of the Convention
was then adopted, and a Committee was ap pointed to prepare an address for
presentation to the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee, the title by
which the Mother Grand Lodge had been designated since December 1803. The aim
was to get that Grand Body to approve the effort to form an independent Grand
Lodge for the Volunteer State. The address was prepared and eventually
presented to the Grand Lodge at Raleigh. That Body deferred action on this
matter until it held its Annual Communication on November 21, 1812. Then the
address was formally approved, and Grand Master Robert Williams was instructed
to prepare a so‑called " Great Charter," stating that the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina and Tennessee relinquished its authority over the trans‑Alleghany
Lodges, and permitted them to form a Sovereign Grand Lodge for the
Commonwealth of Tennessee. This document was then sent to the Tennessee
Representatives.
Acting upon the
authority thus granted to them, the following Tennessee Masons assembled at
Knoxville on December 27, 1813, and formed the Grand Lodge of Tennessee: Bro.
George Wilson, Bro. Thomas McCorry, Bro. John Bright, Bro. John Anthony, and
Bro. William Kelly, of Tennessee Lodge, No. 2, at Knoxville. Rev. Bro. Stephen
Brooks of Greeneville Lodge, No. 3. Bro. Edward Scott, as proxy for Newport
Lodge, No. 4. Bro. John Williams, and 2‑34 FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE Bro.
George Wilson, as proxy, representing Overton Lodge, No. S, at Rogersville.
Bro. John Hall and Bro. Abraham K. Shaifer, of King Solomon Lodge, No. 6, at
Gallatin. Bro. Thomas Claiborne, of Hiram Lodge, No. 7, at Franklin. Bro.
Thomas Claiborne, as proxy for Cumberland Lodge, No. 8, at Nashville. Bro.
William L. Williams of Western Star Lodge, No. 9, at Port Royal.
Rev. Bro. Stephen
Brooks, who had been Chairman of the earlier Convention, temporarily presided
over this Assembly. The following Grand Officers were unanimously elected and
regularly Installed: Thomas Claiborne, as Grand Master. George Wilson, as
Deputy Grand Master by appointment. John Hall, as Senior Grand Warden. Abraham
K. Shaifer, as junior Grand Warden. Thomas McCorry, who had been Treasurer for
East Tennessee, as Grand Treasurer. Edward Scott, as Grand Secretary. The
other Offices were temporarily filled by appointment, and then the Grand Lodge
of Tennessee was opened in ample form. At the very outset, Bro. Stephen
Brooks, Bro. John Hall, and Edward Scott were appointed a Committee to prepare
a Constitution for the government of the Grand Lodge. This was subsequently
presented to those present, and formally adopted. A code of by‑laws presented
at the same time was signed by the Grand Officers and the Representatives.
Following that, Rev. Bro. Stephen Brooks was appointed to be Grand Chaplain,
and Bro. John Bright as Grand Tyler.
In such fashion,
then, the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Tennessee was formed. Eight Lodges,
Chartered by the Mother Grand Lodge of North Carolina, or as it had been known
for the last ten years, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and Tennessee,
consummated the formation of this New Grand Lodge by authority of the Great
Charter that had been issued to them. And now, the new and virile Grand Body
was to become an active and important factor in the westward progress of our
Ancient Craft, whose duly constituted authority, emanating from the Grand
Lodge of England (Moderns), had thus far been successively wielded by Joseph
Montfort, Provincial Grand Master, and the Grand Lodge of North Carolina and
Tennessee.
Only once in twelve
decades has the Grand Lodge been convened elsewhere than at Nashville, the
State capital. Then it met at Knoxville, almost on the very spot where it was
brought into existence in 1813. The occasion was the celebration of its
centennial ceremonial. On December 27, 1913, just at the close of a hundred
years, the Grand Lodge was convened in Special Communication. The event took
place in Staub's Theatre, on South Gay Street, in the historic City of the
Hills, Tennessee's first capital. The seventy‑fourth Grand Master presided,
while many Representatives and Officers of the Grand Lodge, together with
visitors from other jurisdictions, commemorated the event.
The numbers of the
Tennessee Lodges have been rigourously maintained. The series with Harmony
Lodge, No. i, of Nashville, which was Chartered by the Mother Grand Lodge on
December 17, 1796. Though this Lodge ceased its activities in 1808, it is
still No. i on the Roster. It is immediately followed by eight other North
Carolina Lodges that formed the Grand Lodge of Tennes‑ FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 2‑35 see. Later Lodges have been numbered in the order of their
establishment, the last number now being No. 742‑ Of the 2‑85 Lodges missing
from the Grand Lodge Roster, 13 were formed outside the limits of Tennessee.
They were the following: Lodge No. 12‑, Lodge No. 2‑5, and Lodge No. 2‑8 were
formed in Missouri. On April 23, 182.1 these Lodges together formed the Grand
Lodge of that State. Lodge No. 15 and Lodge No. 17 were formed in Mississippi.
Together with one other Lodge, Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, they
formed the Grand‑Lodge of Mississippi on July 2.7, 1818. Lodges No. 2‑1, No.
2‑3, No. 3o, No. 33, No. 34, No. 40, and No. 41 were formed in Alabama.
Excepting only Lodge No‑ 2‑3, all these Lodges united to form the Grand Lodge
of Alabama on June 15, 1821. Lodge No. 29 and Lodge No. 35 were formed in
Illinois. The former united in the formation of the first Grand Lodge of
Illinois on December i, 182.3. Lodge No. 82‑ was formed in Arkansas. On
November 2, 1838 it assisted in the formation of the Grand Lodge of that
State.
Of those inter
Jurisdictional Lodges, the following still survive: Missouri Lodge, No.
12.‑now known as Missouri Lodge, No. 1‑at St. Louis, Missouri; Jackson Lodge,
No. 15‑now known as Jackson Lodge, No. 2‑‑at Natchez, Mississippi; Washington
Lodge, No. 17‑now known as Washington Lodge, No. 3‑at Port Gibson,
Mississippi; Alabama Lodge, No. 2‑1‑later known as Lodge No. 2‑, of Alabama,
which, by consolidation with Lodge No. i, became Helion Lodge, No. 1‑at
Huntsville, Alabama; Rising Virtue Lodge, No. 30now known as Rising Virtue
Lodge, No. 4‑at Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Moulton Lodge, No. 34‑now known as
Moulton Lodge, No. 6‑at Moulton, Alabama; and Farrar Lodge, No. 41‑now known
as Farrar Lodge, No. 8‑at West Birmingham, Alabama. It was the Charter Master
of this last‑named Lodge, Thomas W. Farrar, who, in 182‑1, became the first
Grand Master of the new Grand Lodge of Tennessee.
Through these and
their successors, the line of descent extends from North Carolina, through
Tennessee, and throughout the great West, excepting only Texas. When the Grand
Lodge of that mammoth jurisdiction was formed on December 2.o, 1837, a
Tennessee Mason, General Sam Houston, presided over the Convention.
In 1848 the Grand
Lodge of Tennessee fostered a Masonic college at Clarksville. Although the
college was operated successfully for two years, lack of financial support by
Masons finally brought about the disposal of it to non Masonic holders.
However, the Craft in the Volunteer State has always striven to forward the
cause of education, and the particular Lodges have promoted j and maintained
numerous schools. This was especially true during the era preceding the
introduction of the free school system into the State. In 1867, a few ardent
Craftsmen urged the Lodge to erect and equip a Masonic home for the care and
protection of the widows and orphans of deceased Brethren. Owing to subsequent
financial depressions, the plan materialised only slowly, but in 1886 some few
Masons at last got the movement under way. To‑day, 2‑36 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE the Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home of Tennessee is an outstanding
example of the Mystic Builder's Art. It has an estimated value of half a
million dollars, and an endowment fund of more than $750,000.
Markus Breckinridge
Toney, Past Master of Cumberland Lodge, No. 8, a former private in the
Confederate Army, whose Masonic aspirations were awakened in Federal prison
camps during the war between the States, and Wil liam Hill Bumpus, at that
time Master of Lodge No. 8, were on August 6, 1886, selected to act as
president and secretary, respectively, of the Masonic Widows' and Orphans'
Home Association, Incorporated. It was through their efforts that the original
was built within a period of six years from the date of the laying of its
cornerstone. The cost of this structure was met by voluntary contributions.
When Bro. Toney and Bro. Bumpus turned it over to the Grand Lodge, it was free
of incumbrance. Later in a similar manner, they assisted in the erection of
the Old Masons' Home, a splendid monument to Masonry's exalted interpretation
of the Master's Creed. Of course, other devout Craftsmen nobly supported the
efforts of these two Brethren, but they are acknowledged to have been the
source of inspiration for all. For thirty years prior to his death in 1929,
Bro. Toney served as chairman of the endowment commission of the Home. Bro.
Bumpus served as Grand Master in 1898, and thereafter he was continuously
connected with the management of the Masonic Home until he passed within the
Mystic Veil on October 27, 1926. For thirty years he published the Tennessee
Mason solely in the interests of the Institution with which he was actively
connected for twoscore years.
In the year 1873, and
again in 1878, a very serious epidemic of yellow fever raged throughout
certain portions of the State. As was usual in such emergencies, members of
the Craft gave themselves unfalteringly to allay the pesti lence, aided by
generous contributions from their own and other jurisdictions. For a large
number of the Brethren it was the last fight. Among those who fell victim to
the dread disease were Past Grand Master and Past Grand High Priest, Andrew
Jackson Wheeler, and Grand Commander of Knights Templar, Edward R. T. Worsham.
From fewer than 300
Master Masons, in 1813, the Roll has gradually increased until, in 1929 it
passed the 50,000 mark. Since the peak of the latter year, it has, however,
sustained a loss of a few hundred members. During the first sixty years,
membership rose to more than Zo,ooo, but at the close of the seventy‑fifth
year, it had been reduced to fewer than 15,000. Since 1888 the increase has
been steady and constant, except for the period of the Great War, when it may
possibly have been too rapid.
Through one hundred
twenty‑two years of activity, ninety‑seven Grand Masters have presided over
the Craft in Tennessee. Five of those, John Frizzell, Wilbur Fisk Foster,
Henry Martyn Aiken, Thomas Owen Morris, and Ben jamin Haller, presided over
all Grand Bodies of the American Rite. One Grand Master, Andrew Jackson,
occupied the White House, and another, John Calvin Brown, served as governor
of Tennessee while presiding in the Grand East.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 237 Still another, John Frizzell, served as General Grand High
Priest from 1877 to 188o, while James Daniel Richardson served as Grand
Commander of the Scottish Rite in the Southern jurisdiction from 1904 to 1914.
Tennessee has given
our nation three Masonic Presidents, Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk, and
Andrew Johnson. All were natives of North Carolina who journeyed through the
Volunteer State to the national capital. The first two were Royal Arch Masons,
while President Johnson was a Knight Templar and a Master of the Royal Secret.
One Past Grand Master, Matthew Delamer Cooper, served for more than half a
century, and another, Philip Neely Matlock, an officer of the Confederacy,
accompanied Sam Davis on that memorable scouting expedition which cost Davis
his life, when he was condemned to death for refusing to divulge the names of
his comrades. One Grand Master, Archibald Yell, fell pierced with a Mexican
spear at the Battle of Buena Vista, while leading the Arkansas Regiment on
February 22, 1847. Another, Benjamin Swett Tappan, served as Grand Master of
two Jurisdictions, Mississippi and Tennessee, while two others, Robert Looney
Caruthers and James McCallum, were members of the Confederate Congress. Four
others, Thomas Claiborne, Andrew Jackson, Archibald Yell, and James Daniel
Richardson, were members of the Federal Congress, while one of them, Old
Hickory, sat in the United States Senate before he went to Washington as
President.
Twenty Tennessee
members of the United States Senate have been Masons, and twenty‑one Craftsmen
have occupied the executive chair of the Commonwealth. Of these, Robert Looney
Caruthers was elected governor in 1862‑, but in as much as Bro. Andrew Johnson
was at that time serving as war governor under President Lincoln, the
governor‑elect could not be inaugurated. Tennessee's first Grand Master was a
native of Virginia, a descendant of that William Claiborne who came to America
in 162o and later became prominent in colonial affairs. Like Washington, he
could trace his lineage back through twenty centuries, in fact, back to Odin,
King of Escadia. Massachusetts also supplied Tennessee with three of her Grand
MastersOliver Bliss Hays, Benjamin Swett Tappan, and Wilbur Fisk Foster. The
last named presided over all Grand Bodies of the American Rite. Serving as a
major of engineers in the Confederate Army, he had charge of constructing the
historic fortifications at Fort Donelson in 1862. New York also sent three
Yankees into the Southland to preside over the Craft. They were Charles Arnold
Fuller, Douglass Russell Grafton, and Charles Comstock. From Pennsylvania came
Wilkins Tannehill, who served as Grand Master through seven terms which
extended over a period of twenty‑six years. He also served as Deputy Grand
Master of Kentucky in i 84o.
Two of Tennessee's
Grand Masters came from across the sea, from the Emerald Isle. They were
Thomas McCulloch, of Scottish lineage, and George Cooper Connor, an Irishman
from Dublin. South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio each sent Tennessee two of her
Grand Masters. They were Matthew Delamer Cooper and Elihu Edmundson, from
South Carolina; Philander Mc‑ 238 FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE Bride Priestley and
Joseph Norwell, from Kentucky; and Henry Martyn Aiken and Henry Hurlburt
Ingersoll, from Ohio. One Grand Master also came from each of the following
jurisdictions: From Maryland came John Snyder Dasheill; from Maine came Andrew
Jackson Wheeler, a namesake of Old Hickory and heroic martyr to the yellow
scourge in 1878; from Georgia came Edmund Preston McQueen; from Indiana came
Teda Asabel Hisey. From Missouri came Robert Virgil Hope. One other, Julius
Cxsar Nichols Robertson, was born within the confines of what is now the State
of Tennessee; in 1792, when this region was known as The Territory South of
the Ohio River. The other Grand Masters were natives of Tennessee.
From time to time the
Craft of Tennessee has entertained many distinguished visitors. Two of those
visits are of unusual historic interest. On June 8, 1819, Nashville was
visited by President James Monroe, a member of Williamsburgh Lodge, No. 6, of
Virginia. Although a lack of time prevented the assembling of the Grand Lodge,
Grand Master Tannehill promptly convened Cumberland Lodge, No. 8, and
entertained the distinguished guest in ample form. At the close of the day,
Bro. Andrew Jackson took the President to the " Hermitage," where he was given
a royal welcome. Then, in 1825, it was announced that the distinguished French
patriot and Craftsman, General the Marquis de Lafayette, would visit
Nashville. Upon his arrival on May 4, he was given a warm welcome both by the
public and by the Masons of the State. Among the courtesies extended to him
was an introduction to the Grand Lodge in Special Communication. He was
presented to the Grand Lodge by Past Grand Master Andrew Jackson, who was
assisted by Bro. George Washington Campbell, the eminent jurist, statesman,
and diplomat. The Marquis de Lafayette was also made an Honorary Member of the
Grand Lodge.
An unparalleled event
occurred in the Tennessee Grand Lodge during the trying period just preceding
the war between the States. Early in 1861, when the thunder clouds of civil
strife were hovering darkly over the country, the Grand Master of that Grand
Body, James McCallum, was importuned to call the Grand Lodge into Special
Communication to undertake to avert the impending calamity. Realising the
futility of this action, he wisely declined, but on May i of that direful year
the leaders of the Craft assembled at Nashville to confer about the situation.
This Conference resulted in the issuance of a " peace circular " which
contained a fervent plea for the amicable adjustment of differences, and urged
that, if war might not be averted, the Craftsmen of each side should
constantly be alert in displaying the Spirit of Brotherhood to their
opponents. The circular was signed by James McCallum, Grand Master; John
Fletcher Slover, Deputy Grand Master; Lucius Junius Polk, Grand Commander of
the Knights Templar. It was also signed by Thomas McCulloch, Past Grand
Master; Archelaus Madison Hughes, Past Grand Master; Charles Arnold Fuller,
Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary; John Snyder Dashiell, Past Grand
Master; and John McClelland, Master of Cumberland Lodge, No. 8. A copy of this
circular was sent to every Grand Lodge in the United States.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 239 Only within recent years has a copy of it been found in the
archives of the Grand Lodge of New York. The printed Proceedings of the Grand
Lodge of Tennessee for the year 1861 also carry a complete copy of the " Peace
Circular." Pursuant to a resolution presented at the Annual Communication held
on February I, Igi2, a special Committee was selected to consider and report a
plan for an appropriate observance of the hundredth anniversary of the forma
tion of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. The Grand Lodge had been brought into
existence at Knoxville on December 27, 1813. As was most proper, on January
30, 1913, at the Annual Communication, the Committee recommended that the
centennial ceremonial be held at Knoxville on December 27, 1913, and that a
Committee of seven members be appointed to prepare a suitable programme and to
make all necessary arrangements for the celebration. Under the supervision of
Past Grand Master Ingersoll, acting as Chairman, and with the co‑operation of
Bro. VanDeventer, acting as Secretary, the Committee arranged a splendid
programme which was ably executed in the presence of a large and appreciative
audience. Thus was completed the first century of the existence of the
Sovereign Grand Lodge of Tennessee.
ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED
RITE OF FREEMASONRY SOUTHERN JURISDICTION It seems almost certain that the
earliest resident of Tennessee to receive the Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry
was James Penn, a native of Virginia. Born in that State on September 22,
1796, at the age of twenty‑one Bro. Penn was Initiated, passed, and Raised in
Marshall Lodge, No. 39, of Lynchburg. Then, in I8i9, he was Exalted in
Richmond Chapter, No. 3. Later he became High Priest of Eureka Chapter, No. I,
of Lynchburg. On May 2, 182o, he was elected Grand High Priest. In January of
that year he had also received the Cryptic Degrees from Companion James
Cushman, who is thought to have Communicated to him the Ineffable Degrees,
including the Thirty‑second Degree, at some time prior to November 1824. Under
date of August 6, 1826, a Diploma was issued to him by the Supreme Council at
Charlestown. Bro. Penn was also Master of Washington Council, No. 6. On
February 16, i82o, he was authorised as a Royal and Select Master at
Lynchburg.
During twenty years'
residence in Alabama, from 1825 to 1845, Bro. Penn served as Grand Master,
Grand High Priest, and Grand Master of the Grand Council. Then, upon coming to
Memphis in 1845, he immediately became active in Masonic Work there also, and
in 1853 he was chosen to be Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons.
In the spring of 1859 he received the Thirty‑third Degree at the hands of
Grand Commander Albert Pike. Two years later he was chosen Lieutenant Grand
Commander of the Supreme Council, an Office he was compelled to resign in 1866
on account of his impaired health. He was then made an Emeritus Member of the
Supreme Council. On April 16, 240 FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE 1866, John Jennings
Worsham succeeded Bro. Penn as Inspector‑General for Tennessee.
At the Session of the
Supreme Council held on May 8, 1868, Grand Commander Albert Pike reported that
since the last Session several Bodies of the Rite had been established at
Memphis. The first of these was Memphis‑Hermes Lodge of Perfection, No. i.
This Lodge was established in 1866, and Henry P. Woodward Thirty‑second Degree
was its Venerable Master. It was followed by Mithras Lodge of Perfection, No.
2, with George Mellersh Thirty‑second Degree as Venerable Master; Cassiphia
Council, Prince of Jerusalem, No. 1, Benjamin K. Pullen Thirty‑second Degree;
Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, No. i, with Charles W. Adams Thirty‑second
Degree Most Wise Master; Philippe de Plessis Council of Kadosh, No. 1, with
Henry P. Woodward Thirty‑second Degree as Commander; Consistory of West
Tennessee, with John Ainslie Thirtysecond Degree as Commander‑in‑Chief. The
two Lodges of Perfection were consolidated in 1870. At that time the
membership of these Bodies was reported to be as follows: Mithras Lodge of
Perfection, No. 2, twenty‑one members; Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 1,
thirty‑nine members. Philippe de Plessis Council of Kadosh, No. 1,
twenty‑three members, and Consistory of West Tennessee, twenty‑three members.
In 1872 Mithras Lodge of Perfection, No. 2 was reported to be defunct. John
Chester Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, at Jackson, which was established by Bro.
Frankland and of which Bro. Benjamin Rufus Harris Thirty‑second Degree was
Venerable Master, was Chartered on January 15, 1879.
Pitkin Cowles Wright
Thirty‑third Degree, Deputy for West Tennessee, reported the following
activities at Nashville: On October 9, 1881, Degrees from the Fourth to the
Fourteenth, inclusive, were Communicated to a class of nine, including James
Daniel Richardson, Past Grand Master, afterwards Grand Commander of the
Supreme Council, and Charles Hazen Eastman, afterwards Grand Commander of the
Knights Templar and Deputy Inspector‑General. The Fifteenth to the Eighteenth
Degrees, inclusive, were also Communicated to James D. Richardson and William
Stockell. Grand Commander Albert Pike assisted in the latter portion of the
Work. On the next day Degrees from the Nineteenth to the Thirtieth, inclusive,
were Communicated to James D. Richardson and William Stokell. Then, on October
11, 1881, Emulation Lodge of Perfection, No. 3 was formed and duly
Constituted. There were sixteen Charter Members, including John Frizzell
Thirty‑third Degree. Bro. Charles H. Eastman was chosen Venerable Master. Then
on the night of October 27 of that year the Thirty‑first and the Thirty‑second
Degrees were Communicated to William Stockell and to James Daniel Richardson.
On October 29, 1881, Sinai Lodge of Perfection, No. 4, at Murfreesboro, was
Constituted with William David Robison Fourteenth Degree acting as Venerable
Master.
At the Session of the
Supreme Council held in October 1884, James Daniel Richardson Thirty‑second
Degree, Benjamin Rufus Harris Thirty‑second Degree, Benjamin Franklin Haller
Thirty‑second Degree, afterwards Grand Mas‑ FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE 241 ter,
and Henry Martyn Aiken Thirty‑second Degree, Past Grand Master, were elected
Knights Commander of the Court of Honour. At the same Session they were
elected to be Honorary Inspectors‑General. On October 23, James Daniel
Richardson and George Fleming Moore, of Alabama, were nominated for active
members of the Supreme Council.
Mizpah Lodge of
Perfection, No. S, which was formed at Memphis in 1882, received a permanent
Charter on October 19, 1892. Mithras Lodge of Perfection, No. 6, of
Chattanooga, was formed on May 14, 18go, by virtue of a Dispensation issued by
George Cooper Connor Thirty‑second Degree, a Past Grand Master and Past Grand
Commander of the Knights Templar who was also a Deputy Inspector‑General. At
the time of its formation, the Lodge had a membership of sixteen, twelve of
whom were Masters of the Royal Secret. John Bailey Nicklin Thirty‑second
Degree, a Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar, was chosen Venerable
Master. Some years later the Lodge became inactive. Then, on January 22, 19oi,
a second Dispensation was issued by Archibald Nevins Sloan Thirty‑second
Degree, a Past Grand Master, Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar, at
that time Deputy InspectorGeneral. This second Dispensation called for the
revival of the Lodge, and a permanent Charter was later granted to it on
October 2‑4, 1 go I.
Since Mizpah Lodge of
Perfection, No. 5, of Memphis, had become inactive, John Chester Lodge of
Perfection, No. I was some years ago removed thither from Jackson. Philippe du
Plessis Council of Kadosh, No. I, of Mem phis, having become inactive, Cyprus
Council of Kadosh, No. I was Chartered in lieu of it on August 14, 1893.
Tennessee Consistory, No. I was also Chartered on October 14, 1894, to succeed
the former Body. To‑day those four Bodies in the Bluff City, together with the
four Bodies at Nashville, not only remain active but are also strong in
membership. All other Bodies Chartered in Tennessee have ceased to function.
Consistory No. I has an enrollment of 31 Thirty‑third Degree members and 397o
Thirty‑second Degree members. Consistory No. 2 enrolls 34 Thirty‑third Degree
members, 3749 Thirty‑second Degree members. Among the members of the latter
Body is Garnett Noel Morgan, who is an Active Inspector‑General and also
Treasurer‑General of the Supreme Council.
ORDER OF HIGH
PRIESTHOOD The earliest available Record of the conferring of the Order of
High Priesthood in Tennessee dates back to the Annual Convocation of the Grand
Chapter which was held in October 1829. At that time the Order was conferred
on four prominent Companions between Sessions. Those were: Wilkins Tannehill,
Past Deputy Grand High Priest, who was advanced to the Grand East at that
time; Moses Stevens, retiring Grand High Priest; Dyer Pearl, Past Grand
Scribe, who afterwards served as Grand High Priest; and George Washington
Churchwell, Grand Scribe. It seems that during the next three decades the
Order was conferred at intervals in a similar manner.
241 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE At the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter which met in October
186o, a Convention was assembled and fourteen eligible Companions were duly
Anointed and Consecrated.
The Grand Council of
the Order of Anointed High Priests for Tennessee was then formed and the
following Officers were elected; Grand President, Robert S. Moore; Grand
Vice‑President, John S. Morrill; Grand Chaplain, Jonathan Huntington; Grand
Treasurer, John Frizzell; and Grand Recorder, John McClelland.
Excepting only the
years of 1861, 1863, and 1864, during the troublous period of warfare, the
Consecrated leaders of the Royal Craft have regularly held their Annual
Conventions, Anointed those who have been chosen to the exalted Station of
High Priesthood in Royal Arch Masonry, and thus incited one another to higher
and nobler standards of service in the construction of the Mystic Temple. .
During the passing
years sixty‑one Grand Presidents have presided over the deliberations of the
Grand Council. Of those, thirteen have been Grand Masters of Masons, while
twenty‑three have been Grand High Priests.
Of the sixty‑one
Grand Presidents, some of whom have for many years been regular attendants at
the annual gatherings, sixteen survive to‑day. Fifteen hundred ninety‑five
persons have been Anointed to the sacred Office of High Priest.
MASONIC VETERANS
ASSOCIATION In answer to an invitation issued on January 2‑3, 1894, by Bro.
George Cooper Connor, Past Grand Master, fifty representative Masons of the
Volunteer State, including the Grand Master, Bro. Bernard Francis Price, and
eight Past Grand Masters, assembled at the Masonic Temple in Nashville on
Monday evening, January 29, 1894, and proceeded to organise the Masonic
Veterans' Association of Tennessee. Bro. Connor presided over the
deliberations of this meeting, at which the following Officers were elected
for the ensuing year: John Frizzell, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary,
President; Andrew Jackson Weldon, Past Master of Lodge No. 115,
Vice‑President; George Cooper Connor, Past Grand Master, Secretary, and
William H. Morrow, Treasurer.
The chief aim of the
association is to strengthen the tie of Brotherhood among those who have
rendered not fewer than twenty‑one years of loyal service to the Craft; to
bring together those devoted supporters of the Craft, annually at the time of
the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge; to renew the pledges and
friendship of the passing years around the festal board; and to render
fraternal homage to those who during the past year have passed within the
Inner Veil of our Mystic Temple. Some veterans of the Craft were even then
finding themselves unable to attend annual meetings of the association, and
when the Roll was called in 1895 the President and Secretary, among others,
had already passed across the Mystic Border.
Annually, on
Wednesday night of the Grand Lodge's Session, survivors FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 2‑43 of the original membership of the association, together with
others who have joined them from time to time, assemble and together spend a
joyous social hour recalling pleasant memories of the past and voicing tender
recollections of those who will gather with them no more in this life. Of the
fifty Masons who originally formed the association, the writer recalls only
one, Bro. Charles Hazen Eastman, Past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar.
PERSONAL Foremost in
the annals of time and in exalted accomplishment, an invincible leader of men,
John Sevier, Tennessee's first governor, will always hold a high place among
those dauntless empire builders who crossed the Alle ghanies and, amidst the
alluring valleys which grace the western slopes, laid deep and strong the
foundations of America's sixteenth Commonwealth. Born in the historic Valley
of the Shenandoah, on September 2‑3, 1745, partly of Huguenot extraction and
descended from that notable family of Xaviers who were intimately allied with
the monarchs of France during the sixteenth century, possessed of an exalted
ruggedness of character, John Sevier yielded to the urge for adventure.
Crossing the mountain barrier some years prior to the War for Independence, he
established his home in the beautiful Valley of the Watauga and Nolachucky
Rivers. From the outset he was a recognised leader among those resolute men
who formed the advance guard of pioneer settlement in its march from the Great
Smoky Mountains westward towards the sunset goal of progress. In the annals of
Indian warfare and the Battle of King's Mountain, John Sevier's record is
inscribed in fadeless crimson on the white escutcheon of America's fame.
Bro. Sevier was chief
executive of the historic State of Franklin, and was later unanimously chosen
first governor of the Volunteer State. He was a member of North Carolina's
earliest Constitutional Convention, and of the First Federal Congress of 1790.
In 1811 he was returned to the Congress of the United States. John Sevier's
record as warrior, as statesman, and as an empire builder remains unsurpassed
more than a century after his death.
We know not where or
when Bro. Sevier was made a Mason, but we do know that while he was governor
of the State he served as the first Master of Tennessee Lodge, No. 2‑, at
Knoxville, which was formed in 18oo under North Carolina authority. John
Sevier died on September 2‑q., 1815.
Twenty governors of
Tennessee have been members of our Ancient Craft, while twenty‑two Masonic
statesmen have represented the Commonwealth in the United States Senate. Among
the State's members of Congress have been many who wore the lambskin. Other
Tennessee Masons served as members of the Confederacy's Congress during the
early 186o's. Others of the Craft have been prominent in the United States
diplomatic service and in the courts of the State and of the Republic. Of
these we can mention only a few of the more outstanding.
With records similar
to that of John Sevier, other distinguished Tennessee 244 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE Masons who have served the public were the three who occupied the
White House. First of these was Andrew ,Jackson. Born in Union County, North
Carolina, on March 15, 1767, he began his long career of public service before
he was fifteen years old, by riding as a guide with the Illustrious Davie
during the South Carolina campaign of the War for Independence. Later he
served as attorney for the Mero District and for the territory south of the
Ohio, then as Tennessee's first congressman, as United States senator, and as
a judge of the Superior Court. All this preceded his service as a soldier
during the Indian Wars. But Jackson is better known for his brilliant victory
at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, when he defeated
Britain's superb army which numbered among its troops some of Wellington's
seasoned veterans. This defeat finally terminated British aggression against
America. After that, Jackson served during the Florida campaign, and even
became territorial governor of that region. This was followed by another term
in the Senate and the crowning experience of eight strenuous years in the
White House. These are facts of American history so well known that no further
details are required here.
Next to George
Washington, Andrew Jackson was surely the greatest American Mason. Where and
at what time he was Initiated among the Sons of Light will always remain a
mystery owing to the destruction of old Lodge Records. We do know, however,
that from 18oo to 18o8 he was a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 1, at Nashville.
Returning from service in Florida, he attended the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in
October 1822, and was there elected to membership in that Sovereign Body as a
Past Master. On the following day he was made Grand Master of Masons, a
position in which he served efficiently for a period of two years. As a Royal
Arch Mason, he served prominently in the formation of the Grand Chapter of
Tennessee, on April 3 and 4, 1826. The last Record of Jackson's Masonic
association was made in December 1839, when he assisted in the Installation of
the Officers of Cumberland Chapter, No. i at Nashville. One of the most
brilliant events of his Masonic career occurred on May 4, 1825, on which
occasion he introduced to the Grand Lodge of Tennessee that Illustrious
Craftsman, General the Marquis de Lafayette. Andrew Jackson died at the "
Hermitage," his home near Nashville, on June 8, 1845.
Tennessee's second
Masonic President was James Knox Polk, born in Mecklenburg County, North
Carolina, on November 2, 1795. He was brought to Tennessee when his family
came here in 1806. Bro. Polk was the only one of the three North
Carolina‑Tennessee Presidents to have a classical education. He was graduated
from the University of North Carolina in 1818. As attorney, as statesman, and
as Chief Executive of the United States, he made a distinctive record, one
fully in keeping with his years of preparation. After serving as clerk and as
representative in the General Assembly of Tennessee, he entered the National
Congress in 1825. There he remained until 1839. From 1835 on he occupied the
Speaker's Chair. Then, on October 14, 1839, he became governor of Tennessee,
and served a term of two years. In 1844 he was elected to FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 245 the Presidency. In that highest political office he rendered
efficient service during the period of the Mexican War.
Bro. Polk came from a
long line of intensely patriotic men, his grandfather, Ezekiel Polk, having
commanded a company in the Revolutionary Army, while his great uncle, Thomas
Polk, was the chief instigator of the so‑called Mecklenburg Declaration of
Independence, made in 1775. He was also a second cousin of Bishop General
Leonidas Polk, of the Confederate Army, whose brother, Lucius Junius Polk,
served as the second Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Tennessee. Bro.
James Knox Polk was Initiated, passed, and Raised in Columbia Lodge, No. 31,
of Tennessee, probably in i82‑o. On April 22, 1825, he was made a Royal Arch
Mason in Lafayette Chapter, No. q., at Columbia. He died at Nashville on June
15, 1849 The third Tennesseean to become President of the United States was
Andrew Johnson. He was born at Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 22, 1 808
and died in Carter County, Tennessee, on July 31, 1875. He was buried at
Greene ville, where he had resided for nearly fifty years. Above his grave,
which is located on a beautiful hill, an imposing shaft was later erected by a
grateful Republic. Andrew Johnson's best known monument, however, is the
tailor shop in Greeneville, where he plied his humble calling while being
tutored in the rudiments of learning by his faithful and loving wife. During
recent years Johnson's wonderful record of service to the common people of
America has been fully vindicated in judge Winston's Patriot and Plebeian, in
George Fort Milton's The Age of Hate, and in the work entitled Andrew Johnson:
A Study in Courage.
Bro. Johnson was
Initiated into Greeneville Lodge, No. 119, on May 5, 1851. There, too, he
later received the Second and Third Degrees of Symbolic Masonry. He was
acknowledged as a Royal Arch Mason and as a Knight Tem plar, but where and
when he received the Capitular and Chivalric Degrees we cannot tell, diligent
research having failed to disclose either the time or the place. In May 1876,
when the Grand Commander of Tennessee was commenting on Bro. Johnson's Masonic
burial, he stated that the distinguished decedent had not been affiliated with
any Tennessee Commandery. It was further said that he had received the Degrees
of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite as an Honorarium, and that the Degrees
had been bestowed at the White House in Washington on June 2o, 1867, by
Communication from Officials of the Supreme Council. Aptly enough Andrew
Johnson has been called the " Great Commoner of America." Archibald Roane,
Tennessee's second governor, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in
1755. He was justice of the Superior Court from 1796 to 18oi, and of the
Supreme Court from 1815 to 1818. He was said to be one of the most cultivated
and gentlemanly officials of his day. An ideal statesman and jurist, he left
to posterity an honoured record of good will to men. As early as 18o5 Bro.
Roane was a member of Tennesse Lodge, No. 2.
Another famous
Tennessee Mason was George Washington Campbell. Born 248 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE his honourable discharge, he was, however, again promoted, this time
to the rank of first lieutenant. In 1817 Houston served as a special Cherokee
agent, commissioned to readjust the Indian Treaty of 1816. This he
accomplished by persuading his foster father, Oo‑leo‑te‑ka, to locate west of
the Mississippi River. Following these experiences, Houston read law under
judge James Trimble, of Nashville, another Craftsman, and within six months'
time passed the required examination and entered upon the practise of his
profession at Lebanon, Tennessee. Within the next twelve months he was elected
attorney‑general, but he resigned a year later. He was next created a
major‑general of militia, and in 182.2 he was unanimously elected congressman
for the Seventh Tennessee district, an office he filled until March 3, 1827.
Then on October 1, 1827, he became governor of Tennessee. But domestic
infelicity caused him to resign from that high position on April 16, 1829. The
next three years or more were spent with the Cherokees in the Indian
Territory. In 183o he served as Indian ambassador at Washington. Then, on
December 2., 1832, he crossed the Red River into Texas, where a brilliant
career awaited him.
Samuel Houston was a
member of the San Felipe Convention, which met on April 1, 1833, and provided
for the separation of Texas from Mexico. He served as president of Nacogdoches
in 1833, and was made commander‑in‑chief of its army in 1835. The Texas
Declaration of Independence was adopted on March 2, 1836, and two days later
Sam Houston was made commander‑in‑chief of the new republic's forces. On March
6 came the tidings of the Alamo massacre, and on April 21, 1836, the Battle of
San Jacinto was gloriously won. During that highly important combat General
Houston had two horses shot from under him, and his right leg was shattered.
On September 5, 1836, he was elected first President of the Republic of Texas,
an office he held for two years. Then he served as a member of the Texas
Congress between the years 1838 and 1840. The next year he was again chosen
President of the Republic of Texas, he had helped to free, this time serving
for a term of four years. From March 2.o, 1846, to March 3, 1859, Houston
served as United States senator from Texas. That same year he was chosen
governor of the Lone Star State, but because of approaching hostilities in
which he preferred to remain neutral, he resigned on March 18, 1861, and
retired to his plantation at Huntsville, Texas. There he passed away on July
26, 1863.
Bro. Houston was made
a Mason in Cumberland Lodge, No. 8, on April i9, 1817, and was Raised to the
Master Mason Degree on July 22, 1817. The Record shows that his withdrawal
took place on January 2‑o, 183 1. After Masonry was introduced into Texas in
1835, he became affiliated with Holland Lodge, No. 36 (now Lodge No. 1), at
Houston, and on December 2‑o, 1837, he presided over the Convention which
formed the Grand Lodge of Texas.
One of the most
distinguished statesmen of the South was John Bell, of Tennessee. Born near
Nashville on February 15, 1797, he was admitted to the bar in 1816. Early in
his career he entered public life as state senator from Williamson County, and
served during the years 1817 and 1818. Then, in 1826, FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE
249 he defeated Felix Grundy for Congress. He served as congressman from March
4, 1827 to March 3, 1841, at which time he was appointed to be Secretary of
War. From that office he resigned in the following September. From 1846 to
1859 he served as a United States senator. Then, in 186o, he opposed John C.
Breckinridge, Stephen A. Douglas, and Abraham Lincoln as candidate for
nomination to the Presidency.
Bro. Bell was
probably made a Mason in Hiram Lodge, No. 7, at Franklin, Tennessee, where he
began the practise of law. The Record of Nashville Lodge, No. 37, shows his
affiliation with that Body on November 2, 1834. The follow ing December he was
elected junior Warden of the Lodge. It is thought that he was its
Representative at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in October 1825,
but beyond that we have no further record of his Masonic alliance. Bro. Bell
passed away at Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, on September io, 1869.
Isham Green Harris,
Tennessee's Confederate governor during the war between the States, was one of
the striking characters of the nineteenth century. He was born in Franklin
County, Tennessee, now known as Coffee County, on February io, 1818, and was
educated at Winchester Academy. Later he removed with his family to Henry
County, Tennessee, where he studied law and began to practise in 1841. He was
a member of the State Senate in 1847, and a Democratic elector both in 1848
and in 1856. Then, on March 4, 1849 he was elected to Congress. Later he
removed to Memphis and while living there was elected governor in 1857, in
1859, and 1861. In 1862, when Nashville became untenable for the General
Assembly, it was adjourned to Memphis where it later became inoperative. The
governor then entered the Confederate army, in which he served as a volunteer
aide on the staff of General Albert Sidney Johnston. After General Johnston
was killed in battle, Governor Harris was then attached to the headquarters of
the Army of the West until 1865. Then he resumed his law practice at Memphis.
Later he became United States senator and served from March 4, 1877 to July 8,
1897. From March 22, 1893 to March 3, 1895, he served as president pro tempore
of the Senate.
Bro. Harris was a
member of Paris Lodge, No. io8, but the Record of his Initiation, passing, and
Raising is not available. We do know, though, that he attended the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge on October 6, 1851, as a proxy, and that he
was chosen Grand Orator on October 9. When pressing business matters kept him
from serving at the next Annual Communication, Bro. James Hervey Otey, the
first Episcopal bishop of Tennessee, was selected to take his place. Bro.
Harris died in Washington, District of Columbia, on July 8, 1897.
William Brimage Bate,
distinguished warrior and statesman, is of peculiar importance to this record.
His father, James Henry Bate, was a son of Humphrey Bate, whose grandfather,
Humphrey Bate, emigrated from England early in the eighteenth century. His
grandfather married Elizabeth Brimage, daughter of judge William Brimage, of
the North Carolina colonial courts. William Brimage Bate was born in Sumner
County, Tennessee, on October 7, 1826. Upon 250 FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE
completing an academic course, just before the outbreak of the Mexican War, he
enlisted in a Louisiana regiment at New Orleans and later was attached to the
Third Tennessee Regiment, of which he was commissioned first lieutenant. For a
short time after the war he published a journal known as the Tenth Legion. In
1849 he was elected to the General Assembly, and in 1852 he graduated from the
law department of Cumberland University. Two years later he was elected
attorney‑general of the Nashville district. He was also a Democratic
presidential elector in i86o. The following May he enlisted as a private in
the Second Tennessee (Confederate) Infantry and was chosen captain of that
company. Later he was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment. He became a
brigadiergeneral in 1862, and a major‑general in 1864. He surrendered the Army
of Tennessee in 1865. After the close of the war he engaged in law practice at
Gallatin, became a delegate to the national Democratic Convention in 1868, was
Democratic presidential elector in 1876, and was elected governor in 1882. In
that office he served until 1887, when he was chosen United States senator.
From then until 1905 he continued to hold his senatorial office. His entire
public service was of an uplifting, upbuilding nature.
William Brimage
Bate's great‑grandfather, judge William Brimage, for whom he was named, served
as Grand Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of America under Joseph
Montfort from 1771 to 1776. Humphrey Bate, grand father of the subject of this
sketch, was a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 27, at Cairo, Tennessee, and
became Charter Master of its successor, King Hiram Lodge, No. 76. He was also
Charter Master of Union Lodge, No. 113, at Hartsville, in 1845.
William Brimage Bate
was Initiated into King Solomon Lodge, No. 94, at Gallatin, on January 1o,
1858, passed on the following February 16, and Raised on February 22, next.
His membership continued in that Lodge until his death, which occurred at
Washington, District of Columbia, on March 9, 19o5.
ROYAL ARCH Just
where, when, and how Royal Arch Masonry and its preparatory Degrees made their
advent into Tennessee, we do not know. By referring to the earliest Record of
Royal Arch Work done in America, that done at Fredericks burg, Virginia, on
December 22, 1753, and to other old Lodge Records, especially those of 1782,
in Blandford Bute Lodge, at Warrenton, North Carolina, and to the Grand Lodge
Record of our Commonwealth, under whose auspices Chapter Degrees were
conferred prior to 1790, we feel fairly sure that the pioneer Craftsmen of
Tennessee were given the advanced Degrees under sanction of a Symbolic Warrant
or Charter, whenever they desired to receive them. This belief is strengthened
by the fact that, on October 9, 1816, a resolution was adopted by the Grand
Lodge of Tennessee, authorising the formation of a Royal Arch Chapter at
Nashville, and asserting that the governing authority covering all advanced
Degrees of Freemasonry rested in that Sovereign Body.
On March 2, 1818,
Most Excellent DeWitt Clinton, General Grand High FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE 251
Priest, issued a Dispensation for the formation of Cumberland Chapter, No. i,
at Nashville, Tennessee. This Dispensation was addressed to Companion Oliver
Bliss Hayes, a Past Grand Master, as High Priest, to James Trimble, as King,
and to David Irwin, as Scribe.
Cumberland Chapter,
No. 1, led a precarious existence for five years before becoming permanently
established. In i819 the Dispensation for the Chapter, together with the
report of its progress, were lost in transit to New York, and then, in 1822.,
its second Dispensation was misplaced at Nashville. A third Dispensation,
issued early in 1823, and a Charter issued under authority of the General
Grand Chapter on November 25, 1823, were, therefore necessary to its
perpetuity. During this period of uncertainty the Chapter had conferred
Degrees on twenty‑one applicants, eighteen of whom were members of Cumberland
Lodge, No. 8, one of whom came from King Solomon Lodge, No. 6, at Gallatin,
and two of whom were from Hiram Lodge, No. 7, at Franklin.
Three other Chapters
established in Tennessee under the auspices of the General Grand Chapter were
also formed within the next short while. They were: Chapter No. 2, of
Franklin, established on March 28, 1824; Chapter No. 3, of Clarksville, formed
on November 1 i of the same year; and Chapter No. 4, of Columbia, which was
established on January 5, 1825. Only a small percentage of the original
members of those Chapters had been Exalted in Cumberland Chapter, No. 1. All
four of these Chapters united, under authority of the General Grand Chapter,
in the formation of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee, on April 3 and 4, 1826. At
that time the following Officers were chosen to oversee the government of the
new organisation: Companion William Gibbs Hunt, of Nashville, formerly Grand
High Priest of Kentucky, as Grand High Priest; Wilkins Tannehill, a veteran
Grand Master, as Deputy Grand High Priest; Edward H. Steele, of Clarksville,
as Grand King; Dyer Pearl, of Franklin, as Grand Scribe; Moses Stevens, of
Nashville, as Grand Treasurer; Charles Cooper, of Nashville, as Grand
Secretary; the Rev. Hardy Murfree Cryer, of Chapter No. i, as Grand Chaplain;
and Hiliary Langtry, of Columbia, as Grand Marshal. The 4 original pioneer
Chapters are still at work, and according to their last Annual Report, they
had an aggregate membership of 693, even after having been repeatedly reduced
by the formation of other Chapters.
The first Chapter
formed under authority of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee was Washington
Chapter, No. 5, of Jackson, established in October 1827. This was followed by
Chapter No. 6, of Knoxville, founded in October 1828 and Chapter No. 7, of
Pulaski, founded in October 1829. It was at the Annual Convocation of 1829
that the first recorded conferring of the Order of High Priesthood occurred.
This was performed on Companion Moses Stevens, retiring Grand High Priest;
Companion Wilkins Tannehill, at that time elected Grand High Priest; Companion
George Washington Churchill, Deputy Grand High Priest; and Companion Dyer
Pearl, first Grand Scribe. At that Convocation, Companion James Hervey Otey,
who established the Episcopal Church in Tennessee and became its first bishop
there, was chosen Grand Chaplain.
252 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE The Work of Capitular Masonry progressed steadily in the Volunteer
State, and the Order had a commendable increase in membership during its first
quarter century. At that time the youngest Chapter was enrolled as Chapter No.
33 Although a few of the older Chapters had broken up, they had been succeeded
by other Chapters that kept the Altar fires aglow. The Chapters that passed
out of existence were No. 5, of Jackson; No. 6, of Knoxville; No. 7, of
Pulaski; No. 8, of Fayetteville; and No. 13, of Memphis. One Chapter, No. io,
had been formed at Tuscumbia, Alabama, about 1836, while the Grand Chapter of
that jurisdiction was inactive. At the revival of the Grand Chapter in 1838,
however, the Chapter at Tuscumbia became Chapter No. Io, of Alabama. To‑day it
is still active and vigorous. One other Chapter, No. 12, has become wholly
lost to the Tennessee Record, its location and the date of its formation being
now unknown. Further, there is no Record of membership available for that
period.
The Grand Chapter has
regularly held all its Annual Convocations excepting only those 3 which should
have met during the war period between the years 1861 and 1865, at which time
military conditions rendered its meeting impracticable. In 1880 the date of
the annual meeting was changed from November to January, and no Convocation
occurred in 1881. During the passing years the Grand Chapter and its
subordinates have proved to be valuable adjuncts to the activities of the
Symbolic Bodies, splendid allies in educational and philanthropic work,
especially in connection with the maintenance of the Masonic Widows' and
Orphans' Home of Tennessee. In addition to the 4 original Chapters, Charters
have also been issued for 2.03 other Chapters. At the last Report, go
Chapters, having an aggregate membership of Io,o2o, were actively at Work.
Eighty‑seven Grand
High Priests have presided over the activities of the Grand Chapter. Of these,
25 have also served as Grand Masters, while Zo have been chosen to preside
over the Grand Council of the Cryptic Rite, and 8 have been appointed Grand
Commanders of the Knights Templar. One, John Frizzell, served as General Grand
High Priest from 1877 to 1880, and another, Bradford Nichol, presided over the
General Grand Council from 1897 to 1900.
CRYPTIC RITE
Historians of the past have differed regarding the origin of that beautiful
Rite of Freemasonry known as the Cryptic Rite. Although we cannot be sure of
its origin, we may be sure that Companion Albert Gallatin Mackey was sub
stantially correct in his report to the Grand Chapter of South Carolina which
said it was introduced into the South through the Supreme Council of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction. This is
emphasized by the Record of Nashville Council, No. I, of Tennessee.
The Record discloses
that in Tennessee, on July 27, 1827, Companion John Barker, an agent of the
Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite at Charleston, having
doubtless Communicated the Ritualistic Work to a certain FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 2‑53 number of Royal Arch Masons at Nashville, issued a Charter
authorising a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters.
So far as we have
Record, this was the beginning of Cryptic Masonry in Tennessee. Since that
date this Council has been continuously at Work. The earliest account of
Petitions for advancement is dated November 13, 182‑7.
Three additional
Councils were established in Tennessee under the same authority, but the
Record is vague regarding the date of their founding. Companion Charles Henry
Smart, late Grand Recorder, after making a thorough investigation, believed,
however, that all three were established during the same year, and immediately
subsequent to the formation of Council No. i. The three later Councils were
Concordia Council, No. 2‑, of Columbia; Franklin Council, No. 3; and
Clarksville Council, No. 4. Liberty Council, No. 5, of LaGrange, Tennessee,
was formed under authority of the Grand Council of Alabama, which had been
Instituted on December 12, 1839. The Petition for Dispensation to form the new
Council was recommended by Holly Springs Council, No. 5, of Mississippi, on
December 31, 1846, and was presented to the Most Illustrious Grand Master of
Alabama, by whom the desired authority was issued soon afterwards. A Charter
for that Council was evidently granted at the next Annual Assembly of the
Grand Council, held on December 9, 1847 On October 13,'1847, Companions
assembled in the old Masonic Temple at Nashville representing Nashville
Council, No. 1, Concordia Council, No. 2, Franklin Council, No. 3, Clarksville
Council, No. 4, Liberty Council, No. 5. A Constitution was then prepared and
formally adopted, and following Officers were elected and Installed: Dyer
Pearl, of Nashville, Thrice Illustrious General Grand Master; Henry F.
Beaumont, of Clarksville, Illustrious Deputy General Grand Master; William R.
Hodge, of Columbia, General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work; Joseph F.
Gibson, of Nashville, General Grand Treasurer; Charles Arnold Fuller, of
Nashville, General Grand Recorder; Rev. M. L. Andrews, of Franklin, General
Grand Chaplain; J. S. Williams, of Memphis, General Grand Captain of the
Guard; James M. Comegys, of LaGrange, General Grand Sentinel; Michael
Ellsworth De Grove, General Grand Tyler.
The first new Council
to be Chartered was that known as Yancey Council, No. 6, of Memphis,
afterwards designated as Eureka Council. A Dispensation for this Council was
issued on October 8, 1848, and the Council was Chartered on October 1o, 1853.
The Annual Assemblies
of the Grand Council have been held with regularity except during the war
period of the 186o's when no meetings were held, in 1862‑, 1863, or 1864, due
to military conditions.
In addition to the 5
pioneer Councils that united to form the Grand Council, 96 other Councils have
been Chartered. Of the 1oi subordinate Councils, i9 are now actively at Work.
One Subordinate Council was also formed outside Ten nessee. In 1857, upon the
application of a constitutional number of Companions, one of whom, Companion
Townsend Alexander Thomas, formerly of Clarksville, was a Tennessee Mason, a
Dispensation was issued for Sacramento Council, 154 FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE
No. Zo, to be located at Sacramento, California. In 1859 this Council
participated in the formation of the Grand Council of that distant
jurisdiction. It is now known as Sacramento Council, No. 2, of California.
Slowly but regularly
the Work of the Cryptic Rite progressed in Tennessee from 1847 to 1861, when
Yorkville Council, No. 28, was Chartered. Then, at the next Annual Assembly
held in 1865, one additional Council was added. By 1870 there were 57 active
Councils having an aggregate membership of 1921. As in the case of the Grand
Lodge and other Masonic Bodies, after this postwar peak a reaction set in and
lasted for a number of years. In fact, in 1892 there were only 15 Councils
enrolled, and the reported membership was only 468. Since then, however, there
has been a general upward tendency. At the annual report there were 2.i
Councils on the Roster, having a total membership of 2405.
During the
eighty‑eight years since the formation of the Grand Council, eighty‑three
Grand Masters have presided over it. Of those, fourteen have also administered
the affairs of the Grand Lodge, while twenty‑one have been Grand High Priests
of Tennessee. One of them, James Penn, presided over the Grand Chapter of
Virginia and over the Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter, and the Grand Council of
Alabama. Eight Most Illustrious Grand Masters were also chosen to preside over
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. Of these, John Frizzell served as
General Grand High Priest, and Bradford Nichol as General Grand Master, from
1897 to 1900. James Penn, active leader in three jurisdictions, also filled
the Station of Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern jurisdiction, during the early
186o's. Of the original Councils, only Nashville Council, No. I, remains
active to‑day, and it does that after more than a century of service.
THE TEMPLAR RITE The
Record is not clear regarding the time or the manner of introducing the Orders
of Christian Knighthood into Tennessee. Nevertheless, a membership Record of
Nashville Commandery, No. I, compiled by Sir Joseph Swine ford Carels,
Recorder, some time prior to 1890, states that Sir Wilkins Tannehill, its
first Eminent Commander, was Knighted about 1826; that Sir Benjamin Clements
was Knighted in 1827; and that Sir Joseph Norvell, Sir Dyer Pearl, and Sir
Jesse Brazeale Clements were Knighted about 1828. From the same source we
learn that Sir Robert Boyte Crawford Howell received the Orders at Portsmouth,
Virginia, sometime about the year 1828. Sir Moses Montgomery Hen kle was
Knighted at Lancaster, Ohio, where he received the Red Cross in 1838 and the
Order of the Temple in 1843, while Sir John Thomas Wheat was created a Knight
Templar at Wheeling, Virginia, in 1845. In St. John's Encampment, No. 4, of
Philadelphia, Sir Thomas McCulloch, Sir John P. Campbell, Sir William R.
Hodge, and Sir William Maxwell received the Accolade on February 2, 1850, and
twenty‑eight days later Orders were also conferred by that Encampment on
another leading Tennessee Mason, Jonathan Smith Dawson.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 255 On November i i, 1846, a Dispensation was issued by Sir Joseph
K. Stapleton, Grand Master of the General Grand Encampment, as it was then
designated, for the establishment of Nashville Encampment, No. 1, at
Nashville, Tennessee.
The first Sir Knight
created in Nashville Encampment, No. i, was Michael Ellsworth DeGrove, Grand
Tyler of Symbolic and Capitular Masons, who was made a Knight Templar on March
1, 1847, and was appointed to the important post of Tyling the outer door of
the Asylum. Meantime, the Encampment met with the loss of one of its most
valiant and zealous Sir Knights, when on January 7, 1847, its beloved
Treasurer and Recorder, Most Worshipful Joseph Norvell, Past Grand Master,
suddenly passed away. On March 4, 1847, the Orders were conferred on two
distinguished Craftsmen, Sir Williamson Hartley Horn, Grand Treasurer, and Sir
John Snyder Dashiell, Grand Secretary and afterwards Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge. Nine others were created Knights Templar before the year closed.
On September 16,
1847, at the Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment, which was held in
Columbus, Ohio, a perpetual Charter was granted to Nashville Encampment, No.
1. Since then, for nearly ninety years, its Work has steadily continued.
During the twelve years intervening between the establishment of that first
Encampment and the formation of the Grand Commandery of Tennessee, the Orders
of Knighthood were conferred upon six Grand Masters of Tennessee. Those so
honoured were Grand Masters " Dillahunty," Martin, Burton, Fuller, Hughes, and
Frizzell. The Orders were also conferred upon Past Grand Master Samuel
Michael, of Arkansas, and upon five othersFuller, Polk, McClelland, Frizzell,
and Palmer‑who subsequently became Grand Commanders. Other Craftsmen upon whom
the Orders were at that time conferred also attained to distinction later.
On July 10, 1857, Sir
William B. Hubbard, Most Eminent Grand Master, issued a Dispensation for the
formation of Yorkville Commandery, No. 2, at Yorkville, Tennessee. The
Commandery was duly organised on September 17, 1857, and after two years of
successful Labour it was granted a Charter by the Grand Encampment on
September 17, 1859.
In the latter part of
the 185o's, the Sir Knights residing in the vicinity of Columbia, Tennessee,
filed a Petition with the General Grand Recorder, Sir Benjamin Brown French,
for a Dispensation. This was granted on December 19, 1858, by the Grand
Master, Most Eminent Sir William B. Hubbard, and provided for the formation of
De Molay Commandery, No. 3, with the following Officers: Sir Lucius Junius
Polk, Eminent Commander; Sir Archelaus Madison Hughes, Generalissimo; and Sir
John B. Hamilton, Captain‑General. Due to delay in procuring the necessary
paraphernalia, the first meeting did not occur until May 11, 1859, but at that
time the Commandery was duly formed. Then, on September 16, 1859, a Charter
for this Commandery was granted by the Grand Encampment. Meantime, Orders were
conferred upon twelve Royal Arch Masons, including Sir James McCallum, who
later became Grand Master.
On March 27, 1859,
the Most Eminent Grand Master, Sir William B. Hub‑ 2.56 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE bard, issued a Dispensation for the formation of Cyrene Commandery,
No. 4. Five Sir Knights received the Accolade prior to September 16, 1859,
when a Charter was granted by the Grand Encampment which convened at Chicago.
By virtue of that Charter, the Commandery was duly Constituted on September
2.8, 1859, by Most Eminent Sir Giles M. Hillyer, Grand Commander of
Mississippi.
On Wednesday, October
1z, 1859, Representatives from the four Commanderies established in Tennessee
assembled at Nashville Commandery No. 1, in its Asylum.
Sir Charles A.
Fuller, Eminent Commander of Nashville Commandery, No. i, was invited to
preside over the Assembly, and Sir William H. Whiton was appointed Recorder.
Then a Warrant from Sir Benjamin Brown French, Most Eminent Grand Master,
bearing the date October 3, 1859, and authorising any three or more of the
Commanderies in Tennessee to assemble and form a Grand Commandery for the
Volunteer State, was presented and read. At that time a Constitution, or Code
of Statutes, having been prepared, it was formally adopted and the following
Officers were duly elected: Sir Charles Arnold Fuller, of Commandery No. i,
Grand Commander; Sir James Penn, of Commandery No. 4, Deputy Grand Commander;
Sir Lucius Junius Polk, of Commandery No. 3, Grand Generalissimo; Sir Massalon
Whitten, of Commandery No. z, Grand Captain‑General; Sir Jonathan Huntington,
of Commandery No. 1, Grand Prelate; Sir John Jennings Worsham, of Commandery
No. 4, Grand Senior Warden; Sir Algernon Sidney Currey, of Commandery No. z,
Grand Junior Warden; Sir Williamson Harley Horn, of Commandery No. 1, Grand
Treasurer; Sir William Henry Whiton, of Commandery No. 3, Grand Recorder; Sir
Thomas McCulloch, of Commandery No. 1, Grand Standard Bearer; Sir John H.
Devereux, of Commandery No. 3, Grand Sword Bearer; Sir Henry Sheffield, of
Commandery No. 1, Grand Warder; and Sir Michael Ellsworth De Grove, of
Commandery No. 1, Grand Sentinel. When Sir James Penn declined to serve as
Deputy Grand Commander, Sir Amasa S. Underwood, of Commandery No. z, was
appointed in his place. The Grand Commandery was then closed in ample and
knightly form. At this time the membership of the various Subordinate
Commanderies was as follows: Nashville Commandery No. 1, 81 members; Yorkville
Commandery, No. z, 4o members; De Molay Commandery, No. 3, 2.4 members; and
Cyrene Commandery, No. 4, 19 members; a total of 164 persons.
The next Annual
Conclave of the Grand Commandery was held in October 186o, and on that
occasion Sir Lucius Junius Polk was chosen Grand Commander. In the following
October, Sir John Jennings Worsham was elected to that eminent Station. No
further Conclaves were held until 1865, at which time the storm of civil
strife had somewhat subsided. Since that deplorable period, the Annual
Conclaves of the Grand Commandery have been held with due regularity.
The first new
Commandery to be formed was Brownsville Commandery, No. 5, for which a
Dispensation naming Sir William Maxwell as Eminent Com‑ FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 257 mander was issued on March 4, 1866. This was followed on April
6, 1866, by a Dispensation for Gilbert Commandery, No. 6, located at Dundas,
Tennessee, with Sir Jonathan Moore Gilbert as Eminent Commander, and on April
26, 1866, by a Dispensation for Lebanon Commandery, No. 7, with Sir David Cook
as Eminent Commander. Charters for all those new Commanderies were granted on
October io, 1866, at which time the name of the latter was changed to Baldwin
Commandery, No. 7.
During its
seventy‑six years of activity, the Grand Commandery has issued 28 additional
Charters. The present junior Commandery, Chattanooga Commandery No. 32, is
located at Ridgedale, Tennessee. From an aggregate of 164 in 1859, membership
has increased to 4290, according to the last annual report. Of the 4 original
Commanderies, only 2_ are now active‑Nashville Commandery, No. i, and Memphis
Commandery, No. 4, formerly Cyrene Commandery, No. 4. The latter has the
largest membership, 476 members, while the former's membership numbers 339 Sir
Knights.
Sixty‑nine Grand
Commanders have presided over this branch of the American Rite in Tennessee,
and of these nine have been Grand Masters of Symbolic Masonry, nine have
served as Grand High Priests, and eight have presided over the Cryptic Rite.
Among Tennessee
Masons there have been many well‑known ministers of the Gospel, some of whom
have rendered exalted service as chaplains of the Grand Lodge and its allied
Bodies. Among those who have attained the highest preferment among the Craft,
the honour of being selected to preside in the Grand East, were Bro. William
Monroe Dunnaway, Bro. John Thomas Irion, Bro. John Lynn Bachman, and Bro.
Robert Virgil Hope. Although it would be a fitting task to review the lives
and selfless deeds of all those venerable spiritual leaders, the limitation of
this article will not permit us to give accounts of all our distinguished
ministerial Brethren.
James Richardson and
his wife, Mary Watkins Richardson, of Charlotte County, Virginia, were the
parents of John Watkins Richardson, who was born at the ancestral home, in the
" Old Dominion," January 23, 1809. The family came to Tennessee in 1815,
locating near " Old Jefferson," the original county seat of Rutherford County,
from its organisation in 1804 until Murfreesboro was established in 1811.
There the father of the future soldier, statesman and Mason grew to manhood,
receiving the best educational advantages which were then available. Choosing
the profession of medicine, he entered Transylvania University at
Philadelphia, where he graduated in March 1833, and began active practice in
the hamlet where he had grown to manhood. There in due time he established a
home, taking for a life partner Miss Augusta Starnes, a daughter of Daniel and
Harriet Russell Starnes, and on March 1o, 1843, the family circle was
enlivened by the advent of a boy whom they named James Daniel Richardson, in
honour of his grandfathers. This scion of Colonial and Revolutionary ancestry
pursued the usual course of activities customary to 2.58 FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE childhood and youth, devoting at least a part of his time to the
attainment of useful knowledge. His educational advantages however were
limited by circumstances which he was powerless to obviate, and when but
little past eighteen,. he abandoned the class‑room for the tented field and
the trappings of war, following the fortunes of the " Bonnie Blue Flag " with
heroic devotion and unfaltering courage during the four years of civil strife.
The term sounds like an anomaly, and we freely admit that it is; for who can
conceive of strife being civil, until it ceases to mar the spirit of harmony
which should ever characterise our civilisation? Enlisting in 1861 as a
private, in the Forty‑fifth Tennessee Infantry, his valiant and meritorious
conduct was recognised just after the battle of Shiloh, by his promotion to
the arduous position of Regimental Adjutant when a reorganisation was effected
at Corinth.
In Amity Lodge, No.
54, at Eutaw, our revered Brother sought and found the Light Symbolic of the
Mystic Tie, early in February, and during the same month he was Passed to the
Degree of Fellowcraft. The rapidly following events incident to the closing
months of warfare delayed his further Masonic progress, and it was not until
October 12, 1867, that he was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in
Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 18, at Murfreesboro, where he had established his
future home, having in the meantime been admitted to the bar as a disciple of
Blackstone, early that year.
How well he was
equipped for the activities of life, the succeeding years of accomplishment
bear witness. A soldier when but little past eighteen, the four years of
strenuous warfare, American against American, had fully moulded the ardent,
immature youth into a stalwart man, prepared for advancement. Hence at
twenty‑four we find him engaged in a distinctive profession with unlimited
opportunities for development and progress. A Master Mason ere he had rounded
the first quarter of a century, he reached the zenith of Masonic attainment
eight months after his thirtieth anniversary, as Grand Master of Masons in the
" Volunteer State," giving to the rulership of the Craft a year of loyal
devotion and unquestioned efficiency. Thrice in the prior history of Tennessee
Masonry had a younger man been elected to the Grand East; Wilkins Tannehill,
Hardy Murfree Burton, and John Frizzell, the latter before he was thirty.
In Mount Moriah
Lodge, No. 18, he presided as Master in 1869, 187o and again in 1875. In 1871,
while occupying the Station of Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, he
modestly accepted the Senior Deacon's arduous task, and again in 188o; while
the service of Steward fell to his lot in 1882, and its simple duties were
faithfully performed. In the meantime, he had made progress in the Mysteries
of Craftsmanship. In Pythagoras Chapter, No. 23, at Murfreesboro, he was
Exalted to the August Degree of Royal Arch Mason, June Zq., 1868, and served
as its High Priest in 1872, receiving the Order of High Priesthood at the
Annual Convention for that year. He received the Cryptic Degrees in
Murfreesboro Council, No. 22, and as its Thrice Illustrious Master
participated in the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council in 1871. In the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter he was elected from the floor, to serve as Grand High
Priest in 1883.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 259 The Orders of Chivalric were conferred upon Bro. Richardson in
Baldwin Commandery, No. 7, at Lebanon, in June 1869, and he became a Charter
Member of Murfreesboro Commandery, No. 1o, in 1870, serving as its Eminent
Commander for ten years.
On October 9, 1881,
he received the Degrees of the Scottish Rite, from the Fourth to the
Eighteenth, inclusive. On the following day he was advanced to the Thirtieth
Degree, Knight Kadosh, and soon afterwards received the Thirty‑second Degree,
the Master of the Royal Secret. On October 23, 1884, he was made a Knight
Commander of the Court of Honour, and was rapidly advanced until he was
Crowned an active member of the Thirty‑third and Last Degree in the Supreme
Council for the Southern jurisdiction, at Washington immediately after. On
October 1o, 1899, he was elected Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Southern
jurisdiction, and on November 13, 19oo, succeeded judge Thomas Hubbard Caswell
as Grand Commander of the " Mother " Supreme Council, his faithful and
distinguished service in that exalted Station continuing until he was called
to answer the immutable summons and lay aside the Craftsman's earthly
implements.
In civil life, as
well as on the tented field, and in the avenues of Mystery's activities, Bro.
Richardson gave faithful service and attained exalted honours. His public
career, as a statesman, began in 1870, when he was chosen to represent
Rutherford County in the Tennessee House of Representatives, at the first
session following the adoption of the revised Constitution, and being elected
speaker of that august body, before he had passed his twenty‑eighth
anniversary. In the next General Assembly, he served as State senator,
attaining there, as elsewhere, a high reputation as a wise counsellor and
legislator. In 1876, he was chosen one of the delegates from Tennessee to the
National Democratic Convention at St. Louis, on the memorable occasion when
Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, governor of New York, was pitted against Hon.
Rutherford B. Hayes in the race for the Presidency of the United States.
Twenty years later, he again represented Tennessee in the National Democratic
Convention, when William Jennings Bryan became the party leader against
another revered Craftsman, Hon. William McKinley, of martyr fame.
In 1884, he was
elected to represent the Fifth Tennessee District in the American Congress,
and was re‑elected successively for a period of twenty years, until 1904, and
then Masonry required of him continuous service, as Grand Commander of the
Scottish Rite. He was the minority candidate for Speaker of the House of
Representatives in the fifty‑sixth and fifty‑seventh Congresses, and in 1894,
was elected to preside over that distinguished body during the illness of
Speaker Crisp, which continued for several weeks. Recognised as a stalwart
leader of the Democratic party, his influence as a congressman was far
reaching, and his accomplishments fully merited the confidence of his
constituency, while they received nation‑wide commendation in the councils of
Democracy. At the same time he held the confidence and esteem of his opponents
in a large degree. Bro. Richardson was a loyal adherent of the Christian
Church, an humble 26o FREEMASONRY IN TENNESSEE follower of Him whose life
among men was ever an unfaltering emphasis of the sublime law He proclaimed to
humanity, " Love one another. " Of his substance, his intelligence, his
activity, he gave liberally to the teaching of Infinite Truth among mankind.
Bro. Richardson
became a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, a distinguished
honorarium‑conferred under the auspices of Scottish Masonry, in igo1; and was
elected Affiliated Deputy Provincial Grand Master, under Bro. Josiah H.
Drummond of Maine. On the passing of the latter, in 19o2, he succeeded to the
rank and title of Acting Provincial Grand Master. On January 26, 1904, he
became a member of the Past Grand Masters' Association of Tennessee. He was
also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, that hilarious but altogether useful
organisation, aptly termed " The playground of Freemasonry," which is erecting
hospitals for the care and treatment of impecunious crippled children
throughout the United States, in which none may be received whose parents are
able to pay for treatment.
On July 24, 1914, the
imperative mandate was breathed in the silence of his immortal soul, and
bidding a tender farewell to those he had so faithfully cherished, his
deathless spirit departed from the tabernacle of the flesh, and crossed the
Mystic Border, to enter upon the endless pilgrimage. This closing scene of the
earth life transpired at his family residence at Murfreesboro.
XgsuMP, Since the
Spirit of Masonry was wafted across the Alleghanies, guiding the footsteps of
our illustrious pioneer Craftsmen, it has manifested itself in the progress
and development of the " Volunteer " Commonwealth at every turn, in warfare as
well as in peace. Traditional Masonry was evidenced in North Fork Lodge, No.
2o, ere historic Franklin was conceived, and was represented at its baptism.
The first duly Constituted Lodge was Harmony, No. i, at Nashville, Chartered
December 17, 1796, by the " Mother " Grand Lodge, that also sponsored the 8
additional Lodges which united to form the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, December
27, 1813, with Thomas Claiborne, a Virginian, as Grand Master. Since that
eventful day, 741 Lodges have been numbered on its Roster, while the latest
report of membership discloses nearly 48,00o Master Masons.
Organised Royal Arch
Masonry came in 1818, and the Grand Chapter, formed in 1826, carries the
Record of 2o9 Subordinates, with a present enrollment of 8756 Royal Craftsmen
Cryptic Masonry made its advent in Tennessee in 1827, and the Grand Council,
formed in 1847, shows a total of 1oi Councils, only 2I of which are now
active, with a membership of 2OI7.
Chivalric Masonry in
the " Volunteer State " can be traced to 1926, with the first Commandery,
Nashville No. i, formed in 1845, and the Grand Commandery dating from October
1859, whose Roster carries numbers of 32 Subordinates, of which 26 are now at
Labour, with an enumeration of 3792 Sir Knights.
FREEMASONRY IN
TENNESSEE 261 The Order of High Priesthood, which became permanent in
Tennessee with the formation of the Grand Council in 186o, has carried upon
its Roster since that date the names of 1159 Anointed High Priests.
The review of
Scottish Masonry, which came to Tennessee in tangible form prior to 186o,
contains a detailed report of its progress and present membership. In this
important branch of Freemasonry, one Grand Commander is credited to the "
Volunteer State," James Daniel Richardson, Past Grand Master, Past Grand High
Priest, who for twenty years represented the Fifth District of Tennessee in
the Federal Congress. It was under his supervision as Grand Commander that the
House of the Temple, at Washington, was constructed.
FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS
WILBUR KEITH HE beauty, romance, and tradition of Freemasonry in the Grand
Jurisdiction of Texas are second only to its ideals. They parallel its
teachings and principles. The blend of romance and ideals imbedded in the
hearts of those five men who established the first Masonic Lodge in the town
of Brazoria is synonymous with the romance of the men who followed the flag of
General Sam Houston, a Mason, to the battlefield of San Jacinto and there
wrested from Santa Anna and his followers what is now the vast State of Texas.
In his Masonic Memoirs, a brief history of early efforts to establish Masonry
in a new country, Anson Jones, our first Grand Master, says that if the little
army of Texans had been unsuccessful in their effort to win freedom at the
Battle of San Jacinto, then plans for developing principles and ideals through
the teachings found only in Masonic Lodges would doubtless have met with
failure, as they had previously done in Brazoria, where Holland Lodge, No. 36,
under the jurisdiction of our Mother Grand Lodge of Louisiana, was first
established.
The Supreme Architect
of the Universe, however, decreed otherwise. True to the lessons taught by
Masonry, the little army of Texans, led by men who had learned the lessons of
life before a Masonic Altar, listened to a prayer offered by General Houston
on the evening before the battle. And having in mind another important lesson,
symbolical of love and devotion, Thomas J. Rusk, also a Mason, offered another
prayer of thanks for the victory that had come at the end of battle. At that
time Masonry was practically unknown in this wilderness. A few men who had met
by chance, however, had recognised each other as Masons, and thus they had
been drawn closer together by the Mystic Tie that binds one Mason to another.
Within a short time after the Battle of San Jacinto, Holland Lodge, No. 36, to
which an Official Charter had been granted after it was opened under
Dispensation at Brazoria, was re‑established in the City of Houston. Later it
will be explained how the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas was formed
through the efforts of Holland Lodge, No. 36; Milam Lodge, No. 40, of
Nacogdoches; and McFarlane Lodge, No. 42‑, of San Augustine, all at that time
under the jurisdiction of Louisiana.
The five Masons, who
through Divine guidance had made one another's acquaintance at Brazoria, were
John H. Wharton, Asa Brigham, James A. E. Phelps, Alexander Russell, and Anson
Jones. Soon afterwards, when the five Brethren met and discussed the formation
of a Lodge, a sixth member of the Craft, Bro. J. P. Caldwell, joined them.
According to Anson Jones, the conference of the five Master Masons was held "
in a little grove of wild peach or laurel " on the outskirts of Brazoria.
It is evident that
the Masons who were responsible for the establishment of a6z FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS 7‑63 the Fraternity in Texas had in mind greater things than the renting
of a hall as a place where men could meet merely to talk over commonplace
affairs and discuss current events. Those men also had another vision of the
future. They dreamed of a new empire, so to speak, which was to be founded
upon the fundamentals of the Masonic Fraternity. For the development of that
empire and its citizens unborn, those men placed designs upon the
trestle‑board of Freemasonry and directed that all Craftsmen should follow
them. Soon after the formation of our Grand Lodge in 1837, the leaders of
Masonry adopted decisive measures for the education of children. The plans did
not confine the schools to the children of Masons, though they were to be
given preference. This move to direct and promote education, backed by
Freemasonry, is nothing new to Masons who are familiar with American Masonic
history, for it is well known that in the majority of jurisdictions, more
especially in those where Masons pioneered in the development of new States,
the Craft has always stood as guard and sponsor of education. It must be borne
in mind, however, that such measures have never been partisan in character.
In many respects the
dream of our Masonic forefathers has been realised, for in the early days of
our Grand Lodge, Masons were commonly more interested, in Masonry than they
are to‑day, as this historical sketch will presently make clear. When the
Grand Lodge of Texas adopted its Constitution, it ordered that each member
should annually pay dues of $12 to the Grand Lodge. The dues are to‑day only $Z.Zo.
The History of Holland Lodge, No. z, of Houston, tells that on October 26,
1864, the Lodge received a bill of $6o from Phillip George, " for washing and
doing up 30 aprons." The history also tells that the first meeting of Holland
Lodge, No. i, for " funeral honours," was held on December 18, 1838, to record
the death of Bro. John H. Wharton, one of the five Masons who had met at
Brazoria. The first Masonic funeral in Texas was held by Temple Lodge No. 4,
over the body of Bro. James Collingsworth, chief justice of the Republic of
Texas, member of Holland Lodge, No. 1.
Chief Justice
Collingsworth was a native of Tennessee. He died at the age of thirty‑five
years. The Records of Grand Lodge show that Temple Lodge, No. 4, was opened in
Special Communication in the Senate Chamber in Houston, on Sunday, July 22,
1838, for the purpose of conducting the funeral service. The Officers
occupying the Stations included Bro. George Fisher, Worshipful Master; Bro. J.
W. Moody, Senior Warden; Bro. A. S. Thruston, Junior Warden; Bro. R. Bache,
Secretary; Bro. A. Brigham, Treasurer; Bro. C. Mason, Senior Deacon; Bro. F.
R. Lubbock, Junior Deacon; Bro. Chas. Chamberlain, Tyler. Visitors were: Bros.
Wm. G. Cooke, T. G. Western, G. W. Poe, John Shea, A. Ewing, Watkins, Kelser,
J. G. Welshmeyer, James Izod, M. Persy, Chronican, W. F. Gray, Porter; all
members of Holland Lodge, No. i.
Though this brief
sketch does not attempt to give a complete review of the Craft's history in
Texas, nevertheless it is hoped that some few details regarding the
Institution of Freemasonry in this Grand jurisdiction may be of inspiration as
well as of interest.
264 FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS In the town of Old Richmond, west of Houston, stands a monument which
William Morton erected in 1825 to the memory of Bro. Robert Gillespie. In the
Grand Lodge Proceedings of 1902 (pp. 66, 67) reference is made to a meeting of
Masons held at San Felipe on February 11, 1828, at which Bro. H. H. Teague,
Bro. Stephen F. Austin, Bro. Ira Ingram, Bro. Eli Mitchell, Bro. Joseph White,
Bro. G. B. Hall and Bro. Thomas M. Duke were present. At that meeting the
first effort was put forward to establish Masonry in what was then a part of
Mexico. In many respects the country was a wilderness, unsettled and almost
uncivilised. Those present prepared a Petition addressed to the York Grand
Lodge of Mexico. The Officers named for the proposed Lodge were Bro. Stephen
F. Austin, Worshipful Master; Bro. Ira Ingram, Senior Warden; Bro. H. H.
Teague, Junior Warden; and Bro. Thomas M. Duke, Acting Secretary. Though the
Petition was forwarded to the York Grand Lodge of Mexico, no answer to it was
ever received. The reason for this seeming disregard of a well‑meant Petition
is supplied by an article published in the Texas Almanac of 1857, which
briefly states that on " December 8, 1827, a Mexican Decree was passed
expelling the York Masonic Lodge. " The date of the item makes clear that the
expulsion order was decreed before the Petition for a Lodge at San Felipe was
dispatched. The Brethren who made the application seem to have been quite
unaware of the action that had been taken by the Mexican government shortly
before. Regarding the Gillespie monument at Richmond, the Grand Lodge
Proceedings of 19oo say, in an article prepared by the Committee on Masonic
History: In the country at Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, may still be
seen the shattered and leaning body of a monument which has clustering around
it associations more deeply interesting to the mind of a good and true Mason
than, perhaps, any other object that can now be found connected with the first
Anglo settlers of our State. . . . It appears that this monument was erected
in the winter of 1825‑1826. . . . On the tablet on the south front may still
be seen, well defined, a hand holding a plumb line, all moulded with the brick
seal, and below it, this inscription, now well‑nigh obliterated Behold I will
set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel I will not again pass by
them any more.
And on the north
front is a tablet bearing an inscription as follows: IN MEMORY OF ROBERT
GILLESPIE The Grand Lodge of Texas appropriated $Ioo for the purpose of
employing " a skillful, operative mason to raise up, straighten, and make such
repairs as were found necessary " to preserve and perpetuate this monument.
Further facts
regarding early Masonry in this region have been set forth by Bro. I. S.
Roberts, a member of the Committee on Masonic History, who reported to the
Grand Lodge as follows As Texas was originally a State of the Republic of
Mexico, no history as to the origin of Masonry in this State would be complete
without its begin‑ FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 265 nings. We take the liberty of
presenting to the Craft the following short sketch: Masonry was first
introduced in Mexico in i8o6. It was Spanish, clerical and aristocratic in
character and tendencies. Owing to the disturbed political condition of the
country, it disappeared about i8o9 or i8io. In 1825, Masonry (York Rite) was
again introduced under the auspices of Honorable Joel Roberts Poinsett, United
States Minister to Mexico, who took no further active interest than that of
obtaining the proper authority from the Grand Lodge of New York, according to
the Mexican historian Don Juan Mateos, as well as Yoakum in his History of
Texas at the request of the then president of the Republic Don Guadalupe
Victoria, for five Lodges, which at once formed a Grand Lodge called the Grand
Lodge of Mexico, or, according to other authorities, National Grand Lodge.
This Grand Lodge became involved in the political strife then raging in
Mexico, and lasted only four or five years, demising in 1829 or 1830. At any
rate, Masonry lost all semblance of its real character between 183o and 1865,
excepting in one Lodge, La Union Fraternal, which had been Chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Cartagena, New Granada. This Lodge had over two hundred
members. Bro. James C. Lohse was its Worshipful Master in 1865.
By the advice of
Manuel Basillio Cunha Reis, a visitor from New York, who claimed to be a
member of Fraternity Lodge, No. 387, and a Sovereign Inspector General,
Thirty‑third Degree, his claims being substantiated by a letter written to
Bro. Lohse by Bro. Andres Cassard in reply to the former's inquiries, La Union
Fraternal was split up into three Lodges, which then formed a Grand Lodge,
under the title of The Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico, or, in English, " Valley
of Mexico," which is the same Grand Lodge, until a few years past, recognised
by the Grand Lodge of Texas.
Stephen F. Austin
received the Entered Apprentice Degree in Masonry in Louisiana Lodge, No. io9,
Ste. Genevieve, Territory of Louisiana, May 1, 1815. He was Passed and Raised
to the Third Degree in the same Lodge, June 23, 1815. So, it will be seen that
Austin received the Fellowcraft and Master Mason's Degree on the same date.
Although Austin's most intimate associates in Texas were members of the Craft,
his duties and responsibilities were such that kept him on the move most of
the time and he never sat in a Texas Lodge, so far as known. However, he never
lost faith in the Fraternity, as shown by his private correspondence. To
Stephen F. Austin double honours should go, for, not only was he " The Father
of Texas," but the Father of Masonry in Texas. He, Bro. H. H. Teague, Bro. Ira
Ingram, Bro. Eli Mitchell, Bro. Joseph White, Bro. G. B. Hall, and Bro. Thomas
M. Duke, met together and took formal steps to organise the Masonic Lodge at
San Felipe de Austin. In 1877 facsimiles of all documents pertaining to this
matter were presented to the Grand Lodge of Texas through Past Grand Master
Marcus F. Mott. This was done at the request of Hon. Guy M. Bryan, who had
found the documents among the papers of his uncle, Stephen F. Austin. From the
time of the failure of efforts to establish a Lodge at San Felipe, until the
second effort was made at Brazoria in the winter of 1834‑1835, there were few
members of the Masonic Fraternity 266 FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS in this region.
What happened at Brazoria, and subsequent activities of the faithful few who
were responsible for the planting of Freemasonry in this Grand jurisdiction,
is best told in what might appropriately be called the " Masonic Memoirs " of
Bro. Anson Jones, our first Grand Master. On June 4, 185o, he wrote the
following article entitled " Freemasonry in Texas‑A Reminiscence of Its Early
History." As I took an active part in laying the first foundation of
Freemasonry in this country, originated, and was personally present at, the
first meeting ever held here, and cognizant of the earliest steps taken for
the organisation of a Lodge, I place upon record the following facts, which
may be of interest perhaps to the Fraternity hereafter, and would otherwise be
lost, as I am now the only one living of the five Brethren who originated
Holland Lodge.
In the winter of
1834‑1835, five Master Masons, who had made themselves known to each other,
consulted among themselves, and, after various interviews and much
deliberation, resolved to take measures to establish a Lodge of their Order in
Texas. This resolution was not formed without a full appreciation of its
consequence to the individuals concerned. Every movement in Texas was watched
at that time with jealousy and distrust by the Mexican government, and already
had its spies and emissaries denounced some of our best citizens as
factionists and disaffected persons; already were the future intended victims
of a despotic power being selected. It was well known that Freemasonry was
particularly odious to the Catholic priesthood, whose influence in the country
at that time was all‑powerful. The dangers, therefore, attendant upon an
organisation of Masons at this time which were trying men's souls were neither
few nor unimportant. But zeal for a beloved Institution, a belief that it
would be beneficial at a period when society seemed especially to need some
fraternal bonds to unite them together, predominated; all fears of personal
consequences were thrown aside, and the resolution to establish a Lodge, as
above mentioned, was adopted. The five Brethren were John H. Wharton, Asa
Brigham, James A. E. Phelps, Alexander Russell, and Anson Jones, and they
appointed a time and place of meeting to concert measures to carry their
resolution into effect. In the meantime, another Mason came into their
plans‑Bro. J. P. Caldwell. The place of meeting was back of the town of
Brazoria, near the place known as " General John Austin's," in a little grove
of wild peach or laurel, and which has been selected as a family burying
ground by that distinguished soldier and citizen. The spot was secluded and
out of the way of cowans and eavesdroppers, and they felt they were alone.
Here, and under such
circumstances, at ten o'clock in the morning of a day in March 1835, was held
the first formal Masonic meeting in Texas as connected with the establishment
and continuance of Masonry in this country. The six Brethren I have mentioned
were all present there; and it was concluded to apply to the Grand Lodge of
Louisiana for a Dispensation to form and open a Lodge, FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS
2.67 to be called Holland Lodge in honour of the then Most Worshipful Grand
Master of that Body, J. H. Holland. The funds were raised by contribution to
defray the expenses, to which each contributed as he felt willing and able. A
Petition was in due time drawn up and signed by them, which was forwarded to
New Orleans, having been previously signed by another Master Mason, Bro. W. D.
C. Hall, and perhaps one or two more; but of this I do not recollect. The
Officers named in the Petition were: Worshipful Master, Anson Jones; Senior
Warden, Asa Brigham; Junior Warden, J. P. Caldwell; who filled these Offices
respectively until the close of 1837. The Dispensation was granted, after some
delay, to those Brethren, and Holland Lodge, No. 36 U. D., was Instituted and
opened at Brazoria, on the 27th day of December, 1835. Bro. Phelps was chosen
Treasurer, and M. C. Patton, Secretary; the other Officers I do not recollect.
The Lodge held its meeting at Brazoria, in the second story of the old
courthouse, which room was afterwards occupied by St. John's Lodge, No. 5.
About this time the difficulties with Mexico broke into open hostilities, and
our Work was very much retarded by that circumstance, and by the members
having to be absent in the service of the country. Still, there were a few
others from time to time introduced into the Order, either by receiving the
Degree or by affiliation. The Lodge struggled on until February 1836, when I
presided over its last meeting at Brazoria. I well recollect that night, and
the fact that Bro. Fannin, who one month after became so celebrated for his
misfortunes and those of his unfortunate party at Goliad, acted as Senior
Deacon. It seemed that the gloom which prevailed in the Lodge that night was a
foreshadow of its and their unhappy fate, which was so soon to overtake both.
In March, Brazoria
was abandoned. Urrea soon after took possession of the place at the head of a
detachment of the Mexican army, and Records, books, jewels, and everything
belonging to the Lodge were utterly destroyed by them, and our members were
scattered in every direction. Bro. Wharton, Bro. Phelps, and myself joined the
Texan troops on the Colorado River about the 18th of March. In the meantime,
the Grand Lodge of Louisiana had issued a Charter for Holland Lodge, No. 36,
and it was brought over to Texas by Bro. John M. Allen. This, together with
some letters from the Secretary, was handed to me by Bro. Allen, on the
prairie between Groce's and San Jacinto, while we were on the march, and
carried by me in my saddlebags to the encampment of the army on Buffalo Bayou,
at Lynchburg. Had we been beaten here, Santa Anna would have captured the
Charter of Holland Lodge at San Jacinto, as Urrea had the Dispensation for it
at Brazoria. Such an event, however, was impossible. The Charter and papers
were safely taken to Brazoria; but, as the members had been lessened in
numbers by death, or scattered in, the army and elsewhere in the service of
the country, no attempt was ever made to revive the Work of the Lodge at that
place. In November 1837, however, it was reopened by myself and others, at the
City of Houston, having then been in existence about two years.
In the meantime, two
other Lodges with Charters from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana were established
in Texas‑Milam Lodge at Nacogdoches, and 268 FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS McFarlane
Lodge, at San Augustine. Delegates from these and from Holland Lodge met in
Convention at Houston in the winter of 1837‑1838, and the Grand Lodge of the
Republic of Texas was formed. By advice and direction of this Body, the three
Subordinate Lodges transferred their allegiance from Louisiana and received
others from Texas; and Holland Lodge, No. 36, under the former, became Holland
Lodge, No. i, under the Grand Lodge of the Lone Star Republic. By this means
the causes of so many difficulties which have afflicted so many of the Grand
Lodges of the United States were considered and obviated in the formation of
the Grand Lodge of Texas. Holland Lodge, No. 36, was the only one established
in Texas prior to the revolution which separated her from Mexico.
Such is a brief but
faithful sketch of the first establishment of Freemasonry in Texas. It was
founded, like our political institutions, amid the stern concomitants of
adversity and war, but its foundations were laid broad and deep; and upon them
has been raised a superstructure of strength and beauty, symmetrical in its
proportions and vast in its dimensions, which I trust will rise usque ad astra
and continue as a beacon to guide and cheer worthy Masons on their journey of
life, and against which the wasting storms of time shall beat in vain, and the
restless waves of persecution dash themselves to destruction in angry foam;
while the presiding genius of the Institution, from its lofty walls, shall
ever continue to exclaim in emphatic tones to be heard by all‑East, West,
North, and South Procul O procul este profani! Tu que invade viam. . . . Nunc
anim is opus. . . . Nunc pectore firmo Hence, get ye hence, ye profane!
Welcome, ye Initiated, to these glorious courts thread ye them aright On the
second page of " Book A" of the Minutes of Holland Lodge, No. 1, under date of
February 1836, appears the following list of the members of Holland Lodge, No.
36, of Brazoria: Bro. Anson Jones, physician, Master; Bro. James P. Caldwell,
planter, Senior Warden; Bro. Asa Brigham, merchant, junior Warden; Bro. James
Collingsworth, lawyer, Secretary; Bro. Josiah F. Harrell, merchant, Treasurer;
Bro. George Brown, Tyler; Bro. John H. Wharton, lawyer, Master Mason; Bro. J.
A. E. Phelps, physician, Master Mason; Bro. M. C. Patton, merchant, Master
Mason; Bro. D. T. Fitchett, innkeeper, Master Mason; Bro. S. Whiting,
merchant, Master Mason; Bro. John Chaffin, sheriff, junior Deacon (deceased);
Bro. J. W. Fannin, Texas army, Senior Deacon (deceased); Bro. John S. D.
Byron, sheriff, Entered Apprentice; Bro. L. Kelsey, merchant, Entered
Apprentice.
The Minutes of the
first meeting of Holland Lodge, No. 36, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, held
in Houston, Texas, reads as follows At a called Meeting, the first held by
Holland Lodge, No. 36, in the Senate FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 269 Chamber at
Houston, on Wednesday evening, November 8, A. D. 1837, there were present
Worshipful Master Anson Jones and Brother George Brown. Visitors included
Bros. Wm. F. Gray, John Shea, George Fisher, Jeff Wright, A. Andrews, A.
Thompson, C. Chamberlain, T. J. Hardiman, T. G. Western, Wm. G. Cooke.
An Entered
Apprentices' Lodge, in which all Lodge business was transacted having been
opened, the Worshipful Master presented a letter from the Grand Secretary of
the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, which read in part as follows Grand Lodge of the
State of Louisiana New Orleans, February 3, 183 6 ' R. F.' In conformity with
an order which I have received from the Grand Lodge, I have the happiness to
transmit to you by the intravention of Collins, the Constitutional Charter
which has been granted to you by the Grand Lodge at an extraordinary session
on the 27th ultimo, to establish a New Masonic Lodge at Brazoria in the State
of Texas under the distinguishing name of Holland Lodge No. 36, and of which I
have received the intention by the hands of Collins.
The Lodge was then
opened in the Degree of Fellow Craft. No business having appeared, a Lodge of
Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form and ceremony. At the desire
of Bro. Gray, Bro. Fisher, and Bro. Hardiman, they were permitted to withdraw.
The Worshipful Master having invited the Brethren present who were willing to
become members of this Lodge to give their names to the Secretary, the
following Brethren came forward and desired to have their names recorded: Bro.
John Shea, age 3S, bricklayer, Master Mason; Bro. Ambrose Andrews, age 36,
artist, Master Mason; Bro. Charles Chamberlain, age 32, farmer, Master Mason;
Bro. Alex Thompson, age 39, surveyor, Master Mason; Bro. Jefferson Wright, age
39, artist, Master Mason; Bro. Thomas G. Western, age 46, planter, Master
Mason; Bro. William G. Cooke, age 3o, druggist.
A Petition for
Initiation from J. G. Wilkinson, who had been recommended by Worshipful Master
Jones, was presented and read. On motion of Bro. Western it was referred to a
Committee of three, constiting of Bro. Brigham, Bro. Chamberlain, and Bro.
Cooke.
At the second meeting
of the Lodge, which took place on November 13, 1837, a Committee was appointed
to invite " our Brethren of Milam Lodge, No. 40, at Nacogdoches, and of
McFarlane Lodge, No. 41, at San Augustine, to meet with Holland Lodge, at
Houston, on the 27th of December, for the purpose of forming a Grand Lodge."
Bro. Brigham, Bro. Rusk, and Bro. Jones were appointed as the Committee to
invite the two sister Lodges to join in the organisation of what is now the
Grand Lodge of Texas.
The organisation of
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas took place at
Houston, in the old State Capitol of the Republic of Texas, z7o FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS on December zo, 1837. The following report of the Convention called for
that purpose is taken from the Proceedings.
Organisation of the
Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Republic of Texas City of Houston
December Zo A. D. 1837‑A. L. 5837 In pursuance of an invitation from Holland
Lodge No. 36, of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons, held at the City of
Houston, by virtue of a Charter from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Louisiana, addressed to the different Lodges in the Republic of Texas, a
Convention of Masons was held in the Senate Chamber on this day at three
o'clock P. M. On motion, Bro. Sam Houston was called to the Chair, and Bro.
Anson Jones appointed Secretary. The following Delegates presented their
credentials and took their seats: From Holland Lodge No. 36, held at the City
of Houston: Bro. Thos. J. Rusk, Bro. I. W. Burton, Bro. Chas. S. Taylor, Bro.
Adolphus Sterne, and Bro. K. H. Douglass.
From McFarlane Lodge
No. 41, held at the town of San Augustine, a verbal communication was received
through Bro. Sterne, authorising the Convention, when it met, to appoint a
Delegate from that Lodge. Bro. Winchell was accordingly appointed, who
appeared and took his seat.
On motion of Bro.
Anson Jones it was " Resolved, That the several Lodges of Ancient, Free, and
Accepted Masons in the Republic of Texas, now represented in General
Convention by Delegates properly authorised, consider it a matter of right,
and for the general benefit of the Order, that they should form and organise
themselves into a Grand Lodge within the said Republic, and that they now
proceed to organise themselves into a Grand Lodge accordingly,, by the name of
the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, and the Masonic jurisdiction
thereunto belonging." On motion of Bro. Adolphus Sterne it was " Resolved,
That all Master Masons present, who are members of regular Lodges, be, and
they are hereby, constituted members of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of
Texas." There upon the following Brethren, who were present in addition to the
Delegates, were constituted members of the Grand Lodge: Bro. A. S. Thruston,
Bro. John S. Black, Bro. William G. Cooke, Bro. Andrew Neill, Bro. John Shea,
Bro. Henry Matthews, Bro. Ben Miller, Bro. Hy Millard, Bro. E. Tucker, Bro. T.
J. Hardiman, Bro. W. F. Gray, Bro. Lytleton Fowler, Bro. Christopher Dart,
Bro. W. R. Underwood, Bro. Asa Brigham, Bro. D. T. Fitchett, and Bro. Thos. J.
Gazley.
On another motion of
Bro. Adolphus Sterne, it was then " Resolved, That we now proceed to organise
the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas by the election of a
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Right Worship ful Deputy Grand Master, Right
Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, Right
Worshipful Grand Treasurer, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, and that the
other Grand Officers be appointed at the first meeting of the Grand Lodge."
Following this, the Convention then elected Officers of the Grand Lodge and
chose these Brethren: Bro. Anson FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 171 Jones as Most Worshi
ful Grand Master; Bro. Adolphus Sterne as Right Worshipful Deputy Gram Master;
Bro. Jefferson Wright as Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden; Bro.
Christopher Dart as Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden; Bro. J. H. Winchell
as Right Worshipful Grand Secretary; Bro. Thomas G. Western as Right
Worshipful Grand Treasurer.
On motion of Bro.
Jefferson Wright it was " Resolved, That for the present government of this
Grand Lodge, we adopt the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand
Lodge of Louisiana, so far as it is applicable to our situa tion. " This was
followed by a motion made by Anson Jones: " Resolved, That a Committee of six
be appointed to draft a form of Constitution for this Grand Lodge." The
President then appointed the following Brethren to compose that Committee:
Bro. Jefferson Wright and Bro. A. S. Thruston, of Holland Lodge; I. W. Burton
and Bro. K. H. Douglass, of Milam Lodge; Bro. J. H. Winchell and Bro.
Christopher Dart, of McFarlane Lodge.
The first meeting of
this Grand Lodge was held in the City of Houston on the third Monday in April
1838. On motion it was there " Resolved, That an extract of the Proceedings of
this Convention be published in The Telegraph." Thereupon the Convention
adjourned sine die, on motion of Bro. A. S. Thurston. Arrsorr JONES SAM
HOUSTON President Secretary of the Convention At a meeting of the Grand Lodge
of the Republic of Texas, held on May 1 i, 1838, at Houston, Bro. Richard
Bache made the following motion: " Resolved, That each member of this Grand
Lodge shall pay, annually, twelve dollars for dues, until further ordained by
this Grand Lodge." A Committee, composed of Bro. John Shea, Bro. E. Tucker,
and Bro. A. S. Thurston, which had been appointed to prepare a list of names
of the original members of the Grand Lodge, reported that, at the date of the
Conven tion held in the City of Houston on December zo, 1837, the following
Brethren were, by the Convention, received as members of the Grand Lodge, and
that no subsequent action of the Grand Lodge could deprive them of the
membership. The Committee further reported that the acts of the Convention
took precedence over the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, in as much as the
latter was the creature of, and brought into existence by, the former. The
members were as follows: Bro. Sam Houston, Bro. Anson Jones, Bro. Jefferson
Wright, Bro. Thomas G. Western, Bro. Thomas J. Rusk, Bro. I. W. Burton, Bro.
Charles S. Taylor, Bro. Adolphus Sterne, Bro. A. S. Thurston, Bro. John S.
Black, Bro. William G. Cooke, Bro. A. Neill, Bro. John Shea, Bro. George
Fisher, Bro. Alex Ewing, Bro. Richard Bache, Bro. Henry Matthews, Bro.
Lytleton Fowler, Bro. Benjamin Miller, Bro. Christopher Dart, Bro. H. Millard,
Bro. W. R. Underwood, Bro. E. Tucker, Bro. K. H. Douglass, Bro. D. T. Fitchett,
Bro. W. F. Gray; Bro. Darius Gregg, Bro. Thomas J. Hardiman, and Bro. James H.
Winchell.
On motion of Bro.
Fulton, the Grand Lodge then Installed the Grand Officers. The ceremony was
performed with due solemnity and in accordance r 272 FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS with
the custom of Ancient Craft Masonry, by Bro. Sam Houston, President of the
Convention, who had been unanimously elected to conduct the ceremony. The
first official address of a Grand Master to a Lodge of Masons in Texas was
made by Bro. Anson Jones, who spoke in part as follows to Holland Lodge, No.
1, at Houston on May 18, 1838: Brethren: In pursuance of the duty prescribed
in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the Republic of Texas, the Grand
Master and his Officers have this evening the pleasure of making their first
Annual Visitation to this wor shipful and respectable Lodge. We are both proud
and happy, Brethren, to be able, on this occasion, to congratulate you on the
rosperous and successful situation and progress of Masonry in Texas. But a few
months have elapsed since the re‑establishment of this Lodge and the
establishment of those in Nacogdoches and San Augustine, and the Order already
boasts of near two hundred Masons in full Communication, which number is now
rapidly increasing by the accession of new and worthy members. . . .
Holland Lodge has
arrived at its present state of prosperity and usefulness through many and
various difficulties. Originally established at Brazoria, it had but begun to
shed its benign influence over a small band of devoted Brethren, when the
revolution commenced. By this disastrous event, its members were scattered and
dispersed, and for near two years its Labour was interrupted. The unfortunate
Fannin‑one of those‑was murdered on the Plains of Goliad by the tyrant who
oppressed our country, and some others died in its defence. The Temple
consecrated to your Labours was ravaged by the enemy, and its Records, jewels,
and furniture destroyed. The scattered fragments which desolation had spared
were gathered together in this city in October last, and, by the aid of a few
Brethren, a new Lodge has arisen, like the fabled phoenix, from her ashes,
and, as if purified by the fire through which she has been doomed to pass, now
shines with a brighter lustre and promises long to continue a Light and a
beacon to the hearts of those who worship at the Altars of Masonry in Texas.
It has the high honour now of numbering among its members men who are alike an
ornament to society and to Masonry; men who have gallantly sustained the cause
of human liberty in our fields of glory and in the councils of the Nation, and
more especially one, who, like our immortal Brother, George Washington, has
ever been " first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his
countrymen. . . .
Before leaving you, I
embrace this opportunity of returning my thanks to the members of Holland
Lodge for the many proofs they have given of their zeal and devotion to the
cause of Masonry. While I also acknowledge the many assurances they have given
me of their confidence and regard displayed towards myself, I have to regret
that my constant occupations in the House have prevented me from devoting that
time and attention which a proper and faithful discharge of the important
duties of Grand Master requires. Fortunately, however, I have had the able
assistance of the Officers and members of the Grand Lodge, some of whom have
come from a distance to assist in laying the foundation and corner stone of
the Temple of Masonry in Texas. By their valuable aid this has now been
happily accomplished, and it is ardently hoped that the FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS
2‑73 super‑structure which time will see raised thereon may long adorn our
Institution.
Worshipful Master,
Officers, and Brethren of Holland Lodge, go on as you have begun, and each
succeeding year, when the Grand Master shall make his Annual Visitation, may
he find you happy, prosperous, and useful, as now, in your labours for your
own welfare and that of the human family in general. And may Heaven, from its
endless goodness, ever continue to prosper and to bless you individually as
Masons and collectively as a Lodge.
On January 9, 1858,
Bro. Anson Jones passed away. At a special meeting of Holland Lodge, No. I,
held at the Masonic Hall in the City of Houston on Tuesday afternoon, January
12, 1858, the Worshipful Master declared the Lodge called and opened for the
purpose of paying the last sad tribute of respect to the late Bro. Anson
Jones, the first Worshipful Master of Holland Lodge, No. 36, later Holland
Lodge, No. I. Bro. William D. Smith was appointed Marshal; Bro. J. E.
Fergerson was appointed to bear the Holy Writings; Bro. John Doherty, Bro.
Robert Brewster, Bro. William B. Walker, Bro. W. C. O. Driscoll, Bro. A. J.
Chevanne, and Bro. E. W. Taylor were appointed pallbearers. Bro. B. A. Botts,
Bro. George Morgan, and Bro. Robert Brewster were appointed as a Committee to
prepare suitable resolutions regarding Bro. Jones' death.
EDUCATION At the
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held in January 1848, Bro. H. B.
Kelsey offered the following resolution, which was adopted: " Resolved, That
the Most Worshipful Grand Master shall appoint some compe tent and worthy
Master Mason under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, who shall be styled `
the Superintendent of Education,' and shall hold his appointment during good
behavior and the pleasure of the Grand Lodge. He shall have the custody and
management of the Educational Fund created by the Constitution of this Grand
Lodge, and shall loan out the same ... ; and he shall be personally liable and
responsible for the same. And it is hereby made the duty of the Treasurer to
pay over to said Superintendent, at each Grand Annual Communication, all the
educational funds in his hands, and take his receipt therefor. " The Grand
Lodge of Texas first took active steps to further the cause of education in
the State in 1848. It seems that its attention was directed to the
possibilities of this line of endeavour by the Report of the Committee on
Foreign Correspondence. This Committee reported that the educational efforts
of some of the Grand Lodges of other jurisdictions were meeting with success.
The matter was referred to a special Committee, which recommended a plan of
procedure. The Constitution in force at that time provided for an education
and charity fund to be made up of Io per cent of the revenues of the Grand
Lodge. The plan recommended by the Committee also provided that a
superintendent of education be appointed by the Grand Master.
274 FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS The reader will be impressed by the parallelism between the educational
efforts of the Fraternity and those of the State itself. As has been said, in
1848 the Grand Lodge authorised the Grand Master to appoint a " Superintendent
of Education." Six years later, in 1854, the State appointed its treasurer to
be " Ex‑officio Superintendent of Common Schools." The Grand Lodge established
its educational fund in 1845, while the State established its fund in 1854.
The Grand Lodge set aside io per cent of its annual revenue for educational
purposes, and in 1845 the State Constitution made the same provision. The
Masonic Education Fund was to be distributed to the Subordinate Lodges in
equal shares, for the benefit of indigent orphans and to assist widows in
need. From 1854 to 1861 the State followed almost exactly the same plan of
educational work. Dr. Eby, of the University of Texas, says in one of his
publications, " So striking are these similarities that we are compelled to
propose the question, ` Were the same men responsible for pushing education in
the State and in the Masonic Order? ' " The State Constitutional Convention of
1845 was composed of sixty‑two members, of whom more than thirty were masons.
Among them were Bro. Thomas J. Rusk, Bro. R. E. B. Baylor, Bro. W. L. Cazeau,
Bro. Edward Clark, Bro. N. H. Darnell, Bro. J. P. Henderson, Bro. A. H.
Latimer, Bro. W. B. Ochiltree, Bro. E. H. Tarrent, Bro. Isaac Van Zandt, and
Bro. George W. Wright. Several of those Brethren held Office in the Grand
Lodge of Texas either before or after sitting in the Constitutional Convention
of 1845. Bro. Edward Clark, who served the Grand Lodge as Grand Master in
1859, was Chairman of the Educational Committee of the Convention.
Members of the
Fraternity were in equally favorable position for making their influence felt
in determining the State's educational policy when, in 1854 and 1855, the
Legislature came to put the provisions of the State Constitution into
operation. Of the seventy‑nine members 'of the House whose records have been
traced, forty‑five were Masons. The Senate had a membership of thirtythree, of
whom twenty‑three were members of the Masonic Fraternity. That is neither all
nor the most significant thing about the fifth Legislature. The House
Committee on Education was composed of eleven members, of whom the following
were Masons: Bro. J. W. Sims, Bro. J. Marshall, Bro. B. B. Cannon, Bro. A. J.
Laird, Bro. Horace Cone, Bro. B. J. Swearingen, Bro. E. A. Palmer, and Bro. C.
H. Randolph. The bill to establish a system of public free schools was
introduced by Bro. Cannon of the House Educational Committee. The Fraternity
fared even better in obtaining assignments on the Educational Committee of the
upper House. The Senate Education Committee was composed of Bro. Hardin Hart,
R. H. Guinn, Bro. James K. Holland, Bro. C. McAnnally, Bro. Charles G. Keenan,
Bro. James Armstrong, Bro. James T. Lytle, and Bro. E. B. Scarbrough. Every
member of this Committee except R. H. Guinn was then a Mason, and he was
Raised at Rusk in 1879. Orphan's Friend Lodge, No. 17, was the first local
Lodge in the State to establish a school. An advertisement in The Texas
Democrat of May 6, 1846, announces March 2, 1846, as the date of the
FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS ‑ 275 beginning of the eighth session of the Masonic
Collegiate Institute at Fanthrop's. At that time Fanthrop's was the post
office of Orphan's Friend Lodge, No. 17. As the school term was then divided
into two sessions of five months each, it is to be inferred that this school
must have been opened to the public in September or October, 1842. A certain
Mr. Montrose, who had formerly been active in school work at San Augustine,
was in charge of the school.
The Records of the
Grand Lodge show that Chireno Lodge, No. 66, in Nacogdoches County, was first
to act upon its recommendation. The December 7, 1849, Minutes of that Lodge
show that it then had a school in operation. Heavy expenditures which the
Lodge had incurred for erecting a school building were made a matter of
consideration by the Grand Lodge when Chireno Lodge, No. 66, came to ask for a
continuation of its Dispensation in January, 185 o.
Marshall Lodge, No.
22, was next to undertake an educational policy. As early as February 1i, 185
o, that Lodge had taken active steps and was well along towards success in
acquiring the property of Marshall University. Aside from being one of the
earliest of the Lodges in the State to foster education, Marshall Lodge, No.
22, met with the most notable success. Its school was continued for a number
of years, and when its day of usefulness had been fulfilled, the Lodge
disposed of the property to the school board of the City of Marshall.
Next to Marshall, San
Augustine had perhaps the best Masonic School in the State. It seems to have
been established in the early 185o's and to have been unusually successful for
several years. It maintained departments for both men and women, and conferred
degrees. In those two respects, the Marshall and San Augustine schools were on
the same footing.
On March 16, 185o,
Tyler Lodge, No. 5o, of Town Bluff, set aside 2o per cent of its revenue to be
used for an education fund. At that time, too, effort was made to co‑operate
with county authorities to establish a public free school. The offer of the
Masons met with no success, so the Lodge established a school with its own
resources and charged a tuition of $i a month.
A news item in The
Galveston Weekly Journal of May 26, 1851, says, " The Masonic Fraternity of
Houston proposes beginning a new Hall and establishing a school or academy in
that city." Other references in the newspapers of that time, together with
advertisements, indicate that the school was actually established.
In the news
correspondence of The Galveston Weekly Journal of August 5, 1852, an article
says that " The Washington Masonic Academy is considered one of the best
schools in the State, and is situated on a fine eminence in the midst of a
handsome oak grove at the head of the main business street. About one hundred
pupils are now in attendance. The male department is under the direction of
Reverend L. P. Rucker, and the female department is conducted by Mrs. M. L.
Linden, both excellent teachers." In the columns of The Texas Gazette,
published on Christmas Day, 1852, is a lengthy account of the Waco Masonic
Institute.
On December 22, 1852,
The Southwestern American announced that " Austin 276 FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS
Lodge, No. 12, is taking steps to establish the Austin Masonic High School and
the prospectus is soon to be distributed in hand bill form." Gilmer Lodge, No.
61 established a school in 1852. The Lodge soon passed out of existence,
however, and with the loss of its Records every account of the school which it
established also vanished. The present Lodge at Gilmer char tered a school in
186o, but within a few years the school building was destroyed by fire and
after that the Lodge made no further effort to carry on educational plans.
Reports included in
the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge for 18)3 show that McDonald Lodge, No. 120,
of Linn Flat, Nacogdoches County, had spent $3oo during the Masonic year for
establishing a school.
The Linden Male and
Female Academy, located in the town of Linden, continued to operate for some
time from 1855 on. On January 5, of that year, The Texas Republican, published
at Marshall, made reference to the Bethany Masonic Institute in Panola County.
Advertisements in other local newspapers throughout the years 1853 and 1854,
and the report of the District Deputy Grand Master for the year 1853, all
indicate that at that time Palestine Lodge was supporting educational
facilities for both boys and girls. This Lodge had begun its educational work
in 1851.
The Milam Masonic
Institute, under the patronage of Milam Lodge, No. 35, of Milam, Sabine
County, was Chartered in 1854. This school is not to be confused with another
of the same name which was chartered in Bowie County three years earlier.
On January 2, 1854,
The Brenham Enquirer announced that Brenham Masonic Academy was that day
beginning its session. A week later, the Henderson Masonic Female Institute
began its first session, according to an article in that issue of The Flag of
the Union which was published at Henderson on February 2, 1854. This school
was chartered in 1864.
The New Danville
Masonic Female Institute, located in Gregg County, was chartered in 1854. It
was under the patronage of Danville Lodge, No. ioi, which is now located at
Kilgore.
The Pilot Point
Lodge, Alvarado Lodge, Scyene Lodge, Bolivar Lodge, and William C. Young Lodge
engaged in school work in some way or other during the pioneer days when the
Masonry of Texas was promoting education.
On August 16, 1856,
The Dallas Herald announced that Mrs. Sarah B. Gray would reopen her school
for young ladies on the coming September 3, and that it would be held in the
Masonic Hall.
Two teachers to work
in a school carried on under the direction of the Masonic Lodge at Leona, in
Leon County, were asked for in an advertisement that appeared in The Texas
Presbyterian on March 15, 1856. Other notices in local newspapers of about the
same date, addressed to school patrons in Leon and adjoining counties, call
their attention to the advantages offered by this institution.
Estelle Lodge in
Dallas County maintained a Masonic school, and for FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 277
several years the Lewisville Masonic Institute was conducted in the town of
Lewisville.
In a newspaper called
The True Issue, published at LaGrange on July io, 1857, the Columbus Masonic
Female Seminary was mentioned a number of times, while in several of its
issues put out in 1857 The Tri‑Weekly Telegraph, of Houston, stated that James
A. Ballinger had permanently established his school at the local Masonic Hall.
Tyler Lodge, No. So,
of Tyler, successfully operated a school, and St. John's Lodge, No. 53, also
of Tyler, took steps to establish a school in 1858 or 1859, according to data
discovered within recent years by a Committee of that Lodge which investigated
the Lodge's early history.
On March 1, 1924, The
Dallas Morning News printed an item from Honey Grove which said that Honey
Grove Lodge, No. 164, established a school in that town in 1858, and that for
a long time thereafter it was the only school there.
During 1859 or 186o,
the Parsons Female Academy conducted some of its school activities in the
Masonic Lodge's building at Manor. The lower story of the building was used
for school purposes, and some classes met in the Lodge Room itself for a short
time.
One of the best of
the many early schools established by the Masonic Lodges of Texas was the
Grapevine Masonic Institute, whose merits were recognised by patrons
throughout all that part of the State.
The San Saba Lodge,
No. 225, took steps as early as 186o to establish a school, though the
institution was not chartered until 1863.
In the special
edition of The GonZales Inquirer, published in 1922 on the seventieth
anniversary of the founding of the publication, a sketch of the history of
Masonic affairs in Gonzales said that Major George W. L. Fly, father of Past
Grand Master W. Madden Fly, of Gonzales was at one time principal of the
Masonic and Odd Fellows College of Texas, which at an early date was operated
with free school funds augumented by money supplied by the Masons.
Past Grand Master S.
M. Bradley's History of Stanfield Lodge No. 217, of Denton, which was
published in 1916, has this to say about an early school at Denton : " The
Masonic Hall was a two‑story frame building, twenty‑four feet wide and
forty‑eight feet long. The first story was intended for a schoolhouse, that
being the only schoolhouse in the town at that time. The second story was for
the Lodge Room. This building served as the only schoolhouse for the children
of Denton for several years. The only requirement made by the Lodge was that
all orphan children of Master Masons should have free tuition. The structure
was also used as a church, or house of worship, by all religious
denominations, free of charge." The building was first occupied by the Masonic
Lodge in 1859.
In one respect the
case of Onion Creek Lodge, No. ZZo, located near Austin, is unique. The Lodge
is still housed in a two‑story rock building that was erected in 186o. As
early as January 1861, the Lodge passed a resolution donat‑ 2.78 FREEMASONRY
IN TEXAS ing the lower floor of the building to the community for school
purposes. As is shown by the Minutes of the Lodge, at different times in its
history it had control of the school conducted there. One of the public free
schools of Travis County is held there to‑day and the local school board still
pays no rent for its use of the building.
The Records of Alamo
Lodge, No. 44, show that in early times it rented the lower story of its
building for school use, and received only seven dollars a month for it,
though the Lodge had been receiving forty dollars a month when the room was
used for business purposes. Until the Lodge granted its building for school
use, it had paid the school tuition for children of deceased Masons.
According to the
Records of Corpus Christi Lodge, No. 189, a Committee was appointed in August
1856, " to take into consideration educational matters connected with the
duties of the Lodge." The Minutes of Valley Lodge, No. 175, indicate that a
school was maintained in connection with the Lodge. The Lodge's Record of
August 1z, 1855, says that after a Masonic funeral the Brethren " then
proceeded to the schoolroom where the Lodge was closed in due and ancient
form." Beginning in 1859, a school was maintained in connection with Cameron
Lodge, No. 76. The Records of the Lodge do not state, however, either how long
or under what terms the school was conducted.
In the early part of
185o, DeWitt Clinton Lodge, No. 2.9, of jasper, began preparations for the
establishment of a co‑educational institution of higher learning. After
considering the matter, the Lodge decided to establish the jasper Collegiate
Institute for girls. Apparently this school was opened in the latter part of
185o or early in 1851. It was continued for several years, its expenses being
partly paid by the Lodge.
While at its old
location at Swartmont, Trinity Lodge, No. 14 conducted a school. The first
reference to this Lodge's interest in education appears in the Record of
February 1848. At* that time the Lodge passed a resolution and agreed to bear
So per cent of the cost of completing the lower room of their Lodge building
if it were then used for school purposes. The balance of the cost was to be
borne by the citizens. This arrangement was continued until the Lodge was
removed to Livingston in 1851. From then on until 1858 a school seems to have
been still maintained in the Lodge's property for at least part of the time.
Other early Masonic
schools that have not been mentioned were: Caldwell Masonic Academy, at
Caldwell, built about 1849. The Texas Masonic Institute, at Veal Station,
Parker County, established in 186o. The Prairie Lea Female Institute, founded
in 186o. The Masonic and Odd Fellows Academy, at Kerens, in Navarro County,
established in 186o. The Tennessee Colony Masonic Institute, in Anderson
County, established in 1858. The Lexington Male and Female Institute, in
Dallas County, established in 186o. The Little River Academy, in Bell County,
established in 1873. The Hallville Masonic Institute, FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 279
in Harrison County, founded in 1873. The Rusk Masonic Institute, established
at Rusk in 1873. The Bagdad Masonic Institute, founded in 1871. The Greenwood
Masonic Institute, established in 1870. The Moscow Masonic Institute, in Polk
County, which operated from 1873 to 1883. The Masonic Female Institute, at
Bonham, established in 1883. The Tusculum Masonic Institute. Lancaster Lodge
operated the Masonic Institute for several years. Among the early laws for the
regulation of liquor traffic which were passed by the Texas Legislature, one,
dating from the 1870's, forbade the sale of intoxicating liquor within a
certain distance of the Masonic Institute.
MASONIC HOME AND
SCHOOL In his report to the Grand Lodge made in January 1853, E. W. Taylor,
Superintendent of the Education Fund, urged that definite steps be taken to
care for and educate the children of deceased Masons. The last paragraph of
his Report reads thus Extend these charities, my Brethren, by establishing a
system of education that shall cover with its broad folds every Masonic child
within our borders. Do this, and you establish our Institution, in this
flourishing young State, upon a basis as firm as the Rock of Ages. Do this,
and you plant the standard of Masonry here, against which the puny assaults of
ignorance and malice can never prevail. I am not prepared to present any plan
of operations for your consideration. But that you will take the subject under
consultation, and adopt such a course as may seem most proper to carry on the
work, is my most earnest wish.
From this it is clear
that as early as 1853 the Craft had a vision as to the future welfare of
children of deceased Master Masons, as well as to the welfare of their widows.
How far reaching this vision was appears in the brief history of the Masonic
Home and School of Texas, located at Fort Worth, which is presented on a
subsequent page. In writing this sketch, the author has not been unmindful of
the accomplishments of all the Rites and Bodies of Masonry. Neither has he
purposed not to give due credit for whatever has been achieved in the name of
Masonry. The Masonic Home and School of Texas is owned and operated by the
Grand Lodge. On subsequent pages are references to The Home for Aged Masons,
at Arlington, which is owned and operated by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Texas. The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, at Dallas, and
the Scottish Rite Dormitory, at the University of Texas, in Austin, are
sponsored and operated by Scottish Rite Masons of the Texas jurisdiction, as
will be more fully explained later. The Gavel Club, which is the property of
the Grand Lodge, is operated under its direction.
At the Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas held in Houston on December 11,
1885, Bro. Frank Steiner, of Waco, introduced a resolution providing that a
Committee of Five be appointed by Grand Master A. J. Rose to present a plan to
the Grand Lodge for erecting, maintaining, and supporting 28o FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS a Home for Masons widows and orphans. The resolution was adopted, and to
carry out the wishes of the Grand Lodge the following Committee was appointed:
Bro. Z. E. Coombes, Bro. Norton Moses, Bro. Frank Steiner, Bro. E. G. Bower,
Bro. W. H. Nichols, and Bro. M. F. Mott. On December 16, 1886, Bro. M. F. Mott
made the Committee's report to the Grand Lodge, in which it was recommended
that the Grand Lodge elect a board of directors consisting of five members. At
that time the Committee also presented a plan for accumulating funds for the
proposed Home.
On December 15, 1887,
the Grand Lodge adopted the Committee's report by a large majority, and then
elected Bro. M. F. Mott, Bro. J. F. Miller, Bro. Frank Steiner, Bro. W. L.
Davidson, and B. F. Hawkins as directors. Bro. Miller and Bro. Mott earnestly
devoted themselves to solving difficulties involved in establishing the Home.
From time to time the board of directors reported to the Grand Lodge upon the
progress made in providing funds and in securing a suitable location for the
proposed institution. Many Lodges made offers of land, some made offers of
cash and building material. At the meeting of the Grand Lodge held on December
6, 1898, the board of directors reported that they had accepted Zoo acres of
land donated by Fort Worth Lodge, No. 148, and that they had purchased some 13
additional acres that adjoined the donated land on the northeast. The location
finally chosen for the home, a site admirably suited to the purpose, is on a
high elevation overlooking the city, some five miles southeast of Fort Worth.
That same year (1898)
the board let the contract for the first building of the institution, a
structure that was to cost $17,527, and selected Dr. Frank Rainey as
superintendent. The building was completed on October 2, 1899, and was opened
for the reception of children four days later. Emanuel and Robert Lee Ravey,
orphans of a deceased Brother of Austin Lodge, No. 12, were received into the
Home on September 28, however, a week before it was formally opened. At the
time no provision had been made for the care of Masons' widows. During the
first year of its operation, the Home cared for sixtythree children. Before
the end of the year 1899, a small building to accommodate Masons' widows was
erected and furnished at a cost of $11,375. After such progress had been made
and the realisation of the institution had thus become assured, the Masonic
Widows' and Orphans' Home was dedicated by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge on
June 12, 1 goo.
In 19o1 the Grand
Lodge adopted a Constitutional amendment which provided for the levying of an
annual tax of fifty cents upon each Mason in the Grand Jurisdiction of Texas
for the support and maintenance of the Home. In 1917 the annual maintenance
tax was increased to $i.oo and in 1921 to $1.25. Because of crowded
conditions, fire hazard, and the pressing need of additional accommodations to
care for a long waiting‑list of children the late Past Grand Master Andrew L.
Randell proposed to the Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication held in 1921,
that the board of directors of the Masonic Home and School be authorised to
call upon the Masonic Lodges of Texas for volun‑ FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 281
tart' donations in an amount equal to $5.oo per capita for each member, for
the purpose of carrying out an extensive building programme at the
institution. The proposal also provided that Subordinate Lodges be required to
pay into an endowment and reserve fund for the use of the institution, and to
pay into that fund the sum of $io.oo for each Master Mason Degree conferred.
The Grand Lodge embodied the recommendations of Grand Master Randell in
legislation necessary for carrying the proposals into effect.
Through the active
co‑operation of the late Past Grand Master, D. F. Johnson, the Lodges were
informed of the needs of the Masonic Home and School, and donations began to
arrive. During the year 1922‑1923, Grand Master Mike H. Thomas actively
campaigned for the cause. Many Lodges responded liberally, and more than
$500,000 were paid in to provide adequate accommodation for the needy children
of deceased Brethren.
With funds thus
provided, an extensive building programme was undertaken. Under the plan of
expansion, two of the old buildings which were badly cracked and a constant
fire hazard were razed. In the period from 1921 to 1930, eight fireproof
buildings were built and furnished at a cost of more than $8oo,ooo. An
addition to the school buildings was also built at a cost of some $3o,ooo.
Besides the large buildings that were erected, many smaller projects were
completed. To reproduce the present plant and its equipment would cost at
least $1, 5oo,ooo. The land on which the institution is located is worth
$i5o,ooo and the plant itself is valued at $2,4oo,oco. The institution can
accommodate 450 children and provide them with every facility for health,
recreation, and training.
After the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Texas had established the Home for Aged Masons, at Arlington,
the board of directors of the Masonic Home and School entered into an
agreement with the directors of that Institution whereby widows who are wards
of the Grand Lodge are to be housed and cared for there. The maintenance cost
and a pro rata charge for accommodations were to be paid out of the funds of
the Masonic Home and School. The Grand Lodge approved this arrangement, and in
1911 the widows were removed to the Home for Aged Masons. Later the name
Masonic Widows' and Orphans' Home was changed to Masonic Home and School of
Texas.
Under the direction
of Superintendent Walter Acker, the school was reorganised, the course of
study was revised and vocational subjects were added to provide the children
with a standard graded school and a four‑year high school. At present the
school prepares its graduates for college entrance, and turns out well‑trained
stenographers, printers, linotype operators, and pressmen as well. In addition
the boys are taught farm and dairy work, and girls are taught all the
homemakings arts, including dressmaking.
Since its
establishment, the Home has registered 1,418 residents, of whom 1,22‑8 were
children and 190 were widows. Of the children who have been enrolled, some 350
either graduated from the school or perfected themselves in a vocation. Others
have left the Home after a short stay there, and still 282‑ FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS others have been removed by relatives before finishing the school
course. Unfortunately, some have had to be dismissed for cause. At present the
enrollment includes some 42‑5 children and 45 widows.
WELFARE WORK Shortly
after the United States Veterans' Bureau Hospital had been open at Legion,
Texas, for the treatment of tubercular ex‑service men, Master Masons there
felt the need of closer association with one another. With a view to forming
an organisation through which they could extend relief and in which the
fraternity could be discussed, an Organisation that would promote closer
fellowship among members of the Craft in the hospital, a meeting of Master
Masons was called. Twenty‑six Master Masons representing the Masonic
population of the hospital, exclusive of bed‑ridden Brethren, met on January
11, 1924. Twenty‑five Lodges and twelve Grand jurisdictions were represented.
Preliminary steps for organisation were then taken and necessary committees
were appointed. The meeting then adjourned to meet again two weeks later, and
at that time the Gavel Club was established with the following Officers: Bro.
H. E. Carney, President; Bro. J. J. Klein, Vice‑President; Bro. V. J. Fugler,
Secretary; Bro. E. J. Carson, Assistant‑Secretary; Bro. J. G. Zimmerman,
Treasurer; Bro. C. W. Dial, Sergeant‑at‑Arms; Bro. G. L. Epple, Chaplain. Soon
the little room where the club had been established was outgrown, and then the
idea of a club‑owned building was conceived. While ways of raising funds were
being considered, Bro. Wilbur Keith, Executive Secretary of the Committee on
Masonic Education and Service, was invited to visit the hospital by Bro. V. J.
Fugler, Secretary. When Bro. Keith met with the Club on March 1, 1924, he at
once saw the possibility of its being of great service to the Craft, so he
volunteered to raise a building fund.
With contributions
from Club members, a building site adjoining the hospital grounds was
presently purchased. Soon Masonic Bodies and individual Masons were sending
donations for the Club's building fund, since Bro. Keith, on his visits to
Lodges throughout the State, was explaining the needs of Masons in the
hospital at Legion. In a short time the fund had grown and a contract for the
building was let. While the Club building was being built, the Club itself was
reorganised. On July 7, 1924, the State chartered it as a welfare organisation.
The corner‑stone of the Club building was laid on August 15, 192‑4, by Most
Worshipful Grand Master Gus A. Brandt. At the close of the ceremony, Bro. D.
C. Farnsworth, assistant medical officer in charge of the hospital and a
member of the Club, presented a deed that made the Gavel Club the property of
the Grand Lodge of Texas. The gift was accepted, subject to the action of the
Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication. Then that Body accepted the Club,
though it did not obligate itself to be responsible for maintaining it, hence
it is operated out of funds supplied by the Grand Lodge to the Committee on
Masonic Education and Service. At the dedication of the Club's new home, an
attractive building of native stone, on September 26, 1924, many FREEMASONRY
IN TEXAS 283 prominent Masons assembled at Legion. Bro. Nat M. Washer, Past
Grand Master, presided at the ceremony.
When the Grand Lodge
convened in December 1924, Bro. J. J. Klein, then President of the Club, was
present. He told members of the Grand Lodge about the possibilities of the
Gavel Club as a Masonic welfare organisation. Upon hearing Bro. Klein's talk,
Grand Lodge voted not only to accept the gift of deed to the Club's property,
but also to sponsor the Club in its work as a welfare organisation. It was
then placed under the supervision of the Committee on Masonic Education and
Service. The Grand Lodge's action enabled the Club so to extend its service as
to include all patients in the hospital regardless of their creed or fraternal
affiliations. On July 17, 1925, the Committee on Masonic Education and Service
held its semi‑annual meeting in the Club building.
Bro. V. J. Fugler
began his duties as Welfare Secretary on August 1, 1925. Since then the Club's
activities have increased until it is to‑day recognised as an integral part of
the hospital organisation. Through relief extended to pa tients in the
hospital and to sojourning Masons in the nearby town of Kerrville and
vicinity, who come there for the benefit of their health, the Club has made
its influence felt in many jurisdictions. The average daily patient population
of the hospital is 340, while the average daily Masonic patient population is
62.
The Texas Scottish
Rite Hospital for Crippled Children is the outgrowth of what was at first a
Dallas clinic for crippled children. That clinic having proved that the need
for such work is great, it was determined to build a hos pital. Ground for the
building was broken on December 9, 1921, and on November 15, 1923, the
institution was in operation. On May 1, 1926, the entire ownership and
operation of the hospital passed into the hands of the Scottish Rite Bodies of
the State. In reorganising, a new board of trustees, which includes a
representative of all Texas Scottish Rite Bodies, was created. The Texas
Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children gives gratuitous care to those
whose guardians are unable to send them to other institutions, and whose
disability can be relieved to the extent that they may eventually become
selfsustaining. Results accomplished since the hospital was opened are
evidence of how well its aim has been achieved. Since the hospital was opened,
3192 bed patients have been admitted; in addition, 6819 patients have been
treated in the out‑patient department. The hospital has cared for cases from
more than two‑thirds of the 254 counties of Texas.
The hospital plant,
valued at some $4oo,ooo, is located on the block bounded by Welborn,
Sylvester, and Oak Lawn avenues in Dallas. Modern, fireproof buildings, well
equipped with all necessary facilities, can accommodate 6o children. The chief
surgeon, an experienced orthopedist, has a consulting staff of capable medical
men and a corps of assistants and nurses. The hospital's accounting system
shows that the annual cost of upkeep compares favourably with that of similar
institutions. In certain respects it is less than elsewhere. The hospital's
revenue is provided by donations made by the Scottish Rite Zg4 FREEMASONRY IN
TEXAS Bodies of Texas, by other Masonic organisations, by corporations, firms,
and individuals. It was never expected that the entire cost would be borne by
the Scottish Rite Bodies; rather, that other Masonic Bodies, individual
Masons, and non‑Masons would also make contributions.
The following are the
requirements for admission to the hospital: Patients are admitted from any
part of the State irrespective of the religious or fraternal affiliations of
parents or guardians, but not if the parents or guardians live else where.
Only white children can be admitted at present, since the hospital has no ward
for Negroes. The patient must be a cripple and not more than fourteen years
old. Applicants are not admitted if their disability is due to causes lying
beyond the range of treatment given here. The patient must be as intelligent
and mentally active as the average child of his age. Patients are admitted
only on recommendation of a Masonic Lodge under the Jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge of Texas.
SCOTTISH RITE
DORMITORY Early in 192o, the Sovereign Grand Inspector‑General in Texas
proposed the erection of the Scottish Rite Dormitories to the various Bodies
of the Rite in this State, and appealed to them for their support and
co‑operation. The primary aim was to provide suitable living quarters for
daughters of Master Masons attending the university and to surround them with
a wholesome environment. A secondary aim was to help the university solve its
housing problem. Favourable response from the Scottish Rite Bodies was
unanimous. To put the movement into immediate operation, the property of the
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin was at once leased for two years.
In the latter part of September 192o, the following four halls, accommodating
io2 girls, were opened: Lubbock Hall, Driskill Hall, Annex A, and Annex B.
Miss Katrina Kirby, of Dallas, was first to file an application for admission.
At that time the
Scottish Rite Educational Association of Texas had the following Officers: Sam
P. Cochran, of Dallas, President; Judge James W. McClendon, of Austin,
Vice‑President; Judge W. S. Fly, of San Antonio, Second Vice‑President; Joe H.
Muenster, of Austin, Secretary; H. A. Wroe, of Austin, Treasurer. These men
presently provided for the erection of a dormitory having 169 rooms and
accommodating 3o6 girls. The Georgian style building that was erected, one of
the finest structures in all Texas, is greatly admired by all who see it.
Funds for erecting the building were obtained by pledging Scottish Rite Bodies
to give for a period of three years beginning with 192o, and onethird of such
revenue obtained during 1924 and 1925. ‑ September 1922, found the new
dormitory ready for use and in operation.
HOME FOR AGED MASONS
It was Sam P. Cochran, Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of Texas,
who in his annual report to the Grand Chapter in 1906 submitted a FREEMASONRY
IN TEXAS 2.85 recommendation providing for the establishment of the Home for
the Aged Masons of Texas. This recommendation closed thus I suggest that, in
connection with an appropriation, a Committee be appointed to consider the
whole question of a Masonic home for aged masons, and to devise and report a
plan to this Grand Chapter at its next Convention.
I feel firmly
convinced that, if this movement is inaugurated, the active cooperation of
other Grand and Subordinate Masonic Bodies in this State can be secured upon
invitation. And my own idea would be so to broaden the plan as to enlist the
moral and financial co‑operation, support, and assistance of all Masonic
Bodies and members of the State. A field of usefulness will be opened up to
the Grand and Subordinate Chapters in this State which I believe will prove a
vitalising force in stimulating the growth of these Bodies, and this noble
work for that portion of mankind which should and does appeal most touchingly
and tenderly to our hearts will receive the blessings of God, and its
beneficence will be reflected upon us.
After the
presentation of Bro. Cochran's report, the Committee on Grand Officers
reported the following Resolution: Resolved, That the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of Texas hereby declares that it favours and endorses a policy for the
establishment of a home for aged and indigent Masons in this Grand
jurisdiction, and for the purpose of carry ing said policy into effect the
Grand High Priest shall appoint a Committee of five members, one of whom shall
be for the establishment of an institution to the next annual Convocation of
this Grand Chapter. They shall also in their Report suggest methods of the
operation and the maintenance of the same.
After election to the
Office of M:. E.% Grand High Priest, Dr. P. M. Riley appointed three Past
Grand Masters: Companion A. W. Campbell, Companion William James, and
Companion W. M. Fly; Companion Sam P. Cochran, Past Grand High Priest, and
Companion R. S. Neblett as a Committee to formulate plans for carrying out the
recommendation made by Cochran. At the end of a year of painstaking labour and
investigation, the Committee offered a resolution, which was unanimously
adopted. It created a board of directors for the Home for Aged Masons. It also
proposed plans for the establishment of a fund to be used in the construction
of the Home.
In 1907, at the
election of Officers of the Grand Chapter, Companion Sam P. Cochran, Companion
W. M. Fly, Companion William James, Companion John Findlater, and Companion
Mason Cleveland were elected as the first board of directors. The following
year, that board selected a tract of land lying a mile west of Arlington, as a
suitable place for the Institution. In its report to the Grand Chapter in
19o8, the board said, among other things, " We find that the action of the
Grand Chapter in determining to establish and maintain a home for aged Masons
has received the cordial approval of practically all good Masons everywhere in
this State, who are informed thereof, and that 286 FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS such
action is warmly applauded by those who are really interested in the true
purpose of Masonry." On October i9, igio, the board let the contract for the
construction of the main building at a cost of $31,417. Construction work was
started on October 31, igio, and on December 12, i91o, the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Texas laid the corner‑stone with appropriate ceremonies. On the
following October 3, 1911, the edifice being then completed, the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge convened in Special Communication, and the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Texas Assembled in Special Convocation to dedicate the
institution. When W. M. Fly, Past Grand Master and Vice‑President of the board
of directors, presented the Home to M.‑. W.‑. Grand Master Walter Acker for
dedication by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, he said in part just ten months
ago you honoured us by assembling here in special communication to lay the
corner stone of this building. You now come in gracious response to our
invitation, to set apart and hallow this as the Home for Aged Masons. I hardly
need assure you, Sir, of the perfect delight, and, we trust, the pardonable
pride, that fills our hearts as Royal Arch Masons, on being able at so early a
date to announce that our buildings are now complete in all their parts,
thoroughly furnished, and that the home is amply equipped and made ready for
occupancy. Naught now remains but that you, Sir, in keeping with the customs
and traditions of that most ancient and honourable Institution you so worthily
represent, shall affix your seal of dedication which means so much to the
Mason's heart.
In response to those
fitting remarks, Grand Master Walter Acker then pronounced the following
significant words As this building has grown, stone upon stone, story upon
story, the prayers of the Masons of Texas have been that the blessings of
Almighty God might be upon the undertaking‑that the workmen might be preserved
in health and peace to the end that e'er long, in His own good time, the
portals of the Home for Aged Masons might swing wide open, and the weary and
worn of our honoured Fraternity find a place where the evening of life might
be spent amid pleasant and peaceful environment.
Such a place, my
Brethren, is this, and I congratulate the Masons of Texas upon its inception
and completion. May He Who doeth all things well look with favour upon this
labour wrought by faithful hands, accept the offering we gladly make, preserve
the aged Masons' home, and direct us all in the paths of peace and plenty.
The Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of Texas officially received the Home at the Grand Convocation held in
December 1911. In doing so, it gave to the world the first institution of its
kind‑and at the present the only one. An insti tution sponsored and supported
by a Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Masons in which the Master Mason receives the
same privileges and consideration as FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS 287 do those who
have taken all the Degrees. The main requirement for admission is that the
applicant shall have been a Master Mason in good standing in a Texas Lodge for
the last five years preceding the date of application. In 1915 the endowment
fund of the Home amounted to some $Zo,ooo, while to‑day it is $Soo,ooo. In
addition to this, a substantial fund is also maintained for the support of the
Institution.
The Grand Commandery
of Knights Templar of Texas appropriated $Zo,ooo for building a hospital at
the Home in 1914. On September 26, 1914, Sir George W. Tyler, Grand Commander,
Sir J. C. Kidd, Grand Recorder, and Sir J. J.
Davis, chairman of
the Finance Committee, together with the members of the board of directors of
the Home, let the contract for building the hospital to C. F. Nelson. On
December i8, 1914, the Grand Lodge of Texas, escorted by the Grand Commandery
of Texas, levelled the corner‑stone. The Grand Commandery met in Special Grand
Conclave and dedicated the building to the service of humanity on April ZS,
19x6. This, the first hospital to be erected by a Grand Commandery, is a
monument to the Knights Templar of Texas. It is a handsome and thoroughly
modern edifice, fully equipped with operating‑room, dental operating‑room,
sterilising chamber, and drug room, and having twentyfive rooms for patients.
From time to time new additions and improvements have been added to the main
building and the hospital, until now the Grand Chapter owns a plant having few
equals among those auxiliary to eleemosynary institutions. The buildings,
valued at $Soo,ooo, are all steam‑heated and furnished with modern
conveniences. In a splendid auditorium, seating more than 300 persons,
religious services are held every Sunday. Moving picture shows and other
entertainments given once or twice each month bring joy to the old people who
dwell at the Home.
Pleasantly located
not only on a paved State highway, a railroad, and an electric interurban
railway, the main buildings of the institution stand on a slight elevation.
Skilfully planted shrubbery and trees add greatly to the appear ance and
beauty of the grounds. These form only a small part of more than zoo acres of
land that belong to the institution. Housed here, amidst delightful
surroundings, more than 8oo persons have had a pleasant home and led a happy
life since that day, some twenty years ago, when these portals were first
flung open to welcome those whom the Masonic Bodies of the Lone Star State
care for so lovingly and withal so tenderly.
From the very date of
the birth of Freemasonry in Texas, its greatest ambition has been an educated
people and an educated Craft. Following the laying of the foundation for a
general school system in Texas, members of the Craft directed their attention
to the personal side of education and initiated the movement for what is
to‑day one of the greatest schools for the children of deceased Master Masons
in the United States. The institution is not the largest, but equally as
successful as any in existence. Since 1921 especial attention has been given
to the education of the Craft through the work of a specially created
Committee by the Grand Lodge for that purpose. In addition to books and 288
FREEMASONRY IN TEXAS pamphlets supplied to the Lodges for the initiates, the
Committee on Masonic Education and Service publishes The Texas Grand Lodge
Magazine, the official publication of the Grand Lodge. From the records of
this Committee much of the foregoing information has been obtained.
The latest
compilation shows the following facts and figures The largest membership in
any one Lodge in Texas is in Oak Cliff, No. 705, with a total of 1604. The
smallest Lodge is Illinois Bend, No. 665, with a membership of 7.
A few facts and
figures herewith presented will no doubt be of interest to every Mason. Lodge
dues in Texas range from $2.25 to $12 per year. In 1934 a law was passed
making minimum Lodge dues $5 per year. The number of non‑affiliated Masons in
Texas is 5,613, with a total of 22,594 non‑resident members. There are 25,497
delinquent members owing to their respective Lodges a total of $254,97482. The
gross income of Texas Lodges totals $839,687.56, with a gross expense of
$650,834.14. There are 669 Lodges owning buildings with a value of
$6,511,981.24; with insurance on same amounting to $2,798,205. The furniture
is valued at $736,103.16, with insurance of $441.445 There is a total of
$468,347.62 in the hands of the local treasury of the respective Lodges, with
a total of $243,326.72 loaned out. The sum of $i,2o1,1io.82 is given as
indebtedness against real estate owned by the Lodges with other indebtedness
of $151,156.83.
FREEMASONRY IN UTAH
SAMUEL HENRY GOODWIN HE ultimate source of the organised Masonry of Utah was
that of North Carolina. The Masonry of that State, with the addition of some
few elements of Virginia Masonry, slowly made its way through Ken tucky,
Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana, at last to find a restingplace in
this region. In its progress across the continent, it halted for a time in
Missouri. There it diverged into several courses, all of which later met to
form that Body of Freemasonry which eventually became the Grand Lodge of Utah.
The first Masonic
Lodge to be established within the present boundaries of this State was a
Lodge among the United States soldiers who were sent here in 1858 in
connection with the " Utah War," under command of Colonel Albert Sidney
Johnston. Separated from the central government by vast reaches of uninhabited
desert, and with only the most primitive means of communication and
transportation available, Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormons, had for
ten years felt secure in his isolation. Certain of the loyal support of his
followers, he had carried on with such a high hand in his theocratic " State
of Deseret " that President Buchanan finally sent troops here to protect the
officials serving the Federal Government in Utah. Among the troops stationed
at Camp Floyd was a considerable number of Masons. In May 186o, twenty‑three
of them received a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Missouri empowering them to
establish Rocky Mountain Lodge, No. Zo5. Within a year, however, the dark
clouds of civil strife were lowering over the entire country. At about that
time, Colonel Johnston resigned his command in Utah and returned to the East.
Shortly afterwards his troops were transferred, the Charter of the Lodge was
surrendered, and thus the first Masonic Light in this vast intermountain
region was extinguished.
The second planting
of Masonry in Utah was made in 1866. A group of Masons headed by James M.
Ellis, a California merchant, obtained a Dispensation from the Grand Master of
Nevada under date of January 25, 1866. They opened Mt. Moriah Lodge U. D., at
Salt Lake City, with James M. Ellis as Worshipful Master, W. G. Higley as
Senior Warden, and W. S. Halsey as junior Warden. The first meeting of this
Lodge was held on February 5, 1866. In view of the conditions then existing in
Salt Lake City and throughout Utah Territory, Grand Master DeBell, of Nevada,
conditioned this Dispensation. The Petitioners had to pledge that they would
not admit Mormons into the 289 Igo FREEMASONRY IN UTAH Lodge. Indeed, shortly
after the Lodge began Work, Grand Master DeBell ordered that Mormons be
excluded even as visitors, and further that Petitions for Degrees should not
be accepted from men known to be Mormons. This restriction caused much
discussion among members of the Lodge, some of whom felt that they themselves
should judge such matters. When the Grand Lodge of Nevada met in September
1866, Mt. Moriah Lodge U. D. Petitioned for a Charter. This was denied, though
because of the unsatisfactory conditions in Salt Lake City and in lieu of it
the Dispensation was continued for another year. At the Session of the Grand
Lodge of Nevada held in 1867, Mt. Moriah Lodge U. D. again asked for a
Charter. This request would have been granted had it not been for the Master's
unfortunate letter accompanying the Petition.
The following, in
brief, are some of the reasons why Mormons are not accepted or received by
Masonic Lodges in Utah: (1) The use of Masonic ceremonies, language, and
symbols in the Rituals secretly practised by Mormons in their temples have
caused Masons to regard the esoteric portions of Mormonism as savouring of
clandestine Masonry. (2) The subordination of the Bible to the Mormon
scriptures and to the pronouncements of the prophets and priests of Mormonism.
(3) The unlimited power which the Mormon priesthood claims and exercises over
the members of the Mormon Church. (4) The Mormon belief in polygamy and
practice of it. The nature of this present article prevents enumeration of
other equally important reasons, which the Grand Lodge construed as being an
attempt to dictate. Again the Petition was denied, and at this time the Grand
Secretary issued Certificates of good standing to the members. Even so,
however, the Brethren refused to disband. On December 18, 1867, they again met
as Mt. Moriah Lodge U. D., this time under a Dispensation that had been issued
by the Grand Master of Kansas. On October 21, 1868, the Lodge was Chartered as
No. 70 on the Kansas Registry, with Joseph F. Nounnan as Worshipful Master, W.
G. Higley as Senior Warden, and Theodore Auerbach as junior Warden.
In the meantime
another group of Masons, headed by Reuben H. Robertson, an attorney and a Past
Master of Nevada Lodge, No. 4, of the Montana Registry, applied to the Grand
Master of the Montana Jurisdiction for a Dispensation em powering them to open
a Lodge in Salt Lake City. The Dispensation was issued on October 22, 1866,
and on the following November 30 Wasatch Lodge U. D. held its first meeting.
On October 12, 1867, this Lodge was Chartered as Wasatch Lodge, No. 8, with R.
H. Robertson as Worshipful Master, J. M. Orr as Senior Warden, and George
Bodenberg as junior Warden.
So matters stood
until early in January 1871, when Captain Ebenezer H. Shaw arrived in Salt
Lake City. Captain Shaw was a native of Massachusetts and a longtime resident
of California. He was an active member of the Supreme Council of Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern jurisdiction, an enthusiastic Mason,
and withal a man of action. Within a few days after his arrival he had
assembled sixteen members of the Scottish Rite and granted them a Dispensation
to form a Lodge of Perfection. This was later Chartered as St.
FREEMASONRY IN UTAH
291 John's Lodge of Perfection, No. 1. The chief significance of this
occurrence is that it introduced other attractions and interests among the few
Utah Masons, and so eventually proved to be a real handicap to the work and
growth of the Lodges.
Captain Shaw next
turned his attention to the organisation of another Blue Lodge in Salt Lake
City. His reason for doing this was the rumour that certain Mormons, former
members of the Lodge at Nauvoo, Illinois, and of other Lodges, were going to
secure authority from some foreign Masonic power and then establish Lodges in
Utah Territory. Captain Shaw contended that, with three Lodges functioning, a
Grand Lodge could be formed and the ground thus held for regular Masonry. At
all events, on April 8, 1871, the Grand Master of Colorado issued his
Dispensation authorising Argenta Lodge of Salt Lake City to begin Work. On the
following September 26, this Lodge was given a Charter as Argenta Lodge, No.
21. Of the thirteen members E. H. Shaw was Worshipful Master, E. B. Zabriskie,
Senior Warden, and H. M. Harkness, Junior Warden.
After this Lodge was
established, the formation of a Grand Lodge in Utah was not long delayed.
During the first two weeks of January 1872 necessary resolutions were adopted
by the three existing Lodges, and on January 16 their Representatives met in a
Masonic Convention and organised the Grand Lodge of Utah. The following
persons were the first Officers of that Grand Lodge: Obed F. Strickland, Grand
Master; Louis Cohn, Deputy Grand Master; E. B. Zabriskie, Senior Grand Warden;
A. S. Gould, Junior Grand Warden; Charles F. Smith, Grand Treasurer; Joseph F.
Nounnan, Grand Secretary. These, together with the customary appointive
Officers, were duly Installed, and on January 17, 1872, the Grand Lodge of
Utah began to function. On the Registry Wasatch Lodge became No. 1; Mt. Moriah
Lodge, No. 2; and Argenta, Lodge No. 3.
Obed F. Strickland,
the Grand Master, who was judge of the First District Court of Utah, resided
in Provo. On February 15, 1872, in response to a Petition signed by nine
Masons headed by Ira M. Swartz, clerk of the District Court, the Grand Master
issued a Dispensation for 'a Lodge to be established in Provo and known as
Utah Lodge U. D. At its first Annual Communication, held on October 8, 1872,
the Grand Lodge granted the Provo Lodge a Charter as Story Lodge, No. 4. Of
this Lodge, Ira M. Swartz was Worshipful Master, Samuel Paul, Senior Warden,
and Benjamin Bachman, Junior Warden.
In Utah, the Mormon
system of colonisation was unfavorable to the spread of Masonry. With one
notable exception, and aside from mining camps, practically every settlement
in Utah was made by men " called " by the rulers of the Mormon Church. Such
men took their families, went to certain designated points, there established
themselves and developed the land. Each group went out as a thoroughly
organised unit of the Church. Even the civil laws of the Territory were
administered by the ecclesiastical organisation. "And this method of
government continued, as these ' Stakes of Zion,' or Mormon colonies, grew to
counties and wards or branches of the church." In some respects it was an
ideal system of government, for all were of one mind. In early days,of 2.92.
FREEMASONRY IN UTAH course, there were not enough people of the Mormon faith
to occupy all those regions of Utah Territory suitable for settlement. This
situation was taken care of, however, by the provisional and Territorial
Assemblies. Those " granted " to Brigham Young and a few other prominent
Mormon leaders absolute control of immense areas of arable and grazing lands,
together with the timber on the mountains and the streams which issued from
the canyons. Not a foot of those lands could be occupied, no timber or water
could be used, without first obtaining permission from those who controlled
the " grants " ! Under those conditions, " Masonic material," that is,
non‑Mormons, was not to be found in Utah outside the two or three larger
towns.
The exception alluded
to in the paragraph above was Corinne, a town some sixty‑five miles north of
Salt Lake City, which owed its existence to the coming of the Union Pacific
Railroad. This town was laid out by the railroad officials, settled by
non‑Mormons, and long known as the only " Gentile " City in Utah. In 1872.,
Corinne Lodge, No. 5, was established there. Since Corinne commanded the trade
of Idaho and Montana, it flourished for a time. After the selection of Ogden
as the junction point of the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads,
however, many of the business men of Corinne transferred their homes and
establishments to Ogden, which then had a population at least six times as
large as that of Corinne. This movement brought a number of Masons to Ogden,
and made possible the organisation of Weber Lodge, No. 6, at that place in
1873. The Chartering of Weber Lodge, No. 6, for a time ended the Grand Lodge's
activities so far as concerned organising Constituent Lodges. Further progress
had to await the development of the mining industry in Utah.
It is a noteworthy
fact that Brigham Young unwittingly paved the way for a considerable
immigration of " Gentiles " into Utah. In order to carry out his policy of
isolation effectively, and to mould his people into a self‑sustaining
agricultural commonwealth, he prohibited them from having anything to do with
mines and mining. Thus the way was left open for non‑Mormons to develop the
mines of the Territory. This they did, with the result that where minerals
were found in paying quantities, mining camps sprang up almost overnight. Some
few of them developed into permanent settlements. At an early date, requests
for authority to establish Lodges in some of the mining towns began to reach
the Grand Master. Though there were Masons in sufficient numbers to form
Lodges in those places, they were for the most part merely transient
inhabitants. Furthermore, camps lacked buildings suitable for Lodge purposes.
In view of these circumstances, the Grand Master deemed it wise to refuse the
permission asked.
Between 1875 and 188o
rich bodies of ore were developed in mines which have since made Utah famous.
Wherever that occurred, the flimsy shacks which had at first constituted the
mining camps gradually gave way to more sub stantial structures, and thus
towns with some promise of being permanent began to take their places on the
map. The first of these notable mining towns was Park City, which was situated
in the mountains some thirty miles east of Salt FREEMASONRY IN UTAH 293 Lake
City. There great Ontario Mine and others hardly less famous are located. And
there, in the late 1870's a small group of Masons obtained a Dispensation to
open a Lodge which in 188o was Chartered as Uintah Lodge, No. 7.
At about the same
time, far more spectacular events were taking place in a mining district some
2So miles southwest of Salt Lake City. In that locality lies the Horn Silver
Mine, which was for a time one of the most noted in Utah, from the point of
view of production. Near this mine and directly an accessory of it, was
Frisco, a town having a number of substantial buildings and about iooo
inhabitants. Mainly through the efforts of the manager of the mine, H. C.
Hill, St. ,John's Lodge, No. 8, was Chartered at Frisco in 1882. The
establishment of St. John's Lodge in Frisco proved to be an unfortunate
venture, however, for the mine, upon which everything else depended, failed to
meet expectations. The people of the town were forced to seek a livelihood
elsewhere, and at the end of six years the Lodge had to surrender its Charter
for sheer lack of support.
Other Lodges
established in mining communities by the Grand Lodge of Utah were: Tintic
Lodge, No. 9, established at Eureka in 1893. Rocky Mountain Lodge, No. 11,
established at Mercur in igoo but removed to Tooele in 1913 because of the
exhaustion of the mines at Mercur. Canyon Lodge, No. 13, established at the
town of Bingham Canyon in 1907.
How effective the
colonising policy of the Mormon Church proved to be becomes clear when we
recall that not until twenty‑two years after the Chartering of Weber Lodge,
No. 6, at Ogden, did any community in the Territory, out side mining
districts, have enough non‑Mormons to justify the establishment of a Masonic
Lodge. Then in 1896, Damascus Lodge, No. io, was Chartered at Mt. Pleasant. In
1904, Hiram Lodge, No. 12, was opened at Richfield, and four years later
Albert Pike Lodge, No. 14, was established at Milford. During the early years
of the Grand Lodge's activities, the tendency of Salt Lake City Masons to
multiply Masonic organisations caused its Officers much concern. Among these
many Masonic organisations was the St. John's Lodge of Perfection of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, which set to Work when the two Blue Lodges had
barely 1co members, not all of whom were residents. Then, in 1872, Utah
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organised, as was Utah Commandery of Knights
Templar, in 1873. There were, at the time, 6 Masonic Bodies besides the Grand
Lodge, that had to be supported. Those divided the attention and interest of
fewer than 2So Masons then listed by the 3 Blue Lodges! Grand Master Louis
Cohn, who for more than a year had observed the disastrous effects of these
conditions upon the Blue Lodge Work, complained bitterly about the
unsatisfactory situation of the Blue Lodges in his address to the Grand Lodge
at the Annual Communication of 1874. He attributed the condition to " too much
Masonry. " Attendance at Blue Lodge meetings was low, as has been discovered.
The Work was done in slovenly fashion. Interest was entirely wanting. The
Grand Master contrasted those conditions unfavorably with the ones that had
existed before the introduction of the higher Degrees.
294 FREEMASONRY IN
UTAH The attention of the Grand Lodge was early engaged in adopting a Standard
Work and getting the Lodges to use it. This matter was taken up at the first
Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and the Board of Custodians was
instructed to " adopt as speedily as possible a Standard Work and teach it to
the Subordinate Lodges." Shortly afterwards the board reported to the Grand
Master that its members " had agreed upon a uniform Work," whereupon at once
he issued a circular letter to the Lodges " apprising them of the fact and
urging the adoption of the Work at once." Subsequent Grand Masters also took
up the subject, and the Grand Lodge passed legislation regarding it, but
apparently with little effect. More than thirty‑five years passed before a
Standard Work was adopted, and before the passage of legislation that left no
chance to use any other.
In the spring of 1879
an incident occurred which brought the Grand Lodge and the Masonry of Utah to
the attention of the Masonic world and started a widespread discussion that
continued for several years. A member of a Salt Lake City Lodge joined the
Mormon Church. Charges were then preferred against him by the Masons to the
effect that he had united with an organisation whose teachings and practices
were in direct violation of the laws of the land, and that he had declared
himself to be an advocate of the principle and practice of polygamy. The
accused was tried and expelled, and the verdict of the Subordinate Lodge was
later approved by the Grand Lodge. This incident of itself might not have
attracted any special notice had not a Representative of the Grand Lodge of
Utah, who was closely allied with a sister Grand Lodge, taken it upon himself
to issue a circular on the subject in which he controverted the action and
position of the Grand Lodge of Utah. He sent this circular about very
generally to other Grand Masters and Grand Lodges. Because of his indiscretion
in the matter, the Brother's commission was revoked. To prevent further
misunderstanding, Grand Secretary Diehl, of Utah, was instructed to prepare a
circular letter explaining " the position of the Masonic Fraternity towards
the members of the Mormon Church and the reason they are excluded from
receiving any of the privileges of Freemasonry in Utah." This was sent " to
every Grand Lodge throughout the globe," and to the Representatives of the
Grand Lodge of Utah.
An astonishing piece
of constructive work‑astonishing in view of the conditions existing at the
time‑was undertaken by the Grand Lodge of Utah when it founded a Masonic
public library. The idea of such a library was conceived by the Grand Lodge.
At first the plan was that the library should serve only the Fraternity, but
even then Grand Secretary Diehl had in mind to establish an institution that
would serve the whole community. Many obstacles were in the way of
accomplishing this end. In addition to lack of money, small membership had to
be contended with. Only 367 names were on the Roster of the Grand Lodge when
the library was finally opened to the public late in 1877. Other obstacles
were the apathy of many Masons and the bitter antagonism of the Mormon Church.
Nothing daunted, however, the Grand Secretary steadily moved forward towards
the accomplishment of his aim. At times he moved FREEMASONRY IN UTAH 2‑95
cautiously, at other times with masterly strategy. Finally he won the day. On
the evening of September 1, 1877, the Masonic Public Library was opened to the
general public. For fourteen years this library was housed and maintained by
the Masonic Bodies of Salt Lake City. Later, the institution was incorporated,
given another name, and removed into another building in an attempt to enlist
the co‑operation of those whom it had served through the years. Ultimate
responsibility for its welfare was not shifted from the Masons, however, and
Bro. Christopher Diehl continued as librarian. On December 22, 1897, this
library building, books, and equipment were donated to Salt Lake City to
become the nucleus of the present municipal free public library.
In 1897 the Grand
Lodge Code provided for the establishment of a Charity Fund by levying an
annual appropriation that was not to exceed 1o per cent of the receipts of the
Grand Lodge. Due to lack of funds the actual establishment of the foundation
was delayed until the Grand Lodge's Annual Communication of 1903. Then, Grand
Master W. J. Lynch presented the subject and urged its consideration. Although
the Finance Committee reported favorably on the matter, action on it was again
deferred. Two years later favorable action was taken and the fund was actually
established. The growth of the fund was necessarily very slow, and at the end
of twenty‑two years it amounted to only $15,6oo. This led the Grand Lodge at
its Annual Communication of 1928 to establish an incorporated Masonic
Foundation in lieu of the Charity Fund. The field of operation of the Masonic
Foundation is much greater than that of the Charity Fund, since it is invested
with such powers as assure donors that this Foundation is a permanent agency
which conserves and administers bequests to advantage and according to the
wishes of the givers. The Grand Lodge has now transferred its Charity Fund and
the conduct of its charitable activities to this Foundation. Interest in the
Foundation and contributions received for it fully justify its having been
created.
As have most other
American Masonic Jurisdictions, the Grand Lodge of Utah has in recent years
endeavoured to discover and to put in practice the best methods of interesting
its members in acquiring information about the Craft. From the first this
Grand Lodge was a member of the Masonic Service Association, and so far as was
practicable it made use of the Association's material and suggestions. It has
consistently built up its library, and prepared an extensive annotated index
of the material it contains. By encouraging Committees on Education and
members of Lodges to send to the library for needed material, the Grand Lodge
has placed this source of information at the command of Masons throughout the
jurisdiction. It has provided for preparing and publishing a series of
historical studies, now numbering twelve, which deal with the history of the
older Lodges and with other phases of Freemasonry in Utah. At present, the
educational work of the Grand Lodge is in charge of the Committee on Masonic
Education and Instruction. A part‑time, paid executive secretary is employed
to furnish Subordinate Lodges with material and suggestions and to co‑operate
with them in all their educational undertakings.
296 FREEMASONRY IN
UTAH In late July 19o8, a clandestine lodge was established at Helper, a
railroad and coal‑mining town. Grand Master James H. Brown at once notified
the Lodges about the existence of this organisation, and warned the Craft
against it. Two years later the head of an alleged " Grand Lodge of Wyoming,"
from which the Helper organisation received a so‑called Charter, transferred
his headquarters from Idaho to Salt Lake City. From this point, working by
means of paid organisers and by distributing literature, this impostor carried
on his operations for twelve years. He established so‑called lodges in sixteen
States and in several foreign countries, and claimed to have enrolled io,ooo
members. The surprising success of the organisation and lack of effective
opposition to it combined to make its director overbold and led him to
disregard ordinary prudence. Unwittingly he overlooked the United States
postal laws. An experienced post office inspector, Monte G. Price, was
assigned to the case. During a period of several years this investigator
gathered evidence of the fraudulence of the scheme. He found evidence that
seemed to point to the use of the mails with intent to defraud. This evidence
was presented to a Federal grand jury by United States District Attorney I. B.
Evans, with the result that the three principal officers of the American
Masonic Federation were indicted. They were tried in May 1922, and convicted.
Each of the three men was sentenced to serve two years in the Fort Leavenworth
prison and to pay a fine of $5ooo. No longer guided by the schemer who had
originally conceived it, the American Masonic Federation soon went to pieces.
At present, the Grand
Lodge of Utah has 26 Lodges under its jurisdiction. In addition to those
already mentioned in this article, they are the following Orient Lodge, No.
15, at Green River, Chartered on January 19, 19o9; Carbon Lodge, No. 16, at
Price, Chartered on January 17, 1911; Acacia Lodge, No. 17, at Salt Lake City,
Chartered on January 16, 1912; Unity Lodge, No. 18, at Ogden, Chartered on
January 16, 1912; Christopher Diehl Lodge, No. 19, at Garfield, Chartered on
January 2o, 1915; Basin Lodge, No. 2o, at Myton, Chartered on January i9,
1916; Harmony Lodge, No. 21, at Logan, Chartered on January 19, 1916; Progress
Lodge, No. 22, at Salt Lake City, Chartered on January 21, 192o; Amity Lodge,
No. 23, at Brigham City, Chartered on January i9, 1921; George Washington
Lodge, No. 24, at Ogden, Chartered on January i9, 1921; Kaibab Lodge, No. 25,
at Salt Lake City, Chartered on January i9, 1921; Joppa Lodge, No. 26, at
Price, Chartered on January 2o, 192‑5; Franklin Lodge, No. 27, at Cedar City,
Chartered on January 2o, 1931. These 26 Lodges have 5 196 members. Eighteen of
the Lodges meet in their own buildings, or in buildings which they own jointly
with other Masonic organisations. One of the Lodges shares a building held
with another fraternal order in equal co‑ownership.
On November 2o, 1927,
the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City was dedicated. The building and grounds,
which are owned by the nine Masonic Bodies of the city, including El Kalah
Temple of the Ancient Accepted Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, represent
an investment of about $9oo,ooo. The structure FREEMASONRY IN UTAH 297 houses
all the Masonic and related organisations of Salt Lake City, and furnishes
headquarters for the Grand Lodge of Utah.
Of the Concordant
Orders in Utah, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons has 7 Constituent
Chapters, with 1266 members. The Grand Council has 3 Subordinate Councils,
with 477 members. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar has S Commanderies
with 892 members. The 4 Bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite have 1328
Consistory members and an active member of the Supreme Council of the Southern
Jurisdiction‑Fred C. Schramm, S. G. I. G.
The Grand Lodge of
Utah is now one of the smallest Masonic Jurisdictions in the United States. It
will probably continue to be small for several generations yet to come. In
Utah Masonry was planted upon an arid soil. As is the case with vegetation
living under similar conditions, the resulting growth is not luxuriant, though
it is stanch and sturdy. The Masons of Utah are picked men among whom the
feeling of fellowship is strong. If there is not more, certainly there is as
much of practical brotherliness among the members as there is among those in
Masonic jurisdictions where the environment is more favorable and where
available material is more plentiful. The Craft in Utah has a healthy pride in
what success it has wrung from very unfavorable conditions. Though in Utah the
Light of Masonry is small, nevertheless, it burns brightly with a strong,
clear flame.
FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT CHRISTIE B. CROWELL "WHEN in the course of human events " a Charter
bearing the date November io, 1781, for the first Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons in Vermont was issued under the name of " Vermont Lodge " to John
Barrett and others by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge the Green Mountain State
was just beginning to emerge from a condition described as follows by its
first governor, Thomas Chittenden, in his last speech to a Vermont Legislature
several years later: " Without constitution, laws, or government; in a state
of anarchy and confusion; oppressed by a powerful neighboring state;
discountenanced by the Congress; distressed by internal dissensions; all our
landed property in imminent danger; and without means of defense." Except for
a short hiatus during the anti‑Masonic period, the life of Vermont Lodge is
very nearly parallel to that of the State itself, as only a little more than
three and a half years before the above Charter date, and hardly more than six
months after the historic declaration made by the thirteen original colonies,
our hardy ancestors, through the medium of a regularly Constituted Convention,
under the temporary name of " The New Hampshire Grants," had declared
themselves to be a free and independent people January 16, 1777‑and had
proceeded during that year to set up a Constitution and frame of government,
adopt the present State name, and, on March 3, 1778, launch the new ship of
state on its voyage of thirteen years' duration.
The opposition of New
York, the " powerful neighboring state " above referred to, continued to
menace the new republic until shortly before its admission to the Union on
March 4, 1791; the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was not organised until April
8, 1790; while the General Court of Massachusetts had, on March 8, 1781,
adopted a resolution approved by the governor abandoning all claims to Vermont
territory provided that Congress recognised the Green Mountain State as an
independent commonwealth and admitted it to the Confederation. It was,
therefore, natural that our early Brethren should turn for recognition to the
Massachusetts Grand Lodge, by which our first two Lodges were Chartered, and
that that Grand Lodge should recognise the State of Vermont as such in the
wording of the Charters granted, although such recognition was for several
years withheld by the Grand Lodge of New York and of New Hampshire.
One of the perplexing
problems with which the new State had to deal was caused by the existence in a
number of New Hampshire towns situated near the 298 FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT 299
eastern bank of the Connecticut of a strong sentiment in favour of a political
union with their friends on the other side of the river.
Such a union with
sixteen New Hampshire towns was consummated at a meeting of the General
Assembly of Vermont in June 1781, and on October 8 of that year
representatives from eleven of those towns took their seats in the next
General Assembly, then meeting at Windsor. This union, which proved to be a
very dangerous one from a political point of view, was dissolved on February
12, 1779; but on April 5, 1781, apparently as a result of exasperation on the
part of Vermont political leaders over the continued procrastination of
Congress regarding the admission of Vermont into the Union, it was renewed,
thirty‑five New Hampshire towns, and later in the year fourteen New York towns
becoming members. This union ceased to exist on February 11, 1782, Cornish and
Charlestown being two of the New Hampshire towns involved. Thus it came about
that Vermont Lodge, Chartered in response to a Petition, dated at Cornish,
which gave its proposed meeting‑place as Springfield, but actually holding its
Communications in Charlestown, was in all respects a bona fide Vermont
organisation. The Lodge continued to meet in Charlestown for several years
after the political situation was straightened out, but eventually the matter
was given official attention.
The Records of the
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts under date of December 24, 1785, state that " the
Grand Master presented a return of the Master and Wardens of Vermont Lodge and
a Copy of his letter, to them respecting their holding the Lodge out of their
Limits, which was read." Yet for some reason matters remained in status quo
for more than five years. Then, after sundry strong hints by the Grand Lodge
and the failure of a belated attempt to have their Charter so amended as to
allow them to continue to meet in Charlestown, it was finally voted, on March
6, 1788, that the Lodge should pay for a Charter to be granted to a new Lodge
in Charlestown. The last entry in the old Record Book states under date of
August 2o, 1788, it " voted that a committee of five should be chosen to make
an equitable division of the Lodge property between the two Lodges and make
report the next Lodge night." This division is found on the Records of
Faithful Lodge at Charlestown under date of February 4, 1789. Vermont Lodge
probably moved to Springfield about that time. Among the items mentioned is a
long list of notes given for Degrees, according to the custom then prevailing.
At the organisation of the Grand Lodge of Vermont in 1794, the Massachusetts
Charter was surrendered and a new one issued. This assigned to the Lodge the
first place in the new Roster, thus showing its continuous existence from the
date of its Charter up to that time. The place of meeting was then changed
from Springfield to Windsor, where the two original Charters now repose in the
Lodge archives.
On June 26, 1782, two
of the most prominent men in Vermont, Ira Allen and Thomas Chittenden, were
Initiated into Vermont Lodge. The Record of their Initiatibn is given here to
show the custom of the time. " June 24, 1782, Br. Barrett proposes for
Initiation Ira Allen. . . The Lodge having Particular Ac‑ 300 FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT quaintance of the foregoing proposal proceeded to Ballot‑Balloted on
Ira Allen." . . . " June 26, 1782, Bro. Fay proposes for initiation Thomas
Chittenden Esqr. The Lodge have particular acquaintance of his Excellency,
Thomas Chittenden Esqr. Proceeded to ballot for him. Balloted on Thos.
Chittenden.". . . " Made Masons: Ira Allen; Thos. Chittenden." Governor
Chittenden received the Second and Third Degrees in North Star Lodge, No. 2,
and was a Charter Member and the first Master of Dorchester Lodge, No. 3. We
learn from the By‑Laws that the fees for the Degrees were $3 with the
Petition, $7 for the First Degree, $2 for the Second Degree, and $3 for the
Third Degree, a total of $15. The dues were $1 a year, and 1212 cents a night
for each Brother present. Visiting Brethren were charged 2.o cents a night
after the first visit. Attendance at Lodge meetings was not only expected but
also demanded, and absentees were required to give a reasonable excuse for
non‑attendance. The Master was subject to trial and impeachment by the Lodge.
For many years harmony and prosperity seem to have been the happy lot of this
Lodge. It was finally overcome by the anti‑Masonic furor, however, and ceased
to function in 1831 though it was represented in the Grand Lodge two years
later. Its Charter was surrendered in 1848, and two years later it was
re‑Chartered as Vermont Lodge, No. 18.
The second Lodge, "
North Star Lodge," of Manchester, was also Chartered by the Massachusetts
Grand Lodge under date of January 2_o, 1785. The Charter was signed by " Jos.
Webb G. Master," Paul Revere, Deputy Grand Master, and others. This was the
first Lodge to hold its meetings within the present boundaries of Vermont. The
Lodge was organised on February 3, 1785, and Constituted by the Grand Lodge
nearly two years later. For a good part of its fifteen years of active life it
seems to have been prosperous. A large number of the members were prominent
men of the period. It finally fell upon evil days and became extinct in 1813,
not having been represented in the Grand Lodge after 18io. This Lodge has
never been re‑Chartered.
The third Lodge, "
Dorchester Lodge," of Vergennes, " of the Registry of Canada, No. 12," was
Chartered by the Provincial Grand Master of Canada, " Sir John Johnson,
Baronet," on September 3, 1791, six months after Vermont had been admitted to
the Union. It was named in honour of Sir Guy Carleton, Lord Dorchester, who
was not only a particular friend of the Provincial Grand Master but also a
friend of Governor Chittenden as well. Little can be told of the early history
of this Lodge owing to the loss of its Records. The last entry in the Record
Book previous to the reorganisation of the Grand Lodge is dated May 6, 1830,
although the Lodge was represented in the Grand Lodge the next year and in
1833 and 1846 as well. This Lodge resumed its activities soon after the
reorganisation of the Grand Lodge. When the Lodges were re‑numbered in 1849,
it was given first place on the Roster. It was clearly entitled to first
place, since Vermont Lodge had surrendered its Charter and North Star Lodge
had been extinct for many years. This position it has held ever since.
Vermont's most distinguished Mason, Phillip C. Tucker, was Initiated in this
Lodge.
In his History of
Vermont the late Walter H. Crockett says: " The region 300 FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT 301 known as the New Hamphsire Grants was literally the child of
Connecticut.... A majority of the settlers came hither from Connecticut. More
names of townships were taken from Connecticut than from any other Colony, and
Connecticut ideas and ideals were the foundations upon which this commonwealth
was builded." It was, therefore, natural that our ancient Brethren should have
turned to the Grand Lodge of Connecticut for the Charters of the last two
original Lodges. The first of these, Temple Lodge, of Bennington, was
Chartered on May 18, 1793, and was declared extinct in 18o8. Knowledge of this
Lodge is very meagre, since all the old Records have long since been lost.
Many original members of this Lodge were former members of North Star Lodge,
among them Noah Smith, the first Grand Master of Vermont. The active life of
Temple Lodge seems to have ceased about 1803, its last appearance in the Grand
Lodge having been made in 1799. It has never since been reorganised.
Union Lodge of
Middlebury, the fifth and last Lodge to be Chartered in Vermont prior to the
formation of Grand Lodge, was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut on
May 15, 1794. The Lodge's first meeting was held on October 2, 1794. At that
time the Grand Master and the Senior Grand Warden of Connecticut occupied
their respective Stations in the Lodge, Instituted it, and Installed its
Officers. Thus appears the reason why Union Lodge was not represented at the
Convention called for August 6, 1794, to consider the formation of a Grand
Lodge, and why it did appear by its Master and two other Officers at the
adjourned Session on October 1o. Union Lodge, like Vermont Lodge and
Dorchester Lodge, prospered until the anti‑Masonic disaster. It suspended Work
on May 3, 1830, and was not reorganised till December 17, 1847. When the
Lodges were re‑numbered it was given the second place on the Roster, a
position which it still holds.
The five Lodges
already mentioned were probably the only ones Working in Vermont when the
Grand Lodge was organised. Aurora Lodge, No. 2‑5, was Chartered by the Grand
Lodge of New York on January 16, 1793, to Work either in Hampton (New York) or
Poultney (Vermont)‑" optional with the Master for the time being." It is
altogether likely that at least the first Master was a New York Mason, and
there seems to be no Record of Work in Vermont at the time Grand Lodge was
organised. There is nothing to indicate that it was invited to send
Representatives to the Convention, or regarded as being in any sense a Vermont
Lodge.
On August 6, 1794,
five Brethren, representing North Star Lodge, Dorchester Lodge, and Temple
Lodge, met at Manchester in " Convention for the purpose of forming a Grand
Lodge in the State of Vermont. " After electing a Chairman and Secretary, the
Convention adjourned to the following day. Then a Committee was appointed to
draw up a Constitution. Further adjournment to October 1o was made, the
Secretary being instructed to communicate with the Lodges not represented and
to request each of them to send a Delegation of three members " with full
power " to the adjourned Convention. On October io, fourteen Brethren
representing the five existing Lodges met in Rutland. After 302 FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT several adjournments, a Constitution was " subscribed " on October
1q., it having been adopted the preceding night. Then the first Grand Lodge
Officers were elected, Noah Smith of Temple Lodge being chosen as the first
Grand Master. Among the Grand Lodges of the United States, Vermont ranks
thirteenth according to date of organisation.
Until 1818, the Grand
Lodge met in various places from time to time, and the Constitution and
by‑Laws were frequently amended. In that year it settled in Montpelier and
remained there until 1834. Then the local Lodge surrendered its Charter, and
the Grand Lodge removed to Burlington where its annual meetings have since
been held. In 1869 the time of holding the annual Session was changed from
January to June. In the early days of the Grand Lodge it was customary to
devote one Session to exercises of a public character, including a sermon
usually delivered by the Grand Chaplain. The speaker of the day was presented
with $Zo and requested by a Committee appointed for that purpose to furnish a
copy of the sermon for the press. The exercises were followed by a dinner at
which alcoholic beverages were not wanting. In 1826 it was voted " that no
ardent spirits or public dinner shall hereafter be furnished the Grand Lodge
at any of its communications," and the next year the Particular Lodges were
recommended " to dispense with the use of ardent spirits on all public
occasions." Although Grand Master Haswell apologised at the 1831 Session for "
deviating from the usual custom of making a formal communication " to the
Grand Lodge, his short address of that year, and one made by Grand Master
Phineas White in 1827, are the only ones on record previous to the
reorganisation of the Grand Lodge. Since that time the addresses have been
regularly printed in the Proceedings.
Previous to the
formation of the Grand Lodge, business seems to have been transacted in Lodges
when open on the First Degree, and several of the Charter Members of the
original Lodges were simply Entered Apprentices. The Consti tution and "
bye‑laws " of the Grand Lodge provided that proxies and appointive Officers
should be Master Masons, and in 1805 it was " Ordered: That in future no
member of any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall be
allowed a vote in said Lodge unless he be a Master Mason. " Referring to the
growth of the Institution, Josiah H. Drummond, distintuished Mason and
scholar, says: "Applications for Charters were presented to the Grand Lodge in
the following years in rapid succession. Many of which were granted and many
refused. The reading of the Records gives the impression that the Institution
grew too rapidly in the jurisdiction and that too many Lodges were Chartered.
However it grew wonderfully up to the time of the Anti‑Masonic Excitement."
That the Brethren were aware of the danger of too rapid expansion is evidenced
by the following ` ` order " of 1797, issued when eight Petitions for new
Lodges were presented, five of them having been granted " Ordered: That in the
future no Charter shall be granted for the formation of a new Lodge until the
Master and Wardens shall have been examined with regard to their knowledge in
the Masonic Art by the Grand Lodge, or a committee FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT 303
by them appointed, unless they can be satisfactorily vouched for by a member
of the Grand Lodge." An early regulation provided for the forfeiture of the
Charter of any Lodge that for two consecutive years failed to be represented
in the Grand Lodge. Various expedients for insuring attendance at the Annual
Communication were resorted to from time to time, and it is likely that the
Grand Lodge was somewhat lenient in enforcing the above rule. Yet the Record
of only five extinct Lodges, out of a list of seventy‑three Chartered when
Work was suspended, must be admitted to show a healthy condition of the Order
up to that time.
Aside from the fact
that during the early years of the Grand Lodge its finances were continually
at a low ebb, little definite information is at hand. No reports of any
consequence were published until 1812. Then a balance of $4.30 was shown. This
was gradually increased until 1827, when the high mark of the early period was
reached‑$850.55. From then on the funds steadily diminished until 1836, when
the Grand Secretary was a creditor of the Grand Lodge to the amount of $33.32,
a sum that was repaid in 1846. Funds were derived from Charter fees and Lodge
assessments that varied in amount from time to time.
The appointment of a
Committee on Charity, voted by the Grand Lodge in 1814, seems to indicate that
appeals for financial assistance were then being made. Though the Committee
was continued until 1822, only two instances of need are on record as having
been reported by it. In 1829 three applications for assistance were referred
to a special Committee which reported that " the general practice of the Grand
Lodge for the twelve years on the subject of private charity is, in the
opinion of your Committee, wise and salutary, which supposes the Subordinate
Lodges and individual Brethren the Almoners of the Institution for the purpose
of private charity and that, therefore, the prayer of said petitioners ought
not to be granted." The report was accepted. It is evident that the expression
" general practice " was intentionally used, since in 1824 and 1825 donations
were made to needy Brethren by the Grand Lodge. Further exception was made at
the 1829 Session, when the three applicants above referred to were later voted
substantial aid on recommendation of another Committee. This " general
practice " has been maintained down to the present day and is well adapted to
our small and far from wealthy Grand jurisdiction, having been somewhat
modified in later years.
In 1851 Grand Master
Tucker reported a donation of $150.00 " from an unknown friend " which was "
to be applied to the charity fund of such Subordinate Lodges as stood in
need." At the suggestion of the Grand Master the twenty‑three Lodges
relinquished all claim upon the donation, and it thus became the nucleus of
the first Grand Lodge Charity Fund.
Continuing to grow
slowly, it reached the sum of $848.91 in 1879, but failed to flourish in the
atmosphere of " special need," and was reported as exhausted in 1886.
Thereafter appropriations for charitable purposes were made from time to time
as need arose, and no special fund of this kind was again established until
1913, when $looo was set aside for that purpose. In 1917 a 25 cent 304
FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT per capita tax was voted for the establishment of a "
Permanent Charity Fund " which was to be kept intact until the sum of $50,000
was reached. This tax is still in force, and with the net income from the
Temple there has been accumulated the sum of over $70,000 notwithstanding
heavy demands upon it in recent years.
In 1915 the sum of $iooo
was appropriated for the purpose of partially reimbursing the Constituent
Lodges for money spent in assisting needy Brethren, the same to be divided pro
rata, and the next year the plan which has ever since been in use was adopted.
This plan provides that Grand Lodge shall annually refund to each Constituent
Lodge all money in excess of fifty cents per capita on their recorded
membership which has been spent to assist their own members during the year
past. This plan has proved to be very satisfactory, for while it imposes no
undue burden upon the Lodges, it relieves them of all unduly heavy
expenditure.
The following would
seem to indicate that the zeal of our Ancient Brethren led them to stray at
times to a considerable distance from the strict rule of " Masonic Purpose."
Between 1812 and 1921 the sum of $175 was appropriated " for the gratuitous
distribution of the Bible without note or comment," and two successive Grand
Chaplains were made life members of the American Bible Society through the
payment of $30 in one case and $Zo in the other. In 1827 the American
Colonization Society received $loo.
Yet such action
serves to emphasise the fact that Vermont Masons have always shown a strong
desire to assist the distressed, Brethren or otherwise, and in times of
disaster they have rendered prompt aid to the extent of their ability.
In 1930 a Committee
was appointed " to inquire into the expediency of establishing an asylum for
the education of the indigent children of deceased Brethren under direction of
the Grand Lodge," but no further move in this direction was made, owing to the
gathering anti‑Masonic storm. The indispensable work of Masonic Homes in more
opulent Grand jurisdictions has naturally led to frequent discussion regarding
the possibility of maintaining one in Vermont, but careful consideration of
the matter by various Committees which have been appointed from time to time
to investigate the subject has invariably led the Brethren to conclude that
our financial resources do not justify the establishment of such an
institution in Vermont. About twenty years ago some enthusiastic Brethren were
instrumental in creating a Grand Lodge Masonic Home Fund which is still
carried as such on the Grand Treasurer's books. To this fund contributions
were made by various Lodges, but it has grown very slowly and now amounts to
less than $2‑ooo.
In 1799 a
communication relative to the formation of a General Grand Lodge was received
from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, but aside from a courteous
acknowledgment to it nothing more appears on the subject until 182‑2, when the
scheme was taken up in earnest by a conference held in Washington, District of
Columbia. Certain resolutions adopted by them were then FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT
305 transmitted for consideration. That Vermont's reaction was unfavourable is
shown by the passage of a resolution saying that " it is inexpedient for this
Grand Lodge to give its aid in the formation of the proposed General Grand
Lodge." After the reorganisation in 1846 this subject again demanded
attention. In 1851 Grand Master Tucker, who was personally opposed to the
proposition, wrote: " It is true that a leaning towards the establishment of a
General Grand Lodge with extremely limited powers is perceptibly strengthening
in this quarter," and in 1853 he and Past Grand Master Haswell were chosen
Delegates to a Convention to consider the matter. That Convention was held in
Lexington, Kentucky, in connection with the Sessions of the General Grand
Chapter and the Grand Encampment. Bro. Haswell was chosen President of the
Convention. The meeting adjourned to meet in Washington, District of Columbia,
in 1855, and though the same Delegates were again chosen, neither was able to
attend. It is not recorded that any further action was ever taken in the
matter with the exception of the adoption of the following resolution in 1861:
Resolved, That we are opposed to any national organisation or Confederation of
Grand Lodges, advisory or otherwise, regarding such organisation as unequal in
its operation, and, in the opinion of your Committee, injurious to Masonry.
But, although
Vermont's reaction towards the formation of a General Grand Lodge would
doubtless be the same as of yore, the various helpful and instructive Grand
Masters' Conferences which have been held in recent years have met with a far
different reception, and, from their inception, have met with our cordial
approval.
In 1804 the State was
divided into ten Masonic Districts, the division being substantially according
to counties as at present. A Deputy was appointed for each District except
those in which the Grand Master and the Deputy Grand Master then resided.
Those two Officers were relieved of this responsibility two years later, and
the number of District Deputy Grand Masters correspondingly increased. In 1861
the number of Masonic Districts was increased to fourteen, corresponding to
the State division into counties, and this number was later reduced by one
when the three Lodges in Essex County were assigned to neighbouring Districts.
At different times
various Brethren served in the capacity of Grand Visitor or Grand Lecturer,
the most prominent being Samuel Willson of Vergennes, who held the latter
Office from 1852 to 1866. For several years Assistant Grand Lec turers were
appointed, but finally the present system, in which the Grand Lecturer, with
the District Deputies acting in part as his assistants, has in charge the
Ritual and floor Work, came into being, and has proved to be a very
satisfactory method of supervision.
Vermont Masons have
always been very strongly opposed to any " tinkering " with its Ritual, and
that in use to‑day is probably as close a rendition of the Preston‑Webb system
as can be found in any Grand jurisdiction in this country.
3o6 FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT The Prestonian lectures, the standard of Masonic Work in England for
nearly twenty years, were written by William Preston, who afterwards became
Master of the famous Lodge of Antiquity, and the most prominent Mason of his
time. These lectures were completed about the year 1774, after several years
of study and revision, and were brought to this country by an English Brother,
whose name is unknown, about the year 18oo. Among those to whom this Brother,
after receiving the approval of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, taught these
lectures, was Thomas G. Webb, who abridged and rearranged them into the system
which we now have. Bro. Webb's most prominent pupil was Benjamin Gleason, of
Boston, a lecturer on astronomy and geography of note, who learned the
lectures while a student at Brown University, and later served for several
years as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. In 1817 Bro. John
Barney of Vergennes, being in poor health and unable to support himself by
ordinary means, was sent by his Brethren to Boston to equip himself as a
Masonic Lecturer according to the Webb system.
Although most of his
instruction was from Bro. Gleason, as Bro. Webb's time was very fully
occupied, before his departure for Vermont Bro. Barney was carefully examined
by Bro. Webb, who pronounced him to be thoroughly pro ficient. Upon Barney's
return to Vermont, Grand Lodge adopted the Webb system as its standard, and
gave him letters of recommendation as a Masonic Lecturer. The following year
he visited Vergennes, and among those to whom he imparted full instruction was
Samuel Willson. These two Brothers wrote out the lectures in a book which is
now in the possession of Grand Lodge, the lectures being entirely dictated by
Barney, and thus, through about as short a succession as possible, was
transmitted to Vermont, unimpaired, the Preston‑Webb Masonic system which has
been our standard for nearly one hundred and twenty years.
For many years after
the Grand Lodge was well organised it continued to grow steadily in strength
and effectiveness. Its continued prosperity seemed assured. Suddenly, however,
there appeared upon the horizon the dark clouds of a gathering storm which was
to drive the Fraternity far from its proud position of honour and reputation
into a place of obscurity and ill repute, and cause a suspension of its
activities for more than ten years. The historical importance of the
anti‑Masonic excitement in Vermont Masonic life would demand extended
reference were it not for the fact that it is fully treated by Bro. Ossian
Lang, of New York, in his history of that Grand Jurisdiction. Why the storm
should have raged so fiercely within our borders is now hard to understand.
The fact that two years before " The Morgan Episode," the Grand Lodge voted
resolutions of sympathy and a gift of $2.o to Bro. Elder Robert Hastings, "
excluded from his desk by a majority of the church of his late charge and his
temporary support as a public teacher in that place withdrawn and that for no
other accusation than that our Brother was received as a member of the Masonic
family " may tend to indicate that more anti‑Masonic sentiment then existed in
the State than was realised at that time. In 182.7 M . . W . . Phineas White,
in the first recorded FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT 307 Grand Master's address to the
Grand Lodge, referred at considerable length to the efforts being made " to
bring the Institution of Masonry into disrepute." In that year, fifty‑two
Lodges out of sixty‑seven on the Rolls were represented, and $374 was paid in
dues, which were at that time only $i for each Initiate.
In 1828 came a break
in attendance. Only thirty‑nine Lodges were represented, twenty‑seven paid no
dues, and the total amount paid to the Grand Secretary was but $3 S . In 183o
eleven Lodges paid less than $Zo, and no further receipt of dues was then
recorded for many years. The year 1829 was marked by the election of Vermont's
two most distinguished Masons, Nathan B. Haswell and Phillip C. Tucker, as
Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, respectively. Past Grand Master Lee S.
Tillotson in his Ancient Craft Masonry in Vermont says: " It required men of
unusual prudence, fortitude, and wisdom to assume the leadership of an
organisation labouring under the suspicions and prejudices to which the
Masonic institution was being subjected. That the Masons of Vermont made no
mistake in the selection of the men who were to guide the institution through
nearly twenty years of adversity is amply proved by the record of their
achievement." At that Annual Communication a solemn and dignified " appeal to
the people of Vermont," written by Bro. Tucker, was adopted and signed by 166
Brethren. Two thousand printed copies of the appeal were distributed by the
Grand Secretary with the direction and advice of the District Deputies.
The following excerpt
from Grand Master Haswell's address to the Grand Lodge in 1831 somewhat
indicates the character and disposition of the writer: " The session of the
Grand Lodge of Vermont at the present period becomes deeply interesting in
consequence of the open as well as concealed attacks made upon our Institution
and of the destitute state into which not only our own but other societies,
churches, families with many of the kind connections of the Christian and
social relations of life are thrown by men who are seeking selfaggrandisement
and political power ... and what have Masons done that this widespread ruin
should visit us? We have made repeated and solemn appeals to our fellow
citizens, our neighbours, and those endeared to us by the solemn ties of
kindred and friendship. In return we have been met with reproaches and
persecution, our honest intentions misrepresented, our rights as Masons, our
rights as freemen abridged and our characters traduced. What shall now be
done? Will you permit me to answer the question? Breast the storm! And when a
calm succeeds and the moral ruins shall be made bare, an injured and insulted
public will reinstate us in our rights and visit the despoilers with infamy
and disgrace.
At the Annual
Communication of 1831 the following resolution was also introduced: " That a
Committee of five be appointed by this Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to
report a resolution recommending an unqualified surrender to this Grand Lodge
of the Charters of the several secular Lodges under its jurisdiction, and that
this Grand Lodge henceforth abandon all Convocations as a Masonic body." This
resolution was ordered to lie over. It was debated at 3o8 FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT length in the evening, and then dismissed by a vote of ninety‑nine to
nineteen. At the close of the Session it was resolved " that the secular
lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be recommended to hold but
two communications in the year, one for good order and discipline, the other
for the yearly choice of officers." The attendance at the Annual Communication
of 1832‑ was small and only a little business was transacted. In 1833,
however, owing to special efforts made by the Grand Master, thirty‑four Lodges
were represented. Rev. Paul Dean, General Grand King of the General Grand
Chapter, a personal friend of Grand Master Haswell, was present and was seated
by invitation in the Grand Lodge. Resolutions with a long preamble were
introduced by Samuel Elliott, the substance of them being " that the Grand
Lodge should cease to exist and that each and every member thereby shall be
and hereby is fully absolved and discharged from all allegiance or duty to
this Grand Lodge or any subordinate Lodge." After a lengthy discussion in
which Bro. Dean participated, the resolutions were dismissed by a vote of
seventy‑nine to forty‑two. On motion of Bro. Tucker the Grand Lodge then voted
that it was ready to receive any Charters which the Lodges wished to
surrender. It recommended that in such cases the Lodges should " appropriate
their funds and the avails of their property to the common school fund of the
state." Under date of October 21, 1833, a second appeal was sent out, this one
signed by the Officers of the Grand Lodge. The next two Annual Communications
of the Grand Lodge were poorly attended, and in 1836 it was resolved " that
the Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary, with such of the Grand
Lodge as may make it convenient, be and they are hereby, authorised to attend
at the Hall of said Lodge on the second Wednesday of January, A. L. 5838, and
thereafter bi‑ennially. " Four of these biennial meetings were held, the last
one being in 1844.
On January 14, 1846,
forty‑three Brethren, including most of those holding Office in the Grand
Lodge when Labour was suspended, met in Convention at Burlington to counsel
together regarding the reorganisation of the Grand Lodge. After a study of the
Record of the intervening years it was voted that the Grand Lodge had by its "
course of proceedings retained its proper Masonic organisation, and that its
officers are now Masonically Competent to open the Grand Lodge." This was
accordingly done. The Record shows that ten Lodges were represented and that "
a large and respectable number of visiting Brethren " were present. Bro.
Haswell was again elected Grand Master and nearly all the other Officers who
were elected and appointed were those who had been last chosen in 1836. The
Grand Senior Warden was in bad health and unable to be present.
At the Session of
1847, Grand Master Haswell declined re‑election. Phillip C. Tucker, Deputy
Grand Master, was elected to preside in the Grand East, and he remained there
until April io, 1861, when he died with the Gavel in his hand. A Lodge
assessment of $5 was made.
FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT 309 Investigation of the status of the secular Lodges was naturally a
long and difficult task, and it was not until 1851 that the final time limit
for reorganisation and for a report on the matter expired. The Record shows
that of the 68 Lodges under Charter in 1836, 18 had resumed Labour. The rest
were then declared to be extinct. Five new Charters had been issued, 1 to
Vermont Lodge, then known as Lodge No. 18, thus making 2.3 Lodges in all. The
total membership was probably about goo. The problem presented by the former
Lodge members who failed to come forward and identify themselves as Brethren
was finally settled by requiring them either to sign the By‑Laws of their
Lodge, or " to petition the Lodge under the same restrictions as if the
applicant had never been a member " if they wished to re‑establish themselves
after the time limit for signing expired, in 1852..
Under the wise
leadership of Grand Master Tucker and his able successors, the Grand Lodge
passed safely through the period of reconstruction. Since then it has steadily
grown in strength and influence as the years have come and gone. Various
problems have arisen from time to time, and it has come face to face with not
a few perplexing situations; but those have been solved and settled for the
good of the Craft in general and for that of the Grand Lodge of Vermont in
particular. Details regarding such matters would have little interest for
those outside this Grand Jurisdiction. One incident, however, may be noted in
passing, namely, the refusal of the Grand Lodge to grant Charters for Army
Lodges Petitioned for by members of the Fourth, Fifth, and Eighth regiments of
Vermont volunteers in 1862., and by other regiments in later years.
Among the stalwart
Grand Masters of early days, none stands out with such commanding presence as
do two, of whom special mention should be madeNathan B. Haswell and Phillip C.
Tucker. Nathan Baldwin Haswell, Grand Master during the most trying period of
Vermont's Masonic history, was born in Bennington on January 2.o, 1786, the
son of Anthony J. Haswell, a prominent Mason of the time. When a young man he
removed to Burlington and entered upon an active business career which
continued through his life. His sterling character and ability won for him the
esteem and regard of those with whom he came in contact, as well as many
positions of trust and responsibility. He was an active and influential member
of the Episcopal Church, and although a Democrat in politics he twice
represented Burlington in theVermont Legislature. Bro. Haswell was elected
Grand Master in 182‑9. He served as such through the anti‑Masonic period, and
was a leading figure in the reorganisation of the Grand Lodge in 1846. In
1847, when he declined further re‑election, the Grand Lodge resolved " that
the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to our late Most Worshipful Grand
Master, Nathan B. Haswell, for the firmness, fidelity, and ability " with
which he had discharged his duties. In 1848 Bro. Haswell's close personal
friend and successor as Grand Master paid him a glowing tribute in an address
to the Grand Lodge. He said in part: " During the violent sirocco which
followed the disturbances in a sister state none knew better than myself the
unshakable firmness, the wise prudence, the steady perseverance with which he
310 FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT devoted himself to the preservation of the rights
and interests of the order ... to him, under the Supreme Architect, you owe
your reestablished Altar. Honoured be his name among us; long, very long, may
it remain among the most honoured in our annals, and while Green Mountain
Masonry can point to a Masonic altar, may it never forget the hand which
guarded it in adversity and re‑established it in honor." Bro. Haswell was
elected Grand High Priest in 1831. He held that Office until August 1852, and
was the leading spirit in its reorganisation in 1849. On August 1o, 1854, when
the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters was organised, he became its
first Grand Master. He had previously been elected Grand Treasurer of the
revived Grand Encampment in 1852. Bro. Haswell was one of three Vermont Masons
to hold Office in the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, having been
General Grand Marshal from 1841 to 1853, and General Grand Captain of the Host
from 1853 until his death, the name of the Office having been changed in 1853.
Bro. Haswell died on June 6, 1855, at the age of sixty‑nine.
Past Grand Master
Phillip C. Tucker was Deputy General Grand High Priest from 1856 to 1859, and
Past Grand Master Jonathan Nye was General Grand Chaplain from 18o6 to 1832,
at which time he was living in Claremont, New Hampshire. Most Worshipful Bro.
Nye was also Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, from 1828
to 1835, having served as Deputy Grand Master during the three preceding
years.
Phillip C. Tucker,
Grand Master from 1847 to 1861, and one of the most distinguished Masons in
the country during his time, was born in Boston on January i1, i8oo. During
much of his early life he was, as he said, " struggling on through the hard
years with such efforts as a mere boy could make for mere existence." When he
attained his majority he entered a law office for study, with $3.50 in his
pocket. This occurred in Vergennes where he had previously resided for several
years. Early in his life Bro. Tucker became a member of Dorchester Lodge, in
Vergennes. He was its Worshipful Master for twentyfive years, from 1824 to
1848. He succeeded his friend, Nathan B. Haswell, as Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge in 1847, and at that time he entered upon a period of Masonic service
which was to make him known, not only throughout this country but also beyond
its borders as one of America's ablest jurists and Masonic scholars. In 1862,
at the time of Bro. Tucker's death, Bro. Gamaliel Washburn, Deputy Grand
Master, said in his address to the Grand Lodge: " Mr. Tucker was long an
eminent member of the Addison County bar, shrewd as a lawyer and apt and
eloquent as an advocate. He was a ready writer, his articles being
distinguished for originality, good sense, and a complete knowledge of his
subject. He was felicitous in conversation, having at hand always a vast fund
of knowledge to instruct and witty anecdote to amuse. In 1828 he represented
his city in the Constitutional Convention, and in 1829 and 1830 he was a
member of the House of Representatives." M.‑.W.‑.John H. Graham, the first
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, has said " Bro. Tucker was of more
than American reputation. He was really the guiding star of the FREEMASONRY IN
VERMONT 311 Grand Lodge of Canada during the early years of its existence,"
which service was recognised by the honorary title of Past Grand Master of
that Grand Lodge. Rob. Morris, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, a close personal
friend, said in a funeral oration before the Grand Lodge on January 9, 1862‑:
" the Masonic career of Mr. Tucker is engraven upon the records of the
Fraternity in the nineteenth century as with an iron pen and lead in the rock
forever. While there is respect among Masons for exalted talent, sympathy for
unselfish sacrifice, and gratitude for long and unrequited service, his
monument is secure in their heart. Ages to come, the historian looking back
upon this as a transition state of the Masonic Institution, will acknowledge
Mr. Tucker as one whose labours have given the direction, shaped the moulds,
drawn the drafts by which the fraternity was guided in its aims, progress, and
work." In the words of Past Grand Master Tillotson, " Now, after more than
half a century, the cold calm judgment of the present generation, whose
knowledge of Bro. Tucker is based solely upon his record, confirms that of his
contemporaries, and it recognises Bro. Tucker's pre‑eminent qualities as a man
and a Mason. During the years which have elapsed since Bro. Tucker's death, no
Vermont Mason has occupied a position of such prominence as that which he so
ably filled. The time in which he lived demanded a man of his outstanding
qualities of heart and brain, and he gave himself freely and willingly to the
service of his Brethren. Truly he was one of the giants of those days."
Vermont Masons believe in the truth of the old admonition, " Those friends
thou hast, and their adoption tried, grapple them to thy soul with hoops of
steel," and this has been strikingly exemplified in their relations with their
Brethren in Canada. Mention has already been made of the fact that this
friendship was undoubtedly responsible for the Chartering of our third Lodge
by the then Provincial Grand Master of Canada, and it has continued, to the
benefit of all concerned, down to the present day. When the Grand Lodge of
Canada was formed on October 1o, 1855, its rights were strongly supported by
the Grand Lodge of Vermont, and the personal assistance of Grand Master Tucker
was so notable that he was awarded the honorary title of Past Grand Master.
Similar support was given by Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Quebec after
its formation on October 2‑o, 1869. One instance of this strong fraternal
spirit deserves mention even in a sketch as condensed as this. In 1803 a
Petition for a Lodge at Derby was presented to Grand Lodge, said Petition
being signed by eleven Master Masons, " one half of whom " resided in
Stanstead, Quebec, just across the Canadian line, and the Lodge was Chartered
as Lively Stone Lodge, No. 22. Its Lodge Room was situated partly in each of
the towns represented in its membership. The Lodge prospered until the War of
1812‑ " interrupted and finally dissolved this family of friends and brothers,
amongst whom no contention had ever existed save that noble contention, or
rather emulation, of who could best work and best agree." The Stanstead
Brethren then obtained a Charter from the Grand Lodge of Quebec, and on
February 22, 1814, Golden Rule Lodge, No. 14 was Consecrated and its Officers
Installed by the District 312. FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT Deputy Grand Master of
the loth Masonic District of Vermont under authority given him for that
purpose. Twenty‑two members of Lively Stone Lodge were among those forming
Golden Rule. In 1861 a Petition was sent to the Grand Lodge of Vermont by the
Officers of Golden Rule Lodge, requesting that the old Charter of Lively Stone
Lodge (which had been surrendered to Grand Lodge in 1826) be given them as a
relic of the fraternal relations of former days, and from that Petition the
following quotations and the one above are taken: " This (1812‑1814) was a
time of war, the whole country in commotion, every prospect uncertain,
business fluctuating, and no permanency to any pursuit whatever. The frontier
inhabitants regarded each other with suspicion and distrust, and nothing but
some overt act of petty malice was wanting to kindle a sanguinary border
warfare; but the benign influence of Freemasonry interposed the broad mantle
of brotherly love and charity. The two Lodges, by appointing peace committees,
who held weekly and almost daily sittings, working in unison and with that
degree of energy and determination which at once restored confidence among the
settlers, and upon two different occasions mobs of armed men were dispersed
through the intervention of the committees. Thus was Freemasonry, in the hands
of good men and true, the means of preserving peace, order and friendship in
the little settlements. Thus worked the two Lodges until 1826. . . . In 1859,
when the Grand Lodge of Canada established the English ritual, Golden Rule
Lodge was permitted to continue the use of the Vermont ritual in which it had
been instructed by John Barney. . . . Many of the members who were formerly
members of Lively Stone felt that the old Charters of Lively Stone and Golden
Rule Lodges, hanging side by side, emanating from different Grand Lodges,
existing under antagonistic governments, and given to those who first and now
compose one and the same Lodge would teach us a lesson of union and brotherly
love which would appeal to the hearts and understanding of all." It is
probably needless to say that the prayer of this Petition was granted.
In 1887 the Brethren
of Lee Lodge, No. 30 of Castleton, carried to completion an enterprise which
reflected great credit upon their initiative and energy, when they erected
upon the highest point of Birds Mountain, situated partly in that town, a
Masonic monument of unusual type, the corner‑stone of which was contributed by
Grand Lodge and laid by it at a Special Communication on August 30 of that
year. This monument, aside from the usual finishing stones, is composed of
brick and stones, mostly of like dimensions, which were contributed by Masons
and Masonic organisations to the number of 756, the various contributions
being duly inscribed and embellished with Masonic emblems. It is about 15 feet
high, and tapers from a base of approximately 4 by 3 feet to 2 square at the
top. Its commanding position makes it an object of interest for many miles
around.
Prior to 1888 the
feasibility of a Masonic Temple was the subject of a very considerable amount
of sporadic discussion. In Grand Master Alfred A. Hall's address of that year
appears a recommendation that steps be taken to secure FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT
313 proper Masonic headquarters, and in 1893 the following appears in the
Proceedings: " Your Committee on Masonic Temple respectfully report that, at
the last session of the legislature, those interested in the matter secured
the passage of an act incorporating the Masonic Temple Association of
Vermont." The next year there was presented to Grand Lodge a proposition from
the City Council of Burlington offering to lease to Grand Lodge for
ninety‑nine years a lot of land owned by the city, and an agreement by the
Masons of Burlington that they would assume the payment of the rental of the
same, amounting to $ioo a year. These were both accepted by Grand Lodge. The
next year the Grand Lodge Trustees were authorised to erect a Masonic Temple
upon the leased site at a cost not to exceed $5o,0oo provided that they were
able to borrow the necessary money at an interest rate of not more than 5 per
cent and that the citizens of Burlington contributed to the enterprise the sum
of $3000, " to be paid to the Grand Secretary within six months from the
adoption of this resolution." A special per capita tax of 30 cents, for Temple
expenses, was also voted, and, at the suggestion of the newly elected Grand
Master, Kittredge Haskins, whose detailed explanation of the whole Temple
situation in his address of the next year was quite largely responsible for
the erection of that building upon its present site, an Advisory Committee on
Masonic Temple, consisting of eight Past Grand Masters and the Deputy Grand
Master, was appointed. In 1896 all matters relating to the proposed Temple
were turned over to this Committee, " subject only to the limit of expense as
determined by this Grand Body," and the following year the Grand Master
reported that the present site (which he had originally recommended) had been
purchased for the sum of $17,500, of which amount the citizens of Burlington
had subscribed and paid $7,500, and in addition had pledged, so far as they
were able to do, that the new Temple property would be kept free from all
taxation. He also stated that, although the architect's plans had been
considerably revised, the cost of the Temple as finally decided upon would be
nearly $25,ooo more than the sum already appropriated. Grand Lodge promptly
voted an additional appropriation of $30,000, and the erection of the Temple
was then pushed forward with all reasonable speed.
The corner‑stone was
laid at a Special Communication on October 2.o, 1897, and the impressive
ceremony of dedication was performed on June 15, 1898, in connection with the
Annual Communication of that year. In 1916 the Grand Master announced that the
Temple was free from debt, and so it has ever since remained, the net income
being paid into the Permanent Charity Fund. The special 30 cents per capita
tax laid in 1895 was repealed at this Session.
In 1912 the sum of $ioo
was voted for a Life Membership in the George Washington National Masonic
Memorial Association, and in 1922 a like sum was contributed. The next year an
assessment of $i.oo per capita, " payable in one or two years," was made for
the benefit of the Association, and later two Past Grand Masters, one of whom
has since passed away, became Life Members. In 1926 it was voted that the
Lodges contribute for the Association the sum of 3114 FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT
$11.oo from each Initiate and remit the same to the Grand Secretary. This
assessment was voted for the term of five years, but later " until the
completion of said Memorial." Thus has Vermont gained a place in the list of
those Grand jurisdictions whose contributions to this notable enterprise are
rated at ioo per cent or over‑that percentage being a sum equal to $i.oo for
each one of the total membership enrolled in the Grand Jurisdiction. In
addition to this the sum of $25oo was raised in 119311 to pay for one of the
memorial windows. Vermont was represented at the laying of the corner‑stone of
the Memorial on November 11, 11893, and at its dedication on May 2, 11932, by
the Grand Master and others, and Delegates from the Green Mountain State have
attended the annual meetings of the Association for many years past.
The most prominent
incident in Grand Lodge history in addition to those already mentioned was the
Centennial Celebration held in connection with the Annual Communication of
11894, which was featured by addresses by several of the many distinguished
Brethren present. The speaker of the day was Past Grand Master Kittredge
Haskins, then Deputy Grand Master, and a Centennial poem was contributed by
Rev. Alfred J. Hough, then Grand Chaplain.
Many of the
corner‑stones of Masonic Temples and Memorials throughout the State have been
laid by Grand Lodge, and a like service has been performed on several public
occasions, the most notable being the laying of the cornerstone of the
Bennington Monument on August 116, 11887.
The following is the
list of the Past Grand Masters of Vermont: * Noah Smith.......... 11794‑96 *
Kittredge Haskins....... 11895‑96 * John Chipman........ 11797‑118114 * Daniel
N. Nicholson. . . .11897‑98 * Jonathan Nye......... 118115‑117 W. Scott
Nay........... 11899‑119oo * T emuel Whitney 118118‑211 * Charles R
Montague119 ........ . . .
* George
Robinson..... 11822‑23 Olin W. Daley.......... 11903‑04 * Phineas
White........ 11824‑26 Walter E. Ranger........ 119o5 * George E. Wales ......
11927‑28 * Charles A. Calderwood. .11906‑07 * Nathan B. Haswell ... 11829‑46
Lee S. Tillotson......... 11908‑o9 * Phillip C. Tucker ..... 11847‑611 Henry
L. Ballou ......... 119110‑i 11 * Leverett B. Englesby. .1862‑67 * Eugene S.
Weston....... 119112‑113 * George M. Hall...... 11868‑7o Charles H.
Darling...... 119114‑115 * Park Davis........... 118711‑73 * Henry H.
Ross.......... 119116 * Nathan P. Bowman... 11874‑75 * David A.
Elliott........ 119117‑118 * Henry H. Smith ...... 11876‑77 * Edwin L. Wells
......... 119119 * Lavant M. Read ...... 11878‑8o Archie S. Harriman ......
11920‑2I * Lucius C. Butler...... 118811‑82 George I. Whitney...... 1922‑23 *
Ozro Meacham ....... 11883‑84 Christie B. Crowell ...... 11924‑25 * Marsh O.
Perkins.. . . .11885‑86 * Frederick H. Babbitt. . . .11926‑27 * Alfred A.
Hall........ 1887‑88 Edwin F. Greene........ 11928‑29 * George W. Wing......
11889‑9o Aaron H. Grout........ 11930‑3I * Delos M. Bacon...... i89i‑92
Charles B. Adams....... 11932‑33 * John H. Whipple. . . . .11893‑94 Julius C.
Thomas........ 11934‑35 FREEMASONRY IN VERMONT 315 In closing this brief
resume of the highlights of Vermont's Masonic history, quotation is made from
Past Grand Master Lee S. Tillotson's Ancient Craft Masonry in Vermont as
follows: " So have the Masons of Vermont, not only with their Canadian
Brethren, but with the whole Masonic world, laboured for nearly one hundred
and forty years, through adversity and prosperity, to establish and maintain
the true principles of our Order. If we have sometimes disagreed as to the
correct application of these principles, it has not been from any lack of
desire to follow the true course. There is nothing in our record of which to
be ashamed, and there is much, very much, of which we may justly be proud."
FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN THE BEGINNINGS WHEN Freemasonry
made its first appearance in Virginia no one knows. Doubtless individual
members of the Fraternity had made their appearance in the colony within a few
years after the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. It is
inconceivable that the same was not true of many of the other colonies,
engaging as they did in trade with the mother country, not to speak of the
relatively large number of immigrants coming from Britain in those formative
years of the early eighteenth century. Little evidence remains nowadays,
however, to enable the student to determine when the first Freemasons came to
the shores of the American continent. One man's guess in this particular is as
good as another's, though one would like to believe, if this were allowable,
that here and there as early as 1725 a Freemason was a, member of the crew of
some trading vessel, carrying tobacco and cotton back to England or Scotland
in exchange for the manufactured goods imported by the young and thriving
colonies.
There is some
evidence, according to reports which have come to the writer within the past
two years, pointing to the existence of a Masonic Lodge in the colony of
Virginia as early as 1729. However, the evidence seems to show that the first
Chartered Lodge in Virginia was the Royal Exchange, established in the Borough
of Norfolk in December 1733. Dr. Dove insists that this is the fact* and his
statement is corroborated by Auld and Smellie, who published in Edinburgh a
Freemasons' Pocket Companion bearing the date 1765.t The particular edition
mentioned contains a catalogue of the then existing Lodges under English
Constitution. The caption of the list reads as follows: " An exact List of
Regular English Lodges, according to their Seniority and Constitution." In it
we find the following entry: " No. 172. The Royal Exchange, in the Borough of
Norfolk, in Virginia; 1st Thursday; Dec., 1733." The reference is, of course,
to the meeting night and the date of Warranting. Further along in the list
occurs the notation: " No. Zoo. York‑Towne, in Virginia; 1st and 3d Wednesday;
Aug. 1, 1755." Certain writers have claimed that the date of the Royal
Exchange Lodge should be 1753 instead of 1733, urging that the earlier date is
a printer's error. The only reason given for this contention, however, is the
statement, that those * Dove, Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Virginia,
r777‑x823, Richmond, 1874, p. iv.
t Auld and Smellie,
Freemasons' Pocket Companion, Edinburgh, 1765. A copy of this handbook is now
in possession of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Among other things, the book
contains many of the old charges, some early Masonic poems, and other
interesting items of Masonic information.
316 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 317 Lodges which immediately precede and immediately follow the name
of the Royal Exchange Lodge have dates very close to 1753. Yet it would seem
quite strange to assume that the printer and the compiler were both in error
on this occasion and to make the history of Freemasonry in America's oldest
Commonwealth hinge upon the supposition that some one substituted
inadvertently a " 3 " for a " 5. " It will be noted further, that, while the
Royal Exchange Lodge is listed as " No. 172‑," the Lodge at York‑Towne is
numbered zoo and was Warranted in 1755, only two years after the alleged date
of the Royal Exchange Lodge (1753).
Further, in John
Scott's handbook,* published in London in 1759, there appears a list of "
Lodges in Foreign Parts," which contains these entries: " Norfolk, in
Virginia; 1st Thursday "; " York‑Towne, in Virginia; 1st and 3d Wednesday." In
this connection, it is of interest to note that James M. Clift, the present
Grand Secretary of Virginia and a thorough student of Masonic history, writes
as follows Royal Exchange (the Norfolk Lodge) was never designated
(officially) as Royal Exchange, but always as " the Norfolk Lodge." I had
quite a little trouble making sure that the Norfolk Lodge was a continuation
of the former.
I finally got trace
of it through the land books. Royal Exchange Lodge (James Taylor, Master)
purchased a lot for a temple in 1764. Taylor is referred to as " Grand Master
of a Societv of Freemasons called Royal Exchange Lodge," and this lot was sold
by Norfolk Lodge No. I in 1794‑thirty years later‑this same Norfolk Lodge
giving title to it at that time.
THE COLONIAL PERIOD
Although Virginia seems to have had three different Provincial Grand Masters
at various times, little attention appears to have been paid to them. About
1764 H. P. Thornton was appointed Provincial Grand Master by the Grand Lodge
of England, and Peyton Randolph apparently held the same Office about ten
years later (1774). At the date of the organisation of the Grand Lodge of
Virginia (1777‑1778) the Provincial Grand Master seems to have been Cornelius
Harnet (or Harnett), whom Dove describes as having been " appointed and
commissioned Provincial Grand Master for the Colony of Virginia by the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of England."t Harnett was also Deputy Provincial Grand
Master for the Colony of North Carolina.
In no case, however,
with the possible exception of Cabin Point Royal Arch Lodge, did these
Provincial Grand Masters have anything to do with the Warranting or
establishment of the Lodges, which participated in the formation of the Grand
Lodge of Virginia. Nor did any of these Provincial Officers ever (so far as
the Record shows) undertake to open or hold a Provincial Grand Lodge. On the
contrary, these appointments from the Grand Lodge of England * John Scott,
Pocket Companion and History of Freemasonry, London, 1759. A copy of this book
is now in possession of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. `f Dove, op. cit., p.
iii.
318 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA appear to have been purely honorary so far as Virginia was concerned,
and neither the Provincial Grand Master nor the Lodges, over which he was
appointed to preside, took the matter seriously.
If a mixture of
sturdy stocks means anything in the way of advantage to the resultant
offspring, Virginia Masonry has an indisputable claim to such distinction. Its
coloniaf Lodges had received Charters from England, Scotland, Ireland,
Pennsylvania, and America (" the last at second‑hand "), according to the
resolutions adopted in Convention on May 13, 1777. The inclusion of Ireland in
this list creates a problem, which has not so far been solved. For there is no
record of a Lodge Chartered in Virginia under Irish Constitution, though it is
quite apparent that the members of the Williamsburg Convention believed such a
Lodge or Lodges to exist. The reference to America as a " second‑handed "
authority is patently to the Warrant of Cabin Point Royal Arch Lodge, which
was issued by Joseph Montfort, of Halifax, North Carolina, while he was
Provincial Grand Master of that State by appointment of Henry Somerset, Duke
of Beaufort, who was then Grand Master of England. The Warrant of Cabin Point
Lodge bore the date of April 15, 1775, only a few days before the memorable
days of April 18 and i9, when Lexington and Concord saw the beginnings of
overt hostilities preliminary to the Revolutionary War. This Lodge was so
proud of its distinction of having the Royal Arch Degree attached, that it
included the words " Royal Arch " in its official designation.
For convenience of
reference, the following list of early Virginia Lodges by localities is given
Norfolk‑Royal Exchange, 1733; England (Moderns). St.~òJohn's, date uncertain
but listed in Scotch list of 1765; Scotland. Fredericksburg‑Fredericksburg,
1758; Scotland (though may have been a Military Lodge or Warranted originally
by Massachusetts).
Port Royal‑Port Royal
Kilwinning Cross, 17S 5 ; Scotland. Blandford (now a part of Petersburg)‑Blandford,
1757; Scotland. Falmouth‑Falmouth, 1775; Scotland (original Warrant probably
earlier from an unknown source).
Tappahannock (Hobb's
Hole)‑Tappahannock or Hobb's Hole, date of Warrant unknown; extinct after
1780.
Hampton‑St. TammanyIs,
1759; England (Moderns). Williamsburg‑Williamsburg, 1773; England (Moderns).
Original Warrant probably prior to 176o.
Gloucester Court
House‑Botetourt, 1773; England (Moderns). Traditionally the original Warrant
bore the date 1757; possibly Warranted by Fredericksburg Lodge.
Cabin Point‑Cabin
Point Royal Arch, 1775; England, through Provincial Grand Masters of North
Carolina and Virginia. Winchester‑Winchester, No. 1z., 1768; Provincial Grand
Master of Pennsylvania (William Ball).
To this list might be
added York (or York Towne), Warranted originally FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 319
in 1755, but later becoming extinct. It was revived by the Grand Lodge of
Virginia in 1780, the first Lodge to receive a Virginia Charter.
AMERICA'S FIRST
INDEPENDENT GRAND LODGE As has been stated previously, Virginia had no
Provincial Grand Lodge. Its three Provincial Grand Masters were practically "
without domain," so to speak. It would be difficult indeed to assign reasons
for this condition of affairs, especially when so many of the other colonies
had Provincial Grand Lodges, which functioned in a most efficient manner. The
Grand Lodges of England and Scotland made little effort, apparently, to
maintain contact with their Virginia offspring, and little insistence seems to
have been placed upon the making of regular returns by their Subordinate
Lodges in the Old Dominion. Dove comments on this condition of affairs as
follows: From all these facts, derived from authentic history, we think it
plainly inferential that the Masons of Virginia, who had the right to open and
hold one of those Deputy Grand Lodges, under and by authority conferred on Cor
nelius Harnett, as Provincial Grand Master, to do so; yet thought it more in
accordance with Masonic law to ask and obtain their Charters at first hand
from the European Grand Lodge.
It is not surprising,
therefore, that the loose ties, which bound the Virginia Lodges to their
parent Grand Lodges in the mother country were so easily broken. It was only
natural, too, that Williamsburg Lodge, located as it was in centre of the
movement for independence in Virginia, should take the initiative in calling a
convention for the consideration of the steps to be taken in declaring the
colony's Masonic independence of Great Britain.
Accordingly and, it
may be imagined, after considerable discussion of the matter, Williamsburg
Lodge reached the decision to issue a call for such a convention. Early in
1777 letters were sent to all the Lodges, so far as their names and location
were known, " recommending, that the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of the
different Lodges or their ` deputys ' should meet in Williamsburg for the
purpose of choosing a Grand Master for the State of Virginia. "t The date set
for the conference was Tuesday, May 6, and it was undoubtedly held in the hall
of Williamsburg Lodge.
The Record tells us
that A motion being made, and it being the unanimous opinion of this
convention, that a Grand Master ought to be chosen to preside over the Craft
in this commonwealth Resolved, That a committee be appointed for drawing up
reasons why a Grand Master should be chosen, consisting of Duncan Rose,
William Waddill, " Dove, op. cit., p. r. From this point, all references to
Dove are to the same work. t Dove, op. cit., p. rz.
32o FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA James Kemp, and John Crawford; and that their proceedings be laid
before this convention on Tuesday, the 13th day of May next, at 6 o'clock,
P.M.
It is interesting to
note that the Representatives of the two oldest Lodges, namely, Matthew Phripp,
of Norfolk Lodge, and James Kemp, of Port Royal Kilwinning Cross Lodge, were
chosen as President and Clerk respectively of this first Convention.
There is no record of
those attending the meeting held on May 13. Bro. Phripp, we are told, was "
absent upon business," so Duncan Rose, Representative of Blandford, the third
oldest Lodge present, was chosen as President. James Kemp continued to act as
Clerk, though this time he is dignified with the title of " Secretary." The
Committee previously appointed presented in cogent fashion its reasons for
choosing a Grand Master, these being four in number as follows: (1) The
divided and subdivided authority then existing among the Virginia Lodges; (2)
the absence of any benefits coming from the appointment of Provincial
Representatives by foreign Grand Masters; (3) the impossibility of appealing
to authorities beyond the sea for eliminating abuses and obtaining Warrants
under conditions then prevailing; and (4) the precedent found in the
organisation of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland " by mutual
consent and separate from all foreign power whatever." Under proper
resolution, these reasons were embodied in a letter sent to all the Lodges and
inviting them to send " Deputations " to Williamsburg for the purpose of
electing a Grand Master. The date set was June 23, and the hour of meeting was
specified as io o'clock, A.M.
At the Convention of
June 23, 1777, five Lodges were represented by eight Deputies. James Mercer,
Master of Fredericksburg Lodge (which had not been represented at the
preceding two Conventions), was elected President and James Kemp (who seems to
have held no Office heretofore in his home Lodge at Port Royal) was continued
as Secretary. The Convention, in its desire to arrive at the " most
unexceptionable mode " of selecting a Grand Master, voted unanimously to
request . . . the respective Lodges to solicit their respective Grand Masters
for an appointment of some one worthy Mason resident within this State, as
Grand Master thereof, by which the several authorities of the several Grand
Masters of England, Scotland, and Ireland, from whom the several Lodges in
this State hold their charters, will be united in one and the same person, and
in order to continue such an Officer in this State, the convention is of
opinion that such charter of appointment should contain authority for such
Grand Master to resign the superiority of his principal into the hands of the
respective Lodges, in order that such Lodges, by their deputys, may form a
general convention of the Craft to elect a Grand Master and proper officers of
a Grand Lodge in time to come.
.Lt was further voted
to recommend " His Excellency General George Wash‑ FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA
32.1 ington as a proper person to fill the Office of Grand Master." But, in
case such an appointment of " nominal Grand Master " was not made by June 1,
1778, it was the sense of the Convention, that its President, or, in case of
his death, the Master of Williamsburg Lodge, should issue a call for a final
meeting to select a Grand Master. Thus, after due allowances had been made for
the discharge of the proprieties in the matter, a Grand Master was to be
chosen by " cutting the Gordian knot," if need be.
aAfter the Secretary
had received directions to transmit " copys " (sic) of these proceedings to
the " several Lodges in this State," the Convention djourned.
More than a year
elapsed before another meeting was held. Meanwhile, the suggestion that he
accept the Office of Grand Master (for which Winchester Lodge claims the
original credit) was communicated to Washington. On the grounds that he was
not a Master or Past Master, and also because of the press of his duties as
commander‑in‑chief of the Continental forces, Washington felt compelled to
decline the Office. Even now, however, there are many who take it for granted
that he was the first Grand Master of Masons in Virginia in spite of the fact
that the Record states otherwise.
October 13, 1778, saw
the consummation. The Recorded Minutes of that meeting are short and to the
point. They are of such historic importance that they are quoted in full: At a
convention of the Craft agreeable to an advertisement of the Right Worshipfull
James Mercer, held on the thirteenth day of October, A. L. 5778: Present
Robert Andrews . . . . . Master James M. Fontane . . . . . Senior Warden James
Willison . . . . . . Junior Warden Duncan Rose . . . . . . Treasurer William
Waddill . . . . . Secretary Duncan Rose, deputy from Blandford Lodge.
Robert Andrews,
William Waddill, James McClurg, and John Minson Galt, deputys, Williamsburg
Lodge.
James M. Fontane and
Christ'r Pryor, deputys, Botetourt Lodge.
James Willison, James
Bolsher, and John Crawford, deputys, Cabin Point Royal A. Lodge.
On the question being
put, this convention are unanimously of opinion that there is a sufficient
number of Lodges present to proceed to business.
sIt is the opinion of
this convention that the power and authority of Cornelius Harnet, Esq., as
Deputy Grand Master of America does not now exist. It is the opinion of this
convention that it is agreeable to the constitution of Masonry that all the
regular chartered Lodges within this State should be ubject to the Grand
Master of the said State.
The Right Worshipful
Warner, Lewis, Past Master of the Botetourt Lodge, being nominated to the
office of Grand Master, declined the acceptance thereof; 322 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA and then the Right Worshipful John Blair, Past Master of the
Williamsburg Lodge, was nominated and unanimously elected, who was pleased to
accept of the office.
(Signed) ROBERT
ANDREWS, Master Attest W. WADDILL, SeC'y.
Reference to the
preceding Minutes shows that ten Deputies were present from four Lodges‑Blandford,
Williamsburg, Botetourt, and Cabin Point Royal Arch; that James Mercer, who
issued the call for this particular Convention, was conspicuous by his
absence; that none of the first five Lodges in order of priority was
represented save Blandford; and that the Office of Grand Master was tendered
to three individuals‑George Washington, Warner Lewis, and John Blair‑before
one could be found to accept it. Blair, who was at the time acting governor of
the Colony of Virginia, was duly Installed as Grand Master of Masons in
Virginia on October 30, 1778, and was accorded all the honours due his
station.
As has been pointed
out, Virginia had no Provincial Grand Lodge, even though its Provincial Grand
Masters possessed the nominal right to convene one. Nor was it afflicted with
any disagreements of a material character during its most formative period. It
has never claimed to be the oldest Grand Lodge in America, but its title to
the distinction of being the oldest independent Grand Lodge in America seems
beyond dispute. By the use of the word " independent " is meant, that there
was no Provincial Grand Lodge or other similar Body existing in the
Commonwealth during Colonial times. The impulse to independence, which made
itself felt during the years immediately preceding the outbreak of the
American Revolution, was‑for Virginia Masons, at leastthe impulse to set up an
independent and sovereign Body, which, like the newly created federal
government, should " derive its just powers from the consent of the governed."
The resolutions, in fact, which were adopted by the Williamsburg Convention on
May 13, 1777, were, in effect, another " Declaration of Independence,"
applicable, of course, to a more limited sphere.
" Fourthly and
lastly," they said, " we find upon record, that the Grand Lodges of England,
Scotland, and Ireland founded their original right of election (of a Grand
Master) upon their sole authority, by mutual consent, distinct and separate
from all foreign power whatever. We therefore conclude that we have and ought
to hold the same rights and privileges that Masons in all time heretofore have
confessedly enjoyed." What other answer can even the most objectively‑minded
student of the matter give to this declaration? THE FIRST DECADE " At a Grand
Lodge held in the Lodge Room in the city of Williamsburg, on the ZZd day of
December, A. L. 5778 "‑with these words begin the first FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 32‑3 Minutes of the Grand Lodge of Virginia after its formal and
final Constitution on October 30, 1778. Rev. Robert Andrews, Deputy Grand
Master, presided as Grand Master pro tem. The other stations were filled by
pro tem. Officers except that Duncan Rose, Grand Secretary, and Matthew
Anderson, Grand Sword Bearer, were in their respective places.
Quite significantly,
the first and only business before Grand Lodge at this first Communication was
the consideration of two Petitions " to be Initiated into the mysteries of
Freemasonry." The Petitioners were Samuel Beall and Joseph Hay, who had " made
application for some time past." Both were ,, ballotted for and approved of as
worthy to be Initiated into the mysteries of Free and Accepted Masons. They
were therefore Initiated according. The business of the night being over, the
Lodge was closed in due form." The Record is signed only by Robert Andrews,
D.G.M.
The next
Communication was held June 24, 1779. All the regular Officers were present
except Rev. James M. Fontaine (or Fontane), Junior Grand Warden. For the first
time Grand Lodge is described as being " opened in ample form," with Right
Worshipful John Blair presiding as Grand Master. Heretofore, at its meeting on
December 22, 1778, it had been opened and closed " in due form," though the
Session of October 30, 1778, is noted as having been closed " in ample form. "
At the 1779 Communication it was voted to send copies of the Convention
Minutes and the subsequent proceedings of Grand Lodge to the various Lodges in
the Commonwealth; to hold the next meeting of Grand Lodge on November 10,
1779, at which time a Grand Master would be elected for the ensuing year and
regulations adopted for the Government of the Craft; and that the Lodges be
directed to send attested copies of their Warrants to this meeting by their "
Deputys," to the end that new Charters might be issued and the Lodges arranged
in order of seniority on the Grand Lodge Roster. Then, we are informed, " the
business of the day being over, it is the Grand Master's pleasure that this
Lodge be closed till that in course." But the next " Lodge in course " was not
held on November 1o as planned. Doubtless the exigencies of the times
precluded this, and Grand Lodge did not meet again for more than a year. On
December 28, 1780, a meeting was held at Raleigh Tavern, in Williamsburg, with
John Blair presiding. For the first time he is called in the Minutes " The
Most Worshipful John Blair, Grand Master. " The Grand Lodge of 1785 was held
on October 28 in the Lodge Room, in the city of Richmond, in accordance with
the resolution adopted in 1784, setting a standing date for the Annual
Communications. James Mercer presided as Grand Master and was assisted by
Edmund Randolph, Deputy Grand Master. The attendance was thirty‑one members
and visitors from eight Lodges, Representatives from a majority of the Lodges
being necessary to constitute a quorum.
The year following,
it was decided to arrange the then existing Lodges in order of priority. The
official list of 1786, therefore, is the first of the Grand 32‑4 FREEMASONRY
IN VIRGINIA Lodge Rosters in which numbers are assigned to the individual
Lodges to indicate their proper sequence. It follows Lodge Location When
Constituted i. Norfolk................... Norfolk .............. June 1, 1741
(Successor to Royal Exchange Lodge, warranted December 1733.) 2. Port Royal
Kil. Crosse. . ...Port Royal ........... Dec. 1, 175 5 3. Blandford.................
Petersburg ............ Sept. 9, 1757 4. Fredericksburg ............
Fredericksburg........ July 21, 1758 5. Hampton St. Tamminys ....
Hampton............. Feb. 26, 1759 6. Williamsburg ............. Williamsburg
......... Nov. 6, 1773 7. Botetourt ................. Gloucester C. H.......
Nov. 6, 1773 8. Cabin Point R. Arch....... Cabin Point.......... Apr. 13, 1775
9. York ..................... Yorktown............ Feb. 22,178o (Previously
warranted by England, Aug. 1, 1755.) 1o. Richmond.................
Richmond............ Dec. 28, 178o ii. Northampton ............. N'thampton
County.. .July 8, 1785 i2. Kempsville................ Kempsville...........
Oct‑ 5, 1785 13. Staunton.................. Staunton............. Feb. 6, 1786
14. Manchester ............... , Manchester........... Feb. 28, 1786 15.
Petersburg ............ .... Petersburg ............ May 6, 1786 16.
Portsmouth Wisdom ....... Portsmouth .......... June 15, 1786 17. Charlotte
................. Charlotte C. H........ July 6, 1786 18. Smithfield Union
.......... Smithfield ............ Oct. 29, 1787 i9. Richmond Randolph.......
Richmond............ Oct. 29, 1787 The following significant Minute appears in
the Proceedings of Grand Lodge for 1788: Upon application of the Brethren of
the Alexandria Lodge of Free Masons 39, under the authority of the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania, praying to be incorporated under the Grand Lodge of their own
State, alleging as a reason their inconvenience to the city of Philadelphia,
and signifying their resolution of giving up their now charter to the Grand
Lodge of Pennsylvania aforesaid, it is Resolved, That a charter be granted to
the Brethren aforesaid under the name of the Alexandria Lodge No. 22.
It was this Charter
which carried the name of George Washington as first Master of the Lodge under
Virginia Constitution, he having been made an Honorary Member on June 24,
1784. His election as Master, however, made him an Active Member. After
serving his first term as Master (April 28‑December 27, 1788), he was
re‑elected for a second term (the election taking place December Zo, 1788).
Washington was, therefore, actually Master of Alexandria Lodge when he became
President of the United States (April 30, 1789). No other Lodge has had such a
distinction, and no other President has served as Master of a Masonic Lodge
during his Presidential term.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 32‑5 Washington remained an active member of Fredericksburg Lodge,
No. 4 (his " mother lodge "), however, and was thus, for the last eleven years
of his life, on the active membership Roster of both Fredericksburg and
Alexandria Lodges.* At the close of its first decade as America's oldest
independent Grand Lodge, therefore, the Grand Lodge of Virginia had passed
from the formative and experimental stage to that of a " going concern." It
occupied a position of honour and influence in American Masonry, based not
only upon the priority of the Lodges entering into its formation in 1777‑1778,
but also upon the fact that it had observed every possible consideration of
decorum and dignity in formulating the principles, rules, regulations, and
mode of Working, which should govern its activities in time to come. Three of
Virginia's most outstanding citizens and statesmen‑Blair, Mercer, and
Randolph‑had served it with distinction in the Office of Grand Master, and, in
addition, the Illustrious John Marshall (a Grand Master‑to‑be) had occupied
the station of Deputy Grand Master for a year. On its Roster there were 2‑5
Chartered Lodges, and one under Dispensation, making 26 Lodges in all. Two of
these were located outside of the geographical limits of Virginia‑Baltimore
Union, No. ZI, in Baltimore, and Lexington, No. 25, in Lexington, Kentucky.
While no statistics on this point are available, its membership was composed
of some hundreds of the most substantial men in their respective communities.
It is not unreasonable to suppose, in fact, that it had as many as iooo
members under its jurisdiction. The most distinguished of these, of course,
was America's greatest FreemasonGeorge Washington. He was followed closely by
Virginia's three greatest Grand Masters‑Blair, Randolph and Marshall‑not to
speak of Madison, Monroe, and others of their calibre.
During this ten‑year
period the Lodges had been classified according to priority; new Charters had
been issued to replace the old Warrants obtained from " foreign " Grand
Lodges; proper clothing and equipment had been pro vided for Grand Lodge; the
headquarters had been removed from Williamsburg to Richmond and located in the
first strictly " Masonic Hall " in this country; a Code of Laws and
Regulations had been adopted; annual " donations " from the Lodges had been
prescribed with which to pay the salary of the Grand Secretary and the other
expenses of operation; two standing Committees, namely, the Committee of
Charity and the Committee of Correspondence, had been designated to handle the
Grand Charity Fund and the relations with other Grand Lodges (as well as the
Virginia Lodges) respectively.
Nor was this all.
Printed copies of the Grand Lodge proceedings were being distributed to
interested Lodges and Grand Lodges; the Grand Lodge Records had been arranged
and recorded; and circulars, setting forth Virginia's views on certain matters
of current import were being sent out from time to time. The principle of the
" derivation of all just powers from the consent of the governed " with its
corollary of " no taxation without representation " ' See J. Hugo Tatsch, The
Facts About George Washington as a Freemason, New York, i93I, pp. 6 and 7.
326 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA had become firmly fixed in Grand Lodge polity. These notions,
together with a firm insistence upon the observance of due decorum in all
matters and the elimination of undue haste in the transaction of its business,
furnished that stability, which formed the foundation of a structure now more
than a century and a half in process of erection with its completion, we hope,
still in the far distant future.
Surely such an
accomplishment in the brief space of a single decade augured well for the even
greater progress, which was to come.
GROWTH AND FRUITION
Following the period of organisation, Grand Lodge experienced an era of normal
development in accordance with the routine and practises which it had set up
for itself previously.
Naturally the
question of finances had to be considered from time to time. Collections under
the old system of voluntary " donations " were unsatisfactory, nor was Grand
Lodge able to collect regularly so much as the one Initia tion fee requested
from each Lodge half‑yearly or annually. Hence, in 1790, it was voted to
charge a Diploma fee of six shillings for the benefit of the Grand Charity
Fund, and a per capita tax of three shillings per member per year for the
general expenses of Grand Lodge. The same Session ordered a reprinting of
Pennsylvania's Ahiman ReZon, which had been in general use up to this time and
registered its approbation of the circular letter sent out by the Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania under date of April 12, 1785, suggesting the Institution of a
National Grand Lodge. This last action was quite at variance with subsequent
views of Grand Lodge on this subject, the opposition to a National Grand Lodge
becoming somewhat vehement at times. On October 30, 1790, the law vesting in
Grand Lodge the exclusive right of making Royal Arch Masons was repealed on
Petition of Staunton Lodge, No. 13. The authorised edition of the Ahiman Rezon
having been reported as unsatisfactory because of its many errors, Grand Lodge
entrusted the preparation of another printing to Deputy Grand Master John K.
Read.
On November 27, 1794,
with John Marshall as Grand Master, Grand Lodge decided to change the date of
its Annual Communication from October to November. It is of interest to read
the following Minute covering this action A motion was made, seconded, and
thirded, That the grand Lodge do in future hold their Annual Communication on
the fourth Monday in November.
It was likewise
voted, on a motion, which was " made, seconded, and thirded," that " in future
any Lodge within the Commonwealth may be represented by any eminent Brother or
Brothers not a member or members of such Lodge." June 13, 1795, Grand Lodge
met in its first called Communication for the purpose of participating in any
public function. The occasion was the laying of the foundation stone of the
bridge to be erected over Shockoe Creek in the FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 327
city of Richmond. John Marshall presided as Grand Master and, at the closing
of Grand Lodge after the ceremonies, thanked the Rev. John Buchanan " for his
excellent prayer delivered on that occasion." In September 1796, William
Waddill was appointed " visitor and inspector " to seventeen Lodges specified
in the " Dispensation " of appointment. At the Session of Grand Lodge the
following November, he made a lengthy and interesting report of his official
doings.
On December S, 1796,
a Charter was issued for the establishment of the first Lodge established in
the territory of what is now West Virginia‑Greenbrier Lodge, No. 49, at
Lewisburg. Frankfort Lodge, " in the State of Ken tuckee," was Chartered May
22, 1797, and, on August 2S following, William Waddill was made " Visitor and
Inspector‑General " for all Virginia Lodges. The Session of Grand Lodge in i
8oo witnessed the creation of a Committee on Work, consisting of " some expert
Masons, not less than five in number " to exemplify the Degrees on the second
night of each Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. Of still greater
importance, however, was the official recognition of Virginia's first "
daughter," namely, the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. Apparently, the system of "
Grand Inspectors " adopted by Grand Lodge in 1792 had been continued in
operation for the succeeding decade and a half with greater or less success.
However, in 18o6, Grand Lodge superseded this plan by a division of the State
into " convenient districts " with a District Deputy Grand Master in charge of
each and with full instructions as to his prerogatives and duties. A
Communication from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, proposing anew the
subject of a National Grand Lodge, was answered again by reference to the
resolutions of 18oo, with the promise that Virginia would co‑operate in
holding at any time the Convention suggested by Grand Lodge in this
connection.
The year 1811
witnessed the recognition of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia
through the adoption of appropriate resolutions by the Grand Lodge of
Virginia. In 1812 provision was made for a " Masonic Literary Fund " for the
education of Masonic orphans. The working out of the details for handling this
fund was referred to a Committee of eleven members, of which Past Grand Master
John Marshall was designated as Chairman. Evidently, the Committee could
arrive at no satisfactory conclusions, as it was discharged at the next Grand
Lodge (1813) " from any further proceedings on the premises." The 1819 Session
of Grand Lodge was attended by James Cushman, and the Brethren were evidently
deeply impressed by his rendition of the Work, for the Grand Lodge adopted the
following resolution: Whereas, the able and diligent services of our
enlightened and worthy Brother James Cushman, in attending and assisting the
working committee in their labors, are entitled as well to our thanks as to
pecuniary retribution; therefore, Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand
Lodge be tendered to our said 328 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA brother, and,
moreover, that the Grand Treasurer pay him the sum of fifty dollars.
Resolved, That for
the purpose of disseminating among the brethren of the subordinate Lodges
within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, the mode of work now adopted, the
Most Worshipful Grand Master for that purpose be, and he is hereby authorized,
under his hand, and the seal of the Grand Lodge, attested by the Grand
Secretary, to appoint one or more grand lecturers, whose authority to lecture
in the different subordinate Lodges shall not be questioned, and whose
compensation for such lectures shall depend on the donations of the said
subordinate Lodges.
Thus it will be seen
that Jeremy Cross and James Cushman made a direct contribution in the
direction of establishing the system of uniform Work adopted by Virginia and
the system of Grand Lecturers, which has been in existence for more than a
century in this jurisdiction. For, although the above resolution was repealed
the following year and remained repealed until 1822, James Cushman evidently
continued his work of assisting Grand Lodge's " Working Committee " and the
several subordinate Lodges in establishing the Ritual previously adopted by
Grand Lodge. Thus it happened, that, in 1822, the appointment of a single
Grand Lecturer was authorised, and immediately thereafter Grand Lodge
proceeded to the " election " of James Cushman as the first Grand Lecturer for
Virginia. One would suppose that Bro. Cushman was not only a good Ritualist,
but a good diplomat as well! The anti‑Masonic Movement, which had its
beginnings in 1826, had comparatively little effect upon Virginia, in spite of
the fact that William Morgan, as well as his wife, was a native of the Old
Dominion. Perhaps the most obvious expression of this movement was found in
the campaign of Andrew Jackson for the Presidency of the United States in
1828. Jackson, who was a Past Grand Master of Tennessee and the only President
to hold this distinction, was elected overwhelmingly over John Quincy Adams,
who was supported by all the reactionary elements, including the anti‑Masonic
group.
In 1836, Levi L.
Stevenson, who had served as Deputy Grand Master during the preceding two
years, was elected Grand Master, continuing in this Office until 1839. In
1843, he is noted as Grand Lecturer and continued in this Office continuously
until his death in 1873. During his term as Grand Master of Virginia, he had
the unusual distinction of being appointed Grand Lecturer for the neighbouring
Grand Lodge of North Carolina (December 19, 1836). He continued to make
contributions to the North Carolina Ritual at least as late as 185o. He was
also Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a time, beginning in
1828, and, in 183o, he was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of Virginia. In 182o, he was made Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of
the Grand Council, R. & S. M., of Virginia, which was then in existence, it
being the second Grand Council in the world.* As Stevenson was a member of
Staunton Lodge, No. 13, so was also J. See history of the Grand Council, R. &
S. M., of Virginia, below.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 32‑9 Worthington Smith, who succeeded him in the Office of Grand
Master after an interval of three years. Smith served as Grand Master of
Masons in Virginia from 1842 to 1844, and, when the first Masonic college in
the world was opened near Lexington, Missouri, in 1844, he was called to
become its first president. The Masonic college, which he assisted in
founding, went out of existence in 1859 with the approach of the war between
the States.
In 186o, Grand Lodge,
showing a continued interest in educational matters, adopted a resolution
commending the Caldwell Masonic Institute, at Blacksburg, " to the favourable
consideration of the public, and especially to the patronage of the Masonic
Fraternity." A similar endorsement was given to Higginbotham Male and Female
Academy, which had been established at Amherst Courthouse under the auspices
of Clinton Lodge, No. 73. Soon after the secession of Virginia from the Union
in 1861, the Grand Lodge adopted a form of Commission, which it recommended
for the use of all Grand Lodges located in the territory of the Confederate
States of America for use in the appointment and exchange of Representatives
between these Grand Lodges and Virginia. In the same year, provision was made
for the Chartering of Military Lodges in the Confederate Army under the
following resolution Whereas, Warrants have been issued by the M. W. Grand
Master for the establishment of sundry Military or Camp Lodges in our army,
Resolved, That the usual fees for said Warrants be remitted, except so far as
the cost of engrossment.
The number of
Military Lodges " Warranted " by Virginia during the four years, 1861‑1865,
has been estimated to be as high as eighteen, though the Records of many of
them have never been deposited in the Grand Lodge archives for safe‑keeping.
The Grand Lodge
Session of 1862 provided, that . . . those Subordinate Lodges whose regular
meetings are or may be suspended, in consequence of the presence of the public
enemy, shall, upon the certificate of the Master or one of the Wardens, or on
other satisfactory proof, be relieved from the payment of annual contributions
to the Grand Lodge Fund so long as the said cause of suspension shall exist.
It was in the same
year (1862), that the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia voted to issue a
Dispensation for the Chartering of a Lodge to be known as ' ` Union Lodge U.
D.‑ in the city of Alexandria. Virginia pro tested, and the Dispensation was
finally withdrawn in the latter part of 1864, no Charter ever having been
issued.* This situation, along with certain other considerations, led the
Grand Lodge of Virginia to adopt on December 12, 1864 the report of a
Committee, appointed under resolutions passed in 1862, to pre ' For a full
account of this matter, see Kenton N. Harper's History of the Grand Lodge and
of Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, Washington, zgrz, pp. 90‑92.
330 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA pare a statement on " Freemasonry and the War." This report comprised
twenty‑nine printed pages, was made a part of the Proceedings of 1864, and was
broadcast as a separate pamphlet early in 1865. It sets forth in detail
Virginia's attitude on certain controversial subjects, which had arisen, more
or less naturally, out of the fundamental causes of the war itself.* The
process of recovery was a slow one, as was to be expected. The "
Reconstruction Period " continued until 1870, after which Virginia began a
steady ascent of economic, political, social, and Masonic progress. In 1871
General Robert E. Withers became Grand Master, serving two terms in this
Office. He was also Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Virginia in 1871, and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar
of Virginia in 1878, becoming the twenty‑second Grand Master of the Grand
Encampment, Knights Templar, of the United States in 1883, the only Virginian
ever to hold this last Office.
Judge Richard Parker,
a Past Master of Winchester Hiram Lodge, who had presided at the trial of John
Brown at Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1859, became Grand
Master in 1876, serving one term. He was fol lowed by two other distinguished
Masons‑Judge Beverley R. Wellford, Jr., (1877‑1879) and Peyton S. Coles
(1879‑1881). The latter was presiding over all three of Virginia's Grand
Bodies for a short period in 1881, the only man in Virginia Masonic history to
achieve such a distinction.
Since 1880, the Grand
Lodge of Virginia has made constant and gratifying progress in its internal
growth and its relations with regular Grand Lodges in all parts of the world.
The venerable Dr. John Dove, Grand Secretary for more than forty‑one years,
had passed to his reward in 1876, and thereafter this position was occupied
successively by William B. Isaacs, George W. Carrington, Charles A. Nesbitt,
and James M. Clift.
In 1888, Grand Lodge
appointed a Committee to investigate the advisability of establishing a
Masonic Home for the " care and maintenance of the widows and orphans of
deceased members of the Masonic Fraternity in Virginia." In 1890, Grand Lodge
approved the project and the Home was opened for the reception of guests in
1893 through the liberality of the chairman of the committee in charge,
namely, A. G. Babcock. The Home has continued to be one of the most useful of
all the benevolences administered by Grand Lodge and has had as many as 260
guests at a time, only children being received. Upon the death of M. W. George
W. Wright, Past Grand Master and, at the time of his death, Grand Lecturer of
the Grand Lodge of Virginia, Grand Lodge inaugurated in 1924 a movement for
the establishment of the " George W. Wright Memorial Fund." From the proceeds
of this fund, a pavilion for the use of Masons and their dependents suffering
from tuberculosis has been erected near Charlottesville and is administered in
connection with a State sanitarium located in that vicinity. It is expected
that a Masonic Home for old people will be provided from funds now in the
hands of the Masonic Relief Founda' See pp. 24.8 of the pamphlet, Freemasonry
and the War, for Virginia's statement of the Union Lodge matter.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 331 tion of Virginia, which has been established to care for the
contributions received for this purpose.
Grand Lodge early
took the lead in the movement, which eventuated in the Organisation of the
George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association of the United States.
Past Grand Master Charles H. Callahan has been a leading spirit in the
Association and his book, Washington, The Man and The Mason, was written
primarily for distribution in this connection. From the proceeds of the book's
sale, the work of the Association was supported in its earlier years. The
Memorial itself is now completed and stands on the brow of Shooter's Hill,
opposite Alexandria, Virginia, as a lasting testimonial to the affection and
honour in which American Masons hold their most Illustrious Brother and
compatriot.
The present Grand
Master of Masons in Virginia is the ninety‑first to hold that exalted Office.
From John Blair, in 1778, to Thomas W. Hooper, in 1935, is a span of one
hundred fifty‑seven years. The history of the Grand Lodge of Virginia is
almost co‑extensive with that of the United States of America as an
independent nation. But the story of Virginia Masonry extends back more than
two hundred years from the present. More and more of its details will come to
light with the passage of time. But no American jurisdiction, we believe, will
ever claim a more inspiring and historic past or a more alluring prospect for
the future.
ROYAL ARCH MASONRY IN
VIRGINIA Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4‑Washington's " Mother Lodge "‑boasts the
earliest Record of the conferring of the Royal Arch Degree which has yet been
discovered. It is dated December 22, 1753 (the same year in which Washington
received his M. M. Degree) and reads as follows Decembr. ZZd 5753, which night
the Lodge being assembled, was presentRight Worshipfull Simon Frazier, G. M.
of Royal Do. John Nielson, S. Wardn. Arch Lodge Do. Robert Armistead, Jur.
Wardn. Transactions of the night Daniel Campbell R b t H lk t raised to the
degree o eraerson f Royall Arch Masons Alexr O ~Vodrow .
Royall Arch Lodge
being Shutt, Entered Apprentices Lodge opened, etc.
Thus it will be seen
that Fredericksburg Lodge had the Royal Arch Degree attached to it as early as
1753.
It will also be
recalled that Cabin Point Royal Arch Lodge was Warranted on April 15, 1775,
under authority of Joseph Montfort, Provincial Grand Master of North Carolina
(actually " of and for America "), acting through his Deputy Provincial Grand
Master, Cornelius Harnett, who also seems to have occupied 332 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA the position of Provincial Grand Master for Virginia at about the
same time. This Lodge was anxious to proclaim to the world its right to confer
the Royal Arch Degree, so it retained these words in its title, even after it
became one of the Lodges participating in the organisation of the Grand Lodge
of Virginia in 1777‑1778. None of the Records of the Lodge are extant except
its old charter.
The Cabin Point and
the Fredericksburg items, therefore, constitute the earliest references to the
Royal Arch Degree as existing in Virginia.
Prior to the
organisation of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, Chapters are known to have been
in existence at Norfolk, Richmond, Staunton, and Dumfries. The available
information concerning the " pre‑Grand Chapter " history of these Bodies is
very meagre and unsatisfactory from the historian's point of view. But it is
believed that the first Chapter in Richmond (now Richmond Royal Arch Chapter,
No. 3) was established prior to 1792, since Dove quotes the " Code of By‑Laws
" of this Chapter as having been in force from that date.* The Norfolk and
Staunton Chapters must have been established before this, since they were
given precedence over the one in Richmond when Grand Chapter was organised.'
The same may be true of the Dumfries Chapter, though it does not appear on the
Roster of the Grand Chapter at all, the fourth place being filled by Mount
Ararat Chapter, No. 4, which was Chartered on May 6, 18o8, on the Petition of
certain Royal Arch Masons residing in Bertie County, North Carolina, who were
members of Royal Edwin Lodge, No. 5 (Windsor), and Harmony Lodge (Winton).
Dove$ insists that
the Degrees of Royal Arch, Holy Royal Arch, Select Master, and Royal Master
were " taught and practised " in Virginia shortly after 18o1 by Joseph Myers,
who was apparently a Deputy of the then newly organised Supreme Council of the
Scottish Rite at Charleston, South Carolina. But this does not explain how the
Royal Arch made its appearance in Virginia during the eighteenth century, and
the Work of Myers, therefore, must be regarded as a sort of " revival " or "
renaissance " of Capitular Masonry in this State rather than as its beginning.
The first Convention
of Royal Arch Masons as such, looking towards the establishment of a Grand
Chapter for Virginia, was held in the Borough of Norfolk on May 3, 18o6.
Robert Brough (Grand
Master 1813‑1815), who was then the " Most Reverend High Priest of the Grand
United Royal Arch Chapter of Norfolk," was elected as President, and Reuben
Coffin, another member of the same Chap ter, as Secretary of the Convention.
The only other Chapter represented at the time was that in Richmond, but the
proposal to establish a Grand Chapter had previously " been acceded to by the
Chapters at Staunton and Richmond, and deemed expedient by the M. R. High
Priest of the Chapter at Dumfries." Since only two Chapters, therefore, were
represented at the Convention of * See Dove, Text Book (Introduction), pp. vii
and viii. j' See Dove, op. cit., p. 12.1.
$ See Dove, op. cit.,
p. y;. The Text Book contains an account of Royal Arch Masonry in England and
in the United States, though Dove was not aware of the reference to the Royal
Arch in the records of Fredericksburg Lodge, No. .}, since he would have
mentioned it without doubt.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 333 i8o6, and since time immemorial custom required the presence of
at least three Chapters for the formation of a Grand Chapter, the
Representatives present on this occasion could only express their views by the
adoption of formal resolutions and provide for a meeting at some future date
for the consummation of the matter.
Apparently it
required two years for the ratification of the resolutions and Constitution by
the Chapters concerned, for there is no record of any other meetings or
conventions of a " Grand " character until Sunday, May 1, 1808. On that day,
the first General Assembly of the Most Excellent Supreme Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of Virginia was held in Norfolk upon the call of Robert Brough, who
had been empowered previously to issue such call. Only two Chapters were
actually represented, however, these being Norfolk and Staunton. Nevertheless,
since the Richmond Chapter had ratified the resolutions and the Constitution,
it was, in fact, represented constructively, since it had thus given its
authority for the organisation of the Grand Chapter agreeably to the
provisions of the resolutions, requiring the ratification of three Chapters
before further action in this particular should be taken. The M. R. High
Priest of Richmond Chapter was, at that time, William W. Henning, who had just
retired from the Office of Grand Master of Masons in Virginia (18o5‑1807), and
who had written a letter, advising that his Chapter would be represented. In
the absence, therefore, of Representatives from Richmond, and . . . confident
that the deliberations of this Supreme Grand Chapter would be much assisted by
the intelligence of that luminous body by their representatives, it was
unanimously Resolved, That the very important business of this General
Assembly be suspended, and that this Supreme Grand Chapter adjourn until
Wednesday next.
Upon re‑convening on
Wednesday (May 4, 1808), the Grand Chapter proceeded at once to the election
and Installation of Officers in spite of the fact that the Richmond
Representatives had not put in their appearance. It should be emphasised,
however, that these proceedings were legal in every way, since the necessary
authority for the transaction of such business had been delegated to this
Assembly by at least three of the Chapters then existing in Virginia. The
temporary Officers, who had served up to this point, were then replaced by the
permanent ones, headed by Robert Brough, who, . . . being thrice proclaimed
and conducted to the Chair, was then invested with the badges and robes of his
office, and regularly installed Most Reverend Supreme Grand High Priest of the
Most Excellent Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Excellent and
Super‑Excellent Masons of Virginia, with all the honors.
Agreeably to previous
arrangement, Grand Chapter met in Richmond, at the Masons' Hall, on December
1z, 1808. Grand Lodge met the same day and in the same building, so Grand
Chapter, after referring certain items of business 334 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA
to the Grand Committee, adjourned until Thursday, December 15. Grand Lodge had
closed on the preceding evening, so the way was now clear for the completion
of Grand Chapter's business. It may be added that both Robert Brough and
William W. Henning played leading roles in the affairs of both Grand Bodies at
this time.
From 18og to i82‑o,
Grand Chapter continued its Work with more or less varying success. William W.
Henning succeeded Robert Brough as Grand High Priest in 181o, and John
Turberville (probably a member of Richmond Chapter, No. 3) became Grand High
Priest in 1811. Robert Brough served again in this Office from 1812 to 1814,
possibly because there was some disorganisation of Grand Chapter incident to
the War of 1812. With the exception of Charles A. Grice in the Grand
Commandery, Brough is the only person who ever served any of the Virginia
Grand Bodies for two or more non‑consecutive terms. He was succeeded
successively as Grand High Priest by Robert Anderson, David Robertson, and
Samuel Jones. Anderson had represented, at the December 18o8 General Assembly,
the " Chapter attached to Lodge, No. 22, of Virginia." In 182o, Grand Chapter
carried on its Roster a total of eleven Chapters, including one Chapter (Mount
Ararat) in North Carolina and the newly Chartered (January 1g, 182o) Mount
Horeb Chapter, No. 11, at Portsmouth.
Of this period, Dove
says This continued to be the Ritual of Work and Laws in the State of Virginia
until the year 182o, at which time the Work and Lectures of Companion Thos. S.
Webb, as practised under the Ritual of the English or Ancient York Rite of the
Royal Arch, was introduced, examined attentively, and adopted by the Grand
Chapter.* At the General Assembly on January 17, 182o, Samuel Jones presided
as Grand High Priest with the Representatives of seven Chapters present
(including John Dove, Grand Scribe, representing, by proxy, Mount Ararat
Chapter, No. 4, of North Carolina). Two Companions are noted as visitors from
Winchester Chapter, No. g (Chartered originally by Pennsylvania and then still
holding its Pennsylvania Charter), and none other than James Cushman, High
Priest of Franklin Chapter, No. 4, of Connecticut, is listed as a visitor.
Upon invitation,
Cushman exemplified before Grand Chapter " the Work of the General Grand
Chapter of the United States in the several Degrees of Mark Master, Past
Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Masonry." So convincing was his
presentation of the entire matter that his rendition of the Ritual was made
official and he himself was elected as the first Grand Lecturer of the Grand
Chapter of Virginia.' Another meeting of Grand Chapter was held in Norfolk in
May 182o, this being the " Stated Grand Annual Communication." The inference
is that the " Special Meeting " held in Richmond in January of that year was
largely to * Dove, Text Book, p. 1;;. f For a full account of the matter, see
Dove, op. cit., pp. r;7 and 1;8.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 335 suit the convenience of James Cushman in his desire to exemplify
the new Ritual. At the Norfolk Convocation, Samuel Jones was absent, and
Robert Brough found himself presiding as Grand High Priest pro tem. For the
first time in the history of Grand Chapter, the new titles of the Grand
Officers were usedGrand High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, etc.‑instead of
those which had been adopted at the beginning. In 182o, for the first time, it
is recorded that a Charter was granted for the establishment of a Mark Lodge,
namely, at Eastville, in Northampton County. Petersburg Union Chapter, No. 7,
received a substitute Charter for the original, which had been destroyed by
fire, and certain adjustments were voted for Chapters which had failed to make
returns or to pay their contributions, one Chapter (Rockingham, No. 6) being
deprived of its Charter by reason of its negligence in these matters.
The year 1829
witnessed the publication of a revision of the Constitution of i82o " together
with the permanent regulations of the Grand Chapter since its establishment."
In this year, thirty‑three Chapters are listed (one being under Dispensation
at Ca Ira in Cumberland County). This number included Mount Ararat, No. 4,
Roanoke, No. 14, Raleigh, No. 16, and Cyrus, No. 17, in North Carolina;
Wheeling Union, No. i9, Charity, No. 2‑2‑, and Kanawha, No. 25, in what is now
the State of West Virginia; Florida, No‑ 32‑, at Talahassa (sic), Florida; and
a revived Dumfries Chapter, listed as " No. Zo." Grand Chapter of 1841 assumed
control over the Select and Royal Degrees by virtue of the action of the Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters in that year.
The Proceedings of
1856 contain one of the earliest Virginia references to the Order of High
Priesthood, provision being made in that year for a Convention of Past High
Priests to " confer the Order of High Priesthood on all High Priests elect,
who shall present themselves." This entire subject is treated more fully
elsewhere in this history.
The rapid approach of
hostilities between the North and the South led Dove, in 186o, to comment at
length upon the Brotherly love and affection which prevailed among the several
Masonic Bodies of the country in spite of the political and economic
difficulties.
In 1871, for the
first time, the subject of recognising the newly organised Grand Chapter of
West Virginia was discussed. In spite of political and other difficulties
existing between Virginia and West Virginia at the time, Grand Chapter of
Virginia acted magnanimously in the matter and the requested recognition was
accorded.
In the same year,
Grand High Priest John P. Little recommended the division of the State into
districts with a Deputy Grand Lecturer appointed to oversee each. This
recommendation was not adopted immediately, however, and was renewed in 1874
by Grand High Priest B. M. Harris. This time Grand Chapter agreed, and the
resulting system of Deputy Grand Lecturers has continued until the present. In
1898, the designation of these Officers was changed to that of " District
Deputy Grand High Priest." 336 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA The year i891 saw the
inauguration of the Royal Arch Schools of Instruction, which have proved so
successful from the very beginning. In the summer of that year, a " camp of
instruction " was held at Grayson Sulphur Springs, Carroll County. Later,
schools were held at Eggleston Springs, Elkton, Waynesboro, Staunton, and
Blacksburg. At present, two schools are held each year, one in Waynesboro
known as the Valley Royal Arch School, the other at Blacksburg, known as the
Southwestern Royal Arch School.
Grand Chapter
experienced a more or less normal growth from the beginning of the twentieth
century until 193o. At the latter date, the membership was nearly 18,ooo
Chapter Masons, all of whom were, of course, Cryptic Masons as well. In 1925,
a scholarship was established at the Virginia Military Institute in memory of
Past Grand High Priest and Past Grand Lecturer William James Hubard, to be
known as the " William J. Hubard Memorial Scholarship. " The following year,
Grand Chapter created a loan fund of $Zo,ooo.oo to be called the " William J.
Hubard Memorial Fund," by which nearly 15o young men and women have been
assisted in obtaining a collegiate education in the ten years since it began
operations.
In all, there have
been ninety‑three Companions to hold the Office of Grand High Priest to date
(1935) but only nine Grand Secretaries. The Roster shows now in existence nine
Chapters, which were Chartered prior to i85o, ten Char tered between 185o and
18go, and fifty‑two which have received their Charters since 189o, the total
number of Chapters being seventy‑one.
TEMPLAR MASONRY IN
VIRGINIA The available evidence seems to indicate that there was a Commandery
of Knights Templar at Winchester as early as 1812, which Worked, apparently,
under the authority of Winchester Hiram Lodge, No. 21 (formerly Winchester
Lodge, No. IZ under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania). No information is at
hand to throw light on the source from which the Orders of Knighthood were
obtained by the Winchester Brethren. A venturesome guess would be that they
were derived from some Templar group in Pennsylvania, since early Masonry in
Winchester, as is well known, came from that State.
On March 24, 1816, a
Convention of Knights Templar met in Richmond, with Sir Knight J. Moody
presiding. They organised St. John's Rising Star Encampment (or Commandery),
which was evidently intended to be a Grand Commandery with jurisdiction over
the whole of Virginia.
Three years later
(July Zo, 1819), Sir Knight J. Moody‑to whom reference has already been
made‑was appointed by the Commander of St. John's Rising Star Commandery, with
the full approval of its members, to make contact with all the Commanderies
north of Richmond, and especially with the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, "
for establishing Brotherly love, union, and good faith. " About 1822 or 1823,
James Cushman (who had come to Virginia in 182o) FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 337
caused much disturbance among Richmond Templars, declaring that St. John's
Rising Star Commandery was illegal and that it should have a Charter from the
Deputy Grand Master. At that time, the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand
Encampment was Henry Fowle, of Boston, his predecessor in this Office being
none other than Thomas Smith Webb, who was the first Deputy Grand Master of
the Grand Encampment.
Accordingly, since
Cushman claimed the authority to create Knights and form Commanderies at will,
St. John's decided to apply for a Warrant, the application being made to the
Deputy Grand Master, but transmitted to him through Cushman. The latter,
thereupon, issued a Charter of Constitution, for which he received the sum of
$9o.oo, a considerable amount for a Charter in those days. The Charter itself
was dated April io, 1823, although the Grand Encampment Records show that it
was not ordered until twenty‑five days after that date.
In the same year
(1823), Cushman seems to have visited Winchester with similar claims and
professions. His presence was resented by the Winchester Knights, who regarded
his attempt to Charter Commanderies in Virginia as an invasion of
jurisdiction. It was this situation which led Winchester Commandery to issue
Charters for the formation of Warren Commandery (" Encampment "), at Harpers
Ferry, and Mt. Carmel Commandery (location unknown). On November 27, 1823,
Representatives from these three Commanderies (" Encampments ") met in
Winchester and formed the Grand Commandery of Virginia, electing Daniel Walker
Thomas as Grand Master. Sir Knight Thomas was, for many years, the Grand
Commander of the Winchester Encampment, which became No. 1 under the new
organisation, the others being listed as Mt. Carmel Encampment, No. 2
(presumably), and Warren Encampment, No. 3. The final organisation and
election of Officers was consummated on November 28. The reasons for the
establishment of the Grand Encampment of Virginia were set forth in a
declaration to the effect that " there should be some authentic source within
the State from which to derive Charters and privileges without the
intervention of individuals licensed by the Grand Puissants of other States
"‑a very obvious rebuke to Cushman.
Following the
formation of the Grand Commandery (" Grand Encampment of Virginia "), Grand
Master (i.e., Grand Commander) Thomas wrote at once to DeWitt Clinton,
proposing a correspondence between Virginia and the Grand Encampment, U. S. A.
The reply of Clinton was courteous and encouraging, nor did he intimate in any
way that the action of Walker and his associates was illegal or irregular in
his opinion.
On August 11, 1824, a
Special Assembly of the Virginia Grand Encampment was held at Winchester to
consider the proposal of Grand Master Clinton and, if possible, to settle the
matter once and for all. After due discussion, . . The Assembly, taking into
consideration the advantages to be derived from a union with the Grand
Encampment, Resolved, That this Grand Commandery do acknowledge the
jurisdiction 338 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA of the Grand Encampment, and that it
will obey, abide by, keep, and perform all the Constitutional Rules and
Regulations of the said Grand Encampment.
The Annual Assembly
of the Grand Commandery took place on November 22, 1824, when the final
correspondence with Clinton was read and the outcome approved. Mt. Carmel
Commandery, however, declined to acknowledge the legality of the action of
Grand Commandery in becoming subject to the Grand Encampment, U. S. A., and
refused, therefore, to accept a Charter from the new Grand Commandery of
Virginia. Hence, it became extinct. But prior to this decision by Mt. Carmel
Commandery, it was Resolved, That Richmond Commandery be informed of the
organization of this Grand Commandery and of its recognition by the Grand
Master, and that they be invited to come under its jurisdiction.
Until this time
Richmond Commandery had held no Official Communication with Winchester. Now,
however, it accepted the invitation of the Grand Commandery and thus became
one of the three units to complete the organi sation of the Grand Commandery
of Virginia. This was followed by a meeting of Representatives from
Winchester, Warren, and Richmond Commanderies at Winchester, March 23, 1825,
when the organisation of Grand Commandery was completed and Daniel Walker
Thomas was continued in Office as Grand Master (Grand Commander), with John
Dove as Deputy Grand Master (Deputy Grand Commander).
In 1829, Grand
Commandery met in Winchester as usual, the dates being November 1o and ii.
Four Commanderies were represented. namely, Winchester, No. i, Warren, No. 3,
Portsmouth, No. 5, and Appomattox, No. 6, the last at Petersburg. An attempt
was made to change the place of the Annual Assemblies from Winchester to
Petersburg, but this motion was defeated. The financial report showed a
balance of $17.56I2 in the treasury, after sundry items had been paid during
the year, including a bill of Grand Recorder Samuel H. Davis, of Winchester,
for postage, amounting to $o.562. This accounted for the half cent included in
the balance for the year! Of course, John Dove, following the withdrawal of
Richmond Commandery, did not continue in Office as Deputy Grand Commander,
and, in 1829, we find Charles A. Grice, Commander of Portsmouth Commandery,
elected to this Office. His immediate predecessor in this capacity was Linnxus
Dupuy, Commander of DeMolay Commandery, No. 4, Lynchburg. Adelman Commandery,
which had been Chartered for Brunswick Court House the preceding year, was
warned " that, unless they take out their Charter before the next Session of
this Grand Encampment (i.e., Grand Commandery), their Dispensation will be
called, and their Charter forfeited." For the next few years, Grand Commandery
did not show any considerable signs of activity. But, in 1838, the Grand
Encampment, U. S. A., granted a FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 339 Dispensation,
bearing date of August 21, for the formation of a Commandery at Wheeling (now
in West Virginia). This was followed by the issuance of a Charter to this
Commandery in 1839. The Templars of Virginia resented this action, especially
since the Grand Commandery of Virginia held an Assembly in January 1839. The
plea of the Wheeling Knights was, that they knew nothing of the existence of
the Grand Commandery of Virginia; hence, their recourse to the Grand
Encampment.
No more meetings of
consequence were held until December 11, 1845, just prior to the Session of
Grand Lodge for that year. The 1845 Assembly, therefore, effected the third
organisation (or re‑organisation) of the Grand Com mandery of Virginia, an
arrangement which has continued down to the present. This action on the part
of Virginia, however, did not meet with the entire approval of the Grand
Encampment, U. S. A., and, in 1849, Virginia voted to secede from the Grand
Encampment, though this motion was rescinded the year following, and amicable
relations have been continued between the two Bodies since that time.
At the Assembly of
1853, Grand Commandery was informed that Wheeling Commandery had accepted the
invitation presented to it some time before to come under Virginia's
Jurisdiction. It was duly represented at this time, and was given No. 1 on the
Roster, being substituted for Winchester Commandery, which, together with
Adelman and Bannister Commanderies, had been declared extinct for failure to
heed the warning given them two years previously. Grand Master W. B. Hubbard
and Grand Recorder B. B. French, of the Grand Encampment, were present and
were received with honours befitting their stations.
The Assembly of 1856
was important as marking the beginning of the custom of annual addresses from
the Grand Master (i.e., Grand Commander). Grand Master Edward H. Gill gives a
fine review of the Templar situation in the United States and Canada, and the
Committee on Foreign Correspondence announces the action of the Grand
Encampment in determining its own title and also the designations to be used
in all Grand and Subordinate Bodies. Hence, " Grand Commandery " and " Grand
Commander," etc., are used in the Virginia Proceedings from this date.
Announcement is also made of the fact that Sir Knight Morgan Nelson, a Past
Commander of Wheeling Commandery and Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of
Virginia in 1851‑1852, had been elected as Grand Master of the Grand
Encampment, U. S. A., in 1856, but had declined the Office on account of the
infirmities of age. Grand Master W. B. Hubbard, who had declined re‑election
for the same reasons, was prevailed upon to accept the Office again. Sir
Knight F. W. Rosier, who had been Grand Lecturer of Grand Commandery since
1854, made a verbal report, and was reappointed to this Office by Grand
Commander Gill, who had been re‑elected for the ensuing year.
By the outbreak of
the war between the States, Grand Commandery had Chartered sufficient
additional Commanderies to bring its Roster up to eleven, 340 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA including a re‑chartering of Winchester Commandery. No business of
importance was transacted during the years of the war for obvious reasons. The
address of Grand Commander Gill in 1865 called for a harmonising of " past
differences," and the same suggestion was reiterated in his address the
following year. Grand Commandery also adopted, in 1866, a revised
Constitution, and the Roster for that year shows sixteen Commanderies,
including Lemienus Commandery, No. 13, at Lake City, Florida, and Winston
Commandery, No. 15, at Winston, North Carolina. The last on the list of that
date was Grice Commandery, No. 16, Norfolk, which was Chartered on April 2‑o,
1866.
In 1873, a Special
Assembly was called for June 12‑ and 13, in Norfolk, at which time the new
tactics were rehearsed and a drill competition was held. On November 16, 1876,
while Grand Commandery was actually in Session in Alexandria, a telegram was
received, announcing the passing of John Dove. Suitable resolutions were
adopted, and his son‑in‑law, William B. Isaacs, Past Grand Commander, was
elected to succeed him as Grand Recorder. The Proceedings of 1876 contain a
lengthy memorial to Dove as one of the most distinguished of Virginia Masons.
In the same year (1876) Robert E. Withers was elected Grand Commander,
becoming also Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Encampment, U. S. A., in 1877,
Deputy Grand Master in 188o, and Grand Master in 1883. He died in 1907 at the
ripe age of eighty‑six years, having held all the highest Offices, which
Virginia Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, and Grand Commandery, together with the
Grand Encampment, U. S. A., could give him. In 1887, Grand Commandery lost
another of its shining lights in the person of Peyton S. Coles, who had
likewise presided over all three of Virginia's Grand Bodies. The Proceedings
of 18go contain a memorial notice of W. J. B. McLeod Moore, Supreme Grand
Master of the Great Priory of Canada at the time of his death.
In 1891, Past Grand
Commander James B. Blanks was appointed Grand Lecturer, and, in 1892‑, Grand
Commandery met for the first time in the new Masonic Temple in Richmond,
jewels being presented on that occasion to the ten living Past Grand
Commanders. The same year, William B. Isaacs, Past Grand Commander and then
Grand Recorder of Virginia, began his third triennial term as Grand Recorder
of the Grand Encampment, U. S. A. He died in 1895, and was succeeded by James
B. Blanks, who was chosen likewise as Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter the
same year.
Since the " turn of
the century," Grand Commandery has continued its work without interruption,
co‑operating in Masonic enterprises whenever necessary. It followed the
instructions of Grand Encampment some ten years ago in providing for the work
of its Educational Foundation, by means of which more than 450 loans have been
made to young people for assisting them in the completion of a college
education. In 1932., Grand Commandery met in Alexandria on May 12‑, assisting
also in the dedication of the George Washington National Memorial, and being
the first Grand Body of any kind to meet in the building after its dedication.
In 1935, the system of Inspectors was FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 341 changed to
that of District Commanders, a variation which promises much larger returns
than the arrangement heretofore followed.
Since 182‑3, there
have been sixty‑two Grand Commanders, fourteen Grand Treasurers, and nine
Grand Recorders. Charles A. Grice, of Portsmouth Commandery, No. 5, is the
only Grand Commander who served two non‑consecutive terms, a total of thirteen
years in all. Edward H. Gill had the honour of serving the longest combined
term‑nineteen years (1849‑1868).
VIRGINIA AND CRYPTIC
MASONRY The extant Records bearing upon Cryptic Masonry in the State of
Virginia are extremely meagre. The Virginia Grand Council had an existence of
only twenty‑one years (I82o‑i841) and copies of the proceedings for any year
are extremely difficult to obtain. In fact, I have not been able to ascertain
at this time, whether these proceedings were actually printed or not. No
Records of Subordinate Councils have been found in the search for material
bearing on this subject, and recourse has been had to accounts published in
other connections in order to obtain, as far as possible, the facts in the
case.* The Proceedings of Grand Chapter for 1848 contain the best resume of
the subject which I am able to find in any Virginia Records.t On December 15,
1848, the Grand Chapter of Virginia adopted the following resolution Resolved,
That the Grand Secretary do embody for publication with the proceedings of
this Grand Convocation, the proceedings had by the Grand Council of Virginia,
merging the degrees of Select and Royal Master in the Grand and Subordinate
Chapters of this jurisdiction, and the action had at different times by this
Grand Chapter on the same subject.
In obedience to this
mandate, therefore, John Dove (Grand Secretary of Grand Chapter for
fifty‑eight years) prepared and published a digest of the matter. Since he
himself had received (as he states) the Degrees of Select and Royal Master
from Jeremy Cross, he was eminently fitted for the writing of an account of
what followed so far as Cryptic Masonry in Virginia was concerned.
In his capacity as
General Grand Lecturer for the General Grand Chapter, Cross came to Virginia
in the year 1817. Although Virginia did not adhere to General Grand Chapter,
this fact did not operate to prevent the Virginia Com panions from giving
Cross a most cordial welcome. The influence of himself and of James Cushman
upon Capitular Masonry in this State has already been mentioned (see history
of Royal Arch Masonry supra).
Without entering into
a discussion of the source from which Cross obtained his authority, and the
merits and demerits of his methods (which undoubtedly contributed largely to
the controversy regarding the Cryptic Degrees for the ' See especially Edward
T. Schultz, History of Freemasonry in Maryland, Baltimore, 1884, vol. I, pp.
335‑345, and vol. IV, pp. 581‑597..
j' See Proceedings,
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia, for 1848, pp. 178.
342 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA ensuing forty years), it may be said that Cross conferred the Degrees
of Select and Royal Master upon several Royal Arch Masons living in the city
of Richmond during the winter of 1817. John Dove avers that he was one of
those who received the Degrees from Cross at that time, and that the charge
was $S .oo for each candidate receiving the two Degrees. Certainly this charge
was not waived in any case known to Dove, since he states that the required
amount was paid in each instance, so far as he was aware.
Cross then stated
that he had received authority from the " Chief " (Joseph Eckel, of
Baltimore), to grant Charters for the holding of Councils of Select and Royal
Masters. The Richmond Companions decided to accept Cross's offer and paid him
$40.00 for a Charter to establish Richmond Council, No. I. The Institution of
this Council (the first in Virginia) took place on Christmas Day, December
2‑S, 1817, and undoubtedly under Cross's direct and personal supervision.
Dumfries Council, No. z was established in similar manner at Dumfries on
January 6, 1818. The Charters of these two Councils read as follows To all to
whom these presents may come, greeting. KNOW YE, That by the High Powers in me
vested by the Thrice Illustrious and Grand Puissant in the Grand Council of
Select Masters, held at the City of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, North
America: I do hereby constitute and empower the within named Companions to
form themselves into a Regular Council of Select Masters; and I do appoint my
worthy Companion, John Dove, to be the first Thrice Illustrious Grand Master,
George Fletcher to be the first Illustrious Deputy Grand Master, and Benjamin
H. Brady to be the Principal Conductor, and I do grant them full power, with
their constitutional number to assemble, open and confer, the Degree of Select
Master, and do all other business appertaining to said degree, for which this
shall be their sufficient warrant until revoked by the Grand Puissant. And I
do farther direct said Council to hold its meetings in the city of Richmond
and State of Virginia.
Given under my hand,
at Richmond, this twenty‑fifth day of December, A.D. 1817, of the Discovery
2817. JEREMY L. CROSS.
It will be noted that
the above form of Charter refers to the Select Master's Degree alone, there
being no mention made of the Royal Master.. But, undoubtedly, Dove and his
associates understood that they had full authority to confer the latter as
well.
Matters continued
thus until the coming of Cushman in 182‑0. He brought with him a " small
pamphlet, containing a synopsis of the Degrees of Select and Royal Master, and
a list of Charters granted by Cross in several States, at the head of which
was the following certificate‑." CERTIFICATE.
I hereby certify that
having been duly authorised by the Grand Council of the State of Maryland,
held in the city of Baltimore, to establish and organise FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 343 Councils of Select Masters in any State in the United States,
where there was not already a Grand Council formed; I have, by the high powers
in me vested by the aforesaid Grand Council, established the following
Councils of Select Masters, and granted them a warrant of constitution.
JEREMY L. CROSS, D.
G. P.
Armed with the
authority apparently conferred upon him by Cross, and exhibiting the printed
Ritual and list of regularly established Councils of Select Masters, Cushman
had no difficulty in establishing " Councils of Royal and Select Masters " in
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Petersburg, Lynchburg, Staunton, Williamsburg, and
Winchester, all of which paid a Charter fee of $40.oo each together with $Z.oo
additional for each Degree " conferred on the requisite number to form a
Council. " As an illustration of the form of Charter issued by Cushman, that
for Washington Council, No. 6, of Lynchburg, is here given in full By the high
powers in me vested by the Thrice Illustrious Deputy Grand Puissant, Jeremy L.
Cross, I do hereby constitute and appoint the within named Companions to form
themselves into a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters, and I do
appoint my worthy Companions, James Penn, to be first Thrice Illustrious Grand
Master, William R. Chaplin, to be first Illustrious Deputy Grand Master, and
George P. Richardson, first Principal Conductor; granting them full power,
with their constitutional number, to assemble in the town of Lynchburg, by the
name of Washington Council, No. 6; open, and confer the degrees of Royal and
Select Master, and to do all other business appertaining to said degrees, they
conforming in all their doings to the general regulations of Select Masters.
Given under my hand
and seal, ‑the 16th day of February, A. L. s 82o, A. D. 182o, and of the
deposit 282o. JAMES CUSHMAN, D. G. P.
Note that Cushman
refers in the Charter only to the "general regulations of Select Masters,"
although it warrants a " Council of Royal and Select Masters." He designates
himself as " Deputy Grand Puissant " and states that his authority comes from
Cross, another " Deputy Grand Puissant." He established seven Councils in
Virginia during z82o (as enumerated above), thus making a total of nine,
Councils Nos. i and 2 having been established in Richmond and Dumfries by
Cross in 1817 and z8>:8 respectively. On December 8, z82o, therefore, with
Cushman in attendance (and, we may surmise, playing the major role in the
proceedings), the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Virginia was
organised in Richmond. It is not clear from the available accounts who were
elected to Office in this first Assembly. Past Grand High Priest Carney M.
Layne, of West Virginia, states that Grand Council controlled also the Degree
of Super‑Excellent Master, which was conferred in the Councils under Grand
Council's Jurisdiction.* * See Carney M. Layne, "Cryptic Masonry in the
Virginias," published in The Plumbline, vol. IV., No. 1.}, May 344 FREEMASONRY
IN VIRGINIA There appear to have been but few meetings of Grand Council after
its organisation. The controversy as to the Cryptic Degrees continued unabated
in the country at large, though the other Masonic Bodies in Virginia seem to
have paid little, if any, attention to the operations of the Councils in this
State. Finally, Grand Council, on December 17, 1841, adopted resolutions
surrendering its control over the Degrees of Royal and Select Master to Grand
Chapter, which, on the same date, accepted the proffered jurisdiction. As the
resolutions of Grand Council contain items of considerable importance, they
are given in full herewith Resolved, That from this day, the Grand Council of
Virginia resign all authority over the degrees of Royal and Select Master:
Provided, The Grand Chapter will take charge of the same and make suitable
regulations for the preservation thereof.
Resolved, That all
funds, books, papers, etc., belonging to the Grand Council, be placed under
the care and direction of the Grand Chapter: Provided, They accept the
proposition above made.
Resolved, That all
funds, books, papers, etc., belonging to the Subordinate Councils, be placed
under the direction and control of the Subordinate Chapters nearest their
place of location: Provided, The Grand Chapter shall accept the above
proposition.
To these resolutions,
Grand Chapter responded in the following manner: Resolved, That the Grand
Chapter accept the proposition made by the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters, and that the degrees be hereafter conferred under the authority of
the Charters issued by this Grand Chapter.
Resolved, That
hereafter the degrees in Subordinate Chapters be given in the following order,
to wit: Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, Royal Master, Select
Master, and Royal Arch.
Resolved, That the
Subordinate Chapters under this jurisdiction, so far as they have abilities
and numbers, be instructed to confer the degrees of Royal and Select Master
upon all their members, who have not received them, without fee.
In more recent years,
however, the order of conferring the Degrees has been changed from that
specified above to the following: Mark Master, Past Master, Select Master,
Royal Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.
This action of Grand
Chapter in accepting jurisdiction over the Council Degrees did not meet with
entire approval throughout the State, however. In 1842., Companion Morgan
Nelson (Grand High Priest 1851‑1852) made cer tain protests on behalf of the
Companions of Wheeling (now in West Virginia). To these complaints, Grand
Chapter answered as follows Whereas, this Grand Chapter, at its last session,
accepted of the proposition of the Grand Council of Virginia, to take charge
of the degrees of Royal FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 345 and Select Master, and
adopted regulations for the preservation and proper conference of the same;
and it having come to the knowledge of this Grand Chapter that some of our
Companions have felt aggrieved thereby Resolved, That in the opinion of this
Grand Chapter, the degrees, as now ordered to be conferred, are in strict
conformity with the ancient customs of the Fraternity.
Resolved, That
Companions and Chapters, working under this Grand ,jurisdiction, be informed,
that in the opinion of this Grand Chapter, the usages of Masonry require its
members to conform to the laws of the Grand jurisdiction under which they
work.
In 1845, Grand
Chapter had the matter of the Cryptic Degrees brought before it again through
the report of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence of the Grand Chapter of
Ohio. This Committee queried: Does the unauthorised establishment of Bodies of
Masons, to confer Degrees which properly belonged to Degrees already organised
under proper Charters, justify the continuance of the abuse after the
illegality is discovered? The Committee to which the Grand Chapter of Virginia
referred this question rendered an exhaustive report, which was adopted by
Grand Chapter, and which, among other things, sets forth as follows The Select
Degree was introduced into the Masonic family in this country by M. E. Philip
Eckel, of Maryland, one of the most distinguished and enlightened Masons of
his day‑he presented it to the Chapters of that State, who have since, and up
to this present time, invariably conferred it before the M. E. Master, and
consider it, in the language of the present D. G. H. Priest of the G. G.
Chapter, the link which connects those without the Veil to those who are
within it. The Royal Master has ever, in that jurisdiction, been conferred as
a mere honorary degree. M. E. Companion Eckel, assisted by others, conferred
these degrees upon a distinguished Lecturer, who pledged himself to impart
them to every Royal Arch Chapter which he might visit in his official
character.
Some years after, the
Masons of Baltimore learned with astonishment that Councils of Royal and
Select Masters had been established in various parts of the United States, by
some self‑constituted authority; under the influence of a mortification
occasioned by the betrayal of their confidence‑stimulated by Masonic zeal,
they traced this illegal action to the Lecturer before named, who was
arraigned for trial‑first, before the General Grand Chapter of the United
States; but failing to appear, the case was committed to the Grand Chapter of
Maryland, who twice summoned the offender before them, and he failing to
appear, was Suspended or Expelled from all the benefits of Masonry for
contumacy. These facts present, as far as it can be written, substantially the
case as it has been frequently stated by the resent Deputy Grand High Priest
of the General Grand Chapter of the Unite States, and many other eminent
Masons of Maryland, to the Chairman of your committee. Believing, therefore,
346 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA that the body from which the degrees emanated, was
best qualified to judge of the proper location and conference of these
degrees, and feeling assured that there was no legal authority in the Councils
which have been established, the Grand Council of Virginia determining not to
be a party in perpetuating error of so gross a character, surrendered the
degrees to the keeping of the Grand Chapter of Virginia, and that body,
following the example of the Grand Chapter of Maryland, ordered them to be
conferred before the Royal Arch.
It does seem to your
committee that the most cursory acquaintance with the origin of the several
degrees of Masonry must be satisfied of the utter absurdity of detaching these
degrees from their natural and chronological con nections, and introducing
them after a degree which originated 472 years after the events transpired, to
which they allude, thus converting a most expressive and beautiful chain of
traditional history into a disjointed and illy arranged system of absurdities.
As to any authority claimed by " bodies " unknown to Royal Arch Masonry, we
cannot permit them to influence a Grand Chapter which believe that there is in
their possession all the light which properly belongs to the " Temple," and
that they have arrived at the summit of perfection in ancient Free Masonry. We
regret the evils likely to result from a continuance in error on the part of
others, but this presents no reason why we should depart from a course of
action which we know to be correct.* In reply to the action of the Grand
Chapter of Connecticut, in May 1847, declaring that the conferring of the
Cryptic Degrees in a Royal Arch Chapter was illegal, the Grand Chapter of
Virginia declined once more to recede from its position, citing the circular
of the Grand Chapter of Maryland, dated May 24, 1827, and also the opinion of
the General Grand Chapter on the same subject, in support of Virginia's
attitude. This circular letter read as follows: I am instructed by the Grand
Chapter, over which I have the honor to preside, to address you, and through
you, your Grand Chapter, upon the unsettled1state of the degree of Select
Mason: a subject deemed by us of sufficient importance to claim the particular
attention of your Grand Chapter.
This Degree existed
under the authority of a distinguished Chief in the State of Maryland, but
without the recognizance of our Grand Chapter, for many years; until, in the
year 1824, upon the revision of our Constitution, it appearing evident that
the Select Degree not only has an intimate connexion with, but is in a measure
necessary, as preparatory to, and elucidatory of, that of the Royal Arch; it
was formally recognized by our Grand Chapter, and required to be given by our
Subordinate Chapters in its proper order, immediately preceding that of the
Royal Arch.‑Under this arrangement we have since progressed, much to our
satisfaction‑but it is with regret that we have learned that Councils or
Chapters of Select Masons have been established in some of our sister states,
independent of Royal Arch Masonry, avowedly in pursuance of, but as we are
satisfied, through a reat mistake or actual abuse of any authority delegated
or meant to be delegate, in relation to the Select Degree. We would therefore
beg leave respectfully to recommend to your Grand Chapter the * See
Proceedings of the Grand Chapter of Virginia for the years 1845 and x848.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 347 consideration of this degree, and the circumstances under which
it exists, if it does exist within your jurisdiction; with the hope that you
will see it to be for the general interest of the craft, to take the said
degree under your recognizance and control, to whom it of right belongs, and
thereby do away what is felt to be a grievance by those distinguished Chiefs,
whose authority, delegated to a limited extent, and for special reasons, has
been perverted for sordid purposes, by the creation of an independent order,
never contemplated by them; and which we believe to be inconsistent with the
spirit and best interest of our institutions.
Respectfully and
fraternally, Your most obedient servant, etc.
JOSEPH K. STAPLETON,
Grand High Priest.* For the next succeeding few years, the reports of the
Grand Chapter's Committee on Foreign Correspondence make frequent references
to the status of the Council Degrees in other jurisdictions. The venerable
James Evans (Grand High Priest 1857‑1858), who was Chairman of this Committee
during those years, comments thus in his report for 1855: We find that Grand
Councils are being organised for the Select and Royal Degrees independent of
Grand Chapters, thus multiplying Grand Bodies, and, worse than all, placing
those degrees where neither History, Chronology, nor Truth justify.
The advent of the war
between the States served to interrupt more or less the controversy on the
Council Degrees. In 1871, when the Grand Chapter of West Virginia was formed,
it retained the Virginia system of conferring all six Degrees in the Chapter.
This is the only other State (outside of Virginia) where this arrangement is
still operative. Thus, all Royal Arch Masons in these two States are ipso
facto Cryptic Masons, and, even when the Grand Chapter of West Virginia became
a Constituent Member of the General Grand Chapter in 1892‑, it was with the
specific understanding that there was no surrender or impairment of its
jurisdiction over the Cryptic Degrees.
In 1872‑, Grand High
Priest John P. Little reported to the Grand Chapter of Virginia as follows I
find in our border Chapters some confusion arising from visiting Companions
who have not taken the Council degrees at all, or who have taken them in
separate Councils not acknowledging Chapter authority. If they have never
taken them at all, they cannot be present during all of our Chapter work. Our
laws would forbid this. If they have taken them in distinct Councils, their
own laws forbid them to sit with us when working the Council degrees. I would
recommend that this matter be brought to the attention of the various Grand
Chapters and Grand Councils in this country, and that a committee be " See
Schultz, op. cit., Vo1. I, pp. 339, 340. The reproduction of these documents
here is not intended for controversial reasons, but merely to indicate the
motives which actuated Virginia in deciding upon what appeared to its Grand
Council and Grand Chapter the proper mode of handling a most troublesome
matter.
348 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA appointed for this purpose, in order that we may all possess
uniformity in Chapter work.
With regard to these
Chapter degrees, as compared with more Ancient Craft Masonry, we may say that
they are not higher degrees, but merely later ones. The five degrees
subordinate to the Royal Arch, including the two Coun cil ones, are beautiful
and necessary exemplifications of the first three degreesa rich and copious
commentary on a noble text.
In this connection,
the Committee on Grand High Priest's address reported to Grand Chapter as
indicated below, and this report was adopted In reference to the Council
Degrees, we believe nothing can be done by us which has not already been, by
resolution of the Grand Chapter in past days, and therefore can make no
recommendation upon the subject. The attention of different Grand Chapters has
been, in past times, called to this matter, and they have refused to take any
action therein, and we believe that nothing would be gained by correspondence
with them.
So far as the Record
goes, no action was ever taken by the Grand Chapter of Virginia to prevent
visitors from Councils outside of Virginia from witnessing the conferring of
the Cryptic Degrees in Virginia Chapters. When Chapter Masons coming from
other States wish to affiliate with a Virginia Chapter, they receive the
Council Degrees without fee in cases where these Degrees have not been
conferred upon the applicant previously to his affiliation in Virginia. In
1885, Grand Chapter took the following action: Resolved, That in the opening
of a Chapter, if there be present any Companion who has not received the
Council degrees, that such person be respectfully requested to retire until
the Chapter is regularly opened.
This was for the
obvious reason that the signs of all of the six Degrees are used regularly in
the opening (and sometimes also the closing) ceremonies of Virginia Chapters.
In more recent years, however, it has become the custom in Virginia simply to
omit the signs of the Council Degrees if any Companion present has not
received these grades.
The attitude of the
Grand Councils of other States toward Virginia Royal Arch Masons (who have
also ipso facto received the Cryptic Degrees) has been generally one which
required the Virginia Companion to be " healed " before he could visit or
become a member of a Council elsewhere. But, in 1934, an amendment was
proposed to the Constitution of the Grand Council R. & S. M., of North
Carolina, permitting Virginia Chapter Masons to visit and to become members of
North Carolina Councils without the formality of " healing." This proposal had
to lie over one year, when it was adopted by the Grand Council of North
Carolina and is now a part of the organic law of that Grand Council.
Meanwhile, the then Grand Master of the Grand Council of North Carolina,
FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 349 J. Ray Shute, II, admitted the writer into Active
Membership in Monroe Council, No. 24, Monroe, North Carolina, without the
usual formalities other than the writer's own application. This action was
reported by Grand Master Shute in his address to the 193 S Grand Council, upon
which the jurisprudence Committee reported as follows and this report was duly
adopted by Grand Council: We approve the action of the Grand Master
in,permitting a Virginia Companion Royal Arch Mason to become a member of a
Council in this jurisdiction without either surrendering his Chapter
membership in Virginia or being " healed." The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Virginia being recognized as regular by all other Grand Chapters, and a
Virginia Royal Arch Mason having received the Cryptic Degrees or grades in a
legally constituted Chapter, we are of the opinion, that, when such a
Companion has been regularly made a Royal Arch Mason, he is also legally
invested with the Cryptic Degrees, and there being no Cryptic Councils within
that jurisdiction, such Companion may petition a North Carolina Council for
membership and may be elected and received without surrendering his Chapter
membership in Virginia, or submitting himself to the formality of " healing. "
It should be said that Virginia Chapters are required to open Councils within
the bosom of the Chapters for the conferring of the Degrees of Select and
Royal Master, Labour being dispensed with in the Royal Arch before such
Councils are opened, and resumed in the Royal Arch after the Councils are
closed.
Regarding the
Virginia system of conferring both the Capitular and Cryptic Degrees in its
Chapters and in an unbroken series, M. E. Carney M. Layne, of West Virginia,
has this to say Virginia, under the leadership of that distinguished Mason,
John Dove, devised a plan different from all the rest, and that plan has been
the most successful of them all. No principle of Masonry has been violated.
She has con ferred the Cryptic degrees on every Royal Arch Mason in her
jurisdiction for the last ninety‑one years, and not one of them has been heard
to complain.* NOTE.‑On September 4, 1934, the writer, as Grand Captain of the
Host of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia, was received in the Mark
Grand Lodge of England and Wales with all the honours befitting his rank. He
was received by Lord Ampthill, M. W. Pro Grand Master of the United Grand
Lodge of England, who, on the occasion referred to, was acting as Grand Senior
Warden of the Mark Grand Lodge.
THE SCOTTISH RITE IN
VIRGINIA The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was introduced into Virginia
shortly after the organisation of the Mother Supreme Council, at Charleston,
South Carolina, in 18oi. The various Degrees composing the Rite were Com
municated to some of the prominent Masons in the State from time to time, but
it was not until the year 1824 that the Southern Supreme Council gave a formal
Charter to a Virginia Body.
* See Carney M.
Layne, "Cryptic Masonry in the Virginias," in The Plumbline, Vol. IV, No. 14,
pp. 178, 179.
350 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA John Dove,* writing in this connection, says In 1761, being desirous
to diffuse the teachings of this ritual, he [Frederick the Great] summoned a
meeting of the Princes of the Royal Secret (thirtysecond degree) at Paris, at
which Consistory Chaillon de Joinville resided as his deputy, and commissioned
Bro. Stephen Morin Sovereign Gram Inspector General for the West Indies, and
vested in him authority to appoint one for the North and one for the South of
the United States, and imparting under his right the power to establish two
Consistories. Accordingly Morin, on his arrival in St. Domingo, appointed Bro.
M. M. Hayes, Deputy Inspector General of North America, with power to appoint
others.
Bro. Hayes appointed
Bro. Isaac Da Costa Deputy Inspector General for the Southern part of the
United States, and proceeded to Boston, where he exercised that office for the
Northern jurisdiction. Da Costa arrived in Charles ton, South Carolina, where,
in 1783, he opened a Sublime Grand Lodge of Perfection, and shortly afterward
died. Bro. Hayes then appointed Bro. Joseph Myers the successor of Da Costa,
who shortly after traveled as far as Richmond, in Virginia, settled there in
business, and in his leisure hours amused himself by imparting all or any of
these degrees of the Rite Ecossais to such Master Masons as he deemed worthy.
Several are now [1853] here who received these degrees in this way from Bro.
Myers, we ourselves being of the number. In this manner, detached degrees of
the Rite Ecossais were spread through the States, as the fancy or taste of
Brethren induced them to take an interest in teaching and perpetuating those
with which they were most pleased.
Dove adds this
comment a few pages farther on in his discussion: Bro. Mackey, in his "
Miscellany," vol. 2, . 24, enumerates the thirtythree degrees of which the
Scotch Rite is compose but neither the Royal Arch, Holy Royal Arch, Select
Master, nor Royal Master are found among them; yet Bro. Joseph Myers, while
here in Virginia, taught and practiced these degrees apparently by virtue of
his power as Sovereign Grand Inspector General, and in this way we feel
assured those degrees gained circulation in the Southern States.t It was
probably the presence of a number of Brethren in Lynchburg, Virginia, who had
received the Degrees in this more or less random manner, which led them to
Petition for the right to organise a formal Body for conferring the Degrees of
the Scottish Rite in Virginia.$ Their prayer was granted, and, on November 16,
1824, the Grand Consistory of Virginia, with its seat at Lynchburg, was
Chartered by the Southern Supreme Council. John Robin McDaniel, Thirty‑third
Degree, who also served as Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter,
and as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Virginia, was Sovereign
Grand Inspector‑General of Virginia in 1878. In that year his * See John Dove,
Royal Arch Text Book, Richmond, 1853, pp. 9o and 9r. f See Dove, op. cit., p.
93ò $ This, and much of the following information, have been supplied by R. W.
Robert D. Ford, 33░,
Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and Secretary of the
Richmond Scottish Rite Bodies.
FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA 3511 report to the Supreme Council contained a resume of the facts
concerning the early years of the Rite in Virginia. In the same year Libertas
Lodge of Perfection, No. 5 was Chartered for Richmond. The following extracts
from Bro. McDaniel's report are of interest: It is with much regret I have to
state, Virginia, in common with most if not all the Southern States, is still
laboring under financial embarrassments, tending much to retard the progress
of Masonry generally, but particularly the propagation of the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite. It is gratifying, however, to see that wherever it
obtains a foothold, and has been worked, it is highly appreciated, and its
beauties and influences acknowledged, because it gives to a greater extent
true Masonic information, and much of which is not attainable elsewhere.
On November 116,
11824, the Supreme Council chartered the Grand Consistory of Virginia at
Lynchburg, in the names of BB. James Penn, Benj. F. Owen, M. D., George W.
Woodson, William Diggs and F. F. Bowers.
On January 116,
11825, Ill. Bro. John Barker, 33░,
Deputy Sov. Grand Ins. Genl. of the Supreme Council at Charleston, assisted by
the BB. aforesaid conferred or communicated all the degrees from the 4th to
the 114th on the follow ing companions: Joshua R. Holmes, Thomas McKenney,
Saml. Garland, R. H. Gray, Howel Davis, M. D., and Rev. F. G. Smith.
The Rituals were all
in manuscript, not very legibly written, and being a bad translation from the
French, did not excite much interest.
No other meeting
occurred until May 119, 11845, when the BB. R. H. Gray, Howell Davis, M. D.,
and Thomas McKenny, under authority of the charter aforesaid, held a meeting
in the Masonic Hall at Lynchburg and admitted and communicated the several
degrees from 4 to 32 inclusive on the following BB. :. John Robin McDaniel,
and others.
The Grand Consistory
of Virginia now has of its obedience three Lodges of Perfection, a Chapter of
Rose Croix, a Council of Kadosh, and there is a wellfounded hope during the
year 11878 to add three other Lodges of Perfection, another Chapter of Rose
Croix, and another Council of Kadosh; and, in 11879, a Particular Consistory,
if it be the pleasure of the Supreme Council, to authorise the establishment
of the same.
There are now some
evidences of success, the result of effort to establish the Rite on a firm
basis, in Richmond, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Front
Royal, Charlottesville, and Danville, and I am not without hope of
establishing it in North Carolina.
Through the efficient
services and hearty cooperation of Ill. Bro. Roper, 33', the Rite was, in
11874, first established in Norfolk, Va.
Grand Commander
Albert Pike, in his allocution for 11878, made this comment on the Virginia
situation: In Virginia, like results have been achieved by the untiring zeal
of our venerable brother, the Lieutenant Grand Commander, and the energy and
ability of our Brother Roper. The Lodge of Perfection at Norfolk is in a
flourish‑ 352 FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA ing condition; one that gives promise of
good works has been established at Deep Creek, and it is quite certain that
others will be established at several places in the state.
It should be stated
that a Lodge of Perfection had been established in Lynchburg in 1869, and
this, together with the Lodges at Norfolk and Deep Creek, constituted the
three Lodges of Perfection to which McDaniel referred in his report quoted
above.
The transactions of
the Supreme Council for 1878 indicate that the Grand Consistory of Virginia
reported two Initiates for the year, with a total membership of thirty‑five
and total receipts of $55.oo.
Beginning with the
establishment of a Lodge of Perfection in Richmond in 1878, however, the
centre of Scottish Rite influence shifted rapidly from Lynchburg to the
capital city. John F. Mayer, Thirty‑third Degree, and Charles A. Nesbitt,
Thirty‑third Degree, for many years Inspector‑General and Deputy
Inspector‑General, respectively, for Virginia, resided in Richmond, and the
Richmond Bodies have grown rapidly, showing the largest membership of any of
the Virginia Valleys at the present time.
Nine years before the
establishment of the Lodge of Perfection in Richmond, however, a reference to
the local situation is found in the Balustre of the Grand Consistory of
Virginia, meeting at Lynchburg on December 27, 1869. The following resolution
was adopted at this meeting Certain Brothers, Masons resident in the City of
Richmond, and within the jurisdiction of this Grand Consistory, have received
from Ill. William S. Rockwell, 33░,
S.G.I.G. of the State of Georgia, the Degrees of the A.A.S.R.
up to and including
the 32░,
on certain conditions to us officially unknown, but believed to be in conflict
with the statutes and institutes of the Supreme Council aforesaid.
And whereas a
particular Consistory, a Chapter of Rose Croix, and a Lodge of Perfection were
said to be established in the said city of Richmond, Va., without an
application to or the knowledge of this M. P. Grand Consistory, etc.
Accordingly, a
Committee of the Grand Consistory was appointed to confer with the Richmond
Brethren concerned. On January 12, 1870, the Committee submitted its report
and was discharged. The Grand Commander‑in Chief of the Grand Consistory was
instructed to correspond with Grand Commander Pike in reference to the matter,
but little else was done until 1878. In that year, it will be recalled, John
Robin McDaniel, Thirty‑third Degree, S.G. I.G., reported to the Supreme
Council on April 15 that the situation in Richmond looked promising for the
establishment of a Lodge of Perfection before the end of the year. This
prophecy was indeed fulfilled.
On December 18, 1878,
the Degrees from the Fourth to the Fourteenth were Communicated to more than
thirty Master Masons of Richmond and vicinity by Grand Commander Albert Pike,
assisted by William Morton Ireland, Secre‑ FREEMASONRY IN VIRGINIA 353 tary‑General
of the Supreme Council. No Minutes seem to have been kept, unfortunately,
either of this meeting or of those which immediately preceded it, and the
first recorded Minutes are dated December 30, 1878. John L. Roper Lodge of
Perfection, No. 5 was Instituted on December 2.o, two days after Bros. Pike
and Ireland had Invested the Brethren with the Degrees as mentioned above. St.
Albans Hall, which was the Masonic centre of Richmond in those days, was also
the scene of the early Scottish Rite activities in that city, though, on
January 5, 1879, it was voted by the Lodge of Perfection to move to the
Masonic Hall, home of Richmond Randolph Lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A. M., and of
Richmond Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3.
About 1882, the Grand
Consistory of Virginia seems to have discontinued its Work and, from that
time, the administration of the Scottish Rite in Virginia has been directly
under the supervision of the Supreme Council, acting through its Sovereign
Grand Inspector‑General. During the same period, the activities of the Cerneau
Rite in the State were at their height. Cerneau Bodies had been established in
Richmond, Bristol, and other Virginia cities, and the ensuing contest between
them and the Bodies under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council was a long
and bitterly fought one. Many of the members of the latter did not consider it
a violation of their obligation or allegiance to accept membership also in the
Cerneau groups. Hence, it is not surprising, that Grand Commander Pike found
it necessary to expel certain Virginia Masons from the Richmond Bodies in
1883, and, at the same time, he blacklisted a number of Master Masons (not
members of the Pike Rite) for affiliating with the Cerneau Bodies. Similar
action was taken in other Virginia localities by the Grand Commander.
In 1884, Pelican
Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 2 was Chartered, and St. Omar Council, Knights
Kadosh, No. i followed in 1889, both being located in Richmond. In the latter
year, the total membership of the Richmond Bodies was but thirty‑one, while
that of other Virginia Bodies was correspondingly small. Dalcho Consistory,
No. 1 was Chartered for Richmond in 189o and, in the same year, the name of
the Lodge of Perfection was changed from " John L. Roper " to " Libertas." The
next ten years constituted a " lean " period for the Scottish Rite of
Virginia. Albert Pike died in 1891, and his passing affected the Rite
adversely in almost every State under the jurisdiction of the Southern Supreme
Council. John F. Mayer, Charles A. Nesbitt, James M. Clift (all Thirty‑third
Degree Masons), and other devoted members throughout Virginia had a vision of
the future, however, and continued their efforts for the success of the
Scottish Rite Bodies. Richmond was the first city to have a Scottish Rite
cathedral, the result of efforts lasting more than twenty years. It was
occupied for the first time in 1921, being dedicated by Grand Commander George
Fleming Moore. The Alexandria Bodies own a building used for a Scottish Rite
club, but no other locality possesses quarters owned exclusively by the
members of the Rite.
On the death of John
F. Mayer in 1919, Robert S. Crump, Thirty‑third De‑ 354 FREEMASONRY IN
VIRGINIA gree, was appointed Sovereign Grand Inspector‑General in Virginia,
and has continued in this Office to the present. The past fifteen years have
been an era of great progress for the Scottish Rite in Virginia, and, in 1928
the Richmond Scottish Rite Masons celebrated the golden jubilee of their Lodge
of Perfection, Charles A. Nesbitt, Thirty‑third Degree and Grand Cross, a
member of the original group, which received the Charter in 1878, being the
guest of honour on that occasion.
There are now in
Virginia seven Lodges of Perfection, seven Chapters of Rose Croix, six
Councils of Kadosh, and six Consistories. The cities of Richmond, Norfolk,
Roanoke, Alexandria, Lynchburg, and Danville have all four Bodies, while
Newport News has the Lodge and Chapter. The total membership is approximately
6ooo, and James M. Clift, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
and of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia, holds the distinction of
having been a Thirty‑third Degree Mason longer than any other living
Virginian. He was elected to receive this Degree in 19oi. _The Sovereign Grand
Inspector‑General is Robert S. Crump, Thirty‑third Degree, who is also First
Grand Equerry of the Southern Supreme Council and, therefore, an Active Member
of that Body. His Deputy is Robert D. Ford, Thirtythird Degree, of Richmond,
Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, editor of the Virginia
Masonic Herald, and Secretary of the Richmond Scottish Rite Bodies.
NOTE.‑I desire"to
acknowledge my deep indebtedness to Grand Secretary James M. Clift, of
Virginia, who has read carefully the manuscript of these sketches and has made
many valuable suggestions. He is, without doubt, more familiar with the
Masonic history of Virginia than any other living person, and has been a
worthy successor in this respect, as well as in others, to the distinguished
John Dove, Virginia's greatest Masonic historian.
FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA GEORGE A. CUSTER HE history of Masonry in Washington and
Alaska may be traced from January 14, 1771, when His Grace, Henry Somerset,
the fifth Duke of Beaufort, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of England, commissioned Joseph Montfort, of Halifax, to be
Provincial Grand Master of Masons in the Province of North Carolina. The
commission gave the Provincial Grand Master full power to make Masons and to
Constitute and regulate Lodges in that Province.
As a result of this
proceeding, Masons were made and Lodges were Constituted in the Province.
Then, in 1771, those Lodges erected the Provincial Grand Lodge of North
Carolina. During the War for Independence, the Grand Lodge remained dormant,
but in 1786 it resumed activities. The next year, North Carolina having become
a State, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina became the successor of the
Provincial Grand Lodge. Its jurisdiction also extended over Tennessee.
Therefore, from 18o1 to 1813 it carried the title of the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina and Tennessee. Then in 1813, the Grand Lodge of Tennessee was
erected.
At its third Annual
Communication in 1815, the Grand Lodge of Tennessee granted a Dispensation to
Masons in the town of St. Louis, in the Territory of Missouri, to open a Lodge
there. The next year a Charter was granted to the Lodge under the name of
Missouri Lodge, No. 12. Other Lodges were afterwards Chartered in Missouri,
and in 1822 those erected the Grand Lodge of Missouri.
As the population
moved westward, the vast Oregon country began to attract settlers. Among the
pioneers were many Masons who presently began to long for fraternal
intercourse with their Brethren. In the first issue of the Oregon Spectator,
the first newspaper published at Oregon City, there appeared under date of
February 5, 1846, a notice inviting the members of the Fraternity to meet at
the City Hotel, in Oregon City, on the twenty‑first day of that month. The
purpose of the meeting was " to adopt some measures to obtain a Charter for a
Lodge." In response to this call, seven Masons met and prepared a Petition for
a Charter which was addressed to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. This was
entrusted to a messenger of the Hudson's Bay Company and was delivered to the
Grand Lodge late in 1846. The Charter was granted on October 17, 1846, to a
Lodge to be located at Oregon City and to be named Multnomah Lodge, No. 84.
Then in December
1847, or early in January 1848, the Charter was en355 356 FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA trusted for delivery to P. B. Cornwall, who was then on
his way to California, but was at the time spending the winter at St. Joseph,
Missouri. In April 1848, Cornwall crossed the Missouri River on his journey.
Upon arriving at Fort Hall, where the routes to California and Oregon
diverged, he entrusted the document to Orean Kellogg and Joseph Kellogg, on
their way to Oregon, who had proved themselves to be Masons. After the various
vicissitudes which attended their journey through the wilderness, the two men
finally arrived in Oregon City with the Charter " in a small hair‑tanned
cowhide trunk." In after years the trunk was preserved as a valuable relic by
the Grand Lodge of Oregon. The Lodge at Oregon City‑the first Lodge of Masons
to be established on the Pacific coast and west of the Rocky Mountains‑was
opened on September 11, 1848.
Later other Lodges
were Chartered in Oregon, and in 1851 the Grand Lodge of Oregon was erected.
Its jurisdiction extended over the entire Oregon Territory, which at that time
included what afterwards became the Territory of Washington.
Soon after Masonry
was established in Oregon, it was extended north of the Columbia River. On
November 2‑s, 1852‑, Grand Master Berryman Jennings granted a Dispensation to
Brethren residing at Olympia, on Puget Sound, to open a Lodge there. The first
meeting of that Lodge was held on December 11, 1852‑, under Dispensation. The
first Degree Work was done on February 5, 1853. The candidate‑the first person
to receive a Masonic Degree within the limits of what later became the State
of Washington‑was B. F. Yantis. The Officers, under the Charter which was
granted later the same year, were: Thornton F. McElroy, Worshipful Master; B.
F. Yantis, Senior Warden; and M. T. Simmons, Junior Warden. The Lodge Home
built by Olympia Lodge in 1854 was the first building on the Pacific coast to
be dedicated to the uses of Masonry. Three other Lodges were afterwards
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Oregon at points north of the Columbia River.
They were Steilacoom Lodge, No. 8, established in 1854; Grand Mound Lodge, No.
2‑1, established in 1858; and Washington Lodge, No. z2‑, at Vancouver, also
established in 1858.
Masons took a
prominent part in the Indian War of 1855 and 1856. Among those who perished
during the struggle were: William A. Slaughter, Master of Steilacoom Lodge, A.
B. Moses, a member of that Lodge, and James McAllister and Andrew J. Balon of
Olympia Lodge. Bro. Slaughter, the most noted of the group, was a West Point
graduate of the class of 1848. He had served in the Mexican War, and later, in
1852‑, he was stationed at Fort Vancouver. In 1853 he was transferred to
Steilacoom. When the Indian War broke out, in September 1855, Bro. Slaughter
led regular and volunteer troops in protecting the settlers. He lost his life
at Brennan's Prairie, near what is now the city of Auburn. Bro. Balon was
killed by the Indians while on a mission of peace to Chief Kamiahkan of the
Yakimas.
The vast movement of
population towards the Northwest, which had already begun before the discovery
of gold in California, was greatly accelerated FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON AND
ALASKA 357 by that event. There resulted such an arousal of interest in the
region, and such an influx of settlers into it, that a persistent demand for
the creation of the new Territory of Washington early arose. One of the
principal topics agitated by Thornton F. McElroy, editor of The Columbian, the
first newspaper to be published north of the Columbia River, was the
establishment of a Territory from that of Oregon. This was finally
accomplished by the Organic Act, which was approved on March 2, 1853.
After the political
separation of Washington from Oregon, the Masons of Washington naturally
wanted to establish an independent Grand Lodge. Thomas M. Reed, a member of
Olympia Lodge, was the first to make the sug gestion. He did this originally
in his own Lodge. Then he went to Steilacoom Lodge and to Grand Mound Lodge
and there solicited their co‑operation. That done, he sought and obtained the
support of O. B. McFadden. This resulted in sending a Communication to the
Grand Lodge of Oregon in 1858, which gave notice that the Washington Lodges
intended to form a separate organisation. The movement met with approval of
the Grand Lodge of Oregon.
Late the same year, a
call was sent out inviting Delegates from the four Oregon Lodges in the
Territory. It asked such Past Masters by service and such members of Lodges as
might desire to attend, to meet in Convention for the purpose of considering
the organisation of a Grand Lodge.
The Convention was
called to order at Olympia on December 6, 1858. Thornton F. McElroy moved that
the Rev. Charles Byles, of Grand Mound, be appointed Chairman, and Thomas M.
Reed, Secretary. The motion carried, and Bro. McElroy then introduced a
resolution providing for the organisation of a Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the Territory of Washington, and for the drafting of a
Constitution. In accordance with that resolution a Constitution was then
adopted and Officers were elected. There was then opened a Lodge of Master
Masons, which proceeded to elect and Install the Grand Officers. The Lodge met
again on December 9, when it approved the Minutes of the Lodge and of the
Convention. It then closed. The same evening the Grand Lodge opened in ample
form. These proceedings were all conducted by inherent Masonic authority,
rather than by Warrant of any Grand Master or Grand Lodge.
Because of his
acquaintance with Oregon Masons, Bro. O. B. McFadden was able greatly to
assist in securing a peaceful separation from the Oregon Jurisdiction. His
legal knowledge was also of great service in drafting the Constitution. He had
been made a judge of the District Court of Oregon in 1853, and later, upon the
organisation of the Territory of Washington he had become a member of its
supreme court and then chief justice of that court. In later years he became
one of the leading attorneys of the Territory. He was elected to Congress in
1872, defeating Selucius Garfielde, then a Past Grand Master.
The first Grand
Master was Bro. T. F. McElroy, who was chosen to fill that high Office because
he was at the time the best known and most influential 358 FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA Mason in the Territory. He was a " Forty‑niner," who,
after living in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, had followed the trail to
Oregon. After working as a printer on the Oregon Spectator, he had laboured as
a miner in California. Then, in 1852, he had established his newspaper at
Olympia. He was an enthusiastic promoter of settlement and of development, and
was a friend and advisor of the early governors of Washington.
Thomas M. Reed, Grand
Secretary for forty‑four years, and Grand Master for three years, was a
Kentuckian who went to California in 1849, and after holding public office
there came to Washington. As time passed, he became a member of the
Legislature of his adopted Territory and served as speaker of that body. Later
he was also a member of the Idaho Legislature and prosecuting attorney of that
Territory. Then, upon his return to Olympia, he became, in turn, a member of
the Territorial Council and its president, territorial auditor, the first
State auditor, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1889. He was
always an able, enthusiastic, and well‑liked citizen and Mason.
The Grand Lodge of
Washington had barely entered upon its career when the country found itself
involved in the civil war between the States. During the period from 1858 to
1870, the Grand Masters, in addition to Bro. McElroy and Bro. Reed, were Bro.
James Biles, Bro. Selucius Garfielde, Bro. Daniel Bagley, Bro. Asa L. Brown,
Bro. Elwood Evans, Bro. Benjamin E. Lombard, Bro. William F. Troup, and Bro.
John T. Jordan.
Under appointment by
President Pierce, Selucius Garfielde came to Olympia in 1857 as receiver of
public moneys. In 1861 he ran for Congress as a candidate of the Douglas
Democrats. Although he won the nomination over Gen eral Stevens, who had been
the first Territorial governor, he was defeated at the subsequent election by
William H. Wallace, of Steilacoom Lodge. Afterwards Bro. Garfielde became
surveyor‑general, was elected to Congress in 1869 and in 1870, was defeated
for the office in 1872 by Bro. O. B. McFadden, and in 1873 became collector of
customs. He was considered to be the greatest orator of the Territory.
Daniel Bagley, a
Methodist missionary to Old Oregon, came to Seattle to distribute tracts.
Later, during the war between the States, he became pastor of the village and
there built a church. He also taught the school of the village and later
became a commissioner of the Territorial University and chairman of its board.
Elwood Evans, who
came to Washington as a member of the Isaac I. Stevens' surveying party,
became secretary to the governor, secretary of the Territory, acting‑governor,
speaker of the House, and code commissioner. He was also the author of a
history of the Northwest, which is regarded as being authoritative.
William H. Wallace,
Master of Steilacoom Lodge, was also prominent in the early annals of
Washington. Although President Lincoln appointed him governor in 1861, he
declined the governorship, since he had that same year been elected to
Congress and preferred an office to which he had been chosen FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 359 by the people. He later became governor of Idaho and
a member of Congress from that Territory. Afterwards he returned to
Steilacoom. He became, in turn, Grand Bible Bearer, Grand Lecturer, and Grand
Orator.
The Proceedings of
the Grand Lodge for the period of the war between the States are coloured by
the shadow of the struggle. In his annual report given in 1861, Grand Master
Garfielde made the following statement Permit me, in conclusion, to allude to
the condition of our unhappy country. While the cloud of misfortune hangs
black and threatening over the land, while states and discordant and hostile
armies meet to spill fraternal blood, it is the high and holy mission of our
Fraternity to pour oil upon the troubled waters, to act as ministers of peace,
mercy, and conciliation, and at all times to maintain our unity. Masonry knows
no North, no South, no East, no West, no nation, no race. Its home is the
world, its devotees the worthy of all nations. Its faith centers in Deity and
its hope in immortality. Let us act as Masons, while we think and feel as
citizens of the Republic. So shall we always be found true to ourselves, true
to our families, true to our country, our race, and our God.
The portion of the
report mentioning " our country " was referred to a Special Committee on the
State of the Nation. This Committee reported a resolution, which was adopted.
After reciting the fact that one of the Ancient Landmarks is adherence to the
government, the resolution reads on as follows Resolved, That it is the duty
of every good citizen to sustain a government long established, until tyranny
becomes more oppressive than the evils of revolution; and that this duty more
especially devolves on the members of our Fra ternity; and we fraternally
submit to our Brethren of the seceding States whether there has been such
oppression as would justify them in violating one of our Ancient Landmarks.
In 1862, the attitude
of the Grand Lodge was reflected in Grand Master Bagley's report, which, among
other things, said the following It is with a feeling of sadness that I
reflect upon the unhappy strife in our country. Masonry knows no East, West,
North, South. Next to his God, a Mason's duty is to his country. He is not to
be concerned in conspiracies, but to submit patiently to the government under
which he lives. My fervent prayer is that the spirit of Masonry may soon
control all hearts and lives in such measure that this dreadful conflict may
cease.
Then, in 1863, Grand
Master Reed's report pointed out that the scourge and devastations of the war
had not reached the Pacific coast. The report did, nevertheless, deplore the
calamities of the conflict and enjoined every Mason to be a good citizen. At
the same Session, the Correspondence Committee reported that communication was
now cut off from the jurisdictions of the se‑ 36o FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON
AND ALASKA ceding States. But the next year Grand Master Brown suggested that,
since the war was over, it was the duty of Masons to step forward and extend
the right hand of fellowship to the Brethren of the South.
Toward the close of
the period, the use of two kinds of currencies in the country caused
embarrassment in the financing of the Grand Lodge. Therefore, in 1864 it was
ordered that all fees and dues payable by Masons to their Lodges, and all sums
payable by the latter to the Grand Lodge, should be paid in gold or silver
coin.
The period from the
close of the war to the admission of Washington Territory into the Union, in
1889, saw Masonry spread into Alaska. It also marked the extension of the
several allied Rites over Washington Territory. The first reference to Alaska
occurs in the Proceedings of 1868. At that time Grand Master Biles reported
that he had granted a Dispensation to Alaska Lodge at Sitka. The further
development of Masonry in Alaska will be treated later on. The Scottish Rite
became active in 1872, while the Royal Arch organised its Grand Chapter in
1885. Then, in 1887, the Knights Templar organised their Grand Commandery, and
in 1888 the Eastern Star organised its Grand Chapter. The first Temples of the
Mystic Shrine were also formed in 1888. This period was also marked by various
Constitutional changes, and by the adoption of the Standard Work.
This period from 1871
to 1889 saw the Grand Lodge presided over by Bro. Granville O. Haller, veteran
of the Seminole War, the Mexican War, the Indian Wars, and the war between the
States; by Bro. David C. H. Rothschild, called the " Baron," a leader in the
shipping and commission business; by Bro. James R. Hayden, banker; by Bro.
Thomas T. Minor, war veteran, physician, ex‑mayor of Seattle, member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1889, and a member of the Republican National
Committee; by Bro. Platt A. Preston, miller and State senator; by Bro. Robert
C. Hill, soldier and banker; by Bro. Elisha P. Ferry, twice governor by
appointment of President Grant, and first governor of the State; by Bro.
Oliver P. Lacy, public official; by Bro. Louis Sohns, merchant and member of
the Constitutional Convention; by Bro. Ralph Guichard, merchant; by Bro.
Joseph A. Kuhn, lawyer, banker, and member of the Democratic National
Committee; by Bro. Levi Ankeny, banker, member of the Republican National
Committee, and United States senator; by Bro. William H. White, the well‑known
fighting lawyer who was known as " War Horse Bill," a politician and a judge
of the Supreme Court; by Bro. Louis Ziegler and Bro. William A. Fairweather,
merchants; by Bro. Joseph Smith, war veteran and office‑holder; and Bro.
Nathan S. Porter, Territorial ‑auditor and prosecuting attorney. The official
list for the period also bore the name of Bro. Edward S. Salomon, who came to
the Territory as governor in 1870, and served the Grand Lodge as a junior
Grand Warden.
The period that
elapsed from the time of the admission of Washington Territory into the Union
up to the year 19oo was characterised by the development of a systematic
effort to instruct the Lodges in the Standard Work, and FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 361 by the initiation of a movement for the
establishment of a Masonic Home and the accumulation of funds for that
purpose.
The Grand Masters
during this period were Bro. James E. Edmiston, lawyer and member of the
Territorial Council; Bro. Thomas Amos, a Scotchman who was said to have "
slept with the Masonic Code under his pillow "; Bro. Alfred A. Plummer,
manufacturer; Bro. Edward R. Hare, merchant; Bro. Joseph M. Taylor, who
distinguished himself in 18gi by delivering an oration at the dedication of
St. John's Masonic Temple, and who was also an historian, a university
professor, and a member of the State Board of Education; Bro. W. W.
Witherspoon, fire chief and police chief, merchant, and builder; Bro. Yancey
C. Blalock, physician, Gold‑Democratic candidate for Presidential elector in
1896, and Receiver of the Land Office; Bro. Archibald W. Frater, Superior
Court judge, especially notable in the work of the juvenile department; Bro.
William H. Upton, also a judge, a Masonic author, a scholar, and a master of
Masonic jurisprudence; Bro. William M. Seeman, accountant; and Bro. Stephen J.
Chadwick, son of a governor of Oregon and himself a Superior Court judge and
chief justice.
During the years from
i90o to i91o, Masonic activity in Alaska, which had been dormant for many
years, revived. This was largely due to the discovery of gold in the Klondike
region. There was also a marked increase in the number and membership of the
Lodges throughout the jurisdiction. At the beginning of the period there were
62. Lodges, having 3419 members; at its close there were 1o8 Lodges, having a
membership of 14,473. In 19oz‑ the Grand Lodge observed the fiftieth
anniversary of the introduction of Masonry into Washington by holding a
special three‑day Session, at which addresses were delivered by nine Past
Grand Masters.
The Grand Lodge
Session of 1903 noted the advent into the Grand Lodge of Mark A. Matthews,
then a young preacher recently arrived from the South. At that time he
delivered a brilliant extemporaneous address. He was just then beginning the
pastoral work which was to result in his building up in Seattle the largest
Presbyterian Church in the world. In later years he was made Moderator of the
Presbyterian General Assembly, and still later Prelate of the Grand Encampment
of the Knights Templar of the United States. During this decade another
notable representative of the Church became associated with Freemasonry in
Washington. This was Bro. Frederick W. Keator, Episcopal bishop, who in 1907
was appointed Grand Chaplain, and afterwards Grand Orator and Grand Historian.
The latter Office, created in 19o8, was first filled by Bro. William H.
Gorham, who held it for fifteen years. He was the author of the " William H.
Gorham Code." The Grand Masters during this period were: Bro. Henry L. Kennan,
Superior judge; Bro. John Arthur, Irish scholar, author, orator, and lawyer;
Bro. Charles D. Atkins, city treasurer and commissioner of finance of Tacoma,
student and teacher of the Ritual; Bro. Edwin H. Van Patten, physician; Bro.
Abraham L. Miller, another Superior Court judge; Bro. Edward F. Waggoner,
business man; 362‑ FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA Bro. Ralph C.
McAllister, Masonic editor and park commissioner of Seattle; Bro. Royal A.
Gove, physician; Bro. William A. Baker, banker; and Bro. Jeremiah Neterer,
afterwards Federal District judge.
From igio to 192o,
including the period of the Great War, Masonry in Washington made exceptional
progress in education and philanthropy. During this decade the Masonic Home at
Puyallup, which had long been contemplated, was built and then found to be
inadequate. Then preparation was made for the erection of a still larger Home
at Zenith which is treated later.
Just before the
outbreak of the Great War, the Grand Lodge invited the Masons of British
Columbia to join with it in celebrating the hundred years of peace between
Great Britain and the United States, but the change which almost immediately
came about as a result of the outbreak of the war caused a postponement of the
celebration. The entrance of the United States into the Great War caused the
next Session of the Grand Lodge to be full of war activity. All members
appearing in the uniform of the United States army or navy were tendered the
Grand Honors. At that meeting the Grand Master reported that he had given the
President of the United States the Grand Lodge's pledge of loyalty. A
resolution was then passed tendering co‑operation with the United States Food
Administration in the conservation of resources required for the support of
the armies of the United States and her allies. Many patriotic addresses were
delivered. Resolutions were unanimously passed supporting existing
institutions and denouncing the destroyers of society. Bro. Louis F. Hart,
afterwards governor of the State, was appointed Grand Orator. He delivered a
stirring speech on the subject of Masonry and its influence on the government.
By way of further emphasising the patriotic character of Masonry, the Grand
Lodge during this period adopted a form of flag ceremony for use at the
opening of all Lodges.
The unprecedented
increase in the membership of the Lodges, which accompanied the war, found its
culmination in Washington in the years igi9‑i92o, when 10,355 Degrees were
conferred. There was in that year a net gain of 3o8i members, which brought
the total membership up to 28,617.
During this period
there was also established a regular Committee on Research and Education for
the purpose of directing the Masonic enlightenment of the Craft. In 192o this
Committee made a report which provided for the ap pointment of a standing
Committee on Education, whose duty it should be to furnish speakers on Masonic
and kindred subjects for Lodges and community meetings, to publish and
circulate addresses delivered under its direction as it thought proper, to
provide a circulating library, and to conduct correspondence on Masonic
subjects with other Lodges. The report was adopted.
The Grand Masters
during this period were: Bro. David S. Prescott, merchant and county treasurer
of Spokane; Bro. Frank N. McCandless, real estate operator; Bro. Asa H.
Hankerson, grain broker and representative of the United States Food
Administration during the Great War; Bro. William J. Sutton, educator and
leader in the State Senate; Bro. Robert L. Sebastian, customs ofh‑ FREEMASONRY
IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 363 cer; Bro. George R. Malcolm, grain merchant; Bro.
George Lawler, logger and tide‑land operator; Bro. Alonzo E. Emerson, general
merchant, county clerk, and postmaster; Bro. Thomas E. Skaggs, leader on the
official staff of Governor Ernest Lister, who was also a Mason; and Bro. James
H. Begg, Masonic philosopher, teacher, and leader in research and education.
This period from
192.0 to 1931 was one of building and expansion, which culminated in the
completion of the new Masonic Home at Zenith. In addition to laying the
corner‑stone of the Home, the Grand Masters during this period laid
corner‑stones of the Aberdeen armory, the State capitol at Olympia, the Tacoma
Day Nursery, a high school building at Dayton, and many other structures. It
will be remembered that President Harding laid the corner‑stone of the Temple
at Ketchikan during these years.
In 192.6 Grand Master
Meier reported that he had attended 151 Lodge meetings, delivered 12_6
addresses, attended 95 banquets and 51 committee meetings, conducted 6
funerals, and sent out 2.ooo pieces of mail. During the year 192‑5, 72‑55
Degrees were conferrerd. By 192.9 the membership had reached 49,135‑ In 1933,
1317 Degrees were conferred. At the close of the year 1933, the membership was
44,111. The Grand Masters during the period from 192.0 to 1934 were: Bro. John
Gifford, a public official of Spokane; Bro. James McCormack, merchant; Bro.
Tom W. Holman, prosecuting attorney and assistant attorney‑general; Bro. R. C.
McCroskey, wheat farmer and stock breeder; Bro. Walter F. Meier, Masonic
author, orator and scholar, and a past Presiding Officer in many allied
bodies, twice‑elected corporation counsel of Seattle, and later Grand Exalted
Ruler of the Elks; Bro. Robert A. Wilson, city treasurer of Spokane and school
board secretary; Bro. John E. Fowler, auditor and lumberman; Bro. Arthur W.
Davis, member of the Board of Bar Examiners and of the Uniform Laws
Commission, and a regent of the State College at Pullman; Bro. William C.
Bates and Bro. Thomas M. Askren, both lawyers, Masonic scholars and orators;
Bro. John M. Roberts, expert in municipal finance and deputy city comptroller
of Tacoma; John I. Preissner, mining engineer and business man, whose
administration was characterised by an able handling of Grand Lodge finances;
and Bro. Loomis Baldrey, a former prosecuting attorney, under whose
administration was inaugurated a reorganisation of the Lodges through a system
of Deputy Grand Masters.
Chief among the
structures dedicated to Masonry in the State of Washington is the Masonic
Home, at Zenith, midway between Seattle and Tacoma, overlooking Puget Sound.
It is a product of the joint effort of Masons and members of the Order of the
Eastern Star. The movement which culminated in the acquisition of the Home
began in 1892., when Grand Master Amos urged its consideration. Then, in 19oo,
Grand Master Seeman recommended the first Home Committee, and Grand Master
Chadwick appointed the members. The next year the Grand Lodge authorised the
creation of a sinking fund for Home purposes. In 1910 Grand Master Neterer
appointed a Committee on Sites. This Committee made recommendations, as a
result of which the site at Puyallup 364 FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA
was selected. Two years later ground was broken at that place, and in 1913 the
corner‑stone of the Home building was laid. In 1914 the building was occupied.
During that year Past Grand Master Frater reported a bequest made by Bro. John
H. Irvine and his wife, Lizzie Brownell Irvine, to himself and Past Grand
Master Chadwick, as trustees, of property to be used principally as an
endowment for Masonic Home purposes. At the time of the dedication of the new
Home at Zenith, this fund amounted to more than $Zoo,ooo. In 1922, when the
Home at Puyallup had proved to be inadequate, a movement to select a new site
and to erect a new Home was initiated. Two years later the site at Zenith was
selected. The corner‑stone of the new building was laid in 1926 by Grand
Master Gregory, and the next year the building was dedicated by Grand Master
Meier.
Including revisions,
the Grand Lodge has had nine Constitutions. The first, adopted by the
Convention held in December, 1858, is said to have been based upon that of the
Grand Lodge of New York. It contained a provision for its own amendment by the
Grand Lodge. The next, the Constitution of 1874, was likewise patterned after
the New York Constitution but was modified somewhat to include local customs
which differed from those in the Empire State. The Constitution of 1882 was
drafted after a thorough study of many other Constitutions had been made. It
included By‑Laws and Regulations as a part of the Constitution itself. The
Constitution of 1888 was merely a revision of the former laws. Then, in 1896,
William H. Upton was commissioned by the Grand Lodge to prepare a newly
edited, arranged, and annotated Code. This, known as " Upton's Code," was
adopted in 1897. Then again, in 1907, Grand Secretary Horace W. Tyler made a
revision of " Upton's Code." Six years later, in 1913, a new Code was adopted.
This was called the Washington Masonic Code of 1913‑ In 1921 this Code was
brought up to date. Then, in 1929, the Grand Lodge created a permanent Code
Commission, headed by William H. Gorham. The Code which it prepared was
ordered to be called the " William H. Gorham Code." It was adopted in 1931,
during which year a Disciplinary Code was also enacted.
The Ritual received
early attention in Washington. On December 8, 1858, the Committee on
Constitution brought in a report which declared the Grand Lodge to be the
supreme Masonic authority in the Territory. It was to be limited only by the
Ancient Landmarks. The next day, Thomas M. Reed introduced, and the Grand
Lodge adopted, a resolution which prepared the way for the establishment of
uniformity in the Work and Lectures of the Constituent Lodges. The next year
the Grand Officers met and adopted a system of Work to be taught. They then
engaged Thomas M. Reed as Grand Lecturer.
Even then, however,
the Work lacked uniformity. Accordingly, in i86o, as a result of several
resolutions, a Special Committee was appointed to look after correcting this
fault. This Committee reported in favor of an annual Masonic school, the
appointment of a Grand Lecturer, and the disciplining of Lodges which
neglected to inform themselves on the Standard Work. The next FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 365 year the Committee on jurisprudence recommended the
centralization of the Work in a Grand Lecturer who should have power to
establish such schools. Then the Committee on Uniformity recommended that a
Brother be authorised to attend a Masonic school in the East for the purpose
of learning the " WebbPreston Work " as taught by Robert Morris of Kentucky,
but vigorous opposition to this proposal prevented its being put into effect.
In 1862, Grand Master Bagley also urged the same method of acquiring the Work.
But nothing was done until 1867, by which time the situation had become such
that no two Lodges Worked alike. The difficulties in this matter grew out of
the newness of the country, the sparseness of the population, and the
obstacles to travel. Furthermore there was the added labour involved in
unlearning the many different kinds of Work which the Brethren had learned
elsewhere. To try to eliminate so many different types of Work, the Office of
Grand Lecturer, which had been unfilled for many years, was restored in 1872.
After that, progress was made in the direction of uniformity, and the Grand
Lecturer became a salaried Officer, devoting his entire time to travel and
instruction.
ALASKA Masonic
activities in Alaska began in 1867, shortly after the acquisition of the
country by the United States. Then, in April of the next year, Grand Master
Biles granted a Dispensation to Alaska Lodge at Sitka. During its first year
the Lodge Initiated seven candidates, passed five, Raised four, and had a
total of sixteen members. Its Charter was granted in 1869, but because of
dissension which arose within the Lodge itself, the Charter was revoked in
1872. Then followed a period of seven years when Sitka was without a Masonic
Lodge. In 188o, however, a Charter was granted to Jamestown Lodge, and the
Grand Lodge donated to it the Hall which had formerly been occupied by Alaska
Lodge. The membership of Jamestown Lodge dwindled until 1882., at which time
it made no Returns at all. Indeed, there is no record to show that it ever
elected any Officers but its first Master; he left Alaska in 1881 and was
absent for five years. In 1884 the headquarters of the Lodge were removed to
Harrisburg, Alaska. By that time all the members except one had left Sitka.
Then, since the Lodge found itself unable to obtain a suitable meeting place
in Harrisburg, the Charter was recalled in 1886.
Then followed a
period of fourteen more years when there was again no Masonic Lodge in all
Alaska. When gold was discovered in the Territory, however, Masonic activity
was renewed, for that event attracted Masons‑men of daring, endurance, and
ability‑from all quarters of the globe. A letter from an Alaskan Mason, read
before the Grand Lodge of Washington in 1898, revealed the conditions which
made it necessary to re‑establish Masonry in the far North. The letter,
written from Lake Bennett, read as follows . I spoke to you of attending the
death bed of E. A. Ireland, of Utah. Well, Ireland was a Mason, and a call was
made for Masons to attend the body 366 FREEMASONRY IN WASHINGTON AND ALASKA as
far as Lake Linderman. About a hundred seventy‑five Masons responded. These
decided, after the funeral, to call an " acquaintance meeting " which a large
number of Masons attended. This meeting was addressed by Masons who belonged
in the following countries: The United States, England,` France, Germany,
Canada, Austria, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Philippines,
Canary Islands, Madagascar, Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Mexico, South America,
Wales and Argentine Republic. In fact, there were Masons from all over the
world. Their talk was very interesting to me, and never before did I realize
so forcibly the universality of Masonry. As several Masons are buried here, it
was decided that each man should bring a post or a board to the burial grounds
on Monday following, at seven o'clock in the evening to build a fence around
the graves.
The first Lodge
established in Alaska Territory after this revival was White Pass Lodge at
Skagway, a Dispensation for which was granted in igoo. The growth of this
Lodge was remarkable. Past Grand Master Chadwick went to Alaska and
Constituted the Lodge. While there he was taken by boat up the Yukon River to
White Horse. At White Horse he enjoyed a Masonic picnic. The steamship
Tasmania, furnished for the trip by the British‑Yukon Transportation Company,
was manned entirely by Masons.
Five years later
Anvil Lodge of Nome was Constituted by Past Grand Master Arthur. He, too,
found the Masons of Alaska excelling both in hospitality and in their zeal for
Masonry. His report upon his trip there stated that the Lodge at Nome was the
most westerly Masonic Lodge in the United States. Shortly afterwards, Anvil
Lodge built its own Temple. It soon realized that it stood on the frontier of
the world, where it was necessary to assist Masons from all lands. So great
were the demands made upon it that in 19o8 the Anvil Masonic Club turned over
to the Lodge all its funds, instructing that they be used for charitable
purposes. In 1914 the Grand Master of Washington also found it necessary to
assist the Lodge in its relief work, which was made especially heavy when a
severe storm had done an unusual amount of damage. In 1934 the Temple at Nome
was completely destroyed in the fire which swept the business portion of the
settlement.
In 19o5, Grand
Lecturer David S. Prescott went to Juneau and Constituted Mt. Juneau Lodge.
While in the Territory, he instructed the members of that Lodge, also those of
Gastineaux Lodge, at Douglas, on Douglas Island, and those of White Pass
Lodge, at Skagway. Then, in later years, the Alaska Lodges were officially
visited by various other Grand Masters, among whom was Grand Master Begg.
While in Alaska he was entertained by all the Lodges of that region, excepting
only Tanana Lodge, at Fairbanks, and Anvil Lodge, at Nome, which two he was
unable to reach. In all cases, the Lodge programme had been planned in
advance, and Grand Master Begg's arrival at each place was eagerly
anticipated. At Anchorage, Valdez, and Seward he conducted schools of
instruction. In 192.3, Grand Master McCormack and Grand Secretary Tyler paid
another visit to the Alaska Lodges, this time including Tanana FREEMASONRY IN
WASHINGTON AND ALASKA 367 Lodge. They were pleased to find imposing Masonic
Temples in all the cities they visited. The next year, Grand Master McCroskey
visited the southeastern Alaska Lodges, and at that time Constituted the Lodge
at Petersburg.
On his Alaska visit
in 1927, Grand Master Meier arrived at Petersburg at five o'clock in the
morning and was surprised to find the Master of the Lodge on hand to greet
him. The Lodge then convened at nine o'clock that same morning, in order to
enable the Grand Master to catch his boat to his next port of call. At
Cordova, the Lodge convened at 12:30 P.M., while at Valdez, the Grand Master
met the Lodge at 11:30 at night. While on this visit, Grand Master Meier also
laid the corner‑stone of a church at ,Juneau. Again, in 1931, all the Alaska
Lodges, excepting only the Lodge at Nome, were visited by Grand Master Askren.
The Alaska Lodges were again visited by Grand Master Preissner, in 1933, and
by Grand Master Baldrey in 1934. In all, there have been thirteen Alaska
Lodges. Those organised in 1869 and 188o lost their Charters. The remaining
eleven were Chartered, one in 19oi, one in 1903, two in 19o5, one in 1907, two
in 1908, one in 1911, two in 1917, and one in 1924.
FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA WILLIAM K. COWDEN BEGINNINGS AND DEVELOPMENT FROM the earliest
colonial days to the period of the war between the States, West Virginia was
the transmontane section of Virginia, and is a true daughter of the " Old
Dominion," born of her amid the throes of the fratricidal strife of 1861‑65.
Likewise, our Masonic history is part and parcel of that of Virginia, up to
the time of the formation of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia in 1865.
Naturally, then, our laws, Ritual, traditions and usages in great part came to
us by inheritance from Virginia, just as our civil law grew out of and was
developed from that of the Mother State.
It is perhaps well to
first consider briefly some of the political history of the times, in order to
a better understanding of the events that led up to the separation of West
Virginia from Virginia, and the formation of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia.
Even after the cession of her portion of the Northwest Territory to the
Federal Government in 1784, and the admission of Kentucky as a State in 1792,
Virginia was a principality of nearly 65,ooo square miles, extending westward
from the Atlantic seaboard to the Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers. The Alleghany
Mountains constituted a physical barrier between the eastern and western
sections of the State, because of which there was from the beginning a lack of
personal contact, and a consequent want of good understanding between the
inhabitants of the two sections, who also were not racially the same. The
first modern artery of commerce extending through both sections was the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which was completed through to Wheeling in 1852;
and it has been thought by some that had it been built between Richmond and
some point far down the Ohio River, as once proposed, the State never would
have been divided. The people of the western section came to have more in
common with the people of Ohio and Pennsylvania than with those of the eastern
section of Virginia, so that a feeling of antagonism gradually grew up between
the people of the two sections.
The Virginia
Convention passed the Ordinance of Secession April 17, 1861, to take effect
when ratified by a majority vote and officially declared. The vote was taken
on May 23, following. Meantime, on April 26, the Convention rati fied the "
Constitution of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of
America," not, however, to be effective unless the secession ordinance was
ratified by the people. Citizens of the western counties, anticipating a heavy
vote for ratification in the eastern section, held mass meetings, which
resulted in a call for a convention at Wheeling on May 13, at which there
assembled 368 FREEMASONRY IN WEST VIRGINIA 369 delegates from twenty‑six
western counties, all opposed to secession. This convention provided for a
second one, to meet on June ii, in the event the Ordinance of Secession was
ratified by the vote. The ordinance was ratified, the western counties voting
heavily against it, and Virginia was declared withdrawn from the Union. The
second convention met in Wheeling on June ii, and continued in session two
weeks. Thirty‑one counties were represented. This convention organised the "
Restored Government of Virginia," and on June 2‑o, Francis H. Pierpont was
elected governor, and at once assumed the office. This " restored Government "
was promptly recognised by President Lincoln, and in July two United States
senators and three congressmen were elected, and at once took office. An
adjourned session of the convention, August 6, passed " An Ordinance providing
for the formation of a new state out of a portion of this state," which was
voted upon by the people on October 2‑q., 1861, and was ratified by an
overwhelming majority. At the same time delegates were elected to a convention
to form a constitution, which assembled on November 2‑6. Its work was
completed in February, 1862‑, and the constitution drafted by it was adopted
by vote of the people on April 3, following. A special called session of the
legislature of Virginia (restored government) gave its assent on May 13 to the
erection of the proposed new State of West Virginia, to include forty‑eight
counties, and providing that the counties of Berkeley, Jefferson and Frederick
(the lower Shenandoah Valley) might form a part of the new State whenever the
voters thereof should ratify the constitution.
A bill to admit West
Virginia to the Union, having passed both Houses of Congress, was signed by
President Lincoln on December 31, 1862‑. A required amendment to the
constitution was passed, and was certified to the President April 17, 1863,
and on April 2‑o he issued a proclamation admitting West Virginia as a State;
" to be in force from and after sixty days " from date. And so, on June 2‑o,
1863, West Virginia became one of the States of the Union, fully organised,
all officials entering at once upon their duties.
On the fourth Tuesday
of May, 1863, the people of Berkeley and Jefferson counties voted to become
part of the State of West Virginia, and the said restored government
legislature of the State gave its consent to their admission; as to Berkeley
on August S, and as to Jefferson on November 2‑, 1863. An Act of Congress
legalizing the transfer was passed March 1o, 1866. But there was bitter
opposition in those counties, and litigation arose over the legality of the
transfer; and it was not until March 6, 1871, that the matter was finally
settled, the United States Supreme Court holding that the vote and proceedings
were legal, which established said two counties as parts of West Virginia. The
county of Frederick remained in Virginia.
West Virginia is now
composed of SS counties, contains 2‑4,02‑2‑ square miles, and its population
in 1930 was 1,72‑9,2‑05. The first permanent settlement within its borders was
at Bunker Hill, Morgan County, in 172‑6 (Morgan County was formed in 1820,
from the counties of Berkeley and Hampshire), and the early settlers had part
in the Revolutionary struggle. The youthful Washing‑ 370 FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA ton surveyed for Lord Fairfax the lands claimed by him in the Potomac
valley, and the Father of His Country became the owner of various tracts of
land in what is now West Virginia. This State is the thirty‑fifth State of the
Union, is rich in coal, oil and gas, and is famous for its agricultural
products and fruits. It has many celebrated mineral springs, and its
unsurpassed mountain scenery occasioned its being called " the Switzerland of
America." Thus was West Virginia formed and organised as a State; and this
eventuated in the organisation of " The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of West Virginia." EARLY
CHARTERED LODGES Prior to and including the year 186o, the Grand Lodge of
Virginia had chartered some 195 lodges, 53 of which were in that part of the
State now included in West Virginia. There were, however, six duplications;
that is,Charters were issued to the same Lodge (or one at the same location)
at different dates. These Lodges were: Moorefield, No. 8o, Mt. Nebo, No. 91,
Morgantown Union, No. 93, Kanawha, No. 104, Western Star, No. iio, and Mount
Olivet, No. 112; and will be again referred to. This accounts for Lodges
organised at fortyseven locations in what is now West Virginia.
Of these forty‑seven
Lodges, thirty were reporting to the Grand Lodge of Virginia in 186o. The
remaining Lodges were classed as " unknown " or " extinct," and their fate
cannot readily be traced in the records. Doubtless many perished through the
anti‑Masonic crusade which grew out of the so‑called Morgan affair in 1826,
and for the ensuing twenty years threatened the very existence of Freemasonry
in this country. It will be shown that no Charters were issued by the Grand
Lodge of Virginia for Lodges in what is now West Virginia, between 1827 and
1842. And it is no matter for surprise that not all of the Lodges which within
that period suspended activity or became extinct, were later reorganised. In
January 1867 twenty‑eight of the thirty Lodges existing in i86o were in active
operation, and twenty of them were Working under the Grand Lodge of West
Virginia. These twenty‑eight do not include six Lodges in the counties of
Berkeley and Jefferson (then disputed territory), and are as follows 1.
Greenbrier Lodge, No. 49, at Lewisburg, Greenbrier County: Chartered by
Virginia in 1796, and is our oldest Lodge. In 1877 it was merged with Fort
Union Lodge, No. 42, and Chartered by West Virginia as No. 42‑ 2_ Wellsburg
Lodge, No. 78, at Wellsburg, Brooke County: Organised under a Pennsylvania
Charter in 1799. Chartered by Virginia in 1817, and by West Virginia in 1867
as No. 2.
3. Moorefield Lodge,
No. 8o, at Moorefield, Hardy County: Chartered by Virginia in 1807 and 186o,
and by West Virginia in 1869 as No. 29.
4. Morgantown Union
Lodge, No. 93, at Morgantown, Monongalia County: Chartered by Virginia in 1812
and 1847, and by West Virginia in 1867 as No. 4.
FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA 371 5. Hermon Lodge, No. 98, at Clarksburg, Harrison County:
Chartered by Virginia in 1814, and by West Virginia in 1867 as No. 6.
6. Ohio Lodge, No.
io1, at Wheeling, Ohio County: Chartered by Virginia in 1815, and by West
Virginia in 1867 as No. 1.
7. Kanawha Lodge, No.
104, at Charleston, Kanawha County: Chartered by Virginia in 1816 and 1856,
and by West Virginia in 1866 as No. Zo.
8. Mount Olivet
Lodge, No. 112, at Parkersburg, Wood County: Chartered by Virginia in 1818 and
1842, and by West Virginia in 1868 as No. 3. At this writing it is the largest
Lodge in the State.
9 Western Star Lodge,
No. iio, at Barboursville, Cabell County: Chartered by Virginia in 1818 and
1849. Removed to Guyandotte (now part of the city of Huntington) in 1824.
Chartered by West Virginia in 1867 as No. ii.
io. Wheeling Lodge,
No. 128, at Wheeling, Ohio County: Chartered by Virginia in 1822 and 1848, and
by West Virginia in 1867 as No. 5.
ii. Salina Lodge, No.
145, at Kanawha Salines (now Malden), Kanawha County: Chartered by Virginia in
1827, and by West Virginia in 1869 as No. 27.
12. Fairmont Lodge,
No. 9, at Fairmont, Marion County: Chartered by Virginia in 1848. It took a
leading part in the organisation of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, by which
it was Chartered in 1867, with its original name and number.
13. Monroe Lodge, No.
12, at Union, Monroe County: Chartered by Virginia in 1849, and by West
Virginia in 1878 as No. 77. It was the last of the Lodges to give up its
allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Virginia.
14. Franklin Lodge,
No. Zo, at Buckhannon, Upshur County: Chartered by Virginia in 1849, and by
West Virginia in 1867 as No. 7.
15: Bigelow Lodge,
No. 28, at Philippi, Barbour County: Chartered by Virginia in 1849, and by
West Virginia in 1872 as No. 52‑ 16. Marshall Union Lodge, No. 37, at
Moundsville, Marshall County: Chartered by Virginia in 1849, and by West
Virginia in 1868 as No. 8.
17. Weston Lodge, No.
26, at Weston, Lewis County: Chartered by Virginia in 1849, and by West
Virginia in 1873 as No. 1o.
18. Minerva Lodge,
No. 56, at Barboursville, Cabell County: Chartered by Virginia in 1853, and by
West Virginia in 1867 as No. 13.
i9. Ashton Lodge, No.
121, at Ravenswood, Jackson County: Chartered by Virginia in 1854, and by West
Virginia in 1867 as No. 12.
Zo. Ripley Lodge, No.
16o, at Ripley, Jackson County: Chartered by Virginia in 1857, and by West
Virginia in 1867 as No. 16.
21. Clinton Lodge,
No. 159, at Romney, Hampshire County: Chartered by Virginia in 1857, and by
West Virginia in 1867 and 18go as No. 86.
22. Preston Lodge,
No. 167, at Kingwood, Preston County: Chartered by Virginia in 1857, and by
West Virginia in 1891 as No. 9o.
23. Fetterman Lodge,
No. 17o, at Fetterman, Taylor County: Chartered by Virginia in 1858, and by
West Virginia in 1867, with its name and number changed to Grafton Lodge, No.
15. Fetterman is now within the corporate limits of Grafton.
24. Minturn Lodge,
No. 172, at Point Pleasant, Mason County: Chartered by Virginia in 1858, and
by West Virginia in 1867 as No. i9.
25. New Cumberland
Lodge, No. 174, at New Cumberland, Hancock 372 FREEMASONRY IN WEST VIRGINIA
County: Chartered by Virginia in 1858, and by West Virginia in 1867 and 1885
as No. 22.
26. Kanawha Valley
Lodge, No. 158, at Buffalo, Putnam County: Chartered by Virginia in 1858, and
by West Virginia in 1869 as No. 36.
27. Cameron Lodge,
No. 18o, at Cameron, Marshall County: Chartered by Virginia in 1858, and by
West Virginia in 1867 as No. 17.
28. Wayne Lodge, No.
182, at Wayne Court House (now Wayne), Wayne County: Chartered by Virginia in
1859, and by West Virginia in 1867 as No. 18.
The six Lodges from
the counties of Berkeley and Jefferson came into the Grand Lodge of West
Virginia after those counties were held to be parts of West Virginia. These
Lodges were: 1. Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 91, at Shepherdstown, Jefferson County,
was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, December 11, 1811. It was
Chartered by the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, November 13, 1872, and retains
its original name and number.
2. Charity Lodge, No.
111, at Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Virginia December 15, 1818. It consolidated with Eureka Lodge, No. 25, to
which the Grand Lodge of West Virginia con sented, November 15, 1871; the
consolidated Lodge to be Logan Lodge, No. 25. Its present Charter bears date
November 11, 1868.
3. Triluminar Lodge,
No. 117, at Middleway, Jefferson County, was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Virginia, December 24, 1819, pursuant to its action in Grand Committee of the
Whole on December 14, 1819, and without having previously Worked under
Dispensation. The Record shows that said Charter was granted on Petition of "
several brethren residing near Bruce's Mills, in the County of Frederick,"
such Lodge to be established " at said place. " The Lodge was, however,
erected at Middleway, near by but in Jefferson County, and it was represented
in the 182o Grand Lodge. It was dormant during the Civil War, but in 1865 it
resumed Work, reporting to the Grand Lodge of Virginia until it was Chartered
by the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, December 28, 1872, with its original name
and number; and its Representative sat in the 1873 Grand Lodge, held at
Wheeling.
4. Equality Lodge,
No. 136, at Martinsburg, Berkeley County, was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of
Virginia, December 18, 1824. It came into the Grand Lodge of West Virginia in
1871, and its present Charter, with the number 44, and original name, bears
date November 15, 1871.
S Malta Lodge, No.
8o, at Charles Town, Jefferson County, was Char tered' the Grand Lod e of
Virginia, December 14, 1847. It came into the West Virginia Grand Loge in time
to be represented therein at the 1873 Grand Lodge. Its West Virginia Charter
is dated December 28, 1872.
6. Excelsior Lodge,
No. 54, at Bunker Hill, Berkeley (now Morgan) County, was Chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Virginia December 1o, 185o. It came into the Grand Lodge of
West Virginia in 1872. It had at one time met at Mill Creek. This Lodge
returned its Charter in 1882, and became extinct.
We reverence those
early Masons who planted and nurtured Freemasonry FREEMASONRY IN WEST VIRGINIA
373 when most of the region now called West Virginia was a wilderness,
inhabited by savages and foreign enemies, and in which wild beasts abounded.
True, there were the green meadows and rich limestone soil of Berkeley and
Jefferson, and the fertile bluegrass lands of Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas
and Randolph; but Wheeling was only a village, and Morgantown, Fairmont,
Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Charleston were but post stations. Hinton was but
a clearing, and Grafton was known as the " Mouth of Three Forks Creek." St.
Albans was " Coal's Mouth." Moundsville was the little village of "
Elizabeth," so called after the wife of its founder. Wellsburg was "
Charlestown," so chartered by the State of Virginia in 1791. Huntington,
Bluefield and Beckley, and a number of other cities of this day, did not
exist. Much of the land, especially in the mountains, was covered by the
forest primeval, and the future great coal fields of Fayette, McDowell,
Marion, Logan, and other counties, were totally unknown.
Many of those men and
Masons were not unknown to fame, but space forbids extended mention of them
and their services to Freemasonry and to their country.
THE GRAND LODGE OF
WEST VIRGINIA ORGANIZATION Shortly after the admission of West Virginia into
the Union, a circular letter was sent out to the Lodges by Fairmont Lodge, No.
9, calling a Convention to consider the organisation of a Grand Lodge in the
new State, which Convention met in Grafton on December 28, 1863. It held an
adjourned meeting at Fairmont on February 22, 1864, and another adjourned
meeting at the same place on June 24 of that year. Eight working Lodges were
represented, the situation was considered, an election for Grand Officers was
held, a date was fixed for their Installation, and the Convention adjourned.
The Grand Officers‑Elect, before the time fixed for Installation, declined to
be Installed, fearing that there was informality in the proceedings of the
Convention, in that it had adjourned sine die, instead of to the day set for
the Installation.
Again upon invitation
of Fairmont Lodge, No. 9, the Delegates convened at Fairmont on April 12,
1865, with the same eight Lodges represented: Wellsburg, No. 108, Wheeling,
No. 128, Ohio, No. 1oi, Marshall Union, No. 37, Cameron, No. 18o, Morgantown
Union, No. 93, Fairmont, No. 9, and Fetterman, No. 170. It was resolved to be
expedient at that time to again elect Officers, which was done, and the
Convention adjourned to meet for the Installation at Wheeling on the second
Wednesday in May, next following.
On May 1o, 1865, the
Convention assembled at Wheeling, the same eight Lodges being represented, and
in addition, Mount Olivet, No. 113. The Grand Officers were Installed by Most
Worshipful William B. Thrall, of Columbus, a Past Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Ohio. Grand Officers so Installed were as follows: William J. Bates,
Wheeling, Grand Master; Edward C. Bunker, Morgantown, Deputy Grand Master; E.
H. Showalter, Fairmont, Senior Grand 374 FREEMASONRY IN WEST VIRIGNIA Warden;
Israel Foreman, Fetterman, Junior Grand Warden; W. P. Wilson, Wheeling, Grand
Treasurer; Thomas H. Logan, Wheeling, Grand Secretary; William L. Hyland,
Parkersburg, Senior Grand Deacon; S. B. Stidger, Cameron, Junior Grand Deacon;
A. ,J. Lyda, Fairmont, Grand Chaplain, and T. W. Bliss, Wheeling, Grand Tyler.
Organisation of the
Grand Lodge therefore dates from May io, 1865. The Session continued through
the following day and evening.
While the formation
of the new Grand Lodge was under consideration, the Brethren had the advice
and counsel of several eminent Masonic authorities without the State,
including Thrall, of Ohio, and Charles W. Moore, of Boston, a Masonic Light of
Massachusetts; and there was considerable correspondence with the Grand Lodge
of Virginia. Some of the questions considered in the organisation, and
involving the legality of the new Grand Lodge were, whether, by reason of the
formation of the new State, a Grand Lodge could legally be organised therein,
unless by the action or consent of the Grand Lodge of Virginia; and whether
the subordinate Lodges taking part in the new organisation should not have
first notified the Grand Lodge of Virginia of their intention to withdraw
therefrom, and returned their Charters, with payment of all back dues, to that
Grand Lodge.
The West Virginia
Brethren were advised that while the creation of the State of West Virginia
did not of itself destroy or impair the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of
Virginia over the Lodges within the limits of the new State, yet it
established a state of things from which these Lodges acquired a right they
had not theretofore possessed: namely, the right, if so disposed, and of their
own judgment, to take the management of their affairs into their own hands by
organising a Grand Lodge for themselves; that it was unnecessary for the
subordinate Lodges then Working within the new jurisdiction, and under
Charters granted by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, to return the same to that
Body; that without their Charters they could not exist, nor could they take
part in forming the new Grand Lodge without them; and that these Lodges could
either send their Charters to the new Grand Lodge for endorsement, or must
surrender them to it, and accept from it new ones instead. They were further
advised that the essentials upon which the legality of the new Grand Lodge
depended were i. The district must be a separate State or territory.
2. There must at the
time be no Grand Lodge existing within the limits of such State or territory.
3. There must be"at
least three Chartered Lodges in active existence within such State or
territory, and consenting to the formation of a Grand Lodge.
4. They must meet in
Convention as Lodges, and not as individuals.
s. The newly elected
Grand Master must be Installed by some Past Grand Master, or by the Senior
Past Master present.
The West Virginia
Brethren were advised and believed that their procedure, FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA 375 under the known facts, met all of these requirements; wherefore
the new Grand Lodge was legally Constituted.
At the organisation
meeting, May io, 1865, and the succeeding day, the new Grand Lodge resolved
that pending the preparation and issuing of new Charters, the subordinate
Lodges be directed to send their Virginia Charters to be endorsed by the Grand
Master of West Virginia; and by such endorsement many more of the Lodges came
into the new Grand Lodge. And at the 1872 Grand Lodge the Grand Master was
empowered to issue Charters during recess of Grand Lodge to all Lodges within
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, and acknowledging
allegiance to it.
Thus from year to
year the subordinate Lodges came into the new Grand Lodge. The Lodges from
Berkeley and Jefferson Counties came in in 1873. The last of the Virginia
Lodges to come in was Monroe, No. 12, at Union, Monroe County, as elsewhere
noted. On March 18, 1878, it voted to dissolve its allegiance to the Grand
Lodge of Virginia, and apply for a Charter from the Grand Lodge of West
Virginia. This Lodge was received and welcomed at the West Virginia Grand
Lodge of 1878. It is to be noted that in 1868 the Grand Lodge of Virginia had
recommended to all these subordinate Lodges that they affiliate with the Grand
Lodge of West Virginia.
At its Communication
in 1868 the Grand Lodge of West Virginia authorised the Grand Master to
appoint two Brethren as Commissioners to attend the next Communication of the
Grand Lodge of Virginia, with full power to adjust all differences between the
two Grand Lodges. The Grand Master appointed Benjamin F. Martin, the Deputy
Grand Master, and Robert White, the Senior Grand Warden, as such
Commissioners, and they visited the Grand Lodge of Virginia on December 16 of
that same year. They were most kindly and cordially received, and after full
and free conference, all matters of difference were amicably arranged. The
meeting seems to have developed into a love feast, where Brethren truly dwelt
together in unity. All back dues, except such as Virginia generously remitted,
were paid to the Grand Lodge of Virginia by the West Virginia subordinate
Lodges by which they were owing.
The Grand Lodge of
Virginia, by resolution of that date, December 16, 1868, fully and freely
recognised the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, permitted the subordinate Lodges
in West Virginia to retain their old Charters, and recom mended to all Lodges
in the territorial limits of West Virginia, to surrender their original
Charters to, and ask new Charters from, the Grand Lodge of West Virginia. Thus
was the legality of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia established before the
Masonic world, and general recognition was promptly accorded to it by sister
Grand Lodges. And more: brotherly love again prevailed, and sincere fraternal
regard and respect were re‑established between the Brethren of the two Grand
Lodges. And it is gratifying to state that the condition then so happily
inaugurated obtains to the present day.
Freemasons in the
Virginias give due credit to Col. Robert White, mentioned above, for the happy
result of the visit of that Commission to the Grand 376 FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA Lodge of Virginia. Col. White was a native of Hampshire County, and
in 1861 cast in his lot with the Confederacy, serving as Colonel of the Z2.nd
Virginia Cavalry, and taking part in many desperate and daring engagements.
So, in Virginia he was in the house of his friends, and among his old
comrades. He was distinguished as a lawyer, churchman and Mason, and was made
Grand Master of Masons in 1874. His home was in Wheeling, where he died in
1915, in his eighty‑third year.
As to the early
subordinate Lodges, it is sufficient to state that their legitimacy is
established by the fact that they were created in the first instance by the
Grand Lodge of Virginia, and thus were true granddaughters of the Mother Grand
Lodge of the world, to which their lineage is traceable through an unbroken
chain of Charters.
The Grand Lodge of
West Virginia has at this writing (1934) 166 Chartered Lodges, with a total
membership as of August 31, of 31,034. The mushroom growth in membership of a
few years ago has ceased, which is all for the better. It has a written
Constitution, first adopted in 1866, and which has been amended from time to
time. This Constitution is organic law, and can be amended only by vote of the
Lodges, after submission of an amendment for one year. This Constitution is
not to be confused with the Ancient Constitutions of Masonry, which, together
with the Ancient Charges and Old Regulations, are held in the highest
veneration. The Grand Lodge at first adopted and used the Virginia Text Book
of that eminent Masonic author, John Dove, of Virginia; but in 1879 it
prepared and had printed a Text Book of its own, obtaining the cuts from
Virginia.
RITUAL The West
Virginia Ritual was taken directly from that of the Grand Lodge of Virginia,
which was established by the Baltimore Convention of Grand Lecturers in 1843,
and brought back to Virginia and religiously preserved by John Dove. Under
authority of a constitutional amendment adopted in January 1867, Grand Master
Bates appointed William Sydney Summers, of Charleston, as the first Grand
Lecturer. He served until the November Grand Lodge of that year, when he was
succeeded by Dr. George Baird, of Wheeling, who served in that office seven
years. His trusted deputy was Charles H. Collier, also of Wheeling, and
tradition has it that he spent some weeks in Virginia acquiring the correct
Ritual, word perfect, chiefly from Levi L. Stevenson, of Staunton. No record
of that visit appears in the Records of either Grand Lodge. It is, however, of
record that in the summer of 1868 James Evans, Grand Lecturer of Virginia,
came to Wheeling upon invitation, and taught the Ritual to a class of
Brethren, continuing some time. The West Virginia Ritual is practically
identical with that of Virginia to‑day.
The Grand Lodge of
West Virginia is " on wheels," so to speak. It has no headquarters, though the
office of the Grand Secretary is maintained at Charleston. It meets in October
of each year, around among about eight of the larger cities of the State,
holding a two days' session.
FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA 377 LANDMARKS Grand Lodge holds that the " landmarks " of Masonry are
the immemorial usages and fundamental principles of the Craft, which no
Masonic authority can alter or repeal. They have existed from a time whereof
the memory of man runneth not to the contrary, and each must be established to
have been the rule or settled belief among Freemasons in the year 1721, and
prior thereto. At its 1928 Session Grand Lodge adopted the report of a
Committee theretofore appointed to make and report a re‑statement of the "
Landmarks of Masonry," wherein the following list of eight " landmarks "
appears: 1. Belief in God, the Creator, Author and Architect of the
Universeomnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.
2. Belief in the
immortality of the soul.
3. A " Book of the
Law " as all indispensable part of the furniture of the Lodge.
4. The government of
the Fraternity by a Grand Master.
S . Secrecy: Applied
to the modes of recognition, certain symbols, the Ballot, obligations, signs
and pass‑words, and forms of Initiation.
6. The legend of the
Third Degree.
7. Ancient Craft
Masonry includes only the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and
Master Mason.
8. A Mason must be a
man, free born and of mature age.
BENEVOLENCES West
Virginia Masonic Home. This institution is located at Parkersburg, anct has
been in operation since June, 1924‑ It is maintained by Grand Lodge, but a
number of donations and bequests have been received. It is operated by a Board
of Governors which reports annually to Grand Lodge. It is planned in units,
the first unit being complete, and fully and elegantly furnished; and other
units are to be added from time to time as needed. The grounds contain about
sixty acres, fifty acres of which are under cultivation; and fruits,
vegetables and other crops are raised, more than enough for the needs of the
institution. Good schools are within easy distance, and the children from the
Home are given every opportunity to acquire at least a high school education.
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON
MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION This project is endorsed and cordially
supported by Grand Lodge. A great majority of the Lodges are in the loo per
cent class, and many have largely exceeded their quota. It is estimated that
to fully complete, furnish and dec orate the Memorial, as well as provide
sufficient funds for constructing approaches and landscaping the grounds, a
quota Of $1.70 per member will be required.
378 FREEMASONRY IN
WEST VIRGINIA EDUCATION An Educational Fund is established and maintained by
Grand Lodge, from which loans are made to young people to assist them in
acquiring an education. These loans are made by a competent committee, without
security, and are re paid after the recipient is through school or college,
and is earning salary or wages.
OUTSTANDING
PERSONAGES We here mention the following four personages, who served well
their day and generation, and whose fame and reputation are not limited by
State lines. All were Past Grand Masters of Masons in West Virginia, and all
have passed from their labours to the refreshment of the Celestial Lodge above
WILLIAM H. H. FLICK was born in the Western Reserve of Ohio, February 24,
1841. He enlisted as a private in the Union army and was dangerously wounded
at Shiloh. He came to West Virginia in 1866, and in 1874 located at
Martinsburg, Berkeley County, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was
a lawyer by profession, held various public offices, and was elected to the
State Legislature from Berkeley and Hardy counties in 1868 and 1869. In that
body he at once became a leader, by reason of his great force of character. He
is best known as the author of the " Flick Amendment " to the State
Constitution, which restored civil rights to all persons who had engaged on
the side of the Confederacy, in the Civil War; and who, previous to the
adoption of said Amendment, were denied the privileges of citizenship. This
Amendment was a'tremendous factor in the healing of the wounds resulting from
that war, and it was retained when the present Constitution was drafted in
1872. Mr. Flick was a man of large stature and great physical and mental
powers, and stood at the head of his profession.
He was for years
prominent in the affairs of Masonry in his adopted State, and served as Grand
Master of Masons in 1882‑83. He died June 7, 1904, of apoplexy, at the age of
seventy‑three.
GEORGE WESLEY
ATKINSON was born June 29, 1845, in Kanawha County (then Virginia), and died
April 4, 1925. He adopted the profession of the law, and was admitted in 1875.
From early life he was active in civil and political affairs, and loved the
thrill of the hustings. He was appointed United States marshal for West
Virginia in 1881; elected to Congress in .,1888, and elected governor in 1896,
serving a four‑year term. He then was appointed United States district
attorney, serving until 19o5, when President Roosevelt appointed him a judge
of the United States Court of Claims, and he served as such until his
retirement in 1916. Judge Atkinson had a strong literary bent, and is the
author of a number of books on various subjects.
He served the cause
of Freemasonry long and well. He was Grand Master of Masons in 1876‑77, and
Grand Secretary from 1885 to 19o5. Masonically, he is perhaps best known for
his work as Chairman of the Committee on For eign Correspondence, a position
he filled for thirty‑five years. His reports and comments are models of
excellence, and through them West Virginia Masonry became known far and wide.
FREEMASONRY IN WEST
VIRGINIA 379 ODELL S. LONG was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
October 16, 1836, and came to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1864. Educated for
the law, he became editor of the Wheeling Register, which position he held for
ten years; after which he accepted the office of clerk of the Supreme Court of
Appeals of West Virginia, which he held until his death at Charleston, on
December. 26, 1897. He was an accomplished scholar and Mason, loved his books
and friends, and was a pure and upright citizen.
He was long known as
the " Grand Old Man " of West Virginia Masonry. He was Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge from 1871 to 1884, was for several years Chairman of the Committee
on Foreign Correspondence, and was Grand Master in 1885‑86. He was widely
known as a thorough Ritualist, and was for many years the ultimate authority
on questions of Masonic law, usage and Ritual. He was prominent in all
branches of Masonry in his adopted State; was Grand High Priest of Royal Arch
Masons in 1885‑86, and was the first Grand Commander of Knights Templar,
1874‑75; and he was also for many years Inspector‑General and the chief
proponent of Scottish Rite Masonry in West Virginia.
Upon his death a
memorial was entered upon the records of the Supreme Court of Appeals, which
closes with the following quotation: " He was a man take him all and all, we
shall not look upon his like again." CHARLES J. FAULKNER, JR., was born at
Martinsburg (then Virginia) September 21, 1847. He came of a family long
prominent in the Valley of Virginia, and at the age of fifteen he matriculated
at the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, went into the Civil War as a
member of the Cadet Battalion, and received his baptism of fire at the battle
of New Market; and he continued with the forces of the Confederacy, on the
staff of General Wise, of Virginia, until the surrender at Appomattox.
He followed his
illustrious father in the profession of the law, and resided at Martinsburg
until his death. In 188o he was elected a Circuit judge, serving until 1887,
when he became a senator of the United States, in which office he served for
twelve years. Selected by his colleagues for the purpose, he led the
opposition to the " Force Bill," and held the floor of the Senate for fifty
hours until the Congress came to a constitutional adjournment, whereby the
bill was defeated. His beloved wife, desperately ill at the time, sent him
repeated messages of encouragement; and it was while he was engaged in that
supreme effort that she passed away at their home in Martinsburg. At the
expiration of his second term in the Senate he retired from political life,
and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until his death on
January 13, 1929, at " Boydville," his ancestral home in Martinsburg, and in
the same room in which he was born.
His service to
Freemasonry began with his Initiation in 1868, and he was Grand Master of
Masons in 188o‑81. Senator Faulkner was a man of learning and culture, and of
a most charming personality; a born leader, and a man of courage and marked
ability. He was a pillar of strength to the Masonic Fraternity in West
Virginia, especially in the eastern section of the State known as the Eastern
Panhandle, where all of his long life was spent.
FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN ALDRO JENKS HE history of any organisation, civic, religious, or
fraternal, is very like the record of a human life. It has its birth, its
growth, its years of vigorous culmination, and its achievements. Freemasonry
had its inception in what is now the State of Wisconsin in 1824, in what is
now the city of Green Bay, at a military post then called Fort Howard. This
was then the eastern end of a natural waterway, up the Fox River and down the
Wisconsin, thus connecting the Great Lakes with the Father of Waters. What is
now Wisconsin was at that time a vast wilderness, inhabited almost entirely by
tribes of savage Indians. At the time, Fort Howard was an important military
post guarding this waterway. In 1824 there were stationed at Fort Howard four
companies of the Third Regiment of United States Infantry, under command of
John McNeill, a Mason.
There were at the
time only six or eight American families resident at Green Bay, other than the
troops connected with the military post. On December 27, 1823, seven officers
of the United States Army, and three civilians, all Masons, met at the farm
home of Bro. George Johnson and appointed a Committee to draft a Petition to
the Grand Lodge of New York, praying for a Dispensation to open and hold a
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Green Bay, then in the Territory of
Michigan. The Grand Lodge of New York was selected as being the most
accessible and one of the nearest Grand Lodges in the United States.
In due time a
Dispensation signed by M.‑. W.‑. Martin Hoffman, Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of New York, was granted. Then, on December 3, 1824, a regular Charter
was granted to this Lodge by the Grand Lodge of New York, under the name of
Menominee Lodge. This was the first Masonic Lodge organised in the Territory
now comprising the northern peninsula of Michigan and the States of Wisconsin,
Iowa, and Minnesota. It was composed of seven military officers stationed at
Fort Howard and the three civilian Masons who first met to consider the
establishment of a Lodge there. Menominee Lodge‑was one of the three Lodges
that on June 24, 1826, took part in the organisation of the Grand Lodge of
Michigan. This Lodge continued its regular Communications and exercised the
functions of a Lodge until some time in 183o. A large majority of its members
and Officers were attached to the army, and upon their removal from Fort
Howard, the Lodge ceased to function. This Lodge was not without its influence
upon Wisconsin Freemasonry, however, for M.‑. W.‑. Bro. Henry S. Baird, who
was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin in 1856 and 1857, was one of
its Initiates.
38o FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN 381 The next Lodge organised in Wisconsin was located at Mineral
Point. In 1840 this was an important mining and industrial centre in the
Territory. Here On July 27, 1841, Mineral Point Lodge was organised under a
Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, dated October 8, 1840. The new
Lodge was Consecrated on February 15, 1843, under a Charter from the Grand
Lodge of Missouri. Its organisation was due chiefly to the efforts and
influence of Bro. William R. Smith, its first Worshipful Master. In 1846, Bro.
Smith was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. In that
Office he served until 1849, when he was elected Grand Master. In 1851 he was
re‑elected as Grand Secretary. He served in this Office until 1858, when he
peremptorily refused another re‑election. His services in the organisation of
the Grand Lodge and during its early days were very important. The first
Senior Warden of the Lodge was Charles Dunn, Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court of the Territory. This Lodge has had a continuous existence since its
organisation. Upon the Organisation of the Grand Lodge, it was made No. i.
Melody Lodge, No. 65,
now Lodge No. 2, was organised under a Dispensation from the Grand Lodge of
Missouri, dated January Io, 1843, in which Benjamin T. Kavanaugh was named as
first Worshipful Master. Bro. Kava naugh, a clergyman, became the first Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. Indeed, it was upon his suggestion
that the first steps were taken for the organisation of a Grand Lodge.
Milwaukee Lodge, No.
22, now Kilbourn Lodge, No. 3, held its first meeting on July 5, 1843, by
virtue of a Dispensation from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois,
dated June 12, 1843. Lemuel B. Hull was named its first Worshipful Master;
Abram D. Smith, Senior Warden; and David Merrill, Junior Warden. The
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois for October 2, 1843, show that a
Charter was also to be granted to Milwaukee Lodge, No. 22, " when dues are
paid." The Records show that the election of its Officers was held, under
Charter, on November 1, 1843, so that the Charter must have been issued some
time in October 1843. The Lodge's Worshipful Master, Bro. Hull, died suddenly
and was buried with Masonic ceremony on October 25, 1843 This was the first
Masonic funeral service to be held in Milwaukee. Among those prominent in the
organisation of Milwaukee Lodge, No. 22, was the Honourable Abram D. Smith,
the Lodge's first Senior Warden. He was then an eminent attorney in Milwaukee,
and later became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State. He
took a prominent part in the organisation of the Grand Lodge, becoming its
first Deputy Grand Master, and was also Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in
1846, 1847, 1848, and 1857. Another eminent Mason of Milwaukee Lodge, No. 22,
was Bro. Dwight F. Lawton, the first Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge. A
skillful Ritualist, Bro. Lawton did much to establish the Ritualistic Work of
the State along the lines to which it has ever since adhered.
Representatives of
these three Lodges, that is, of Milwaukee Lodge, No. 22, of Milwaukee, of
Mineral Point Lodge, at Mineral Point, and of Melody 382 FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN Lodge, at Platteville, assembled at Madison, Wisconsin, on December
18, 1843, for the purpose of organising a Grand Lodge. At the time they were
the only Lodges existing in the Territory of Wisconsin. Bro. Moses Meeker, of
Mineral Point Lodge, was called to the Chair, and a Committee of three was
appointed to take into consideration the expediency of forming a Grand Lodge.
The Committee reported that " it is expedient to form a Grand Lodge in the
Territory of Wisconsin." Another Committee of three was then appointed to
draft a Constitution for the Grand Lodge. At six o'clock that evening, the
Committee reported a Constitution which was very brief in its provisions. Then
the Convention adjourned sine die.
Immediately
afterwards the first Communication of the Grand Lodge was convened, with Bro.
Dwight F. Lawton presiding as Grand Master. It was opened in the Third Degree
in due and ancient form. The Constitution reported to the Convention was taken
up, read, and adopted. A Committee was then appointed to nominate Officers for
the Grand Lodge. Upon the report and recommendation of the Committee, Bro.
Benjamin T. Kavanaugh, Master of Melody Lodge, was elected Grand Master. Since
Bro. Kavanaugh had been detained because of illness, and was not present at
the Convention nor at the Grand Lodge, he was Installed by proxy.
Precedent for
Installing a Grand Master by proxy was probably found in the thirty‑sixth of
the General Regulations of Anderson's Constitution of 1723, which provides
that, if the Brother chosen as Grand Master " is by sickness or other
necessary occasion absent from the Grand Feast, he cannot be proclaimed the
new Grand Master unless the old Grand Master, or some of the Masters and
Wardens of the Grand Lodge, can vouch upon the honour of a Brother that the
said person so nominated or chosen will readily accept the said Office; in
which the old Grand Master shall act as proxy, et cetera." A Called
Communication of the Grand Lodge was held at Madison, Wisconsin, on January
17, 1844, presided over by the Grand Master, M.‑. W.‑. Bro. Benjamin T.
Kavanaugh. In his address, the Grand Master mentioned the weighty obligations
resting upon the Grand Lodge " in retaining a pure language, resisting every
innovation upon the ancient order of things, and as far as possible to find
the old paths and walk therein‑setting out upon, and retaining, in all our
Lodges, a correct and uniform mode of Work and Lectures." Charters were then
granted to Mineral Point Lodge, to Melody Lodge and to Milwaukee Lodge, and
numbers from one to three were then assigned to them according to seniority.
The Grand Master was then authorised to ap point Representatives of the Grand
Lodge of Wisconsin to other Grand Lodges in the United States. He was to use
discretion in selecting residents of other States for those positions. Further
he was to recognise such Representatives to this Grand Lodge as might be
appointed by other Grand Lodges. It was also resolved " that the system of
Work agreed upon by the Grand Masonic Convention at Baltimore in May, 1843, be
adopted by this Grand Lodge." The second Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge convened at Madi‑ FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN 383 son, Wisconsin, on
January 8, 184s . It was presided over by the Grand Master M.'. W.‑. Bro.
Benjamin T. Kavanaugh. At this Communication, Charters were granted to Warren
Lodge, No. 4, located at Potosi, to Madison Lodge, No. S, of Madison and to
Olive Branch Lodge, No. 6, of New Diggings. It was then resolved that the
Officers of those Lodges should be invited to take part in the business of the
Grand Lodge, as voting members. A Committee on nominations for Grand Officers
reported, and thereupon all were balloted for " on one ticket." At this
Communication, a Committee on Foreign Correspondence and Communication
submitted a report two pages in length. It advanced a proposal for holding
Triennial Conventions. These were to have the aims of the Balti more
Convention, and to be guided by the principles that had served it as a basic
code. The Committee also recommended that, should such action be taken, the
Grand Lodge of Wisconsin should be legally represented there. Part of the
report read as follows: " The subject of the fears entertained by several
Grand Lodges, that Annual or Triennial Conventions might degenerate into a
General Grand Lodge, has been viewed by your Committee. At this time we deem
it only necessary to state that as often as a proposal for a General Grand
Lodge of the United States has been submitted to Grand Lodges, just so often
has the measure met with disapprobation, for many and cogent reasons." The
financial condition of the Grand Lodge at that time is indicated by the
following incident. It was ordered that the sum of $is be appropriated to Bro.
William R. Smith for compensation and expenses during this Communication, and
that the Grand Secretary issue a voucher for that amount " to be paid when
this Grand Lodge shall be in funds to discharge the same." At Galena, in the
Territory of Illinois, there was a Lodge known as Far West Lodge, which held a
Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Far West Lodge requested that
it be admitted as a constituent Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. At
first it was thought that the Lodge's request could not be granted until it
had withdrawn from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Finally, however, it was
resolved that when Far West Lodge had secured such dimission from the Grand
Lodge of Missouri and had filed satisfactory evidence thereof with the Grand
Secretary of Wisconsin, a Charter should be issued to the Lodge at Galena.
Apparently no notice was taken of any claim the Grand Lodge of Illinois might
have to Far West Lodge.
At the next Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, the Grand Master reported the
granting of a Dispensation for a new Lodge, afterwards called Kavanaugh Lodge,
at the town of Elizabeth, in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. The Grand Master
justified and excused this invasion of the territory of the Grand Lodge of
Illinois by stating that it was far more convenient for the Brethren in the
town of Elizabeth to be connected with the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin than with
the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He also said that if at any future time the Lodge
should desire, or the Grand Lodge of Illinois should require, its transfer to
the jurisdiction of Illinois, the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin would not object.
384 FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN These Lodges were situated in what was called " the disputed strip."
The Territory of Wisconsin claimed that its southern boundary was a line drawn
from the southernmost bend of Lake Michigan due westward to the Mississippi
River, while an Act of Congress fixed the northern boundary of the State of
Illinois at the parallel of 42 degrees 30 minutes, north latitude. Wisconsin's
claim to this disputed strip was based upon the Article V of the Ordinance of
1787, which provided for the government of the Northwest Territory. The
government of Illinois was based upon the Act of Congress which admitted that
State into the Union. This conflict of jurisdictional claim gave rise to some
spirited correspondence between the Grand Masters of the Grand Lodges of
Illinois and Wisconsin. At this Communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin,
Representatives of the two Illinois Lodges were admitted to, and took part in,
the deliberations of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. They also participated in
the election of its Officers. At that time the two Illinois Lodges were
directed to confer with the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and to ask that Grand
Lodge to sanction their union with the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. It also
resolved " that hereafter no Dispensation shall be granted by this Grand Lodge
in any case, for the formation of any new Lodge in any other State or
Territory where there is a Grand Lodge, without the consent of the Grand Lodge
of such State or Territory, where such new Lodge is proposed to be formed." At
the Annual Communication held on January 13, 1847, the Grand Master reported
that in July, Kavanaugh Lodge had returned its Dispensation and had announced
that it had taken authority from Illinois. He also announced that the Galena
Lodge had also returned its Dispensation. He added: " As these Lodges
therefore have voluntarily relinquished their claim upon this Lodge for
protection, and have attached themselves to the Grand Lodge of Illinois, no
further action is necessary but to discharge them from the books of the
Secretary, with our best wishes for their prosperity." Thus this disagreeable
incident was happily closed.
At the same Annual
Communication, an unusual event in the transactions of the Grand Lodge
occurred. The Rev. Franklin Whittaker, a well‑known clergyman, presented a
Petition to receive the Three Degrees in Masonry, and the Petition was
referred to a Committee of three Brethren. Upon their report, a ballot was
then taken, and the candidate declared elected. At six o'clock that same day,
" the Master's Lodge was then dispensed with and a Lodge was opened on the
First Degree. After being introduced in due and ancient form, Franklin
Whittaker was then Initiated in Masonry by receiving the First Degree. The
Entered Apprentice Lodge was dispensed with, and Labour was,resumed in the
Third Degree. Following this, " on motion of Bro. Ames, the Grand Lodge
proceeded to take a ballot on the application of Franklin Whittaker, E.A., to
receive the Degrees of Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Whereupon, a ballot
being taken, the candidate was declared duly elected. The Master's Lodge was
then dispensed with, and the Lodge was opened on the Second Degree. Bro.
Franklin Whittaker, being introduced in due and ancient form, FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN 385 received the Second Degree in Masonry, by being passed to the
Degree of Fellow Craft. The Fellow Craft Lodge was then dispensed with, and
the Labour was resumed in the Third Degree." We also learn from the Records
that at six o'clock the next evening " the application of Franklin Whittaker
to receive the Third Degree was taken up and considered and agreed upon.
Whereupon, the candidate being introduced in due and ancient form, he received
the Third Degree and was then Raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason.
The M.‑. W.‑. Grand Master delivered a lecture on this Degree." This act of
the Grand Lodge evoked some lively criticism on the part of foreign
correspondents of other Grand Lodges. For example, the Grand Lodge of Iowa
declared that the Grand Lodge was wrong in Initiating a candidate, and said
that " even admitting the right, its great inexpediency is too palpable to
admit of argument." To these objections, the Committee on Foreign
Correspondence replied by saying that Iowa had certainly used a summary mode
of disposing of the question. Then the Committee added: " So long as the Grand
Lodge does not exceed its power, the expediency of its enterprise must be left
to a sound discretion, and although the expediency is so palpable to our
Brethren in Iowa, it is far from apparent to your Committee. Indeed, the
performance of these functions by the Grand Lodge cannot fail greatly to
benefit the subordinate Lodges through the instruction thereby conveyed to
their Representatives. " Considering the power of a Grand Lodge to confer the
Degrees, it was said " The power to make Masons and Constitute Lodges is
primarily in the Grand Lodge. No Lodge can now set up for itself and make
Masons, or do any other business, without power being conferred upon it by a
Grand Lodge. The Lodge derives all its powers through the Dispensation or
Warrant of the Grand Lodge, the source and creator of its very existence.
Among the powers granted and enumerated in the Warrant is the power to make
Masons. Can a Grand Lodge delegate to a subordinate Lodge powers which it does
not itself possess? A Lodge under Dispensation certainly possesses no inherent
power. It is merely the agent of the Grand Lodge or of the Grand Master in
whatever it does. Power to make Masons is conferred by the Grand Lodge or
Grand Master. Whence, then, is such power conferred, if it is not possessed by
the Grand Lodge or by the Grand Master? They could not Constitute an agent to
do lawfully what they had not power lawfully to do themselves. Again,
according to the old Constitutions, the Grand Master has the right to make
Masons at sight. Having such right, he may exercise it in open Grand Lodge as
well as in a subordinate Lodge. If the Grand Master has such power, it will
hardly be denied that the Grand Lodge has the same power." Having thus
discussed the power exercised by the Grand Lodge, the Committee cited
precedents showing that the exercise of this power was not new, but that it
was sanctioned by the oldest Records in possession of the Fraternity. It then
cited several extracts from the Records of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge
of England. Those extracts seemed to show that " the Grand Lodge, 386
FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN in ample form, at the Rose Tavern in St.
Mary‑le‑Bonne, on Friday, May 14, 1731, made Bro. Lorrain and Bro. Thomas
Pelham, Duke of Newcastle, Master Masons." They also showed that at the
Assembly and feast held on June 24, 1719, " some noblemen were also made
Brothers. " Still another extract showed that at the Assembly and feast held
at Stationers' Hall, on June 24, 1721, " they made some new Brothers, and
particularly the noble Philip Lord Stanhope, now Earl of Chesterfield."
Another extract cited by the Committee reported that at an Occasional Grand
Lodge held at the palace of the Prince of Wales, Past Grand Master, over which
the Rev. Dr. Desagulier presided, " His Royal Highness, Frederick, late Prince
of Wales, was in the usual manner introduced and made an Entered Apprentice
and Fellow Craft." After making these citations the Committee concluded by
saying: " These extracts from the records of the Grand Lodge of England are
sufficient to show that the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin has not acted without
precedent." But all this logic and all these citations of precedents were
rendered ineffectual, for Milwaukee Lodge filed a protest claiming that such
action infringed upon the lawful authority of a Lodge to confer Degrees and to
collect fees for them. A Committee was therefore appointed, and upon its
report the Grand Lodge resolved as its solemn opinion " that the authority to
confer Degrees does not exist in the Grand Master, except in the Grand Lodge
duly assembled, or in a subordinate Lodge organised in a constitutional
manner, and in no case without due inquiry into the character of the candidate
and upon a unanimous ballot of the Lodge." It further resolved " that the
exercise of the right to confer Degrees in the Grand Lodge is highly
inexpedient, and should never hereafter be exercised by this Grand Lodge
except in case of most extraordinary emergency. " No such case of "
extraordinary emergency " has since arisen in the Grand Lodge.
The period of the war
between the States, from 1861 to 1864, witnessed a rapid increase in
membership in the Lodges. It also brought with it many problems and
perplexities. Some of these are set forth in the annual address of Grand
Master Alvin B. Alden, made before the Grand Lodge in 1864. In that address he
referred to the activities of Military Lodges in the following words Within
the past year complaints have frequently reached me from subordinate Lodges,
and also from individual members of the Craft, that citizens of this State who
have been connected with the army, either as soldiers or in some civil
capacity, have returned from the field, claiming to have been made Masons
during their absence in some Military Lodge connected with or attached to our
army. In some instances these complaints relate to persons who had applied for
admission into the Fraternity before leaving home, and had been rejected; in
others, to persons whose moral and social relations at home were such that it
would have been useless for them to make application for admission into the
Lodge in whose jurisdiction they reside.
Whatever may be
thought of the policy or necessity of establishing Military Lodges in our army
while still within our own country, and generally in FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN
387 the vicinity of Lodges legally established by competent authority and
under the usual restraints, there can be no excuse or justification for
allowing such Lodges when they do exist, to make Masons of those hailing from
other Grand Lodges than that from which they receive their authority. The
Grand Lodge of Illinois, for instance, has no right to authorise a Military
Lodge created by it, to Initiate residents of Wisconsin who happen to be in
the vicinity of such Lodge while in the State of Kentucky or Tennessee, than
it has to authorise its subordinate Lodges at home to Initiate such persons.
Either would be an infringement of our Territorial jurisdiction and a
violation of that Fraternal comity now universally acknowledged as applicable
to Grand Lodges.
In 1863 the Committee
on Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Missouri reported the making of 113
Masons who had been proposed, balloted for, Initiated, passed and Raised, " in
five consecutive hours." Regarding this action, Grand Master Alden further
said, " not the most complacent Grand Master in England, even when Royalty was
to be made, ever exercised such authority. But we are told with the utmost
complacency that they were nearly all officers. We care not if they were all
brigadiers. It does not alter the case a whit." By resolution the Grand Lodge
then protested against such action and requested that all Grand Lodges that
had theretofore or should therefater establish Travelling Lodges be requested
so to limit their authority as to confine their Labours in making Masons to
candidates residing out of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.
Fortunately, the cessation of hostilities and the disbanding of troops removed
this source of irritation.
At the Annual
Communication held in 1864, the Grand Master also reported an attempt, made by
the " Conservators' Association," to disseminate the Webb‑Preston Work among
the Lodges of the State. This met with a vigor ous protest and the adoption of
a resolution declaring that " in the Grand Lodge alone is vested the power to
determine all questions relating to the Work and Lectures in this
jurisdiction. This it has long since determined is the correct Work, and
provided for its dissemination. That no Mason, or body of Masons can be
permitted to modify or change the Work so determined upon by this Grand Lodge;
and that any attempt to disseminate any different system of Work within this
jurisdiction is a contempt of the authority of the Grand Lodge, and a
violation of Masonic duty deserving the severest condemnation." It is the
province of a historian to recount faithfully the events, both good and bad,
of the institution whose chronicle he writes. Just as the United States had
had its Benedict Arnold and its Aaron Burr, so, too, has the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin had its John W. Woodhull. In 1883, Bro. Woodhull was for the eighth
successive year elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. In
his address, that year, the Grand Master lovingly referred to him in the
following words He is in his office from morning till night, day in and day
out, year in and year out‑doing not only office work, but also the Work of a
Mason in deeds 388 FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN of charity and benevolence. A
Brother Mason in the interior of the State wants something from the
metropolis. He sends to the Grand Secretary. The errand is faithfully
performed. He stands sentry for all wants and recommends. He hospitably
receives and entertains Brother Masons sojourning in the city. Let any Grand
Lodge Officer from any of our sister jurisdictions visit the city or State,
and John W. Woodhull is the first man sought. He is known the world over as
honest, capable John W. Woodhull, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin.
But, alas, just
before the Annual Communication of 1883, Bro. Woodhull resigned his Office and
fled from the State, a defaulter in his Grand Lodge finances. He left a report
in which he confessed to a shortage of $1522.34. To this amount a shortage of
$io5, subsequently discovered, must be added, thus making his total
defalcation $1627.34. Bro. Woodhull was cited to appear before the Grand
Lodge. After some delay, he was in 1886 expelled by the Grand Lodge from
Freemasonry and from all the rights and privileges of the Order. In 1889 he
applied for reinstatement, but this was refused.
Quite different is
the story of‑~.Bso. John W. Laflin, who in 1883 was elected Grand Secretary.
He continued in thaw Office until his death, in August 19oo, having served a
period of more than seventeen years. Few Masons who have ever served the Craft
have rendered greater service or were more beloved than was Bro. Laflin. Of
him it was truly said that " he was not only ardently devoted to the
principles of Masonry, but he lived, moved, and had his being in Masonry as an
institution. He did very much for the Order of Masonry in this State, giving
to it the best years of his life, and by his skill, fidelity, industry, and
patience, bringing our beloved Order into greater esteem and favour in the
great Brotherhood of Masonry throughout the world." Bro. John W. Laflin was
one of the bright and shining lights in the history of Freemasonry in
Wisconsin. He was the father of M.‑. W.‑. Herbert N. Laflin, who was Grand
Master of Masons in Wisconsin from 1930 to 1931.
Upon the death of
Bro. Laflin, William Watson Perry was appointed to fill the vacancy and was
afterwards re‑elected from year to year until, because of continued ill‑health
he resigned that high office on October 29, 1928. His resignation was
regretfully accepted, and Bro. William F. Weller was appointed as his
successor. In recognition of his long and devoted service, the succeeding
Session of Grand Lodge elected Bro. Perry to be Grand Secretary Emeritus, and
provided for the payment of a salary to him during the rest of his life. On
September 13, 1929, Bro. Perry passed away. It is safe to say that no Mason in
Wisconsin ever rendered greater service to the Craft or was more beloved than
he. He was Grand Master in 1895, and for more than twenty‑seven years he
served as Grand Secretary. His every‑day life was an exemplification of the
principles of Freemasonry. A skilful Ritualist, his services were constantly
in demand and unselfishly rendered. He was an inspiration to members of the
younger generation, and they often sought his counsel. He was indeed a
fountain of wisdom to his peers.
FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN 389 Among those also deserving more than a passing notice in any
history of Wisconsin Freemasonry is Colonel Gabriel Bouck, son of William C.
Bouck, a former governor of the State of New York. Bro. Bouck was Grand Master
in 1860, and again in 1869 and 1870. From his first appearance in the Grand
Lodge until the year 1897, he was a constant attendant. He never missed a
Communication except while absent in the army or attending to his duties in
Congress. He was always a power in the Grand Lodge, usually serving as
Chairman of the Committee on jurisprudence and as a leader in debate. Seldom
was a measure carried through against his opposition. He was always a
conservative; he adhered firmly to the Landmarks and the ancient usages and
customs of Freemasonry.
The Masons of
Wisconsin have always believed in, and practised, the virtue of Masonic
charity, giving with a liberal hand in response to appeals for assistance.
Their outstanding Masonic charity is the Masonic Home, located at Dousman,
some thirty miles west of Milwaukee. Here they have one of the most complete
and beautiful Masonic Homes in the United States.
Some years prior to
1913, Bro. Willard Van Brunt, of Horicon, had donated to the Wisconsin
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, a beautiful consisting farm of 319
acres. It was located at Dousman and was fully stocked and equipped for a
Masonic Home. It was capable of caring for about 15 guests. After several
years' operation of the Home, however, the Consistory found itself unable to
carry on in a satisfactory manner. At the Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge held in 1913, the Consistory and Bro. Van Brunt therefore offered to
donate the farm and its equipment to the Grand Lodge for a Masonic Home. Bro.
Van Brunt also offered to donate to the Grand Lodge as an endowment fund $2‑oo,ooo,
provided the Grand Lodge would levy an annual assessment of 50 cents per
capita upon its membership for the support of the Home. After some delay in
perfecting the title, this was agreed to, and the transfers were made. In
order to secure funds for the erection of suitable buildings, an assessment of
$i per capita for a period of three years was made, and at its expiration
another for a like term was imposed. From this source, and without debt or any
solicitation of funds, the Home was constructed. It consists of a beautiful
commodious structure, two stories in height, of fireproof construction, with
tile roof. It is designed to accommodate about 100 guests.
The Home and its
equipment cost approximately $42‑3,000. In connection with the Home, the Order
of the Eastern Star erected at a cost of $84,500 a hospital. Fully equipped,
it was then presented by them to the Grand Lodge. If to these items we add the
value of the farm, with its buildings and equipment, and also the Van Brunt
endowment, we find that more than $954,ooo has been invested in this
charitable work.
A large greenhouse
supplies flowers for the Institution. Its grounds are spacious and handsome.
The Masonic Home is the pride and delight of every Wisconsin Mason. In 1931 it
was sheltering and lovingly caring for approximately loo guests.
390 FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN At the Annual Communication held in June 192‑9, regulations were
adopted permitting dual membership. According to these regulations, a Mason
may be affiliated with as many Lodges as choose to accept him, with full
privileges, including the right to vote and hold Office. He is liable for dues
and assessments in each Lodge in which he holds membership, and each of such
Lodges is to pay Grand Lodge tax for him. Involuntary loss of membership in
any Lodge automatically forfeits membership in all Lodges.
We have thus hastily
sketched the principal Masonic events of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin from the
day of its establishment in 1843, with three Lodges, a membership of only a
few score, and assets so limited that it was compelled to defer payment of a
$15 claim until the Grand Lodge " was in funds to discharge the same," until
1931, when it had 312. active Lodges, a membership of 62.,588, and assets
totaling more than $i,2‑5o,ooo. Through its entire existence it has adhered
closely to the Ancient Landmarks and the established usages and customs of the
Fraternity, and has been active in the discharge of every Masonic duty.
The first Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons in Wisconsin was organised as Milwaukee Chapter, No. i, now
Kilbourn Chapter, No. 1. Its early history is obscure, there being in
existence no written Records previous to 1848. We learn from the General Grand
Chapter Records, however, that Joseph K. Stapleton, of Baltimore, who for many
years served as Deputy General Grand High Priest, on February 16, 1844,
granted a Dispensation to A. D. Smith and others for a Chapter at Milwaukee in
Wisconsin Territory. A Charter was then granted by the General Grand Chapter
at its Session held in New Haven, Connecticut, on September 11 of the same
year. It is thought that A. D. Smith was probably the first High Priest of the
new Chapter, and that Byron Kilbourn or Dwight F. Lawton served among the
other Officers. This, however, is mere surmise. No doubt the Records of the
General Grand Chapter contained the list of Officers, but in 1859 the General
Grand Secretary, Samuel D. Risk, took the Records with him to New Orleans,
where he died during the war. Thus the Records were lost.
The next Chapter was
organised at Platteville, as Washington Chapter, No. 2. At a meeting of Melody
Lodge, No. 2, held on February 27, 1848, a Committee was appointed for the
purpose of procuring a Charter for a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. This
Committee was authorised to draw upon the Lodge for a loan of $loo for that
purpose. On July 2, 1844, the Deputy General Grand High Priest, Joseph K.
Stapleton, granted a Dispensation to " B. Kavanaugh and the others of the town
of Platteville, Wisconsin Territory " for a new Chapter. The Rev. Benjamin T.
Kavanaugh was its first High Priest. Bro. Kavanaugh was, at the time, Grand
Master of the Grand Lodge, but shortly afterward he left the State, never to
return. Bro. Kavanaugh had been made a Mason in Kentucky in 1840. He was an
itinerant Methodist clergyman, who seems to have had during his long life many
callings and professions. He was, among other things, preacher, physician,
editor, college professor, author, and FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN 391 scientist.
During the war he was chaplain and surgeon to General Price, of Confederate
fame. He died at Boonsboro, Kentucky, in July 1888.
At the Session of the
General Grand Chapter held in 1847, the Deputy General Grand High Priest,
Joseph K. Stapleton, reported having granted a Dispensation for a Chapter at
Southport, Wisconsin, now known as Kenosha Chapter, No. 3. Although he gave
neither the names of the persons to whom it was granted nor the date of its
granting, the probability is that the Dispensation was issued either in 1845
or early in 1846. The date of the Charter should be September 17, 1847, but
the early Records of this Chapter are lost, so we cannot be sure that such was
the case.
The Grand Chapter
Records do not show by whom the first move was made for the organisation of
that Body, but we do know that the first Convention was held " pursuant to a
call made on the Officers of Milwaukee Chap ter, No. i, Washington Chapter,
No. z, and Southport Chapter, No. 3, in the State of Wisconsin, by the Most
Worshipful William R. Smith, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of
Wisconsin," to determine whether a Grand Chapter should be erected. What right
the Grand Master had to issue such a call, except in his capacity as Royal
Arch Mason, does not appear; but the call was heeded, and the Convention met
on February 13, 185o, " in pursuance of a circular letter issued by Dwight F.
Lawton, Past High Priest of Milwaukee Chapter, No. i.
Representatives were
present from Milwaukee Chapter, Washington Chapter, and Southport Chapter. The
Convention adopted a Constitution for the Grand Chapter and elected Officers,
with Dwight F. Lawton as Grand High Priest. The Deputy General Grand High
Priest, Joseph K. Stapleton, acknowledged the receipt of the printed
Proceedings and Constitution and at Baltimore, on July 5, 185o, he authorised
Augustus W. Stark to Install the Grand Officers.
The first Convocation
of the Grand Chapter was held at Madison, Wisconsin, August 7, 185o, and its
Officers were then Installed. At that Session a Dispensation was granted for a
Chapter at Madison, with a provision that in consideration of the
relinquishment of a Charter fee of $9o, the Chapter should at all times
furnish the Grand Chapter suitable room, firewood, and lights, gratis. In 1855
this contract for free room, firewood, and lights was abrogated as being
unsatisfactory.
The second Annual
Convocation was held at Madison, on February 8, 1852‑. In his address at the
time, the Grand High Priest reported having granted a permanent Charter to
Iowa Chapter, No. 6, of Mineral Point. His action in granting a permanent
Charter, instead of a Dispensation, does not seem to have been questioned,
although it would not pass muster at the present day. The history of the Grand
Chapter has been quiet and uneventful. It has consisted of little more than
the election of its Officers, the making of the Constitution, the founding of
new Chapters, and the transaction of routine business. In 1931, the Grand
Chapter consisted of 114 constituent Chapters, and had a membership of
2‑6,284.
392 FREEMASONRY IN
WISCONSIN The first Record of Cryptic Degrees in Wisconsin dates from October
28, 1857, when Delegates from Beloit Council, from Gebal Council, of
Janesville, and from Madison Council, met at Janesville and organised a Grand
Council. Those three Councils held their Charters from the Grand Council of
Ohio. James Collins, of Beloit, was elected first Grand Master. In 1878, by
arrangement, the Grand Chapter took charge of the Degrees, but in 1881 this
procedure was discontinued and a Grand Council was organised by
Representatives from 49 Councils. From that time on Annual Sessions have been
held, but the Records are uninteresting, the main feature having been the
election of Officers. At the present there are 33 Councils of Royal and Select
Masters, having a membership of 9787.
The first move for a
Commandery in Wisconsin was made by judge Henry L. Palmer, of Milwaukee. In
the early part of 185o, judge Palmer spent days seeking through the State for
a sufficient number of persons to organise a Com mandery, and in getting their
signatures. A Dispensation was obtained from Grand Master William B. Hubbard
of Ohio, who was then at the head of the Grand Encampment. It was dated June
12, 185o, and was issued to Wisconsin Encampment, No. i, located at Milwaukee.
The Petition was signed by ten Petitioners who, so far as could be
ascertained, were all the Knights Templar then living in Wisconsin. A Charter
was granted in October 185o. From 185o until 1856, this was the only
Encampment in the State. The Dispensation for Janesville Encampment, No. 2,
was also issued by William B. Hubbard and was dated June 29, 18 The Charter
was dated September i1, 18 Then Robert McCoy Commandery, No. 3, of Madison,
was organised on February 2, 1859, also under a Dispensation from William B.
Hubbard, Grand Master. The Dispensation was dated January 29, 1859, while the
Commandery's Charter was received on September 16, 1859.
The Organisation of
the Grand Commandery followed shortly after the Chartering of Robert McCoy
Commandery. On October 2o, 1859, Delegates from each of the first three
Commanderies met at Madison, and authority for the organisation of a Grand
Commandery was read. It had been issued by Benjamin B. French, of Washington,
District of Columbia, who had been elected Grand Master in that year. A Code
of Statutes was adopted, and the Grand Commandery was organised. Henry L.
Palmer was elected Grand Commander. Thus, Bro. Henry L. Palmer was the first
Grand Commander of the State of Wisconsin. He continued to fill that Office
until 1865, when he was elected Grand Master of Knights Templar of the United
States. For thirty years, dating from 185o, the history of Freemasonry in
Wisconsin is largely a history of his Masonic activities and influence. He was
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in 1851 and in 1853, also in 1871 and in 1872,
Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter in 1858 and 1859, and Illustrious Grand
Master of the Grand Council in 1863 and 1864. On August 6, 1863, he received
the Degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite upon its introduction into
Wisconsin, and in his later years, he especially devoted himself to that Rite.
He was long an influential FREEMASONRY IN WISCONSIN 393 member of the Supreme
Council of the Rite governing Body in the Northern jurisdiction, and he was
re‑elected at each triennial gathering until his death, which occurred on May
7, 1909.
At the present time
there are 49 Commanderies in Wisconsin, having a membership of 11,388.
Wisconsin has 3 Consistories, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. They are
Wisconsin Consistory, at Milwaukee, which has a member ship of 42‑59; Madison
Consistory, at Madison, which has a membership of 1187; and Eau Claire
Consistory, at Eau Claire, which has a membership of 812‑. The total
membership is 62‑58. There is one Shrine of the Ancient and Accepted Order of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, which is located at Milwaukee. It has a
membership of 5736. The Order of the Eastern Star is active and doing good
charitable work. There are 273 Chapters working under the Grand Chapter of the
Order of the Eastern Star. The Grand Chapter has a membership of 54,792‑.
FREEMASONRY IN
WYOMING ALFRED J. MOKLER 0 N the Great Plains in the Western part of the
United States that now form the State of Wyoming Freemasonry first saw the
Light upon the summit of Independence Rock, on July 4, 1862. Independence Rock
is an outstanding landmark on the Old Oregon Trail. From Independence,
Missouri, starting‑point of the Oregon Trail, to Oregon City was a distance of
2.030 miles. Independence Rock in Wyoming lay 838 miles from the little
Missouri town. Some twenty members of the Masonic Fraternity, hailing from
several jurisdictions, attended that very interesting and historic meeting.
Asa L. Brown, a member of Melody Lodge, No. 2, of Platteville, Wisconsin,
acted as Worshipful Master of the extemporary assemblage. In 1878, four years
after the Grand Lodge of Masons in Wyoming had been organised, he sent to Past
Grand Master Edgar P. Snow the Great Lights that were used on the granite
Altar at the Independence Rock meeting, as a memento to be treasured in the
archives of the Wyoming Grand Lodge. The Bible used on the Altar at that
meeting is still in possession of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming. It is considered
the Grand Lodge's most valuable historical relic. That Bible was found
undamaged on the street the morning after the fire destroyed the Masonic
Temple at Cheyenne, though the Square and Compasses used at Independence Rock
had been consumed. In his letter of July 5, 1878, to Past Grand Master Snow,
Bro. Brown said: " On July 4, 1862, several trains of emigrants lay over at
Independence Rock. We concluded our arrangements for a celebration on the
Rock. . . . We were determined on having some sort of recognition, as well as
remembrance of the day and place, and so about the time when the ' sun sets in
the West to close the day,' about twenty members who could mutually vouch,
and, so to speak, inter‑vouch for each other, wended their way to the summit
of the rock, soon discovered a recess, or rather depression, in the rock, the
' form and situation ' of which seemed prepared by nature for our special use.
An Altar of twelve stones was improvised, to which a more thoughtful or
patriotic Brother added the thirteenth, as emblematical of the original
Colonies, and being elected to the East by acclamation, I was duly Installed,
that is, led to, the oriental granite seat. The several stations and places
were filled, and the Tyler, a venerable Brother, with flowing hair and beard
of almost snowy whiteness, took his place ' without the western gate,' on a
little pinnacle which gave him a perfect command of view over the entire
summit of the rock, so that he could easily guard us against the approach of
all, either ascending or descending. I then informally opened ' Independence
Lodge No. i,' on the 394 FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING 395 Degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, when several of the Brethren made
short appropriate addresses, and our venerable Tyler gave us reminiscences
from his Masonic history, or of it, extending from 182‑1 to 1862‑. Having gone
up provided with fluid extract of rye, sweet water, sugar, and citric acid,
the Craft was called from Labour to Refreshment, a bucketful of which was
prepared, and Masonic and patriotic impromptu toasts and responses were
indulged in, not forgetting, however, the first point of entrance, until, no
further business appearing, the Craft resumed Labour, and the Lodge was duly
closed. When closing the Lodge, I remarked to the Brethren that I would
preserve the Great Lights until I could have them laid up in the archives of
the Grand Lodge having jurisdiction over Independence Rock, as a memento of
the day and occasion.... I am not actuated by any spirit of egotism in thus
tendering through you to your Grand Lodge these souvenirs of a fraternal event
antedating your existence as a Grand Lodge, or even the political existence
[of the Territory] as now organised. If your Grand Lodge should see fit to
give them an abiding place in your archives, I will have accomplished my
prophetic promise, and you will place me under obligation by presenting them
to your Grand Lodge." This rich history of Freemasonry in Wyoming remained
unknown to any considerable number of people for more than fifty years. Few of
the members even knew that such a meeting had ever been held, but in 192o,
through the efforts of the present writer, who was then and is yet Grand
Historian, the Grand Lodge granted a Dispensation that permitted the holding
of a commemorative service upon Independence Rock, On July 4, precisely the
place where the extemporaneous meeting had been held just fifty‑eight years
before. The natural Lodge Room was again arranged as it had been at the first
meeting. The same Bible was used, again on an Altar built of thirteen stones
as was the Altar used at the first meeting. But instead of some twenty members
being present, as at the first meeting, more than Zoo were this time in
attendance. The Lodge was opened in due form, with many prominent members
present from Wyoming and adjoining States. Past Grand Master Charles H.
Townsend acted as Worshipful Master. Past Grand Master Marion P. Wheeler, Past
Grand Master Harold Banner, Grand Master Arthur K. Lee, Deputy Grand Master
William O. Wilson, Grand Junior Warden William A. Riner, Grand Secretary
Joseph M. Lowndes, Grand Treasurer William Daley, Senior Grand Steward Frank
S. Knittle, Grand Orator Guy J. Gay, Grand Historian Alfred J. Mokler, Past
Grand Master W. H. Dickinson, ex‑Governor Bryant B. Brooks, Thirtythird
Degree, and many other prominent Masons took part in the service.
Representatives from Scotland, from the Philippine Islands, from Alaska, as
well as from many States of the Union were in attendance.
After holding an
impressive service atop of Independence Rock, and after closing the Lodge in
due form, the members went to the north end of the massive pile of granite.
There a public service was held at which more than 5o0 people were present.
Addresses were made by the Hon. William A. Riner and 396 FREEMASONRY IN
WYOMING Grand Master Arthur K. Lee, and these were followed by the unveiling
of a bronze memorial tablet firmly affixed to the face of the historic old
landmark. At this meeting it was decided to hold a Masonic commemorative
service on Independence Rock every ten years thereafter.
In 1930, an Executive
Committee consisting of Alfred J. Mokler, Charles H. Townsend, Marion P.
Wheeler, John C. Zolnoski, Albert E. Tweed, and Robert F. Blake was selected
to complete arrangements for the meeting to be held that year. Before the
opening of the Masonic service a barbecue was served to some 3000 people,
which included the Masons, their families and friends. At one thirty o'clock
in the afternoon, the commemorative service was again held on top of
Independence Rock and again in the natural Lodge Room. Past Grand Master
Marion P. Wheeler acted as Master, and the following distinguished members
were introduced: Grand Master Robert H. Hopkins, Grand Treasurer William W.
Daley, Grand Secretary Joseph M. Lowndes, Junior Grand Deacon John Stansbury,
Senior Grand Deacon Charles C. Mitchell, Grand Historian Alfred J. Mokler,
Grand Orator Lew M. Gay, ex‑Governor Bryant B. Brooks, Thirty‑third Degree,
Governor Frank C. Emerson, the Hon. F. G. Burnett, and these Past Grand
Masters: C. H. Townsend, M. P. Wheeler, W. O. Wilson, F. S. King, E. P.
Bowman, W. H. Dickinson, J. W. Stuchell, and F. S. Knittle. Addresses were
given by Grand Master Hopkins, Past Master Burnett, ex‑Governor Brooks, and
Grand Historian Mokler. After the Lodge closed, the memorial tablet on the
north side of Independence Rock was publicly dedicated with an impressive
ceremony at which the Grand Master and other Grand Officers officiated. The
Grand Historian gave an address and introduced distinguished Masons to those
present. An address was also given by Governor Emerson, and Sylvester K. Loy
delivered an oration eminently well suited to the occasion.
At this meeting, 32
Masonic Jurisdictions of the United States were represented. Of the 62‑6
Masons who were registered, 464 came from Wyoming Lodges, 152 came from the
other States of the Union, 9 came from Scotland, and one came from Alaska. In
1920 the commemorative service held on Independence Rock was sponsored by
Casper Lodge, No. 15. In 1930, Casper Lodge, No. 15, and Pathfinder Lodge, No.
42, were the sponsors. The Grand Lodge of Wyoming plans to sponsor the service
that will be held here on July 4, 1940.
Independence Rock, a
homely mass of granite, 'way out on the Great Plains, is known among the
Fraternity as Wyoming's Masonic shrine, and is looked upon by all Masons who
know its historical significance as God's Temple, that temple " not made with
hands." Located some fifty‑five miles southwest of Casper, it covers an area
of twenty‑five acres. At its southern extremity it rises 167 feet into the
air; at its northern extremity it towers 193 feet above the ground. Its cubic
contents are 1o1,8o6,ooo cubic feet. Cut into blocks 2 feet square and used to
erect a square building, having walls loo feet long, it would make a structure
24I2 miles high. The 4 walls would be solid, with no openings for doors or
windows.
FREEMASONRY IN
WYOMING 397 SOUTH PASS LODGE South Pass, the gateway between the Atlantic and
the Pacific, which holds so prominent a place in the history of the West, is
the most noted pass over the great Continental Divide. It was through this
pass that more than 300,000 emigrants travelled over the old Oregon Trail on
their way to the " Oregon Country " to build an empire. It was here, at the
crown of the Continental Divide, that the emigrants adopted that now famous
slogan: " Here Hails Oregon! " It was here, on July 4, 1836, that Dr. Marcus
Whitman, with the Bible in his left hand and the American flag in his right,
fell upon his knees, and in the name of God and of America took possession of
all this Western region as a home for American women and for the church of
Jesus Christ. It was here also that gold was first discovered in what is now
the State of Wyoming, and here that a city of Sooo people once flourished. And
it was here, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, that the second Masonic
Lodge in the Territory of Wyoming was organised.
Unfortunately, all
the details of the Organisation of this Lodge cannot now be obtained. Inasmuch
as they were enacted more than sixty‑five years ago by the daring pioneers of
a passing generation, men who had little time and still less inclination to
record their daily history, many of those details are enshrouded in the mists
of uncertainty. Only a very few of those pioneers survive, but they, now
stooped by their fourscore years and more, have left to the younger generation
a fairly authentic history of the Lodge, located on the crest of the
Continental Divide. The Organisation of this early Lodge was to be expected.
During the gold‑mining days there gathered in this region a motley group of
men from the four corners of the Continent. It was only natural that among
them were a number of members of the Masonic Fraternity and that those men
should " seek each other's welfare and happiness with their own," and in
consequence organise a Masonic Lodge.
The Organisation of
this Lodge was similar to that of any other Masonic Lodge, but the Lodge Room
and its furnishings were very different. Meetings were held in the upper part
of a two‑story log building on the north side of Norman Gulch Creek. Although
the room was not plastered, chinks between the logs were filled with mud to
keep out the wintry blasts. Within were to be found none of the luxuries and
comforts of the present‑day Lodge Room. Although the early Masonic Officers
were provided with chairs, the other members of the Lodge sat on homemade
benches. The Altar, Columns, and Pedestals were made from pine trees cut in
the near‑by mountain forests, sawed into lumber with whip‑saws, then hauled to
the mining‑camp. There, after being smoothed, matched, polished, and adjusted
by a carpenter, they were fashioned into furniture for the Lodge Room. Since
the membership of the Lodge was composed of Masons from many different States,
the Work was as heterogeneous as the membership, and so remained for a number
of years. Later, however, Ervin F. Cheney went to Omaha, travelling 400 miles
to Chadron, Nebraska, 398 FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING on horseback, and from there
to Omaha by train, where he had the Nebraska Work communicated to him " from
mouth to ear " by a well‑informed Brother. Upon his return he, in turn,
communicated the Work to the Brethren of his Lodge. In those early days cypher
Rituals were not used by the Wyoming Masons.
It is difficult for
us to conceive the true Masonic spirit of those pioneers who braved the perils
of travel in going to and from Lodge meetings. The country was infested by
hostile Indians, and the white people, unless travelling in groups, were in
constant danger of attack. Examples are cited, however, of the awe with which
some few of the redskins regarded the secret meetings of those faithful
followers of the teachings of the Square and Compasses. Joseph Faris, one of
the early Masons of South Pass City, who died recently at the age of
eighty‑six years, told the following story: He, with some companions, was on
his way to attend a Lodge meeting. After riding all day, the travellers
stopped at a spring on Twin Creek, some fifteen miles from South Pass City, to
rest and eat a cold lunch. Fearing that their presence might be discovered by
the Indians, they did not dare to light a fire for cooking. In a very short
time Faris noticed a light in the jack pines farther down the creek. Telling
his companions to remain on guard, he crawled forward to reconnoiter. Coming
within sight of the Indian camp, he saw a band of Indians on the opposite side
of the creek. Noting their trappings and paint, he judged them to be a war
party, so he started to retreat. At that moment, however, he was confronted by
one of the warriors. Although the Indian made no hostile move, Bro. Faris
began to wonder what form of torture he would be likely to have to suffer
before being put to death. But his fears were groundless, for almost
immediately the Indian recognised him as a member of the " Cross Finger "
group, as Masons were then called by the Indians. He made a sign not
understood by Faris, and with a grunt of satisfaction he turned and went back
towards the Indian camp. Without further delay Bro. Faris returned to his
companions, and all then hastily continued their journey. To their surprise
the Indians did not follow. Did the Indians know? Had they learned something
of the good done by our Brotherhood of Man? Did they know the thrill of some
kindred feeling? This incident was only one of many similar experiences of
those early Masons who sometimes travelled more than a hundred miles to meet
their Brethren on a common level.
In the fall of 1878
the mining industry in the South Pass region was on the decline. Many people
had left there and not a few had settled in Lander, then a fair‑sized village.
Considering these conditions, it was deemed advisable to transfer the Lodge
from South Pass City to Lander. In a few years South Pass City became a "
ghost town," its fate being similar to that of many another gold‑mining camp
in the West. But the Masonic Lodge organised there in 1869 still lives, and
the teachings of the small band of Masons in that miningcamp of early days
have reached far and wide. From the myriad Altar fires which have kindled
throughout the land, the light of Masonry brings cheer FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING
399 and happiness and hope to all who come within its helpful and hallowed
influence.
The building in which
the Masonic meetings were held in South Pass City has long since disappeared,
but a granite marker, erected by Wyoming Lodge, No. 2, of Lander, marks the
hallowed spot where it once stood. A bronze tablet cemented thereto
memorialises the sturdy pioneer Masons. On August 21, 1926, this memorial was
dedicated by Grand Master Frank S. Knittle, Grand Secretary Joseph M. Lowndes,
Grand Historian Alfred J. Mokler, and about thirty members of Wyoming Lodge,
No. 2. Among those present were two members who were Initiated into the Lodge
when it was located at South Pass City.
Wyoming Lodge, No.
28, was granted a Dispensation on November 24, 1869, by the Grand Lodge of
Nebraska, and it was Chartered on June 23, 1870. This was the only Masonic
Lodge in Wyoming ever granted a Dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Nebraska,
and it was also the second Lodge organised in the State. It is antedated only
by Cheyenne Lodge, No. 16, which received its Dispensation from the Grand
Lodge of Colorado on February 22, 1868, before the Territory of Wyoming was
created and while that region was still a part of Dakota Territory. When, on
December 15, 1874, the Masonic Grand Lodge of Wyoming was organised in Laramie
City, the Lodge at South Pass City became Wyoming Lodge, No. 2, and Cheyenne
Lodge, No. 16, became Wyoming Lodge, No. i.
THE GRAND LODGE Laden
with the blessings of the human race, and peace‑loving in its nature,
Freemasonry has pursued a forward course in Wyoming for more than sixty years
under the organisation of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, which was per
fected at Laramie City on December 15, 1874. The Masonic Lodges then in
existence in the Territory of Wyoming were Cheyenne Lodge, No. 16, Chartered
on October 6, 1868; Wyoming Lodge, No. 28, formerly South Pass City Lodge,
Chartered on June 23, 1870; Laramie Lodge, No. 18, Chartered on September 28,
1870; and Evanston Lodge, No. 24, Chartered on September 30, 1874. Present at
the organisation of the Grand Lodge were three Representatives from the
Cheyenne Lodge, one, by proxy, from the South Pass City Lodge, three from
Laramie Lodge, and one from Evanston Lodge. At that time these four Lodges,
which sent the small number of eight Representatives to organise their Grand
Lodge, had a constitutency of only 214 members. But, with Love as the keynote
of their teachings, Liberty the platform of their political doctrine, Charity
their fundamental principle, and the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of
Man the basic principle upon which the Order was founded, those eight Masons
kindled the Altar fires that have brought light, hope, and prosperity to more
than 8ooo happy and contended homes in the State of Wyoming.
The principles of
Freemasonry have ever guided the public affairs of the Territory of Wyoming,
as they still guide those of the State. It is the boast of Wyoming Masons, and
it is not an idle one, that the foundations of their 400 FREEMASONRY IN
WYOMING State were laid by Masons, that the organisation of the region as a
Territory was perfected by Masons, that their State Constitution was written
by Masons, and that the State's laws were enacted by and are administered by
men who are nearly all Masons. With just pride Masons can say that throughout
all the written laws of the Territory and State there has been no spark of
intolerance or persecution, that throughout all the years of the State's
history there has been no thought of oppression.
The Officers elected
and appointed at the first Grand Lodge Communication were: Grand Master, E. P.
Snow, of Cheyenne; Deputy Grand Master, J. E. Gates, of Laramie; Senior Grand
Warden, E. D. Addons, of Cheyenne; Junior Grand Warden, S. L. Mills, of
Laramie; Grand Treasurer, M. C. Brown, of Laramie; Grand Secretary, J. K.
Jeffrey, of Cheyenne; Senior Grand Deacon, A. J. Parshall, of Cheyenne; Junior
Grand Deacon, James McGibbon, of Laramie; Grand Tyler, T. D. Pearson, of
Laramie.
At the next Grand
Lodge Communication, held in 1875, the Grand Secretary reported that during
the year thirty‑three members had been Raised to the sublime Degree of Master
Mason, and that recognition had been extended to the Wyoming Grand Lodge by
the Grand Lodge of Colorado, of Iowa, of Massachusetts, of Minnesota, of New
York, of Nebraska, and of Texas.
At the Grand Lodge
Communication held in 1876, only ten Representatives were present. At this
Communication recognition was extended to the Grand Lodge of Dakota, which had
been organised on July 25, 1875. A Dis pensation was also issued for the
formation of another Lodge in Wyoming, Rawlins Lodge, No. 5, at Rawlins. Mount
Moriah Lodge, at Green River, was the sixth Lodge within the Territory, its
Dispensation being granted in 1883. Later, in 1885, another Dispensation was
issued to Anchor Lodge, No. 7, at Buffalo. By then the membership had
increased from 214 to 472. With each succeeding year, excepting only 1897,
there has been an increase in membership. In 1897, however, there was a
decrease of 12. Now there are 49 Chartered Lodges in Wyoming, having a total
membership of approximately 85oo.
Wyoming is a State of
magnificent distances. It covers 97,548 square miles, an area equal to that of
the States of New York and Pennsylvania. In 1908 the Grand Master in his
Official visits to Subordinate Lodges throughout the Grand jurisdiction
travelled 3500 miles, 468 of which were by stagecoach. This journey made him
realise the size and extent of the jurisdiction, and also gave him first‑hand
information regarding the territory included in the jurisdictions of the local
Lodges, some of whose members often travel as much as 75 miles to attend a
Lodge meeting.
At the time of his
Official visit the territory coming under the jurisdiction of Wyoming Lodge,
No. 2, at Lander, was 140 miles away from Casper, the nearest Lodge to the
east; 130 miles from the western border of the State; and loo miles from Green
River, the nearest Lodge to the south. Its jurisdiction, including 12,ooo
square miles, was 3ooo square miles larger than the State of New Hampshire;
2870 square miles larger than the State of Vermont; 4000 FREEMASONRY IN
WYOMING 401 square miles larger than the State of Massachusetts; i i,ooo
square miles larger than the State of Rhode Island; and io,ooo square miles
larger than the State of Delaware. It was, in fact, as large as the States of
Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut combined, with one‑half of New Jersey
included. At that time Mount Moriah Lodge alone had a jurisdiction as large as
the State of Massachusetts, and was itself as large as the States of Delaware,
Rhode Island, and Connecticut combined. Even Encampment, the Lodge having
under its jurisdiction the smallest area of any Lodge in the State, contained
more square miles than the whole State of Rhode Island. What the area was of
the jurisdiction of some of the Subordinate Lodges at the time when the Grand
Lodge was organised in 1874, when there were only 4 Lodges in the entire
Territory of Wyoming, it would be difficult to estimate, but it is safe to say
that those jurisdictions covered fully five times the area that they did in
19o8 when there were 26 Chartered Lodges in the State.
Considering that the
Grand Lodge of Masons in Wyoming was organised over sixty years ago, with a
constituency of only 4 Lodges, representing in all 214 members, and that
to‑day the constituency of 49 Chartered Lodges represents a membership of 85oo
members, and considering the many illustrious men who have served as Officers
of the Lodge, many of whom have held, and many more who now hold, eminent
positions in various walks of life, the Masons of Wyoming have a proud Record
indeed. The great number of admirable Officers, upon whose services they may
depend in the future, and the standing of the membership throughout the State,
make it certain that we may expect to complete the first century of the Grand
Lodge with an even greater measure of accomplishment and prosperity than have
been experienced during the first sixty years of its existence.
With only four
exceptions, the Presiding Officer of the Wyoming Grand Lodge has changed each
year. During the past forty‑seven years there have been forty‑seven different
Grand Masters. This procedure is based, to some extent, on the theory that
every Mason competent to serve as Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, or
junior Grand Warden, is also qualified to assume the grave responsibilities of
Grand Master. Perhaps, more important, however, is the theory that the Office
is one of honour, and that he who has once been Installed can receive no
additional honour by subsequent re‑election, and further, that those who have
served faithfully and well in minor Offices are entitled to advancement. The
plan has worked well, and the Grand Lodge has been fortunate in its selection
of a long line of able, zealous, and learned men to fill the chief Office
within its gift.
Following is a list
of the Past Grand Masters of Wyoming: Edgar P. Snow, Fred E. Addoms, Orlando
North, James H. Hayford, Frank M. Foote, Robert Wilson, John K. Jeffrey, Ervin
F. Cheney, Joseph B. Adams, Nathaniel R. Davis, William Daley, LeRoy S.
Barnes, Emile A. Abry, Perry L. Smith, John C. Davis, Edward F. Stahl, Jethro
T. Holliday, Fenimore Chatterton, DeForest Richards, E. P. Rohrbaugh, J. M.
Rumsey, Jr., E. P. Bowman, 402 FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING Charles H. Townsend,
Samuel Corson, C. N. Potter, T. S. Taliaferro, Jr., Frank A. Luckfield, M. R.
Johnston, P. S. Cook, F. S. King, M. P. Wheeler, B. H. Sage, Hugh Hynds,
Harold Banner, William Pugh, Fred C. Barnett, J. J. Jewett, W. H. Dickinson,
Herbert J. King, T. Blake Kennedy, G. E. Brimmer, Arthur K. Lee, William O.
Wilson, Frank A. Holliday, William A. Riner, J. W. Stuchell, J. I. Kirby,
Frank S. Knittle, O. O. Natwick, M. A. Kline, Guy J. Gay, Robert H. Hopkins,
Elwood Anderson, Lewis J. Holliday, Fred S. Fobes, Charles C. Mitchell, and
John Stansbury.
During the past sixty
years there have been only six Grand Secretaries. Of those Bro. William L.
Kuykendall served twenty‑eight years, from 1886 to 1914, and Bro. Joseph M.
Lowndes, the present incumbent, has served for over twenty years.
Of the seven Grand
Treasurers, Melville C. Brown, the first, served one year. During the
twenty‑four years from 1889 to 192‑2, our beloved Brother, William Daley,
filled the Office, until he was called to his long home. He was succeeded by
Bro. William W. Daley, who has since served acceptably. All other Officers of
the Grand Lodge, with the two exceptions of Grand Librarian and Grand
Historian, if found worthy, are advanced each year. Since the Offices of Grand
Librarian and the Grand Historian were created, they have been held by the
present incumbents.
In all works of
charity and fraternal benevolence the Grand Lodge of Wyoming has always been
prominent. Upon all occasions of public calamity, it has freely and cheerfully
responded. During the Great War its contributions were made without boast, and
the thousands of Masons who exchanged the comforts and endearments of home for
the perils and vicissitudes of war made a record to be respected and honoured.
Some of them made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield, and their memory
is fondly cherished by their Brethren. To the aged and indigent of its own
household, the Grand Lodge has always given with an open hand, and scarcely a
Session has passed that has not witnessed some manifestation of its
philanthropic endeavour.
The acts of
beneficence performed by the Masonry of Wyoming are done without ostentation.
The good that it does is done quietly. Its deeds of charity are usually
bestowed upon those who are in need, without their ever discover ing the
source of relief. The sick are attended, the dead buried; the widows are
assisted, orphans are supported and educated; weary Brethren are cheered by
kind words prompted by sympathetic hearts.
In 1907 the Grand
Lodge appropriated a sum of $5oo to be set aside for the founding of a special
fund to be known as the Masonic Home Fund. To increase this fund each
Subordinate Lodge in the State was annually assessed 5o cents per capita.
Within five years after its founding, the fund had grown to more
than'~$1z,ooo. In 1913 the first money was expended for the relief of
dependent Brethren and their families, the amount spent being $945. Then, in
1914, at the Grand Lodge Communication it was deemed that the best and most
satisfactory way to dispense Masonic charity was through the various
Subordinate FREEMASONRY IN WYOMING 403 Lodges, which receive from the Grand
Lodge such outside assistance as may be needed. It was also decided to be
inexpedient and unwise for the Grand Lodge to establish a Masonic Home. In
explaining this decision it was declared: " A Masonic Home is a good
advertisement for a Grand Lodge, but let us not proclaim our charity from the
housetops. If a Brother needs assistance, let us give it to him open‑handedly
and generously, but with as little publicity as possible." It was further
decided that two funds should be created, one to be known as the temporary
fund, and the other as the permanent fund. The former, established with the
sum of $1,445, was to be used in the care of dependent Brethren and their
families; the latter, with an initial sum of $1o,ooo was to be lent at
interest with good security. Twenty years after the establishment of these
funds, they grew to approximately $75,ooo and had already dispensed no less
than $50,000 for the care of dependent Brethren and their families.
Looking back upon
over sixty years of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming, and considering what wonderful
results have been attained by it, recognising the triumphs of the men who have
conducted the affairs of Masonry and made it the outstanding organisation for
good in the State, it may be truthfully said that the Masons of Wyoming "
builded better than they knew," and that 11 their works have followed them."
403 THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL TEMPLE LOUIS A. WATRES THROUGHOUT the ages,
knowledge of the achievement of great leaders has brought hope and inspiration
to all‑inspiration to live splendidly, to become nobler creatures. To most men
such spiritual influence is more desirable than is material aid. Appreciating
its value, most men have therefore always sought to profit from it. Today, as
during the Middle Ages, men turn to the memory of great heroes for spiritual
direction. In learning more about their lives and their work, we naturally
seek to bring these facts to the attention of others and with them to share
the good we ourselves have derived.
With this in mind,
the three and a half million Masons in the United States have erected at
Alexandria, Virginia, a Memorial Temple to George Washington, man and Mason.
Of course there have long been many monuments to Washington both in this
country and abroad. Some of them memorialise him as America's distinguished
first President, others honour him as a great general and illustrious
statesman. But the Memorial Temple at Alexandria, Virginia, differs from all
those. It honours Washington as a man and as a Mason. For who is more
appropriate than Washington to be chosen as an example that will throughout
all the coming years instill in us both hope and inspiration? For more than a
century it has been in the hearts of Freemasons to erect a suitable monument
to Washington. The story of the monument which they have finally erected at
Alexandria is a story of successful effort, for the Masons of to day have only
accomplished what the Masons of past years longed to do. The cherished desire
of their hearts has at last been realised.
To the Grand Lodge of
New Hampshire we are indebted for many interesting data regarding the
sentiment of the Masons in this matter as much as a century ago. From its
archives have come many of the following interesting facts.
From that source we
learn for example that in 1824. at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge
of New Hampshire, Harrison Gray, a Past Grand Master of that splendid
jurisdiction, presented the following motion That a Committee of five be
appointed to take into consideration the expediency of erecting a monument at
Mount Vernon over the remains, and to the memory of our late distinguished
Brother, George Washington, first Presi dent of the United States, and the
propriety of inviting the Grand Lodges of the several States in the Union to
assist in the same. This led to the appointment 404 THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
TEMPLE 407 of the Committee which in turn recommended the passage of the
following resolution Resolved. That the sum of two hundred dollars be
appropriated for the object referred to from the funds of the Grand Lodge of
New Hampshire.
It also resolved that
the M.‑.W.‑.Grand Master of this Grand Lodge be authorised and requested to
open a correspondence with the Grand Lodges of the several States on this
subject, and solicit the co‑operation and exertions of Masonic Brethren
throughout the United States, in that undertaking.
This resolution was
unanimously adopted.
In the following
year, I82S, the Grand Master reported that he had "communicated with the other
Grand Lodges and that the movement was deservedly popular; that it showed a
coincidence of sentiment and feeling; that it was gratifying to learn that
nearly at the same period of time a similar proposition was made to the Grand
Lodge of a distant sister State, Mississippi, probably without any knowledge
of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, to which justly belongs the honour of
priority." A reference to the proceedings of the Communication of the New
Hampshire Grand Lodge of I82S shows that " the Grand Lodges of Maine, New
York, Ohio, North Carolina, and Mississippi have adopted resolutions highly ap
proving the design and appropriating liberal sums towards its accomplishment.
" Through the further courtesy of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire we are
permitted to print here the following letter from the Honourable Thomas
Whipple, Jr., M.C., to the Honourable Bushrod Washington. This letter
indicates the keenness of the general interest in the movement at that time.
Washington, D. C.
Hon. Bushrod
Washington March 2, 182.5 Sir: The several Grand Lodges of New Hampshire, New
York, North Carolina, and, I believe, some others, have appropriated funds for
the purpose of erecting at Mount Vernon a monument to the memory of their
distinguished friend and brother the late General Washington. I wish, Sir, to
be enabled to communicate to the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire your views of
the propriety of the undertaking and whether its execution would be agreeable
to the feelings and would meet the approbation of the more immediate relatives
of this illustrious man.
It is unnecessary for
me to say that the Masonic Brotherhood would feel highly gratified if they
might be permitted to be the instrument in performing so pleasing a duty.
Be pleased, Sir, to
accept the assurance of my high respect and esteem.
(signed) THOMAS
WHIPPLE, JR.
The replies which
were received from the several Grand Lodges in response to this letter
indicated a strong desire on the part of the Masons of the q.o8 THE WASHINGTON
MEMORIAL TEMPLE United States even at that early date to express their esteem
and affection for him whom they were glad to call a Brother Master Mason.
In a report of the
Grand Lodge of New Hampshire in 182‑7 the Grand Lodge of Maine said: " It is
highly desirable that the Fraternity should persevere in their project for
erecting a monument at Mount Vernon, and although it may require the
unremitting efforts of several years to accomplish it, yet it is believed that
it will eventually be effected in a manner highly honourable to the Craft. " A
favourable resolution was also passed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,
saying, " Resolved, that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania most cordially
concurs in the propriety of erecting a monument at Mount Vernon." Although the
Grand Lodge of Virginia did not have sufficient funds to make a suitable
contribution at the time, it recommended that each subscriber contribute and
expressed a desire to know what the Grand Lodges of Maine, New Hampshire, New
York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Maryland would
contribute. In an effort to advance the project the Grand Lodge of Maryland
issued a circular letter asking for contributions. Although only two Lodges
answered favourably each of those stated that it would cheerfully contribute $loo.
Two other Maryland Lodges replied that " owing to the depressed state of our
funds we cannot contribute anything . . . yet, upon a more mature reflection,
we cannot but highly approve the original design." From the Grand Lodge of
Alabama also came a favourable reply, telling that it had passed the following
splendid resolution: " Resolved, that this Grand Lodge, on behalf of the
Ancient Freemasons of Alabama, with profound sensi bility concurs in the
design at once so laudable and so suitable to evince those feelings
unanimously prevailing in the Masonic family . . . and cherishing to
perpetuation the spotless glory of Washington." To give more material proof of
its approval, the Grand Lodge of Alabama then appropriated a sum of $2‑00 to
be paid towards the fund. The Grand Lodge of Connecticut appropriated the sum
of $Soo and heartily approved the project, while that of the District of
Columbia gave its most cordial verbal support. Like that of Virginia, the
Grand Lodge of Indiana recommended to its member Lodges that a subscription "
not exceeding the sum of $1 for each subscriber " should be made. The Grand
Lodges of Kentucky and of Louisiana also resolved to co‑operate in making the
movement a success. The Grand Body of Massachusetts " reported progress " and
was given " leave to sit again." Mississippi also concurred and contributed
the sum of $loo for its share in meeting the expenses of the undertaking.
Missouri, too, recommended contributions for " an object so laudable and
important." The Grand Lodge of New Jersey expressed the hope " that it might
cheerfully unite in so laudable an undertaking, and thereby assist in handing
down to the latest posterity the many virtues that adorn the mind of our
illustrious Brother, the great and good Washington." The Grand Lodge of New
York contributed $iooo upon condition that certain other contributions also be
made, r THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL TEMPLE 409 while the Grand Lodges of Ohio,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and of Tennessee expressed their approval of the
proposed project. From the Grand Lodge of Tennessee came the apt observation
that Washington was " not only the pride of our Nation and the Father of his
Country, but an ornament to human nature and a brilliant luminary in the
galaxy of our Order." It must be remembered that one hundred years ago this
country was much more sparsely settled than it is now, and that raising money
for such an undertaking was much more difficult than it would be to‑day. In
those days roads and other transportation facilities were inadequate, there
was no telegraph and mail service was in its infancy. No successful airplane
had yet been conceived, and the radio was still undreamed of. And, of course,
the membership of all our Masonic Lodges was as yet very small. Consequently,
although Grand Lodges and Masons generally were eager to contribute generously
to the fund, they found it extremely difficult to do so. It is small wonder,
then, that the proposal seemed so difficult to realise at that time.
But the desire to
erect a fitting monument to George Washington survived, and in 1911 the spirit
which had stirred the hearts of the Masons in the early nineteenth century
again manifested itself. Through the initiative of Charles H. Callahan, then a
Past Master of Alexandria‑Washington Lodge, No. 22, and later Grand Master of
Masons in Virginia, a meeting of distinguished Masons was again called to meet
at Alexandria and to consider the erection of a memorial to George Washington.
In the old Lodge Room
at Alexandria‑Washington Lodge, No. 22, where were treasured many objects of
deepest interest not only to Masons but also to those interested in the early
history of this country, the Brethren assembled, inspired by a love of country
and a deep affection for the great man and Mason whom they desired to honour.
They formed an organisation which they called the George Washington Masonic
National Memorial Association. Its Charter, held under the laws of Virginia,
is perpetual. As is proper, the title to the Temple belongs to the forty‑nine
Masonic Grand Lodges of the United States. These Grand Lodges are the Active
Members of the Association, and in ultimately resolving all questions they
have complete control over it.
William B. McChesney,
Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, presided over the preliminary meeting.
When the organisation was finally perfected, Thomas Shryock, who for
thirty‑four years had served as Grand Master of Ma sons in Maryland, was
chosen President. The Minutes show that the memorial they proposed to erect
was intended, among other things, to serve as a treasure house where they
might " preserve and safely keep the Masonic relics of Washington," at that
time preserved in Alexandria‑Washington Lodge, No. 22. They also show that the
proposed structure was to be erected at a cost of $1oo,ooo. Masons generally
felt that if they were to erect a memorial temple to George Washington it
should be one commensurate with the dignity and resources of the Masonic
Fraternity, one that should fully reflect the affection of the Fraternity for
George Washington, the man and the Mason.
410 THE WASHINGTON
MEMORIAL TEMPLE The forty‑nine Grand jurisdictions were organised into
divisions, and State chairmen were appointed for the purpose of overseeing the
provision of the required funds. An advisory board was also organised, having
the late John Wanamaker as Chairman. At his death, Frank O. Lowden, former
governor of Illinois was elected to fill the vacancy. At present he continues
to serve as chairman of that board. This done, the Brethren were throughout
the country advised then of the purpose of the Association. As a result the
various Jurisdictions responded with liberal contributions.
As the plans for the
memorial were discussed from time to time, the vision of the Brethren enlarged
and they came to see the deep significance of the movement. With the growth of
vision, the estimated cost of the enterprise grew in proportion. The plans
which had been first submitted provided for a Temple costing approximately
$700,000, to be erected upon a plot of ground consisting of some two acres,
the land having been donated by the Masons in Alexandria. But as interest grew
and as the plans for the Temple became more pretentious, the Association
pointed out that two acres of land would be insufficient upon which to erect
so important a structure. Immediate steps were, therefore, taken to acquire
additional adjacent land. This led to the acquisition of thirty‑five more
acres.
The more the movement
was contemplated and the better its far‑reaching purpose was understood, the
more keenly the Masons gained the " broad horizon's grander view." Quite
naturally this resulted in liberal material assistance. Although there was at
no time any " drive " for funds, there has been paid into the treasury,
through the organisation that was effected, more than three and a half million
dollars, nearly all of which has been expended in the purchase of land in
landscaping and in erecting a suitable structure.
It should here be
noted that one of the outstanding rules of the Association has been, and will
continue to be, that no obligation shall be incurred by any Lodge until it
first has the needed money in its treasury. There is no in debtedness, and
there will be none. The Masonic spirit which has thus far been manifested in
the mighty movement will no doubt provide whatever money the need calls for.
By February 1922, the
building fund amounted to $639,500. It was thereupon resolved to proceed with
the work. Bro. Harvey Wiley Corbett, of the firm of Corbett, Harrison, and
MacMurray, designed the Temple. He has said that " the conception as ,a whole
was inspired by the Zikkurat towers of antiquity, erected near the harbours of
the Mediterranean Sea to light the mariners home." He also added, " Our
thought is that the Masonic Fraternity, of the spirit of which Bro. George
Washington was so ideal an embodiment, is in itself a shining beacon of
character and citizenship, the light of which will shine into every corner of
the land." The consulting architects were Osgood and Osgood, of Grand Rapids,
Michigan, while Olmstead Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts, were the
landscape architects. The landscaping was done under the immediate supervision
of Bro. Carl Rust Parker of that firm. The contractor THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
TEMPLE was the Cranford Company, of Washington, District of Columbia, over
which Bro. Percy Cranford was the immediate supervisor and director in this
case. On June 5, 1922, at high noon, ground was broken on Shooters Hill, an
extension of Arlington Ridge. Then, on November 1, 1923, the corner‑stone, an
immense block of solid granite weighing four tons, was laid with imposing
ceremony. This event assumed not only a national, but also an international
aspect. President and Mrs. Coolidge were in attendance as were also Chief
Justice and Mrs. Taft. From Arthur, Duke of Connaught, Grand Master of the
United Lodge of England, came cordial greetings. Canada, Cuba, and
Saskatchewan each sent Representatives as did also Ireland, Scotland, Nova
Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The United States battleship Richmond was
anchored at the foot of Duke Street.
Salutes were fired,
while many government aircraft soared above the site. President Coolidge and
Chief Justice Taft joined with the Grand Masters present in spreading cement
on the corner‑stone, and in doing so they used a replica of the trowel which
George Washington had used when he laid the corner‑stone of the National
Capitol on September 18, 1793 Since Holy Writ itself goes into great detail in
recounting the building of many edifices reared in the early days of man's
history, and notably in its account of King Solomon's Temple, which figures so
largely in the annals of primitive Freemasonry, so, too, we have not deemed it
amiss to present here some data regarding the size of the Washington Memorial
Temple and the materials used in its Temple construction. The following
materials were used Of cement there were 42,211 barrels, or 8453 tons; of
sand, 15,992 tons; of gravel, 37,179 tons; of reinforced steel, 15 io tons; of
roofing material, 480 tons; of granite, 10,877 tons; or a total of 74,491 tons
of various building materials. To move this material 19oo freight cars were
required, a train approximately twenty miles long. Before building could be
begun 33,000 tons of earth had to be removed from the site; preliminary
construction work alone required a quarter million feet of lumber and 25 tons
of nails.
The Temple is
approached by seven terraces. East and west, the structure has an over‑all
longitudinal dimension of 240 feet and its width is 168 feet. The tip of the
tower rises 333 feet above the ground, 440 feet above sea‑level.
The granite came from
the quarries of the Maine and New Hampshire Granite Corporation, of Red Stone,
New Hampshire. The exterior walls are of Conway pink granite, a rock of
notable strength and unusual weathering qualities. It is interesting to know
that there is no structural steel in the Temple. It is solely of Masonry
construction throughout, a very unusual thing nowadays.
The entrance to the
Temple is a portico dignified by six Doric columns each measuring 33 feet
high, nearly 6 in diameter at the base and weighing 63 tons. These 6 columns
have been selected as memorials by the following Grand Lodges of the States of
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana and California. From
the portico one passes into the great atrium which comprises the central room
of the structure and forms a Memorial Hall, 412‑ THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
TEMPLE in which a heroic statue of Washington will be set. The central hall is
zoo feet long and 70 feet wide. Within it, and supporting the weight of the
tower, are 8 polished columns of green Conway granite, each of which has a
circumference of about 17 feet and a height of 39 feet.
To‑day more than
3,000,000 Masons in the United States are proud of their opportunity to
express in its memorial the homage mankind owes to that great man who led us
in our struggle for liberty. The spirit of George Washington, now the spirit
of these millions of Masons, has here found fitting expression. The
long‑preserved relics of Washington and his Lodge have here found a fitting
resting‑place. One of the rooms on the second floor of the Temple is a replica
of the old Alexandria‑Washington Lodge room. In it are kept the valuable
collection of Masonic and personal effects of George Washington which are now
owned by Alexandria‑Washington Lodge, No. 22. The Chair which Washington
occupied when Grand Master, the Masonic Apron he wore, the Masonic implements
he used and other relics of early Freemasonry all may be found here.
In addition to
Memorial Hall, there is an auditorium at the west side part of the Temple, on
the second floor. This great room is capable of seating i2oo persons.
Executive and administrative offices of suitable size for the Association's
use have also been arranged.
The Temple is
designed to become a centre of Masonic information for the civilised world.
Its library has been so planned that it will be of international as well as
national interest. The nucleus of this Masonic Library has already been
donated by Mrs. Florence M. Lemert, of Helena, Montana, and consists of the
valuable collection of her deceased husband's brother, R. J. Lemert,
Thirty‑third Degree, a Masonic author of distinction. On the ninth floor of
the Temple is a set of Deagan chimes which were presented to the Association
by the Hon. Louis Arthur Watres, Thirty‑third Degree, former
lieutenantgovernor of Pennsylvania and Past Grand Master of Masons in that
State. In the erection of the Temple, the miracle of the human spirit joined
with the miracle of human genius. From their union was born the masterpiece of
our Temple with its polished pillars and wrought capitals, its huge columns of
agate green and mottled black. The ideals of George Washington, perpetuated
through a hundred years of Masonry, have inspired craftsmen, sculptors,
masterbuilders and architects. The granite rose from its ancient rest within
the hills of New Hampshire to embody the century‑old hope of the Grand Lodge
of that Commonwealth.
George Washington's
spirit lives not only for Masons: They invite the world also to share it with
them. With its own eyes the world may look down from Shooters Hill and see
what the keen grey eyes of George Washington saw. Only his footsteps are
still. The countryside stretching out in full view below the Temple at
Alexandria is filled with the interest of his living days. To the east an
undulating plain stretches back from the highlands which surround the Falls of
the Potomac above the city of Washington and extend to the bend of the river
six miles below Alexandria. There it turns to the west and flows THE
WASHINGTON MEMORIAL TEMPLE 413 seaward, bordering the shores of Mount Vernon
farms in its course. For twelve miles the Potomac winds its way through this
lowland in sight of the Temple. Over the plains through which it flows are
scattered many hamlets and villages, among them the Colonial city of
Alexandria. Easily visible from the river is the building in which is still
housed the Masonic Lodge whose first Worshipful Master George Washington was.
Godsby's Tavern, now known as the City Hotel, which on two occasions was
Washington's headquarters and in which was held the first celebration of his
birthday in 1798, may still be seen.
The Temple stands in
the midst of many historic spots eloquent with memories of Washington‑places
that are essentially the same as when he was associated with them. It is
located in the very city of Alexandria itself, the city that he loved and
served. Nearby is old Christ Church, where he worshipped. Nearby is where he
recruited his first military unit, the unit that became part of General
Braddock's army. Nearby, too, is the placid Potomac in which he delighted. All
about are treasured associations of his energetic manhood. The beauty,
symmetry, and splendour of our classic Temple are symbolic of that Washington
whose spirit still lives. It stands there to be interpreted by a world to
which it signifies the stability, indestructibility, and permanence of the
Fraternitv which erected it.
The temple is not
only a memorial to George Washington and to his personal associations, but it
is also an acknowledgment of the fact that the ideals which made him a great
man and a great Mason still live. That those same ideals now motivate millions
of Americans and that they will continue to do so throughout years to come.
It was a thought dear
to Washington's heart that the nation which was to grow up about his beloved
home should embody the principles of equality and tolerance in its fundamental
law. The very laying of the stones of the Temple has been made possible
because those principles guided its builders and all who contributed to it.
Those great blocks of granite would not now be builded into an edifice of
beauty, but would instead be still lying beneath the mountains of New
Hampshire had not Washington instilled into his people a spirit powerful
enough to unearth the granite of their land and fashion it into a splendid
tower of strength which seen by the eyes of the world makes men to understand
the secret of George Washington's greatness.
Nothing in the man
Washington could have made him what he was other than his own high ideals.
Upon that inspiring point on Shooters Hill which is now the site of our
magnificent Temple, he recognised the moral foundation that must be laid in
order to create a great nation. As he stood looking over the Valley of the
Potomac, in full view of Gunston Hall, the estate of his friend George Mason,
he seems to have been moved by a sense of the spiritual uncommon to men. It
was this alone which could have created that splendid individual known to his
fellows as George Washington. The spirit that motivated Washington has never
died. It still lives. Stirred from their ancient slumber by that same spirit
the very stones of this Temple stand cemented in 414 THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL
TEMPLE an edifice at once symbolic of the man it memorialises and of the unity
of that Fraternity whose distinguished leader he was. The Washington Memorial
Temple has already proved its power to unite the Masons of the United States
as nothing else has ever done before.
The spirit with which
Washington met his country's need many years ago, the spirit which motivated
his life of service came again to the mind and heart of a troubled world in
1932‑. Doubtless that caused many of us more seriously than ever before to
contemplate the life of Washington and to appreciate all the high and enduring
ideals for which he stood‑justice, liberty, tolerance, and an orderly stable
and constitutional government. It is the earnest hope of American Masons that
their Temple may help the world to understand, knowing that it is only the
soul of men that envisages the spiritual temple.
The Temple at
Alexandria will be an abiding place of the spirit of Freemasonry which time
cannot efface. As this glorious Temple, which fronts the dawn on the axis of
King Street in the historic city of Alexandria, welcomes the morning, it
counts to each day to be another opportunity for noble deeds. It will enkindle
new ardour for our beloved country. Lifting its colossal tower heavenward,
this national memorial proclaims its spiritual significance from its
foundation to its very dome. The sublime faith of Freemasonry in the
Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man, and the Immortality of the Soul
will be echoed through the centuries. The pilgrim who in years to come may
observe the simple, massive beauty of our Temple will go on his way inspired
and from then on strive to lead a better life. This Temple, built as it is of
enduring material, will stand throughout the ages. It will carry the message
of human brotherhood to generations yet unborn and to those to whom we may
some day be only an ancient race. It will perpetuate the attributes of
self‑denial, patriotism, love of country and one's fellows which were typified
in the life and work of the Great Mason, the Master Builder of our
Nation‑George Washington.
AMERICAN MILITARY
LODGES R. L. QUEISSER V1 M ASONRY, in all ages, has been the instrument that
has drawn men together in times of difficulty and danger. What is more natural
than in time of war that men should seek the closest possible companionship?
Apparently nothing has lent itself more generally to that Brotherly
relationship than the Masonic Order with its strong bond of love and esteem.
Therefore, from this natural impulse was born the willingness to grant the
Warrants sanctioning the organisation of Military Lodges in time of war. The
organisation of these Military Lodges made possible the close association, one
with the other, of those already Initiated into the Craft and permitted
further the Initiation of those found worthy to be given the Degrees.
Surrounded by death and carnage which tried men's souls, they found great
solace in the teachings of the Ancient Craft.
Unquestionably, it
can be truthfully said that Masonry of the present day owes a deep debt of
gratitude to the Masons of the Revolutionary period for the virile solidarity
of the things which they builded and which are a tower of strength guiding us
in the present day.
History confirms that
during the American Revolution Masonry played a most important part. It is a
matter of record that the majority of General Washington's staff and a greater
part of the general officers of the Continental Army were members of the
Craft. It is said General Lafayette often remarked that General Washington
never gave him his full confidence until after he had been made a Mason.
Tradition has it (and it is fairly well substantiated) that General Lafayette
was Raised in Army Lodge, No. I9, at Morristown, New Jersey, in December 1779,
and that the Lodge furniture, jewels and Apron used on that occasion were
loaned by St. John's Lodge, No. r of Newark, New Jersey, and that General
Washington himself presided in the East.
No doubt through this
close relationship with his officers General Washington was able to accomplish
much more because of his faith in their character, this fraternal bond giving
him the most implicit trust in their integrity.
Previous to the
American Revolution many of the regiments of the British Army possessed their
own Travelling Lodges. In the year 1769 three of these Regimental Lodges
joined with the Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston in founding the Massachusetts
Grand Lodge.
Joseph Warren, Esq.,
was Installed the first Grand Master under a Warrant issued by the Grand Lodge
of Scotland. It may be of interest to learn that Bro. Warren was Initiated in
the Lodge of St. Andrew September io, 1761, he 415 416 AMERICAN MILITARY
LODGES being at that time but two months past his twentieth birthday. With the
organisation of this Grand Lodge, the Massachusetts Colony had two Grand
Lodges, both unquestionably regular. This continued until 1792, when they were
harmoniously merged.
The method and system
of these British Army Lodges appealed to the Colonial Masonic Brothers, and
they were not long in adopting the British plan and developing their own
Lodges in the Colonial Army. It is a matter of record that there were ten
Military Lodges that were granted Warrants from the various Colonial Grand
Lodges. The best known of these Military Lodges and of which Masonic history
is clear, are the following six Lodges St. John's Regimental Lodge, Warranted
by the Provisional Grand Lodge of New York, 1775.
American Union Lodge,
Warranted by the St. John's Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, 1776, with Joel
Clark as Master.
Washington Lodge,
Warranted by the (St. Andrews) Massachusetts Grand Lodge (Ancients) in 1779,
located at West Point.
Military Lodge, No.
19, Warranted by the Provisional Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, May 1779.
Army Lodge, No. Zo in
the North Carolina Line, was Warranted in 1779 by the Provincial Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania.
Army Lodge, No. 27 in
the Maryland Line, also received its Warrant from the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge
in 178o.
In connection with
the organisation of American Union Lodge it is recorded that on February 13,
1776, a preliminary meeting was held at Roxboro, Massachusetts, by members of
the Craft and they decided to Petition St. John's Grand Lodge of which R.'.
W.‑. Bro. John Rowe was Grand Master, for a Warrant to open a Military Lodge
to be attached to a Connecticut Regiment of the Line. This Petition was
granted and the first meeting held February 16, 1776. Many members of this
Military Lodge distinguished themselves in both Masonic and civil life.
Captain William Judd was elected Grand Master of Connecticut in May 1791,
serving seven years. Colonel Samuel Wyllys served as Secretary of State of
Connecticut and as Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. William Howe became
a distinguished major‑general in the War of 1812 and the first Territorial
governor of Michigan. General Samuel Holden Parsons, the second Master of the
Lodge, was one of the organisers of the Ohio Company which founded Marietta,
Ohio, and also of the Western Reserve Company which founded the city of
Cleveland.
Without question
American Union Lodge was the most outstanding of all the Army Lodges. Not only
was it the first Lodge Warranted, but it has been in almost continuous
existence up to the present day, and it now carries on at Marietta, Ohio, as
American Union Lodge, No. 1 of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. In the Membership Roll
of American Union Lodge appear the names of some of the great leaders of the
Revolution. The most distinguished member was AMERICAN MILITARY LODGES 417
unquestionably General Rufus Putnam, who was later the father of Masonry west
of the Alleghenies and was the first to be elected (in 1808) to the high
office of Grand Master of Masons of Ohio.
It is not to be
wondered that the Colonials of those days were triumphant, when one reads the
illustrious names of the gallant heroes who achieved immortal fame in the
annals of American history, nearly all of whom were Ma sonic Brothers and many
of them coming into fellowship with the Craft through the Army Lodges.
In this list of
patriots are found the names of Joseph Warren who fell at Bunker Hill; Ethan
Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga; old Israel Putnam, that soldier of the Indian
Wars who left his plow in the fields of Pomfret and hastened to Cambridge to
offer his sword in freedom's cause; Colonel Rufus Putnam, chief engineer
officer of the American Army and the father of Masonry in Ohio; Colonel Henry
Knox, the Boston bookseller who became the chief artillery expert of his time;
Nathan Hale, the patriot spy who regretted that he had but one life to give
for his country; General Hugh Mercer, Master of the Fredericksburg Lodge, who
was killed leading the American troops at the Battle of Princeton; John Paul
Jones, the father of the American Navy; David Wooster Marion, the pride of the
Southland; Mad Anthony Wayne, Paul Revere, Peyton Randolph, Alexander
Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Lighthorse Harry Lee, Nathaniel Green, Roger
Sherman, John Hancock and Abram Whipple, a naval officer.
The struggle for
liberty in the New World was aided by many European military leaders, some of
whom also became Masons in the Military Lodges. Notably among them were the
Marquis de Lafayette, the youthful Frenchman whose dynamic personality was a
potent factor in the Revolution; Baron Von Steuben, that military genius who
brought order out of chaos in Washington's Army; Count Casimir Pulaski, who
came from his native Poland; Baron de Kalb from Bavaria, and Kosciusko, the
eminent military engineer.
Of the other Military
Lodges and their activities there is comparatively little known; Records were
undoubtedly lost or destroyed, leaving but an unreliable history of their
accomplishments.
WAR OF 1812 AND
MEXICAN WAR Very little accurate information is available in relation to
Military Lodges in both the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. It is reported
that in 1814 a request was made of the Grand Lodge of New York for a "
Marching Warrant," but no Record is obtainable as to whether this was granted
or refused. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, however, authorised a Military
Lodge in 1814, " to be held wherever the Master for the time being should be
stationed in the United States." Very recently complete Records were said to
have been discovered of a Military Lodge of the War of 1812, hitherto unknown,
but details are lacking.
418 AMERICAN MILITARY
LODGES Just how many Field Lodges accompanied the American Army during the
Mexican War is not a clear matter of Record, but time may still uncover the
necessary Records for history.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD
During the four years of the Civil War apparently some of the jurisdictions,
both Union and Confederate, seem to have vied with each other in issuing
Warrants for Military Lodges. This undoubtedly had considerable effect (as
will be noted later) on the actions of the Grand Masters and legislation of
Grand Lodges during the World War.
Indiana headed the
list, having issued 33 Dispensations. New York issued 8 for the formation of "
Travelling Lodges." Massachusetts, which Warranted no Lodges in War of 1812,
the Mexican War, the Spanish‑American War or the World War, issued Warrants
for 1o Lodges in the Civil War. Altogether 100 Dispensations were issued by
the various jurisdictions but all of them were undoubtedly cancelled with the
cessation of hostilities.
Many very notable and
distinguished personages of the Civil War period were Brother Masons, among
them two who later became Presidents; namely Major McKinley and General
Garfield. McKinley, then a major of Union In fantry, was made a Master Mason
in Winchester‑Hiram Lodge, No. 21, a Confederate Lodge of Winchester,
Virginia.
SPF_NISH WAR PERIOD
The Spanish War was of such short duration that few Dispensations or Warrants
were issued, Kentucky and North Dakota furnishing the only ones. The North
Dakota Lodge travelled with the regiment to the Philippines, and elsewhere in
this article its activities are recorded.
A Dispensation was
issued by Kentucky for a Military Lodge which was known as Kentucky Army
Lodge, No. I, of which Captain (now Colonel) John H. Cowles was Master.
Colonel Cowles is at present and for many years past has been Sovereign Grand
Commander of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.
THE WORLD WAR The
World War (1917‑I8) is one of which most of us have more than a vague
remembrance or only book knowledge; it is still only too vivid in our
memories.
Following the custom
that prevailed during the Revolutionary era and Civil War time in issuing
Warrants for Military Lodges, a number of Jurisdictions issued Warrants for
the formation of Lodges during the World War " to work in the Field." It is
worthy of note that many Grand Masters with the authority of their Grand
Lodges, which were undoubtedly swayed by the history of the too nu‑ AMERICAN
MILITARY LODGES 419 merous Military Lodges of the Civil War, voiced their
disapproval in no uncertain manner and refused to issue such Warrants. In
fact, in some jurisdictions the Grand Lodge later even went so far by
resolution to proclaim Military Lodges clandestine, and further, that any one
Initiated and Raised therein should not be recognised as a Brother Mason.
Fortunately, however, this drastic measure was not carried out, and nearly all
the Brothers who were made Masons in the Field have found a secure and safe
haven in various regular Lodges.
However, a number of
the Masonic jurisdictions, undaunted by any previous experience of the Craft,
promptly, after the mobilisation of the troops, issued Warrants or
Dispensations for the organisation of Military Lodges.
Kentucky, always in
the forefront of Masonic activities, took the initiative and was the first to
grant a Dispensation. Under date of July 28, 1917 (three months after the
declaration of war), W. A. Colston Lodge U. D. was authorised at Camp Taylor.
The Lodge was attached to the First Kentucky Infantry (now the 159th U. S.
Infantry).
A second Dispensation
was granted on September 25, 1917, to Kentucky Rifle Lodge, the name
afterwards being changed to J. N. Saunders Army Lodge. This Lodge was attached
to the Second Kentucky Infantry (now the i6oth U. S. Infantry).
The Grand Lodge of
Montana was a close second to the Kentucky Grand Lodge, and granted a
Dispensation September 8, 1917, to Montana Army Lodge, No. 1, U. D., which was
attached to the Second Montana Infantry (now the 163d U. S. Infantry). Major
Leroy A. Foot was the Master; he afterwards (1931‑32) became Grand Master of
Montana. The first meeting was held on board of the U.S.S. Leviathan, in
mid‑Atlantic December 21, 1917. Afterwards the Lodge was stationed at St.
Aignan and Montrichard, France. The Warrant was relinquished August 21, 1919,
and Records closed.
A unique and unusual
Masonic event occurred in connection with this Lodge during its sojourn in
France. It appeared that Right Worshipful Bro. R. E. Hathaway, Senior Grand
Warden Elect of the Grand Lodge of Montana, was serving with the A. E. F. in
Paris. The M.‑. W.‑. Grand Master of Montana sent a proxy to the Master (Major
Leroy A. Foot) empowering him to convene a Special Communication of the Grand
Lodge of Montana for the purpose of Installing Bro. Hathaway as Right
Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. Bro. Hathaway reached St. Aignan on March 29,
1919, where, in compliance with the authority granted, a Special Communication
of the Grand Lodge of Montana was convened and he was duly Installed in his
Office. This is probably the only instance in American Masonic history where a
Grand Lodge of an American jurisdiction was convened on foreign soil.
Texas issued only one
Dispensation for a Military Lodge and that one to Lahneck Lodge, No. 1186, on
June 22, 1922; it was Chartered December 8, 1922. The Lodge was the second to
Work in the Army of Occupation on German territory. Major C. S. Bailey of
Dallas, Texas, was the first Master. The meetings were held in Lahneck Castle
at Coblenz, Germany. When the Army of 420 AMERICAN MILITARY LODGES Occupation
was withdrawn in 1923, the Lodge dismissed and all Records, property, etc.,
were returned to the Grand Lodge of Texas. The Grand Master in issuing the
Dispensation gave the following reasons (in part) In granting this
dispensation I realized that it was fraught with many dangerous possibilities.
I found no law to authorise it, but I also found there was no law preventing
it. I, along with thousands of other Masons, had felt incensed that Masons
were unable to send their delegates into Europe during the war and work for
the common cause of humanity; I had felt that Masonry had been done an
injustice when Masons were denied the privilege of working in the army
training camps, while thousands upon thousands of the young manhood of America
were mobilized to fight for the cause which Masonry had always held as one of
its cardinal virtues. I recalled that it was Masons who had founded the
American government, and had written the principles of Masonry into the
organic laws of the land.
A Petition for a
Dispensation was received by the Colorado Grand Lodge from Bro. (Captain)
William Leonard Hogg on September 18, 1917; the Petition was referred to the
incoming Grand Master with the recommendation that it be issued, provided he
was furnished with all necessary and proper evidence of good standing of
Petitioners and any other facts required by him.
The Grand Master
later reported that the Colorado Cavalry Regiment was first ordered to
California and that finally the unit was entirely disbanded and its members
assigned to various other branches of the Service. The Warrant was not issued.
Indiana Warranted a
Lodge under the title of Emergency Lodge U. D.; it was located at Camp Shelby,
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Worked from May 29, 1918, to September 16, 1918.
This Lodge was officered entirely by Indiana Freemasons and conferred the
Degrees on Indiana candidates only. If an Indiana soldier in Camp Shelby
wished to receive the Degrees he was required to Petition the Indiana Lodge
within whose jurisdiction he held his legal residence. That Petition took the
regular course and if he was elected our Emergency Lodge was notified and they
then conferred the Degrees upon him and he became a member of the Indiana
Lodge that elected him.
New York stands
practically alone in the history of its Sea and Field (Military) Lodges. The
M.‑. W . . Grand Master, Bro. Thomas Penney, originally decided against the
establishment of Military Lodges, but later by and with the advice of his
Committee on Plan and Scope and in pursuance of the spirit of a resolution of
the Grand Lodge, he authorised the organisation of Sea and Field Lodge, No. 1,
by his special Warrant, as his own creature and with an extraordinary
authority to meet the emergencies arising through the war. This Warrant gave
this Lodge unusual and almost unlimited power. The Lodge being authorised to
transact its business and conduct itself without the usual formalities and
requirements of Chartered Lodges devised its own Ritual, patterned essentially
after the standard Ritual of the State of New York, with certain radical
modifica‑ AMERICAN MILITARY LODGES 421 tions suited to its necessities and
purposes. The Lodge could elect, initiate, pass and raise candidates, and
confer the Degrees without the usual interval and without the usual proof of
suitable proficiency in preceding Degrees. Its first meeting was held in the
Scottish Rite Parlor of the Temple in New York October Io, 1917; M.‑. W.‑.
Bro. Townsend Scudder, P.G.M., was appointed the Master. Several hundred
candidates were Raised and of that number fifty‑seven were under the age of
twenty‑one; a special and separate Dispensation being granted in each case by
the Grand Master.
Four other Sea and
Field Lodges were Warranted by the Grand Master of New York, and all of them
carried on splendid Masonic Work in France; No. 2 was stationed at Paris, No.
3 at Le Mans, No. 4 at Marseilles and No. 5 at Beaune, France. The Warrants
were all recalled in 192o by the Grand Master and the members consolidated
with Sea and Field Lodge, No. 1. The latter Lodge was never Chartered but
still exists and functions under its original Warrant and under the name and
number of " Sea and Field Lodge, No. 1," but its future existence depends upon
the will of the Grand Master.
The M.‑.W.‑.Grand
Master of North Carolina, Bro. (Major) Claude L. Pridgen, who was himself in
the service of his country, issued a Charter of Dispensation under date of
January 4, 1918, to form a Lodge at Camp Sevier, under the name or style of "
Army Lodge A " and appointed W. Bro. Joseph Henry Mitchell to be the Master.
The Grand Master himself was appointed Chaplain. The Lodge was authorised in
connection with the 113th Field Artillery, which was almost Ioo per cent North
Carolinian. The first meeting was held in the Masonic Temple, Greenville,
South Carolina, on January i2, 1918. Many meetings were held in France and in
addition to making a number of Masons of their own the Lodge did a great deal
of Work for other Lodges. The last meeting was held aboard U.S.S. Santa Teresa
on March 15, 1919, en route home. With the close of this meeting Army Lodge A
passed into history.
Connecticut
undoubtedly furnishes one of the most interesting accounts of the conferring
of the Masonic Degrees on candidates in France during the World War. On
January 24, 1918, a group of Masons prepared and forwarded to the
M.‑.W.‑.Grand Master of Connecticut a Petition respectfully requesting " that
they he granted a charter to establish a Masonic Lodge within the body of the
56th Regiment C.A.C., U.S.A." This regiment was composed of troops from the
Regular Army, the Connecticut National Guard and the National Army.
As the Connecticut
Grand Lodge was to meet in the first week of February the M.‑. W.‑. Grand
Master, L. J. Nickerson, replied that the matter would be referred to that
Session for action. On February 25, 1918, the newly elected Grand Master M.*.
W.‑. Bro. William F. English replied that he had investigated the sentiment of
the members of the Grand Lodge and said " and I do not see my way clear at the
present time to grant your request." On March 28 the regiment left for New
York to embark for overseas duty. It was found that there were present with
the regiment at that time nine duly elected candidates of Union Lodge, No. 31,
of New London, Connecticut, who 422 AMERICAN MILITARY LODGES had received none
of the Degrees and one that had received the first two Degrees. The M.‑. W.‑.
Grand Master was then prevailed upon to issue a Special Dispensation which he
did on April 22, 1918, " authorizing W. Bro. Morris B. Payne to congregate in
the country where he is temporarily located an occasional Lodge . . . to
confer the symbolic degrees upon . . . " (naming the nine elected candidates)
and " After having attained to the sublime degree of M.M. . . ., the above
named brethren shall become lawful members of said Union Lodge No. 3l." The
regiment arrived at Brest, France, April 4, 1918. No opportunity presented
itself for the conferring of the Degrees until the regiment reached the
Village of Charly. On August 8, 1918, with W. Bro. M. B. Payne acting as
Master, the First Degree was conferred on six candidates. On August 9 the same
six candidates were passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, and on August i i the
candidates with one additional F.C. were Raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason. The Lodge meetings were held in the Council Chamber of the Hotel
de Ville. The emergency for which the Dispensation was granted being
accomplished, this Lodge also passed into history.
The Grand Master of
North Dakota issued a Dispensation October 30, 1917, to North Dakota Military
Lodge, No. 2 U.D. with original jurisdiction to confer the Degrees upon any
one elected by any regular Lodge in the United States upon the request of such
Lodge. Bro. (Colonel) John H. Fraine was appointed Master. The first meeting
was held and the Degrees conferred at Camp Green, Charlotte, North Carolina,
where the regiment, the 164th Infantry, U.S.A., was in camp. Meetings were
afterwards held at Gondrecourt and Langres, France, and Degrees conferred on
many candidates. The three principal Officers of this Lodge were originally
members of North Dakota Military Lodge, No. 1 U.D., stationed at Manila during
the Spanish‑American War.
The Ohio Grand Master
received an application for a Dispensation to form a Military Lodge under the
title of " Ohio Military Lodge U.D."; the Lodge to be connected with the Ohio
Division of the U. S. Army whose original camp was at Birmingham, Alabama. The
Grand Master, M.‑. W.‑. Bro. Joel Clore, refused to grant the Dispensation but
referred the matter to the Grand Lodge. At the next Session of the Grand Lodge
proper resolutions and regulations for the granting of a Dispensation were
adopted. However, the succeeding Grand Master, M.‑.W.‑.Bro. H. M. Hagelberger,
in his annual address in 1918 reported " Notwithstanding the Grand Lodge at
its last Annual Communication authorised the Grand Master to grant
Dispensations for Military Lodges, none have been granted, for the reason that
no Petition has been received for the same." Apparently differences and
dissensions had arisen among the original Petitioners and they could not
comply with the necessary requirements; the matter of organising a Lodge was
dropped and the incident closed.
Several of the Grand
Lodges were most emphatic in their refusal to grant these Dispensations or
Warrants, notably Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Louisiana,
Iowa and Pennsylvania; the latter State reporting " there have been no Lodges
Warranted by this Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to meet outside the AMERICAN
MILITARY LODGES 42‑3 State of Pennsylvania since February 6, 1932, when Lodge
No. 217 was Warranted to meet at Montevideo, Uruguay, South America." Except
those jurisdictions mentioned specifically in the above paragraphs the others,
either by Edict of their Grand Lodge or by order of their Grand Master, did
not issue Warrants for Military Lodges.
THE SCOTTISH RITE
Several Consistories of the Scottish Rite during the early period of the World
War, when the troops were being mobilised, previous to embarkation for France,
conferred their Degrees on large numbers of candidates, usually without
expense to the candidates. The Albany Sovereign Consistory of Albany, New
York, on November 4, 1917, conferred the Degrees Fourth Degree to Thirtysecond
Degree upon 337 commissioned officers at the Plattsburg, New York, training
camp under Special Dispensation of Most Illustrious William Homan,
Thirty‑third Degree, Deputy for New York of the Supreme Council A.A.S.R. of
the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
A similar class of
588 members was Initiated at Columbus, Ohio, by Scioto Consistory August 18,
1917, under a Special Dispensation of Most Illustrious Frank S. Harmon, the
Deputy for Ohio. These candidates came from the various cities and camps
throughout Ohio where the Ohio troops were being mobilised. In the class were
3 brigadier‑generals, 4 colonels, and 5 lieutenant‑colonels. On January 31,
1918, the Connecticut Consistory at Norwich, Connecticut, conferred all the
Scottish Rite Degrees on a class of 256 Masons in the military and naval
service in and around New London. All the candidates were clothed in uniform;
the peculiar coincidence being that exactly one‑half were from the army and
the other half from the navy.
From the seeds sown
by these Military Lodges among the men in the Service there has been developed
throughout the United States an array of Service Lodges (membership being
limited to those who have served the flag). These Lodges are a credit both to
the Service and to the Craft. Among them, as bright particular stars in the
Masonic constellation of our Ancient Craft are noted the following: Service
Lodge, No. 658, Cleveland; Theodore Roosevelt Lodge, No. Io22, Chicago; Frank
L. Simes Lodge, No. 99o, Rochester; Lodge of the United Services, No. 1118,
New York; Military Service Lodge, No. 570, San Francisco; and Sea and Field
Lodges, No. I, of New York City.
It is fitting to make
special mention here of Overseas Lodge, No. 4o, of Providence, Rhode Island.
This Lodge was organised at Coblenz, Germany, after the Armistice was
declared. The Lodge was the outcome of an organisation originally formed as a
Masonic Club. The Dispensation was granted by M .'. W.‑. Grand Master E. Tudor
Gross and was dated March 15, 1919. M.‑.W.‑.Bro. Wendell R. Davis, a former
Grand Master, was the first Master of the Lodge. The first meeting for Work
was held on May I, 1919. During their sojourn in Coblenz, Degrees were
conferred on 517 candidates; among them were Major‑ 424 AMERICAN MILITARY
LODGES General John A. Lejeune (who was the first candidate Initiated);
Major‑General Edward F. McGlachlin, Major‑General Frank Parker, Major‑General
Wm. C. Haan, Major‑General Wendell C. Neville, Major‑General Malvern‑Hill
Barnum and many other distinguished officers. The Lodge still continues in
flourishing condition and the Annual Meeting and Reunion is held on Armistice
Day.
It is well here to
note that the first recorded advent of American Freemasonry in the Philippines
dates back to the arrival of the North Dakota Regiment of Volunteer Infantry
about August 1, 1898. M.'. W.‑. Grand Master Bro. M. Carothers of the M.‑.
W.‑. Grand Lodge of North Dakota had granted a Dispensation or Warrant for a
Field Lodge naming Bro. (Lieutenant‑Colonel) W. C. Treumann as Master and the
latter with other Officers brought the Lodge to Manila with the regiment.
The first meeting was
held August 21, 1898. Lodge rooms were secured at Old No. 69 Calle Nueva,
Malate, and the building was fittingly christened " The Cradle of American
Freemasonry in the Philippines." Regular meetings were subsequently held and
the W. M. reported that nearly every organisation of the 8th Army Corps was
represented and that many Brothers from the Navy were in frequent attendance.
While ninety‑one candidates were Initiated in the E. A. Degree and sixty‑two
were passed to the Fellowcraft Degree, there is no record of any of them being
Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The regiment departed for North
Dakota On July 31, 1899, taking the Dispensation for their Field Lodge with
them.
The foregoing account
is merely mentioned as a preface to the concluding paragraphs referring to the
organisation of the Sojourners in Manila. Always, wherever Masons may abide,
and where there happens to be no Lodge at hand, the Brothers find some way to
meet and enjoy the fellowship of our Fraternity. Man is essentially a social
animal and out of love for companionship was born fraternity. It is
characteristic of most Americans that when any number of them are brought
together for a period of time an organisation or society of some description
is usually formed. Out of this desire came one other really great organisation
whose membership is entirely composed of Masons, but which does not lay any
claim to being a Masonic Body.
During the American
occupation of the Philippines, after most of the regular troops had departed,
the advisability of organising a regular Lodge was discussed among the several
hundred members who were at that time in service on the Islands. Early in 19oo
a meeting was called at Manila and an organisation was formed under the name
of " Sojourners Club." Its object was to promote good fellowship among the
Brethren and to assist such as might be overtaken by adversity or affliction.
While the first
year's efforts of the club were mostly of a social nature, the main objective
after all was to organise a Lodge.
On May 22, igoi, the
first meeting for that purpose was held; matters progressed quickly, a
Dispensation was prayed for and on July 1, igo1, the M.‑. W.‑. Grand Master,
James A. Foshay, of California granted a Dispensation to form a AMERICAN
MILITARY LODGES 425 Lodge; on October 1o, igoi, the Grand Lodge of California
granted a Charter to Manila Lodge, No. 342, at Manila, Philippine Islands.
With the forming of
the Lodge the activities of the Club languished and finally ceased altogether.
However, in time it was discovered that there was, for many reasons, a desire
to re‑establish a central organisation to which the 5oo or more Masons who
were then on the Island could belong, without severing their ties of
membership with the home Lodges on the mainland. In 1907 the matter was again
taken up and the Club revived with the usual aims and objects and under the
name of " Masonic Sojourners Association." At this point history apparently
ceased to record. The members, usually officers of the armed forces, one by
one returned to the United States and so the new organisation was left
dormant.
In 1917, after the
United States had entered the World War, a number of officers stationed in
Chicago who had been members of the Masonic Sojourners Association in Manila,
finding again the dire need of some national organisa tion through which they
could get acquainted with their fellow officers and Masonic Brothers, arranged
a meeting at the Hamilton Club, Chicago, to discuss such an organisation.
It was not until
February 28, 1918, that a regular meeting was held and the organisation
perfected. On account of the transient membership the name of " Sojourners
Club " was adopted.
From that beginning
has sprung the great organisation of National Sojourners, Inc., this new name
having been adopted in 1927. With loo Chapters located in all parts of the
United States and its island possessions, with a mem bership of io,ooo, with
its purposes " to promote good fellowship among its members, to assist such as
may be overtaken by adversity or affliction, for cultivating Masonic ideals,
for supporting all patriotic aims and activities in Masonry, for developing
true patriotism and Americanism throughout the nation, to further the military
needs of national defense and for opposing any influence whatsoever calculated
to weaken the national security " has made this great organisation a potent
factor in our national life. It is now filling a place in the Sun of America
and is reflecting honour and glory to the service of arms and the Brotherhood
of our Craft through its loyalty to the great nation which we serve.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW MRS. SARAH H. TERRY AND CHARLES COMSTOCK CONJECTURAL
ORIGIN MONSIEUR J. S. BOURBEE, a distinguished French Mason, places the origin
of Adoptive Masonry in the seventeenth century, and ascribes its authorship to
Queen Henrietta Marie, widow of Charles I of England. There is, however, no
definite evidence of her connection with the Order.
There is a theory
that the regular Lodges of Adoption owed their existence to the secret
associations of men and women which sprang up in France in the eighteenth
century, and which, in their organisations, attempted to imitate the Masonic
Institution. Clavel, in his Histoire Pittoresque de la Franco‑Maconeria, says
that Female Masonry was Instituted about the year 1730, that it made its first
appearance in France, and that it was evidently a product of the French mind.
Its progress was slow, and existed under various names and Rituals. One of the
societies was established at Paris in 1743, and was named " Ordre des
Felicitares " (Order of Happy Folks). The language and emblems of the Order
were nautical. There were four Degrees. Out of this Order sprang another in
1745, which was named " Knights and Ladies of the Anchor." In 1747, the
Chevalier Beauchaine, Master of Life of a Parisian Lodge, Instituted an
androgynous system with the title " Ordre des Fenduers " (Order of Wood
Cutters). Its Ritual was sylvan and it became very popular. Member ship
therein was considered an honour which no rank, however exalted, need disdain.
This was succeeded by many other similar systems. Out of these arose the
Lodges of Adoption, which Clavel says the Masons embraced with enthusiasm as a
practical means of giving to their wives and daughters some share of the
pleasures which they themselves enjoyed in their Mystic Assemblies.
The first of these
Lodges, of which there is reliable information, was established in Paris in
176o, by Count de Bernonville. Another was Instituted at Nimuegen, in Holland,
in 1774, over which the Princes of Waldeck and the Princes of Orange presided.
In 1775 the Lodge of Saint Antoine, Paris, was 4‑26 ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 427 organised; a dependent Lodge of Adoption of which
the Duchess of Bourbon was Grand Mistress, and the Duke of Chartres, Grand
Master. In 1777 there was an Adoptive Lodge of La Candeur, over which the
Duchess of Bourbon presided, assisted by the Duchess of Chartres, the Princess
Lamballe, and the Marchioness de Genlis. Also, there was another over which
Madame Helvetius, wife of the illustrious philosopher, Helvetius, presided.
On June 1o, 1774, the
Grand Orient of France assumed protection and control of the Lodges of
Adoption. It provided rules and regulations for their government, two of which
were as follows " First‑No males except regular Freemasons shall be permitted
to attend the meetings.
" Second‑Each Lodge
shall be placed under the charge and held under the sanction of some regularly
Constituted Lodge of Masons, whose Master, or in his absence, his Deputy,
shall be the presiding Officer, assisted by a female President or Mistress."
Under these Regulations, the Officers of a Lodge of Adoption were: A Grand
Master, a Grand Mistress, an Orator and Inspector, an Inspectress, a
Depositor, and a Depositress. The Insignia of each of these Officers was a
blue watered ribbon worn in the form of a collar to which was suspended a
golden Trowel. All members wore white Aprons.
The Rite of Adoption
then consisted of four Degrees, as follows: First‑Apprentice or Female
Apprentice.
Second‑Compagnonne or
Craftswoman. Third‑Maitresse or Mistress. Fourth‑Parfaite Maitresse or Perfect
Mistress.
A fifth Degree was
added in 1817. It was called " Female Elect," or " Sublime Dame Ecossaie," or
" Sovereign Dame Ecossaie." The First Degree was preparatory to those which
followed.
The Second Degree was
made a symbol of the Garden of Eden, including a representation of Eve's
temptation.
In the Third Degree
the Tower of Babel and Jacob's theological ladder were introduced as part of
the ceremony.
In the Fourth Degree,
the Lodge was supposed to represent the Mosaic Tabernacle in the wilderness.
After their
recognition by the Grand Orient of France, the Lodges of Adoption flourished
for a time. The Duchess of Bourbon was the first lady that received the title
of Grand Mistress. She was Installed May 1775, in the Lodge of Saint Antoine,
Paris. She presided over the Adoptive Lodge le Candeur until 178o when it was
dissolved. Attached to the Lodge of the Nine Sisters, which had many
distinguished men of letters among its members, was a Lodge of Adoption
bearing the same name. In 1778, it held a meeting at the residence of Madam
Helvetius in honour of Benjamin Franklin, then the American ambassador at the
French Court.
The Empress Josephine
presided at a meeting of a Lodge of Adoption at 42.8 ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW Strasburg, in i 8o5 . Lady Morgan received the Degrees
in Paris in 1819, in La Belle at Bonne Lodge of Adoption.
Madame Cesar Moreau
was Installed Grand Mistress of Adoptive Masonry July 8, 1819, in the Lodge
connected with the regular Lodge La Jerusalem des Vallees Egyptiennes. The
ceremony was very impressive. It appears that the Rite of Adoption, as
promulgated in France, was never officially introduced into America.
ORGANIC EVOLUTION (A)
The Work of Dr. Robert Morris, 1850 to 1868 The Order of the Eastern Star,
extensively known in the United States, can hardly be said to be connected
with any similar Body that has preceded it, although, as will be seen under
the head of " Ritual," the basis of its ceremonies and teachings is derived
from one of them.
Previous to the year
185o, and subsequently also, there were in use in the United States several "
side " Degrees, which could be conferred upon the female relatives of Masons,
among which were the following " The Mason's Daughter," which had for its
foundation a legend connecting Mary, the sister of Lazarus, with Jesus'
triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.
" The Kindred
Degree," based upon the Biblical history of Ruth, particularly concerning her
gleaning in the field of Boaz.
These were conferred
upon Master Masons and their female relatives, while the following were only
to be conferred upon Royal Arch Masons‑their wives and daughters.
" The Heroine of
Jericho," founded upon the Scriptural account of the fall of Jericho, the
faithfulness of Rahab, and its reward.
"The Good Samaritan,"
which presented as a pattern for imitation the Samaritan who stopped at the
wayside to relieve the distressed; who walked that a stranger might ride his
beast; who, with his own money, paid others for providing for the wants of the
sufferer.
The Degrees of the
Eastern Star were arranged in 185o by Robert Morris, LL.D., afterward in 1858,
Grand Master of Masons of Kentucky, who Communicated them first to his wife,
and subsequently to many thousands of Masons and their female relatives in all
parts of the country. The Degrees were thus Communicated by Robert Morris
only, as they were not printed in this form until 186o.
From the first, the
Work contained the same characters as at present, and the signs and passes
remain unaltered; but when they were presented in a lecture to a roomful of
people at once, no obligation was imposed but that of ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 429 secrecy, and no attempt was made to organise a
society, so that substantial good could not result therefrom. It was a means
of recreation and of social enjoyment, Masons and their families coming
together in the Lodge room for an evening of pleasure and banqueting.
In 1855 Bro. Morris
recast the Work, and it was first printed under the name of The Mosaic Book. A
self‑Constituted Body known as " The Supreme Constellation of the American
Adoptive Rite," of which he was the Most Enlightened Grand Luminary, was
organised with headquarters in New York City; and Subordinate Constellations
were organised in different States. By reason of the elaborateness of the
Ritual Work, and the expense of the necessary paraphernalia, as well as the
amount of highly dramatic talent required to exemplify the Degrees properly,
none of them were a success, and all soon ceased to exist.
Finding this effort a
failure, recourse was again had to conferring the Degrees by Communication. In
186o Bro. Morris revised the Work and published it, and it was extensively
used for ten years and is still in use, although with out lawful authority, in
some portions of our country. This Work was sometimes used in a slightly
elaborated manner, and in rather informal but regular meetings of what were
known as " Families of the Eastern Star." (B) Work of Robert Macoy In 1866,
Robert Macoy, subsequently Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of New York,
arranged a Manual of the Eastern Star which was more widely used than any that
had preceded it. Upon his departure for the Holy Land, early in 1868, Bro.
Morris transferred to Bro. Macoy all the authority he had assumed and
exercised in regard to the Order. The latter immediately set about arranging
the Work more systematically, and succeeded in casting it for use in duly
organised Chapters, in such a manner as to ultimately insure the success of
the Order. Under his guiding hand, the Supreme Grand Chapter, a
selfConstituted Body, was organised in December 18{8, and under its vigorous
management, Deputies were appointed in various parts of the country. In the
next eight years, over 6oo Chapters were organised in 34 States and
Territories, and movements were inaugurated by the Chapters thus formed, which
resulted in the formation of Grand Chapters as follows (The number of Chapters
and membership reports are given for 1931.) jurisdiction Organised Chapters
Membership i. Michigan October 31, 1867 467 101,768 Antedating the activities
of Robert Macoy in revising and disseminating the Work of the Order of the
Eastern Star, a group of local Lodges of Adoptive Masons had been formed in
several localities in the Commonwealth of Michigan, and on October 30 and 31,
1867, Representatives of these Lodges assembled at
430 ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW Adrian for the purpose of organising a Grand
Lodge for that jurisdiction. The following Lodges were represented Members
Rochester Lodge......................... 50 Bronson
Lodge........................... 58 Modina Lodge........................... 75
Fairfield Lodge........................... 9o Manchester
Lodge........................ 45 Sturgis Lodge............................ 70
Burr Oak Lodge.......................... 40 Morenci
Lodge........................... 50 Adrian Lodge............................
i2o Palmyra Lodge........................... 40 Osseo
Lodge............................. 70 Jackson
Lodge............................ 15 Coldwater Lodge.........................
72 Constantine Lodge....................... 41 Jonesville Lodge
......................... 40 Total............................... 876 A
Constitution was framed and adopted for the government of the Grand Lodge, to
which the Representatives present subscribed an oath of fealty. A fee of $io
was assessed against each local Lodge participating in the organisa tion. The
Grand Lodge dues were fixed at 25 cents for each Initiate and io cents per
capita for each member enrolled.
The Ritual prepared
by John H. Tatem, based on the Mosaic Book, was adopted as the official Work
of the Order.
The following Grand
Officers were elected: Martha J. Lindsley, of Constantine, Grand Worthy
President; David Bovee, of Coldwater, Grand VicePresident; John H. Tatem,
Grand Lecturer.
The Grand Worthy
President was authorised to instruct the Grand Lecturer to confer the Degrees
upon groups of not less than two Master Masons, and ten eligible ladies, for
the purpose of forming new Chapters in towns where none existed.
A suitable form of
emblematic regalia for the Grand Officers was adopted, to be provided under
the supervision of a Committee from the Lodge at Coldwater. This latter Lodge,
or Chapter, as it has been known since the formation of the General Grand
Chapter, is the only local Body of the Order which has survived and been
continuously active to the present time.
(For this information
we are indebted to Charles Arthur Conover, Past Grand Patron of Michigan, and
a son of Past Most Worthy Grand Patron Jefferson S. Conover.) ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 431 In other jurisdictions local Chapters and,
in due course, Grand Chapters were formed as follows Jurisdiction Organised
Chapters Membership 2. New Jersey.... (Independent since 1907) 3. New York. .
. .(Always Independent) 4. Mississippi .... December 15, 1870 ..... (See later
report) 5. California. .. . .May 9, 1873............ 473 106,217 6.
Vermont...... November 12, 1873 ..... 95 13,453 7. Indiana....... May 6,
1874........... 445 85,390 8. Connecticut ... August 11, 1874 ........ 97
27,617 9. Nebraska ..... June 22, 1875 ........... 259 37,867 io. Illinois
....... October 6, 1875 ........ 850 196,147 II. Missouri...... October 13,
1875 ....... 537 76,985 12. Arkansas ..... October 2, 1876 ........ 221 15,645
THE COMPLETE ORGANISATION By this time the Order embraced a large number of
Chapters and several thousand members, and began to feel the need of a more
thorough organisation; that the unauthorised conferring of the Degrees, a
practice that still pre vailed in the States outside the jurisdiction of the
several Grand Chapters, might cease; that permanency in and control of the
Ritual Work might be had; and that the jurisprudence of the Order might be
reduced to a system. In some of the States the practice prevailed of admitting
to Chapter meetings all Master Masons, upon a pledge of secrecy, while in
others they could gain admission only by Ballot and Initiation. In some
jurisdictions even the Patron needed not to be a member of the Chapter, but
only a contributing member of a Masonic Lodge. In another jurisdiction, while
the Brethren were admitted to full membership, they were, without any written
law upon the subject, but by a " tradition," deprived of the right to vote in
the Chapter. It was this latter injustice that induced Willis D. Engle of
Indiana to investigate the organisation and laws of the Order, in 1874 and
1875, which he found in a chaotic condition, and the fact was developed that
the Ritual of the Order, as then used, was entirely beyond its control, being
published by individual enterprise, and was revised and altered according to
the varying taste of the publisher, so that different editions of these were
in concurrent use; and not only did the " Work " vary as between Chapters, but
it was impossible for Chapters using the earlier editions of the " Work " to
obtain additional copies thereof, as it was out of print. Nor was the Ritual
in its latest revision at all complete. These facts led him to a realisation
of the need of uniformity of Ritual under the authority of the Order, and the
crystallisation of its jurisprudence and customs, which could only be brought
about by a unity of action which would lead to increased zeal, and the
promotion of the growth of the Order upon permanent and sub‑ 431 ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW stantial lines. In consequence he began, both
by private correspondence and through the press, to agitate the subject of
organising a supreme governing Body.
Responsive to the
foregoing inquiries, the following action was taken by several of the existing
Grand Chapters Mississippi, at its annual Session, July 15, 1875, by
resolution approved the formation of a " Supreme Grand Chapter," for the
United States, and appointed the following Delegates to convene with those
appointed from other ,Jurisdictions, for that purpose: Mrs. Annie T. Clark,
Grand Matron; Mrs. Laura L. Burton, Mrs. Mary I. Hunter and Mrs. C. M. Barton,
Past Grand Matrons; also John Logan Power, Grand Patron; A. H. Barkley, Deputy
Grand Patron, and Phineas M. Savery, Grand Lecturer.
California, at its
annual Session, October 1g, 1875, in a similar manner approved the
proposition, and appointed the following Delegates Jeremiah E. Whitcher, B. S.
Ward, H. H. Cook, Mrs. Emily Rolfe, Mrs. M. E. Gillespie; Mrs. Annie E.
Douglass, and Mrs. Ada A. Libbey.
The Grand Chapter of
Indiana, at its annual Session, April 6, 1876, not only approved the
undertaking to form a Supreme Grand Chapter, but extended a cordial invitation
to all other Grand Chapters to assemble by their Repre sentatives, in the city
of Indianapolis, on November 8, 1876, for the purpose of carrying the
suggestions into effect; and appointed the following Delegates: Mrs. Mary A.
Comstock, Grand Matron; Mrs. Sallie J. Evans, Mrs. E. M. Price, James S. Nutt,
Grand Patron; James A. Thompson, Past Grand Patron; James Crooks and Willis D.
Engle.
New Jersey, at its
annual Session, October 13, 1875, approved the plan to form a Supreme Grand
Chapter, appointing the following Delegates John H. Mayhew, Grand Patron; Mrs.
E. D. Tilden, Grand Matron; George Haskins, W. V. W. Vreeland, Mrs. Anna M.
Mayhew, Past Grand Matron; Mrs. E. A. Graul, and Mrs. M. C. Dobbs.
The invitation of the
Grand Chapter of Indiana was also accepted by the following Grand Chapters
Illinois, October 4, 1876, appointed the following Delegates Mrs. Laura N.
Young, Grand Matron; Mrs. Elizabeth Butler, Past Grand Matron; H. R. Kent,
Grand Patron; and Daniel G. Burr, Past Grand Patron. Missouri, October g,
1876, appointed the following Delegates Rev. Dr. John D. Vincil, Mary J. Wash,
Mattie A. Yost, Frances F. Holden, Thomas C. Ready, P. D. Yost, and John R.
Parsons.
Arkansas, November 8,
1876, found it inexpedient to send Delegates, but expressed a desire to
co‑operate.
FORMATION OF THE
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER On November 8, 1876, in response to an invitation from
the Grand Chapter of Indiana that Delegates from the several Grand Chapters
assemble in ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 433 Convocation at
that time in the city of Indianapolis, the Representatives from only one Grand
Chapter being in attendance, an adjournment was had to November 15, 1876, when
Delegates from the following Grand Chapters Assembled New Jersey John M.
Mayhew, Grand Patron, and W. V. W. Vreeland. Illinois‑Mrs. Elizabeth Butler,
Past Grand Matron.
Indiana‑Mrs. Mary A.
Comstock, Grand Matron, Mrs. Mary E. M. Price, James S. Nutt, Grand Patron;
James A. Thompson, Past Grand Patron, and Willis D. Engle.
Missouri‑Mrs. Mattie
A. Yost, Grand Matron; Mary J. Wash, Addie M. Fox, John D. Vincil, D.D., Grand
Patron; and John R. Parsons.
California Jeremiah
E. Whitcher, Past Grand Patron.
James S. Nutt, Grand
Patron of Indiana, called the Convention together, when John M. Mayhew, Grand
Patron, of New Jersey, was chosen President; Mrs. Mattie A. Yost, Grand Matron
of Missouri, Vice‑President; John R. Parsons, of Missouri, Secretary; and Rev.
Dr. John D. Vincil, Grand Patron of Missouri, Chaplain. After the customary
devotions, the Convention was declared duly organised.
The following
Committee was appointed to prepare and present a Constitution for the
government of the General Grand Chapter: Willis D. Engle, Jeremiah E. Whitcher,
Rev. Dr. John D. Vincil, W. V. W. Vreeland, and Mrs. Elizabeth Butler.
Queen Esther Chapter,
No. 3, of Indianapolis, having expressed a desire to entertain the Delegates
while in the city, the Convention recessed until two o'clock in the afternoon.
At the hour
designated, the Convention re‑assembled and the Committee on Constitution
presented a partial report which was duly considered, amended, and adopted.
The Convention then adjourned until nine o'clock Thursday morning.
November 16, 1876,
nine o'clock, A.M.
The Convention was
again called to order with President Rev. Dr. John D. Vincil presiding.
The Committee on
Constitution completed their report which, after extended discussion and
amendment, was adopted as a whole.
The Convention having
recessed until two o'clock P.M., re‑assembled at that hour when a resolution
was adopted to proceed with the organisation of a General Grand Chapter. John
M. Mayhew, Grand Patron of New Jersey, was selected as temporary Most Worthy
Grand Patron to preside over the deliberations of the General Grand Chapter.
The Convention then adjourned sine die.
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER
OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR Masonic Temple, Indianapolis, Indiana,
November 16, 1876, 2.30 P.M. The Delegates having assembled were called to
order by John M. Mayhew, 434 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW
Acting Most Worthy Grand Patron, and the following additional Officers were
appointed Mrs. Mattie A. Yost, Most Worthy Grand Matron.
Mrs. Mary A.
Comstock, Right Worthy Associate Grand Matron. John R. Parsons, Right Worthy
Grand Secretary.
Mrs. Elizabeth
Butler, Worthy Grand Conductress.
Mrs. Addie M. Fox,
Worthy Grand Associate Conductress. James S. Nutt, Worthy Grand Marshal.
William M. Black,
Worthy Grand Sentinel.
The General Grand
Chapter was duly opened.
Willis D. Engle
submitted a form of Constitution and Rules of Order, which had been previously
approved by the Convention, and which on motion were adopted.
The following
permanent Officers were elected Rev. John D. Vincil, D.D., Most Worthy Grand
Patron. Mrs. Elizabeth Butler, Most Worthy Grand Matron. Jeremiah E. Whitcher,
Right Worthy Associate Grand Patron. Mrs. Mary A. Comstock, Right Worthy
Associate Grand Matron. John M. Mayhew, Right Worthy Grand Treasurer.
Willis D. Engle,
Right Worthy Grand Secretary.
Also the following
appointive Officers Mrs. Henrietta Whitcher, Worthy Grand Conductress. Mrs.
Mary J. Wash, Worthy Associate Grand Conductress. Mrs. Mary E. M. Price,
Worthy Grand Adah.
Mrs. Laura N. Young,
Worthy Grand Ruth. Mrs. Annie M. Mayhew, Worthy Grand Esther. Mrs. Mattie A.
Yost, Worthy Grand Martha. Mrs. Emily Rolfe, Worthy Grand Electa.
Mrs. M. J. Vreeland,
Worthy Grand Warder.
Rev. N. F. Ravelin,
Very Worthy Grand Chaplain. W. V. W. Vreeland, Worthy Grand Marshal. William
M. Black, Worthy Grand Sentinel.
After the discussion
and disposition of important routine business attending the formation of the
General Grand Chapter, an adjournment was had until seven o'clock P.M., when
the new governing Body of the Order of the Eastern Star again assembled. On
motion, a Committee was appointed to prepare a Ritual for the use of the
General Grand Chapter, and its Subordinates.
After the disposal of
various other formal resolutions, the Grand Officers were Installed.
Brief addresses were
made by distinguished members of the Order in attendance.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 43 5 The General Grand Chapter then adjourned to meet
in Chicago, Illinois, on the third Wednesday in September 1877, at ten
o'clock, A.M.
POWERS AND AUTHORITY
OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER Quoting from Article III of the Constitution as
adopted, the General Grand Chapter was thereby clothed with the following
authority SECTION I. The General Grand Chapter shall possess no other power
than is expressly delegated to it. It can exercise no doubtful authority or
power, by implication merely. All Eastern Star authority not hereby granted to
it is re served to the Grand Chapters, Subordinate Chapters, and their members
individually.
SECTION 2. It shall
have and maintain jurisdiction over all Chapters established by itself in any
section of any country where there is no Grand Chapter established, and have
disciplinary power over such Chapters until a Grand Chapter shall be legally
organised and recognised by this General Grand Chapter, and no longer.
SECTION 3. It shall
have power to decide all questions of Eastern Star law, usage and custom which
may arise between any two or more Grand Chapters, or in any Subordinate
Chapter under its own immediate jurisdiction; also all that may be referred to
it for its decision by any Grand Chapter, and its decision so made shall be
regarded as of the Supreme Tribunal of the Eastern Star in the last resort.
SECTION 4. It shall
be the judge of the qualifications of its own members.
SECTION 5. It shall
adopt and prescribe a uniform Ritual for Work, and formula for Installation of
its own Officers, as well as the Officers of Grand and Subordinate Chapters.
ADDITIONAL GRAND
CHAPTERS The following Grand Chapters have been formed since the organisation
of the General Grand Chapters Jurisdiction Organised Chapters Membership I.
Massachusetts........ December 11, 1876.... 2o6 . . . 63,2.72 2..
Minnesota............ June 27, 1878........ 293 .. . 5o,958 3. Iowa
................ July 30, 1878 ........ 470 ... 79,961 4.
Kansas............... October 18, 1878..... 392 . . . 65,850 5.
Texas................ May 5, 1884......... 683 ... 66,047 6.
Washington.......... June 12, 1889........ 217 ... 38,488 7.
Ohio................ July 28, 1889........ Sob ... 123,653 8. Oregon
.............. October 3, 1889...... 146 ... 26,263 9. Montana .............
September 2‑5, 189o ... 114 ... 18,177 Io. Wisconsin............ February I9,
18gi .... 273 ... 54,792 I I. New Hampshire ...... May 12, 1891........ 61 ...
13,2‑08 12. Colorado............. June 6, 1892......... I20 ... 25,477 13.
Maine............... August 24, 1892‑...... 188 ... 35,052 14. North
Dakota........ June 14, 1894........ 112 ... 12,462 15. Pennsylvania.........
November 21, 1894... 466 ... 89,625 436 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL
REVIEW Jurisdiction Organised Chapters Membership 16. Rhode Island.........
August 2.2., 1895...... 24 . . . 8,095 I7. District of Columbia. . April 30,
1896 ....... 40 ... 12.12‑55 18. Wyoming ............ September 14, 1898 ...
40 ... 6,82‑5 19. Maryland ............ December 2.3, 1898. . . . 9o . . .
13,02‑1 2.o. South Dakota ........ July io, 1899........ 163 ... 2.0,52.7 21.
Tennessee............ October 18, igoo..... 2.57 ... 22,710 22.
Arizona.............. November 15, 1900.. . 36 .. . 5,762 13.
Georgia.............. February 2.1, 1901 . . . . 125. . . 9,693 2.4. Alabama
............. March 6, 19oi ....... 2‑56 . . . 18,519 2‑5‑ Oklahoma
........... February 14, 1902.. . . . 365 ... 45,878 26. New Mexico .........
April 11, 19o2‑. . . .... 47 ... 5,518 2.7. Idaho ................ April 17,
1902. . . . . . . 70 . . . 8,076 2.8. Kentucky............ June io,
1903........ 314 ... 2‑7,9 16 29. Florida .............. June 6,1904.........
164 ... 17,366 30. Virginia ............. June 2.2., 1904 ........ 107 ...
8,959 31. West Virginia ........ June 28, 1904 ........ 115 ... 16,535 32..
Louisiana............ October 4, 1904...... 162.. . . 18,077 33. North
Carolina....... MMay 2.o, I9o5........ Io9 . . . 6,550 34.
Nevada.............. September i9, 1905 ... 19 . . . 2.,82‑2 35‑ Utah
................ September Zo, igo5 ... 18 ... 2.,930 *36.
Mississippi........... MaMay 29, I9o6........ 214 ... 15,096 37. South
Carolina....... June 1, 1907......... 80 ... 4,271 38. Alberta ..............
July 2.o, 1912......... 73 ... 5,084 39. British Columbia..... July 21,
1912........ 53 ... 5040 40. Porto Rico ........... February 17,1914.... 14
... 57‑2 41. Ontario.............. April 2.7, 1915....... Zo6 ... 25,309 42..
Saskatchewan ........ May 16, 1916 ........ 94 ... S J74 43 . Manitoba
............ June 21, 1922 . . . . . . . . 23 ... 2,120 44. Quebec
.............. July 6, 192.2 ......... 31 ... 2‑,835 45. Delaware ............
November 15, 192‑2‑... 13 1,987 46. New Brunswick ...... November 2.8, 1930...
I I ... i,062 Totals .............................. 7,580 1,107,819 Original
Grand Chapters...................... 3,444 661,089 Total under Grand
Chapters................... 11,02.4 1,768,908 Subordinate Chapters under the
General Grand Chapter................................... 38 4,42.2.
Total under the
General Grand Chapter........ II,o6z‑ 1,773,330 Independent Grand Chapters New
Jersey, October 2‑o, 1870.............. 254 55352 New York, November 3,
1870............. 787 150,101 Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland, August
2.o,1904............................... 337 91125 Total for Independent Grand
Chapters.......... 1,378 296,578 Total Aggregate of Chapters and Members......
12.,440 2‑,o69,9o8 * The Grand Chapter of Mississippi, formed December 15,
1870, became inactive soon after the formation of the General Grand Chapter.
It was re‑organised May 2.9, 1906.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 437 The Grand Chapter of Mississippi did not meet
subsequent to 1877 and the General Grand Chapter assumed jurisdiction over its
Subordinates from April 23, 1885, until the formation of the present Grand
Chapter, May 29, 19o6.
PIONEER CHAPTERS The
following Subordinate Chapters justly claim the distinction of holding senior
rank in their respective jurisdictions: Coldwater Chapter, No. I, of Michigan:
From authentic evidence we find that Coldwater Lodge of Adoptive Masonry was
formed in 1865, and evidently outranks all others in its years of service. It
participated in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Adoptive Masonry at
Adrian, in October 1867. It has since been continuously at Work, and was
recognised as a regular Chapter when the Grand Lodge of the " Wolverine State
" became a Constituent of the General Grand Chapter just after its formation
in 1876. This Chapter, therefore, has a continuous service period of more than
sixty‑six years to its credit.
Sunbeam Chapter, No.
I, of Indiana: This Chapter was formed as an Eastern Star Family at Mount
Vernon, on April i9, 1866, and since the formation of the Grand Chapter,
October 6, 1874, has ranked continuously as No. I of that jurisdiction, an
active existence of sixty‑six years.
Miriam Chapter, No.
I, of Illinois: Miriam Eastern Star Family was Instituted at Chicago, October
6, 1866. It received a Charter under the Macoy system as an Eastern Star
Chapter in 1869, and when the Grand Chapter of Illinois was formed, October 6,
1875, it was assigned the rank of No. I, which it has since continuously held,
a record of nearly sixty‑six years' service. This pioneer Chapter furnished to
the General Grand Chapter its first Most Worthy Grand Matron, Mrs. Elizabeth
Butler. Alpha Chapter, No. I, of New York: Our Record simply shows that Alpha
Chapter, Chartered in 1868, was the earliest Constituted under the Macoy
system. It has since continued to function as an Eastern Star Chapter, with an
unbroken record of sixty‑four years. Eureka, No. 2, of New Jersey: The senior
Eastern Star Chapter under authority of the Independent Grand Chapter of New
Jersey, is Eureka, No. 2, at Jersey City, Chartered in 1868, and showing a
continuous record of activities for sixty‑four years.
Golden Gate Chapter,
No. I, of California: This pioneer Chapter of the Rocky Mountains was
established May 1o, 1869, ranking as No. I at the formation of the Grand
Chapter of California, April 7, 1873. It has, therefore, a service record to
its credit of sixty‑three continuous years.
Vesta Chapter, No. 5,
of Missouri: This pioneer Chapter was Chartered March 8, 1873, located at
Carrollton, 438 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW and has a record
of unbroken service for nine and fifty years, the senior survivor of the
Chapters which united to form the Grand Chapter of Missouri on October 13,
1875.
HISTORICAL REVIEW
Alonzo J. Burton, Grand Historian Emeritus, offers the following solution of
Eastern Star history: Mr. Macoy in his Masonic history states that the Eastern
Star was introduced into the Colonies prior to 1778, but gives no further
information. I have a Ritual of 1793 which states the Supreme Council of the
Eastern Star met in Boston, Massachusetts, on May eighteenth (of that year),
for the purpose of formulating a Ritual. As no records of the doings of this
Society later than 1847 can be found, it is presumed the Order became dormant.
In 18 So Rob Morris issued the Order in a new dress and termed it the " Mosaic
Rite of Adoption." He published his Ritual in 1855. He termed the bodies "
Constellations," and about two hundred were organized in the United States.
The Degrees were in the form of dramas and were very attractive. The Society
failed, and in 1859, he issued a briefer form of ceremonies, and styled it a "
Family." This was unsuccessful, and for about ten years the Degrees were given
in lecture form, and principally at Masonic entertainments. In December 1866,
there was a Masonic fair. The people, especially the ladies, became so well
acquainted when the month was ended, that they were loath to part. On January
17, 1867, a meeting was called of those ladies and a Society was formed called
" Alpha Sisters of the Eastern Star " (located in New York City). This Society
met in the afternoon semi‑monthly and was not a success. In the month of June,
1868, one of the ladies suggested that if the Society had an opening, closing,
and an Initiation ceremony, it would be more successful. Mr. Macoy was asked
to prepare a Ritual, which was ready in December of that year, and Alpha
Chapter, No. I was organized, and this begins the Chapter system which has
been so successful. From this event the Order began spreading until there are
thousands of Chapters.
AUTHORITY OF THE
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER The National Governing Body has absolute jurisdiction in
all territory not within the prescribed limits of any of the Grand Chapters;
and, within the jurisdiction of Grand Chapters which are Constituent members
thereof, it has control of the Ritual Work. It has authority in the adjustment
of differences between Grand Chapters, and is a court of reference and appeal
for its Constituents, but not for their Subordinates or members. Through
recognition by the General Grand Chapter, or its executive head, a Grand
Chapter, when organised, gains jurisdiction over its territory.
The various Grand
Chapters have absolute and exclusive jurisdiction within the State or
Territory in which they exist, except that those which are Constituent members
of the General Grand Chapter are subject to the authority of that Body, as
prescribed by its Constitution and other laws.
A Subordinate Chapter
has exclusive jurisdiction, according to the laws of ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 439 the Grand Chapter by whose authority it Works, and
can confer the Degrees and perform any other acts subject to such laws.
In a general way, the
Order is governed by the jurisprudence and customs of Symbolic Masonry,
although it has authority to make such laws as it chooses, and is not slow in
striking out into new paths when occasion seems to require it.
The executive head of
a Grand Chapter is the Grand Matron, while the authority to grant
Dispensations for the organisation of Chapters is usually vested in the Grand
Patron; although in some jurisdictions the Grand Matron has this authority,
and confers the Degrees, in spite of the early but now somewhat neglected
regulation that, on such occasions, a Master Mason must preside. Officers.‑The
Officers of a Chapter are: i. Worthy Matron, the executive head, whose station
is in the East, and whose badge is the gavel within the star.
z. Worthy Patron, an
advisory Officer, but who invariably presides during the conferring of the
Degrees, and whose station is at the left of the Worthy Matron. His badge is
the square and compasses within the star.
3. Associate Matron,
who ranks next to the Matron, and her station is in the West, while her badge
is the sun within the star.
4. Associate Patron,
ranking just below the Worthy Patron. His station is on the left of the
Associate Matron. His badge is a star within the star.
S . Secretary, who is
stationed in the South‑East, the badge being the crosspens within the star.
6. Treasurer, who is
stationed in the North‑East, the badge being the cross‑keys within the star.
7. Conductress, whose
duties are signified by the name of her Office. She is stationed in the South,
and has for her badge the scroll and baton within the star.
8. Associate
Conductress, who assists the Conductress. She is stationed in the North, and
has for a badge the baton within the star.
9. Chaplain, whose
station is at the right of the Matron, and whose badge is the open Bible
within the star.
io. Organist, whose
badge is a lyre within the star.
ii. Marshal, whose
station is in the North, the badge being the crossbatons within the star.
12.. Adah, 13. Ruth,
14. Esther, 15. Martha, 16. Electa, at five points of the star, have for
badges their point emblems within a triangle.
17. Warder, within
the door, having for a badge the dove within the star. 18. Sentinel, without
the door, whose badge is the cross‑swords within the star.
440 ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW The General Grand Chapter and the various Grand
Chapters have similar Officers, and a Grand Lecturer, whose station is in the
South.
The Jewels of the
General Grand Chapter and of the Grand Chapters are similar to those of a
Subordinate Chapter, with the addition that those of a Grand Chapter are
within a pentagon, and those of the General Grand Chapter are within a circle.
The badge of the Associate Grand Patron is a star within the star, and of the
Grand Lecturer, a closed book within the star.
RESUME From 185o to
1855 the Order was entirely without formal organisation, the Degrees being
Communicated.
From 1855 to 186o,
where there were organisations, they were known as Constellations, which were
under the control of a Supreme Constellation. 1 From i86o to 1868, an era of
Communicating the Degrees by Master Ma sons prevailed, and Eastern Star
Families were formed.
From 1868 to 1876,
Chapters were organised and Worked under the authority of a Supreme Grand
Chapter.
OBJECTS AND TEACHINGS
OF THE ORDER In its inception, the object of the Order was merely to place in
the hands of the female relatives of Masons a means whereby their claim of
relationship might be recognised, and every competent Master Mason had
authority to Communicate the Degrees to the wives, widows, sisters, and
daughters of Master Masons. Subsequently, but at a time difficult to locate,
mothers were also included among the eligibles. During its early history, and
until its transition state, beginning in 1868 and ending in 1876, the Order
had no permanency, and was of little real benefit to its members, because it
was in the attitude of receiving everything at the hands of the Masonic
Brotherhood and giving nothing. But when it was realised that with privileges
came responsibilities, and the Order began to demonstrate the need of its
being, that woman's heart beats responsive to man's in noble deeds, it took on
new life and energy, and has since grown not only in numbers, but in strength
and purpose.
Among the lessons
inculcated, in the teachings of the Order, are: (a) Fidelity to convictions.
(b) Obedience to the
demands of honour and justice. (c) Fidelity to kindred and friends.
(d) Trustful faith
and hope of Immortal Life.
(e) Heroic endurance
under the wrongs of persecution when demanded in the defense of Truth.
Heroines of the
Order.‑The first four characters portrayed in the Degrees are Scriptural: the
First, or " Daughter's " point of the star, being represented by Jephthah's
Daughter, to whom the name of Adah is given. The scene is the ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 441 return of Jephthah to Mizpeh after his
victory over the children of Ammon, as recounted in judges XL. 34‑39. The
colour of the point is blue, and is represented in the Signet of the Order by
blue violets, while the emblems that adorn the first point are a veil
entwining a sword.
The Second, or "
Widow's " point, is represented by Ruth and presents the sublime pastoral
scene described in Ruth II. 1‑17, Ruth gleaning in the fields of Boaz. The
colour is yellow, and is represented by the yellow jessamine, the emblem being
a sheaf of golden grain.
At the Third, or "
Wife's " point, Esther is presented, risking her crown and life to save her
captive people, the picture being a somewhat liberal rendering of the leading
incidents described in the Book of Esther, as they relate to the rescuing of
the Jews from their impending doom. This point is white, while the floral
token is the white lily, and the emblems are a crown and sceptre. The Fourth
or " Sister's " point, presents Martha upon the coming of Jesus to Bethany,
after the death of Lazarus, as recorded in St. John XL. Zo‑26. Green is the
colour selected, the floral type being a bunch of ferns, while a broken column
supplies the emblem.
The Fifth or "
Mother's " point, is red, and is represented by a red rose, the emblem being a
cup. The character portrayed is a purely fictitious one, to which the name of
Electa is given; and an attempt was made in the earlier Rituals to identify
her not only with the " elect lady " of St. John's second Epistle, but to make
her an incarnation of the virtues of early Christian martyrs. In the later
Rituals she is presented as a type of the many noble women of all the ages,
who for loyalty to Truth, have suffered.
As, upon the Signet,
the star is surrounded by flowers and the legend " We have seen His Star in
the East, and are come to worship Him," so within the central block there are
the letters F A T A L, and the emblems: I, open Bible; 2, lilies of the
valley; 3, an effulgent sun; 4, a lamb; 5, a lion; whose appropriateness and
significance are explained in the secret work.
RITUAL Although
generally attributed to Bro. Robert Morris, to whom all credit for its
American production is due, the Ritual probably originated in France or
Sweden, about the middle of the eighteenth century, when the present name was
given it, and the five characters portrayed in the Degrees were first
presented for the emulation of Masons and their female relatives. In its
earlier years, Bro. Morris and his co‑workers freely proclaimed the antiquity
of the Order.
The first Ritual
published in this country, as far as known, was The Mosaic Book of the
American Adoptive Rite, published under the authority of the Supreme
Constellation in 1856, by Robert Morris, " Most Enlightened Grand Luminary,"
in which it was stated that In selecting some Androgynous Degree, extensively
known, ancient in date, and ample in scope for the basis of this Rite, the
choice falls, without 442 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW
controversy, upon " The Eastern Star." For this is a Degree familiar to
thousands of the most enlightened York Masons and their female relatives;
established in this country at least before 11778, and one which popularly
bears the palm in point of doctrine and elegance over all others.
In 11866, G. W.
Brown, of Michigan, published a volume entitled The Ladies' Friend, which
embraces the Eastern Star and several other Degrees, arranged so that they
might be Communicated.
In 11867, John H.
Tatem, also of Michigan, issued The Monitor of the Eastern Star, designed for
the use of Lodges of Adopted Masons, the Officers of which were entitled,
President, Vice‑President, etc. This book contained ceremonies for opening and
closing Lodges, and conferring the Degrees therein, and was the first
successful effort to adapt the Ritual for use in regularly organised Bodies.
It was extensively used throughout the State, and became the Work of the Grand
Lodge of Adoptive Masonry, of Michigan, organised in 11867.
The same year, Robert
Macoy, of New York, published The Manual of the Eastern Star, arranged for the
Communication of the Degrees; and in 11868, the Adoptive Rite, embracing
ceremonies for opening and closing Chapters, conferring Degrees therein, and
Installing their Officers, which, with the revised editions published, under
the name of Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star, in 11875 and 11876, was
the basis of the Work used by most of the Chapters organised between 11868 and
11878, additions and alterations being made by individual Workers and several
Grand Chapters. Both the Manual and Adoptive Rite contained the following Many
systems of Adoptive Masonry have, from time to time, been introduced into the
United States with varied success, none of which, however, seemed to possess
the elements of permanency, except the Order of the Eastern Star.
In 11873, the Grand
Chapter of California published a Ritual for the use of the Order in its
jurisdiction.
In 11878, the General
Grand Chapter promulgated a Ritual for the use of the Subordinate Chapters
under its authority, also in the jurisdictions of its Constituent Grand
Chapters. This was revised in 11889, and has been the official Work for all
Grand and Subordinate Chapters, except in the State of New York, and also in
New Jersey since 1907, subject however, to revision from time to time, the
latest revised Ritual becoming effective January 11929. This Ritual was
amended to some extent, and a new edition thereof published after the
Triennial Assembly, in November 1931.
THE SIGNET This has
borne an important part in the Workings of the Order. During the First Era,
the one used was quite elaborate, being lithographed in six colours, ORDER OF
THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 443 on a sheet 14 x 18 inches. The central
figure was the five‑pointed star having a central pentagonal block, on which
were represented the open Bible, lily of the valley, sun, lamb, and lion, and
the letters F A T A L. The points were divided lengthwise, one‑half being of
the proper colour, in which was printed the name of the heroine, while on the
other half were the five‑pointed star and the several emblems; a naked sword,
sheaf, crown and sceptre, broken column, and joined hands. Between the points
outside this star were an emblematic apron, a glove, a belt, a five‑pointed
star, and a collar. From point to point were stretched wreaths of flowers,
each having a different variety, including violets, sunflowers, lilies, pine
cones, and roses.
During the Second Era
the Signet used was about one‑third smaller, and much plainer, having no
floral decorations, and no sentences. The emblems were the same, with the
addition of a veil in the first point, and a cup in the fifth point.
THE OBJECTIVE When
the Eastern Star was conceived, its founder sought to create a social tie
between Masons and their families. He did not claim, nor have members of the
Order ever asserted, that the Eastern Star is any part of Freemasonry. It was
intended to give the Fraternity a helpmeet in all the beneficent work of the
Order. He builded far better than he knew. We believe that we are justified in
saying that the Order has done what he designed and has reached a far higher
standard of usefulness than Robert Morris ever anticipated, even in his
fondest dreams.
Among the objects for
which the Organisation has laboured and spent its consecrated efforts, is the
care of the widow and orphan, and assisting the great Brotherhood in all deeds
of mercy and love. Since woman has worked hand in hand with her Masonic
Brother, a great impetus has been given to the building of Masonic Homes and
there are now successful institutions of this character in various States.
Kentucky leads as the pioneer in this splendid work, having the first and one
of the most magnificent and up‑to‑date Homes in all the world, costing over
$3,000,000.
The Order of the
Eastern Star is not strictly a Woman's Society. From the nature of the
Organisation, it requires a blending with those who have travelled the
pathways of Masonic progress. For its own protection, to guard against
possible imposture, it is essential that every Eastern Star Chapter should
have one or more Masons on its Roster. It is this unity of the relations
between men and women that has rendered the Eastern Star effective for highest
attainment.
One of its exalted
purposes is the development of intellectual progress, and the cause of
education has therefore received its devout consideration.
The beneficent
activities of the Order arc of peculiar interest. It has liberally contributed
to the work of the Red Cross and to various Masonic relief funds.
444 ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW During a three‑year period closing with the
year 1931, it is reported that the following philanthropies have received
valuable contributions Hospitals, Easter Star Homes and
Orphanages................. $2,171,459.8o Maintenance of Eastern Star Homes,
Hospitals and Orphanages per
annum............................................. 494,78o.oo For Emergency
Relief of Eastern Star Members. . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . 173,466.88 Red
Cross and other philanthropies........................... 130,25933 Gifts and
Loans for Educational Purposes..................... 187,6i2.i9 Equipping
Masonic Homes, Hospitals and Orphanages......... 1,189,548.47 Contributions
towards maintaining Homes and Orphanages..... 311,36o.oo
Aggregate.............................................. $4,658,386.67 In
addition to the foregoing expenditures there is at this time (1931), available
funds on hand to meet all emergencies, the latest report disclosing that the
Order has for Eastern Star Home and Relief Funds..........................
$1,770,328.92 Educational Purposes........................................
74,2‑90. 16 Funds for joint Eastern Star and Masonic use..................
639,407‑50 Aggregate..............................................
$2,484,o26.58 Owing to its peculiar relation to the Masonic Fraternity the
Order of the Eastern Star has developed more rapid progress, and its future
prospects are far more promising than of any other institution which has
sprung from our social life.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
ROBERT MORRIS While it is evident from the review of its " Conjectural Origin
" that prior to the development of the Eastern Star Work, beginning with i85o,
there had been for many years various Degrees formulated and conferred upon
Master Masons, their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters, it is an
undeniable fact that Dr. Robert Morris was the founder of the Order of the
Eastern Star as it now exists. For nearly eighteen years, from 185o to 1868,
he gave himself largely to the work of effecting an Organisation in which the
lady members of Masons' families could participate in the pleasures and
privileges which the Masonic Institution was supposed to provide for its
devotees.
Bro. Morris,
according to earlier reviewers, was a lineal descendant of that Robert Morris
who was a prominent member of the Continental Congress in Revolutionary times,
and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a
United States senator from Pennsylvania, from 1789 to 1795.
ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 445 Dr. Morris was born near Boston, Massachusetts,
where his parents, residents of New York City, were passing the summer months,
the auspicious event occurring on August 31, 1818. His boyhood was spent in
New York where he received a classic and cultural education. He also studied
law, and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty‑one. About that time, he
removed to Mississippi, and located at Oxford, where he was employed for some
time as principal of Mount Sylvan Academy, and later, of Eureka Academy at
Richland, a calling for which he was amply qualified. While thus engaged, he
formed the acquaintance, at Oxford, of Miss Charlotte Mendenhall, to whom he
was married in 1841, and together for nearly a half century they journeyed the
winding way of earth's pilgrimage in joyous harmony. It was while serving as
principal of the latter school in 185o that he evolved the fundamentals of the
Order of the Eastern Star. Hence its historic building may be characterised as
the birthplace of that progressive institution.
In 1853, Dr. Morris
removed to Kentucky, and located in Hickman County, where he engaged in
literary work and the publication of The American Freemason. It was while
residing in that locality that he composed the famous Masonic poem, " The
Level and the Square." About the close of 1859, he removed to La Grange,
Kentucky, where he continued his interest in literary work and also the
advancement of the Society in which he had been active since 185o, and to
which he applied the name of " Eastern Star." Early in 1868, having perfected
the organisation in a Ritualistic sense, he transferred to Robert Macoy, a
prominent New York Mason and publisher, with whom he had been associated in
the development of the Eastern Star for several years, the active management
of the institution. This occurred just on the eve of Dr. Morris' departure for
an extended trip through Oriental lands which covered a period of nearly six
months.
Dr. Morris received
the Masonic Degrees in Oxford (now Gathright) Lodge, No. 33, of Mississippi,
having been Initiated on March 5, 1846, and was passed and Raised to the
Master's Degree on July 3 of that year, Bro. William H. Stevens, a
distinguished Mississippi Mason, who after served as Grand Master, conducting
the ceremonies. On the following day, Dr. Morris participated in his first
public Masonic function, the laying of the corner‑stone of the University of
Mississippi.
In Lexington Chapter,
No. 9, he was Exalted to the Royal Arch Degree, November 9, 1849, subsequently
receiving the Cryptic Degrees in Natchez Council, No. 1, and was Knighted in
Mississippi Commandery, No. i, at Jack son in June 1852‑‑ In New York City in
1855, the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
from the Fourth to the Thirty‑Second, inclusive, were conferred upon Dr.
Morris by Giles Fonda Yates, Thirty‑third Degree, an Active Member of the
Northern Supreme Council.
On his removal to
Kentucky, he became affiliated with Nevill (now Model) Lodge, No. zoo, at
Moscow, in Hickman County. Of this Lodge he served as Master in 1855, but on
his removal to La Grange, transferred his membership 446 ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW to Fortitude Lodge, No. 47, with which he continued
until his decease in 1888. Dr. Morris was noted in the Records of the Grand
Lodge of Kentucky as a Grand Lecturer in 1854, and as Chairman of the
Correspondence Committee in 1855. On October 12, 1858, he was Elected Grand
Master, and presided over the Symbolic Craft for a single term with his
characteristic zeal and efficiency. His earliest conception of what was
formerly known as Adoptive Masonry was evolved from the Degree of Heroine of
Jericho, which was conferred on himself and Mrs. Morris in 1847, by Bro.
William H. Stevens. The inspiration awakened in his soul was never dimmed, and
prompted him to those years of ardent toil which gave to Freemasonry its
exalted handmaiden, the beautiful Order of the Eastern Star. Elsewhere in this
review, the work of Dr. Morris is portrayed more fully, and to this the reader
is referred without further comment. It is a peculiar situation that he who
founded the Society, and gave to its development so much arduous labour and
time, should not have been a member of any Chartered Chapter at the time of
the formation of the General Grand Chapter in 1876, in which he did not
participate. In 188o, the General Grand Chapter, in recognition of his eminent
services to the Order, made him an Honorary Member thereof.
The crowning event of
his experiences in Masonic and Eastern Star work occurred on December 17,
1884, in the Masonic Temple at New York City, when by the unanimous approval
of a large number of distinguished Crafts men, he was created and crowned "
Poet‑Laureate of Freemasonry." He was the second member of the Fraternity to
receive this meritorious title, which had been previously conferred, more than
a centurv earlier, upon the famous Scottish Craftsman and poet, " Bobby "
Burns.
Briefly Dr. Morris
wore this exalted honour until he received the immutable mandate to lay aside
the Working Tools of the Life Terrestrial, which occurred on July 31, 1888. A
few years later, another poetical leader of the Craft was selected by common
consent to serve in that distinctive capacity, Bro. Fay Hempstead, who for
more than fifty years has filled the arduous position of Grand Secretary of
Masons for the State of Arkansas.
The remains of Bro.
Morris were interred with Masonic honours in the cemetery at La Grange,
Kentucky, which had been his home for eight and twenty years, and a beautiful
monument, provided by contributions from mem bers of the Craft and of the
Eastern Star, in many localities, including one from Royal Solomon Lodge, No.
i, at Jerusalem, which was formed under his auspices, and of which he is said
to have been the first Worshipful Master, marks their resting‑place.* * Bro.
Henry R. Coleman, of Kentucky, in his valuable work entitled Light from the
East supplies the following account: " Royal Solomon Lodge, No. 293 at
Jerusalem was Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Canada, February 17, 1873, with
Robert Morris as Worshipful Master, John Sheville as Senior Warden, and Rolla
Lloyd as junior Warden. Among its charter members were the following other
distinguished American Masons: James Moorefield Houry, Past Grand Master of
Mississippi; Andrew Jackson Wheeler, Past Grand Master of Tennessee; Albert G.
Mackey, Past Grand Master of South Carolina, and for many years
Secretary‑General of the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
for the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, and Robert Macoy, then in the midst of
more than two‑score years of service as Grand Recorder of Knights Templar of
New York." ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 447 ROBERT MACOY In
historic Cherry Valley in New York, the scene of blood‑curdling Indian
atrocities under sanction of British officers, during the Revolution, Robert
Macoy first beheld the sunlight, October 4, 1815. Receiving a commendable
educa tion, he acquired the printer's art as he grew to manhood, and
afterwards located in New York City, where he was actively engaged in
publication work for many years, and even in these latter days his name
appears in connection with the business which he originated, although its
affairs have long been administered by others.
MASONIC RECORD In
Lebanon Lodge, No. 191, of New York City, Robert Macoy was Initiated, January
2o, 1848. He was passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, January 27, and on
February 3 of that year, was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
From this Lodge he withdrew, August 15, 1855, and became affiliated with
Adelphic Lodge, No. 348, of New York City, during that year.
In the Grand Lodge of
New York he was chosen Deputy Grand Master in June 1856, and was re‑elected in
1857.
In Orient Royal Arch
Chapter, No. 138, of New York City, Companion Macoy was Exalted September 5,
1849, and became a member of Adelphic Chapter, No. 158, on December 24, 1855.
He affiliated with Union Chapter, No. 18o, of New York City, at its formation
in 1864, and was also a Charter Member in 1868 of Americus Chapter, No. 215,
of that location. There his membership remained until i88o, and we learn that
he became affiliated with DeWitt Clinton Chapter, No. 142, of Brooklyn, New
York, in 1889. We have no definite information as to where Robert Macoy
received the Cryptic Degrees. It was evidently sometime prior to June 1855. He
became a Charter Member of Adelphic Council, No. 7, which was formed under
Dispensation issued December 14, 1855. He withdrew therefrom August 7, 1858.
In the Grand Council
of New York, Companion Macoy was elected Grand Recorder June 4, 1855,
continuing his service therein during a two‑year period. Robert Macoy received
the Orders of Knighthood in Palestine Encampment, No. 18, of New York City, in
February 1851. In March following, he withdrew therefrom and became a member
of Morton Encampment, No. 4. On April 28, 1874, he affiliated with DeWitt
Clinton Commandery, No. 27, of New York City, where his membership continued
for more than twenty years. At the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of
New York, June 6; 1851, he was elected Grand Recorder and continued to serve
in that important capacity until his decease, which occurred more than
two‑score years later.
Having received the
Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry from the
Fourth to the Thirty‑second, inclusive, sometime prior thereto, Bro. Macoy
became an Honorary Inspector‑General of the Thirty‑third 448 ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW and last Degree, in the Supreme Council for the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, December 9, 185o.
Prior to i86o, during
the active labours of Robert Morris in promulgating the Work of the Eastern
Star, Robert Macoy became interested in its development, co‑operating with the
distinguished founder of the Order in its formation and dissemination, and in
1866 he published a manual of its ceremonials. In 1868, just prior to his
departure for an extended tour of the Holy Land, Dr. Morris placed the Work of
the Eastern Star in the hands of Robert Macoy, who was largely instrumental in
developing the ceremonial and governmental arrangement of the Organisation.
These he arranged in a Chapter formation, the various Bodies having previously
been designated as Constellations, and later, as Eastern Star Families. It was
evidently during 1868 that the Supreme Grand Chapter was formed with
headquarters at New York, which was conducted under the supervision of Bro.
Macoy. During that period he began the formation of regularly Chartered
Chapters of the Order, the first of which was Alpha Chapter, No. I, of New
York, Chartered in December 1868, and which has been continuously active to
the present time. The Grand Chapter of New York was formed in 1870, and in
1873, Bro. Macoy became its Grand Patron, serving until 1875.
The Grand Chapter of
New York has continuously operated independently of the General Grand Eastern
Star Chapter; therefore, Bro. Macoy had no direct connection during the
lengthened period of his days with the national governing Body of the Order.
On January 9, 1895,
having almost attained the age of fourscore years, this distinguished
co‑operator in the formation and development of the Eastern Star was summoned
by Infinite Decree to lay aside the Working Tools of the Life Terrestrial in
which he had attained eminent distinction, and enter upon that exalted quest
which knows no end or deviation, until it blends in Eternal Harmony.
JOHN DAVIS VINCIL,
D.D.
PAST GRAND MASTER AND
FOR TWENTY‑SEVEN YEARS GRAND SECRETARY OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MISSOURI The
first Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of
the Eastern Star was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, August 24, 183o. Left
an orphan at an early age, his education was principally acquired after
attaining his majority. He served an apprenticeship of seven years in a
cabinet shop; then he became a teacher of elementary schools, and for four
years was a member of the County Court.
In 1854, he came to
Missouri, locating at Albany, where he again engaged in teaching, and also
served as Deputy Circuit Court clerk.
At the age of
fourteen, Dr. Vincil united with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and in
1857 entered the ministry, in which he continued actively for twenty years,
serving various churches in Missouri, and attaining a distinc tive reputation
as a pulpit orator. In 1877, having been elected Grand Secretary ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 449 of Symbolic Masons, he removed to St.
Louis, which became his permanent home, and where for a number of years
thereafter he officiated as pastor of a group of local churches.
MASONIC RECORD Dr.
Vincil was made a Mason in Athens Lodge, No. 127, at Albany, Missouri, in June
1854, and became a Master Mason on August 12 following. In Lone Star Royal
Arch Chapter, No. 3o, at Chillicothe, he was Exalted in 1858, and was greeted
in Marion Council, No. 3, at Hannibal, in 1864. During that year he received
the Orders of Knighthood in Excalliber Commandery, No. 5, at Hannibal.
Dr. Vincil attended
the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri On May 23, 1859,
representing Spring Hill Lodge, No. 155. He was appointed and served as Grand
Chaplain until 1863, when he was chosen Senior Grand Warden. Then for two
years he served as Deputy Grand Master, and in 1866 attained the summit of
Masonic honour as Grand Master of Masons, his term of service extending from
May of that year to October 1867. He was again elected Grand Master in 1868.
In 1877, he became Grand Secretary, serving continuously until he passed to
the Life Eternal, October 12, 1904. He also filled the exalted Stations of
Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter in 1885, and Grand Prelate of Knights
Templar in 1866 and 1870. He was chosen Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery in 1871.
Dr. Vincil was
Initiated in Fidelity Eastern Star Chapter, No. 46, at Louisiana, Missouri,
and became its Worthy Patron in 1874. When the Grand Chapter was formed in
1875, he was selected as its first Grand Patron, and on No vember 16, 1876,
became the Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter.
A Craftsman of lofty
ideals, of sterling character, and exalted consecration to humanity's service,
he was amply qualified to direct and govern this splendid adjunct of
Freemasonry during its formative period.
WILLIS DARWIN ENGLE
PAST GRAND PATRON OF INDIANA, PAST MOST WORTHY GRAND PATRON This sketch
introduces one who may be said to have been the chief instigator of the
General Grand Chapter.
He was born in Niles,
Michigan, October 22, 1846, and closed the record of his human activities
November 1, 1925, at Indianapolis. In early life he learned the printer's art,
and then for a number of years was employed as a teacher in public schools, a
railway clerk, and a bookkeeper for various interests. Some time during those
years he located in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he established his permanent
home.
Following a course in
Sacred Theology, Bro. Engle was consecrated as a priest of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, in 19o2, and through his efforts, a 450 ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW number of churches were formed in Indiana, much of his
time and energy being devoted to church and Sunday‑school work.
MASONIC RECORD The
files of Mystic Tie Lodge, No. 398, at Indianapolis, disclose that, while
Working under Dispensation, the Entered Apprentice Degree was conferred upon
Willis Darwin Engle March 25, 1869, and he was passed to the Degree of Fellow
craft on May io following. Soon afterwards, this Lodge was Chartered, and on
June 14 of that year he was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In
1875 he presided over the Lodge as Worshipful Master, and again in 1879. In
1876 he was "chosen Secretary, and with the exception of his last year of
service as Master, continually filled that arduous post until for him " The
silver cord was loosed." He was also Secretary of the Masonic Burial Ground
Association from 1873, and of the Masonic Relief Board of Indianapolis from
1878 until his decease. He served as Grand Lecturer from 1882 to 1884 and was
Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi from and after February
24, 188o. He also became Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge in igoo and I9o6.
In Keystone Royal
Arch Chapter, No. 6, at Indianapolis, he received the Capitular Degrees on
March io, 1903. The Cryptic Degrees of Royal Master and Select Master were
conferred on Companion Engle in Indianapolis Council, No. 2, on April 6, 1903,
and on March 16, 19o5, he received the Degree of SuperExcellent Master. He
attained the Chivalric Rite of Freemasonry in Raper Commandery, No. I, of
Indianapolis, the Order of the Red Cross being conferred April 28, 1903,
followed by the Order of Malta and of the Temple one week later. Bro. Engle
received the Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
in the local Consistory at Indianapolis, and its coordinate Bodies, as follows
Fourth to the Fourteenth Degrees, inclusive, April 28, 1875. Fifteenth and
Sixteenth Degrees, November 2, 1878. Seventeenth and Eighteenth Degrees,
November 7, 1900.
He became a Sublime
Prince of the Royal Secret, passing from the Nineteenth to the Thirty‑second
Degrees, inclusive, on March 28, igol.
EASTERN STAR
ACTIVITIES Willis Darwin Engle was Initiated into the Order of the Eastern
Star October 17, 1872, in Queen Esther Chapter, No. 3, of Indiana. Of this
Chapter he served as Worthy Patron in 1874‑1878, and became Grand Patron of
Indiana in 1877‑1878. While serving as Worthy Patron, he became deeply
impressed with the consciousness that a better system of Eastern Star Work and
government was necessary. Therefore, by personal correspondence, and through
the press, he undertook to urge upon the several Grand Chapters then existing
the advisability of forming a General Grand Chapter for the government and
guid‑ ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 451 ance of the Order in the
United States. Favourable responses were received from a number of Grand
Chapters, and the Grand Chapter of Indiana issued a cordial invitation to
those of other jurisdictions to attend a meeting in the city of Indianapolis
on November 8, 1876, for the purpose of carrying these suggestions into
effect.
For unavoidable
causes, the meeting was deferred until November 15 and 16, when the General
Grand Chapter was duly formed, and assumed authority and control, within the
limits of its constitutional provisions, over its Constit uent Grand Chapters.
Bro. Engle was chosen the first Most Worthy Grand Secretary of the National
Body, and served in that capacity until 1889. He was active and zealous in
promoting the interests of the Eastern Star, and next to the original founders
of the Order is entitled to ample credit for its gratifying progress and
accomplishments. In 1899 he compiled and published a history of the Eastern
Star for Indiana, which contains much valuable information. When the history
of Freemasonry and Concordant Orders was published in 189o, its review of
Eastern Star work was prepared by Bro. W. D. Engle, and embraces a
comprehensive account of the origin and development of the Order. In 19Io, he
was elected Most Worthy Grand Patron for a period of three years, during which
he accomplished much effective work in the interest of the organisation.
During his active
association with the activities of the General Grand Chapter, he formed the
acquaintance of Mrs. Addie C. S. Bario, who served as Grand Matron of
Connecticut from 1877 to 188o, an interesting writer and poetess. The
irrepressible Cupid hovered near, and ere long they were solemnly united in
the bonds of matrimony. The passing years evidenced their oneness of effort
and that each proved a valued inspiration to the other.
Bro. Engle's
advancement to the Limitless Life, in the late autumn of 1925, left a void in
the ranks of the Order's distinguished leaders which may not easily be filled,
while the Ancient Craft he also served with freedom, fervency and zeal will
devoutly honour his memory through the passing years. At the Triennial Session
of the General Grand Chapter, held at Denver, Colorado, in July 1928, a
beautiful tribute to the departed Chieftain was presented by Sister M. Alice
Miller, of Oklahoma, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, with whom he was
associated as Most Worthy Grand Patron, 1910 to 1913.
MRS. ELIZABETH BUTLER
FIRST WORTHY GRAND MATRON OF ILLINOIS, FIRST MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON
Venerated and honoured with the founders and other distinctive leaders of the
Eastern Star, aptly designated as the Mother of the Order in Illinois,
Elizabeth Golcher, nee Butler, was born across the sea, that auspicious event
occur ring on October 16, 1831, at Darleston, England, and there she grew to
splendid young womanhood. There, too, in due time she was united in marriage
to Joseph Butler, a native of the same locality, and together they came to
America, sojourning for a time in Philadelphia, where their eldest daughter
was born in 452 ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 1851, removing
afterwards to Chicago, where they established their permanent home.
Into their joyous
household came at intervals four winsome daughters: Jane, Anna E., Mary G.,
and Grace; also four sturdy sons: Alfred, Joseph, Jacob, and James. Each of
the daughters was actively interested in the work of the Eastern Star, and
with their illustrious mother became eventually life members of Butler
Chapter, No. 36. Anna had evidently been Initiated in Miriam Chapter, No. i,
and with her father and mother participated in the formation of the new
Chapter which bore her family name, of which she served as Martha during the
first year of its activities. After a long and valued service in various
Stations, she was elected Worthy Matron, December 1885, and was re‑elected in
1886. The other sisters were doubtless Initiated in No. 36, and served
repeatedly in various official capacities. The younger sister, Grace Butler,
after ten years of service in various positions, became Worthy Matron in
December 1893.
The father, Joseph
Butler, was chosen the first Sentinel of Butler Chapter, No. 36. For more than
twenty years he was an honoured member of Garden City Lodge, No. 141, of
Chicago, in which he was made a Mason, January 14, passed to the Degree of
Fellowcraft March 4, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason April 1,
1863. Ten years of loyal service were completed in the East as Worshipful
Master, in 1873, and the record of his activities in the flesh was closed by
Infinite Decree, January 6, 1885.
Sister Butler, and
probably her husband, in a group of thirty, including Sister Lorraine J.
Pitkin, became members of the Eastern Star when Miriam Family was formed in
Chicago, October 6, 1866, and for nearly twoscore years gave herself largely
to the promulgation of the beautiful teachings of Bethelem's Symbolic
Luminary. When Miriam Family became a Chartered Chapter in 1869, Sister Butler
was selected as its First Worthy Matron, serving in that capacity through
1870, and again in 1872. At the formation of the Grand Chapter of Illinois,
October 6, 1875, she was elected Worthy Grand Matron.
When Butler Chapter,
No. 36, of Illinois, located at Chicago, was formed, in 1876, and named in her
honour, Sister Butler was selected as its First Worthy Matron, continuing to
direct its labours until 1879, and was re‑elected Worthy Matron a year later.
On October 1, 1897, she was accorded a Life Membership therein, which
continued until her decease on July 13, 19o6.
When the General
Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star was formed at Indianapolis, Indiana, on
November 16, 1876, Sister Butler became its first Most Worthy Grand Matron,
serving for a two‑year period, until the next Session in 1878, and for nearly
eight and twenty years occupied the distinctive rank of Senior Past Most
Worthy Grand Matron of the national organisation. Although we find but brief
accounts of her life and activities, sincere and fervent tributes were
rendered to her memory in the Grand Chapter of Illinois, and also in the
General Grand Chapter at its Triennial Session in 1907. Her value as an active
and influential leader in the Work of the Order is evidenced ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW 453 by the various expressions of esteem and
veneration bestowed upon her memory. Truly indeed is she revered as the
maternal parent of the System in Illinois, and well may she be accorded all
honour and commendation for her successful conduct of the pioneer activities
of the General Grand Chapter immediately following its formation. May the
radiance of her beautiful character and the influence of her examplary
devotion prove a constant incentive to higher thoughts and loftier
accomplishments on the part of all who follow where her footprints lead the
way.
MRS. LORRAINE J.
PITKIN PAST GRAND MATRON OF ILLINOIS, PAST MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON, RIGHT
WORTHY GRAND SECRETARY An official record of thirty years of service is not
often attained, yet this was the accomplishment of Sister Lorraine J. Pitkin.
Born at Waddington,
New York, July 15, 1845, she was but little past eighteen when she was united
in wedlock to Captain Edward J. Pitkin, of the Federal Army, in October 1863.
Immediately thereafter, duty called him to the front, and within a twelvemonth
his human form had been immolated on the altar of his country's weal. Thus the
joyous bride of a few brief summers became a widow and a mother ere she was
twenty, and for seven and fifty years she found it necessary to courageously "
Tread the wine‑press alone." This she did with unfaltering devotion, providing
a home and ideal training for her infant daughter as well as attracting to her
circle of friendship those among the noblest of womanhood and manhood.
Through influential
friendships, which are often invaluable, she became post mistress of the
Illinois House of Representatives, which brought her into prominence, and
paved the way to ultimate success. Her most devoted and arduous labours were
given to the Work of the Eastern Star, and in the position of Right Worthy
Grand Secretary, she was enabled to render invaluable service to the cause
which the Society represents.
When Miriam Family of
the Eastern Star was formed at Chicago, October 6, 1866, Sister Pitkin was
among the Initiates, and was chosen Conductress of the new Organisation. When
the Michigan Ritual was adopted the following year, she became its President,
and later she was instrumental in forming Queen Esther Chapter, No. 41, of
which she became the first Worthy Matron, and maintained her connection
therewith until the close of her long and useful life, eventually being
honoured with Life Membership.
Briefly, the
following is the record of her service to the Order, an accomplishment which
cannot be fully disclosed in any language of earth Elected Worthy Grand
Matron, Grand Chapter of Illinois, in October 1878. In August 188o, she was
chosen Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter, serving until
1883.
On September 28,
1889, she succeeded Bro. Willis Darwin Engle as Right Worthy Grand Secretary.
Thenceforward, for three decades, this became her life work, and faithfully
was it performed. This was her avenue of exalted 454 ORDER OF THE EASTERN
STAR‑HISTORICAL REVIEW accomplishment; a labour unexcelled in usefulness and
unsurpassed in excellence. At the Triennial Session of the General Grand
Chapter, in i919, the impaired condition of her health prompted her to decline
a re‑election, whereupon she was made Right Worthy Grand Secretary, Emeritus,
with a provision of half salary for life. Two and a half years she remained to
gladden and cheer the labours of those who had so long been her associates,
and then on February 2, 1922, the Angel of Transition called the immortal
spirit to abandon the Temple of Time and enter upon the life that knows no
limitations.
Her daughter, Mrs.
Howard J. Decker, of Delavan, Wisconsin, with two granddaughters, Mrs.
Lorraine Campbell, of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. Maude Crane, of Chicago,
remained of her immediate family.
In the auditorium of
Oriental Consistory at Chicago, solemn and reverential services were performed
over the illustrious remains, under the auspices of the General Grand Chapter,
whose principal Officers presided over the cere monial, with the assistance of
the Grand Chapter of Illinois, while many distinguished Stars of other
jurisdictions united in the honour rendered to the departed and in the stately
procession to Rose Hill, where the interment took place.
No human thought can
express a fitting memorial to one whose passing years were consecrated to
loving service of a holy cause, hence we close this brief sketch with the
beautiful verse inscribed at the conclusion of the printed tribute Not ended
her life, just only begun, Its promise aglow like the radiant sun, And we
catch its gleam in the earth life still, With its message of Peace, of Joy and
Goodwill.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS JOHN EDWARD ALLEN WARRENTON, NORTH CAROLINA J. Edward Allen
was born in 1887 at Warrenton, North Carolina, where he received his early
education. Graduated (A.B. and A.M.) from Wake Forest College, of which he has
served as member of board of trustees for ten years, did graduate work at
Harvard and Columbia, and since 1919 has been county superintendent of schools
in his native Warren County. He has been active in the Baptist Church, serving
as presiding officer in local, county and State associations and conventions,
deacon and teacher of Allen Bible Class. Member and fellow of a score of
educational and research societies and author of Oral English Practically
Applied, Freshman Mortality, Green Hill and other works. Active in civic and
public works, served as president of local Kiwanis Club.
Raised in
Johnston‑Caswell Lodge, No. 1o, in December 19o8; Master, igo9‑1911; District
Deputy Grand Master, 1915‑1917; Senior Grand Deacon and Fraternal
Correspondent of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Exalted in Henderson R. A.
Chapter, No. 54, in 19o ; High Priest, 1916; Past District Deputy Grand High
Priest; Grand Master of the First Veil, Grand Royal Arch Chapter of North
Carolina; Fraternal Correspondent; Past Grand High Priest (honoris causes),
Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ireland. ‑Greeted in Henderson Council,
No. 1o, R. & S. M., in 19o9; Master in 192‑1; Provincial Grand Master of the
Capital Province, 1932.; Grand Marshal of the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters in North Carolina; Fraternal Correspondent. Dubbed a Knight of
the Temple in Henderson Commandery in i 9o9; Commander in 1916; Fraternal
Reviewer and Deputy Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar
of North Carolina; Official Reviewer of the Grand Encampment of the United
States of America. Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High
Priesthood, in 192.1; President, 1930. Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of
America, Priestly Order of the Temple; Knight Grand Commander; Installed High
Priest of the United States Tabernacle, No. 9, H. R. A. K. T. P. (English
Constitution); member Royal Kent Tabernacle, T. I. M., H. R. A. K. T. P.
(Newcastle‑on‑Tyne, England, 1935) Deputy Grand Master General of the Convent
General of America, K. Y. C. H. Member Wilmington Consistory, A. & A. S. R.,
Thirty‑second Degree; K. C. C. H in 1933; Past Venerable Master, Enfield Lodge
of Perfection. Member of the Royal Order of Scotland; A. A. O. N. M. S.; Past
Grand Patron, Order of the Eastern Star; Society of Blue Friars; Past
Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of
the U. S. A., Knight Grand Cross; Member, Great Priory of America, Rite of the
Strict Observance; Past Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites of
America; President of the Guild of the U. S. A.; Past Celebrant, Eighth
Degree, N. C. College, 45E 456 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS S. R. I.
C. F.; Active Member, N. C. Lodge of Research; M. P. Sovereign, St. John of
Patmos Conclave, No. 67, Red Cross of Constantine; Installed M. E. Chief,
Knights Masons of Ireland; Past Senior General, Red Cross Knights (Scotland)
and Honorary Member of the Grand Prieure de Gaul, Paris.
HARRY L. BAUM DENVER,
COLORADO Dr. Baum was born in Shelbyville, Illinois, September 7, 1887. He
graduated in medicine (M.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania in 19io and
immediately began a study of diseases of the ear, nose and throat, which
specialty has been his life work. He holds membership in local, county, state
and national medical societies and in various specialists' societies. In
addition to his profession, he has taught otolaryngology in the medical school
of the University of Colorado, also given graduate courses in the specialty,
and has contributed many papers involving research and experience to the
literature of the medical profession. He is the author of many plays, both
Masonic and otherwise.
Brother Baum, soon
after attaining his majority, became a member of the Craft and served
Emulation Lodge, No. 154, as its first Master; at present he is Senior Grand
Warden of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. He is a member of the Chapter, Council
and Commandery. He has presided over his Lodge of Perfection and Council of
Kadosh and is an Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirtythird Degree of the
A. & A. S. R., in which he has been very active. His many contributions to
Masonic literature have marked his interest in the Fraternity and some of his
Masonic plays are: "John Brent, Fifty‑nine, Vigilante " and " Brother
Service." These plays were first produced in the Cathedral of Colorado
Consistory, in Denver, and under the auspices of Grand Lodge at its Annual
Communications of 192‑8,192‑9, 193o and 1931. Some of his non‑Masonic plays
are: " When the Red Army Marches," .. Compromise Marriage " and " The Lion's
Den." The Craft in Colorado is indeed fortunate in having as one of its active
members such an accomplished brother as Dr. Baum.
LOUIS ARMAND BENOIST
NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI Louis A. Benoist was born in Natchez, Mississippi, August
28, 1852, and died November 17, 1932. He was educated in the local schools of
Natchez, where he spent his life in usual occupation and zeal for his
community.
Brother Benoist
received the Craft November 25, 1895, in Harmony Lodge, No. I, of Natchez,
served as Master in 1898, 1899 and 1907 and filled many Offices in Grand
Lodge, being Grand Master of Masons in Mississippi in 1919.
Exalted to the Royal
Arch in Natchez Royal Arch Chapter, January 21, 1897, and on May 29, 1928, was
elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Mississippi. He
was Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood,
February 13, 1908‑ In April igo2, he was greeted BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 457 in Natchez Council, No. 1, R. & S. M., and March 19, 1897, he
was dubbed a Knight of the Temple in Rosalie Commandery at Natchez, over which
he presided as Commander, and served with distinction as Grand Commander of
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of his native State. He was a founder
of Natchez Chapter of the Eastern Star, and served as Grand Patron of the
Grand Chapter of the State. He held membership in Hamasa Temple, A. A. O. N.
M. S. (February 8, 1898), and the Meridian Bodies of the A. & A. S. R.
(October 18, 1907).
WILLIAM MOSELEY BROWN
CLARENDON, VIRGINIA Dr. Brown was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, February 27,
1894, being educated at the local schools of his native city and at Washington
and Lee University (A.B., summa cum laude, 1914, A.M., 1915), received his
Ph.D. from Columbia University. For several years he taught in Danville High
School and at his alma mater; served as President of Atlantic University, of
Virginia. Taught during summer sessions of University of Virginia, George
Washington University and (Provost) University of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Research Associate of National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (Wickersham
Commission). Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
and member of many other scientific and educational societies. President,
Virginia Academy of Science (1928‑1929) and of Association of Virginia
Colleges (1928‑1929). Major on the Specialist Reserves, U. S. Arm Raised
January 2, 1922, in Mountain City Lodge, No. 67; Gran&aster of Masons in
Virginia, 1934‑1935; exalted in Rockbridge R. A. Chapter, No. 44; will be next
Grand High Priest of the Grand R. A. Chapter of Virginia; dubbed a Knight of
the Temple in Moomaw Commandery, No. 27; elected Grand Commander in 1935‑
Member A. A. O. N. M. S., A. & A. S. R. (K. C. C. H.), Royal Order of
Scotland. Past Sovereign Grand Master and Knight Grand Cross, Allied Masonic
Degrees; Past Grand Preceptor and Knight Grand Commander, Priestly Order of
the Temple; Great Prior, Great Priory of America, Rite of the Strict
Observance; Deputy Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites of U. S. A.;
Chief Adept, IX', Virginia College, S. R. I. C. F.; Intendent General in
Virginia, Red Cross of Constantine and Honorary Member of many Lodges, Grand
Lodges, Chapters, etc.; author of Freemasonry in Virginia and many articles.
WINTHROP BUCK
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT Brother Winthrop Buck was born in Hartford, Connecticut,
September 2, 1878, in which city he has made his home through the years. He
was educated in public schools of his native city, after which he attended
Yale College, graduating, in 19oo, with honours in history; in igo2 he
received the degree of M.A. from this university. Thereafter he entered upon a
career of teaching, 458 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS first in private
school work in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and then successively in Old Lyme, Old
Saybrook and Hartford, Connecticut. In 1929, when he was principal of the Noah
Webster School, in Hartford, he resigned his profession to become Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, which office he now holds.
Brother Buck was
Raised in Pythagoras Lodge, No. 45, Lyme, December I, 1902, later moving his
membership to Siloam Lodge, No. 32, and then to Hartford Lodge, No. 88, over
which he presided as Master in 1914. He served as District Deputy Grand Master
in 1915, 1916 and 1917. In 1924 he was elected Grand Master of Masons in
Connecticut, which position he filled with ability and zeal.
WALLACE R. CHEVES
NEWBERRY, FLORIDA Wallace R. Cheves was born in Monroe County, Georgia, in
1866 and for many years was interested in sawmills in Georgia, Alabama and
Florida. He has served his city as chairman and treasurer of the Board of Bond
Trustees and as president of the City Council.
Brother Cheves was
made a Master Mason in 1892 in Strict Observance Lodge, No. 18, Forsyth,
Georgia, affiliating with Ira Carter Lodge, No. i5o, in Newberry, Florida, in
1919, serving as Master the following year; in 193o he became Grand Master of
Masons in Florida and since 1932 has been chairman of the Committe on Work and
Foreign Correspondent and Reviewer. Exalted to the Royal Arch in Arlington R.
A. Chapter, No. 36 (Georgia), in 19o1 and served that Chapter as King. He was
greeted a Select Master in 1930 and dubbed a Knight of the Temple in 1911. He
is also a member of the A. & A. S. R. and the A. A. O. N. M. S. Brother Cheves
has ever been an interested student of Masonic history and education and is
the author of the History of Masonry in Florida.
HARRY MORRISON CHENEY
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE Born in Newport, New Hampshire, March 8, 186o, from
which city he was taken by his parents a year later and made his home in
Lebanon until 191o, when he removed to Concord to assume his duties for which
he had been selected by the Masonic Fraternity of his State. Brother Cheney
early became interested in the printing trade and after graduating from Colby
Academy (1882) and Bates College (1886), he continued his work in that
business as editor and publisher of both weekly and daily newspapers. For many
years he was Auditor of Public Printer's Accounts and served in the House of
Representatives of New Hampshire five terms, being speaker of the House in
1903, State senator in 1897 and a member of the Governor's Council in 1889 and
19oo.
Raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason October 5, 1881, and in due BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 459 time received the other..degrees of the various Bodies. Grand
Master of Masons in New Hampshire in igo2 and 1903; Grand Master of Royal and
Select Masters in New Hampshire in 1904 and 1905; since agog he has served as
Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder of the four Grand Bodies in New Hampshire
and since 1906 has written the Foreign Correspondence Reports for Grand Lodge,
later assuming the same for Grand Council and Grand Commandery. In 1905 he was
made an Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A.
S. R. and in 1925 was made an Active Member of Supreme Council and Deputy in
New Hampshire. Author of Symbolic Freemasonry in New Hampshire, 1934 WILLIAM
BORDLEY CLARKE SAVANNAH, GEORGIA William B. Clarke was born in Savannah,
Georgia, July 8, 18go, and was educated in the local public schools and at
Georgia School of Technology. In 1916 he entered the practice of architecture
(Levy and Clarke) and has been active in executing many important buildings.
Active in civic affairs, he has served in many important capacities:
vice‑president, Civitan Club, and member of Board of Trustees of the Lutheran
Seminary. Served as a commissioned officer in the Engineers during the World
War; president of the South Georgia Chapter of the American Institute of
Architects and other professional and educational groups.
Brother Clarke
received the degrees of Masonry in 1917 in Solomon's Lodge, No. I, of which he
has filled the office of Master; Past Grand Master of Masons in Georgia and
recipient of the distinguished service medal of Grand Lodge. Exalted in
Georgia Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2, and Past High Priest thereof; Past
Commander of Palestine Commandery, No. 7, Knights Templar, and member of the
A. & A. S. R., A. A. O. N. M. S.; Past Grand Patron of 0. E. S., and other
honours too numerous to record.
CARL HARRY CLAUDY
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Carl H. Claudy must have been born with a
pencil in his hand! He has written practically all of his life, save for a
brief spell in his early life when he pioneered and prospected in Alaska. His
many books and magazine articles for young people have immortalized him and,
likewise, his many Masonic books, articles and plays have made for him a place
in the Craft not soon to be forgotten. Some of his more popular books are: The
Unknown Mason, The Master's Book, Old Tiler Talks, "Foreign Countries," A
Master's Wages, The Old Past Master, The Lion's Paw, Introduction to
Freemasonry, United Masonic Relief and Washington's Home and Fraternal Lfe. As
Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association of the United States,
Brother Claudy has written and edited many 46o BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS bulletins and papers of great value and interest; he has also
edited several magazines, papers and periodicals. He holds a commission as
major in the Reserves, is a member of the National Press Club and other
organizations, and belongs to the Sigma Delta Chi Fraternity.
Brother Claudy is a
Past Master of Harmony Lodge, No. 17, member of the Chapter, Council,
Commandery, Shrine, Red Cross of Constantine, Allied Masonic Degrees, S. R. I.
C. F., and other groups. He has served as presiding officer in his Lodge of
Perfection and Rose Croix Chapter and was crowned an Inspector‑General
Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A. S. R. by the southern
Supreme Council. He is an Honorary Member of several Lodges and Grand Lodges
and has served the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia in various
capacities, being elected junior Grand Steward therein. He received the Henry
Price Medal from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, an honor well deserved by
him.
CHARLES ARTHUR
CONOVER COLDWATER, MICHIGAN Born in Lafayette, Indiana, May 11, 1865, first
child of J. S. and Mary I. Conover. They settled in Coldwater, Michigan, in
1866. He graduated from Business Institute in 1884, and engraving and colour
printing was his business for thirty‑three years. August 31, 1887, he married
Juno Edmonds and three sons have been born to them. His religious affiliations
are Presbyterian. He served his city two years as alderman, and also mayor;
and seventeen years as cemetery trustee developing a modern park plan
cemetery.
He entered the
Masonic Fraternity as early as possible, and was Initiated the week he arrived
at majority; was elected Master in 1889, the youngest in the State; was
Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in 1888, and served as High Priest 1891‑i892;
greeted in the Council 1889, and was T. I. M. in 1896, 1903; Knighted 1888,
and served as Commander four years, 1893‑1894, 1898‑1899 He holds membership
in Coldwater Chapter, " No. 1,' O. E. S., the oldest Chapter of the Order in
the world; was Patron three years and Grand Patron of Michigan in 1896,
instituting thirty‑three Chapters.
He received the
Scottish Rite grades to Thirty‑second Degree in Detroit Consistory in 1904,
and in 1907, at Boston, was Crowned an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council,
N. M. J. Thirty‑third Degree. He joined Moslem Tem ple Shrine, Detroit, 1904.
He holds memberships in the Red Cross of Constantine, Masonic Grand
Secretaries Guild, Order of High Priesthood, Grand Council Order of DeMolay,
Acacia Fraternity; Masonic Allied Degrees, Societatis Rosecruciana, the
College of Rites, Masonic Bibliophiles, and many honorary memberships.
Since 1903 he has
served Michigan as Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., Grand
Recorder, R. & S. M., and since 1923 as Grand Recorder Knights Templar. In
1912 he was chosen General Grand Secretary of the Gen eral Grand Chapter Royal
Arch Masons of U. S. His hobbies for recreation are travel, photography,
mechanics, and shooting.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS 461 CHARLES COMSTOCK CROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE Born in Jefferson
County, New York, June 2, 1856, and died in Crossville, Tennessee, June 8,
1933. At an early age removed to Tennessee, where for more than thirty‑five
years he was engaged in looking after the lands of the Bon Air Coal and Iron
Company.
Brother Comstock was
very active in Freemasonry and was considered one of the best historians of
the Craft in America. Raised in Tullahoma Lodge, No. 262, on March 18, 18go;
Past Master of Mountain City Lodge, No. 549; elected Grand Master of Masons in
Tennessee in 1913; Grand Historian at the time of his death. Exalted to the
Royal Arch in December, 189o; Past High Priest of Mount Olivet R. A. Chapter,
No. 87; P. H. P., Mount Pisgah R. A. Chapter, No. 199; Grand High Priest of
the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Tennessee, in igo8; at time of his death he
was Grand Treasurer of Grand Chapter. Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to
the Order of High Priesthood January Zo, I9oo; Grand President of the Grand
Council of the Order in 1904. Greeted a Select Master in Tullahoma Council,
No. 70, R. & S. M., November 18, 1891; served several terms as Master of
Drummond Council, No. 86, R. & S. M.; Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Tennessee in 1898; at the time of his death he was Grand Treasurer of Grand
Council. Dubbed a Knight of the Temple in Lookout Commandery, No. 14, on
October 23, I 93o. Received the Degrees of the A. & A. S. R. in 19io;
Coroneted a K. C. C. H. in 1921. Past Patron of Amanda Chapter, No. 4, O. E.
S. Member of the A. A. O. N. M. S. and at the time of his death he was Grand
Superintendent in Tennessee of the Allied Masonic Degrees, in which Body he
held the rank of Past Senior Grand Warden.
WILLIAM KENNON COWDEN
HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA Born in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 17, 1869,
Brother Cowden, after a brief experience in teaching and surveying, studied
law, was admitted to the bar in 1892 and located in Huntington, where he now
resides. He has been active for many years in his profession, Freemasonry and
civic affairs, and is a director of Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company, of
Washington, District of Columbia. Raised in I9oo in Huntington Lodge, No. 53,
serving it as Master a few years after; elected Grand Master of Masons in West
Virginia in 1919, serving for one term. Elected Grand High Priest of the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of West Virginia in 1916 and for many years a Past
Commander of Knights Templar. Brother Cowden has written on many Masonic
subjects, including his Freemasonry in West Virginia, and in 1932, as a member
of the Committee on Masonic jurisprudence, assisted in the revision of the "
Laws of Masonry," promulgated by his Grand Lodge.
462 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS CHARLES E. CREAGER MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA Brother Creager
was born near Dayton, Ohio, April 23, 1873, and was educated in the public
schools of that State. He taught school for awhile, later becoming a news
writer, publisher and editor. Served in the army during the Spanish‑American
War; was first U. S. Oil Inspector to serve the Five Civilised Tribes, which
position he resigned in 19o8 to become a candidate for Congress. Served in the
House of Representatives in agog‑igio, after which he entered business in
Muskogee, Oklahoma; he is now in the United States Indian Service.
The Masonic life of
Brother Creager has been a full one and he has severally served as Master of
his Lodge, High Priest of his R. A. Chapter, Master of his Council, Commander
of his Commandery, Potentate of his Shrine Temple and as an Officer in his
Consistory; K. C. C. H. in 1gig. Served as Grand High Priest of the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Oklahoma in 1925 and as Grand Master of the Grand
Council of Royal and Select Masters in Oklahoma in 1922. Initiated in Ohio in
1904, Brother Creager was passed and Raised in Oklahoma, which State he has
faithfully served since; author, historian and Masonic leader.
CHRISTIE B. CROWELL
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT Born January 24, 1873, in Brattleboro, Vermont, where he
has since resided. Educated in public schools and Mount Hermon School, where
he graduated in 1894. President of the Brattleboro Water Works Company from
1916 until it was sold to the town. Active in civic affairs.
Brother Crowell was
Raised in Columbian Lodge, No. 36, on April 26, 1904; served as Master
1go6‑agog; District Deputy Grand Master of the Eighth Masonic District
191o‑1912; Grand Master of Masons in Vermont in 1924‑1926. Exalted in Fort
Dummer R. A. Chapter November 25, 19o5; District Deputy Grand High Priest of
the Seventh Capitular District; Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of Vermont in 1921‑1922. Greeted in Connecticut Valley Council, No. 16
on November 27, 19o6; District Deputy Grand Master of the Fifth Cryptic
District, 1921‑1924; Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters in Vermont in 1926‑1927. Dubbed a Knight of the Temple in Beausant
Commandery, No. 7, on October 28, 19o8; Commander in 1918‑1919. Past presiding
officer of the four Bodies of the A. & A. S. R. and Life Member of all eight
of the above Bodies. President of the Order of High Priesthood in 192o‑1922,
also President of the Masonic Veterans Association. Past Chief Rabban, Mt.
Sinai Temple of the A. A. O. N. M. S. and for nearly twenty years Fraternal
Reviewer for Vermont. A great record for a great member of the Craft in
Vermont.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS GEORGE A. CUSTER 463 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Judge Custer was born
in Ohio and graduated from Wooster College, afterwards teaching Greek and
Latin; attended Columbia University, from which he received his degree, and
was admitted to the bar in 19o6. Since 1907, the year in which he was admitted
to the Washington bar, he has practised his profession in Seattle, filling
many important offices and judgeships.
Brother Custer is a
Past Master of Eureka Lodge, No. 2_o; member of the Royal Arch, Knights
Templar and Shrine. He has written many articles on Masonic subjects and as
Chairman of the Historical Committee and Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of
Washington (1931‑1933) his papers have formed the groundwork for future work
by the students in his State. Some of his most outstanding lectures and papers
are: " The Influence of the Early Grand Masters on the History of Washington,"
" Masonry in Alaska " and " The Grand Orators and Their Philosophy." CHARLES
BOARDMAN DAVIS PORTLAND, MAINE Brother Davis was born in Norridgewock, Maine,
August 2_5, 1864, and died at Portland December 17, 1931. He was educated at
the Classical Institute, Norridgewock, and the University of Maine; taught
school for a time, was a bookkeeper, newspaper editor and office manager. He
served as a member of the Waterville City Council in 1898 and 1899, and City
Marshal in 19oo‑igoi. Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 6,
1886, in Lebanon Lodge, No. 116, from which he demitted to Waterville Lodge,
No. 33, and in 1917 became its Master; from 1917 until his death he was Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Maine. In 1903 he was elected High Priest of
Teconnet Royal Arch Chapter, No. 52‑, in 1903; Grand High Priest of the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Maine in 1912_ and had served as Grand Secretary since
1917; Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood.
Elected, in igo9, Master of Mt. Lebanon Council, No. 13, R. & S. M.; Grand
Master of the Grand Council of Maine in 1915; Grand Recorder since 1917‑ In
1911 he was elected Commander of St. Omer Commandery, No. 12_, Knights
Templar; since 1917 he had served as Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of
Maine. He was a Knight Companion of Maine Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine
and was its Grand Recorder in 1918. Coroneted Thirty‑third Degree, A. & A. S.
R., in 1932_.
THOMAS J. DAY
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE Brother Day was born in Brandywine Hundred, Delaware,
November 1i, 1856, and received such education as was furnished by the public
schools of 464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS that period. For many
years engaged as a carpenter and for some time was building superintendent of
a large textile firm of Wilmington; at present he is retired from all active
business. In 1890 he was elected and served one term in the Delaware
Legislature. He is a director of the Masonic Hall Company of Wilmington and
for the past twenty years has been its secretary.
Brother Day received
the Masonic Degrees during 1885 in DuPont Lodge, No. 29, serving as Master
thereof in 1890, and in June i89i he was elected Secretary, which position he
still retains. In 1907 he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Delaware,
serving one term. He represented Delaware when the George Washington Masonic
National Memorial Association was first organised and has been present at all
annual meetings since. Exalted to the Royal Arch in Washington and Lafayette
Royal Arch Chapter, No. I in May 1888, being elected High Priest on December
7, 1891; in January 1893 he was elected Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Delaware. Was dubbed a Knight of the Temple October 11,
1888. Member of Delaware Consistory, A. & A. S. R. For many years has served
as Foreign Correspondent of both Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter and has been
the Representative of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas near the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Delaware for forty‑five years and Representative of the
Grand Lodge of New South Wales near the Grand Lodge of Delaware for more than
twoscore years.
RAY VAUGHN DENSLOW
TRENTON, MISSOURI On the twenty‑first anniversary of his birth, March 6, 1906,
Brother Denslow was initiated in Censer Lodge, No. 172, Macon, Missouri, in
which he also was passed; he was Raised April 24, 1906, by Twilight Lodge, No.
114, Co lumbia. He served Trenton Lodge, No. III, as Master in 1912; D. D. G.
M. of Fourth District in 1919 and Grand Master of Masons in Missouri in 1931.
Exalted to the Royal Arch August 13, 1906, in Macon R. A. Chapter, No. 22;
Hight Priest of Trenton R. A. Chapter, No. 66, in 1909, 19Io and i911; Grand
High Priest of Missouri in 1919‑I92o; General Grand Royal Arch Captain of
General Grand Chapter of the U. S. A. at present. Greeted a Select Master in
Solomon Council, No. 26, in 1914, serving as Master in 1917; Grand Recorder of
the Grand Council of Missouri since 192.3; has been active in General Grand
Council, being a co‑author of the great history of that body. Dubbed a Knight
of the Temple September Io, 1906; Commander in 1909; Grand Recorder of Grand
Commandery since 1923. Received the various Degrees of the A. & A. S. R. in
Kansas City in 1919; Coroneted Thirty‑third Degree in 1935. Received the Red
Cross of Constantine in St. Joseph Conclave No. 9, March I9, 1917; Sovereign
in 1920; Grand Standard Bearer of Grand Imperial Council of U. S. A. Grand
Seneschal of the Grand College of Rites of America; Grand Superintendent in
Missouri of the Allied Masonic Degrees; member of New Jersey College, S. R. I.
C. F. and various research groups both at home and abroad.
As an author, Brother
Denslow has made an enviable reputation and more BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 465 than eight books and a dozen brochures stand to his credit.
He has been and is active in all phases of public life and education; holds a
degree from the University of Missouri; filled many commissioned offices in
the National Guard and other groups. Scholar, Mason, author and gentleman‑one
of America's leading Masonic spirits.
HARRY A. DRACHMAN
TUCSON, ARIZONA Harry A. Drachman was born in Tucson, Territory of Arizona,
February 3, 1869, where he has lived all of his life. He was educated in the
public schools of his native city, until he reached the age of twelve, when he
went to work as a cash boy and newsboy. In 1894 he was employed in the shoe
department of L. Zeckendorf & Company, with whom he worked for thirteen years,
resigning to open his own shoe store, which he closed in 1926. In 1894 he was
elected treasurer of the city of Tucson and in 1898 was elected county
treasurer; he has also served as school trustee, county assessor and State
senator.
Brother Drachman was
Raised in Tucson Lodge, No. 4, July 20, 19oo, served as its Master in 1905 and
19o6, and was elected Grand Master of Masons in Arizona in 1912. He was
Exalted in Tucson Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3, in 1911, served as High Priest in
1914 and was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Arizona in 1926. He was greeted in Roskruge Council, No. 6, R. & S. M. in
February 1922, served as Master in 1924 and was elected Grand Master of the
Grand Council of Arizona in 1934. He is at present Grand Secretary of both
Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter and Grand Recorder of Grand Council. He became a
member of the A. & A. S. R. in February 1903 and has served as presiding
Officer in all of the Bodies thereof, and in 19o9 was Coroneted an
Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree, and since 1921 has been
Deputy of the Supreme Council in Arizona. He is a member of the Royal Order of
Scotland, A. A. O. N. M. S., and an active member of the Grand Council of De
Molay, Past Monarch of Alton Kol Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R., and Past Grand
Patron of the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Arizona.
WALTER JOSEPH EDGAR
NEWFOUNDLAND Very Worshipful Brother Walter Joseph Edgar, District Grand
Secretary of the District Grand Lodge of England in Newfoundland (1909‑1934)
was most intensely interested in Freemasonry. He held rank of District Senior
Grand Warden (1918) and had been honoured with Past Rank by the United Grand
Lodge of England: Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (1919) and Past
Grand Deacon (1923). He retired in 1934, because of ill health, and returned
to his native England, where he died in July 1935.
466 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS GUSTAV A. EITEL BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Born in the city
of Baltimore, Maryland, February 24, 1855, and has lived there all of his
life. For nearly forty years Brother Eitel was a manufacturer of men's
neckwear.
Raised in Union
Lodge, No. 6o, in September of 1885, of which he was elected Master in
December 1888, and served as Secretary from 1898 to 1921; appointed a Grand
Inspector of Grand Lodge in 1889 ; Committee of Masonic Instruction in 18go,
serving twenty years; appointed junior Grand Deacon in igo9 and elected Senior
Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in i91o. Exalted in Concordia
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 1, in May 1888; elected High Priest in 1891 and 1892;
Treasurer from 1893 to 1898 and has served as Secretary since 1898; elected
Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maryland in 1912 and
since 1919 has served as Grand Secretary. President of the Council of High
Priests from 1919 to 1925. Since 1918 has served as General Grand Treasurer of
the General Grand Chapter of R. A. M. of the U. S. A. Greeted in Concordia
Council, No. I, in 1888; elected Master for 1894, 1895 and 1896; Grand
Treasurer of the Grand Council of Maryland in 1898, serving until 1907; has
served as Grand Recorder since 19o8. Dubbed a Knight of the Temple in Beausant
Commandery, No. 8, in November 1914, elected Commander in 192‑3; Grand
Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Maryland since 1923. Received the Degrees
of the A. & A. S. R. in Chesapeake Consistory in I9io; Coroneted a Knight
Commander of the Court of Honour in 1913: Secretary of the Masonic Veterans'
Association. Past Sovereign of St. Cyprlan Conclave, No. 41, Red Cross of
Constantine.
EDWIN FRANKLIN GAYLE
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA Born at Letsworth, Point Coupee Parish, Louisiana,
August 18, 1875; educated at local public schools, Louisiana State University
and Agricultural and Mechanical College, from which he received the B.A.
degree in 1896; re ceived the M.A. degree from Columbia University in 1903 and
the LL.B. from Tulane University in 19o6. From 1896 to 1906 Brother Gayle
followed the teaching profession, teaching at various city schools and at
Southwestern Louisiana Institute; he also did some educational work in the
Philippine Islands for one year. Formerly editor of the Louisiana School
Review, served as president of the Louisiana State Teachers' Association.
Since 19o6, Brother Gayle has practised law in Lake Charles, serving the
following cities as city attorney: Lake Charles, Vinton, Sulphur, DeQuincy and
Merryville. Served as president of the city school board of Lake Charles.
Brother Gayle was
initiated March Io, passed April 15 and raised May 12, 19o5, in Hope Lodge,
No. 145, Lafayette, Louisiana; affiliated, April 17, 1907, with Lake Charles
Lodge, No. 165, serving as Master in 1914 and 1915; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 467 founder and Master (1924) of Calcasieu Lodge, No. 400; since
192‑7 has served as member of Board of Grand Lodge Hall Directors; member of
Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home for Children; president and founder of
the Masonic Educational Foundation; Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana in
1927; since 1929 Foreign Correspondent. Past High Priest of Lake Charles R. A.
Chapter, No. 47; Grand High Priest in 192.3; Anointed, Consecrated and set
apart to the Order of High Priesthood in 1911; Past Master of Calcasieu
Council, No. i9, R. & S. M.; Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters in
Louisiana in 1932; member of Malta Commandery, No. 12, Knights Templar; member
of the A. & A. S. R.
GEORGE H. GLOVER
ASSINIBOIA, SASKATCHEWAN The Reverend Brother Glover was born in Orangeville,
Ontario, but when young removed, with his parents, to western Canada, which
has been the centre of his life's work. Completing his public and high school
work at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, he became the first arts student in the
original Alberta College, Edmonton, Alberta. In 1907 he graduated with honours
in the B.A. course from Manitoba University and in 1912 graduated in the B.D.
course from Victoria University, Toronto, and for a time pursued the Ph.D.
course until he was called into the ministry. For a while he taught in public
and high school and for four years in college work. He entered the ministry of
the Methodist Church of Canada and filled in turn all the secretarial offices
of the Saskatchewan Conference; later, with his church, he entered the United
Church of Canada, in which he has held many responsible positions and charges.
At present he is serving his second term as pastor of St. Paul's United
Church, Assiniboia, and is chairman of the Presbytery there.
By nature Brother
Glover is fraternal, having served as Grand Master for Saskatchewan, Deputy
Grand Master for British America and three times a member of the Triennial
Council of the world of the Orange Grand Lodge. In Freemasonry he has confined
his activities to the Craft, in which he has served as Grand Chaplain for
Saskatchewan and for some years as chairman of the Provincial Committee on "
Masonic Study and Research. " His interest and ability in this field have led
to his being much in demand throughout the Province for visitations and
lectures on matters of historical research.
SAM HENRY GOODWIN
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Brother Goodwin was born at Bandera, Texas, February 12,
1862, and for a while lived in New Hampshire, later removing to Utah, where he
now lives and serves as Grand Secretary of his Grand Lodge. Raised January 27,
1898, in Fraternal Lodge, No. 71, Farmington, New Hampshire; served Story
Lodge, No. 4, Provo, Utah, as Master in igo9 and is now Secretary of Mt.
Moriah Lodge, No. 2, Salt Lake City; Grand Master of Masons in Utah in 1912
and 468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS since 1914 has served as Grand
Correspondent; since 192.1 as Grand Secretary and since 192‑5 as Grand
Historian. Received all of the Capitular Grades in Provo Royal Chapter, No. 4,
Provo, Utah, May 2‑4, 19o6; High Priest in 19o9 and Grand High Priest of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Utah in 1917. May 31, 19io, received the three
Cryptic Grades in Utah Council, No. I, Salt Lake City. Dubbed a Knight of the
Temple April 2_4, 1907, in Malta Commandery, No. 3, Park City and in
192_0‑‑192.1 served as Commander of Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 5, at Provo, Utah.
Received the A. & A. S. R. in the Salt Lake City Bodies in April 19o8; K. C.
C. H. in 1915 and in 1917 was Crowned an Inspector‑General Honorary of the
Thirty‑third Degree. Brother Goodwin is a member of New Jersey College, S. R.
I. C. F. and other groups.
GEORGE THOMAS HARMON
HARTSVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA The Reverend George T. Harmon was born at Clio,
South Carolina, October 31, 1879, and died at Hartsville, South Carolina, May
2_z, 1934, beloved by all who knew him. Educated in the public schools,
Presbyterian High School and Wofford College. He served in the ministry of the
Methodist Church from 19oz until his death and filled most of the important
appointments of his church in South Carolina.
Brother Harmon became
a member of the Craft in Monaghan Lodge, No. 2‑51 in 1903; served Marlboro
Lodge, No. 88 as Master in 192‑1; Grand Chaplain in 1930‑1931; elected junior
Grand Warden in 192‑9 and at the time of his death was Deputy Grand Master of
Masons in South Carolina. Exalted in 1916 in Eureka R. A. Chapter, No. 13 and
served as High Priest in 192‑7; 192.3‑1930, served the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of South Carolina as Grand Chaplain. Anointed, Consecrated and set
apart to the Order of High Priesthood in 192‑7. Dubbed a Knight of the Temple
in Delphi Commandery, No. 8 in 192‑o; Grand Prelate 192‑3‑193o. Greeted a
Select Master in Cephas Council, No. 11; Grand Chaplain 192.2‑‑193o. From
192‑4 he served as Fraternal Correspondent of Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter and
Grand Council. He was devoted to the Masonic Service Association, of which he
was an Executive Commissioner and Chairman of the South Atlantic Division. He
held memberships in most of the associated groups of Freemasonry, including
the Red Cross of Constantine and the Allied Masonic Degrees.
REGINALD V. HARRIS
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Reginald V. Harris comes of a distinguished Nova Scotia
family, was educated in the Amherst schools, Trinity College School, and, in
19oz, graduated with a B.A. degree from Trinity University, Toronto; M.A.
(Toronto University and King's University, Halifax); D.C.L. (Bishop's,
Lennoxville, P.Q.). He has served as a governor of King's Collegiate School,
Windsor, and the Uni‑ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS 469 versity of
King's College, Halifax, for more than twenty‑five years. In church affairs he
has been a member of Diocesan Synod of Nova Scotia for the past thirty years,
lay secretary of Provincial Synod of Canada, deputy prolocutor of Lower House
of General Synod of the Church of England in Canada, and chancellor of the
diocese since 1913‑ Member of the bars of Nova Scotia and Manitoba; King's
counsel (1922); and, now prothonotary of Supreme Court of Nova Scotia; served
as city alderman and later controller for city of Halifax, and chairman of
Board of School Commissioners. Past president, Kiwanis Club and Commercial
Club; president, Maritime Home for Girls, etc. Served as lieutenant in 246th
Battalion, C.E.F., later staff captain Military Headquarters, Halifax, and
chief public representative under Military Service Act. Created Officer of
Order of Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, in England, in !917. Author of The
Governance of Empire, first prize world‑wide competition " Standard," London,
England, 1909, The Organisation of a Legal Business, 1910, History of St.
Andrew's Lodge No. 1, Halifax, 192o, and numerous Masonic histories, plays,
etc.
Brother Harris was
Raised, in 1913, in St. Andrew's Lodge, No. I, Halifax; Grand Historian,
1923‑1932; Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, 1932‑1935; Honorary
Past Grand Master of Prince Edward Island. Grand Archivist, 1925, and Grand
High Priest, 1926‑1927, Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Nova Scotia. Deputy Grand
Master, Sovereign Great Priory, Knights Templar of Canada. Inspector‑General
Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the Supreme Council of Canada. Member
of the Royal Order of Scotland, Royal and Select Masters, etc.
WALTER S. HERRINGTON
NAPANEE, ONTARIO A prominent member of the Ontario bar, Brother Herrington
graduated, Bachelor of Arts, from Victoria University, in 1883, and after a
course at Osgoode Hall was admitted to the bar in 1886; since being created a
Queen's Coun sel, in 1898, he has practised his profession in Napanee. He is a
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and was elected, in 1930, president of
the Historical and Literary Section. Author of: Heroines of Canadian History,
Martyrs of New France, History of the County of Lennox and Addington, Pioneer
Life Among the Loyalists and a History of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the
Province of Ontario.
Admitted to the Craft
in i89o in Union Lodge, No. 9; District Deputy Grand Master of Frontenac in
1916; Deputy Grand Master in 1929 and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of
Canada in Ontario in 1931. As the Official Rep resentative of his Grand Lodge
at the ceremonies attending the dedication of the Memorial Temple in London,
England, in 193 3 and on behalf of the Canadian delegation, replied to the
address of welcome by H. R. H., the Duke of Connaught, Grand Master of the
United Grand Lodge of England. Brother Herrington is the Official Historian of
his Grand Lodge and has made many valuable contributions to the Craft.
470 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS EUGENE E. HINMAN ALBANY, NEW YORK Dr. Hinman was born
in Albany, New York, May 23, 1875; educated in the public schools and
graduated (M.D.) in 1899 from the Albany Medical College, Union University,
since which time he has practised medicine in his native city and for
twenty‑five years has specialised in the diseases of the nose, throat and ear
and holds the chair of professor of Oto‑Laryngology in his alma mater. For
many years he has been very active in the National Guard and in igio attained
the grade of major.
Brother Hinman was
raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Temple Lodge, No. 14 in igoi,
Master in 1919, District Deputy Grand Master in 1923 and member of the Board
of General Activities of the Grand Lodge of New York. Served Temple Royal Arch
Chapter as High Priest in 1907 and also served as Representative of the Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of Minnesota. In 1906 he served DeWitt Clinton Council, R.
& S. M. as Master and in 1917 was Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal
and Select Masters in New York. Brother Hinman is also a member of the
following Bodies: Temple Commandery, K. T.; Albany Conclave, Red Cross of
Constantine; Cyprus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; Albany Bodies, A. & A. S. R.;
Kaa‑Rheu‑Vahn Grotto, M. O. V. P. E. R.; Fellow of the Grand College of Rites
and many research groups, including (Junior Deacon) American Lodge of
Research. Co‑author of the History of the Cryptic Rite.
GEORGE ALLISON
HOLLAND LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY Brother Holland was born in Henry County,
Kentucky, but early in life removed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was
married. He was educated at Eminence College and the University of Louisville.
After returning to Ken tucky from Tennessee, where he had served as a member
of the Board of Aldermen of Chattanooga, he served in the Kentucky Legislature
in 1900‑1904; city attorney of Eminence, 19o5; member of the School Board of
Lexington, 19071911; special circuit judge many times by appointment of four
different governors; member of the local, State, and national bar
associations.
Brother Holland was
initiated in Temple Lodge, No. 430 (Tennessee) and was passed and raised in
Eminence Lodge, No. 282 (Kentucky), serving the latter as Master in 1899; he
is now a member of Lexington Lodge, No. I, Grand Master of Masons in Kentucky
in 1925‑1926. He is a Past High Priest of Eminence Royal Arch Chapter, No.
121; was Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Kentucky in
I9o9‑19Io; elected Grand Secretary of Grand Chapter in 1917, which office he
still holds; is General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Chapter of R. A. M.
of the U. S. A.; Past Master of J. P. Foree Council, No. 42; elected Grand
Recorder of the Grand Council of Kentucky October 15, 1917, which office he
still holds; Past Commander of Webb Com‑ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS
471 mandery, No. 1; received the Degrees of the A. & A. S. R. in April 1918,
being given the Rank and Decoration of K. C. C. H. in October 192.1.
ELY PERRY HUBBELL
BRADENTON, FLORIDA Brother Hubbell was born January 26, 186o, near New Lisbon,
New York, and died at Bradenton, Florida, September 9, 1932. His education was
limited and he was what is termed a self‑educated man and scholar; at the age
of eleven, due to his health, he discontinued attending school. For exactly a
half century he followed the printing trade, in Ohio, Colorado, and Florida.
Actively interested in civic and church affairs, Brother Hubbell led a most
useful and consecrated Christian life.
The Masonic record
which Brother Hubbell left is worthy of emulation Past Master of Bradenton
Lodge, No. 99; from 192.6 until his death, served as Chairman of the Committee
on Fraternal Correspondence of Florida; member of the Correspondence Circle of
most of the Lodges of research. Past High Priest of Manatee River R. A.
Chapter, No. 18; elected Grand High Priest May 16, 192.3, serving a year;
elected President of the Order of High Priesthood May 21, 193o, and served
until his death; from 1917, served as Chairman of the Committee on Fraternal
Correspondence of Grand Chapter; Chairman, Committee on Fraternal Relations of
General Grand Chapter. Past Master of Bradenton Council, No. i9, R. & S. M.
Past Commander of Tancred Commandery, No. 34, Knights Templar. Past Patron of
his local Chapter of the Eastern Star. Soveign, Florida Conclave, No. 16, Red
Cross of Constantine. Grand Superintendent in Florida of the Allied Masonic
Degrees. He also belonged to many other groups: A. & A. S. R., A. A. O. N. M.
S., Royal Order of Scotland, New Jersey College, S. R. I. C. F., etc.
CHARLES CLYDE HUNT
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA Charles C. Hunt was born November 9, 1866, at Cleveland,
Ohio. He received his education in the public schools at Monticello, Iowa and
graduated (B.A.) from Grinnell College in 1892.. From 1895 to 1907, served as
deputy county treasurer of Poweshiek County, Iowa; county treasurer from 1907
to 1913‑ County examiner for the State of Iowa from 1913 to 1917.
Raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason July 24, igoo, in Lafayette Lodge, No. 52. and since
1925 has served as Grand Secretary and Grand Librarian of the Grand Lodge of
Iowa. Exalted to the Royal Arch in igo1 in Hyssop Royal Arch Chapter, over
which he presided as High Priest; and in October 1919, was elected Grand High
Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Iowa, serving one term. Was
Anointed, Consecrated, and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood in igio.
Greeted a Select Master in 1904 in Zabud Council, No. 2; Past Master of
Palestine Council, No. 27. Dubbed a Knight of the Tem‑ 472 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS pie in igo3 in De Paynes Commandery, No. 6, and is a
Past Commander of Apollo Commandery, No. 26. Received the A. & A. S. R. in
1903; Red Cross of Constantine in 1932 in St. Bartholomew Conclave, No. 37.
Past Sovereign Master of The Council of the Nine Muses, No. 13, Allied Masonic
Degrees and Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Council of U. S. A. Fellow of the
Grand College of Rites and member of the A. A. O. N. M. S., M. O. V. P. E. R.
and O. E. S. Grand Outer Guard of the Grand College of America, Priestly Order
of the Tem ple; Knight Commander. Member of New Jersey College, S. R. I. C. F.
and C. B. C. S. Brother Hunt's many contributions to Masonic literature, not
the least of which was Some Thoughts on Masonic Symbolism, 1930, and his
ability as a student in the field of research, have marked him one of the
leaders in American Masonry.
ALDRO JENKS
DODGEVILLE, WISCONSIN Aldro Jenks was born in Watertown, New York, January 18,
18 and died at his home in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, January 1, 1934. At the age
of two he came to Wisconsin with his parents by ox team. He was admitted to
the bar March 26, 1876 and practise his profession until his death. He was
district attorney for Iowa County, Wisconsin, for several terms and was
elected county judge in April 1897, which office he held during the remainder
of his life.
Brother Jenks entered
the Craft April Zo, 1878, in Ferrin Lodge, No. 165; affiliating with
Dodgeville Lodge, No. 119 in 1878, he served as Master thereof for twelve
years; in June 1896 he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin and
served for one term, and since 1897 he had served as Foreign Correspondent.
Exalted to the Royal Arch in Iowa R. A. Chapter, No. 6, on June io, 1889;
affiliating with Dodgeville R. A. Chapter he served it many years as High
Priest; elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Wisconsin
in 1916, serving for one term. Dubbed a Knight of Malta on May 19, 1898, in
Mineral Point Commandery, No. 12, Knights Templar. Probably no Mason exercised
a greater influence on Freemasonry in Wisconsin than our remembered Brother
Aldro Jenks.
MELVIN MAYNARD
JOHNSON BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Melvin Maynard Johnson was born at Waltham,
Massachusetts, May 11, 1871; educated at Tufts College (Ph.B., A.B. in 1892)
and Boston University Law School (LL.B., Magna cum laude, in 189S). On
graduating in law, Brother Johnson married and entered the practise of law
with his father and is now senior member of the firm Johnson and North. He was
lecturer in Boston University Law School (1918‑1919), professor (1920‑1935)
and elected dean in June 1935. Holds membership and offices in many legal,
civic, social and collegiate organisations. Author of many articles and
several books, including BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS 473 Freemasonry
in America Prior to 1750 (igi6) and The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America
(i924).
He was Raised in 1892
in Monitor Lodge, of Waltham, serving as Master in 1902 and 1903; Grand Master
of Masons in Massachusetts, 1913‑igi6; recipient''of the Henry Price Medal and
member of the Massachusetts Board of Directors. Received the Degrees of the A.
& A. S. R. in Massachusetts Consistory, in April 1905; Inspector‑General
Honorary, 1914; Active Member, 1920, and elected Sovereign Grand Commander of
the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States,
September 28, 1933. Honorary member of eighteen Lodges, several Bodies of the
A. & A. S. R. and four Supreme Councils. Brother Johnson has ever been active
in the Order of De Molay and his great contribution of energy and wisdom in
the erection of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, of which he
is a Charter, Roll of Honour and Life Member of the Association, as well as
Director and Member of its Executive Committee and Vice‑President, 1916‑1920,
will ever be remembered by those who are familiar with his co‑operation and
love in the project at Alexandria, Virginia.
Surely no American
Freemason is more interested in an enlightened and co‑ordinated Craft than he
whom all Freemasons love to call, Mel.
WILBUR KEITH DALLAS,
TEXAS Wilbur Keith was born in Merriwether County, Georgia, November 17, 1876.
He moved to Texas with his parents, Cornelius J. and Ella Warner Miller Keith,
when he was three years of age, resided on a farm in Fannin County until he
was fourteen, moved to the little town of Ladonia where he was placed in the
public schools. Forming a dislike for mathematics, from which he has never
recovered, he abandoned his school work and found employment in a local print
shop under the late Will Harkins, publisher of the Ladonia News. Upon
finishing his apprenticeship he took up newspaper work at the age of twenty,
being connected with various small publications until 1899 when he became
associated with the Paris Daily Advocate, with which publication he remained
until 1913, when he joined the staff of the Dallas Morning News, with which he
was connected until 1922, serving in various capacities including city editor,
State editor, staff correspondent and rewrite man. He retired from active
newspaper work in 1922 upon being drafted from the Dallas Morning News by The
Grand Lodge of Texas, A. F. & A. M., to become Executive Secretary of the
Committee on Masonic Education and Service, which position he has since held.
He is a Thirty‑third Degree Mason of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish
Rite, member of Dallas Consistory, Dallas Commandery, No. 6, and Keystone
Lodge, No. 1143, A. F. & A. M. Since engaging in Masonic work he has been
present at more than 30oo Lodge meetings, most of them held under the auspices
of the committee he represents. His only club is The National Press Club,
Washington, District of Columbia. He loves dogs and likes to hunt.
474 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS OSSIAN LANG NEW YORK Ossian Lang is the Historian of
the Grand Lodge of New York, a position he has held since 1913. He also is
Secretary of the Grand Lodge Committee on Foreign Correspondence. In the field
of foreign relations he has achieved recog nition as an authority throughout
the Masonic world. Under his pen the Annual Report of the Committee has won a
unique place for itself. His brochures, dealing with beginnings of Masonic
Lodges, have indicated the fallacy of earlier theories of Masonic origins, and
have established a tenable foundation of facts. His non‑Masonic activities
cover a wide range, but centre in educational and general sociological
matters. He initiated a movement toward making the common school the social
centre of its district, was assistant superintendent of schools of Buffalo,
New York; editor‑in‑chief of educational books and periodicals published by A.
S. Barnes & Co.‑among them Educational Foundations, the weekly New York School
journal, Teachers Magazine, Child World, Young America‑contributing editor of
The Forum. Also served as fire commissioner, president of the board of
aldermen, president of the board of education, Mount Vernon, New York; War
Camp Community Organiser in North Carolina; deputy State industrial
commissioner of the Buffalo district.
He has lectured
before local groups and State, national and international conventions on
educational and civic topics. His books in the field of education include
stories for children; and pedagogical monographs on Comenius, Basedow,
Rousseau, Horace Mann, Francis Wayland Parker, Great Teachers of Four
Centuries, and Educational Creeds of the Nineteenth Century.
DAVID McGREGOR WEST
ORANGE, NEW JERSEY Born at Dunfermline, Scotland, September 7, 1864 and
educated in the common schools of Lisburn, Ireland; served an apprenticeship
in the manufacture of table linen in Dunfermline and came to New York early in
1889. This amiable Scotsman became interested in the application of
electricity to the propulsion of street cars, joined the forces of the Sprague
Electric Company, and was closely associated with the introduction and
development of that system in Newark, New Jersey. For more than thirty years
he has held the position of chief engineer of various generating stations of
the public service system until his retirement a year ago. Has belonged to
many fraternal organisations, in which he has held rank; member of the Saint
Andrew's Society and the Society of the Saints John.
Raised in Union
Lodge, No. 11 December 22, 1916, and served as Master in 1931; Grand Historian
of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey since 1928. Exalted to the Royal Arch in
Orange Royal Arch Chapter, No. 23 on November 27, 1928; Grand Historian of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS
475 since 1930. Has served as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Correspondence in Grand Lodge since 1935 and Grand Chapter since 1931. Brother
McGregor has been associated with several groups interested in Masonic
research for many years.
FREDERIC E. MANSON
WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA Born at Searsmont, Maine, July 6, 1860, educated in
the public schools of Bath and at Bates College, from which he received both
the A.B. and A.M. degrees. For more than forty years Brother Manson has been
editor of Grit, a national weekly newspaper published at Williamsport.
Previously he was connected with The Boston journal and with The Kennehec
journal, being placed in charge of the latter by James G. Blaine while he was
in Italy in 1887‑88. Author of Scottish Rite Masonry, Its History, Degrees,
and Purpose, which has run several editions.
Past Master of Ivy
Lodge, No. 397 and, since 1920 a member of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Has been very active in the Grand Lodge Lecture Corps, having helped organise
it, and has prepared outlines of some seventeen lectures. For twenty years has
edited the monthly magazine for Williamsport Consistory, A. & A. S. R.;
Crowned an Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree September 17,
1918.
SAMUEL H. MIDDLETON
CARDSTON, ALBERTA The Reverend Canon Middleton was born at Burton‑on‑Trent,
England, January 12, 1884, being educated at County Schools, Derby, Newport
and Kingston College, Nott. (B.Sc.). In 1905 he removed to Alberta and in
October 1910 was appointed principal of St. Paul's Residential School, which
position he now occupies. Ordained by Rt. Rev. Dr. Pinkham, Bishop of Calgary,
May" z.8, 1911; rector of St. Paul's Church, 191.3; appointed bishop's
chaplain in 1916; hon. canon, Calgary Cathedral, 192.5; r. dean of Lethbridge,
1927. Justice of the peace; major, 18th Field Brigade, 1930.
Brother Middleton is
a past president of his Rotary Club, has spoken at assemblies of Rotary
International, and is chairman of " Waterton‑Glacier International Peace
Park." His ability as a lecturer has been recognised inter nationally and, in
1931, he delivered a course of educational lectures in the U. S. A.;
convocation speaker, 1932, University of Montana; commencement speaker, 1933,
University of Idaho. He is author of History of the Blood Indians, Mythology
and Legends of the Red Man, Psychological Foundations of Education, etc., etc.
Member of Chief
Mountain Lodge, No. 58, A. F. & A. M.; Past Grand Master, Past Grand Chaplain
and Chairman, Committee on Foreign Correspond‑ 4.76 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS ence, Grand Lodge of Alberta; Honorary Past Grand Master, Grand
Lodge of Montana; Representative, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts; His Majesty
the King's Jubilee Medal, 1935‑ Member of Bekah Royal Arch Chapter, No. 7;
Past Grand First Principal, Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Alberta;
Representative, Supreme Grand R. A. Chapter of Scotland. Member, Provincial
Grand Council, R. & S. M., Alberta; Chaplain, Supreme Grand Council, Royal and
Select Masters in Canada, West; Representative, Grand Council of Arizona.
Member of the A. & A. S. R.; Red Cross of Constantine and other allied groups
of Freemasonry.
ALFRED JAMES MOKLER
CASPER, WYOMING Alfred J. Mokler was born in Wilmington, Illinois, May 21,
1863. After completing his education in his native State he entered the
printing business and worked in three Kansas towns, was with several large
newspapers in Ne braska and Illinois and after a short residence in Montana
removed, in 1897, to Casper, Wyoming, where he owned and published The Natrona
County Tribune for nearly eighteen years. Served as chief clerk of the House
of Representatives of Wyoming in igo1, and for nine years as a member of the
board of trustees of the University of Wyoming. Brother Mokler has been active
in civic work and is president of the Casper Writers' Club, member of the
Western League of Writers and the Wyoming Geographic Society. Author of
History of Natrona County, Wyoming, History of Freemasonry in Wyoming,
Transition of the West, and a great number of historical articles and
monographs.
Became a member of
Casper Lodge, No. 15, in 1898, serving as Master in 1907 and 19o8. Member of
both Rites, the A. A. O. N. M. S. and O. E. S., in all of which he has been
active. Since 1922 he has been Grand Historian of his Grand Lodge and as such
has rendered invaluable service to the Craft.
EDMUND A. MONTGOMERY
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Brother Montgomery is a native of Minnesota, born in
St. Peter. He graduated from Hamline University, St. Paul, in 1888. He was
admitted to the practise of law in Minnesota in 18go, and was in general
practise in Minne apolis until April 1911 when he was appointed a judge of the
Municipal Court in Minneapolis by the governor of Minnesota. He served as
judge of the Municipal Court until 192o when he was elected to the District
Court for Hennepin County, Minnesota, and re‑elected in 1926 and 1932, and is
now serving as one of the judges of this court. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church; is married and has one son, an attorney‑at‑law
practising in Minneapolis.
judge Montgomery has
been an Active Member of the Masonic Fraternity BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 477 for the past forty‑five years and held various offices in all
the Bodies of both York and Scottish Rites. He received his Blue Lodge Degrees
in Nicollet Lodge, No. 54, at St. Peter in 1889; demitted to Minneapolis
Lodge, No. i9, in Minneapolis in 1897 and was Master of this Lodge in 1914‑ In
1920 he was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota; has
been a member of the jurisprudence Committee since 1921, serving as Chairman
of this Committee since 1927 and as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign
Correspondence since 1922. He is Past High Priest of Ark Chapter, No. 52, R.
A. M. of Minneapolis, Past Illustrious Master of Minneapolis Council, No. 2,
R. & S. M. of Minneapolis; Past Commander of Zion Commandery, No. 2, Knights
Templar of Minneapolis. He received the Degrees of the Scottish Rite in the
Minneapolis Bodies in 19io and 1911, and was Venerable Master of Excelsior
Lodge of Perfection from 1917 to 1921. In 1921 he was honoured with the
Thirty‑third Degree Honorary by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of
the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. He is a member of St. George
Conclave, order of Constantine, in Minnesota, and was Most Puissant Sovereign
in 1933 He is also a member of Zurah Temple of the Mystic Shrine in
Minneapolis, and a member of the Order of Elks and Odd Fellows.
JOHN H. MYER
PLACERVILLE, IDAHO The late Brother Myer was a man of more or less local
distinction in many ways, and while he was of limited schooling he grew to be
a man of wide knowledge and experience, due to his inquiring mind and
retentive memory. After passing his sixty‑fifth year he passed the legal
examination and was admitted to the bar, serving one term as justice of the
peace and two terms as prosecuting attorney. He also served as a member of the
constitutional committee which framed the Constitution of Idaho.
Brother Myer was for
more than sixty‑three years a member of Placer Lodge, No. 3, over which he had
presided as Master, and in 1891 served as Grand Master of Masons in Idaho.
Loyal and interested, Brother Myer was, with possibly one exception, the most
consistent attendant on his Grand Lodge in its history.
JAMES ALEXANDER OVAS
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA Brother Ovas was born near the city of Toronto, Ont.,
Canada, July Zo, 1855, and died at his home in Winnipeg, March 9, 1935,
serving a period of usefulness of fourscore years. He was educated in the
public and high schools of Collingwood, and spent the years from 1870 to igoo
in general commercial business.
Initiated May 13,
passed June 27, and Raised July 25, 1877, in Manito Lodge, No. 9o, A. F. & A.
M. (G. R. C.), Collingwood, Ontario. He was ac‑ 478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS tive in the founding of Glenwood Lodge, No. 27 (G. R. M.), Souris,
Manitoba, in December 1883; served as Master in 1884 and 1885. Appointed Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba February Io, 1884; D. D. G. M. of the
Fifth Masonic District, February 12, 1886; Senior Grand Warden, February 1I,
1887; Deputy Grand Master, February 9, 1888; Grand Master, June 12, 189o;
Grand Secretary, June 13, igoo, which office he held until his death.
Representative of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan and Honorary Life Member of
his Mother Lodge and the following Lodges on the Grand Register of Manitoba:
St. John's, Northern Light, " The Assiniboine," Empire, Lord Selkirk, Mt.
Sinai (all of Winnipeg), Corinthian (Rapid City), and Glenwood (Souris).
Exalted to the Holy
Royal Arch in Manito Royal Arch Chapter, Collingwood, Ontario. Companion of
the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, Knight of the Order of the Temple and
Knight of Malta, in King Edward Preceptory and Priory, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Served as T. P. G. M.
of Winnipeg Lodge of Perfection, M. W. S. of Bethesda Rose Croix Chapter and
Commander‑in‑Chief of Manitoba Consistory, A. 8c A. S. R.; Crowned an Honorary
Inspector‑General of the Thirty‑third Degree in October igio, by the Supreme
Council of Canada. Created a Noble of the A. A. O. N. M. S. in Khartum Temple,
Winnipeg, Canada.
GEORGE ATWOOD
PETTIGREW SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA George A. Pettigrew was born in Ludlow,
Vermont, April 6, 1858, and was educated at Black River Academy, Colgate
Academy and graduated in medicine from Dartmouth College with the class of
1883. Shortly thereafter he removed to Flandreau, Dakota Territory, where he
practised medicine for fifteen years and during which time he was government
physician to the Sioux Indians. Served as surgeon‑general of the Territory and
has filled many important positions; for past ten years has served as U. S.
probation officer for South Dakota, and is president of the South Dakota
Children's Home Society. Dr. Pettigrew has belonged to many fraternal
societies, over many of which he has presided.
Brother Pettigrew
received the Degrees in King Solomon's Lodge, No. 14, of Elkins, New
Hampshire, in 188o; affiliated with Flandreau Lodge, No. 1i, and passed the
Oriental Chair June 7, 1888; Secretary in 1884‑1885; Master in 1888; Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota from 1894‑1918, in which year he
was elected Grand Master of Masons, again in 1919 elected Grand Secretary.
Exalted in Orient Royal Arch Chapter, No. i9, in 1885; High Priest in 1893;
elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Dakota in
1889 and with the exception of the year 1906, during which he served as Grand
High Priest, he has served since. Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the
Order of High Priesthood in 1896 and became Secretary thereof in 1906. Greeted
a Select Master in Alpha Council, No. I, in 1894, and was founder Master of
Koda Council in 1896; Grand Recorder of Grand Council since 1916. Dubbed a
Knight of the Temple in Cyrene Commandery, No. 2, in 1888, and later
affiliated with Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 13, serving as Com‑ BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS 479 mander in 1897; Grand Recorder since 1895, except
during 19o6, when he was elected Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of
his State. Received the A. & A. S. R. in 1895, Crowned an Inspector‑General
Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree in igoo. Past Potentate of El Riad Temple
A. A. O. N. M. S.; Sovereign (1922‑) of St. Simon's Conclave, No. 48, Red
Cross of Constantine; member of the Royal Order of Scotland and the Royal
Order of Jesters. In the Order of the Eastern Star has served as Patron, Grand
Patron and General Grand Patron and is a committeeman in all three of the
General Grand Bodies.
JAMES HUBERT PRICE
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA James Hubert Price is an alumnus of Washington and Lee
University, Lexington, Virginia. He was prepared for the practice of the law,
admitted to the bar and was a successful barrister when called to give the
whole of his time and talent to his particular part of the Masonic system.
That his associates in Virginia esteemed him highly in Freemasonry is shown by
the fact that he has been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of
Virginia, Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Virginia, and
Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Virginia. He
also served as Potentate of Acca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
Richmond; and so well did the Shriners think of him that, when Grand Recorder
Benjamin W. Rowell, of the Imperial Council A. A. O. N. M. S., of Boston,
Massachusetts, died, Noble James Hubert Price was appointed to succeed him. At
the next Annual Meeting of the Imperial Council he was elected to succeed
himself, and has annually been re‑elected to the same position for a number of
years.
That James Hubert
Price does not limit his circle of activities and influence to Masonry is
shown by the fact that several years ago his political party nominated him for
the post of lieutenant‑governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
That nomination being
equivalent to election, he has served two terms in that influential position
of public service.
He holds many other
positions of honour and trust, being Grand Treasurer of the Grand Royal Arch
Chapter of Virginia at this time.
ROBERT LOUIS QUEISSER
CLEVELAND, OHIO Colonel Queisser was born in Indianapolis and spent his
earlier life in the railroad service. In 19o2 he became general manager of the
Ohio Press Brick Company, at Zanesville, but removed, in 1907, to Cleveland,
where he organ ised his own company (The Queisser Builders Supply Company). He
has been active in civic and fraternal life in the communities in which he has
lived, serving as president of the Cleveland Rotary Club and a director of
Rotary International, president of the Zanesville Chamber of Commerce,
president of the East Cleveland Masonic Temple Company and director of the
Doan Savings and Loan Company and the Cleveland Mortgage Company. Colonel
Queisser 480 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS has been most active in
military affairs and in 1935 the Legislature of Ohio, unanimously passed a
bill authorising the governor to commission him a colonel of infantry, in
appreciation of his many years of service and also for his originating and
designing the service flag, which was the most familiar emblem of World War
time, next to Old Glory, in America.
Brother Queisser is a
member of Windermere Lodge, No. 62‑7, Past High Priest, Past Master (R. & S.
M.), Past Commander and was Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights
Templar of Ohio in 192‑9‑1930. Was Grand Superintendent in Ohio of the Allied
Masonic Degrees and is a member of the A. A. O. N. M. S., M. O. V. P. E. R.,
and other groups. Since June 4, 1932‑, he has served as National President of
the National Sojourners. He was the first honorary member of the Legion of
Honour of De Molay in Ohio, and has had many other honours too numerous to
list.
ROME LEWIS REID
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Brother Reid was born at Kentville, Nova Scotia,
November 3, 1866, and educated in common schools and in Pictou Academy;
attended Dalhousie Law School and University of Michigan (LL.B., 1889).
Admitted to the following bars: Territory of Washington, Michigan, and British
Columbia; since 19o5 has practised in Vancouver. Has filled many important
public offices, including that of city alderman, New Westminister; debenture
commissioner; library board of Vancouver and board of governors of the
University of British Columbia. Author of many articles of an historical
nature, both Masonic and otherwise.
Initiated, passed and
Raised in King Solomon Lodge, No. 17 (G. R. B. C.), in I9oi‑19o2‑, affiliated
with Cascade Lodge, No. 12‑, in 1916, served as Master in 192.3 and elected
Grand Master of Masons in British Columbia in 1929; since 193o has served as
Grand Historian of Grand Lodge.
ANDREW JACKSON
RUSSELL LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS Born November 2o, 1865, at Springfield,
Missouri, where his father, a Union soldier, was stationed; after the war his
parents returned to their home in Arkansas, where Brother Russell was reared
on a farm. He was educated in public schools and Clarke's Academy. From 1884
to 1893 he taught school, two years in Idaho; from 1894 to 19o6 was engaged in
newspaper work, studying law in spare time and was admitted to the bar. In
1906 he was elected circuit clerk; chairman of County Board of Education,
1916‑19zo; representative in State Legislature in 1911; in 192‑2. was
appointed U. S. marshal, Western district of Arkansas, resigned to become
collector of U. S. Internal Revenue, in 192‑8, and resigned to return to his
law practice in 1933, on the succession of the Democratic party.
Initiated on his
twenty‑first birthday in Green Forest Lodge, No. 404, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 481 serving as Master from 1895 to 1898; demitted to Ashley
Lodge, No. 66, serving as Master in 1912‑1916. Exalted to the Royal Arch in
1915 and elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Arkansas
in 1929. Elected Grand Master in 1930‑ Member of the Cryptic Rite, Order of
High Priesthood, Knights Templar, Grotto, Shrine, O. E. S. and A. & A. S. R.
LESLIE McCHESNEY
SCOTT PORTLAND, OREGON Brother Scott was born at Portland, Oregon, February
18, 1878, and was educated at local schools and at the University of Oregon
(M.A., summa cum laude, 1899). Has continued in newspaper work since leaving
college and is vice‑president of the Oregon Publishing Company. 1911‑1913, U.
S. marshal for Oregon; chairman, 1929‑1934 Oregon Industrial Welfare
Commission; president, 1931‑1932, Oregon Taxpayers' Equalisation and
Conservation League; and, chairman, 1g32‑1934, State Highway Commission. His
literary ability is best illustrated by the titles to some of his works:
Religion, Theology and Morals (2 vols. 1916); Shakespeare (1929); History of
the Oregon Country (6 vols. 1925), and many others.
Raised July 2o, 1906,
in Portland Lodge, No. 55, and transferred to become a founder of Imperial
Lodge, No. 159, over which he presided as Master in 1926, and served as Grand
Master of Masons in Oregon for 1933‑1934 Some of the other Offices he has
filled include: High Priest (1924), Portland Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3; Master
(1925), Multnomah Council, No. 11, R. & S. M.; and, Past Presiding Officer of
the various Bodies of the A. & A. S. R., being Crowned an Inspector‑General
Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree in 1931. Brother Scott is also a member of
the Order of the Temple and the Red Cross of Constantine.
JOHN RAYMOND SHUTE
(II) MONROE, NORTH CAROLINA Born January 14, 1904, in Monroe, North Carolina;
educated at local schools, Georgia Military Academy, Trinity College (Duke
University). Fellow Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, member of Royal
Scottish Geo graphical Society, Authors' Club, London, etc. Former president
of Shute Motors, Inc., S. & W. Lines, United Airways, Inc., Union County
Commercial Club, Chamber of Commerce, etc. ; at present is president of the J.
R. Shute Company, Nocalore Press, Blue Friars Press and Shute Gins Company.
State senator and author of six books and several brochures.
Past Master of Monroe
Lodge, No. 244, and N. C. Lodge of Research, No. 666, Grand Captain of the
Host of the Grand R. A. Chapter of North Carolina; Past Grand Master of the
Grand Council of R. & S. M. in North Carolina; Past Commander of Malta
Commandery, No. i9, Knights Templar; Past Grand Master General of the Convent
General of America, Knights of the York Cross of Honour; Past President of the
Masonic Secretaries Guild of N. C.; Past Sover‑ 482‑ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS eign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic
Degrees of the U. S. A., Knight Grand Cross; Past Senior Grand Warden of the
Grand Council of the A. M. D. of England and Wales; Intendant General in N. C.
of the Red Cross of Constantine; Past Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of
America, Priestly Order of the Temple, Knight Grand Commander; Past Grand
Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites of the U. S. A.; Chief Adept, Ninth
Degree, N. C. College, S. R. I. C. F.; Deputy Great Prior of the Great Priory
of America, Rite of Strict Observance (Instituted by the Grand Priory of
Helvetia, in 1934; Honorary Member of the Grand Priory of Helvetia, C. B. C.
S.; Honorary Member of the Grand College of Rites of France; Grand Abbot of
the Society of Blue Friars.
LEWIS E. SMITH OMAHA,
NEBRASKA Lewis E. Smith was born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, October 6, 1875, and
at the age of two went to Nebraska, where he has since resided. For several
years he was in the banking business, but after the fateful year 1893
abandoned his work and became a merchant in that great pioneer country, which
vocation he followed for many years.
For thirty‑eight
years a Mason, Brother Smith has worked hard in the Fraternity and not without
honour; he has served the various Bodies of his State with distinction as:
Grand Master of Masons, Grand Commander of Knights Templar, Grand High Priest,
Grand Master of the Cryptic Rite, Grand Patron of the Eastern Star, President
of the Veteran Freemasons Association, Grand Secretary‑Recorder of all the
Bodies and many committee assignments and trusteeships. He is Intendant
General In Nebraska, Red Cross of Constantine; Grand Superintendent in
Nebraska, Allied Masonic Degrees; honorary life member of the De Molay Legion
of Honour; Inspector‑General, Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree, A. & A. S.
R.; Fellow of the Grand College of Rites, and many other offices in affiliated
groups of Freemasonry. He is serving his second term as President of the
Masonic Relief Association of the United States and Canada. No man in Nebraska
can claim more service to the Fraternity or more honours than Lewis E. Smith,
the leader and mainstay of his associates in the short grass plains of the
Golden West.
CHARLES HADLEY
SPILMAN NEWTON CENTRE, MASSACHUSETTS Born in Edwardsville, Madison County,
Illinois, June 9, 1877, eldest son of Charles Harvey and Ellen Silver Spilman.
Educated in the public schools. Learned printer's trade and successively
became journeyman printer, pressman, stereotyper, reporter, city editor,
business manager, managing editor and editor, owner and publisher of
Edwardsville Intelligencer, a daily newspaper. Correspondent metropolitan
press and field representative of press associations.
Served as member and
vice‑president of Edwardsville board of education 1911 to 1917, postmaster of
city, 192‑1 to 1927, secretary for.. twenty years of BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS 483 Edwardsville Typographical Union, secretary of Commercial
Club, member for ten years of Boy Scout Court of Honour, Illinois State Deputy
of Order of De Molay and Junior Vice Commander Sons of Veterans Department of
Illinois. Member of Rotary Club and Fellowship Club.
Raised in
Edwardsville Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M., in 1902, its Worshipful Master in
1904; Exalted in Edwardsville Chapter, No. 146, R. A. M., in 1904, its High
Priest in 1905; greeted in Alton Council, No. 3, R. & S. M., in 1905, its
Thrice Illustrious Master 1907 to 1909; Knighted in Belvidere Commandery, No.
2., Knights Templar, of Alton, Ill., in 1905; served as ActingCommander from
1908 to 1909, due to the passing of the Commander one week after Installation,
and as Eminent Commander from 1909 to 1910. Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of
Illinois, 1913.
Received Grades and
Orders of the Scottish Rite in the valley of Chicago, in 1904; assisted in
organising the Bodies in the valley of East St. Louis, Illinois, and served as
Thrice Potent Master in 1910 and 1911, Sovereign Prince in 1912, Most Wise
Master in 1915 and 1916, and Commander‑in‑Chief from 1913 to 1916 inclusive.
Coroneted with the Thirty‑third Degree on October 1, 1912, and Crowned Active
Member Northern Supreme Council, September 20, 1917.
In Supreme Council,
Assistant Grand Master General of Ceremonies, 1925 and 1926; Grand Keeper of
the Archives, from 1928 to 1933; Grand SecretaryGeneral since 1926 and Grand
Almoner since 1928. Committees: Unfinished Business, Councils of Deliberation,
Dispensations and Charters, Rituals and Ritualistic Matter, Constitutions and
Laws, Education and Library.
Other memberships:
Edwardsville Chapter, No. 667, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Patron; Ainad
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., East St. Louis, Illinois, Past Potentate; Calvary
Shrine, W. S. J., East St. Louis, Illinois; Illinois Ma sonic Veterans
Association of Chicago; member of three Temple Associations. Married, August
21, 1909, to Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Barnsback, of
Edwardsville, Illinois. Six sons. Present residence, 145 Gibbs Street, Newton
Centre, Massachusetts; office, 1117 Statler Bldg., Boston.
WALTER LINCOLN
STOCKWELL FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA Born in Anoka, Minnesota, January 12, 1868,
educated in local schools and graduated from the University of Minnesota in
1889. Served as superintendent of schools in several cities and as State
superintendent of Public Instruc tion of North Dakota from 1903 to 1911, and
since April i, 1910, Grand Secretary‑Recorder of the Bodies of his State.
Brother Stockwell was
raised in Temple Lodge, No. o, March 11, 1891; Past Master of Crescent Lodge,
No. ii and East Gate Loge, No. 120; Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota,
1902‑1903. High Priest of Grafton R. A.
Chapter, No. 9, in
1897; Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of North Dakota in
1923. Master, in 1919, of Fargo Council, No. 1, R. & S. M.; Grand Master of
the Grand Council of North Dakota in 1921; General Grand Master of the General
Grand Council of R. & S. M. of the U. S. A., 1930‑1933Commander of St. Omer
Commandery, No. 6, Knights Templar, in 1898‑1899 484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CONTRIBUTORS Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of
North Dakota in 1933‑1934. Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of the Eastern
Star of North Dakota, I92o‑1 92I. President, 1925‑192.7, Masonic Relief
Association of the U. S. A. and Canada. Sovereign of St. Felix Conclave, No.
45, Red Cross of Constantine, 1932‑193. Grand Superintendent in North Dakota
of the Allied Masonic Degrees. GranyMarischal of the Grand College of Rites of
the U. S. A. Member of N. J. College, S. R. I. C. F., and many other allied
groups of Freemasonry. Received Thirty‑third Degree A. & A. S. R. in 1935. Few
members of the Craft have given so much of their time and talents to the
Fraternity as Walter L. Stockwell.
ELMER FRANKLIN STRAIN
TOPEKA, KANSAS Born on a farm near Salem, Indiana, November 1o, 1871. His
parents migrated with a small group of neighbours to Phillips County, Kansas,
in 1873, and established permanent homes among the Indians and buffalo.
Brother Strain was educated in the schools of Phillipsburg, and early began
work as a clerk in several establishments, taught school and in 1891 was
employed by the Rock Island Railway, with whom he served for thirty‑seven
years, resigning to accept the offices in Masonry which he now holds. Served
as president of the Chamber of Commerce of Topeka in 192o, and for many years
active in civic affairs in that city.
Brother Strain has
been active in Freemasonry for many years, having presided over Lodge,
Chapter, Council and Commandery; he has, likewise, been active in the Grand
Bodies, serving on committees, etc. He was Grand Master of Masons in Kansas in
1924, Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1926, and at the time of his
election as Grand Secretary and Grand Recorder of the four Grand Bodies of his
State, in 1928, was Deputy Grand High Priest, and Grand Warder of Grand
Commandery.
OLIVER DAY STREET
GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA Brother Street was born at Warrenton, Alabama, December
6, 1866; educated in local schools and graduated from the University of
Alabama in 1887 (A.B.), receiving the LL.B. in 1888. Admitted to the bar in
1889, and has prac tised his profession since that time in his native State,
being active in politics and historical research. For twenty years
(19oi‑1921), he was a trustee of the Department of Archives and History of
Alabama, and has served in many offices in several historical groups. From
1907 to 1914 he served as U. S. district attorney for the Northern District of
Alabama, and from 1914 to 192o as special assistant to the attorney‑general of
the United States; since 1916 he has been a member of the Republican National
Committee from his State, and has been the nominee of his party for various
offices.
Brother Street was
raised November 19, 19o1, in Marshall Lodge, No.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS 485 Zoo, over which he presided in 1904, 1906, and i91o;
served as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence from 1915 to
1922; elected Grand Master of Masons in Alabama December 3, 1925, being
re‑elected December 1, 1926. Received the Capitular grades on the 28th and
29th of June 1906, in Eunomia R. A. Chapter, No. 5 ; High Priest of Palmyra R.
A. Chapter from 1906 to 1919. Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order
of High Priesthood December 4, 1906. Also is a member of the Cryptic Rite,
Knights Templar, Red Cross of Constantine, A. A. O. N. M. S., A. & A. S. R.
(K. C. C. H., elected in 1919, Coroneted in 1924), Eastern Star and allied
groups. Brother Street has contributed articles to many publications, and has
ever been interested in Masonic research, but he will always be remembered by
the Craft for his monumental work which is extensively used in America, The
Symbolism of the Three Degrees, which is now in its third edition and is in
great demand.
J. HUGO TATSCH
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Born, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 29, 1888; educated
in Milwaukee public schools, later attended George Washington University,
Washington, District of Columbia, and Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; awarded
honorary degrees as Master of Arts (1933) and Doctor of Letters (1929) for
contributions to Masonic literature; also holds diploma and decorations
awarded by Masonic Bodies in Germany and Norway for services to Masonic
journalism and education.
Professional
activities include service in executive and official positions with the Old
National Bank, Spokane, Washington, 1905‑1921, and Union Bank and Trust Co.,
Los Angeles, California, 1921‑1922; as associate editor of The Builder, and
Assistant Secretary, National Masonic Research Society, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
and book department and editorial work with the Masonic Service Association of
the United States, Washington, District of Columbia, 1923‑1924; Curator and
Associate Editor, Iowa Masonic Library, Cedar Rapids, 1925‑1929;
vice‑president, Macoy Publishing Company, New York, 1927‑1934; Acting
Librarian and Curator, Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Massachusetts, since 1930
and also of the Supreme Council Thirty‑third Degree, A. & A. S. R., N. M. J.,
Boston, since 1935.
Service has also been
rendered in a military capacity, as captain of infantry, National Guard of
Washington, 1917‑1918; Military Intelligence Division, U. S. A., 1918; Finance
Reserve Corps, captain, 1924; major, 1929; lieutenant colonel, 1935. Graduate,
Army Finance School, Washington, 1924; Command and General Staff School, Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, 1929. Served as president, Iowa Department, Reserve
Officers Association of the U. S., 1927‑1928, and member of Advisory Board,
Seventh Corps Area, U. S. A., during the same period.
Made a Mason in
Oriental Lodge, No. 74, F. & A. M., Spokane, Wash., in 1909; Worshipful
Master, 1914; Junior Grand Deacon, 1914‑1915, and Grand Orator, 1917‑1918,
Grand Lodge F. & A. M., of Washington. Received Thirty second Degree, Scottish
Rite, in Oriental Consistory, Spokane, 1909; elected 486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS Knight Commander Court of Honour " at large " by Supreme
Council Thirtythird Degree, A. & A. S. R., S. J.,. Washington, 1933. The
Capitular and Cryptic Degrees were conferred in Iowa in 192‑4‑‑192‑5; Allied
Masonic Degrees (Knight Grand Cross) 1932. Affiliated with research lodges in
the United States and Europe; local Secretary of Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No.
2076, London, since 1918; Chairman, Committee of History, Grand Lodge A. F. &
A. M. of Virginia; Secretary‑General, High Council Societatis Rosicrucianx in
Civitatibus Foederatis; historian, National Sojourners.
Author of following
books: Short Readings in Masonic History, 1926; High Lights of Crescent
History, 1926; Freemasonry in the Thirteen Colonies, 1929; (with Winward
Prescott) Masonic Bookplates, 1928; (with Erik McKinley Eriksson) Morgan
Affair and Anti‑Masonry, 1928; A Reader's Guide to Masonic Literature, 1929
(five editions); Facts About George Washington as a Freemason, 1931; also
numerous contributions to newspapers and magazines.
MRS. SARAH H. TERRY
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Mrs. Sarah Hannah (Hurt) Terry comes from old pioneer
stock of southern Indiana, her parents moving to Kentucky while she was in her
'teens. She was educated at public schools and graduated from normal schools
of both Indiana and Kentucky; she has, likewise, taught school in both States.
For forty‑five years Mrs. Terry has taught Sunday‑schools and is quite an
authority in this field. As an author the following have been published from
her pen: A Brief History of the Eastern Star, Garnered Sheaves, My Altar of
Dreams, and Shining Through.
Mrs. Terry joined the
Eastern Star in I 9o2, being elected the next year as Worthy Matron. In 1904
she was appointed Grand Marshal of Grand Chapter and was advanced until, 19o6,
she was elected Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky. In 19o8 she was
elected Grand Treasurer and appointed editor of the Eastern Star news in the
Masonic Home journal, which she still edits. Serving two terms as Grand
Treasurer she was, in 1911, elected Grand Secretary, which office she has
since held. Mrs. Terry has written many articles for magazines, brochures, and
other papers dealing with the Eastern Star, and enjoys the distinction of
being the only woman contributor to the pages of this work.
EVERETT ROBERT
TURNBULL CARLINVILLE, ILLINOIS Born at Carlinville, Illinois, August 13, 1869;
educated in public schools and at Blackburn College. In 1889 was appointed to
Railway Mail Service, which position he filled for forty‑three years. Has been
active in the Methodist Church, and served many years as president of the
board of trustees.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS 487 Brother Turnbull was Raised in Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, in
April 18gi; served as Master in 1899; Grand Lecturer, 19ii‑i92o; District
Deputy Grand Master, 1911‑1913, and various Grand Lodge Committees. Exalted in
Ma coupin Royal Arch Chapter, No. 187, in December 1911; elected High Priest
in December 1899, serving four years; Grand Lecturer, 1904‑1905; formed and
held first School of Instruction in Illinois; elected Grand High Priest of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois, in 1914, serving one term; author of the
Memorial Volume for the 75th Anniversary of Grand Chapter; since 1918,
Committee on Fraternal Relations; Chairman Foreign Relations Committee of
General Grand Chapter, 1927‑1930. Greeted in October 19o6, in Sullivan
Council, No. 91; founder and first Master of Staunton Council, No. 99. Dubbed
a Knight of the Temple September 30, 1892, in St. Omar Commandery, No. 30.
Received the Degrees of the A. & A. S. R. in April 1893; Past Wise Master and
Past Commander‑in‑Chief; in 1Q19, received the Thirty‑third Degree in
Philadelphia. Past Patron of the Or er of Eastern Star and, in 1893, received
the A. A. O. N. M. S. in Medinah Temple, becoming a founder of Ansar Temple,
Springfield.
HAROLD VAN BUREN
VOORHIS RED BANK, NEW JERSEY Born January 3, 1894, in Red Bank, Brother
Voorhis has led an active life both in Freemasonry and public life. He was
educated in the local schools of his native city and also took extension work
from Columbia University: By pro fession he is an analytical chemist and
assayer, and at present is statistician in the wholesale coal business in New
York. He served in the navy during the World War, seeing overseas service;
after the war he served as commercial yacht captain for some time. He is a
past president of the Phi Alpha Fraternity; Fellow of the American Friends of
Lafayette, and author of General Lafayette, Citizen and Freemason of Two
Countries; served as vice‑president of the Holland Society of New York;
founder of the Van Voorhees Association; governor of the Monmouth Boat Club;
member of the Monmouth County Historical Society, Monmouth County Stamp Club,
American Radio Relay League, American Canoe Association and International
Brotherhood of Magicians; editoi of the Christmas Seal and Charity Stamp
Society Weekly, etc.
Brother Voorhis holds
membership in the Craft, Arch, Cryptic (P. M.), Chivalric, A. & A. S. R. and
affiliated Bodies; District Deputy of the 3d New Jersey District, R. & S. M.;
member of the T. I. M. in North Carolina and Western Australia; Fellow of the
Philalethes Society; Grand Superintendent in New Jersey, Allied Masonic
Degrees; Past Grand Chancellor, Grand College of Rites of America;
Registrar‑General of the Convent General of America, Knights of the York Cross
of Honour, Past Prior; Chief Adept, Ninth Degree, New Jersey College, S. R. I.
C. F., and author of The History of Organised Masonic Rosicrucianism;
Chairman, Advisory Council, Order of De Molay, and member of most of the
research groups and Lodges throughout the world, and author of a score of
papers on historical subjects.
488 BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS JAMES VROOM NEW BRUNSWICK Brother James Vroom came of
a distinguished New York‑New Jersey Dutch Loyalist family which migrated to
Nova Scotia following the American Revolution. He was born in Nova Scotia in
the year 1846, and for many years was town clerk of St. Stephen, New
Brunswick, and was active in good works in that town during his residence
there.
He was a member and
Past Master of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 5, St. Andrews, New Brunswick; in igoo he
served as junior Grand Warden and in 192‑6 and 192‑7 as Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of New Brunswick. Always a
student, he brought to bear on his work the resources of a cultivated mind. He
passed away on October 1, 1932., at the ripe age of eighty‑six years.
GEORGE W. WAKEFORD
CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. 1.
Brother Wakeford was
born in Liverpool, England, August 9, 1851. Conformable to English custom he
was, at an early age, apprenticed to a firm of shipowners and shipbrokers,
with whom he served a four‑year apprenticeship.
In 187o he came out
to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, under an engagement with a firm of
shipbuilders and shipowners with whom he continued until the decline of
shipbuilding in the late eighties. He then entered the. employ of the
Charlottetown Navigation Company, retiring in 1916.
He was Initiated in
St. John's Lodge No. 397 (E. C.; now No. I, G. R. P. E. I.), August 11, 1874,
serving as Master in 1877 and 1878 and again in 1881 and igoo; Treasurer from
1896 to I9oo. He served the Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island as Grand
Secretary from 1879 to 1884; Deputy Grand Master, 1884; Grand Lecturer, 1887
and 1888; Honorary Grand Master, 1932‑. Exalted in Alexandra Royal Arch
Chapter, No. ioo (S. C.; now No. Ii, G. R. N. S.), July 16, 1875; Secretary
1875 to 1877; High Priest 1881 through 1886; Treasurer 19o8 through 192.o. As
Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, i89o and 1891, he devoted " untiring
energy and indefatigable zeal. " LOUIS ARTHUR WATRES SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
Doctor Watres was born in Mount Vernon, now Winton, Lackawanna County,
Pennsylvania, and received his education in the public schools; was admitted
to the bar in 1878, being a member of the local, State and national bar
associations. LL.D. from Lafayette College (192‑5) and Washington and Lee
University (1932‑). State senator, 1883‑1891; lieutenant‑governor of
Pennsylvania, 1891‑1895. Joined the National Guard as a private and has
advanced to the rank of general therein; nineteen years a member of the Armory
board.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS 489 Brother Watres has been active in the Craft, serving
during 1916‑1917 as Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania; Inspector‑General
Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A. S. R., and numerous other
honours. Since 1918 he has served as President of the George Washington
Masonic National Memorial Association. It would be quite impossible to list
here the many offices in State, local, civic, and Masonic circles in which he
has served as presiding officer and member of administrative boards; might we
not say that he has led in all fields of activity in which humans are supposed
to be interested? EDWARD MALLORY WHEELER PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND Born in
Mystic, Connecticut, December 2, 1869, receiving his early education there and
at New London. In 1888 he removed to Providence, Rhode Island, to engage in
business and where he still resides and is a trustee, steward and treasurer of
Trinity Union Methodist Episcopal Church. Active in church and civic affairs
of his city and State.
Brother Wheeler
became a member of Orpheus Lodge, No. 36, March 8, 1893, serving as Master
1897‑1898, Treasurer for two years and since 19oo has been Secretary; founder
and dual member of Roosevelt Lodge, No. 42, and Secretary since its
organisation in 1921. Exalted in Providence Royal Arch Chapter, No. I, March
Zo, igo2, serving as High Priest in 19o6‑19O7; elected Grand High Priest, of
the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island in March 1915, serving one year.
Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood in igo9,
serving as President of the Rhode Island Convention for three years, and since
1927 its Recorder. Greeted in Providence Council, No. I, R. & S. M., in
November 19o2, serving as Master in 1918; in April 1924, he was elected Grand
Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in Rhode Island, and
since 193o has served as Grand Recorder; Foreign Correspondent since 1921.
Dubbed a Knight of the Temple in Calvary Commandery, No. 13, serving as
Commander igo9‑19io. Brother Wheeler is also a member of the A. & A. S. R., A.
A. O. N. M. S., The Guild, M. V. A. of Rhode Island, P. M. Association and
other groups.
JOHN WHICHER SAN
FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA John Whicher, author of Beginnings of Masonry in
California and Hawaii, was born July 4, 1855, at Urbana, Ohio. In 1857 his
family removed to Fort Des Moines, Iowa, where he spent his boyhood years and
was taught the " art preservative." In 1879 he went to Leadville, Colorado,
following his trade as printer and editor, and in 1887 became a resident of
San Luis Obispo, California. In 1894 he was elected county clerk, which office
he held until 1903,. when he moved to Sacramento, on accepting an appointment
as deputy superintendent of State printing, which office he held until August
19o8, when he was appointed 490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of California, to which position he has been
re‑elected annually ever since.
Brother Whicher is a
member of practically all of the various groups of Freemasonry and is an
Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A. S. R. He
represented his Grand Lodge at the Peace Jubilee of the United Grand Lodge of
England in i919, and also attended the bicentenary of the Grand Lodge of
Ireland in 1925, in the same capacity.
NELSON WILLIAMS
HAMILTON, OHIO Brother Williams was born in Champaign County, Ohio, March 23,
1853, and in 1874 removed to Hamilton to study law; he was admitted to the bar
in 1876 and has been in active practice since that date.
Raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason June 6, 1887, and within the short space of thirteen
years had received the Degrees of both Active Rites and Crowned
Inspector‑General Honorary of the Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A. S. R.
Grand Master of Masons in Ohio (1897), Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Ohio (1902), Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters in Ohio (1‑904), and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of
Knights Templar of Ohio (1914). Member of the A. A. O. N. M. S. and the Royal
Order of Scotland. For fifteen years Brother Williams has served Grand
Encampment as Necrologist; also served the various Bodies in Ohio as Reviewer
and Fraternal Correspondent over a long period of years and for the past
thirty‑five years has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio
Masonic Home. He is Deputy General Grand Master of the General Grand Council
of Royal and Select Masters of the United States of America.
DAVID EDWARD WAITE
WILLIAMSON RENO, NEVADA Brother David Edward Waite Williamson was born in
Sacramento, California, February 4, 186S , and has been continuously engaged
in newspaper work since 1887, except for a short service as deputy clerk of
the Supreme Court of California. Since 1913 he has been managing editor of The
Reno Evening Gazette.
For the past fifteen
years Brother Williamson has devoted much time and attention to Masonic
research, and is author of numerous articles on various phases of the Craft.
He is a member of Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and A. & A. S. R. in
Reno, and has served his Grand Lodge as Grand Historian and both Grand Chapter
and Grand Council as Grand Chaplain.
WILLIAM WALTER
WILLIAMSON MONTREAL, QUEBEC Brother Williamson was born at Cambridge, England,
September 24, 1861, at which place he received his education. Beginning life
as a school teacher, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS 491 he later
entered the railway service and, in 1882., came out to Montreal as auditor
with the Grand Trunk Railway; in December 1885, he removed to Denver,
Colorado, where he was employed by the D. & R. G. Railway. From 1889 until
1893 he was in the manufacturing business as a part owner but returned, in
1893, to Montreal, when he became general accountant with the Canadian Express
Company, being later appointed general auditor of the system, which position
he held until his retirement in 1925.
Initiated in St.
Lawrence Lodge, No. 640 (E. C.), Montreal, February 5, 1884; Master 1898‑i899;
elected D. D. G. M. in I9io; Deputy Grand Master in 1915‑1916; Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge of Quebec 1 17‑1918; elected Grand Secretary in 1919, which
Office he still fills. Received the Mark grade in Victoria Mark Lodge, No. 304
(E. C.), September 9, 1884; Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch in Denver
Royal Arch Chapter, in 1886; in 19oo affiliated with Carnarvon R. A. Chapter,
No. 5, Montreal; First Principal in 1905; Grand Superintendent in 1906;
elected Grand Scribe E in 1920, which Office he still holds. In 1903 he
received the Chivalric Orders, being elected Registrar 1903‑I9o6; Preceptor in
1910; Provincial Prior in 1915‑1916; Deputy Grand Master in 1929‑1930 and
Supreme Grand Master of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada of the United
Orders of the Temple and Malta in 1931‑1932joined the Cryptic Rite in 1901; T.
Ill. Master in 1906; Deputy for the Province of Quebec in 1908‑1909 and
elected Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of
Canada, Eastern jurisdiction, serving in 1922I923. Member of: A. & A. S. R. (I
I1); Royal Order of Scotland (19i6); Karnak Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. (1903)9;
Board of Governors (Chairman past eight years).
LOU BARNEY WINSOR
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN Lou B. Winsor was born at Providence, Rhode Island, on
January 24, 1858, and removed to Michigan in 1863, with his family, where he
has sincere sided. He was educated in the schools of Hillsdale and graduated
from Hillsdale Col lege in 1877; he then graduated from the law department of
the University of Michigan in 1879.
Brother Winsor has
served Freemasonry long and faithfully; he was initiated August 25, passed
September 23, and raised September 2‑9, 1881, in Reed City Lodge, No. 351
(afterwards No. 363), of which he served as Master from 1883 to 1895 and is a
Life Member thereof. He served the Grand Lodge of Michigan as Grand Master in
1897, and as Grand Secretary from 1903 to 1926; his reports as Foreign
Correspondent for twenty years were jewels of literature; his many
appointments to conferences, etc., are too numerous to mention; he is an
honorary member of a score of lodges and clubs, as well as other Masonic
Bodies. The Capitular Degrees were received as follows: Mark, 8th; Past
Master, 15th; Most Excellent Master, 15th; and, Royal Arch, ZZd of February,
1882, in Big Rapids R. A. Chapter, No. 52, from which he demitted to become a
founder of Reed City Chapter, No. 112, over which he presided as 492‑
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF CONTRIBUTORS High Priest in 1887, 1888 and 1889; he
was Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Michigan in 1896; he
served as President of the Past Grand High Priests' Association from 1911
through 1926. He was Anointed, Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High
Priesthood January 16, 1894. He received the first two Cryptic grades February
2‑6, 1889, and the Super Excellent Master January 14, 1895, in King Solomon
Council, No. 25, from which he demitted to become a founder of Reed City
Council, No. 55, over which he presided in 1889 and 18go; he served the Grand
Council of Michigan as Grand Master in 1913. He received the Illustrious Order
of the Red Cross March 24, the Temple and Malta, April 11, 1882‑, in Pilgrim
Commandery, No. 23, over which he presided in 1897 and 1898. Received the
Degrees of the A. & A. S. R. in 1885 in the Grand Rapids Bodies; Crowned
Thirty‑third, September lo, 1898, Active Member of Supreme Council September
17, 1925. Received the Royal Order of Scotland September i9, 1904; Pro. 2‑d D.
G. Marischal in 192‑2‑. Red Cross of Constantine, April 1o, 1916, St. Vincent
Conclave, No. 33; Sovereign in 1917; Intendant General for Michigan. Grand
Patron Grand Chapter of O. E. S. of Michigan in 1918. Potentate of Saladin
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., 1893 through 1901; Imperial Potentate in 19oo;
founder of the Royal Order of jesters, in which he has filled all Offices.
Member of the Allied Masonic Degrees and many other Honorary Bodies and
groups.
FRANCIS DONNELL
WINSTON WINDSOR, NORTH CAROLINA Judge Winston was born in his ancestral home,
Windsor Castle, Windsor, North Carolina, October 2, 1857, where he still
resides. He was educated at private school (1864), Windsor Academy (1866‑1867
and 1867‑1868), the Henderson Collegiate Institute (1869‑1871), Horner and
Graves School (18711873), Cornell University (1873‑1874), graduated from the
University of North Carolina in 1879, after four years there, and after
reading law for several years and attending Dick and Dillard Law School
(188o), he was licensed to practice by Supreme Court January 4, 1881. Taught
in several schools and for several years followed journalism, but his own life
work was in the field of law. Served one term as State senator, four terms in
the House of Representatives, four years as lieutenant‑governor, U. S.
district attorney for several years, also Superior Court judge, and at present
judge of the General County Court of Bertie County. In 1922 the University of
North Carolina conferred the LL.D. degree on him.
Brother Winston
received the Degrees of Freemasonry in Charity Lodge, No. 5, located in his
native town, served it as Master and in 1906 was elected Grand Master of
Masons in North Carolina, serving two terms. He has at tended nearly fifty
Annual Communications of Grand Lodge, and has been a loyal and Active Member
thereof. He is a member of the Royal Arch and Cryptic Rite, but the Craft has
ever been his particular field of activity.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF CONTRIBUTORS 493 ROBERT ARCHER WOODS PRINCETON, INDIANA Born at Princeton,
Indiana, January 5, 1861, educated at Princeton High School, Indiana
University (B.S., 1881) and University of Leipzig, Germany (1885‑1886).
Commissioned in National Guard, major and later aide‑de‑camp.
Has served in many
important educational, civic and business capacities in his State, and
especially active in historical research.
Brother Woods became
a Master Mason, January 26, 1885, in Prince Lodge, No. 231; Master from I 89o
to 1898; Junior Grand Deacon, 1896‑1897, and Grand Lecturer 1898. Exalted in
Princeton Royal Arch Chapter, No. 75, on June I, 1885; High Priest from 1888
to 1895; Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Indiana in 1897;
Grand Secretary since 1920 and Foreign Correspondent since 1gio. Anointed,
Consecrated and set apart to the Order of High Priesthood, October 17, 1888;
Vice‑President agog to 1920 and Grand Recorder since 1920. Greeted in
Vincennes Council, No. 9, R. & S. M., March 30, 1898; founder and Master of
Princeton Council, No. 71 (1898‑1go5); Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Indiana in 1gio; Grand Recorder since 1920, and in 1933 elected General Grand
Master of the General Grand Council of the U. S. A. Dubbed a Knight of the
Temple June 27, 1885, in Vincennes Commandery, No. Zo; Commander in 1898;
founder of Princeton Commandery, No. 46, and Commander thereof in 1902, 1903,
and 1914; Inspector‑General of Grand Commandery from 1907 to Igio, and Foreign
Correspondent since 1914. Crowned an InspectorGeneral Honorary of the
Thirty‑third Degree of the A. & A. S. R. in Igo1, and Grand Secretary of the
Indiana Council of Deliberation since 1920. Created a Knight Companion of the
Red Cross of Constantine April 17, 1908, in St. James Conclave, No. 16;
Sovereign 1908 to 1913 (founder); in 1915, elected Grand Sovereign and Knight
Grand Cross of Grand Imperial Council of the U. S. A. and Intendant General
for Indiana from 1908 to 1914, and from 1920 to date. Served as Patron and
Grand Patron of the Eastern Star and is a member of the Royal Order of
Scotland, A. A. O. N. M. S., Royal Order of Jesters, M. O. V. P. E. R., etc.
493 ‑ INDEX NEXT ‑
INDEX A Aargan, Freemasonry in, iii, 2‑37 Abbott, John, v, 2.92 ‑ Abbott, Leon
M., v, 5z5, Sz8; resolution of, v, 529 Abell, Alexander G., v, 2‑7, 61
Abercorn, Earl of, ii, 82. Abercromby, Ralph, iv, zio Aberdeen, Lodge of, ii,
339; Apprentices, entries of, ii, 356; Coipland, Patrick, of Udaucht, ii,
342‑; early references, ii, 339; "Essays," ii, 358; Law and Statutes, 1670,
ii, 345; Members, 1670, ii, 351; Seal of Cause of Masons and Wrights, 1541,
ii, 342; Speculative ascendancy, ii, 3 51; Speculative and Operative Masons,
ii, 354; "Successors," ii, 354; veritable records date from 1670, ii, 344
Aberdeen MS., i, 34 Aberdour, Lord, 1757, ii, 97, 2_01, 391; v, 147 Abrahams,
Woodward, v, 286, 308 Absalom Lodge, at Hamburg, iii, 9o Academie of Armory, i,
368 Acker, Walter, vi, 281; quoted, 2‑86 Acklin, Grafton M., v, 504 Acta
Sanctorum, i, 2.30 Adam, Daniel J., v, 95 Adams, A: W., v, 27 Adams, James, v,
183, 197 Adams, Samuel, v, 31 Adams, Simon, v, 230, 231 Addison, H. M., iv,
241 Addleman, B. W., v, 204 Addleman, W. S., v, zoo Africa, Dutch Lodges in,
iv, zz8; Freemasonry in, iv, 22‑8 f.; South, lodges in, iv, 2.29; West Coast
of, lodges in, iv, 2.30 f.
African architects,
iii, 1z6 Agar, James, ii, 245 Ahiman Rezon, ii, 153 f., 176, 2‑87; iv, 2‑8,
139; vi, 67, 72, 155, 158; 161, 191, 193,32‑6; published by Dermott, 1756, u,
166 f.; third edition, 1756, ii, 186; and the Table of Wren's Grand
Mastership, i, 2‑89 Aiken, Henry Martyn, vi, 2.36 Ainslie, George, v, 168
Ainslie, Thomas, ii, 175 Ainsworth, John C., quoted, vi, 131 Ajax, whaling
bark, v, 158 Alabama, Confederate cruiser, v, 62 Alabama, Freemasonry in, v,
1‑16 Alaska, Freemasonry in, vi, 355 f., 365 f.; first reference, vi, 36o;
first lodge, vi, 366 Albany, Duke of, junior Grand Warden of England, 1877,
11, 256 Albert, Charles H., v, 361 Albert, Henry, v, 218 Alberta, iv, 1‑9;
lodges in, iv, 2 f.
Albro, John, iv, 39,
46 Albuquerque, Viscount, iv, 178 Alchemists, i, 314 Alden, Alvin B., vi, 386
Alexander, Anthony, ii, 365 Alexander, George, vi, 1 Alexander, J. J., vi, 193
Alexander, Robert, v, 359 Alexander, William, iv, z7 Alexander, William M., v,
181 Alexandria, Emporium of philosophy, i, 309 Alexandria, Virginia, v, 40,
103, 110, 542‑; memorial at, vi, 404 Alexandrian school, i, 313 Alfaro, Eloy,
iv, 164 497 Ali, Prince Mohamed, iv, 234, 235 Alison, James, ii, 388 Allen, A.
V. G., iii, i9 Allen, Colonel, vi, 67 Allen, Ethan, vi, 416 Allen, Henry, v,
68 Allen, Ira, vi, 299 Allen, J. Edward, v, 393 f.; vi, 66, 455 Allen, John,
v, 232 Allen, John M., vi, 267 Allen, Seneca, v, 337 Allen, Thomas, ii, 164
Allen, William, vi, 148, 162Allen, William B., v, 3 Allen‑Beecher, George, v,
414 Alley, Jerome, iv, 59 Allied Masonic Degrees, iv, 317 Allis, Solon M., v,
24 Allison, William Boyd, v, z18 Almanack des Cocus, iii, 8 Alnwick MS., i, 37
Alnwick Lodge, records of, i, 38o; regulations of, i, 381; names of Scottish
derivation amongst its members, i, 384; Operative rather than Speculative, i,
385; Minutes compared with those of Swalwell Lodge, i, 385 Alpina, Grand
Lodge, iii, 240 Alpuche, Jose Maria, founder in Mexico City, iv, 1o6 Alsap,
John T., v, 17, 24, 2.7 Altenburg, Archimedes of the Three Tracing Boards,
iii, 145 Alvarado, iv, 105 d'Alviella, Count Goblet, iii, 2.56 American
Military Lodges (see Military Lodges), v1, 414 424 American Union Lodge, v, 87
Ames, Alfred Elisha, v, 348, 349, 351, 352, 355 Ames, Ezra, v, 451 498 INDEX
Ames, Joseph and the Parentalia, i, 267, 268 Amherst, Major‑General, iv, 34
Amiens, Statutes of, i, 91 Ampthill, Lord, ii, 259; iv, 66 Ancient and
Accepted Rite, iv, 296; Constitutions, iv, 3o2; De Grasse‑Tilly, iv, 299; De
Grasse‑Tilly resigns, iv, 305; Degrees, arrangement of, iv, 303; France, iv,
299; Golden Book, the, iv, 3oo; Grand Constitutions, iv, 303; in other
countries, iv, 307; Morin, Stephen, iv, 297; Sovereign Prince Mason, iv, 302;
v, 78, 491, 5o6 Ancient and Primitive Rite, first organisation of, iv, 328
"Ancient Landmarks," v, 127 Ancient Mysteries, the, i, i1 f.; Egypt, i, 12;
Greece, i, 12; Rites and Ceremonies, i, 13; Degrees and Signs of, i, 14
Anderson, Constitutions, ii, 1, 51, 64; iii, 21 Anderson, James, i, 262; ii,
11 Anderson, Dr. James, Congregations of Masons, i, 176; quoted, 367 Anderson,
James H., v, 286 Anderson, John H., vi, 66 Anderson, Robert, vi, 334 Anderson,
William P., vi, 228 Andrada e Silva, iv, 178 Andrea, John Valentine, i, 324,
326 Andrew, Eustace, v, 278 Andrews, Robert, vi, 323 Annapolis, iv, 31, 274,
301 Annesley, Francis Charles, ii, 283 Annual Proceedings, v, 34 Anthony,
Webster D., v, 82 Antient and Primitive Rite, iv, 325 Antients and Moderns,
ii, 97; 154, 174 Antigua, iv, 147 Antill, iv, 88 Antin, Duc de, iii, 24
"Anti‑Masonic Excitement, The," v, 88, 102, 327 d'Antin, Duc, iii, 24
Antiquities of Berkshire, by Ashmole, i, 271 Antiquities of Freemasonry, i, 1
Antiquity, Lodge of, ii, 128; dispute among the members, ii, 2o8 Antiquity
MS., i, 36 Antiquity Preceptory, iv, 36 Antrim, Earl of, ii, 186 f. Apocryphal
Manuscripts, i, 2o2; Charter of Cologne, i, 212; Knights Templar, i, 217;
Krause's MS. or Prince Edwin's Constitution, 926, i, 21o; Larmenius Charter or
the Charter of Iransmission, i, 214; Leland‑Locke, i, 2o2; Malcolm Canmore
Charter, i, 2o8; Steinmetz Catechism, i, 204 Apperson, J. T., vi, 131
Appleton, C. W., v, 204 Apprentice charge, i, 51 Apprenticeship, i, 72 f.
Avery, David C., v, 299 Aquilar, H., iv, 11 Aramburn, Antonio, iv, 144
d'Aranda, Count, iii, 266 Arbuckle, Matthew, vi, log Arbuckle, Thomas, v, 111
Archibald, L. B., iv, 52 Archibald, Samuel G., iv, 65 Archimedes of Eternal
Union at Gera, iii, 146 Architects in medixval times, i, 133‑140; primary
meaning of, i, 13 6 Ardizorf, Abraham, 1751, ii, 16o Arizona, Freemasonry in,
v, 17‑26 Arkansas, Freemasonry in, v, 29‑49 accomplishments in, v> 45 Arkansas
Post, v, 30, 34 Armington, J. L., iv, i9 Armington, L. L., vi, 8o Arms of
Masons, i, 241 Armstrong, George, v, 405 Armstrong, John, vi, 8 Arnold,
Benedict, v, 91, 183 Arnold, J. F., v, 364 Arnold, Jacob, vi, 8 Arras, Lodge
Constance at, iii, 45 Arthur, President Chester A., v, 82 Arthur, Thomas, v,
218 Articles of Union, signed, ii, 231 Arundel, William, v, 373 Ashler, The,
edited by Allyn Weston, 8o Ashmole, Elias, Antiquities of Berkshire, 1, 271;
Campbell's Memoir of, i, 364; Constitutions of 1723 do not show his connexion
with the Society, i, 346, 363; Diary of, i, 273; Lichfield, his birthplace,
his affection for, i, 277; Memoirs of, i, 272; Warrington Lodge, i, 274; ii,
48, 69 Asia, Freemasonry in, iv, 191 Astor, John Jacob, v, 480 Astrea, Grand
Lodge, iii, 197 f. Asuncion, iv, 171 Aswell, James B., v, 259 Atcheson Haven,
MS., i, 34 Atcheson, Haven, Lodge of, ii, 365 d'Ath, Defacqz, iii, 261
Athlumney, Lord, iv, 181) Atholl, Duke of, ii, 174, 182, 393, 399, 401; death
of, ii, 185 Atholl Brethren, surrender of, iv, 218 f.
Atkinson, George
Wesley, vi, 378 Atwood, Henry C., vi, 57 Aubrey, J., Natural History of
Wiltshire, i, 26o, 298 f.; memoirs of, i, 299; ii, 18 Augusta, Georgia, v,
145; taken from British, v, 156; Grand Lodge moved to, v, 267 Augustus
Frederick, Duke of Sussex, iv, 46 Auld, Isaac, v, 510 Auraria, first lodge at,
v, 71 Aurora, v, 205 Austin, H. E., vi, 214 Austin, James M., v, 46o, 462
Austin, Stephen F., v1, 264 f. Austin, Thomas R., v, 2o8, 209 Australasia,
Freemasonry in, iv, 241 f.
INDEX 499 Austria,
Freemasonry in, iii, 161; decline of, iii, 168; Grand Lodge of Vienna, founded
1918, iii, 170; Halle Lodge or the Three Golden Keys, iii, 164; interference
of the Emperor, iii, 167; Joseph II, rule of, iii, 166; Lodge of the Three
Cannons, iii, 162; Lodge of the Three Firing Glasses at Vienna, iii, 162;
Masonic Clubs, iii, 170; National Grand Lodge of the Austrian States, iii,
167; Stephen, Francis, Duke of Lorraine, iii, 161; Strict Observance arrives,
iii, 165 Authorities on Ancient and Accepted Rite, iv, 307 Authorities on
Illuminati, iv, 359 Authorities on Philalethes and Philadelphians, iv, 361
Authorities on Rite of Memphis, iv, 350 Authorities on Rite of Misraim, iv,
352 Authorities on Rites and smaller groups, iv, 322 Authorities on
Rosicrucians, iv, 363 Authorities on Sea and Field Lodges, iv, 282 Authorities
on Scots Philosophic Rite, iv, 325 Authorities regarding Strict Observance,
iv, 346 Authors' Lodge Transactions, iv, 109 Avery, Waightstill, vi, 229
Axiomata, i, 336 Axtell, Samuel B., vi, 33 Ayer, George, v, 9o Ayr, Annual
Assembly at, ii, 3o8 Azores, Freemasonry in, iv, 231 B Babcock, A. G., vi, 330
Bachman, John Lynn, vi, 257 Bacon, Lord, i, 8 Bacone Indian College, vi, 114
Baden, Grand Orient of, iii, 154 Bagg, Charles S., v, 394 Bagley, Amasa, v,
336 Bagley, Daniel, vi, 358 Bahama Islands, Freemasonry in, iv, 125, 152
Bailey, Alonzo, v, 18, 24 Bailey, C. S., vi, 418 Bailey, Mark W., vi, 214, 215
Baillie, John, v, 152 Baillie, William, iv, 312 Baird, Henry S., vi, 38o Bain,
Hollis, v, 255 Bainbridge, v, 126 Baird, George W., v, 62, 118 Baker, E. Crow,
iv, 18 Baker, George A., Jr., v, 122, 374 Baker, John, vi, 232 Baker MS., i,
46 Balch, James, v, 107 Balch, Thomas, v, 107 Baldwin of the Linden Leipsic,
iii, 144 Baldwin, D. J., v, 35, 47 Baldwin, Henry, vi, 83 Ball, Walter, v, 299
Ball, William, v, 94, 275; vi, 7, 148 Balloch, Alexander, iv, 58 f. Balon,
Andrew J., vi, 356 Baltimore, Lord, iv, 62 Baltimore, Maryland, v, 274;
Convention, 288 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, laying of first stone, v, 281;
vi, 3 68 Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad, opening of work, v, 281 Bancroft,
History of Mexico by, iv, 105 Banff, Canada, iv, 3 Banks, James, vi, 5
Bannatyne, A. G. B., iv, 2o, 94; vi, 80 Baqu6, J. B., v, 241 Baracoa, Cuba, v,
124 Baratino, Joseph, v, 248 Barber, Luke E., v, 37, 48 Barbadoes, Freemasonry
in, iv, 125, 147 Barker, Ephraim, v, 296, 298 Barker, John, v, I1, 14, 236,
365; vi, 102, 107, 252 Barker, Nathaniel, v, 230 Barkerville, iv, 15 Barnaart,
W. P., iii, 215 Barnard, Frederick A. P., v, 12 Barnard College, v, 12 Barnes,
Cassius M., vi, i2o, I21 Barnes, E. B., v, 59 Barney, John, v, 187; v, 204,
288; vi, 3o6 Barnum, Malvern‑Hill, vi, 423 Baron, D., v, 239 Baronius on the
Quatuor P Coronati, i, 226 Barr, Samuel L., v, 27, 28 Barre, Anthony H., v,
400 Barrett, John, vi, 298 Barrett, Lawrence Patrick, v, 62 Barrett, William,
v, 429 Barriga, Valero F. de, iv, 161 Barron, Jacob T., vi, 206 Barruel, Abbe,
idea of origins, i, 7; ii, 215 Barton, John O., v, 207 Bartlett, Frederick K.,
v, 348 Bartlett, George W., v, 204 Bartlett, Isaac, v, 203, 2o6, 207 Bartlett,
Josiah, v, 325 Basle, Freemasonry in, iii, 236 Bassett, Owen A., v, 226, 227
Batchelor, James C., v, 16 Bate, William Brimage, vi, 249 f. Bates, Edward, v,
376 Bates, H. W., iv, 178 Bates, William, v, 376, 377 Batty Langley MS., i, 47
Bauer, Johann Kaspar, iii, 28, 1o6 Baum, Harry L., article by, v, 67 f.; vi,
456 Bayle, quoted, i, 332 Bayless, Samuel H., v, 48 Bayless, Solomon D., v,
207, 209 Bayliss, M. W., v, 528 Baylor, Walker K., v, ii Baynard, L. B., v,
259 Bayreuth, Grand Lodge Sun at, iii, 137; the Castle Sun and the City Sun,
iii, 137; State Servants forbidden to join the Craft, iii, 138; declared
itself an independent Grand Lodge, 1811, iii, 139 Beall, Ninian, v, 111 Bean,
Thomas, v, 47 500 INDEX Bearblock, Charles, Grand Secretary of the Antients,
1779, ii, 186 Beard, Duncan, v, 94 Beardsley, John, iv, 38, 43; vi, 46 f.
Beatty, John, vi, I2
Beauchaine, Chevalier, vi, 425 Beauchamp, George A., v, 127 Beaufort, Duke of,
Grand Master of the Moderns, ii, 2011 Beaumont, H., v, 123 Bechtel, Charles,
vi, 23 Beckes, Parmenas, v, 198 Beckmann, iii, 94 Bedarride, Michel, iv, 352
f. Bedford, Gunning, Jr., v, 98 Bedford, Robert, v, 31 Belcher, Henry Ward, v,
414 Begg, James H., vi, 363 Behmen, Jacob, i, 319 Belcher, Governor, i, 388
Belcher, Jonathan, first native born Mason, vi, 5; death of, iv, 36; v, 315
Belgium, Freemasonry in, iii, 255; anti‑religous tendency, iii, 261;
beginning.. of development, 1770, iii, 257; connected with great progressive
movements, III, 261; decline under Emperor Joseph II, iii, 258; early Lodges,
iii, 255; first English Lodges, iii, 256; Grand Lodge inaugurated, iii, 259;
Grand Orient, iii, 26o; revival under Grand Orient of France, 1795, iii, 259;
Sea and Field Lodges, iii, Zoo Bell, C. S., v, 4oo Bell, Henry, v, 95 Bell, J.
Pearson, ii, III Bell, John, vi, 231, 248 f. Bell, M. L., v, 39 Bellasis,
George Bridges, iv, 242 Bellefin, Jerome, iv, 242 Benedict, Pratt, vi, Io2
Benedictinos, iv, 179 Benefit Societies, ii, 399 Benevolence, question of, iv,
77; amounts spent for, iv 82 f.
Benevolent Fund, iv,
7, 67, 98 Bengal, iv, 191, 198; Grand Lodge for, iv, 214; lodges in, iv, 201,
214 Bennett, Charles, vi, 129 Bennett, F. J., iv, 5 Bennett, John R., iv, 65,
69 Benoist, L. A., article by, v, 358, 3711; vi, 456 Benson, Nimrod E., v, Io
Benson, Robert, sketch of, ii, 113 Bent, Charles, vi, 36 Bentley, Bezlin, v,
95 Bentley, Harvey W., v, io6 Benton City, v, 55 Benton, T. H., vi, 211
Benton, Thomas Hart, Jr., v, 218 Bermudas, Freemasonry in, iv, 152 Bernard,
A., iv, 288 Berne, Freemasonry in, iii, 2‑35 Berne, Pierre D., v, 239
Bernhardi, Isaac, iii, 167 Berry, James, v, 97 Berry, John S., v, 286 Bertoli,
Nicholas, v, 248 Bertrand, Junior Deputy Grand Master, iii, 72 Besuchet, i, 86
Beswick, Samuel, Swedenborg and Phremasonry, quoted, iv, 346 f.
Betts, Jared, iv, 38
Bibb, George M., v, 232‑233 Bidwell, John, v, 50, 58 Bielfeld, Baron J. F.
von, iii, III, 1112 Bigger, Byrne E., v, 391 Bigney, John W., v, 248 Bines,
Maxwell, v, 97 Birch, Richard Comyns, iv, 207 Birch, William, ii, 136
Birmingham, Lodges of, v, 15 Bishop, Benedict, i, 127 Bishop, Thomas, v, 203
Black, George, iv, 22 Black, William Carson, v, 234 Black, William Marshall,
iv, 52 Black Death, effect on working classes, i, 155 Black Hawk, v, 74, 377
Black Masonry, ii, 290 Blackburn, Joshua, iv, 64 Blackwood, Ibra C., vi, 2o6
Blair, H. H., vi, 214, 215 Blair, John, vi, 322 f., 331 Blake, Charles H., v,
68, 73 Blake, Henry Arthur, iv, 142 Blake, John Albert, v, 469, 504 Blake,
Luther, v, 3 Blake, Richard, iv, 228 Blake, Robert F., vi, 396 Blakely, v, 2,
5 Blakerby, Nathaniel, ii, 84; v, 137 Blanchard, John, vi, 6 Blanchard, Newton
C., v, 258 Blanchard, William, ii, i26 Bland, Theodore, vi, 229 Blanks, James
B., vi, 340 Blanque, Jean, v, 243 Blaquiere, W. C., iv, 212 Blayney, Lord,
Grand Master of the Moderns, 1764, ii, 2011 Blesington, Earl of, in 1752, ii,
159; Grand Master of the Antients 1756‑6o, ii, 166 Bliss, Daniel, iv, 44
Block, Claudio Frederico, iv, 1144 Block, Louis, v, 221 Blois, Henry D. de,
vi, 181 Bloomfield, John D., v, 171 Bloomfield, Joseph, vi, 12 Blum, Charles
H., v, 371 Blunt, Asa, vi, 81 Bluntschli, iii, 139 Board of General Purposes
in United Grand Lodge of England, 1815, ii, 234; noted members, ii, 245; on
Foreign jurisdictions, 1929, ii, 26o Bobadillo, Thomas, iv, 134 Bobbs, John,
v, 230, 231 Bober, iii, 186, 194 Boccardo, iv, igo Bode's Union of German Free
masons, iii, 1154; iv, 335 Bodley, Thomas, v, 230 Bogota, iv, 154. 161
Bohemia, Freemasonry in, iii, 299; Brothers of the Hatchet, iii, 300;
Claremont Chapters, Warrants obtained, iii, 303; de Spork, Count Francis
Anthony, iii, 299; Imperial Edict forbids, iii, 304; Three Crowned Stars
Lodge, iii, 302; Three Stars Lodge at Prague, iii, 301.
Boileau, Statutes of
the Build ing Trade, i, 93‑95 Boise City, v, 16o, 162, 164 Bolivar, Simon, iv,
157 Bolivia, Freemasonry in, iv, 169 Bolton, George W., v, 257 Bombay,
Freemasonry in, iv, 223; Military Lodge in, iv, 224 Bonaventure, Francis, iii,
257 Bond, F. F., v, 121 Bond, Shadrach, v, 181, 192 Bonillas, Ygnacio, v, 27
Bonneville, Chevalier de, v, 507 Book of Constitutions, earliest, i, 262;
revision published, i, 281; publication of, ii, 66; the new, ii, 238; new
edition of, ii, 257; adopted by Grand Lodge, vi, 49 Booth, Edwin, vi, 6o
Bordeaux, the English Lodge, No. 204, iii, 87 Borden, Frederick W., iv, 53
Borden, Robert L., iv, 53 Borgonhon, Peyre, i, 96 Borneman, Henry S., quoted,
vi, 144 Borneo, iv, 196 Borup, Charles W., v, 352 Bosch, Antonio, iv, 130
Boston, v, 87, 262, 321 f., 471; vi, 185 Boston Encampment, v, 475, 478 Boston
Gazette, The, iv, 29 Boston Massacre, iv, 35 Boston Tea Party, v, 153, 323
Bostwick, William, vi, 8 Bosworth, J. H.; vi, 130 Bouck, Gabriel, vi, 389
Boularderie, Anthony de la, iv, 32 Boulle, proposal of, iii, 62 Bourbee, J.
S., vi, 425 Bourbon, Louis de, iii, 27 Bourke, Thomas, v, 277 Bourquine, H.,
v, 153 Bousquet, iii, 215 Boutell, F. H. Chevallier, iv, 170 INDEX Bowdoin
College, v, 269 Bowen, Ephraim, v, 484 Bowen, Oliver, v, 155 Bowen, T. F., v,
362 Bowen, William R., v, 413 Bower, Robert F., v, 462 Bowers, Herbert, v, 17,
27, 256 Bower, Frank, iv, 18 Bowser, W. J., iv, 18 Boyakin, H. P., vi, 30
Boyd, Lord James, Grand Master of Scotland, 1751, ii, 387 Boyd, William
Robert, v, 218 Boyeaux, Jehan de, i, 96 Boyland, Milton W., v, 43, 261
Brabazon, Ponsonby, ii, 159 Braden, J. C., vi, 81 Bradford, Daniel, v, 233
Bradford, William, v, 94 Bradley, Benjamin, ii, 133 Bradley, Frederick Y., iv,
22 Bradshaw, Francis, iv, 64 Bradstreet, John, iv, 53 Brady, Thomas, v, 376
Bragg, Ansel M., v, 18, 24 Braithwaite, E. A., iv, 5 Bramble, D. T., vi, 213
Bramwell, John M., v, 2o6 Brandon, Leroy, v, 132, 133 Brannin, R. B., v, 368
Brant, Joseph, iv, 273 Brandt, Gus A., vi, 282 Brattin, Carl L., v, 400 Bravo,
Nicolas, iv, 107 Brawley, Daniel Franklin, v, 347, 352 Brazil, Freemasonry in,
iv, 177 f.; Grand Lodges in, iv, 184 f.
Breck, Daniel, v, 233
Breckinridge, W. C‑ P‑, v, 2‑36 Brent, Robert T., vi, 31 Brereton, Godfrey,
ii, 28o Bret, Gonzales, iv, 128 Breviaries, the, i, 223 Brewer, James R., v,
286 Brewer, Luther Albertus, v, 218 Brewster, Sir David, origin of Freemasonry
in Scotland, ii, 13, 296 f.
Bridewell, C. A., v,
39 Briggs, Samuel, v, 536 Bridgeport, v, 92 Brigham, Asa, vi, 262, 266 Brimage,
William, vi, 72 Brinckle, J. Gordon, v, loo, 105 Briscoe MS., i, 45 British
Colonist, The, iv, io, 17 British Columbia, iv, 9‑19; lodges in, iv, ii
British Freemasonry, Early, i, 307 f.
British Guiana,
Freemasonry in, iv, 186 f.
British Honduras, iv,
12o Broadfoot, Philip, ii, 245, 246 Broadley, A. M., History of Freemasonry in
Malta by, iv, 2.38 Brockus, Percy C., v, 49 Bromwer, W. D. J., quoted, iii,
210 Br6nner, Johann Karl, iii, ioi Brooke, W., v, 366 Brookville, v, 197, 200
Brooks, E. J., vi, 115 Brooks, Hezekiah, v, 17, 27 Brooks, John Silas, v, 371
Brooks, Stephen, vi, 227, 233 Brothers of the Hatchet, Bo hemia, iii, 300
Brotoffer, Radtich, i, 328 Brough, Robert, vi, 332 Broussard, Robert F., v,
259 Brown, Asa L., vi, 394 Brown, Bestor G., v, 228, 467 Brown, E. M., vi, 82
Brown, E. Nelson, iv, 1, 3, 4 Brown, G. W., vi, 441 Brown, Henry Isaac Close,
iv, 142 Brown, James, v, 472 Brown, James H., vi, 296 Brown, John, v, 2, 91
Brown, John Calvin, vi, 236 Brown, John H., v, 226, 227, 494 Brown, John
Mills, v, 62 Brown, John Porter, iii, 314 Brown, Jonas Warren, v, 161, 162,
164 Brown, Josiah, v, 24 Brown, Melville C., vi, 402 Brown, R. C. S., v, 31
Brown, T. H., vi, 212, 214 Brown,Thomas,v, 59, 131, 322 Brown, William
Moseley, v, 103; article by, vi, 316 f., 457 501 Sot INDEX Brown, W. S., v, 49
Browne, Thomas C., v, 181 Brownell, Loring R., v, 205 Brownrigg, John
Studholme, vi, 46 Bruce, Robert, ii, 15; iv, 3o8 Bruen, Jeremiah, vi, 8 brnhl,
Frederick Aloys, iii, 291 Brumbaugh, Martin Grove, vi, 164 Brundidge, James
M., v, 8 Brunot, Harney F., v, 258 Bryan, George T., vi, zoo Bryan, William
Jennings, v, 414; vi, 259 Buchan, W. P., quoted, i, 265 Buchanan, President
James, v, 52, 344 Buchanan, James J., vi, 164, 168 Buchanan MS., the, i, 33,
556o Buck, Charles F., v, 259 Buck, Winthrop, article by, v, 87 f.; vi, 457
Buckmaster, F. H., The Royal Order of Scotland, iv, 310 Buckner, Alexander, v,
197, 198 Buddenbaum, Louis G., v, 21o Buena Vista, battle of, v, 40, 186
Buffalo, v, 494 Buhle, Professor, and the Rosicrucian Origin of Freemasonry, i,
322; general exponent of the views of the Rosicrucians, i, 346‑350 Builders,
signs of early, i, 132 Building trades, orders of, i, 2‑44 Buist, Henry, vi,
195, 197 Bulgaria, Freemasonry in, iii, 319 Bukley, Richard, iv, 39 Bulkley,
Morgan G., v, 91 Bull, Ole, vi, 59 Bullard, Frank E., v, 413 Bullitt, George,
v, 373, 374 Bullman, Thomas, vi, 23 Bulwer, Henry, iii, 314 Bummers, Sherman
vi, 197 Bumpus, William Hill, vi, 236 Bunker Hill, Battle of, iv, 273; v, 153,
309, 320, 323, 422 Bunn, John, iv, 21 Bunn, Thomas, iv, 21, 22 Bunting, W. F.,
iv, 44, 59 Buonaparte, Joseph, iii, 54, 55 Buonaparte, Louis, iii, 53, 54
Burbank, Luther, v, 63 Burd, F. J., iv, 18 Burger, H. J., Handbook of Jamaica,
iv, 14o Burial service, adoption of, v, 289 Burk, William F., vi, 23
Burlington, Iowa, v, 211 Burnaby, Robert, iv, 10, 11, 17 Burnand, Alphonse A.,
v, 84 Burnes, History of the Knights Templar by, iii, 18 Burnes, James, ii,
398; iv, 224 f.
Burnet, G. W., vi,
98, 99 Burnet, Jacob, vi, 98 Burnet, William, vi, 4 Burnham, William, vi, 88
Burr, Aaron, vi, 24 Burrell, Ezra A., v, 1170 Burt, Francis, v, 404 Burthe, D.
F., v, 257 Burton, Alonzo J., v, 576 Burton, Clerke, iv, 229 Burton, W. P.,
iv, 141 Busby, William, vi, 123 Bush, Solomon, vi, 167 Bush, Stephen C., v,
301 Bussey, Jacob, Grand Secre tary (York), 1778, ii, Io9III Butler,
Elizabeth, biographical sketch of, vi, 432, 450 f. Butler, Hon. Humphrey, M.
P., Deputy Grand Master of Ireland, ii, 264 Butler, Joseph B. V., vi, 132
Butler, Robert, v, 127, 131 Butler, Smedley' vi, 165 Butte, Montana, v, 394 f.
Buzick, Henry S., v, 225 Byers, William N., v, 77 Byron, Lord, Grand Master of
England, 1747‑52, ii, 94 f‑, 377 C Cabbala, the, i, 309 f. Cabbeen, William,
v, 374 Cagliostro, Count, iii, 19o Cahaba, v, 2 f., Io Caillon, P., v, 245
Cain, James R., v, 414 Cairo, Egypt, Masonic hall, iv, 23 5 Calcutta, lodges
in, iv, 20I Calcutta Gazette, The, iv, 205, 2I2 Calcutta Review, iv, 2o6
Caldwell, J. P., vi, 262, 266 Caldwell Masonic Institute, vi, 329 Caldwell,
Stafford, v, 132 Caldwell, William S., vi, 136 Calgary, Alberta, iv, I Calgary
Herald, The, iv, I California, Freemasonry in, v, 5o‑66; lodges in, v, 53 f.
California Ritual, v, 65 California, The, v, 51 Call, Richard Keith, v, 131
Callaghan, Cornelius, ii, 279 Callahan, Charles H., vi, 331, 408 Galloway, L.
L., v, 392 f., 401 Calonge, F., v, 251 Calvo, Francisco, iv, I2o Cambaceres,
Prince, iii, 53, IV, Cambridg304 , aryland, v, 277 Camden, v, 48 Cameron,
Ralph, v, 27 Campanella, Thomas, i, 318 Campbell, A. W., vi, 285 Campbell, A.
Y. G., iv, 223 Campbell, Anthony, v, 359 Campbell, Colonel Sir Archi bald,
Grand Master of Scotland, 1884‑85, ii, 401 Campbell, Colin, v, 107 Campbell,
George Washington, vi, 227, 245 f. Campbell, J. H., v, 362 Campbell, Patrick,
vi, 227 Campbell, William, iv, 42, 53 Campeachy, iv, 105 Campfield, Jabez, vi,
8 Campkin, H. H., iv, 98 Canada (see articles dealing with different
provinces) Canada, Independent and Ancient Grand Lodges of Canada united,
1858, ii, 252 Canadian Pacific Railway, iv, Canal Zone, lodges in, v, 327
Canales, Frederico C., iv, 124 INDEX 503 Cannon, William R., v, 366 Canongate
and Leith, Leith and Canongate Lodge, ii, 331; not included in the Grand
Election, 1736, ii, 376 Canongate Kilwinning, Lodge of, ii, 312, 325; Charter
renewed, 1736, ii, 378 Canonge, J. F., v, 257 Canso, raid on, iv, 31 Canton,
Emilio G., iv, 113 Cantrell, O. O., v, 67 Cantu, Lorenzo, iv, 116 Canyon City,
v, 76 Cape Town, iv, 229 Capitol, laying of cornerstone, v, 109, 113 Capitular
Degrees, v, 290 Capitular Masonry, v, 10, 92, 294, 361 f.
Capitular Rite, v,
491 Carbonell, Edward T., iv, Cardan, Jerome, i, 317 Cardoso, Francisco Josh,
iv, 181 Carels, Joseph Swineford, vi, 57 Carey, Abraham, vi,‑98 Cariacou, iv,
125 Carlile, John, v, 484 Carlos Pacheco, iv, 112 Carlsruhe, Grand National
Union of Baden Lodges at, iii, 155 Carlyle, A. E., iv, 66 Carmick
Constitutions, vi, 146 Carnarvon, Henry, ii, 93 Carnarvon, James, ii, 6
Carnatic Military Loge, iv, 222 Carnegy, S. W. B., v, 288, 380 Carothers, M.,
vi, 423 Carothers, Robert M., vi, 171 Carpenter, Cyrus C., v, 220 Carpenter,
Marshall M., v, 106 Carpenters, Company of, i, 243 Carr, Thomas B., v, 492,
Carrick, J., v, 239 Carrington, Earl, iv, 243, 246 Carrington, George W., vi,
0 Carroll, Charles, v, 281 Carroll, Daniel, v, 108 Carson, Christopher, v, 50
Carson, Enoch T., v, 208 Carson, ."Kit," vi, 30‑31, 35 Carson, Robert A., v,
372 Carson, Thomas J., v, 492 Cartagena, iv, 123 Cartee, L.~F., v, 160 Cartee,
Lafayette, v, 167 Carter, Eli, v,~72 Carter, George, v, 123 Carter, George
Henry, v, 218 Carter, John M., v, 284, 285, 298 Carter, Lamar G., v, 133
Carter, Landon, vi, 227 Carter, Prentice B., v, 255, 256, 259 Carter, Stephen,
v, 359 Carter, William Harrison, v, 372 Caruthers, Robert Looney, vi, 237
Carysfort, Lord, ii, 95, 96 Case, Albert, v, 288 Case, Charles, v, 207 Case,
Emanuel, v, 349, 351, 352 Casimir, Albert, in Hungary, iii, 166 Caskey, Thomas
W., v, 370 Cason, Fendal C., vi, 126, 130 Cass, Lewis, important serv ices of,
v, 338, 340, 343, 344; vi, 92, 93, 96 Cassard, Andres, iv, 127 Cassel, Grand
Orient of West phalia, iii, 155, 156 Cassillis, Earl of, ii, 309 Cassin,
Joseph, v, 111 Castillo, Enrique Doval, iv, 156 Castillon, successor to
Zinnendorff, iii, 128, 129 Castine, v, 262 Casto, Joseph, v, 71 Caswell,
Richard, vi, 69 Caswell, Thomas Hubbard, v, 63; v1, 259 Catechism of 1723, ii,
69 Cathedral, in Indianapolis, v, 210 Catherine II, iii, 177 Cauvin, F. R.
Luxembourg, iv, 135 Caven, John, v, 208 Cayru, Baron, iv, 179 Cazon, Daniel
Maria, iv, 171 Cedar Rapids, Masonic Library at, v, 216 Celebes, iv, 196
Centenary Warrants, ii, 288 Centerville, v, 54 Central America, Freemasonry
in, iv, 120 Central City, v, 74 Cerneau, Joseph, iv, 126, 182, 183; v, 484,
513 Cerneau Fight, The, Ohio, vi, 95 Cerneau Rite, the, v, 513 Ceylon,
Freemasonry in, iv, 198, 227 Chaillon de Jonville, iii, 38 Chamber of Grades,
France, iii, 46 Chamberlain, A. F., vi, 8o Chamberlain, Jacob S., v, 352
Chamberlin, John W., ritual, vi, 102 Chambers, Biographical Dictionary by,
iii, 4, 7 Chambers, Charles, v, 472 Chamblin, A. T., iv, 19 Chamier, John, iv,
219 Chapman, Albert F., v, 462 Chapters, organised by the Grand Chapter, v,
295 f. Chapters of Masons. See Congregations Charcoal Burners, Secret
Societies of, i, 108, 109 Charges, Old. See Old Charges.
Charges of British
Freemasons, The Old, i, 24 Charitable Institutions. See Masonic Charitable
Institutions Charles of Lorraine, iii, 257 Charles XII, iii, 182 Charleston,
Alexander, iv, 18 Charleston, S. C., v, 12, 48, 59, 142, 197, 239, 474, 506,
517; vi, 185, 186, 192, 197 Charman, Thomas, vi, 131 Charnock, job, founder of
Calcutta, iv, 206 Charter, an unused, v, 145 Charter, discussion about, v, 25
Charter of Cologne, i, 212 Charter of Transmission, the, i, 214 5░4
INDEX Charteris, Duke of, iii, 33; installed as Grand Master, iii, 42
Charteris, the Hon. Francis, Grand Master of Scotland, 1747, ii, 387 Charteris,
James M., v, 400 Chartres, Duc de, iv, 355 Chase, Albro E., v, 271 Chase,
David C., v, 174 Chase, Gilbert, vi, 181 Chase, Luther, v, 48 Chastant, A. D.,
v, 239 Chaves, Juan Adrian, iv, 172 Cheney, Ervin F., vi, 397 Cheney, Harry
Morrison, ar ticle by, v, 422 f.; vi, 458 Cherokee Indians, vi, 111 Cherry,
Isaac, v, 43; vi, 23 Cherry Creek, gold in, v, 67 Chesapeake, American
Frigate, v, 99 Cheseboro, Nicholas G., vi, 54 Chester, William P., vi, 227
Chester Lodge, i, 372 Chester register of wills, i, 375 Chesterfield, Earl of,
in 1752, ii, 159 Chestnutwood, R. J., v, 209 Chevalier de Bouneville, iv, 296
Chevalier Ramsay, iii, 3 Chevalier‑Boutell, F. H., iv, 181 Cheves, Wallace R.,
article by, v, 121 f.; vi, 458 Chile, Freemasonry in, iv, 187 f.; lodges in,
v, 327; Supreme Council, iv, 189 Chillicothe, Ohio, vi, 85 China, Freemasonry
in, iv, 192 f.
Chipman, E. E., iv,
18 Chism, Richard E., iv, 114 Chittenden, Thomas, vi, 298, 299 Chivalric
Degrees, iii, 2 Chivalric Masonry, v, 370 Chivers, J. S., IV, 5 Chivington,
John M., v, 72, 75, 79, 81, 222, 4o6 Choke, Alexander, ii, 84 Choteau, Pierre,
vi, io9 Chouriac, Laurent, v, 238 Chreitzberg, Charles K., vi, 203 Christian,
James, v, 222 Christiana Bridge, v, 96 Christie, John, v, 332, 42‑9 Christie,
William M., iv, 52 Churchill, George Washington, vi, 251 Cincinnati Gazette,
v, 198 Cisalpine Republic, Freemasonry in, iii, 247 Cistercians of Walkenried,
i, 6 Civil War (see War between the States) Clagett, Judson M., v, 278
Claiborne, v, 2, 3, 5, 10, 14 Claiborne, Thomas, vi, 237 Clapham, Thomas, v,
288 Clare, Martin, ii, 92 Clare, Michael Benignus, iv, Clark, Adebert B., v,
169 Clark, Charles B., vi, 81 Clark, Charles C., v, 221 Clark, Duncan, iv, 39
Clark, Edgar Erastus, v, 218 Clark, Francis, v, 111 Clark, Henry, vi, 6 Clark,
Henry I., v, 297 Clark, Joel, vi, 85 Clark, John, v, 96 Clark, Joseph, v, 278
Clark, Marston G., v, 197 Clark, William, v, 390; vi, 80 Clark, William A., v,
397 f. Clark, William H., v, 286, 299 Clarke, Andrew, iv, 245 Clarke, Cary L.,
v, 230, 231 Clarke, J. O., iv, 1o0 Clarke, James, v, 22o Clarke, Robert D.,
iv, 5o Clarke, W. C., iv, 24 Clarke, William Bordley, ar ticle by, v, 135 f.;
vi, 459 Clarke, William Gray, ii, 252; iv, 328 Clarke, William J., iv, 242,
245, 246 Clarkson, Anselm, v, 382 Clarkson, James J., v, 381 Clarksville, v,
34 Claudy, Carl H., article by, v, 107 f.; vi, 459 Clavel, Histoire
Pittoresque de la Franc‑Margonnerie, iii, 273 Clay, Clement C., v, 3, 9 Clay,
Henry, v, 37, 232 Clayton, Robert, i, 368 Claytor, George W., v, ioi Cleland,
on origin of Freemasonry, i, 6 Clemens, Samuel Langhorn, "Mark Twain," v, 63
Clerical Chapter, iv, 337 Clerics, iv, 338 Clerke, Shadwell H., ii, 143, 257
Clermont Chapters, Bohemia, iii, 303 Clermont, Comte de, Grand Master of
French Freemasonry, 1743, iii, 25; mismanagement as Grand Master, iii, 27; his
death, 1771, iii, 32 Cleveland, President Grover, v, 166 Clift, James A., iv,
65, 67, 68 Clift, James M., vi, 330, 353, 354 Clift, James Shannon, iv, 65
Clinch, Robert T., iv, 58 Clinton, De Witt, v, 451, 452, 453,A84; vi, 51, 55,
182, 250, 337 Cloes, James W., vi, 82 Clopton, David, v, 11 Clore, Joel, vi,
421 Cloud, Caleb W., v, 232 Coats, John, memorial to, v, 285 Coburn, Chester
P., v, 167 Coburn, John W., v, 503 Cochran, Sam P., report of, vi, 284 f.
Cock, Oliver, v, 212,
213 Cock, William, vi, 46, 47 Cockrell, F. M., v, 195 Code of By‑Laws, v, 36
Code Napoleon, v, 40 Cody, William F., "Buffalo Bill," v, 4o6, 415 Coe, George
H., v, 16o, 161, 162, 163 Coe College, v, 218 Coffin, Reuben, vi, 332 Coghlan,
Joseph B., v, 63 Coghlan, Lucius, ii, 2o5 Cohen, Moses, iv, 302 Cohn, Louis,
vi, 293 Coipland, Patrick, of Udaucht, ii, 342 Colchester, v, 87 Cole,
Benjamin, iv, 154 Cole MS., i, 46 INDEX 505 Coleman, Willis P., v, 2.52
Coleraine, Lord, Grand Master of England, 172.7, ii, 366 Coles, Peyton S., vi,
330, 340 Comstock, Henry, v, 205, zo7 Coll y Toste, iv, 143 College Valois,
iv, 356 Collegia of Rome, i, 12.7 Collingsworth, James, vi, 263 Collins,
James, vi, 392 Cologne, Charter of, i, 2‑n Colombia, Freemasonry in, iv, 154,
i6o f.
Colombia, Grand
Lodge, iv, 162 Colombia, Supreme Council of, iv, 161 Colon, iv, 112 Colorado,
Freemasonry in, v, 67‑86; early Masonry in, v, 67 f.; relief activities in, v,
86 Colorado Central Railroad, v, 82.
Colorado City, later
Colorado Springs, v, 76 Colorado and Southern Railroad, v, 82 Colson, Jean, v,
2‑47 Colton, J., iii, 244 Columban and the Culdees, i, Columbia City, v, 76
Columbia College, v, 12. Columbites, i, 2.1 Columbus, Mississippi, v, 12
Columbus, Ohio, v, 33 Colville, Lord, iv, 33, 53 Combs, Leslie, v, 233 Combs,
William S., iv, 2.1 Commanderies, in Maryland, v, 303 Commerford, James, iii,
2.62 Committee of Charity, ii, 371, functions of, ii, 175 Committee of
Correspondence, v, 2‑86 Committee on Foreign Correspondence, v, 7, 13, 14, 35,
2‑67 Committee on Ritual, v, 498 Committee on Work, v, 8 Compagnons, i, 24
Companionage, i, 25, 86, 99; Perdiguier, Agricol, i, 2.5, 99‑107; Freemasonry,
connexion with, i, 86; Great Divisions (three), i, ioi; Sons of Solomon, i,
ioi, 115; Sons of Maitre Jacques, 1, 101, 103; customs of the different
Crafts, i, 1o5 ; synopsis of, i, 1o2; Maitre Sonbise, i, 1o5; mysteries of, i,
107; quarrels of, i, 107; charcoal burners, i, 1o8; Freemasonry, similarities
to, i, 1o8, 115; origin of, i, 1o9‑i2; titles derived from animals, i, 112.;
Maitre Jacques, i, 114; initiation, i, 115 f.
Compleat Freemason,
The, i, 290 Compton, Herbert, iv, 219 Comstock, Charles, vi, 2.27, 237;
article by, v, 358; vi, 42.5 f., 461 Comstock Lode, v, 418 Comte de Gabalis,
The, i, 332 Comyno, Robert, iv, 30 Concord, Grand Lodge at Darmstadt, iii, 141
Concordant Order, v, 14 Concordant Masonic Bodies, v, 77 "Concordat of 1833,"
v, 249 Concordat of 1871, iv, 329 Concorde, La Petite, iii, 114 Conecuh, C.
H., v, 5 Confession, the, i, 339; com parison with Fama, i, 343 Congregation
of Masons, Act concerning, i, 175 Connaught, Duke of, Senior Grand Warden,
1877, ii, 2.56; Provincial Grand Master for Sussex, 1886, ii, 157; Grand
Master of England, 1901, ii, 158; iv, 68 Connecticut, Freemasonry in, v, 87‑93
Connelly, S. B., v, 16o, 161 Conner, Haney B., v, 2.55, 259 Connersville, v,
zo5 Connor, George Cooper, vi, 242.
Conover, Charles
Arthur, v, 361; article by, v, 431 f.; vi, 46o Conservator movement, v, 385
"Conservator Work," vi, 17 Constance Lodge, at Arras, iii, 45 Constitution of
the United States, vi, 12. Constitutional Convention, vi, 12.
"Constitutions,"
so‑called, i, 24, 61; ii, 2.86; iv, 137, 302.; v, 5o8; Book of, 1713, ii, 4;
Book of, 1723, references to Degrees of Masonry, ii, 2o5; Book of, 1738, ii,
7, 140, 15o; Book of, 1738, references to Degrees of Masonry, ii, 2o6; Book
of, publication of 1738 edition, ii, 2‑31; Book of, 1756, edited by John
Entick, ii, 238; Book of, 1766, iii, 57; Book of, 1784, edited by John
Noorthouck, iii, 66; Book of, 1815, iii, 94; Book of, 1884, iii, 113; Book of
(Irish), 1730, 1744, iii, 142.; (Irish), 1751, iii, 142; (Irish), 1768, iii,
143 Conti, Benedicto, iv, 172 Continental Army, The, v, 94 Conwell, Russell
H., vi, 165 Cook, David, vi, 2‑57 Cook, Levi, v, 338, 342. Cook, Tasker, iv,
67 Cooke MS., i, 17; partial reprint, 1, 50 Coolbaugh, Daniel N., v, 351
Cooley, George W., v, Sot, 503 Coontz, R. E., v, 388 Cooper, Charles, vi, 251
Cooper, Reginald H., v, 133 Cooper, Robert A., vi, 2o6 Cooper, Thomas, vi, 69
Cooper, W. W., letter of, v, 8o, 85 Copenhagen, St. Martin's Lodge at, iii,
zoi Corbett, Henry Wiley, designer of Washington Memorial, vi, 409 Cork, Lodge
of, ii, 2.71 Corn, John, v, 359 Cornell College, v, 2.18 Cornwall, B. P., vi,
12‑9, 356 Cornwall, L. S., statement of, v, 383 Cornwallis, Edward, iv, 33, 53
Cornwallis, Lord, ii, z6o; iv, 41; v, 318 Corps d'Etat of France. See France,
Craft Guilds of Correspondence Bureau, Germany, iii, 157 Corrie, Alexander,
iv, 252 Corsan, Douglas, iv, 18 Corson, George E., v, 118, 467,469 Corson,
Joshua, vi, 9 Corte‑Real, Gaspar, iv, Corydon, v, 197, 199 Cosmos, Amor de,
iv, 17 Cossman, T. A., iv, 52 Costa Rica, Freemasonry in, iv, 120 Cothran,
William, v, 364, 372 Cotner, Washington, v, 382. Couch, John H., vi, 132
Cougourdan, Joseph Calixte, v, 246 Council of High Priests, v, 296 Count de
Cazes, iv, 305 Count de Clermont, iii, 32 Count de Segur, iv, 3o6 Count de
Valence, iv, 3o6 Country Stewards' Lodge, constituted 1789, ii, 223, 62 224
Court of Honour, v, 514 Courtland, v, 2, 51 Courtney, Franklin, v, 47
Couvillier, Peter Ambrose, 240 Cover, Thomas, v, 393 Cowan, the word, ii, 12,
33 316 Cowan, David G., v, 203 Cowan, James S., v, 223 Cowan, John, iv, 67
Cowan, Joshua M., v, 170 Cowden, William K., article by, vi, 368 f., 461
Cowles, John H., reports of, iii, 298, 316; iv, 172, 234; v, 237, 527,528,,556
Cowper, William, ii, 54 Cox, John, v, 3 Coxe, Daniel, vi, 2, 40, 146 Coyle,
John, vi, 114 Crabbe, Simon W., iv, 57 Craft guilds, i, 68 f.
Craft Guilds of
France (see France, i, 86 f.
Crafts, guilds,
bodies of, i, 87 f.; code of, i, 91 f. Crampton, R. S., v, 49 v, INDEX
Crandall, John R., v, 59, 187 Crane, Elijah, v, 325 Crane, James E., v, 132
Cranford, Percy, v, 549 Cranstoun, Lord, Grand Mas ter of England, 1745‑47,
ii, 377 Craven, George W., v, 400 Crawford, Alexander Marriott, iv, 137, 138
Crawford, Earl of, Grand Master of England, 1734 35, ii, 89, 372Crawford,
John, v, 291 Crawley, Chetwood, quoted, v, 472, 521 Creagen, Charles E.,
article by, vi, 109 f., 462 Creagh, Gerard W., v, 11 Creamer, Joseph B., v, 24
Creighton, David, iv, 230 Crimean War, iv, 49 Crites, Albert W., v, 412
Crites, Edwin D., v, 413 Crockett, Walter H., History of Vermont, quoted, vi,
300 Crofts, Martin, ii, 120 Cromarty, George, Earl of, Grand Master of
Scotland, 1737‑38, ii, 382 Cross, Edward, v, 31 Cross, Jeremy L., v, 92‑, 300,
427, 478, 497; vi, 16, 18o, 328, 342 Crow, Benjamin, vi, 228 Crow, John, v,
97, 98 Crowe, A. H., iv, 52 Crowell, Christie B., article by, vi, 298 f., 462
Crown Point, iv, 34; expedition against, v, 320 Crucefix, Dr. R. T., ii,
248250 Crump, George P., v, 370; vi, 353 Crusaders, The, iii, 16 Cryer, Hardy
Murfree, vi, 251 Cryptic Degrees, v, 236 Cryptic Grades, v, 490 Cryptic
Masonry, iv, 6o; v, 11, 92, 2o6, 491 Cryptic Rite, iv, 93; v, 78, 299, 365
Cuba, Freemasonry in, iv, 126; lodges in, iv, 126; Grand Lodge in, iv, 129
Culdees, The, i, 2o; Columbites, i, 21 Culebra, iv, 146 Cumberland, Duke of,
iii, 256 Cummersford, James, iii, 265 Cumming, John Noble, vi, 9, I2 Cummings,
Daniel, v, 97 Cummins, Albert Baird, 220 Cunningham, Cunningham, 38, 120
Cunningham, Cunningham, 305, 3o6 Curagao, Freemasonry in, Absalom, v, 58
Harper S., vi, Pamela, vi, 201 Thomas A., v, 148 Currie, S. J., iv, 5 Currie,
W. T., vi, 83 Curtain, Andrew Gregg, 164 Curtis, Charles, v, 27 Curtis,
Frederick, vi, io5 Cushman, James, v, 478; 239, 327, 336, 343 Custer, George
A., article by, vi, 355 f‑,463.
Cutler, Jarvis, vi,
91 Cutler, John, v, 325 Cyprus, Freemasonry in, 316 f.
Czecho‑Slovakia,
Grand Lodge, iii, 304 v, Dacres, Philip Milner, iv, 2o2 Dahlgren, Bernard, v,
12‑2Dakota Territory, created, vi, 2io Dalcho, Frederick, v, 5 io Daley,
William, vi, 402 Dalhousie, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 176768, ii, 391
f., 401; iv, 271 Dalhousie College, cornerstone of, iv, 39 Dalkeith, Earl of,
Grand Master of England, 172‑3, ii, 293 Dallas, Charles Henry, iv, 193
Dalrymple, David, Grand Master of Scotland, 1774 75, 11, 393 Damon, J. C., vi,
214 Damon, John T., iv, io D INDEX 507 Danbury, Connecticut, v, 87 Dance, W.
B., v, 399 Dancker, George, iii, io6 Danilevski, iii, 200 Dannenberg, Robert
L., v, 3o6 Darcy, John S., vi, 13 Darmstadt, Grand Lodge, Concord at, iii,
141; proclaimed 1846, iii, 142.; admission of Jews, iii, 147‑; authority over
all Hessian Lodges, iii, 143 Darnley, Earl of, i, 93 Darrach, D., iv, 57; v,
525 Daruty, iii, 7‑1 Dashiell, John Snyder, vi, 2.55 Dassigny, Fifield, A
Serious and Impartial Enquiry by, iv, 284 Daubertin, iii, 34 Daveiss, Joseph
Hamilton, v, 2‑32 Daveiss, Samuel, v, 2.33 Davenport, Franklin, vi, 23
Davidson, C. O., iv, 98 Davidson, Thomas, V, 1o2 Davie, William R., vi, 69
Davies, William H., iv, 50, 52 Davilla, John A., v, 2.56 Davis, A. J., IV, 52
Davis, Alexander, v, 394, 396 Davis, C. M., v, 397 Davis, Charles B., article
by, v, 262 f., 463 Davis, Charles C., v, 196, 469 Davis, Eden H., v, 205
Davis, Edwin A., v, 2.07 Davis, George H., v, 167‑, 168 Davis, Isaac, v, 65
Davis, James J., vi; 164 Davis, John, v, 111 Davis, John S., V, 336 Davis,
Martin, V, 341 Davis, Wendell R., vi, 47‑1 Dawkins, DeWitt C., v, 134 Dawson,
A. B., V, 10 Dawson City, iv, 7‑5 Dawson, James, iv, 199 Dawson, Jonathan
Smith, vi, 254 Day, David F., v, 463 Day, Edward Cason, V, 400 Day, J. B., v,
362.
Day, John, report of,
iv, 7‑15 Day, Thomas J., article by, V, 94 f . , 463 Dayton, Elias, vi, 11
Deadwood, vi, 2io Dean, Paul, v, 454 f.; vi, 3o8 Deane, Robert Tilson, first
Lord Musketry, Grand Master of Ireland, 1783‑4, ii, 283 Deans, James, on the
Board of General Purposes for many years, ii, 2.7‑8, 245 Death, Abslom, vi,
107 DeBell, Joseph, v, 417, 42.0 Debuys, Gaspard, V, 2‑39 Declaration of
Independence, V, 155, 281, 422; vi, 6, 12, 85 DeCosta, Isaac, v, 51o De Costa,
J., v, 366 Decreet Arbitral, ii, 30 Defenbach, Byron, v, 174 Definiels,
Nicholas, v, 2.39 De Grasse‑Tilly, Count, iv, 299 f.
Degrees, conferral
of, v, 495; early existence in Scotland, ii, 37‑, 348 De Grey, Earl, see
Ripon, Marquess of De Grove, Michael Ellsworth, Vi, 2‑55 Dekalb, Baron, vi,
192 Delafield, John, V, 2.88 Delahogue, Jean Baptiste Marie, V, 512 De Lancey,
Colonel James, iv, DeLaney, Fred W., v, 133 Delaware, Freemasonry in, v,
94‑1o6; Consistory chartered, 1o6 Delhi, iv, 113 Dellap, David, ii, 7‑z
Deming, Elizur, v, 203 Denchar, Alexander, ii, 395 Denechau, judge, iv, 89
Deneen, Charles S., v, 196 Denis, Ernst, La Boheme de puis de Montagne Blanc,
iii, 166 Denman, William T., V, 371 Denmark, Grand Lodge of, iii, 201 Denmark,
Freemasonry in, iii, 2‑o1; Munich's Lodge of St. Martin, iii, zo1; Strict
Observance, iii, 2.o2; Swedish Rite introduced, iii, 203; Zerobabel Lodge,
iii, 2oi Denne, Thomas, vi, 187 Dennis, John, ii, 80 Denslow, Ralph Vaughan,
article by, V, 373 f.; vi, 464 Denver, Colorado, v, 67, 69, 78, 123 De Pencier,
A. U., iv, 18 Deputy Lodges in Germany, ui, 148 Derby, V, 87 Dermott,
Laurence, author of the first four editions of the Ahiman Rezon, i, 289; ii,
96; Grand Secretary of England, 1757‑, ii, 145; character of, ii, 1S1 f.; life
of, ii, 151; acted as principal secretary in 1752 for first time, i1, 156;
published the Ahiman Rezon, 1756, ii, 166; declined to accept position of
Grand Treasurer, 1763, ii, 18o; Deputy Grand Master of the Antients, 1771, ii,
187‑; retired from office, 1777, ii, 185, 186; third edition of Ahiman Rezon,
1778, ii, 186; reappointed Deputy Grand Master, 1783, ii, 186; retired from
office of Deputy Grand Master, 1787, ii, 189; death of, 1791, ii, 190; iv, 285
f.
Dermott, MS., i, 42
Derwentwater, Earl of, founder of first Lodge in France, iii, 21 f.
Desaguliers, John
Theophilus, Grand Master of England, 1719, ii, 2; affiliation as a member of
Scottish Fraternity, ii, 6; memoirs of, ii, 58; his sons, ii, 6o; v, 319
Desanlis, iii, 72 Desbrisay, Thomas, iv, 43 D6silets, Chev., V, 138 Des
Moines, Iowa, V, 211 Despard, John, iv, 53 Detroit, Michigan, v, 333 f., 495
Deuchar, Alexander, ii, 4o3 Devallin, Hugh, v, 7‑99 DeWitt, Franklin J., vi,
211 f. De Wolf‑Smith, W. A., iv, 19 Diaz, Porfirio, iv, 112‑ f. Dickey,
Patrick, vi, 98 Dickey, William, Deputy Grand Secretary of the An‑ 5o8 INDEX
tients, 1768‑71, ii, 175, 182 f.; President of the Grand Committee, 1782, ii,
186; again Deputy Grand Master, 1794, ii, 192; death of, ii, 193, 200
Dickinson, Jesse, v, 218 Dickson, A. R., iv, 4 Dickson, Joseph, vi, 227
Dickson, William, vi, 228 Didron, M., i, 142 Diehl, Christopher, vi, 295
Dillahunty, Edmund, vi, 230 Dillon, Charles, ii, 2o2 Dills, H., v, 183 Dingham,
Harrison, v, 118 Dingman, Norman J., iv, 22 Directory of the Rectified Rite,
Switzerland, iii, 237 Directory of Rites, France, iii, Dirickson, James, v,
1o1 Dissolution of the monasteries, i, 194 District of Columbia, v, 107120
District Lecturers, v, 217 Ditmars, W. C., iv, 18 Divelle, Lemuel, v, 288
Dixon, L. V., v, 366 Dobb, James S., v, 102 Dobie, Alexander, ii, 254 Dodd
MS., i, 46 Dodd, William, ii, 2o5 Dodds, David S., vi, 83 Dodge, Henry, v, 374
f. Dodge, Oliver, vi, 98 Dodge, R. L., v, 47 f. Doe, Charles, v, 430 Doggett,
William H., vi, 27 Dolliver, Jonathan P., v, 102, 218 Doloboratz, Lewis, iv,
31 Dom Pedro, iv, 177 Dominica, Freemasonry in, iv, 148 Don Franasco de
Bourbon, iii, 267 Donaldson, Sanford G., vi, 210 Done, John, v, 277
Donoughmore, Richard, Earl of, Grand Master of Ireland, 1789‑1813, ii, 283
Dormer, Philip, ii, 159 Dorsey, Edward, v, 274 Dorsey, Hillard P., v, 51
Dorsey, John Hammond, v, 274 Dorsiere, Eugene, v, 239 Doty, J. J., v, 370
Douce, Auguste, v, 247 Dougherty, William P., vi, 126 f.
Douglas, Dr. John,
ii, 38o Douglas, Stephen A., v, 194 Douglass, Andrew E., v, 27 Douglass,
Edward, vi, 227 Doull, Walter P., iv, 57 Dove, John, v, 288; vi, 330, 338,
340, 350, 354 Dow, Daniel, v, 89 Dow, Lorenzo, v, 203 Dowland MS., i, 42, 43
Downer, Joshua, vi, 102 Downey, Alexander C., v, 203 Downee, William, iv, 15,
18; v, 24 Downing, E. R., v, 127 Doyle, Edmond H., vi, 119 Doyle, L. J., iv,
2io Doyle, Thomas A., vi, 184 Drachman, Harry Arizona, article on Arizona, v,
17 f.; vi, 465 Drake, Francis, ii, 98, 104, 1o5 f.; Junior Grand Warden at
York, 1726, ii, 104; his work, ii, 105 Drake, Roger, iv, 199 Draughan, James
H., v, 3 Drayton, John, vi, 2o6 Drayton, William, v, 122 Dresden, National
Grand Lodge of Saxony at, iii, 139 Drew, W. N., iv, 22 Druids, connection with
Masons, i, 7 Drummond, Alexander, First Provincial Grand Master of Scotland,
ii, 383 Drummond, George, Grand Master of Scotland, 1752, ii, 387 Drummond,
Josiah H., iv, 127; v, 188, 209, 270, 2‑72 460, 491, 498, 503; vi, 113, 118,
302 Dryden, F. N., v, 170 Dubourg, P. F., v, 242, 244, 260 Duchesne, Alphonse,
iv, 65 Duck, George Ridley, resolution of, iv, 96 Duck, Simeon, iv, i8 Duder,
C. R., iv, 67 Dudley, Elias, vi, 1o2 Duff, William, iv, 142 Dugdale, Sir W.,
and Ash mole's Diary, i, 276; on Italian travelling architects, i, 283 Duggan,
Thomas, iv, 288 Duhn, Frederic, vi, 81 Duke of Connaught, visit of, to Madras,
iv, 223 Duke of Cumberland, iv, 130 Duke, Thomas M., vi, 265 Dulaney,
Benjamin, vi, 227 Dulaney, Elkanah Roberts, vi, 227 Dumfries, Earl of, Grand
Master of Scotland, 1771‑72, ii, 1 Dumont, Joseph, iii, 257 Dunblane, Lodge
of, ii, 335 Duncan, Hugh, v, 397, 399 Duncan, Joseph, v, 230 Dunckerley,
Thomas, initia tion, ii, 56; his life, ii, 211, 212; iv, 255 Dundee, Ancient
Lodge of, ii, 359 Dunlap, A., v, 183 Dun lap, James, v, 373 Dunlap, Robert P.,
v, 456, 457 Dunlop, J. J., iv, 5 Dunlop, Samuel, iv, 195 Dunn, Azariah C., v,
374 Dunn, Charles, vi, 381 Dunnaway, William Monroe, vi, 257 Dunwell, Dennis
W. C., v, 350‑351 Duplessis, Peter De Barbier, vi, 167 Duplessis, Theodore, v,
290 DuRant, Charlton, vi, zoo Durbin, Winfield T., v, 2io Durion, Pierre, vi,
207 Dutch Guiana, Freemasonry in, iv, 187 Duval, John P., v, 132 Duval,
William P., v, 12‑7,130 Dworak, F., iv, 117 Dworzanczyk, Zygmunt, iii, 298
Dyas, Joseph E., v, 196 Dyson, Benjamin E., v, 133 Dyson, William H., v, 370
INDEX 509 E Eagleton, William, vi, 117 Earle, Samuel, v, 277 Early British
Freemasonry, i, 259 f.; Scotland, ii, 294 Eastern Archipelago, Freemasonry in,
iv, 195 Eastern Star, Order of the, vi, 19, 38, 363, 425 f.; Organic Evolution
of, 427 f.; complete organisation, vi, 430; Chapters of, vi, 430; Hospital, v,
91; question of organising supreme body, vi, 431; formation of Grand Chapter,
vi, 431 f.; officers of Grand Chapter, vi, 433; Chapters organised, 434 f.;
Powers of Grand Chapter, vi, 434; Pioneer Chapters, vi, 436; Historical
Review, vi, 437; authority of General Grand Chapter, vi, 437; officers of a
Chapter, vi, 438; objects and teachings of the Order, vi, 439 f.; Ritual, vi,
440 f.; The Signet, vi, 441; the objective, vi, 442 Eastman, Charles Hazen,
vi, 240, 243 Easton, Rufus, v, 373 Eaton, Rufus, v, 179 Eccles, M. H., ii, 131
Eckel, Philip. P., v, 291, 297, 301, 451; v1, 345 Eckleff, Count Karl Frederik,
iii, 222 Eclectic Union, the Mother Grand Lodge of Frankforton‑the‑Maine, iii,
95; chief features of, iii, loo; Daughter Lodges join the Strict Observance,
iii, 97; Eclectic Union founded, iii, 99; England, break with, iii, 98, 99;
English supremacy renounced, iii, 103; first indications, 1742, iii, 96;
Frankfort and Prussia in corporated, iii, io6; Gogel, J. P., iii, 97; Gotha or
Bode's Union, iii, 1o1; Graefe's compact with England, iii, loo; High Degrees,
absence of, iii, 95; Jewish Lodge Nascent Dawn, iii, 102, 103; Jewish Lodges,
iii, zoo; Jews ineligible, iii, 97; Kloss, Dr. George, iii, 104; Lodge Union
of Frankfort, iii, 95; Mother Lodge, powers assumed, 1745, iii, 96; Provincial
Lodge assumes its title, iii, 103; SOCrates of Constancy, iii, 1o2; Statutes
revised, 1849, iii, 1o6, 142, 150 Ecuador, Freemasonry in, iv, 163 f.; Grand
Lodge, iv, 164 Edes, Benjamin, v, 298, 451 Edgar, Henry, v, 393 Edgar, James,
v, 179, 373 f. Edgar, W. J., iv, 62; vi, 465 Edgerton, A. J., vi, 81
Edinburgh, Lodge of, ii, 301, 313; foundation, ii, 310; incorporation of
Wrights and Masons, 1475, ii, 315; introduction of titles, ii, 321 Edmondston,
P. E., v, 16o f. Edmonton, iv, 1 Educational Foundation of the Grand
Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Missouri, v, 389 Educational
Foundation, North Dakota, vi, 83 Edward Augustus, Duke of York, iii, 133
Edward VI, his Statutes relating to Freemasons, i, 195 Edwards, Charles G., v,
14o Edwards, H. Passmore, iv, 181 Edwards, Jonathan, iii, 19 Edwards,
Pierpont, v, 88 Edwin, Prince, Constitution of, i, 210 Effingham, Lord, iii,
101; iv, 130 Eglinton, Alexander, Eighth Earl of, ii, 309; Tenth Earl of,
Grand Master of Scot land, 1750, ii, 387 Egypt, Ancient Mysteries in, i, 12;
Freemasonry in, iv, 232 f.; National Grand Lode of, iv, 233 Ehle, Joseph, v,
27 Eichbaum, Joseph, v, 39 Eitel, Gustav A., article by, v, 274 f.; vi, 466
Elbert, Samuel, v, 146 Eldridge, Jay Glover, v, 175 Eleusinian Mysteries, i,
12 f. Elgin, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1761‑62, ii, 391 Elkins,
Stephen B., vi, 36 Ellender, Amos, v, 282 Ellicott, v, zo8 Elliot, Christopher
Robert, v, 241 Elliot, Frederick M., iv, 195 Elliot, Gray, v, 141, 147
Elliott, Aaron, v, 374 Elliott, Barnard, vi, 191 Elliott, James M., v, 24
Elliott, John, v, 3; vi, 136 Elliott, Lynde, v, 204 Ellis, E. W. H., v, 2o8 f.
Ellis, F. C., v, i1 Ellis, James M., vi, 289 Ellis, John V., iv, 59 Ellis,
Thomas Q., v, 256 Ellison‑Macartney, William, iv, 250 Elphingston, Harrie, vi,
1 Elton, C., Origins of English History, quoted, i, 259 Elyton, v, 2, Emanuel
Loge, Hamburg, iii, 92 Embree, Davis, vi, 1o1 Emergency Relief Fund, v, 356
Emerson, Alonzo E., vi, 363 Emerson, Joseph, v, 89 Emmerson, Louis Lincoln, v,
195 Emmons, Hermon L., v, 302, 3o6, 3o8 Emperors of the East and West, iv, 354
Emulation Lodge of Improvement, ii, 246 Endel, Marcus, v, 130 Engbund, the, or
Select Bond of Hamburg, iii, 94 England, Robert, iv, 99 England, Freemasonry
in, i, 259 f.; origin of, i, 259; Ahiman Rezon, i, 289; Alnwick Lodge, i, 122,
38o; Alnwick Lodge, names of Scottish derivation amongst members, of, i, 384;
Alnwick and Swalwell Lodge minutes compared, i, 385; Alnwick Loge an Operative
rather than a Speculative fraternity, i, 385; An‑ 510 INDEX derson's Book of
Constitututions, 1723, 1, 262; 1738, i, 265; Andrea, John Valentine, i, 324;
claims as an author, i, 324; Ashmole's Antiquities of Berkshire, i, 271, 272;
Ashmole's Diary, i, 273; Ashmole's connexion with the Society not alluded to
in the Constitutions of 1723, i, 363; Aubrey's statements, analysis of, i,
298; Aubrey, John, Memoir of, i, 299; Aubrey's statements regarding Wren
doubted, i, 300; Aubrey's statements regarding Wren supported by other Masonic
writers, 1, 301; Belcher, Governor Johnathan, initiation into Freemasonry, i,
388; Buhle's views on Rosicrucianism, i, 346, 350; Cabbala, i, 309; Campbell's
Memoir of Ashmole, i, 364; Chester Lodge, i, 372; Chester Lodge not composed
exclusively of operative Masons, i, 374; Chester Register of Wills, i, 375;
Compleat Freemason, 1, 290; Confessio, i, 339; Confessio and Fama compared, i,
343; descent of, i, 3o8; Dugdale, Sir William, on Italian travelling
architects, i, 283; Elizabeth (Queen), her attitude towards Freemasons, i,
302; Fama, i, 326, 335, 343 ; Fludd, Robert, i, 32o; Fludd and the
Rosicrucians, i, 322; Fludd's writings on Rosicrucianism, i, 347; Fludd's
Summum Bonum, extracts from, i, 352; Freemasons, travelling bodies of, i, 271;
Freemasons, references to, 1686‑1700, i, 281; Freemasons, conclusions
regarding early connexions with other societies, i, 362; Freemasons as
distinct from Masons, i, 377; General Assemblies, i, 302; German Masons, Papal
favours to, i, 282; Grand Lodge, founded by four Lodges, i, 295; Harleian MS.,
2054, 1, 370; Hermeticism and Rosicrucianism, compared, i, 356; Holme, Randle,
Academie of Armory, i, 368; Holme MS., i, 376; Intercourse between East and
West complete, i, 313; Italian Masons, Pa al favours to, i, 282; Malian
travelling architects, i, 283; Italian travellers, evidence of origin from, i,
285; Kloss, Dr. theories of, i, 287; Knipe, Dr., and early references to
Freemasonry, i, 365; Legends of Freemasonry, i, 304; Long Livers, i, 357;
Manningham letter, i, 288; Mason word, i, 396; Moray, Sir Robert, i, 333; Old
Charges and the Lodge at York, 1, 304; Operative Masonry decays, 1, 307;
Oriental and Eastern traditions, i, 309; Papal favours to German and Malian
Masons, i, 282; Papal authority, i, 284; Papal privileges, i, 2‑85; Parentalia
compiled by Christopher Wren, junior, 1, 267; Philalethes, Eugenius, and his
contribution to the Fama, i, 343; Philalethes, Eugenius, author of the Long
Livers, i, 359; Plot, Dr. Robert, i, 26o; Plot's account of the Freemasons,
1686, i, 278; Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, i, 29o; Preston's
description of the completion of St. Paul's, i, 291; Preston's statements,
examination of, i, 293; based on Lodge of Antiquity, i, 293; Preston,
inaccuracies of, i, 294; Preston's statements compared with records of Grand
Lodge, i, 2.95; Preston's statements unfounded, i, 297; Rawlinson,
inaccuracies of, i, 362; life of, i, f63; MSS., i, 264, 265; Re ormation era,
advance of human intellect, i, 314; Rosicrucian, derivation of word, i, 325;
Rosicrucian Society, absence on the Continent, i, 354; evidence of existence
in England, i, 354; Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry, i, 345; and Hermeticism,
compared, i, 356; Rosicrucians, i, 322, 323; Rosicrucians, evidence of
existence of, i, 327; Rosicrucians, decay of, i, 330; Rosicrucians, evidence
of a few after their decay, 1, 330; Rosicrucians, documents destroying the
belief in their existence, i, 331; Samber, Robert. See Philalethes; Sandys,
William, i, 350; Scientists and Philosophers in the Reformation era, i, 315;
Speculative Masonry rises, i, 307; Steele, Sir Richard, essays in the Tatler,
i, 394; Sthael, Peter, 1, 351; Summum Bonum, by Fludd, i, 352; Swalwell Lodge,
i, 38o; Swalwell and Alnwick Lodge minutes compared, i, 385; Swalwell Records,
noteworthy features of, i, 387; Trade‑Unions of Medixval Operatives as first
origin of Masonry, i, 307; traditions, origin of, i, 286; Warrington Lodge,
1646, i, 273; pedigree of, i, 274; Wren, Sir Christopher, was he a Freemason?
i, 259; Wren, comparison between Aubrey's and Anderson's statements regarding,
i, 262; Wren, only mentioned in professional capacity in Book of
Constitutions, i, 2.63; Wren's Obituary Notices, i, 264; Wren not alluded to
as Grand Master until 1738, i, 8; Wren not alluded to as a Freemason in the
Parentalia, i, 269; Wren's association with the theory of Masonic Origin, i,
282; Wren not alludto as Grand Master in his Memoir in the Biographia INDEX
Britannica, i, z8g; York Lodge at, i, 302; York, the Old Lodge at, i, 388;
York minutes, extracts from, i, En389 lnd, Grand Lodge of, 1717‑23, ii, 1;
Anderson's Constitutions, 1738, early history from, ii, i; Anderson's Book of
Constitutions, 1738, ii, i1; Assemblies, early Annual and Quarterly, ii, 2;
custom of meeting on St. John theBaptist's day is a relic of heathen Paganalia,
ii, 38; Dalkeith, Earl of, ii, 1o; Degrees, derivation of, ii, 31; Desaguliers,
Grand Master, 1719, i1, 2; Desaguliers affiliated as a member of the Scottish
Fraternity, ii, 6; foundation of, 1717, ii, 1; Freemasonry, before the Grand
Lodges, in England and Scotland compared, ii, 13; four old London Lodges, ii,
1; gloves, use of, ii, 41; Martyrium, ii, 39; Master Masons and Wardens, ii,
46; Montagu, John, Grand Master, 1711, ii, 3; patron saints, ii, 37; Payne,
George, Grand Master, 1718‑2o, ii, z; St. John the Baptist, ii, 38; Sayer,
Anthony, first Grand Master, ii, i; Stukeley's diary, extracts from, ii, 5;
Wardens, election of, ii, 35; Wardens and Master Masons, ii, 47 England, Grand
Lodge of, 1723‑6o, ii, 5o; Abercorn, Earl of, Grand Master, 1725‑26, ii, 82.;
Aberdour, Lord, Grand Master, 1757, ii, 97;. Antients and Moderns, ii, 97;
Apprentices, Masters and Fellows, ii, 65; Byron, Lord, Grand Master, 1747‑52,
a period of misrule, ii, 94; Carnarvon, Henry, Marquess of, Grand Master,
1738‑39, ti, 93; Carnarvon, James, Marquess of, Grand Master, 1754‑57, ii, 96;
Carysfort, Lord, Grand Master, 175254 ii, 95; Colerance, Lord, Grand Master,
1728, ii, 83; Committee of Charity, ii, 88; Companionage, its possible
influence, ii, 72.; Constitutions (new), ratified by Masters and Wardens of
twenty Lodges, ii, 62.; Constitutions, first book of, Freemasonry at date of
publication, ii, 64; Cranstoun, Lord, his Grand Mastership, ii, 94; Crawford,
Earl of, Grand Master, 1734‑35, ii, 89; Dalkeith, Earl of, Grand Master,
1723‑24, ii, 75; Darnley, Earl of, Grand Master, 1737‑38, ii, 93; Degrees
(three), 1i, 65; Desaguliers, John Theophilus, ii, 58; election of officers,
ii, 65; Fellows, ii, 65; four old Lodges, ii, 5o; Gormogons, ii, 78; Grand
Master's authority acknowledged at Fort William (Bengal), Madrid and
Gibraltar, ii, 84; Hiram, legend of, ii, 70; England, Grand Lodge of, acHorn
Lodge, 1724, ii, 53; Inchiquin, Earl of, Grand Master, 172.6‑27, ii, 82;
irregular makings, ii, 8o; irregul yar makings, prevention of, 1730, ii, 86;
irregular makings, further complaints of, 1739‑4o, ii, 93; irregular makings,
a further check on, 1753, ii, 96; Kingston, Viscount, Grand Master, 1729, ii,
84; Kintore, Earl of, Grand Master, 1740‑41, ii, 93; Lodges constituted
abroad, 1728‑58, ii, 98; Loudoun, Earl of, Grand Master, 1736‑37, ii, 92;
Lovell, Lord, Grand Master, 1731, ii, 87; Masonic precedency, 172‑7, ii, 83;
Masters, ii, 65; membership, 1736, ii, 92; Minutes, June 24, 172‑3, ii, 74;
Montagu, Viscount, Grand Master, 1732‑, ii, 88; Morton, Earl of, Grand Master,
1741‑42, ii, 93; Norfolk, Duke of, Grand Master, 1730, ii, 85; Papal Bull
issued against Freemasons, 1738, ii, 92; Payne, George, ii, 57; Quarterly
Communication, 1725, ii, 82.; Raymond, Lord, Grand Master, 1739‑4o, ii, 93;
regulations enacted, 1731, ii, 87; regulations, 1741, ii, 94; Richmond,
Charles, Duke of, Grand Master, 1714‑1b, ii, 77; Sarum Lodge, 177718oo, ii,
98; Sayer, Anthony, ii, 57; Secrets of Freemasonry, ii, 69; Somerset House
Lodge, ii, 55; Stewards, additional privileges for, 1735, ii, 91; Strathmore,
Earl of, Grand Master, 1733, ii, 88; Strathmore, Earl of, his second Grand
Mastership uneventful, ii, 94; Ward, Lord, Grand Master, 1742‑44, ii, 94;
Weymouth, Lord, Grand Master, 1735, ii, go; Whatton, Duke of, Grand Master,
1722‑23, ii, 74 cording to old Constitutions (Antients), ii, 145; Ahiman Rezon,
published by Dermott, 1756, ii, 166; "Antient Masons," Minutes of, ii, 145; "Antient
Masons," Rules and Orders of, ii, 146; Antients, success of, largely
attributed to Dermott, ii, 151; Antients and Moderns, ii, 154; Antients and
Moderns, earliest existence of, unknown, ii, 155; Antients and Moderns,
relations between, ii, 174; Antrim, Earl of, Grand Master, 1782, ii, 186;
Antrim, Earl of, Grand Master, 1785, ii, 188; appointment of new officers, ii,
174; aprons, wearing of, ii, 154; Atholl, John, 3d Duke of, Grand Master,
1771, ii,182; Atholl, John, 4th Duke of, Grand Master, 1775, ii, 185; Atholl,
John, 4th Duke of, again Grand Master, 1792., ii, 191; Bearblock, Charles, 512
INDEX Grand Secretary, 1779, ii, 186; Blesington, Lord, ii, 159; Book of
Constitutions for the Antients, ii, 153 Brotherly connexions with Grand Lodges
of Ireland and Scotland, ii, 184; Charity for sons of indigent Freemasons,
1798, ii, 193; Chesterfield, Lord, ii, 159; Committee of Charity, functions
of, ii, 175; Degrees, three only recognized in Irish and Scottish Grand
Lodges, ii, 176, 177; Dermott, Laurence, Grand Secretary, 1752, ii, 145;
Dermott largely responsible for success of Ancients, ii, 151; Dermott, his
life, ii, 152; Dermott, Spratt, Anderson, 158 etc., their works compared, En
land, Grand Lodge of ii, 167; Dermott, Deputy Moderns), 1761‑1813, ii, Grand
Master, 1771, ii, 196; Aberdour, Lord, Grand 182; Dermott retires, 1777,
Master, 1757‑62, ii, zoo; ii, 185, 186; Dermott, feud Act of Parliament for
sup with Leslie, ii, 186‑87; pression of societies, 1799, Dermott, death of,
1791, ii, 216; arms, restrictions ii, 19o; Dickey, William, on carrying, ii,
2o2; Articles junior, ii, 182; Dickey, of Union signed, 1813, ii, Grand
Secretary, 1771, it, 231; Beaufort, Duke of, 182; Dickey becomes Depu‑ Grand
Master, 1767, ii, 201; ty Grand Master, 1777, ii, Blayney, Lord, Grand Mas
185‑186; Dickey again Dep‑ ter, 1764, ii, 2oi; Book of uty Grand Master, 1794,
ii, Constitutions, 1766, ii, 2o1; 192; Dispensation and War‑ Charter of
Incorporation, rants issued by the Antients, ii, 2o2; Country Stewards 1752,
ii, 158; Erskine, T. A., Lodge, 1789, ii, 223; Cum Viscount Fentoun, Grand
berland, Duke of, Grand Master, 176o, ii, 179; evi‑ Master, 1782, ii, 2o9; De
dence of the first Grand grees, conferring of, 176o, Committee consisting of
ii, 199; Dunckerley, Thom more than five, ii, 150; as, ii, 211; Ferrets, Earl,
Grand Committee trans‑ Grand Master, 1762, ii, 2o1; formed into Grand Lodge,
foundation stone for new ii, 162; Hamilton, John, ii, 162‑164; Harper, Thomas,
Deputy Grand Master, 1801‑13, ii, 193; Inchiquin, Lord, ii, 159; Installed
Master, Degree of, ii, 170; Kent, H. R. H., the Duke of, Grand Master, 1813,
ii, 185, 194, 195; Leslie, Robert, Grand Secretary, 1783, ii, 186; Leslie,
Robert, feud with Dermott, ii, 186‑87; Lodges renumbered, ii, 197; Lodges
again renumbered, 1770, ii, 204; Lodges again renumbered, 1792, ii, 214;
Manchester, Duke of, Grand Master, 1777, ii, 207; Masonic Benefit Society, ii,
218; Moira, Earl of, farewell banquet to, 1812, it, 22o; new Lodges abroad
under authority of Grand Lodge, 1755‑96, ii, 222; Petre, Lord, Grand Master,
1772, ii, 2o5; Prince of Wales initiated into Masonry, 1787, ii, 2‑13; Prince
of Wales, Grand Master, 1792, ii, 214; Provincial Grand Master appointed owing
to increase of foreign Lodges, ii, 2.03; Raw don, Lord, ii, 214; restrictions
discouraging recognition of the Antients, 1777, ii, 2o6; Royal Freemasons'
Charity for female children established, 1788, ii, 214; Smith, Captain George,
ii, 2o8; Stewards Lodge, privileges bestowed on, ii, 204; Sussex, Duke of,
Grand Master, 1813, ii, 221; Sussex, Duke of, Grand Master of United Grand
Lodge of England, 1814, ii, 231; Union, preparations for and attempts at, ii,
226; Union, negotiations for, resumed, 1809, ii, 227; Union, popular opinion
in favour of, ii, 228; Union, meetings to discuss the terms of, ii, 229;
Union, Articles of, signed, 1813, ii, 231; wine and tobacco, ii, 198 hall in
Gt. Queen St., Lon‑ England, United Grand Lodge don, laid, 1775, ii, 203; of,
1814‑1930, ii, 232; ad funds, raising of, ii, 2o2; mission of Brethren who
Grand Architect, the office were not Christians, ii, 251; of, ii, 2o5; Grand
Chap‑ amendment to general regu lains, 1775‑1813, ii, 205; lations, 1818, ii,
242; Ampt Hall Fund, 1788, ii, 221; hill, Lord, ii, 259; Asylum Holland,
friendly alliance for aged and decayed Free with, 1770, ii, 204; King's
masons, 1834, ii, 248; Boards Bench Prison, a Lodge in, of General Purpose, Fi
ii, 2o9; Lodges for for‑ nance, Works and Schools, eigners in London, ii, 224;
ii, 234; Board of General Leslie, Robert, again Grand Secretary, 179o‑1813,
ii, 188, 191; lodges adopt distinctive titles, ii, 196; lodges in existence
prior to 1751, ii, 156; M'Cormick, John, Grand Secretary, 1785‑90, ii, 188;
Matthew, Thomas, Grand Master, 1767, ii, 181; military and colonial lodges,
1770‑89, ii, i9o; Military Warrants issued, 1754, ii, 165; Perry, James,
succeeded Dermott to Deputy Grand Mastership, 1787, ii, 189; Ponsonby, Lord,
ii, 159; Royal Arch Degree, ii, 169; Sackville, Lord George, ii, 157; Warrants
issued, 1752, ii, INDEX 513 Purposes, early history of, ii, ioi; Book of
Constitutions, 1884, ii, 2.45; Books of Constitutions, variance of the early,
ii, 233; Canada, Grand Lodges of, ii, 252; Charges, alteration to, ii, 239;
Connaught, Duke of, Grand Master, 1901, ii, 258; constitution of a new Lodge,
ii, zoo; Crucefix, Dr. R. T., ii, 248; Earl de Grey and Ripon, Grand Master,
1870, ii, 2‑55; election of officers, ii, 2.33; Emulation Lodge of
Improvement, ii, 246; foreign jurisdiction, recognition of, 1929, ii, 26o;
France, action of the Grand Orient of, 1877, ii, 257; Great War, 1914‑i8, ii,
259; Hall, a new, 1864‑66, ii, 252; initiation fees, ii, 239; Lancashire,
schism with, ii, 243, 244; Library under the Grand Mastership of the Earl of
Zetland, ii, 255; Liverpool, No. 31, and the memorial to the Duke of Sussex,
1819, ii, 243; Lodge of Benevolence, ii, 234; Lodge of Reconciliation, ii,
234; Lodges, new numbering of, ii, 233; Masonic Benevolence under Grand
Mastership of Prince of Wales, ii, 258; Masonic Peace Celebration, ii, 259;
Masonic Peace Memorial, 259; preparation of new laws and regulations, ii, 238;
Prince Edward of Wales initiated, 1869, ii, 253; Prince of Wales, Grand
Master, 1875, ii, 256; Red Apron, right of wearing, ii, 237; regulations, new
code of, ii, 233; Royal Family, support given by the, ii, 240; Stability Lodge
of Instruction, ii, 246; Stewards, nomination of, ii, 237; Union, general
consideration of, ii, 232; William IV becomes Patron of the Craft on the death
of George IV, ii, 248; Zetland, Earl of, Grand Master, ii, 250 Engle, Willis
D., vi, 420, 430, 432, 434; biographical sketch of, 448 f. English, Albert H.,
v, 461 English, Elbert Hartwell, v, 32, 36, 42, 47 English, T. F., iv, 4
English, William F., v, 559 Ensign, Francis Edward, v, 167 Ensign, Howard B.,
v, 9o Entick, John, i, 281; ii, 99 Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, iii,
150 Erskine, Charles B., v, 225 Erskine, Robert, vi, 8 Erskine, Thomas
Alexander, Viscount Fentoun, 6th Earl of Kellie, Grand Master of the Antients,
176o, ii, 179, 387 Escoceses, i, 16; iv, 105 Essenes, The, 1, 16 f. Essex,
William H., vi, 119 Evans, Elwood, iv, 12; vi, 358 Evans, H. W., iv, 5 Evans,
James, vi, 347 Evans, John Llewellyn, ii, 253 Evans, Onesimus, v, 30, 47
Evans, Robert E., v, 413 Ewing, Alexander, v, 58 Ewing, James, v, 72 Ewing,
Maskell, vi, 9 Ewing, Robert Kirkwood, iv, 249 Ewing, S. W., v,362 Exter, Dr.,
Von, iii, 93 F Fabel, Frederick, v, 2o6 Faesch, John Jacob, vi, 11 Fair, James
G., v, 63 Fair, William D., v, 63 Fairfax, Charles, ii, 114 Fairfield,
Connecticut, v, 87 Fairweather, William, v, 393 Faley, John, v, 122 Fallon, on
Lay Brotherhood, i, 64, 65, 66; on Ordinances of Steinmetzen, i, 75;
Affiliation Ceremonies of Steinmetzen, i, 76 Falmouth, v, 262 Fama, The, i,
335 Fanning, Edmund, iv, 43 Faris, Joseph, account of, vi, 8 Farmington, v, 88
Farnsworth, D. C., vi, 282. Farquhar, R. T., iv, 239 Farrar, John, v, 338
Farrar, Thomas W., v, 2, 8 Farrington, Thomas, v, 325 Farriss, W. D., v, 364
Farwinter, Ralph, iv, 154 Fascists and Freemasonry, iii, 253 Faucette, Edward
Lee, v, 371 Faulkner, Jr., Charles J., vi, 379 Fawcett, William, iv, 97 Fay,
Jean Noe Du, iii, 103 Fay, Samuel P. P., v, 325 Fayetteville, Arkansas, v, 30,
34, 47, 49 Fearn, Thomas, v, 1, 9 Feasting, ii, 45 f.
Federal Capitol,
corner‑stone of the, v, 278 Fee, H. M., v, 397 Fellows, J. Q. A., v, 459
Fenelon, Archbishop, iii, 5 Fenner, Caleb, v, 6o Fenwick, Ezekiel, v, 374
Fenwick, Walter, v, 373 Fera schism, the, iii, 252 Ferdinand, Duke of Bruns
wick, iv, 337, 342 Ferdinand of Brunswick, iii, 92 Ferdinand IV, iii, 243
Ferdinand VI, iv, 142 Ferdinand VII, iii, 266; iv, 142 Ferguson, James, vi, 98
Ferguson, John, iv, 66 Ferguson, Robert, v, 278 Fernando, R. H., iv, 117
Fernig, Count de, v, 52.6 Ferrell, Dudley H., iv, 19o Ferrets, Earl, Grand
Master of the Moderns, 1762, ii, 54, 201; iv, 87 Fessler, J. A., his work for
the Royal York Lodge, Berlin, iii, 134; resigned office, iii, 136; his death,
1839, iii, 137; visits to Hanover, iii, 15o; Grand Union of Freemasons, iii,
156; his career by Telepneff, iii, 195 Fetta, Christian, v, 2o9 Feustel, iii,
139 Fiallos V, Ernesto, iv, 124 Field, Robert, iv, 53 Field, Stephen J., v, 63
Field, William, v, 288 Field, William H., v, 48 Fiesta de la Patria, iv, 12.1
Fifteen Articles for the "May ster Mason," i, 49 Fifteen Points for the
Craftsman, i, 49 Finch, J., iv, 5 Findel, J. G., on history of Freemasonry, i,
z; ii, 39, 103, 107, 116, 141; iii, 26, 113, 212, 225, 241, 255 Finland,
Freemasonry in, iii, 2.31 Finney, J., v, 373 Firminger, W. K., Freemasonry in
Bengal and the Punjab, iv, 199 First Lodge in Boston, v, 310 Fischer, quoted,
vi, 164, 171 Fish, Cary B., in charge of re lief funds, v, 132 Fisher, Masonry
in the Orient, iii, 176 Fisk, Charles A., v, 14 Fiske, Eben, v, 248 Fitch,
Thomas G., v, 2z8 Fitzgerald, A. L., v, 42‑0 Fitzgerald, J. Rice, v, 239
Fitzgerald, Keane, ii, 2.79 Fitzgerald, William Robert, Marquess of Kildare,
Duke of Leinster, ii, z81 Fitzsimmons General Hospital, v, 79 Flack, Harry H.,
v, 301 Flagle, Fred D., iv, 142 Fleming, Sampson, v, 332Fleming, Samuel, v,
zoo Fleming, Walter M., v, 534 Fleury, Cardinal, iii, io Flick, William H. H.,
vi, 378 Flint, Josiah B., v, 32‑5 Flint, T. B., iv, 52.
Flood, James Clair,
v, 63 Florence, Freemasonry in, iii, 245 Florence, William J., v, 534 Florida,
Freemasonry in, v, 121‑134; relief in, v, 129 f.; return of Masonry to, v, 124
Fludd, Robert, i, 8, 3zo; and INDEX the Rosicrucians, i, 322; his writings on
Rosicrucianism, i, 347; the Summum Bonum, 1, 352 Fly, W. M., vi, z85 f. Flying
Post, quoted, ii, 68 f. Folger, History by, v, 238 Folkes, Martin, ii, 88;
iii, 245 Foot, Leroy A., v, 4oo; vi, 418 Forbes, J. Gordon, iv, 59 Forbes,
James, Master of, Grand Master of, Scotland, 1754, ii, 391 Forbes, John, vi, 1
Forbes, Sir William, Grand Master of Scotland, 1776 77, 11, 393; iv, 312 Ford,
J. Chubb, iv, 170 Ford, Robert D., vi, 354 Foreign Correspondent of New York,
report of, v, 271; iv, 136 Forrest, Edwin, vi, 59 Fort, G. F., Early History
and Antiquities of Freemasonry, i, z, 3, 66, 74 Fort Benton, v, 392 Fort
Garry, iv, 21 Fort Howard, vi, 380 Fort Lyon Hospital, v, 79 Fort Pembina,
first Lodge at, vi, 8o Fort Smith, v, 40, 48 f. Fort Wayne, v, 2o5 Fort
William, Lodge of, ii, 84 Fortmeyer, George W., vi, 23 Foshay, James A., vi,
423 Foster, Anthony, vi, 22‑7, 12‑9 Foster, Earnest Le Neve, v, 84, 85 Foster,
George, v, 373 Foster, Joseph, v, 288 Foster, Murpby J., v, 158 Foster,
Stephen, v, 476 Foster, Wilbur Fisk, v, 462‑; vi, 236 f.
Foulhouze, James, v,
251, 513 Fournier, Noel, v, 241 Foute, Jacob F., v, 366 Fowle, Henry, v, 477,
483 vi, 337 Fox, Christopher G., v, 46o, 466,470 Fox, J. M., v, 396 Fraine,
John H., vi, 171, 421 France, Freemasonry in, iii, 2o; ally to the French
Army, iii, 52; Antin, Duc de, iii, 24; Board of Revision, iii, 38; Bordeaux,
English Lodge at, No. zoo, iii, 87; Buonaparte, Joseph, Grand Master of Grand
Orient, iii, 53; Cambaceres, Prince, iii, 53; Chamber of Grades, iii, 46;
Chartres, Duke of, iii, 33; Chartres, Duke of, his election, iii, 34; Chartres,
Duke of, installed as Grand Master, iii, 42; circumstances leading to its
decline, iii, 82; Clermont, Comte de, iii, z5; Clermont, Comte de, allegation
against his Grand Mastership, iii, 27; Clermont, Comte de, his death, 1771,
iii, 32; commission to form a compact between the Scots Directories and the
Grand Orient, iii, 43; commissioners of the Emperors, their powers extended,
iii, 36; Constance, Lodge, at Arras, iii, 45; Constitutions revised by a new
Grand Orient, 1848, iii, 72; Constitutions revised under Magnan, iii, 81;
continental writers, their inaccuracies, iii, 2.4; decline due to political
troubles, iii, 49; Degrees or Rites in 1740, iii, 26; Deputies and
Substitutes, iii, 28; Derwentwater, Earl of, iii, 21; Directory of Rites, iii,
54; early history, iii, zo; early historians, iii, 21; election of Grand
Officers, iii, 54; English Lodge, No. 204, Bordeaux, iii, 87; exiled Brethren,
the, iii, 33; exiles readmitted into Grand Lodge, iii, 34; Grand Chapter
General, iii, 47; Grand Independent Symbolic Lodge, iii 86; Grand Lodge
Statutes Of 1755, iii, 29; Grand Lodge, title of "English" dropped, 1755, iii,
29; Grand Lodge history, 175671, iii, 30‑32; Gland Lodge schism, 1761, iii,
30; Grand Lodges, reunion of the two, INDEX 515 1762., iii, 31; Grand Lodge,
dissolution of, 1767, iii, 31; Grand Lodges, two rivals established, iii, 32.;
Grand Lodge and Supreme Council of the Emperors unite, iii, 35; Grand Lodge
publishes a list of Lodges, iii, 45, 46; Grand Masonic Congress at Paris,
1855, iii, 74; Grand Master becomes Supreme Chief of the Order, iii, 73; Grand
Master, the office abolished, iii, 81, 82.; Grand Orient, bitter allegations
regarding its foundation, iii, 33; Grand Orient founded, iii, 39; Grand
Orient, its composition, iii, 42.; Grand Orient, the circular of, iii, 44;
Grand Orient, new Statutes of, iii, 55; Grand Orient, progress, 1803‑14, iii,
57; Grand Orient claims authority over all Rites, iii, 6o; Grand Orient,
restrictions enforced by, iii, 61; Grand Orient proposes a fusion with the
Supreme Council, iii, 62.; Grand Orient, new Constitution completed, 182‑6,
iii, 64; Grand Orient, further negotiations for a fusion with the Supreme
Council, iii, 65; Grand Orient and Supreme Council compared, iii, 66; Grand
Orient and Supreme Council united, iii, 68; Grand Orient sympathises with the
revolution, iii, 69; Grand Orient ruled by a triumvirate, Murat, Doumet and
Rexes, iii, 75; Grand Orient dispenses with the belief in a Deity, iii, 83;
Grand Orient, instructions for candidates for initiation, iii, 83; Grande Loge
Anglaise de France, iii, 2.7; High Degrees, iii, 30; Independent Rites, iii,
51; interference by police under Louis XV, iii, 2.5; Le Grande Loge Nationale
Independante et Reguliere pour la France et les Colonies Fran wises formed and
accepted by the United Grand Lodge of England, iii, 87; Lodges previous to the
founding of the Grand Orient, iii, 2.1; Lodges, a list of, published by Grand
Lodge, iii, 45, 46; Louis d'Argent Lodge, iii, 2.z; Luxemburg, Duke of, iii,
33; Luxemburg, Duke of, his election, iii, 34; Magnan, Marshall, appointed
Grand Master by the Emperor, iii, 79; Magnan restores order, iii, 8o; Magnan's
attempt at fusion with Supreme Council, iii, 8o; Magnan's revision of the
Constitutions, iii, 81; Martaleau, Roettiers de, iii, 50; Mellinet, General,
Grand Master of the Grand Orient, iii, 81; Metropolitan Chapter, iii, 48, 49;
Murat, Prince Lucien, Grand Master, 1852, iii, 72.; Murat's despotic rule,
iii, 73, 74; Napoleon, Prince Jerome, hostilities regarding his nomination as
Grand Master, iii, 75; Napoleon declines to come up for election owing to
hostilities that had arisen, iii, 78; National Grand Lodge formed, iii, 70;
National Grand Lodge dissolved by the police, iii, 71; Ordre du Temple, iii,
56; Paris Masters, dissatisfaction of, iii, 39; Paris Masters, concessions to,
iii, 39; Paris Masters, privileges reduced, iii, 41; police control, iii, 67;
police interference under Louis XV, iii, 2.5; political interest shown by
Lodges, iii, 66; prosperous years, iii, 49; Provincial Grand Lodges, iii, 43;
restoration, its effect, iii, 58; revival of, 1796, iii, So; Rexes, iii,
73‑79; Rites or Degrees in, 1740, iii, 2.6; Roettiers de Martaleau, iii, 5o;
Rose Croix, iii, 46; Rose Croix, evidence of its early existence, iii, 47;
Royal feelings predominant, iii, 57; Sceau Rompu, iii, 2‑3; schism between
Grand Orient and Scots Masons, iii, 54; Scots Rite, outcry of, 1879, iii, 85;
Statutes revised, iii, 34; Substitutes and Deputies, iii, 2.8; Supreme Council
of the Emperors unites with Grand Lodge, iii, 35; Supreme Council, decline of,
ill, 59; Supreme Council and Grand Orient compared, iii, 66; Supreme Council
and Grand Orient united, iii, 68; Supreme Council for America, iii, 6o;
Supreme Council for France and the French possessions, iii, 63; treaty of
fusion between Grand Orient and Grand Chapter, iii, 48; Union between Grand
Orient and Scots Masons, iii, 53; Union between Supreme Council and Grand
Orient, iii, 68; Union of the two Grand bodies, iii, 51 France, Craft Guilds
(Corps d'Etat) of, i, 86; Boileau s Statutes of the building trade, i, 93;
Companionage, i, 86; Fraternities, i, 9o; "Lodge," derivation of the word, i,
95; Marchands de 1'Eau, i, 87; Parisian Hanse, i, 87; restrictions on, i, 96;
rise of, in Paris, i, 88; Statutes of Amiens, i, 91; Statutes of Rheims, 1,
92.; TurgotIs, abolition of,1776, 1,97 Francis 1, attempt to suppress Craft
Guilds and Fraternities in France, i, 97 Francis II, iii, 168, 2.41 Francisco
de Bourbon, iii, 2.67 Francken, Henry Andrew, v, 5o9; vi, 183 Frankfort,
Kentucky, v, zo5, 2.36 Franklin, Indiana, Masonic Home at, v, zoo Franklin,
Benjamin, iii, 2.o; iv, 279 f.; v, 4, 141; as Provincial Grand Master, v, 516
310; visits of, v, 316; vi, 3 f., 23, 41, 146, 148, 162, 416 Frary, Leander
W., v, 397 Fraser, Don F., iv, 52, 53 Fraser, Kenneth, ii, 356 Fraser, M. L.,
iv, 52 Fraser, Simon, iv, 85 Fraser River, iv, io Fraternity of St. John
Baptist, i, 81 Frazer, John, iv, 22 Frederick, Augustus, iv, 9o Frederick
Lodge, v, 88 Frederick William, Crown Prince of Prussia, iii, io8, 118, 131
Fredericksburg, Virginia, v, 108 Fredericton, iv, 44 Fredrik, King Adolf, iii,
222 Freeman, Samuel, v, 97 Freemason, early references to and origin of the
word, i, 250‑58; ii, 22 "Freemason," first use as operative term, i, 256
Freemason, The, quoted, iv, the 328, 329, 349 Freemason's Calendar,
description of lodges, iv, 2o8 Freemasons, statutes relating to, i, 154 f.;
erection of churches, i, 285 f. Freemasons Hall, 1864‑66, rebuilt, ii, 252;
partly burnt, 1883, ii, 257; mostly rebuilt, ii, 38o Freemasonry (see
different countries and States of U. S. A.), antiquities of, i, 1;
commencement of, i, 2; theories as to origin, i, 3 f.; derivations, more
trustworthy, i, 9; fable and romance in early history, i, 4; females,
admission of, i, 52; origin of, i, 6, 7, 8; Templar, origin of, i, 9; an
offshoot of the Masons' Company, i, 256; legends of, i, 304 f.; connexion of
Society of Friends, ii, 275; abroad, introduction of, iii, 1; importation from
England, iii, 1; fresh Degrees, iii, 2; Scottish origin, iii, 3; INDEX and the
War, statement on, vi, 330 Fr6mont, John C., v, 5o French, Benjamin Brown, v,
49, 113> 116, 299, 305, 429; VI, 255, 339, 39z French, Robert E., v, 412
French, Thomas, ii, 130 French Guiana, Freemasonrv in, iv, 187 French Lodges
in London, ii, 224, 225 Freune, J. de, iii, 26o Friedrich, Gerhard, iii, 104
Friedrich, Jacob, iii, 111 Friedrichs, Ernest, Freemasonry in Russia and
Poland, iii, 175, 182; quoted, iii, 19o, 290, 294 Friendly Learned Society in
Russia, iii, 186 Frizzell, John, v, 461, 494; vi, 115, 236, 252, 254
Frostburg, v, 301 Fry, Mrs., "Memories of Old Cahaba," v, 4 Fugler, V. J., vi,
283 Fuller, A. G., vi, 213, 214 Fuller, Charles Arnold, vi, 237 Fuller, Peter,
vi, 92 Fulton, John S., v, 3 Fuqua, Henry L., v, 258 Furman, Henry M., vi, 117
Furnas, Robert W., v, 4o6, 412 G Gabrianca, Starost, iv, 22 Gagarin, his Grand
Loge in Russia, iii, 186 Gage, Harry Morehouse, v, 218 Gage, Jonathan, v, 446
Gages, Marquis de, iii, 257 Gahagan, Terence, iv, 217, 219 Galbraith, Harry,
v, 103 Gallagher, George A., v, 37 Galliard, Edward, iv, i5o Galloway, Earl
of, ii, 391 Gamble, Archibald, v, 377 Gamble, Hamilton R., v, 384 Gannon,
William H., vi, 83 Gano, Isaac E., v, 230, 231 Gano, John S., vi, 98, loo
Ganong, R. C., vi, 131 Garcia, Felix, v, 251 Gardiner, Benjamin, vi, 1o1
Gardiner, Charles, v, 276, 277 Gardner, William S., v, 325 Garfield, James A.,
vi, 96 Garfielde, Selucius, quoted, vi, 358 f.
Garibaldi, iii, 249
f.; iv, 329; vi, 63 Garner, L. L., v, 204, 205 Garnett, John, iv, 15o Garrett,
Cyrus, v, 222 Gascoigne, Thomas, ii, 114 Gaspee, British schooner, vi, 178
Gates, James, vi, 102 Gateshead MS., i, 39 Gawler, iv, 87 Gayle, Edwin F.,
article by, v, 238 f., 256; vi, 466 Gazette of the State of Georgia, The, v,
148 Gear, John H., v, 22o Geary, John White, v, 52, 56; vi, 164 Geddes, John,
vi, 2o6 Gedge, John, v, 251 Gee, Zachariah, iv, 199 Gelaquin, I. P., and
Russian Freemasonry, iii, 18o General Assemblies in England i, 302 General
Grand Council, v, 491‑505; Assembly at Atlanta, v, 368; delegates to (i88o),
v, 496; formation of, v, 492 General Grand Encampment of the U. S. A.,
officers of, v, 8 General Grand Officers, titles of, v, 498 General
Regulations, revision of, v, 249 f.
General Statutes
adopted, iv, 111 Geneva, Grand Orient of, iii, 233 Genoa, Freemasonry in, iii,
246 Gentleman's Magazine, iii, 8 Geolet, Francis, v, 331 George, John H., v,
429 George, Walter F., v, 140 George Washington Masonic National Memorial, v,
91, 103, 119, 200, 411; vi, 37, 124, 194, 2o1, 221, 313, 331, 340, 377, 4o8 f.
INDEX 517
George‑Town, iv, 186; v, io9 Georgia, v, 2, 3; Freemasonry in, v, 135‑157;
high churchmen in, v, 149 Georgia Early and Historic Freemasonry of, v, 135
Gera, Archimedes of Eternal Union, iii, 146 Gerbier, Dr. Humbert, claims to
sovereign authority in Rose Croix matters, iii, 47 German Empire, Grand
Lodges, iii, 89; Bayreuth, Grand Lodge Sun at, iii, 137; Darmstadt, Grand
Lodge Concord at, iii, 141; Eclectic Union, Frankforton‑the‑Main, iii, 95;
Hamburg, iii, 89; National Grand Lodge of all German Freemasons at Berlin,
iii, 122; Royal York of Friendship, Berlin (Grand Lodge of Prussia), iii, 132;
Saxony, National Grand Lodge of, Dresden, iii, 139; Three Globes (Grand
National Mother Lodge of the Prussian States), iii, 107 German Empire,
Independent Lodges, iii, 143;Archimedes of Eternal Union at Gera, iii, 146;
Archimedes of the Three Tracing‑Boards in Altenburg, iii, 145; Baldwin of the
Linden, Leipsic, iii, 144; Karl of the Wreath of Rue, Hildburgshausen, iii,
147; Minerva of the Three Palms, Leipsic, iii, 143 German Empire, extinct
Grand Lodges, iii, 147; Baden, Grand Orient of, at Mannheim, iii, 154; Baden
Lodges, Grand National Union of, at Carlsruhe, iii, 155; Bode's Union of
German Freemasons, iii, 154; Brunswick, English Provincial Grand Lodge of,
iii, 153; Hanover, iii, 147; Hesse‑Cassel, Grand Lodge of, in Cassel, iii,
156; Mother Lodge for the Provinces of East and West Prussia and Lithuania at
Konigsburg, iii, 152; Si lesia, Mother Lodge of, in Glogan, iii, 152; Three
Keys, Grand Lodge of, at Ratisbon, iii, 153; Westphalia, Grand Orient of, in
Cassel, iii, 155 German Empire, other Masonic Unions not classed as Grand
Lodges, iii, 156; Correspondence Bureau, iii, 157; German Grand Lodges' Union,
iii, 159; Grand Masters' Diet, iii, 158; Grand Union of Freemasons, iii, 156;
Prussian Grand Masters' Union, iii, 158; Union of German Freemasons, iii, 159;
Union of the three Grand Lodges of Berlin, iii, 157 German Masonic literature,
iii, 159, 16o Germany, Guilds, i, 67‑68 Getchell, M. W., vi, 81 Getty, Robert
W., v, 4oo Geusau, iii, 6 Gibrhltar, Freemasonry in, iii, 26z Gibson, Thomas,
v, 2.79; vi, 91,98 Giddings, Napoleon B., vi, 404 Giese, Hermann, ii, 242.
Gigaud, Emanuel, v, zoo Gibon, John H., v, 6o, 198 Gilbert, Humphrey, iv, 62
Gilbert, Jonathan Moore, vi, 257 Gilbreath, James, v, 373 Gilchrist, Albert
W., v, 131 Gilchrist, William, v, 31, 35 Giles, H. A., Freemasonry in China
by, i, 14, 80 Giles, James, vi, 12 Gilkes, Peter, ii, 2.46, 2‑47 Gill, Edward
H., vi, 339, 341 Gillespie, Robert Rollo, iv, 219; vi, 264 Gilman, Charles, v,
52, 6o, 298, 458, 465 Ginn, Lurtin R., v, 114 Giquel, John Francis, v, 240
Girard, Stephen, will of, quoted, vi, 159, 163 Gist, Mordecai, iv, 278
Glasgow, Lodge of, Incor poration of Wrights and Masons, 16oo, ii, 330
Gleason, Benjamin, vi, 3o6 Glenlyon, Lord, iii, 399 Globe, v, 18, 27 Glogan,
Mother Lodge of Silesia in, iii, 152 Glossbrenner, Alfred M., v, 210 Glover,
George H., vi, 467 Glover, Reverend George H., article by, iv, 94 Gloves, use
of, ii, 42 f. Gneomatic Masons, ii, 1g Gnostic talismans, i, 16 Gochicoa,
Francisco P., iv, 113 Godwin, G., on Masons' marks, i, 142, 143, 145 Godwin,
J. G., ii, 247 Goelet, Francis, vi, 41 Gogel, J. P., iii, 97 Goggin, Dr., iv,
3 Gold, the magnet for settlement, iv, 15 f.
Gold, in South Platte
River, in Cherry Creek, v, 67 Golden, George Dickson, v, 170 Golden Book,
so‑called, iv, 300 Golden City, v, 7z Golden Legend of Jacobus a Voragine, i,
2z3 Goldsmith, Oliver, iv, 65 Goldsworthy, J. H., ii, 245 Goldwater, Morris,
v, z6 Gondr6n, Emilio, iv, 163 Goodale, Lincoln, vi, 1o1 Goodheart, William
B., v, 163 Goodrich, Aaron, resolution of, v, 351 f.
Goodrich, James W.,
v, 56 Goodricke, Sir John, activities in Sweden, iii, 2.24 Goodwin, Charles,
v, 2.98 Goodwin, John N., v, 17 Goodwin, N. E., v, 362 Goodwin, Samuel Henry,
article by, vi, 2.89 f., 467 Gordon, Albert W., v, i7o Gordon, Charles
Hamilton, ii, 388 f.
Gordon, James, iv,
67; vi, 187, 316 Gordon, John, v, 274 Gordon, Robert, vi, 1 Gordy, John C., v,
2.53 INDEX Gorgas, Ferdinand J. S., v, 301 f.
Graham, William H.,
vi, 361 f.
Gorrell, A. S., iv,
loo f. Gorrie, John, v, 132 Gorsuch, George R., v, 287 Gorsuch, John T., v,
301 Gorta, Duke of, iv, 341 Gotha, or Bode's Union, iii, 101 Gothic
architecture, relation of Masons to, i, 12o f. Gougeon, Jehan, i, 96 Gould,
Joseph L., v, 175, 381 Gould, Nathan H., vi,‑ 175, 181, 183,` 184 Gould,
Robert Freke, History of Freemasonry, quoted, iii, 288; v, 121, 431, 438, 440
f. Gourdin, Theodore S., v, 476 Gourgas, John J. J., vi, 183 Gover, Charles
H., v, 223 Graefe, Augustus, at Ham burg, iii, 93 f.
Grafton, Douglass
Russell, vi, Graham, John, iv, 202; V, 152 Graham, John H., quoted, vi, 310
Grainha, E. B., Histoire de la Franc‑Magonnerie en Portugal, iii, 273 Gran
Dieta, iv, 114 Grand Chapter, iii, 47; iv, 6o, 100; V, 10, 200, 201, 202, 62
Grand 244, 3 Chapter General in France, iii, 47 Grand Charity Fund, v, 214
Grand Commandery, formation of the, V, 370 Grand Commandery Knights Templar,
v, 2o6 Grand Conclave of England, iv, S5 Grand Council, names of officers, v,
502 Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of England, iv, 318 Grand
Council Royal, v, 204 f., 364 Grand Encampment, the first in America, v, 479
Grand Lodge (see Countries and States), i, 28; ii, 74 f., 271 f.; iv, 3, 12,
117, 122; V, 1, 26, 97, 110, 127, 160, 184, 197, 223 f., 241 f., 246, 284,
309, 314, 322, 343, 352 356, 357, 376; vi, 72 Grand Lodge of Alabama, iv, 119
Grand Lodge of Canada, organisation of, considered, iv, 75; founding of, iv,
77 f. Grand Lodge of Colon, iv, 127 Grand Lodge of Connecticut, V, 89 Grand
Lod e of England, ii, 1; iii, 1 ~ee England) Grand Lodge of Georgia, v, Grand
Lodge of Idaho, formation of, v, 175 Grand Lodge of Illinois, v, 187 Grand
Lodge of Iowa, v, 212 Grand Lodge of Kentucky, v, 358 Grand Lodge of
Louisiana, established, v, 243 Grand Lodge Valle de Mexico, formation of, iv,
114 Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Grand Lodge of Newfoundland, first efforts to
form, iv, 67 Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, iv, 45 f. Grand Lodge of Panama, iv,
123 Grand Lodge of the Pacific, member lodges, iv, 118 Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania, v, 107 f.
Grand Lodge for
Quebec Province, iv, 78 f.
Grand Lodge of
Scotland (see Scotland), v, ~6 f.
Grand Lodge Bulletin,
v, 216 Grand Lodge Charity Fund, New Jersey, vi, 18 Grand Lodge Code, v, 217
Grand Lodge El Potosi, iv, 116 Grand Lodge Library, New York, vi, 61 Grand
Lodge Office and Library Building, v, 224 Grand Masonic Congress at Paris,
1855, iii, 74 Grand Masters' Diet, Germany, iii, 158 Grand Orient, iii, 39,
43, 44, 46 f.; iv, io8; of Colon, iv, 127; of France (see France), iii, 20,
32, 83; iv, 140; of Haiti, iv, 135 Grand Orient National of Spain, iv, 144
Grand Royal Arch Chapter, organisation of, v, 1o5 "Grand Steward Lodge, The,"
v, 284 Grand Visitations, v, 113 Grande Loge Anglaise de France, iii, 27
Granger, Charles T., v, 221 Grant, A. T., quoted, ii, 363 Grant, H. B., v, 234
Grant, James, iV, 271; v, 122 f.; Vi, 227 Grant, John, iv, 214 Grant, William,
ii, 175 Grau, Juan Manuel, iv, 161 Gray, Harrison, motion of, v, 542; vi, 404
Greame, James, vi, 203 Great War, The, ii, 259; iii, 297, 308, 310; iv, 7, 17,
30, 91; V, 90, 224, 272, 287, 387, 390, 414; vi, 18, 84, 153, 202, 362, 4o2
Greece, Ancient Mysteries in, i, 12; Freemasonry in, iii, 315 Green, Griffin,
vi, 88, 97 Green, Jesse, V, 97, 98, 278 Green, John, vi, 98 Green, Nathaniel,
v, 156; vi, 415 Green, R. Frank, vi, 31 Greene, William, vi, 1o2 Greenleaf,
Joshua, v, 446 Greenleaf, Lawrence N., v, 78, 83 Greenleaf, Simeon, v, 265 f.
Gregory, Charles Augustus, iv, 252 Gregory Gulch, v, 69 Grenada, Freemasonry
in, iv, 148 Griee, Charles A., vi, 338, 341 Gridley, Jeremy, iv, 270; v, 321,
322; vi, 6, 176 Gridley, Richard, iv, 33, 34, 279; v, 89, 320 Grier,
Alexander, v, 277 f.
INDEX 519 Griffin,
James W., v, 165 Griffin, N. L., v, 2‑7 Griffin, William W., vi, 33 f.
Griffith, Franklin T., vi, 131 Griffith, Thomas, first Grand Secretary of the
Grand Lodge of Ireland, ii, 265 Grillet, Florentino, iv, 154 Grinnel, Peter,
vi, 1o1 Grinnell College, v, 2.19 Grips and signs of early builders, i, 131
Griswold, Chester, vi, tot Gross, E. Tudor, vi, 421 Grotto, The, iv, 363
Groves, J. B., v, 48 Gruss, i, 73 Guadeloupe, Freemasonry in, iv, 125, 149
Guanajuato, iv, 111 Guatemala, Freemasonry in, iv, 1zo f.
Guerrero, president
of Mexico, iv, 1o6, 1o8 Guibert, A., v, 2‑42. Guilbert, E. A., vi, 2.11 Guild
of St. Katherine, i, 393 Guilds, connexion with Trade Unions, i, 131; origin
of Masonic, i, 130; in Germany, i, 67, 68; in Scotland, ii, 37 Guliener, T.
F., report of, 1v, 12‑3 Gulston, William, President of the Musical Society,
ii, 81 Gustavus III, iii, 182. Guthrie, John, vi, 116 Guttakowski, iii, 195
Guy, John, iv, 61 H Haan, William C., vi, 413 Haas, A., v, 161 Haas, William
David, Jr., v, z6o Habersham, James, v, 146, 151 Habersham, Joseph, v, 153
Habersham, Richard West, v, 144 Hacker, William, v, zoi, zo3, zo6, 2.07
Hackett, Winthrop, iv, 2‑50 Hacquet, Germain, v, 511 Haden, Joel, v, 47
Hagelberger, H. M., vi, 42.1 Hagerstown, Maryland, v, 301 Hagstrom, Francis,
v, 400 Hailey, D. M., vi, 123‑124 Hainer, Marsh, v, 2.56, 371 Haines, Henry
S., vi, 17, 2‑8 Haitian Rite, iv, 1 5 ... Hake, J. E., quote, 111, 207 Hale,
Nathan, vi, 416 Haley, William D., v, 304, H305 liurton, T. C., iv, 26
Halifax, iv, 33, 35, 39; lodges in, iv, 54; corner‑stone laying, iv, 51;
Masonic Museum at, iv, 52 Hall, Alfred A., vi, 312Hall, David, v, 97 Hall,
Edward, ii, 88 Hall, G. B., vi, 165 Hall, Sir James, on Gothic Architecture, i,
12.3 Hall, Jasper, iv, 139 Hall, John, vi, 69 Hall, John L., v, 133 Hall,
Luther E., v, 2‑58 Hall, Thomas W., v, 2‑99 Hall, W. B., iv, 2‑o Hall,
William, v, 1o1 Hallam, quoted, i, 12‑5 Halle Lodge of the Three Golden Keys,
iii, 164 Haller, Benjamin, vi, 2.36 Haller, Granville O., vi, 36o Haller, J.
Paul, v, 2.55 Halliburton, Brenton, iv, 53 Halliday, John, iii, 16 Halliwell
MS., i, 17, 48 Halliwell Poem, reference to the Four Martyrs, i, 2‑39
Hallowell, v, 2.62 Halo, v, 4 Halsey, Sir Frederick, ii, 259 Halsey, J. F., v,
56 Hamburg, Grand Lodge of, iii, 89; Absalom Lodge, iii, 9o; closely related
to England, iii, 94; Emanuel Lodge, iii, 92‑; Engbund or Select Bond, iii, 94;
Graefe, Aug., representative of Grand Loge of England, iii, 93; pure English
Freemasonry, iii, 93; Schroeder, Fried. Ludwig, iii, 92‑; Scots Masonry
introduced, iii, 9o; Zinnendorff, iii, 91; Zinnendorff disowned, iii, 93
Hamersly, Adrian, v, 2.07 Hamid, Abdul, iii, 316 Hamilton, Alexander, ii,
32.4; vi, 105, 2.74, 416 Hamilton, Bermuda, iv, 153 Hamilton, Elbridge G., v,
208, 209 Hamilton, Eugene, vi, 113 Hamilton, Frederick, v, 316 Hamilton,
George, in Switzerland, iii, 133 Hamilton, Henry DeWitt, v, 468 Hamilton,
Colonel James, iv, 154 Hamilton, James, vi, 162Hamilton, John, ejected from
Grand Lodge, 1754, ii, 162.; accusations regarding Dermott, ii, 163 Hamilton,
John B., vi, 2‑55 Hamilton, John C., v, 1 Hamilton, Otho, iv, 2‑9 Hamilton,
Paul, vi, ao6 Hamilton, Robert, iv, 141 Hamilton, William R., v, 172 Hamilton
Kilwinning Lodge, 11, 331 Hammerton, John, vi, 67, 2.03 Hammill, John, v, zzo
Hammond, John Hays, v, 64 Hammond, William Sim monds, iv, 149 Hampton,
Jonathan, vi, 6 Hancock, John, v, 321; vi, 416 Hancock, Winfield Scott, vi,
164 Hand, George H., vi, 111 Handley, George, v, 145, 146 Hands, H. J., iv,
182. Handy, Levin Irving, v, 1o2 Hankerson, Asa H., vi, 361 Hanmer, John, v,
443, 448 Hanna, Louis B., vi, 83 Hanna, Richard H., vi, 38 Hannah, Henry R.,
v, 58 Hanover, Grand Lodge of, iii, 147; adoption by Lodge Frederick, iii,
150; circumstances leading to dissolution, iii, 151; closed, 1798, iii, 15 z;
Deputy Lodges, iii, 148; Fessler's visits, iii, 150; Independent, iii, 151;
new 520 INDEX Statutes, 1796, iii, i5o; Prefectory Callenberg, iii, 149;
Schroeder's visits, iii, 15o; Zinnendorff, iii, 149 Hanse, Parisian, i, 87
Hanson, R. D., iv, 241 Harbin, Thomas, vi, 187 Harbor Grace, iv, 64 Harden,
Homer T., v, 225 Hardin, John J., v, 186 Hardine, Alexander, ii, 53 Harding,
Henry Hanrahan, vi, 67 Harding, Warren G., vi, 96 Harding, William L., v, 22o
Hardwick, Fred W., v, 237 Hardy, Arthur, iv, 241 Hardy, Elias, iv, 43 Hardy,
Isaac E., v, 72 Harford, Henry, v, 274 Hargrove MS., i, 43 Haring, Cornelius,
v, 359 Harington, J. D., iv; 76 Harison, George, v, 330; 42 f. Harleian MS., i,
31, 32, 50, 370 Harlin, Thomas, v, 98 Harmon, Frank S., vi, 422 Harmon, George
T., article by, vi, 185 f., 468 Harnet, Cornelius, vi, 317 Harnett, Cornelius,
vi, 67, 71 Harper, Edward, ii, 194 Harper, Hosias, v, 332 Harper, Kenton N.,
History of Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, v, 119 Harper, Thomas, ii,
193, 226, 245; objections to Union of Antients and Moderns, ii, 226; expelled
from the Society of Masons, ii, 227 Harper, Thomas J., v, 362 Harris, B. M.,
vi, 335 Harris, Isham Green, vi, 249 Harris MS., i, 47 Harris, Reginald V.,
article by, iv, 26 f, 62 f.; vi, 468 Harris, Samuel, v, 47 Harrison, Charles
T., v, 223 Harrison, Frank E., vi, 200 Harrison, George, iv, 213; vi, 176
Harrison, James B., v, 13 Harrison, James O., v, 233 Harrison, William, v, 1
Harrison, William Henry, v, 232 Harshorn, William, v, 352 Hart, Harlon L., v,
4oo Hart, Louis H., vi, 362 Hart, O. Frank, v, Soy; vi, 203, 2o6 Hartford,
Connecticut, v, 87, Hartranft, John Frederick, vi, 164 Hartsock, J. R., v, 213
Harwood, William A., v, 18, 24 Haskell, Elmer E., v, 130 Haskell, Henri J., v,
500 Haskins, Kittredge, vi, 313 Hastings, Daniel Hartman, vi, 164 Haswell,
Nathan B., quoted, vi, 307, 309 Hatch, Estes, iv, 33 Hathaway, R. E., v, 5oo;
vi, 418 Hattabaugh, Isaac C., v, 168 Haughfoot, Lodge of, evidence of
inclusion of both "grip" and "word" in ceremony, 1702, ii, 26, 366 Havana,
Cuba, iv, 126 Havers, John, ii, 252 f. Hawaii, lodges in, v, 158 f. Hawk,
Isaac, v, 197 Hawkesworth, Walter, ii, 111, 114 Hawkins, John, v, 230 Hawkins,
R. C., vi, 214 Hawkins, Roscoe O., v, 2io Hay, Edwin B., vi, 67 Hay, John, iv,
52; v, 373 Hayden, Carl, v, 27 Hayden, George B., v,36 Hayes, Henry Browne,
iv, 242 Hayes, John, iv, 21o Hayes, Moses, iv, 302 Hayes, Oliver Bliss, vi,
251 Hays, Edward B., vi, 183 Hays, Henry H., v, 48 Hays, John, v, 373 Hays,
Moses Michael, v, 324, 509 Hays, Oliver Bliss, vi, 237 Hays, Robert, vi, 227,
229 Hayti, iv, 17‑5; Freemasonry in, iv, 13o; history of, iv, 130 Hayward,
Thomas, v, 288, H ywood, Marshall DeLancey, vi, 66 Hazel Green, v, 2, 3, 5
Hazell, W. E. O., iv, 171 Hazeltine, S. J., iv, 1o, 16 Hearne, Thomas, quoted,
i, 362; iii, 7 Heart, Jonathan, vi, 8, 87, 89 Heath, H. H., v, 49 Hebden,
George, ii, 158 Hedges, Cornelius, v, 397, 398 Hedges, Joseph E., vi, 131
Hedges, Wyllis A., v, 398 Heisicke, Christian, iv, 172 Heldmann at Aarau, i,
73 Helena, Montana, v, 392 Helvenston, B. W., v, 133 Helvetic Rite, Grand
Orient of, iii, 23 8 Hempstead, Fay, v, 34, 42 f., op vi, S Hempstead,
Stephen, v, 22o Henderson, Illinois, v, 58 Henderson, D. J., iv, 65 Henderson,
David Bremner, v, 219 Henderson, James, iv, 22 Henderson, Thomas, vi, 93
Henderson, William, iv, 18 Hendrick, John, v, 98 Henning, William W., vi, 333
Henry IV, Statutes relating to Freemasons, i, 172 Henry V, Statutes of, i,
173; wars of, i, 174 Henry VI, Statutes relating to Freemasons, i, 173‑8o; Act
abolishing Congregations of Masons, i, 176; a Freemason, i, 18o Henry, Andrew,
v, 373, 374 Henry, Cotton, v, 248 Henry, Francis J., v, 275 Henry, William,
iv, 89 Hepner, Henry S., v, 392; vi, 469 Herbert, Algernon, quoted, i, 22
Hermann, Master L., v, 251 Hermes Trismegistus, i, 312 Hermeticism, i, 357
Hermeticism and the Rosi crucians, i, 356 Hermitage, the, vi, 232, 238
Herndon, Edward, v, 288 INDEX S2r Herrick, A. B., vi, 83 Herrick, Newell, v,
18 Herrington, Walter S., article by, iv, 69 f.; vi, 470 Hesperique, Grand
Orient of, iii, 268 Hesse‑Cassel, Grand Lodge of, iii, 156 Hewes, Joseph, vi,
6 Heyking, Baron, iii, 134, 292 Hickman, R. O., v, 4oo Hickman, William, v,
374 Hicks, John C., v, Io, 11 Hiester, Joseph, vi, 164 Higginbotham Male and
Fe male Academy, vi, 329 Higgins, Anacalypsis, iv, 226 Higgins, Inquiry into
the Origin of Languages, quoted, i, 21 Higgins, David W., iv, 17 Highfield,
William J., v, 104 Highmore, Joseph, ii, 84 Hightower, H. G., v, 2‑37
Hildburgshausen, Karl othe Wreath of Rue, iii, 147 Hill, Arthur, Viscount
Kilwarlin, Grand Master, 1785, 1786, ii, 2‑83; inaccuracies of early history,
ii, 277; Kingston, Lord, Grand Master, 1731, ii, 266; Kingston, Lord, ii, 274;
Kingston, Lord, Grand Master of both Irish Grand Lodges, ii, 275 ; Lady
Freemason, ii, 262; Lodge Uniform, ii, 288; Lodges, numbering of, ii, 288;
Lodge numbers, filling of vacant, ii, 291; Lodge numbers used instead of
names, ii, 292; Mitchelstown, Lodge of, ii, 276; Morgan, Mark Anthony, ii,
265; Mountjoy, Viscount, Grand Master, 1738‑3 9, ii, 278; Munster records, ii,
266; Munster, Grand Lodge of, Minutes, 1726‑33, ii, 266 Hill, Robert W., vi,
119, 121 Hillcrest disaster, iv, 6 Hilliard, James M., v, 121 Hillyer, Giles
Mumford, v, 2 Himrod, Charles, v, 166 Hinchliffe, J., IV, 5 Hindostan, Dutch
Lodges in, iv, 214 Hines, W. H., v, 47 Hinman, Eu ene E., article by, v, 491
~; vi, 470 Hinuber, iii, 148 Hiram, legend of, i, 117; ii, 70 f.
History Commission,
v, 29 History of Craft Masonry in Brazil, iv, 178 History of Freemasonry in
the District of Columbia, by Kenton N. Harper, v, 119 History of the Grand
Lodge of Ireland, quoted, iv, i4o History of the United Grand Lodge of
England, ii, 232 f. History of the West Indies, iv, 150 Hitler government,
Masonry under, iii, 16o Hoban, James, v, 109 Hobart, Garret Augustus, vi, 24
Hodges, Pleasant M., v, 223 Hodgson, Daniel, iv, 64 Hodson, John M., Masonic
History of the Northwest, quoted, vi, 133 Hogbin, G. H., iv, 3, 5 Hogg,
William Leonard, vi, 419 Hoisington, Perry M., v, 228 Hoit, Samuel, vi, lot
Holbrook, Amory, vi, 131 Holbrook Consistory, v, 15 Holbrook, Henry, iv, 13,
17 Holbrook, Moses, v, 366 Holford, William, ii, 167 Holland, Freemasonry in,
iii, 203; Assemblies of the Fraternity forbidden, iii, 204; Assemblies
allowed, iii, 205; Belgium, fusion with, iii, 216; Belgium independent, 1830,
iii, 217; Degrees revised, iii, 217; English activity ceases, iii, 7‑o9;
English supremacy, iii, 214; Francis, Duke of Lorraine, initiated, iii, 203;
Grand Lodge constituted, iii, 206; Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, iii, 218;
Grand Orient, iii, 216; Grand Orient, its present constitution, iii, 22o;
Grand Orient of France interferes, iii, 2.15; Grand Scots Lodge, iii, 203 ;
Hague, the, early Lodges at, iii, 203; High Degrees, iii, 2io; High Degrees,
rise of, iii, 214; Red Masonry, iii, 21o; stability and simplicity of, iii,
219; Strict Observance, iii, 214; Union Mother Lodge, iii, 205 Holland, Arthur
H., iv, 22 Holland, G. Allison, article by, v, 230 f.; vi, 471 Holland, John
H., v, 247, 251, 257, 267 Holland, Rogers, v, 137 Holliday, Thomas, v, 111
Holly, Charles F., v, 72 Holme, Randle, i, 368, 370, 372, 376, 378; ii, 18, 48
Holmes, Byron H., v, 302 Holwell, Zephaniah, hero of the Black Hole, iv, 199
Holy Royal Arch, the, iv, 283; Canada, iv, 288; Dermott, Laurence, iv, 285;
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, iv, 286; Jewish history as a basis, iv,
285; Scotland, iv, 284; York, iv, 284, 286 Home, George, iv, 27 Homer, Charles
C., v, 298, 308 Homestake lode, vi, 2io Honduras, lodges in, iv, 121 Honolulu,
v, 158 Honour, John Henry, v, 134 Hooper, Henry, v, 278 Hooper, Robert Lettis,
vi, 9 Hooper, Thomas W., vi, 331 Hope, Henry, v, 316 Hope, Historical Essay
quoted, i, 125 Hope, Robert Virgil, vi, 257 Hope MS., i, 35 Hopkins, James, v,
241 Hopkins, John Henry, vi, 164 Hopkinson, Thomas, vi, 162 Horan, James, v,
278 Horn, Williamson Hartley, vi, 255 Horn Lodge, the, ii, 53 Horne, Mathew,
iv, 218 Hornor, Joseph P., v, 463 Hornsby, Columbus, v, 222 Horster, Hermann,
iii, 106 Horwode, William, i, 134 Hospitallers of St. John, i, 9 522 INDEX
Hough, Joseph H., vi, 23 Houser, J. E., v, 207 Houston, Samuel, v, 36o; vi,
247 f., 262, 270, 272 Houston, Texas, vi, 269 Houstoun, George, v, 148
Houstoun, John, v, 153 Howard, Benjamin C., v, 297 Howard, Harry T., v, 371
Howard, John, v, 27 Howard, Samuel, v, 274 Howard, Stephen, v, 447 Howard,
William Henry, v, 416 Howe, Elias, vi, 214 Howe, Robert, vi, 68 Howe, William,
vi, 415 Howry, James Moorefield, v, 364, 367 Hoyt, Henry Martyn, vi, 164 Hoyt,
Melancthon, vi, 2og Hoyt, Otis, v, 350, 351 Hubbard, Thomas, v, 89 Hubbard,
William B., v, 49, 370; vi, 107, 255, 339, 392 Hubbell, Elizur, v, 56 Hubbell,
Ely P., article by, v, 121; vi, 471 Hudson's Bay Company, iv, 91 73; vi, 8o
Huggins, Augustus Z., vi, 33 Hughan, O. O., v, 119 Hughan, William James,
quoted, i, 24, 63, 389; ii, 100, 108 f., 119, 124, 132, 146 Hughes, Archelaus
Madison, vi, 2‑55 Hughes, Barney, v, 393 Hughes, Robert, v, 362 Hughes,
Thomas, v, 230, 231 Hughs, John, v, 71 Hull, Benjamin F., v, 225 Hull, John
J., v, 396 Hull, Joseph, vi, 126, 130 Hull, Richard, iv, 154, 230 Hume,
Patrick, ii, 324 Humphreys, Ansel, v, 212, 213, 221 Hunde, Baron, iii, 18
Hungary, Freemasonry in, iii, 166; British Labour Party's ban, 192o, iii, 169;
Casimir, Albert, iii, 166; decline of, iii, 168; Grand Lodge formed, 1870,
iii, 168; Grand Orient, iii, 169; Great War, work during the, iii, 170;
interference of the Emperor, iii, 167; introduction of, iii, 166; Joseph II's
rule, iii, 166; Masonic bodies dissolved, iii, 170; National Grand Lodge of
the Austrian States, iii, 167; Polish emigrants, iii, 167; revival attempted,
iii, 168; Symbolic Grand Lodge, iii, 169 Hunt, Andrew M., v, 2o5 Hunt, Charles
C., article by, v, 211, 216; vi, 472 Hunt Hunt: George W. P., v, 27 Hunt,
Phineas G. C., v, 207 Hunt, William Gibbs, vi, 251 Hunter, Andrew, vi, 8
Hunter, John, v, 172 Hunter, Robert, vi, 3 Huntington, Samuel, vi, 94, 96
Huntsville, v, 1, 3 f.
Hurd, Benjamin, v,
446, 448, 451, 473 Hurlburt, Vincent L., v, 196 Huston, William, v, 98
Hutcheson, William J., vi, 83 Hutchinson, Anderson, v, 3, 362 Hutchinson, E.
M., v, 4oo Hutchinson, J. L., v, 302 Hutchinson, John, vi, 213 Hutchinson, Wm.
Easton, v, 228 Hyam, D. B., v, 57, 6o Hyattsville, v, 301 Hyde, Archdeacon,
Parochial Annals of Bengal by, iv, 2o5 Hyman, Walter F., iv, 22 Hynde, George,
iv, 137 Idaho, v, 16o‑175 Idaho City, v, 16o, 164. Illinois, Freemasonry 1n,
v, 176‑196 Illinois, lodges in, v, 18o f., 181, 182 Illinois Masonic Orphans'
Home, incorporation of, v, 189 Illuminati, The, iv, 357 Imperial Council,
organisation of, v, 535 Inchiquin, Earl of, ii, 82; activities in 1752, ii,
159 Incorporation of Wrights and Masons, Edinburgh, 1475, ii, 315; Glasgow,
16oo, ii, 33o; Aberdeen, 1541, ii, 342 Independence Hall, vi, 154
Independence, Missouri, v, 382 Independence Rock, Wyoming, vi, 394; services
at, India, Freemasonry in, iv, 198; Country Lodges, iv, 205; Military Lodges,
iv, 2o5; lodges in, iv, 211; Freemasonry in native, iv, 226 f.
Indian Orphans' Home,
founded, vi, 114 Indian Territory, Oklahoma, vi, 109 Indiana, Freemasonry in,
iv, 13; v, 197‑210; lodges in, v, 197 f., 209 Indiana Council of High
Priesthood, v, 203 Indians, vi, 81, 38o; qualities of, vi, log f.; relation to
government, vi, 112 Indians of Five Civilised Tribes, vi, 122 Ingalls, John
J., v, 227 Inglefield, Edward A., iv, 53 Inglesby, Charles, vi, 206 Inglis,
Charles, vi, 46 Inglis, John Eardley Wilmot, iv, 53 Ingram, Arthur, ii, 1o2
Ingram, G. W., iv, 226 Ingram, Ira, vi, 265 Inigo Jones, i, 30, 54 Inkster,
William, iv, 20, 94; vi, 8o‑81 Inquisition, difficulties to Freemasonry in
Spain, iii, 2.65; persecution in Portugal, iii, 275‑79 Installed Master,
degree of, ii, 170 Iowa, Freemasonry in, v, 211221; lodges in, v, 211, 212
Iowa City, v, 211, 213 Iowa Masonic Library, v, 215 f.
Iowa State College,
v, 219 Iowa State Orphan Asylum, v, 214 INDEX 52‑3 Ireland, Freemasonry in,
ii, 261; Annesley, Francis Charles, Viscount Glerawley, Grand Master, 1787 and
1788, ii, 283; Books of Constitutions, ii, 286, 287; Charters, ii, 273 ; Cork,
Grand Lodge held at, 1728, ii, 269; Cork, Minutes of the Lodge at, 1726‑49,
ii, 271; Cork Warrants, ii, 289; Deacons, appointment of, ii, 293; Deane,
Robert Tilson, ii, 2.83; Donoughmore, Richard, Earl of, Grand Master,
1789‑1913, ii, 2‑83; Dublin Weekly ,journal, 1725, an extract, ii, 261; early
records lost, ii, 28o; evidence of existence before 1725, ii, 262; Grand East
of Ulster, ii, 2.85; Grand Lodge of Ireland, 1725, ii, 261; Grand Lodge held
at Cork, 1728, ii, 269; Grand Master's Lodge, ii, 28o; Griffith, Thomas, ii,
265 ; High Knights Templar of Ireland, Kilwinning Lodge, 1779, ii, 290
Ireland, William M., v, 3o6; vi, 352 Irion, John Thomas, vi, 257 Irregular
Makings, ii, 8o; prevention Of, 1730, ii, 86; further complaints of, 173940,
ii, 93; further check on, 1753, ii, 96; in Scotland, ii, 310, 386 Irvine, G.
Darcy, ii, 284 Irvine, John H., vi, 364 Irving, Washington, vi, 2o8 Irwin,
David, vi, 251 Irwin, Robert, v, 336 Isaac, William M., v, 29o Isaacs, William
B., vi, 330, 340 Isis, Mysteries of, i, 12, 13 Isis and Osiris, rites of, i,
12 Israel, Joseph, v, 96, 98 Italian Masons, Papal favours to, i, 282 Italian
Travelling Architects, i, 283, 285 Italy, Freemasonry in, iii, 241; Ancient
and Accepted Rite constitutes a new Grand Orient, iii, 250; Cisalpine
Republic, iii, 247; Fascists, iii, 253; four Grand bodies, iii, 25o;
Garibaldi, iii, 251; Genoa, iii, 246; Grand bodies gradually amalgamate, iii,
251; Grand Orient and National Grand Lodge, attempted union of, iii, 253;
Grand Orient proclaimed, 1862, iii, 249; introduction Of, iii, 241; Kingdom of
Italy, iii, 248; Lombardy, Milan, iii, 246; Naples and Sicily, iii, 242;
National Grand Lodge, iii, 252; opposition of the four Scots' Councils, iii,
249; Papal States, iii, 244; Sardinia (Piedmont and Savoy), iii, 247; Tuscany,
Florence, iii, 245; Venetia, iii, 247 Iturbide, coronation of, iv, 1o6 Ives,
Benjamin, iv, 33 Ives, Edward Rutledge, v, 134 Ives, George, trial of, v, 394
J Jachin and Boaz, i, 79 Jackson, Andrew, v, 9, 130, 282; vi, 56, 109, 227,
229, 230, 237, 244, 328 Jackson, Charles E., vi, 83 Jackson, Charles T., iv,
26 Jackson, Frank D., v, 22o Jackson, James, v, 146, 155 Jackson, General
James, v, 156 Jacksonville, East Florida, v, 59, 129; first convention at, v,
183 Jacob, Abraham, v, 18 Jacobites, connection with Masonry, iii, 3 Jacobson,
Charles H., v, 85 Jacques, Maitre, i, 114; Sons of, a division of the
Companionage, i, ioi; Legend Of, i, 103, 114 Jalisco, iv, 111 Jamaica, iv,
125; Freemasonry in, iv, 137; lodges in, iv, 138 James, William, vi, 285
Jamison, David, vi, 5 Japan, Freemasonry in, iv, 193 f Jarvis, William, iv, 70
f. Java, iv, 196 Jebb, Richard, iv, 219 Jefferson, Thomas, v, 373 Jeffries,
Charles L., v, 31 Jenkins, Augustine, vi, 230 Jenkins, Benjamin W., v, 3o6
Jenkins, Francis, v, 172 Jenkins, William, iv, 65 Jenks, Aldro, article by,
vi, 38o f., 472 Jennings, Berryman, v, 57; vi, 130, 132, 356 Jennings, John
D., v, 344 Jennings, Jonathan, v, 199 Jerusalem, lodge in, iv, 79 Jesuits, in
Brazil, iv, 179; v, 2 John Scott handbook, vi, 317 Johnson, President Andrew,
v, 113; vi, 237, 245 Johnson, Charles, iv, 236 Johnson, Charles, quoted, vi,
65 Johson, Charles F., v, 273 Johnson, Charles W., v, 132 Johnson, D. F., vi,
281 Johnson, David, vi, 2o6 Johnson, Frank H., v, 237 Johnson, G. W., v, 366
Johnson, H. A., v, 194 Johnson, James H., v, 256, 371 Johnson,James R., vi,
200, 201 Johnson, John, iv, 280; vi, 44 Johnson, John Henry, v, 371 Johnson,
Lacey B., iv, 18 Johnson, Melvin M., v, 422; report of, iv, 156 f.; article
by, v, 309 f.; The Beginnings of Freemasonry in America, by, vi, 186, 473
Johnson, Robert, v, 233 Johnson, Robert M., v, 30, 48 Johnson, Samuel, vi, 69
Johnson, General W., v, 197 Johnson, William, iv, 205, 273 Johnson, flight and
arrest, iv, Johnson, imposture of, with Hunt, iv, 334 Johnston, John, vi, 231
Johnstone, L., iv, 52 Joiners, ceremony, i, 77 Jonas, Abraham, v, 183‑184
Jones, Anson, vi, 262, 266; quoted, vi, 272; death of, vi, 273 524 INDEX
Jonas, Joseph, vi, 103 Jones, Charles, v, 110, iii Jones, Edward, v, 474
Jones, Francis D., v, 400 Jones, J. C., iv, 66 Jones, Jacob, v, 101 Jones,
John Paul, iii, 2o; vi, 416 Jones, John T., v, 183 Jones, Michael, v, 179, 373
Jones, Noble, v, 14o f., 147, 152 Jones, Rees C., v, 204 Jones, Samuel, vi,
334 Jones, William, v, 197 Jones, William Hemphill, v, 101 Jonville, Chaillon
de, v, 521 Jordan, Robert C., v, 404, 410 Jordon, Jonathan, v, 95 Jose
Bonefacio de Andrada e Silva, iv, 177‑178 Joseph I, iii, 276 Joseph II,
Emperor of Germany, iii, 165, 258 Joseph, J. Lelio, iv, 136 Jouast, iii, 21
Journeymen Fraternities, i, 192 Journeymen Lodge, ii, 312; Charter of, 1715 (Decreet
Arbitral), ii, 313; Edinburgh, ii, 332; not included in Grand Election, 1736,
ii, 376 Jourolmon, R. D., v, 127 Joyce, James, ii, 228 Juarez, Benito,
President of Mexico, iv, 1i1 Judd, William, vi, 415 Jugo‑Slavia, Freemasonry
in, iii, 307, 310 Julianus a Campis, i, 328 Junod, Albert, v, 528 Justices of
the Peace, author ity regarding Statutes of Labourers, i, 18o K Kadosh, v, 15
Kahl, A., statement of, regarding Swedenborg, iv, 348 f. Kalakaua, King of
Hawaii, v, 158; vi, 63 Kalb, Baron de, burial of, iv, 274 Kamehameha IV, King,
v, 158 Kane, Elisha Kent, iv, 65; vi, 163 Kansas, Freemasonry in, v, 222‑229;
Masonic Home, v, 226 Kansas City, v, 222 Karageorghiades, John, iii, 318 Karl,
Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, iii, 151 Karl of Hesse, iii, 92 Karl XIII, in
Sweden, iii, 2o2, 230 Karl of the Wreath of Rue, Hildburgshausen, iii, 147
Karns, John P., v, 39 Kaskaskia, letters from, v, 176; first lodge in
Mississippi Valley, v, 373 Kavanaugh, Benjamin F., v, 2o6; vi, 381 f.
Kay, A. M., iv, 5
Kealy, O. W., iv, 4 Keator, Frederick W., vi, 361 Keen, Alpheus Augustus, vi,
34 f.
Keevil, J. J., iv,
181 Keiper, J. Claude, editor and reviser of the Code, v, 119 Keir, William,
iv, 210 Keith, Alexander, iv, 46, 51 f. Keith, James, Grand Master in Russia,
iii, 173 Keith, John, iii, 173 Keith, Wilbur, vi, 282; article by, vi, 262 f.,
474 Keith, William, iv, 154; v, 137 Kellermann, iii, 54 Kellie, Earl of, Grand
Master of Scotland, 1763‑64, ii, 391 Kellogg, Joseph, vi, 130, 356 Kellogg,
Orean, vi, 356 Kellogg, Orrin, vi, 130 Kelly, W. Redfern, quoted, v, 432 ‑
Kelsey, H. B., vi, 273 Kelso, Lodge of, and the introduction of the system of
three Degrees into Scotland, ii, 310; independent until 1753, ii, 311, 362
Kelso Minutes, The, ii, 29 Kemble, William, ii, 87 Kemp, Anthony Fenn, iv, 224
Kemp, James, vi, 320 Kend all, Nathan E., v, 22o Kendrick, W. Freeland,
recommendations of, v, 536 Kennaly, John, v, 165 Kennedy, Daniel, vi, 227
Kennedy, John, v, 18; vi, 227 Kennedy, William N., iv, 22 Kennelly, Thomas, v,
315 Kennerly, James, v, 377 Kenniburg, John, v, 123 Kent, Archer, iv, 241
Kent, Duke of, Provincial Grand Master for Canada, attended Grand Lodge of
England, 1813, ii, 194; Grand Master of the Antients, 1813, ii, 185, 194, 195
Kentucky, v, 1, 3, 3o; Freemasonry in, v, 230‑237 Kenworthy, Robert Judson,
iii, 231, 309 Kenyon, William S., v, 219 Keokuk, Iowa, v, 57 Kerr, David, v,
291 Kerr, James, iv, 312 Kerr, R. H., iv, 223 Ketchum, Charles H., v, Keyser,
George, v, 297 Khan, Abdul Hassan, iv, Khan Askeri, iv, 194 Kilbourne, James,
vi, 91, 100 Kilby, Edward Flint, iv, 193 Kildare, Marquess of. See Fitzgerald
Kilkead, Joseph, v, 96 Kilmarnock, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1742,
ii, 383 Kilmarnock, K i l w i n n i n g Lodge of, ii, 312 Kilty, John, v, 278
Kilwinning, erection of, ii, 14; Minutes of, ii, 27 Kilwinning Lodge, High
Knights Templar of Ireland, ii, 29o Kilwinning MS., i, 34 Kilwinning, Mother
Lodge of, ii, 301; Lodges constituted by, ii, 312; Lodge of old, ii, 331;
minute book of, ii, 307; Hamilton, Lodge of, ii, 332; Peebles, Lodge of, ii,
337; Torphichen, Lodge of, ii, 337; Lodge of St. John, at Haddington, 133 194
INDEX 52‑5 ii, 361; Scots Arms, Lodge of, founded 1729, ii, 378; recognised
three Degrees only, ii, 402 Kimball, Joseph, v, 374 King, Dr., principal, iii,
7 King, Francis, v, 204, 205 f. King, Thomas Starr, v, 64 King, William, v,
265 King, William D., v, 358 King's Bench Prison, a Lodge in, ii, 2o9 King's
Chapel, iv, 29; cornerstone of, v, 269 Kingsbury, Jacob, v, 474 Kingsley,
Nathan, v, 467 Kingston, Viscount, ii, 84; Grand Master of England, 1729 ii,
367 Kingston, Viscount, Grand Master of Ireland, 1731, ii, 266, 274 Kingston
Convention, iv, 44, 721 140 Kinigl, Sebastian Francis Joseph, iii, 302 Kinkaid,
John, v, 111 Kinney, Thomas, vi, 8 Kinsey, John L., v, 102 Kintore, John, Earl
of, Grand Master of England, 174041, ii, 93, 376; Grand Master of Scotland,
1738‑39, ii, 383 Kirby, Ephraim, v, 450 Kirkwood, Samuel J., v, 22o Kitchener,
Earl, iv, 233 Kittson, N. W., iv, 2o Kleinhaus, Mrs. De, iv, 115 Klondike
region, vi, 361 Kloss, Dr. George, Congrega tions of Masons, i, 166, 177, 18o
f , ii, 170; iii, 3, 20, 28, 104 Knevitt, Coort, ii, 81 Knight of the Court of
Honour, v, 514 Knights of the East, iii, 30; iv, 356 Knights Hospitaller of
Malta, iv, 81 Knights of Malta, iii, 178 Knights Templar, iv, 36, 6o, 93; v,
14 f., 237, 283, 301; history of, i, 217 f.; at York, ii, 279; of Ireland, ii,
29o; origin of, ii, 403; in Scotland, ii, 352, 397; Degrees, iv, 53; Florida,
v, 134; ceremony of, v, 473 Knipe, Dr., early references to Freemasonry, i,
365 f. Knittle, Frank S., vi, 399 Knott, J. Proctor, v, 235 Knott, Richard F..
v, 11, 14 Knowlton, Roswell W., vi, 83 Knox, Frank, v, 174 Knox, Henry, vi,
416 Komensky, Jan Amos, iii, 305 K6nigsberg, iii, 152 K6ppen, iii, 116
Krause's MS. or Prince Edwin's Constitution of 926, i, 48, 21o Krebes, Jacob
E., v, 286 Krebs, C. J., v, 47 Kreider, Michael Z., v, 346 Kreps, George, v, 3
Kronke, Martin, iii, 125 Kugler, Frank J., v, 302 Kuhn, William F., v, 390,
467 f. Kurtz, Daniel, v, 111 Kuschelev, iii, 198 Kuykendall, William L., vi,
402 Labady, iii, 38 Labelle, Charles, ii, 84 Laborde, John, v, 304 Labouchere,
iv, io Labourers, Ordinance of, i, 154; Ordinance of 1349, i, 162 f.
Labuzan, Bartholomew,
v, 2, Lacey, Roger Hugh, v, 143 f. Ladies' Friend, The, v, 58o Lafayette,
George Washing ton, v, 100, 257, 281 Lafayette, Marquis de, tour of, iv, 277;
v, 12, 100, 193, 202, 247, 257, 267, 28o; vi, Lafayete, India a v, 58 Laflin,
Herbert N., vi, 388 Laflin, John W., vi, 388 La Framboise, Joseph, vi, 21o
Lalande, De, iii, 21, 23 Lamball, Jacob, ii, 92 La Misericordia, iv, 130
Lamonby, W. F., Some Notes L on Freemasonry in Australia, iv, 138, 242 Lane,
Masonic Records by, iv, 141, 186, 241 Lane, Hardage, v, 378 Lanesborough, Earl
of, ii, 264 Lang, Ossian, Masonic Ac tivities in Finland, iii, 231, 307; iv,
236; vi, 4o, 306, 474 Langley, John, iv, 233 Langtry, Hiliary, vi, 251 Lanham,
Samuel T., vi, 2o2 Lanney, Pere, v, 304 Lansdowne MS., i, 28 Lansing,
corner‑stone of capi tol at, v, 339 Larkin, Edward, iv, 64 Larkins, John
Pascal, iv, 212 Larmenius Charter, the, i, 214 Larmenius, John Marc, i, 216
Larner, Noble D., v, 462 Larrabee, Henry C., v, 286, 299, 301 Lassen, Peter,
v, 54 Latham, Bela, vi, 1o2 Latrobe, John H. B., v, 286, 298, 3o6 Lattimore,
Walter O., v, 49 Laureltown, v, 96, 98 Laurens, J. L., Essai historique, iv,
170 Laurie, J. Wimburn, iv, 28, 53 Lavigne, Frangois, v, 241 Lavradios, the,
iv, 179 Law, John, v, 203 Lawes, Thomas, v, 278 Lawler, George, vi, 363 Lawley,
Robert, ii, 91 Lawrence, Charles, iv, 33, 53 Lawrence, Frank, vi, 59 Lawrence,
Henry C., v, 203, 207 Lawrence, James, v, 99 Lawrence, Jason, v, 238 Lawrence,
Robert E., v, 225 Lawrence, Samuel C., v, 2o9, 326 Lawrenceburg, v, 197 Lawrie,
J. W., iv, 52 Lawrie, History of Freemasonry, 111, 13, 205, 313 Lawson, J.
Murray, iv, 52 Lawson, James, ii, 127 Lawson, Loton, vi, 54 Lawton, Dwight F.,
vi, 381, 391 526 INDEX Layne, Carney M., vi, 343, 349 Lea, Stephen, v, 28
Leake, John M., v, 3 Leavenworth, v, 223 Lebanon, Grand Orient of, iv, 196
Lechangeur, iv, 352 Leddle, William, vi, 9 Lee, Arthur K., vi, 396 Lee, Bert
S., v, 1o6, 390, Soy Lee, E. Smith, v, 338 Lee, Harry, vi, 416 Lee, Robert E.,
v, 171 Lee, Samuel A., v, 56 Leeper, Matthew, v, 30; vi, log Leeward Islands,
iv, 147 Lef&bre, J. B. M., v, 257 Lehow, George, v, 68 Leigh, Peter, vi, 203
Leinster Lodge, iii, 287 Leinster, Second Duke of. See Fitzgerald Leipsic,
Minerva of the Three Palms, iii, 143; Baldwin of the Linden, iii, 144 Leith,
Kilwinning, Lodge of, ii, 378 Leith and Canongate Lodge, ii, 331 Lejeune, John
A., vi, 423 Leland‑Locke MS., the, i, 2o2 Leland Stanford, Jr., University, v,
65 Leleiohoka, Prince, v, 158 Leloup, Louis, v, 304 Lemert, Mrs. Florence M.,
vi, 411 Lemmon, George P., v, 47 Lemmon, Reuben C., v, 464 Lemon, Joseph, v,
27 Lemonnier, Y., v, 257 Lemonnier, Yves, v, 243, 247 Lennon, John G., v, 352
Leonhardi, J. P. von, Frank fort Provincial Grand Master, ii, 2o8; iv, loo;
resigned office, 1792, iv, io1; again Frankfort Provincial Grand Master, 1820,
iii, 103, 129; Iv, 103; resignation, 1826, and death, 1830, iv, 104 Leopold
II, iii, 168 Le Parfait Mafon, iv, 296 Lernais, Gabriel de, iii, 114 Lernais,
Marquis de, v, 507 Leslie, Gaylard M., v, 2io Leslie, Robert, Grand Secretary
of the Antients, 1783, ii, 186; stood down from Grand Secretaryship, 1785,
returned to office, 17901813, ii, 188, 191 Lesser Antilles or Caribbee
Islands, Freemasonry in, iv, Lessing, Gottfried Ephraim, opinion on Masons, i,
7 Le Strange, Hamon, iv, log, 11o Le Sueur, Charles, vi, 207 Lethrbury,
Peregrine, v, 277, 290 Levasseur, Histoire des Classes Ouvrieres en France, i,
93; iv, 290; v, 100 Leven, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1741, ii, 383;
1759‑6o, ii, 391 Levert, Eugene V., v, 12 Lewis, Cornewall, Methods of
Observation, i, 111 Lewis, David P., v, 11 Lewis, James H., v, 196 Lewis, John
L., v, 456, 459 Lewis, Meriwether, v, 373, 390; vi, 80 Lewis, Morgan, vi, 48,
56 Lewis, Morris, vi, 3 Lewis, Romeo, v, 127 Lewis, Seth, v, 358 Lewis, Thomas
H., v, 250 Lewis, W. E., v, 131 Lewis, Warner, vi, 321, 322 Lewis, Winslow, v,
325 Lewis and Clark expedition, vi, 2o8, log, 211 Lexington, Missouri, vi,
329; College moved to, v, 380 Lexington, Massachusetts, battle of, v, 153,
230, 236 Ley de Asociaciones, iv, 145 Leykam, Matthew, in, 143 Liberia,
Freemasonry in, iv, 231 Ligon, Seth W., v, 3 LIImmortalit6 de 1'Ordre, ii,
224, 225 Lincoln, Abraham, v, 40, 51, 196, 376; vi, 2o8, 249, 369 Lincoln,
Francis, v, 302 Lindbergh, Charles A., v, 390 Lindsay, Charles Robert, iv, 212
Lindsay, N. J., iv, 2 Lininger, George W., v, 412 Lislet, Louis Casimir Eliza
beth Moreau, v, 239, 240, 242, 244, 257 Litchfield, Connecticut, v, 87, 88
Little, John P., vi, 335, 347 Little, Robert Wentworth, iv, 314 Little,
William Charles, iv, 312 Little Rock, Arkansas, v, 31, 34, 39, 43 Livings, H.
A., iv, 182 Livingston, Edward, vi, 48, 51 Livingston, George W., v, 287
Livingston, Robert, v, 257 Livingston, Robert R., vi, Lloyd, John R., v, 4oo
Lloyd, Rolla, v, 365 Loball, Stephen, v, 456 Lockhart, Robert, ii, 179
Lockhart, Samuel, iii, 17 Lodge, Ancient Land‑Mark, v, 268 Lodge, earliest
intimations of, 1, 130 Lodge, first in Louisiana Ter ritory, v, 374 Lodge,
French derivation of, Lod 11 ge of Alnwick, records of, i, 381 f.
Lodge of Friendship,
ii, 225 Lodge of journeymen, i, 29; in Edinburgh, ii, 332 Lodge of Perfection,
v, 304 Lodges in Mexico, history of, iv, 111 f.
Lodges, warranted by
Quebec, iv, 70 f.
Lofland, James P., v,
io1 Logan, John A., v, 195 Logansport, Indiana, v, 201 Lombard, James, v, 359
Lombardy, Freemasonry in, iii, 246 Lonaconing, v, 301 London, H. F., v, 49
Long, Isaac, iv, 302 Long, J., iv, 2o6 Long, Odell S., vi, 379 Long Livers, i,
357 INDEX 52‑7 Long's Bar, v, 54 Longer, A., v, 257 Longfield, Robert, ii, 275
Longman, R. A., v, 255 Loomis, David Burton, v, 347, 350, 351, 352 Looney, J.
S., v, 49 Lopez, Bartholomew, v, 248 Lopez, Carlos Antonio, iv, 171 Lopez,
Francisco Solano, iv, 171 Loquet, Spire, v, 245 Loring, Israel, v, 359, 371
Loring, Joshua, iv, 33 Lorraine, Duke of, ii, 88 Lorraine, Francis Stephen,
Duke of, iii, 161 Louandre, i, 9o Loudoun, Earl of, ii, 9,7 Louis d'Argent
Lodge, iii, 22 Louisbourg, iv, 30, 31 f.; v, 320 Louisiana, v, 3, 31, 238‑261;
lodges in, v, 242 f.; relief in, v, 256 Louisiana Gazette, v, 375 Louisiana
Purchase, Treaty, v, 373; vi, 80, 207 Louisiana Relief Lodge, organisation of,
v, 254 Louisiana State University, v, 258 Louisville, Kentucky, v, 236
Lounsberry, Clement A., vi, 82 Lounsbury, Andrew, v, 171 Lounsbury, George E.,
v, 493 1'Ouverture, Toussaint, iv, 130 Love, Thomas, v, 230 Lovejoy, Asa L.,
vi, 130 Lovell, Lord, ii, 87 Lowndn, Frank O., v, 196; vi, 409 Lowe, Harry W.,
v, 103 Lowell, Jacob, vi, 82 Lowndes, Joseph M., vi, 399, 402 Lowndes, Thomas,
v, 488 Loyalists, iv, 41 Lucas, Robert, v, 211, 217 Lucayas, the, Freemasonry
in, iv, 152 Lucy, Godfrey de, i, 130 Ludlow, Augustus C., v, 99 Ludlow, John,
vi, 98 Luse, M. R., vi, 213 Lusk, Levi, v, 187 Lusson, Louis Jean, v, 239, 0
Luxemburg, Duke of, iii, 33, 37 Lynch, John A., v, 286 Lynchburg, Virginia,
vi, 352 Lynde, Elliott, v, 204 Lyon, D. Murray, premier historiographer of
Mother Kilwinning and Lodge of Edinburgh, ii, 3o6; iii, 4, 8; opinion of,
regarding Royal Order of Scotland, iv, 3o8 Lyon, Robert W., v, 382 Lys,
George, iv, 219 Lytle, Robert T., vi, 103 Lytle, William, vi, 227 M Macaria, i,
355 Macarty, Augustin, v, 243 MacBride, Thomas Huston, V, 219 MacDonald,
Charles J., iv, 50, 52 Macdonald, George, iv, 3, 4, 8 MacDonald, James, iv, 53
Macdonald, J. T., iv, 4 MacDonnell, Randal William, ii, 281 Macdougall, George
D., iv, 52 MacDowell, Allen, v, 463 Machias, v, 262 Mackay, A. M., iv, 67, 68
Mackay, J. C., iv, 5i Mackay, Mungo, ii, 33, 41, 61; iii, 24; iv, io6, 163,
186; v, 83, 117, 119, 121, 193, 2o6, 252, 305, 325, 365, 459, 462 Mackenzie,
Kenneth R. H., i, 25; iv, 314, 3 50 Mackett, William, iv, Zoo, 205 Mackey,
John William, v, 64 MacKinnon, Laughlin M., iv, 57 MacLean, John B., vi, 82
Macleod, M. J., iv, 5 MacNeill, Roderick, iv, 57 MacNider, Hanford, v, 219
Macoy, Robert, work of, v, 365; vi, 428 f., 441, 446 f. MacCoy, W. F., iv, 52
Macglashan, John Charles, iv, 142 MacGregor, Alexander, v, 230 Madison,
Wisconsin, vi, 391 Madras, Freemasonry in, iv, 215 f.; first Chapter of the
Ancient and Accepted Rite, iv, 221; Masonic Institution for Maintaining and
Educating Children, iv, 223 Madrid, Lodge of, ii, 84 Magnan, Marshall, iii,
79, 80, 81, 269; iv, 188 Magoffin, J. H., vi, 212 Mahlmann, Master of the
Minerva, iii, 144 Maier, Michael, i, 328 Main, John Hanson Thomas, v, 219
Maine, Freemasonry in, v, 2‑62‑273; Portland Lodge, Charter of, v, 263, 264
Majors, Thomas J., v, 405, 414 Makubbin, Richard, v, 298 Malcolm, Alexander,
v, 274 Malcolm, George R., vi, 363 Malcolm, Neill, iv, 195 Malcolm Canmore
Charter, the, i, 2o8 Malden, C. H., History of Freemasonry on the Coast of
Coromandel, iv, 215 Malezovich, de Ladislas, Sketch of the Earlier History of
Masonry, iii, 17 Maloney, Hall, v, 259 Malowansky, John, iv, ii Malta,
Freemasonry in, iii, 282; Bishop's Edict against the Union of Malta Lodge,
iii, 285; Lodge of St. John and St. Paul, iii, 283; Mark Degree, iii, 289;
other Lodges, iii, 288; Royal Arch Chapter, iii, 288; Union of Malta Lodge,
iii, 286; Wright, Waller Rodwell, iii, 282; Zetland Lodge, iii, 287 Malta,
Knights of, connexions with Russia, iii, 178 528 INDEX Manasse, Dionysius,
iii, iii Manchester, Duke of, ii, 207 Manitoba, iv, i, ig‑25 Manlove,
Christopher A., v, 0 Mann, Charles H., v, 302 Mann, Jabez, vi, i 19 Mannheim,
Grand Orient of Baden, iii, 154 Manningham, Dr. Thomas, i, 288 Manson,
Frederic E., vi, 475; article by, vi, 144 f. Manual o f the Eastern Star, The,
vi, 441 Manuscripts, Apocryphal. (See also Apocryphal Manuscripts), i, 2o2 Mar
and Kellie, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1881‑84, ii, 401 Marat, Lucien,
vi, 63 Marc, F., v, 238 Marcellino, Joachim, iv, 179 Marconis, Jacques
Etienne, iv, 233, 326, 328, 350, 351 Marietta, City of, building of, vi, 87
Marinho, Joachim Saldanha, iv, 179 Marion, David Wooster, vi, 416 Marion,
Francis, vi; 204 Maritime Provinces, iv, 26 f.; review of sketch, iv, 61 Mark
Degree, Scotland, iii, 2.61; iv, 2‑go; introduced into England by Dunckerley,
iv, 291; Bon Accord Royal Arch Chapter of Aberdeen, iv, 292; its recognition
in Freemasonry, iv, 294; in Malta, iv, 289; in Madras, iv, 158 Mark Master
Degree, iv, 22o; vi, 97 Mark Master's Lodges, v, 293 "Mark Twain," Samuel
Clemens, v, 63 Marks, Masons'. See Masons' Marks Marlborough, Duke of, iii, 1,
5 Marmillion, A., v, 239 Marquis of Ripon, iv, 56 Marras, A. P., The Secret
Fra ternities of the Middle Ages, by, 1, II Marsh, Daniel, vi, 9 Marshall,
Ben, vi, i i i Marshall, James H., vi, 83 Marshall, James W., v, 55; vi, 129
Marshall, John, discovery of, v, 50; vi, 325, 326 Marshall, Robert, iv, 55, 59
Marshall, Thomas R., v, 105, 21o, 441 Marshall, William J., v, 400, 401
Marston, Anson, v, 219 Martaleau, Roettiers de, iii, 50 Martin, Benjamin F.,
vi, 375 Martin, Edwin J., v, 371 Martin, Fran~ois Xavier, quoted, vi, 66, 72
Martin, John, v, 146, 198 Martin, Joseph, vi, 227 Martin, Paul M., v, 225
Martin, Robert K., v, 286, 299 Martin, W. M., motion of, iv, 97 Martinique,
Freemasonry in, iv, 149 Martyrs, emblems of, i, 236 Martyrs, The Four Crowned
or Four Holy, i, 221 Marvin, Enoch M., v, 391 Marvin, Ernest L., v, 4oo Mary's
Chapel, united corporation of, ii, 315, 395 Maryland, Freemasonry in, v,
274‑3o8; lodges in, v, 276; Wyatt, v, 288; lodges in, v, 291; Grand Commandery,
v, 303 "Maryland Work," vi, 16 Marysville, v, 54 Marx, Abraham, v, 18, 24
Mascareno, Paul, iv, 53 Masefield, R. B., iv, 170 Maskelyne, Nevil, iii, 24
Mason, Henry F., v, 228 Mason, William E., v, 196 Mason Word, The, in English
Freemasonry, i, 396; in Scottish Lodges, ii, 25 Masonic and Eastern Star Home,
v, 114; and Eastern Star Home, North Carolina, vi, 79; Benefit Society, ii,
218; Benevolence, growth of, ii, 258; Bureau of New Jersey, vi, 2o; Charity
Foundation, v, 9o; College at Cokesbury, South Carolina, vi, 2o2; college,
plans for, v, 380; college, vi, 329; Constitutions or Charges, the earliest, i,
13o; education and research, iv, 99; guilds, origin of, i, 130; Hall, burning
of, v, 38; Hall, building of, iv, 223; Hall, corner stone of, iv, 49; Home in
Indiana, v, 199; Home of Missouri, plans for, v, 386; Home, New Jersey, vi,
18; Home and School, proposed, iv, 6; Home in Delaware, dedication of, v, 104;
Home, at Wallingford, v, 9o; Home for Children, v, 259; Home, magnificent, v,
234; Home, establishment of, v, 234; Home, building of, v, 344; Home of
Missouri, v, 388; Home, near Butte, Montana, v, 401; Home at Charlestown, v,
326; Home of Florida, v, 131; Museum, v, 216; relief in California, v, 65;
Service Association of Missouri, v, 387, 389; Temple, corner stone of, iv, 68;
Temple, Raleigh, vi, 77; Temple, burning of, v, 285, 316; Temple, corner stone
laid, v, 254 f.; Widows' and Orphans' Home, v, 37, 234 Masonic Light, vi, 203
Masonic Outlook, The, vi, 61 Masonic Peace Memorial, ii, Masonic Stone of
16o6, iv, 26 Masonic Trowel, v, 38 Masonic Veteran Association of Maryland, v,
289 Masonic War Relief Association, v, 467 Masonry, Medixval Operative. See
Medixval Operative Masonry Masons' Company, London, the, i, 241; meetings, i,
248; Members styled Freemasons, i, 247; Charter granted, 1677, i, 245; Stat‑
INDEX 529 ute of 1666, regarding the rebuilding of the City of London, i, 244;
on equal footing with Carpenters' Company, i, 243; Arms of Masons, i, 2411
Masons, connections with actual building, i, 251 f.; overseers and workers,
two classes, i, 142 Masons' Marks, i, 142; Godwin, G., on, i, 142, 143, 145;
shapes and meanings, i, 143; Chevalier da Silva, i, 144; tombstones and
monuments, i, 145; trademarks, relation to, i, 145; Merchants' marks, i, 145
English buildings, i, 1146; Scottish, i, 147; French examples, i, 147; Irish
examples, i, 147; German, i, 148; Roman buildings, i, 148; Strasburg
Architects, i, 149; Steinmetzer, i, 149; Freemasons, i, 1149; Hindu, i, 149;
Arabian, i, 150; Compound Marks, i, I5o; Egyptian, i, 1151; Assyrian, i, 151;
Chaldean, i, 151; Babylonian, i, 151; Phoenician, i,152 Masons, regulations
for the trade of, i, 166 Massachusetts, Freemasonry in, v, 309‑327; lodes
established by, v, 3IO Massey, Louis C., v, 132 Masson, Edward, v, 302 Masson,
William, ii, 130 Master Mason, The title, ii, 32 "Master Workmen," i, 136
Mather, C. W., v, 397 Matthew, Thomas, Grand Master of the Antients, 1767, ii,
181 Matthews, Edwin, vi, ioo Matthews, Mark A., vi, 361 Mathewson, David, v,
359 Maurin, Charles, v, 257 Mauritius or Isle of France, Freemasonry in, iv,
239 Maximilian Empire, establishment of, iv, Io9 Maxwell, William, vi, 8, 256
Mayer, John F., vi, 352, 353 Mayhew, J. M., vi, 432 Maynard, William, ii, 274
Mayo, William H., v, 391, 504; vi, 1211 Mayronne, Dominique, v, 238 Mazzoni,
iii, 251 McAllister, Claude J., v, 400 McAllister, James, vi, 356 McAra,
Mayor, iv, 1o2 McArthur, Arthur, v, 39 McAuley, Auley, v, 222 McBeath, John,
v, 98 McCahan, George L., v, 286, 289, 293, 299, 301, 463 McCall, George, v,
95 McCall, Mark, v, 95 McCallum, James, vi, 238, 255 McCandless, Frank N., vi,
362 McCann, W. D., v, 183 Mccargo, W. H., v, 366 McChesney, William B., vi,
408 McClellan, George B., vi, 164 McClure, P. F., vi, 222 McConnell, Alexander
E., v, 248 McConnell, Hugh, v, 95 McConnell, Ralph, v, 98 McCord, David, v, 3
McCormick, Alexander, v, III; vi, I00 McCormick, Andrew T., v, III McCoskey,
Alexander, v, 197 McCoy, Robert, vi, 58 McCreary, James B., v, 236 McCreight,
John Foster, iv, 17 McCron, John, v, 302 McCullogh, John, v, 225 McCully, J.
W., vi, 131 McDaniel, John, v, 49 McDaniel, John Robin, vi, 350, 352 McDavitt,
Patrick, vi, 47 McDonald, Alexander, vi, 193 McDonald, Bedney F., v, 56
McDonald, George, vi, 23 McDougal, Thomas, v, 13 McElkiney, Michael, v, 279
McElroy, Thornton, F., vi, 356, 357 McEwen, James, vi, 46 McFadden, O. B., vi,
357 McFadden, O. O., v, 67 McFarlane, Dugald, v, 2, Io McGarraugh, Joseph, v,
95 McGill, John, v, III McGillivray, Simon, iv, 73, 89 Mclachlin, Edward F.,
vi, 423 McGregor, Daniel, vi, 41 McGregor, David, article by, vi, I f., 475
McGregor, George L., vi, 83 McIlvain, Hugh, v, 230 McIntosh, Harvey S., v, 225
McIntosh, McLachlan, ii, 161 McJilton, John N., v, 298 McKay, Oliver Lee, v,
369, 371 McKean, Joseph W., v, 31 McKechnie, John, iv, 24 McKenzie, Alexander,
v, 122 McKenzie, James A., v, 235 McKenzie, John, iv, 96 McKeown, Angus, iv,
18 McKinley, President William, v, 84, 131, 2119‑22o; vi, 96, 259 McKinney,
Richard T., v, 181 McKisick, James, v, 30 McKissack, William, vi, 7, 111, 23
McLaren, E. D., iv, 18 McLean, George M., v, 91 McLean, William Allen, v, M
Clellan, David, iv, 328 McLeod, W. J. B., iv, 340, 349 McCormick, John, Grand
Sec retary of the Antients,17859o, ii, 188 McMahan, Robert, v, 373 McMicking,
R. B., iv, 18 McMillion, William A., v, 370; vi, 98 McMullan, William, v, 472
McNab, Allan Napier, iv, 74 McNair, Alexander, v, 375, 390 McNeil, A., iv, I
McNeily, A. J. W., iv, 67 McPherson, Granville, vi, 113 Mead, William Cooper,
vi, 165 Medairy, Jacob H., v, 299 Media;val Operative Masonry, i, I2o f.;
Parentalia, i, 121; Pownall T., Governor, i, 1122; Hall, Sir James, i, 123;
Roman Collegia, i, 126; early customs, i, I28; Masons' remuneration, i, 530
INDEX 129; Lodge, the, i, 130; Guilds, i, 130; grips and signs, i, 132;
Architects, i, 133; deterioration of, i, 138 Medicine Hat, Canada, iv, 3 Meek,
Alexander A., v, 197, 198 Meek, I. Edgar, v, 174 Meeker, Moses, vi, 382 Meigs,
R. J., vi, 97, 99, 100 Melesino, Count, and Russian Freemasonry, iii, 177
Melish, William B., vi, 122 Mellen, William Pepperill, v, 289, 363, 367
Mellinet, General Grand Master, 1865, iii, 81 Mellon, Andrew, vi, 164 Melody,
George C., v, 181 Melrose, Lodge of, ii, 367 Melrose MS., i, 35, 51, 52
Melrose, No. 3 MS., i, 41 Melville, H., Revelation of Mysteries, iv, 226
Melville, Robert, iv, 148 "Memories of Old Cahaba," by Mrs. Fry, v, 4
Mendenhall, J. R., v, 204 Mendoza, Manuel de, iv, 143 Mercer, Hugh, vi, 416
Mercer, James, vi, 320, 323 Meredith, Edwin Thomas, v, 219 Meredith, Gilmor,
v, 3o6, 308 Meredith, William B., vi, 16o Merrill, John, v, 161 Merrill,
Samuel, v, 22o Meux, Thomas O., v, 3 Mexican Masonic Council, Members of, iv,
115 Mexican Masonry, An Inside View of, iv, 114.
Mexican National
Rite, iv, 1o8 Mexican War (see War with Mexico), v, 381, 390 Mexico, Masonry
introduced into, iv, 1o5, 116 Mexico City, meeting of lodge, iv, io9 f.;
convention in, iv, 113 Meyer, Charles E., v, 121 Meyrick, William, ii, 244
Michael, Prince, iii, 311 Michigan, Freemasonry in, v, 328‑346; first Masonry
in, v, 328; first Grand Lodges, v, 32‑8f.; Euro pean affairs affecting, v, 329
f.; periods of history, v, 330; Indians in, v, 331; British military lodges,
v, 334; question, the, v, 342 Middle Ages, German towns of, i, 67 Middleton,
Peter, vi, 44 Middleton, Samuel, iv, zoo Middleton, S. H., article by, iv, 1
f.; vi, 476 Middletown, v, 87 Mikkelson, Lars P., v, 16o,'165 Milan,
Freemasonry in, iii, 246 Milen, James G., iv, 22 Miles, Nelson A., v, 64
Military Lodges, ii, 19o; iv, 34, 36, 41, 63, 70, 84, 86; v, 381 f.; vi, 416
f., 422 Millard, Josiah, v, 374 Millechop, James, v, 1oi Miller, Christopher,
v, 359 Miller, David J., vi, 33, 34, 53 Miller, George, v, 184 Miller, John,
iv, 207 Miller, Michael, v, 302 Miller, Robert A., v, 189 Miller, Simon, iv,
138 Miller, William, vi, 214 Miller, William Edward, v, 219 Millikin, Robert,
quoted, ii, 266 Mills, Earl C., v, 535 Mills, James, v, 275 Mills, John H.,
vi, 78 Mills, William, vi, 88 Milne, A. R., iv, 18 Milne, John, and his
descendants, ii, 327‑329 Milner, James, vi, 71 Milner, William, ii, 112
Milnor, James, v, 374; vi, 163 Miltenberger, C., v, 245, 257 Minerva of the
Three Palms, Leipsic, iii, 143 Minne‑drinking, ii, 4o Minneapolis, v, 348
Minnesota, Freemasonry in, v, 346‑357; organisation of Grand Lodge, v, 349 f‑;
lodges outside jurisdiction, v, 355; first corner stone in, 150, v, 354
Minnesota Chronicle, The, v, 346 Minnesota Historical Society, v, 354 Minorca,
Freemasonry in, iii, 263 Minute Book, discovery of original, iv, 84 Minute
Books, discovery of, iv, 92 Minutes, record of, iv, 84 Mississippi,
Freemasonry in, v, 358‑372; first lodge in, v, 358; lodges in, v, 358; r6sum6
of record, v, 372 Mississippi Plan, v, 368, 496, 497 Mississippi Territory, v,
358 Missouri, Freemasonry in, v, 373‑391; State organised, v, 376; period of
adjustment after Civil War (18611875), v, 384 f.; era of development
(1875‑1900), v, 385; Masonic publications, v, 3 89 Missouri Masonic College,
v, 187 Mitchell, Charles Bullen Hugh, iv, 195 Mitchell, Eli, vi, 265 Mitchell,
J. G., v, 28 Mitchell, J. W. S., v, 12 Mitchell, John, ii, 395; v, Mitchell,
Joseph Henry, 510 vi, 420 Mitchell, Nathaniel, vi, 230 Mitchell, Samuel, v, 47
Mitchelstown, Lodge of, ii, 276 Mithraism, rites of, i, 12 Mithras, worship
of, i, 15 Mittnacht, Henry, v, 396 Mix, Charles H., iv, i9; vi, 8o Mix, John,
v, 88 Mobile, Ala, v, 1, 2, 5, 6, 1o, 14, 15 Mock, Fred G., v, 173 Mocranowski,
Andrew, iii, 293 Mode, Edward B., v, 103 Moderns. See Antients Moffet, Lot, v,
351, 352 Moffett, James T., v, 203 Moira, Earl of, created Mar quis of
Hastings, ii, 214, 220, 394 Mokler, Alfred J., vi, 394 f., 399, 476 INDEX 531
Molart, William, i, 130 Molay, Jacques de, i, 216 Mold, C. Trevor, iv, i7o
Moleson, R., v, 274 Molinari, Juan, iv, 165 Monasteries, dissolution of, 1,194
Monihon, James D., v, 24 Monilaws, George, iv, 1 Monitor, by Webb, v, 7
Monitor of the Eastern Star, The, V, 580 Monroe, President James, V, 30) 130;
vi, 238, 325 Monroe, Moses, iv, 65, 67 Monson, Jose Maria, iv, 167 Montagu,
John, ii, 3, 88 Montana, Freemasonry in, V, 392‑402; first settlers, v, 392;
discovery of gold, v, 393; coming of the road agents, v, 393 f.; execution of
George Ives, v, 394f.; Vigilantes, V, 395 f.; history of early lodges, v, 398
f.; first Masonic Temple, v, 399; Grand Masters, v, 400; Knights Templar, v,
4o2; Royal and Select Masters, v, 402; Scottish Rite, v, 402 Montana City, v,
392 Monte Video, iv, 174 Montezuma, Viscount Jequi tinhonha, iv, 178 Montford,
Joseph, vi, 67 Montgomery, Alabama, V, 3 5, 13, 14, 15, et seq. Montgomery, E.
A., article by, v, 346 f.; vi, 477 Montgomery, Hugh, vi, 227 Montgomery, John,
ii, 356 Montgomery, L. D., v, 58 Monticello, v, 48 Montijo, Count de, iii, 266
Montoya, Matilda, iv, 115 Montreal, iv, 88; capture of, iv, 30, 35 Montr6sor,
J. G., iii, 262 Montrose, Lodge of, seventeenth‑century references, ii, 370;
gloves, ii, 371 Montserrat, Freemasonry in, iv, 150 Moody, J., vi, 336 Moody,
William, iv, 365 Moore, Charles W., v, 288 Moore, D. C., iv, 51, 52 Moore,
David, v, 319 Moore, Ernest R., v, 219 Moore, Gabriel, v, 3, 9 Moore, George
Fleming, v, 16; vi, 353 Moore, J. A., v, 72 Moore, J. C., iv, loo Moore,
James, V, 373 Moore, Captain John, iv, 37, 210 Moore, W. J. B. MacLeod, iv, 55
Moors, Jeremiah, v, 338 Moose Jaw, Canada, iv, 101, 102 Moray, Earl of, Grand
Master of Scotland, 1744, ii, 386 Moray, Robert, i, 333, 334 Mordhurst, Henry
M., v, 2o6 More, Henry, i, 318 Moreau, Louis Lassons, v, 373 374 More ead, A.
H., v, 18 Morel, John, v, 153, 155 Morelos, iv, 111 Moreno, Gabriel Garcia,
iv, 163 Moreno, Garcia, iv, 163 Morgan, Andrew Jackson, v, 352 Morgan, G. W.,
v, 257 Morgan, Mark Anthony, Junior Grand Warden of Grand Lodge of Ireland,
ii, 265 Morgan, William, vi, 328 Morgan, William, made member in Nova Scotia
Lodge, iv, 45 Morgan, William, effect of, v, 378 f.; vi, 53 Morgan excitement,
the, iv, 45, V, 6, 11, 110, 112, 177, 18o, 281, 297, 379; vi, 13, 53 f‑, 95,
1o2, 281, 3o6 Morgan MS., i, 42 Morin Certificate, v, 52o Morin, Stephen,
carries pat ent to America, iv, 131, 297 f. Moris, Jose Perez, iv, 143 Mormon,
the war, V, 54 Mormons in Navoo, v, 184 f. Morning Post, The, iv, 64
Morning‑speech, the word, ,3 Morow, John, Grand Master of Lodge of Melrose,
1135, ii, 368, 369 Morris, John, v, 31 Morris, Lewis, vi, 5 Morris, Robert, v,
385, 579; vi, 17, 443 f. Morris, Thomas, ii, 5o Morris, Thomas C1wen, vi, 236
Morrison, James, v, 230 Morristown, New Jersey, v, 96; vi, 8 Morritt, J. S.,
ii, 124 Morse, Nelson D., v, 58, 187 Morse, Sidney, Freemasonry quoted, vi, 68
Morton, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1739, ii, 93 f., 383 Morton, Jacob,
vi, 48 Morton, Myron, V, 51 Morton, William, vi, 264 Mosaic Book of the
American Adoptive Rite, vi, 440 f. Moses, A. B., vi, 356 Moses, B. F., iv, io
Mosquera, President of Co lombia, iv, 161 Moss, Edward G., vi, 67 Mosse,
Charles Benjamin, iv, 142 Mother Kilwinning Lodge (see Kilwinning), ii, 301 f.
Moulton, George M., v, 2, 3, 5, 196 Moultrie, William, vi, 204 Mount Vernon,
V, 84 Mountain Meadow Massacre, v, 382 Mountjoy, Viscount, Grand Master of
Ireland, 1738‑39, ii, 278 Mower, George S., vi, zoo Moyer, J. S. B., v, 133
Mozambique, Freemasonry in, iv, 240 Mt. Clemens, convention at, v, 339 Muerman,
John Charles, v, 173 Muhlenberg College, vi, 163 Muhlenberg, John Peter, vi,
163 Muir, James, v, 1o8 Mulcaster, Frederick George, V, 122 532 INDEX Mullett,
John, v, 336, 338, Mundee, Charles, v, 223 Munn, Jepthah B., vi, 13 Munnich,
Baron G. O. von, Copenhagen, iii, 201 Munro, G. G., iv, 149 Munroe, Timothy,
vi, 55 Munster, Grand Lodge of, 1726‑33, ii, 266 Munster Records, ii, 2.66
Murat, Prince Lucien, Grand Master of Grand Orient of France, 1852, iii, 53,
72, 73, 75, 307 Murdock, George, iv, 1, 5 Murfree, Colonel Hardy, vi, 227, 231
Muri, Daniel J., v, 400 Murphy, John, v, 3 Murphy, John, v, 9 Murphy, Paul H.,
v, 37 Murray, Adam, iv, 56 Murray, Humphrey, vi, 162 Murray, J. E., iv, 245
Murray, Robert, iv, 53 Murray, William, ii, 324; v, 230 Murrell, Hamilton, v,
284 Murrow, Joseph Samuel, vi, 111,119 Murton, J. W., iv, 57 Muscatine, v, 211
Myer, John H., article by, v, i6o f., 172; vi, 478 Myers, Joseph M., v, 51o;
vi, 332 Mylne, Johne, family of, ii, 327 f. Mysteries, Ancient. See Ancient
Mysteries Mystic Shrine, The, iv, 56, 61; v1 534‑541; requests for membership,
v, 535; hospitals of, v, 536 f.; growth of, v, 537 f.; temples of, v, 538 f.
Mystic Spring, The,
iv, 17 N Napier, Charles, iv, 254 Napier, Walter John, iv, Naples, Freemasonry
in. Sicily Napoleon I, iii, 6o, 259; iv, 195 See 135, 232 Napoleon, Prince
Jerome, iii, Napoleon, Joseph, last Grand Master of France, iii, 69, 265
Napoleon III, iv, 188 Narvaez, Marshal, iii, 268 Nascent Dawn Lodge, Frank
fort, iii, 102, 103 Naselli, Diego, iii, 243 Nash, C. W., iv, 19; vi, 8o, 81
Nashville, vi, 234 Nashville, battle of, v, 258 Nataqua, Republic of, v, 55
Natchez, Mississippi, v, 358 National General Grand Lodge, formation of a, v,
National Grand Lodge of All German Freemasons at Berlin, iii, 122;
Constitutions, 1843, iii, 130; England, break with, iii, 129; Frederick
William of Prussia, Master of the Order, 186o, iii, 131; Frederick William
resigned, 1874, iii, 131; Graefe finds discord in German Lodges, iii, 128;
Sweden withdraws support, iii, 127; Sweden, compact with, 129; Zinnendorff,
iii, 123; Zinnendorff's compact with England, iii, 126; Zinnendorff, death of,
iii, 128 National Grand Lodge, in Germany, iii, 128 National Grand Lodge of
Russia, lodges comprising, iii, 181 f.
National Grand Lodge
of Saxony at Dresden, iii, 139 National Sojourners, Inc., organisation of, vi,
424 Natural History of Wiltshire, John Aubrey, i, 26o Naudain, Arnold, v, loo
Naude, Gabriel, i, 331 Neblett, R. S., vi, 285 Nebraska, Freemasonry in, v,
403‑415; Bellevue site of the first white settlement, v, 403; Masonic Eastern
Star Home for Children, v, 407; Masonic Home and Infirmary, v, 407; Orphans
Educational Fund, v, 407 Needham, C. A., iv, ioo Negro, Grand Lodges, iv, 367
Negro Masonry in the United States, iv, 364 f. Negroes as Masons, vi, 15
Neilson, John W., v, 469 Nelson, Lord, iv, 39, Z10 Neo‑Platonism, i, 310, 312
Nesbitt, Charles A., vi, 330, 352, 353, 354 Netherlands, Grand Lodge of the,
iii, 218 Nettlebladt, iii, 130 Neufchatel, Freemasonry in, iii, 236 Nevada,
Freemasonry in, v, 416‑421; first Commandery of Knights Templar, v, 419;
Cryptic Masonry, v, 420; Eastern Star, v, 42‑1 Nevada City, v, 54, 74, 223 6
Ne i lle, Wendell C., vi, 423 Nevis, Freemasonry in, iv, 15o New, John C., v,
2o8 New Age, The, v, 523 New Brunswick, iv, 26, 44, 57 f.
New Castle, v, 96, 98
New Granada, iv, 154 New Hampshire, Freemasonry in, v, 422‑430; lodges in, v,
425; Capitular Freemasonry, v, 426; Grand Royal Arch Chapter, v, 427; first
Commandery of Knights Templar, v, 428; Scottish Rite, v, 429 New Haven, v, 87
New Jersey, Freemasonry in, vi, 1‑28; the first lodge, vi, S Grand Lodge of,
vi, 9 f.; lodges in, vi, 11; districts of, vi, 21 New Masonic Trestle Board,
by Moore, v, 12 New Mexico, Freemasonry in, vi, 29‑39 New Orleans, Louisiana,
v, 8, 12, 40, 240, 250, 253, 494 New school of Masonry, in Mexico, iv, io8 New
South Wales, Freemasonry in, iv, 242 f.; Grand Lodge of, iv, 243; lodges in,
iv, 243; Royal Arch INDEX 533 Masonry first practised in, iv, 244 New York,
Templars in, v, 479 f., Freemasonry in, vi, 40‑65; new schisms, vi, 57;
Masonic Halls, vi, 59; general activities, vi, 61; the Sojourner's Plan, vi,
62; foreign relations, vi, 62; German, French, vi, 63; various nationalities,
vi, 64; Latin District Lodge, vi, 64 New Zealand, Freemasonry in, iv, 247 f.;
Grand Lodge of, iv, 248; Royal Arch Masonry in, iv, 248 Newark, v, 98 Newby,
Leonidas Perry, v, 207 Newby, Thomas, v, tog Newcastle Courant, The, iv, 255
Newcomb, Simon B., vi, 33, 34 Newell, George A., v, 504 Newfoundland, iv,
62‑‑6p; early history of, iv, 62 f.; lodges in, iv, 63 f. Newlin, Harry F., v,
103 Newman, Adam, ii, 275 Newman, George, v, 359 Newman, Joseph, v, 359
Newton, Isaac, ii, 38 Niagara Brethren, iv, 71, 72 Niblack, Mason J., v, 198
Nicaragua, Freemasonry in, iv, 123 Nichol, Bradford, v, 504; vi, 252, 254
Nicholai, theory of, i, 8 Nicholas I, iii, 198 Nichols, John, vi, 79
Nicholson, Ebenezer, iv, 43 Nickerson, L. J., vi, 420 Nickerson, Sereno D., v,
326 Niles, Daniel, vi, 214 Niles, Hezekiah, v, 298 Nimmo, Matthew, vi, 89
Nisbet, Michael, v, 39 Nisbet, William, Grand Mas ter of Scotland, 1746, ii,
387 Nixon, Knight J. B., iv, 57 Nolan, Cornelius B., v, 400 Noorthouck, John,
editor or compiler o f Book of Constitutions, 1784, ii, 141, 210 Norfleet,
James, vi, 232 Norfolk, Duke of, 1730, ii, 85 Norfolk, first Military Lodge,
Scotland, 1743, ii, 383 Norris, George D., v, 11 Norris, Robert Cicero, iv,
180 Norris, Thomas John, iv, 180 Norris, William Hutchinson, iv, 180 North
Carolina, v, 2, 3, 212; Freemasonry in, vi, 66‑79; lodges in before
Revolution, vi, 73 f.; officers of Grand Lodge, vi, 74; Charter of Grand
Lodge, vi, 76f.; education and Freemasonry, vi, 78; orphanage, v1, 79 North
Dakota, Freemasonry in, vi, 80‑84; lodges in, vi, 82; Grand Lodge of, vi, 83;
relief and welfare, vi, 83 f. Northern jurisdiction, v, 515, 517 Northern
Light Lodge, iv, 94 Northern Pacific Railroad, vi, 81 Northwest, importance
of, v, 330 Northwest Company, iv, 73 Northwest Mounted Police, iv, 1 Northwest
Territory, vi, 85, 86 Norvell, Joshua, v, 376 Nor‑walk, Connecticut, v, 87
Norway, Freemasonry in. See Sweden Nounnan, Joseph F., vi, 290 Nova Scotia,
iv, 26; lodges in, iv, 40 f.; lodges established in by Grand Master Keith, iv,
47; Consistory, iv, 56; Chapters in, iv, 6o f. Novikov, N. J. and Russian
Freemasonry, iii, 175, 186 Noyes, A. C., v, 28 Nunes, Albert, v, 59 Nunez,
Josh Gabriel, iv, 154 Nutt, James S., vi, 432 Nutt, Jonathan, iv, 15 Nutt,
Walter Frederick, iv, 195 Nye, Ichbod, vi, 97 Nye, Jonathan, v, 184, 427, 452;
vi, 310 O Oahu, Island of, v, 159 Oakley, Allen M., v, 31 Oathout, John M., v,
39 O'Brien, James, the Hon., Grand Master of Munster, 1726, ii, 266, 274
O'Brien, Terence, iv, 65 O'Brien, William Smith, v, 64 O'Connell, MauriceC.,
iv, 252 Odenheimer, H., vi, 164 Odom, Fred M., v, 258 O'Etzel, iii, 121 Ogden,
Moses, vi, i i Oglethorpe, James Edward, v, 138 f.
Ohio, Freemasonry in,
vi, 85108; first settlement of, vi, 89; Grand Lodge, formed, vi, 92; Grand
Lodge, progress of, vi, 95 f.; lodges in, vi, 92 f.; Capitular Freemasonry,
vi, 96; Royal Arch Lodge, vi, 96; the order of high priesthood, vi, 101;
Cryptic Freemasonry, vi, 102; Grand Council organised, vi, 103; the orders of
Knighthood, vi, 104; Commandery of Knights Tem lar, vi, 104; Charter for
ncampment, vi, 105 f.; Scottish Rite Freemasonry, vi, 107 Ohr, Charles H., v,
286, 298 O'Kennedy, James, vi, 169 Oklahoma, Freemasonry in, vi, 109‑124;
Grand Lodge of, vi, 113 f.; Educational Loan Fund, vi, 114; Orphans' Home,
building of, vi, 116; Territory organised, vi, 116; first Cryptic Work, vi,
118; erection Crypt, vi, 119; Commanderies in, vi, 121 Oklahoma Agricultural
and Mechanical College, vi, 114 Oklahoma Mason, vi, 124 "Old Charges," MS.,
versions of the, i, 27 f., 40 Old Charges in Scotland, ii, 15 Old Charges of
British Freemasons, i, 24; Constitutions, i, 24; great variety in, i, 26;
manuscript ver‑ 534 INDEX sions of, i, 27; late transcripts of, i, 4o; printed
copies, extracts or references, i, 42.; partial reprints, i, 48; laws in
operation in fourteenth century, i, 49; new articles, i, 5o; apprentice
charge, i, 51; ordinary versions, i, 55; copies at present in existence, i,
63; 1. Halliwell, i, 27, 48; 2. Cooke, i, 2.7, 50; 3. Lansdowne, i, 28; 4.
Grand Lodge, i, 2.8; 5. York, No. i, i, 2.9; 6 and 7. Wilson Nos. i and z, i,
30; 8. Inigo Jones, i, 30, 54; 9. Wood, i, 31; io. York, No. 3, i, 31; 1i.
Harleian, 1942., i, 31, 50; 12.. Harleian, 2.054, i, 32; 13. Sloane, 3848, i,
33; 14Sloane, 332.3, i, 33; 15. Buchanan, i, 33, 55; 16. Kilwinning, i, 34;
17. Atcheson Haven, i, 34; 18. Aberdeen, i, 34; 19. Melrose, No. 2, i, 35, 51;
2o. Hope, i, 35; 2.1. York, No. 5, i, 35; 2.z. York, No. 6, i, 36; 23.
Antiquity, i, 36; 24. Supreme Council, No. 1, i, 37; 2.5. York, No. 4, i, 37;
26. Alnwick, i, 37; 2.7. York, No. z, i, 38; 28. Scarborough, i, 38; 2.9. Pa
worth, i, 39; 30. Gateshead, i, 39; 31. Rawlinson, i, 40; 32.. Spencer, i, 40,
54; 33‑ Woodford, i, 41; 34. Supreme Council, No. z, i, 41; 35. Melrose, No.
3, i, 41; 36. Tunnah, i, 41; 37. Wren, i, 41; 38. Dermott, i, 42.; 39. Dowland,
i, 42; 40. Dr. Plot, i, 43; 41. Hargrove, i, 43; 42. Morgan, i, 42; 43‑
Masons' Co., i, 44; 44. Roberts, i, 44; 45. Briscoe, i, 45; 46. Baker, i, 46;
47. Cole, i, 46; 48. Dodd, i, 46; 49. Harris, i, 47; So. Batty Langley, i, 47;
51. Krause, i, 48 Old Constitutions, according to, ii, 145 f.
"Old Customs," v,
141, 143 Old Kilwinning St. John, Inverness, Lodge of, ii, 331 Old Masonic
Lodges of Pennsylvania: Moderns and Ancients 1730‑1800, v, 12.2 Old St.
Stephens, early capital, v, 5 Oldham, Williamson S., v, 31 Oliver, Historical
Landmarks by, iii, 18 Oliver, George, iii, 17 Oliver, Robert, vi, 88, 92., 96,
Oliver, Thomas, v, 373, 374 Oliveira, D', iii, 2.8 Omdat ‑ ul ‑ Omrah Bahadur,
letter of, iv, 216 O'Neale, William, v, 111 Ontario, iv, 69‑81 Operative
Masonry, ii, 24, 70; vi, 144 Operative Masonry, Medixval. See Medixval
Operative Masonry Oppel, Karl, iii, 107 Oracle, v, 2.6 Orahood, Harper M., v,
76 Order of the Eastern Star (see Eastern Star), v, 22.5; vi, 224 Order of
High Priesthood (see States), v, 363 Order of the Justices of the Peace, i,
257 Order of the Mystic Shrine, vi, 22.4 Order of the Secret Monitor, iv, 316
Order of St. John of Jerusalem, iii, 15 Order of St. Lazarus, iii, 15 Order of
the Temple in the U. S. A., The, v, 471‑490 Orders for the Masons and Workmen,
i, 128 Ordinance of Labourers, 1349, i, 154, 162 Ordinances, distinction from
Statutes, i, 160 Ordinances of 1459 and 1563, i, 72 Oregon, Freemasonry in,
vi, 125‑143; founding of, vi, 12.5 f.; first towns in, vi, 128; Willamette
Lodge, officers of, vi, 132‑; Williamette Lodge, well known members of, vi,
134; Grand Lodge, vi, 134; Grand Lodge, officers of, vi, 136 f.; names of
founders of Masonry, vi, 138 f.; Royal Arch Masonry, vi, 140; Cryptic Masonry,
vi, 140; Knights Templars, vi, 141; The Masonic and Eastern Star Home, vi,
141; Scottish Rite activities, vi, 141; Educational Fund, vi, 142 Oregon, the
ship, v, 52 Oregon City, leading community, v1, 12.7, 135 f.; first lodge west
of Rocky Mts., vi, 356 Oregon Spectator, vi, 355 Oregon Trail, the, vi, 125,
126, 12‑8, 397 Orlady, George B., vi, i6o "Orphan Fund," v, 161 Orphanage,
Bethesda, oldest in America, v, 152. Orphans' Home for boys, Uruguay, iv, 175
Orr, James Lawrence, vi, 206 Ortiz, Antonio Romero, iii, 271 Osborne, Captain
Henry, iv, 62 Osborne, John, iv, 33 Osgoodby, George M., v, 503 Osiris,
Mysteries of, i, 12 Osterrieth, i, 73 Otey, James Hervey, vi, 2.51 Otis,
James, v, 321 Oughton, James Adolphus, Lieut.‑Gen., Grand Master of Scotland,
1769‑7o, ii, 185, 391, 392 Ousely, Gore, iv, 194 Outline of the Rise and
Progress of Freemasonry in Louisiana, v, 2‑38 Ovas, James A., iv, 6, 24, 2.5;
article by, iv, 19; vi, 480 Overton, John, vi, 227, 2‑2‑91 232, 259 Overton,
Samuel R., v, 127 Overton, Winston, v, 258 Owen, George Washington, Oven,
Thomas, v, z, 9 Oxford, Rawlinson Collection in the Bodleian Library, iv, 198
Oxnard, Thomas, iv, 33, 62; v, 91, 274, 318 INDEX 535 P Pacaud, Mathurin, v,
143 Pacha, Bessim Eumer, iii, 315 Packer, William Fisher, vi, 164 Palermi,
Raoul V., iii, 153 Palestine, Freemasonry in, iv, Palgrave, Francis, quoted, i,
12.6 Palmer, E. D., v, zo9 Palmer, H. L., v, io6, 1o9; vi, 2 Palmer, Joel, vi,
119 Palmer, John M., v, 196 Palmer, Santiago R., iv, 145 Palmer, Thomas, v,
370 Pamar, R., v, 141 Panama, Freemasonry in, iv, 12‑2 Panama Canal, iv, III
Pangal, Jean, iii, 3o6, 308 Papal States, Freemasonry in, iii, 2‑44;
incorporated with France, 18og, iii, 145 Papworth MS., i, 39 Paquet, Peter,
vi, 131 Paracelsus, Philippus, Aureolus Theophrastus, i, 318 Paradis,
Ferdinand, iii, 301 Paraguay, Freemasonry in, iv, 171 f.
Paraguay, Symbolic
Grand Lodge, iv, 173 Parentalia, i, 1zo‑2‑1; compiled by Christopher Wren,
junior, i, 267; inaccuracies, i, 2.68; publication, i, z67; Wren, Sir
Christopher, not alluded to as a Freemason, i, 269, 2‑82 Paris Masters, iii,
39 Parisian Hanse, i, 87 Parker, Captain, iv, 49 Parker, Carl Rust, vi, 409
Parker, Edwin L., v, 301 Parker, Frank, vi, 413 Parker, Henry, v, 152 Parker,
John, ii, 12‑7 Parker, John M., v, 2‑58 Parker, Richard, vi, 330 Parker, Sir
Peter, iv, 139 Parker, Theodore E., v, 348 Parkham, K. W., article by, vi, 217
f.
Parkins, J. E., vi,
197 Parkman, Samuel, v, 32‑5 Parlierer, i, 78 Parmelee, Edward C., v, 85
Parmelee, W. L., v, 4oo Parr, John, iv, 39 Parr, Samuel, ii, 88 Parsel,
Thomas, v, 31, 48 Parsons, Barney, v, iii Parsons, John R., vi, 432 Parsons,
Lewis E., v, ii Parsons, Richard, ii, 264 Parsons, Samuel Holden, vi, 415
Prtrdge, Sylander, v, 352Parvin, Newton Ray, v, 2‑16 Parvin, Theodore Sutton,
iv, 114; v, 211, 116, 221, 48o; vi, 83, 212, z I9 Pasco, Samuel, v, 131 Pasha,
Mustapha, iii, 310 Pasha, Zaghloul, iv, 136 Pashley, Thomas, v, 123 Passing of
a Race, The, iv, 17 Patricians, i, 67 Patron Saints of English Guild, ii, 37
Patterson, John, v, 97 Patterson, Robert S., iv, 5, zz Pattison, Robert Emory,
vi, 164 Patton, William S., v, 364 Paul, E. B., iv, 18 Paul, G. W., v, 16o,
161 Paulen, Ben S., v, 228 Paxton, William Gallatin, v, 368 Payne, Archibald,
v, 1I2Payne, George, ii, 2, 4, 57 f., 64, 81 Payne, M. B., vi, 421 Pearce,
James, vi, Ioz Pearl, Cyril, v, 171 Pearl, Dyer, vi, 251 Pearson, A. T., v,
305 Pearson, William B., vi, 29 Pease, George A., vi, 131 Peay, Nicholas, v,
31 Pedraza, Gomez, president of Mexico, iv, Io6 Peebles Kilwinning Lodge, ii,
Peebles, Thomas K., v, 204 Pegram, Thomas Edward, v, I Pelham, Charles, v,
32‑2 Pelissier, Jean, iii, 308 Pelton, Lester A., v, 64 Pemberton, William Y.,
v, 395 Pembina, iv, 19 Pena, Joaquin, iv, 113 Penn, James, father of the
"Alabama Work," v, 7; vi, 2‑39 2‑54 Penn, Springett, ii, z67, 275 Pennell,
John, first Irish Book of Constitutions, ii, 186 Penney, Thomas, vi, 419
Pennsylvania, Freemasonry in, vi, 144 f.; Deputation to Daniel Coxe, vi, 146
f.; Grand Convention, vi, 149; Grand Lodge, vi, 152. f.; Freemasons' Hall, vi,
154; Grand jurisdiction, vi, 154; Masonic Charity of, vi, 158; Masonic Temple,
vi, I59; Elizabethtown Masonic Homes, vi, I6o; Masonic Homes, vi, 161;
Capitular Masonry, vi, 165; Cryptic Masonry, vi, 166; Templar Masonry, vi,
166; Scottish Rite Masonry, vi, 167 Pennsylvania Gazette, vi, 146 Pennsylvania
Grand Encampment of 1797, v, 481 Penny, William B., v, 225 Pennypacker, Samuel
W., vi, 164 Pensacola, Florida, v, III, Pepper, IAbel C., v, 2.03, zo6 Pepper,
James H., v, 1o6 Pepperell, William, Colonel, iv, 31 Pepys, quoted, i, 316
Perdiguier, Agricol, and the Companionage, i, 2‑5, 99107; ii, 73 Pereira, F.
G. da Silva, iii, 2 8o Perez, Benito, iv, 134 "Perfect Youth" requirement, v,
314 Perkins, Constantine, v, z, 9 Perkins, George Douglas, v, 219 Perkins,
Thomas M., iv, 138 Pernambuco, iv, 179 Pernety, Antony Joseph de, iv, 322
Pernot, Frangois, v, 2.43 Perry, Horatio G., v, 3, 9 Perry, James, Deputy
Grand Master of the Antients, 536 INDEX 1787‑90, ii, 189, 191, 194, 245 Perry,
John A., v, 122 Perry, John S., v, 121 Perry, William Watson, vi, 388
Pershing, John J., v, 388, 414 Persia, Freemasonry in, iv, 194 Peru,
Freemasonry in, iv, 166 f.; lodges in, iv, 166 f.; Irish Lodges in, iv, 168
Peter the Great, iii, 173, 178 Peters, B. Lester, iv, 59 Peters, Christian G.,
v, 297 Peters, William, portrait painter, ii, 21o Peterson, Edward, vi, 175
Peterson, Victor, v, 173 Pethion, President of Hayti, iv, 133 Petite Concord
Lodge, Berlin, iii, 114 Petition of the Committee, iv, 85 f.
Petre, Lord, work as
Mason, 11, 205, 207 Petroff, History of Russian Literature, quoted, iii, 175
Pettgrew, Geo. A., vi, 207 f., 220, 479 Pettygrove, Francis W., vi, 132 Pfarr,
J. W. J., iii, 1o6 Pfeffer, Charles, vi, 222 Pfouts, Paris S., v, 73, 396
Phelps, James A. E., vi, 262, 266 Philadelphia, iv, 36o; vi, 185 Philalethes,
Eugenius, i, 343, 359, 36o Philippine Islands, Freemasonry in the, vi,
169‑174; first Masons, vi, i7o; Freemasonry during the Spanish Regime, vi,
170; the coming of the Americans, vi, 171; formation of the Grand Lodge, vi,
172; spurious and imitative bodies, vi, 173; Lodges, iv, 196 Philipps, Erasmus
James, iv, 29 Philipps, Richard, iv, 29 Phillips, Alexander, v, 248 Phillips,
Caleb, vi, 176 Phillips, Elias, vi, 23 Phillips, Isaac, vi, 58, 62 Phillips,
James, v, 318 Phillips, John, iii, 173; vi, Phillips, Thomas, v, 230 Phillips,
Ziba M., iv, 73 Phips, William, iv, 28 Phister, Armand P., v, 1i Phoenix,
Thomas, v, 17, 298 Phripp, Matthew, vi, 320 Piatt, William F., vi, 8, 57
Pichot, A. W., v, 249 Pickens, Andrew, vi, 204 Pickens, Israel, v, 2, 9
Pickett, Thomas J., v, 349 Piedmont, Freemasonry in, iii, 247 Pierce,
Benjamin, President, v, 52 Pierce, Ned, v, 28 Pierson, A. T. C., iv, 19, 21;
v, 349, 351, 352, 354; vi, 8o Pietri, Aristides Simon, Historical Resume of
Ancient and Modern Freemasonry, iv, 145 Pike, Albert, iv, 127, 299; v, 315,
37, 41 f., 47, 78, 116 f., 296, 3o6, 361, 457, 459, 507, 526; vi, 1_2, 113,
239, 351, 155 352, 353 Pike, Curtis F., v, 174 Pike, Zebulon, vi, 109 Pilar,
Marcelo H. del, vi, i7o Pilcher, Joshua, v, 376 Pinard, A., v, 239 Pinard,
Jean, v, 239, 241 Pinckard, George J., v, 503 Pinckney, Charles Cores worth,
vi, 205 Pinckney, Thomas, vi, 205 Pine Bluff, v, 38 Pinkerton, Notes and
Queries, iii, 4, 8 Pinkham, Joseph, v, 161 Pinkney, William, v, 278 Pinney,
James Alonzo, v, 169 Pinnix, F. M., vi, 66 Pinta, Jean Baptiste, v, 24o, 243,
244 Piper, Daniel A., v, 282, 288, 299 Pitchlyn, Peter P., vi, 109 Pitkin,
Lorraine J., biographical sketch of, vi, 452 f. Piton, William J., iv, 22
Platt, Orville H., v, 91 Plaza, Gaspar Almiro, iv, 164 Plessis, R. H. de, iv,
15o Pleydell, Charles Stafford, iv, 202 Plot, Dr. Robert, i, 43, 61, 176, 26o;
ii, 18; Memoirs of, i, 26o; account of Freemasons, 1686; i, 278; character and
reputation, i, 28o; account of the Freemasons by, i, 278 f.
Plummer, Henry, v,
393 Plumstead, William, vi, 162 Pluright, William, v, 98 Poe, John W., vi, 36
Poinsett, Joel R., iv, io6 Poiret, iii, 5 Poland, Freemasonry in, iii, 29o;
decline and revival, iii, 291; early Lodges, iii, 290; Grand Lodge formed,
iii, 291; Great War, activities since, iii, 297‑98; Ladies' Lodge, iii, 294;
Lodges as centres of culture, iii, 294; Napoleonic invasion causes decline,
iii, 2.95; National Grand Orient, 111, 293; prosperity, iii, 297; Provincial
Grand Lodge, iii, 292; revival, iii, 295; Strict Observance, iii, 291; Tsar's
suppression, 1821, iii, 297 Polk, James Knox, v, 52, 56; vi, 237, 244 f. Polk,
Lucius Junius, vi, 255, 256 Polk, William, vi, 69, 229 Pollard, Arthur G., v,
465 Pollard, Thomas J., v, 47 Pombo, Juan N., iv, 161 Pomfret, George, ii, 84
Poniatowski, Stanislaus Au gustus, iii, 292 Ponsonby, Lord, in 1752, ii, 159
Pontiac, Indian chief, v, 331 Popple, William, iv, 152 Port Royal, iv, 26, 137
Port Tobacco, v, 109, 275 Porter, Alexander, v, 101 Porter, George W., v, 204,
205 Porter, L. L., vi, 131 Porto Rico, iv, 125; Freemasonry in, iv, 142
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, v, 262, 318 Portsmouth, sloop of war, v, 52
Portugal, Freemasonry in, 111, INDEX 537 273; Church, the determined enemy of,
iii, 274; Grand Bodies in existence (five), iii, 28o; Grand Lodge formed, iii,
277; Grand Lodge closed, 18o8, and reopened, 1810, iii, 278; Grand Lodge, a
totally independent, iii, 281; Inquisition, persecution by, iii, 275;I
Inquisition, further persecution by, iii, 279; secrecy of, iii, 273;
statistics, 1929 , iii, 281 Postgate, R. W., The Builders' History, i, 140
Postlewaite, Henry, V, 359., Potocki, Count Ignatius, iii, 292, 296 Potosi,
Missouri, v, 30 Potter, John, v, 397 Poulett‑Harris, Richard Deo datus, iv,
249 Pound, Roscoe, V, 414 Powell, Israel Wood, iv, 11, 17 Powell, Samuel, vi,
231 Power, George B., v, 372 Power, John Logan, v, 368 Powers, James W., V,
301 Pownall, T., governor, on Gothic architecture, i, 122; quoted, i, 122,
177; Statutes of Labourers, i, 177 Prall, W. A., v, 492 Prather, Calvin W., v,
2o6 Pratt, James, ii, 266 Preceptories, formation of, iv, Prefecctories,
limits of, iv, 337 f Prefectory Collenberg, iii, 149 Premier Scottish Warrant
of Constitution, ii, 326 Prendergast, Rt. Hon. Sir Thomas, ii, 265
Presbyterian Church, first west of Mississippi, corner stone of, v, 78
Prescott, Davi S., v, 17, 2.3; vi, 362, 366 Preston, William, ii, 115 f., 129,
132, 134; vi, 306; quoted, iii, 278; Illustrations of Masonry, i, 29o f. ;
statements unfounded, i, 297; 1V, 219; V, 121; Vi, 94, death of, ii, 137, 242
Prevost, Augustine, ii, 389 Price, Henry, iv, 29; v, 309 Price, James Hubert,
article by, V, 534 f‑; vi, 479 Price, Rodman, v, 52 Price, Sterling, v, 381,
384 Price, William Booth, V, 308, 322 Prichett, John, v, 58 Prickett, Henry
E., v, 166 Pridgen, Claude L., vi, 420 Priestly Order of the Temple, The, iv,
315 Prince, William, v, 198 Prince Cambaceres, iv, 325 Prince Edward, Duke of
Kent, iv, 39, 88 Prince Edward Island, iv, 26 Prince Edwin's Constitution of
926, i, 210 Prince of Monaco, iv, 68 Prince of Wales (see Wales), visit to
Newfoundland (i86o), iv, 49, 66 Princeton College, v, 198; vi, 6, 24, 246
Pringall, John, ii, 362; iv, 142 Pringle, William, vi, 148 Printzen, Baron
von, iii, 114, 116 Proby, John, v, 330 Proceedings of the Convention,
IV,23;v,31 Proceedings of the Grand Council of Mississippi for 1931, v, 366
Proctor, C. K., vi, 66 Progres de 1'Oceanie Lodge, Le, v, 158 Prohibition
Party, v, 59 Promulgation, Lodge of, ii, 229 Providence, Rhode Island, vi, 179
Province House, corner stone of, iv, 39 Provincial Congress, at Savannah, v,
154 Provincial Grand Lodge of New York, v, 87 Provincial Grand Lodge of Nova
Scotia, iv, 43 Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland, only one in Canada, iv, 48
Provincial Grand Master, iv, 71 Prussian Grand Masters' Union, iii, 158
Prussian States, Grand National Mother Lodge, iii, 107 Puebla, iv, 111 Pueblo,
v, 76 Puipin, Russian Masonry in the Eighteenth Century, iii, 174 Pullen, P.
P., v, 36 Pulliam, Richard P., v, 47 Pulling, John, v, 324 Pulszky, Franz,
iii, 168 Punshon, Robert, vi, 102 Purnell, Harold W. T., v, 103 Purvis,
George, v, 96 Putnam, General Israel, v, 88, 91, 555; vi, 416 Putnam, Rufus,
V, 555; vi, 86, 93, 94, 96, 416 Pyke, John George, iv, 38, 39 Q Quane, John,
v, 315 Quatuor Coronati, the, i, 221; Legends of, i, 221; Four Crowned or Four
Holy Martyrs, i, 221; Breviaries, i, 223; Baronius, i, 226; Patron Saints, i,
236; Halliwell Poem, i, 239; emblems, i, 236; Canterbury, the Church at, i,
238 Quebec, iv, 3 5, 70, 81‑94 Quebec Act of 1774, iv, 70 Queen, Nicholas L.,
V, 111 Queen Victoria, jubilee of, iv, 68 Queensland, Freemasonry in, iv, 251
Queisser, R. L., article by, vi, 414 f., 480 Querey, Charles, v, 373 Quietist
Movement, iii, 5 Quitman, John Anthony, v, 360, 365, 372 R Rabascal, Miguel
E., iv, 165 Racial question upon lodges, v, 185 f.
Radcliffe, Charles,
iii, 23 Rae, William C., v, 400 Ragheb, Idris, iv, 234, 235 Raisin, battle of
the, v, 232 538 INDEX Raleigh, first Grand Lodge building, vi, 77 Raleigh
Tavern, vi, 323 Ralls, John, v, 186, 381, 386, 390; v1, 29 Ralph, George, v,
278 Ramage, J. D., letter of, 68 f. Ramos, Vincent, v, 247 Ramsay, Andrew
Mi:hael, his speech, iii, 3, 1o; life and work, iii, 4; Degrees of, iii, 17;
his death, iii, 1g, 26; iv, 310 Ramsay,The Philosophical Principles of Natural
and Revealed Religion, iii, Ig Ramsay, C. S., v, 203 Ramsay, David, ii, 323
Ramsey, Alexander, first Ter ritorial governor, v, 346 Ramsey, David, vi, 195
Ramsey, Samuel, vi, loo Randall, George M., v, 325 Randell, Andrew L., v, 256
Randolph, Edmund, vi, 323 Randolph, Peyton, vi, 317, 416 Rankin, Christopher,
v, 359 Raper, William H., v, 203, 2o6 Raper Drill Corps, trophies of, v, 207
Raven, The, by Marquis James, vi, 247 Rawlinson, Dr. Richard, i, 4o, 265 ;
life of, i, 282, 3 63; inaccuracies of his collections, i, 362 Rawson, Fisher,
v, 25o Raymond, Edward A., vi, 107 Raymond, Lord, ii, 93 Raymond, Rene, v, 528
Read, George, v, loo Read, William Henry McLeod, iv, 195 Read, William T., v,
1o1 Readel, John D., v, 298 Ready, Thomas C., vi, 32 Rebold, Histoire des
trois grander‑loges, iii, 3, 25; iv, 191 Reconciliation Lodge of, ii, 2311,2‑
3 4 Rectified Rite, Switzerland, iii, 239 Red Apron Lodges, ii, 237 Red Book,
iv, 332 Red Cross of Constantine, v, I Red Cross Order, v, 475 Redington, W.
R., iv, loo Redway, T. H. R., vi, 23 Reed, James Frazier, v, 51 Reed, Robert
R., v, 258 Reed, Samuel, v, 48, 2o6 Reed, Thomas M., vi, 357, 358, 364 Reed,
Walter R., vi, 84 Reepmacher, iii, 215 Rees Cyclopadia, iii, 4; v, 222, 2‑13,
227 Reese, William James, vi, 103 Reformation, era of, i, 314 Regina, iv, 3,
98, 102 Reichel, iii, 178 Reid, Peter, ii, 344 Reid, R. L., article by, iv, 9
f.; vi, 480 Reilly, F. B., iv, 100, 103 Reinheart, E. H., v, 222 Reintzel,
Valentine, v, log, III Relics of the Four Martyrs, i, 230 Rembeck, iii, 193
Renshaw, William, v, 377 Reunion or Bourbon, Free masonry in, iv, 239 Revere,
Joseph Warren, v, 51 Revere, Paul, iv, 272; v, 51, 320, 416 Revolutionary War
(see War for Independence) Reees, iii, 77, 79 Reynolds, John C., v, 152, 187
Reynolds, Thomas, v, 18o Reynoldson, George, ii, I2o Rhea, John, vi, 227 Rhea,
Jonathan, vi, 23 Rheims, Statutes of, i, 92. Rhode Island, Freemasonry in, vi,
175 f.; the Capitular Rite, vi, 178; the Cryptic Rite, vi, 18o; Chivalric
Orders, vi, 181; officers of Grand Encampment, v, 483; the Scottish Rite, vi,
183 Ribadaneira, on the Quatuor Coronati, i, 229 Rice, Martin H., v, tog Rich,
H. N., iv, 18 Richard 11, Statutes relating to Freemasons, i, 167‑71 Richards,
Clara A., vi, 83 Richards, Edward, vi, I1g Richards, John, v, III Richardson,
Harold Jay, iv, 236 Richardson, James, v, 134, 528; vi, 237, 240, 257 f.
Richardson, John Watkins, vi, 257 Richardson, Mary Watkins, vi, 257
Richardson, S. B., v, 2og Richardson, William H., v, 245 Richmond, Charles,
ii, 77 Richmond, Virginia, v, 202; vi, 352 Riddick, Thomas F., v, 374, Rido t,
T. J., iv, 74 Riel Rebellion, the, iv, 94 Rigg, Lauren Dale, v, 225 Riggs,
Richard, vi, 4, 41 Riggs, Thomas, ii, 275 Rigsby, Thomas, v, 362 Riley, C. O.
L., iv, 25o Riley, George D., v, 256, 371 Riner, William A., vi, 395 Rio de
Janeiro, iv, 177 Riomalo, Juan de Dios, iv, 161 Ripon, Marquess of, Grand
Master of England, 1870, ii, 2‑55 Rising Sun, v, 197 Rising Virtue, v, 2, 3
Risk, Samuel G., v, 459 Rison, J.W., v, 49 Rite, active bodies of the, v, 1
Rites, Ancient and Accepted, iv, 24o; Antient and Primitive Rite, iv, 265;
Cryptic Rite, iv, 304; Emperors of the east and west, iv, 294; Grotto, iv,
303; Illuminati, iv, 297; Knights of the east, iv, 296; Memphis, Rite of, iii,
67; iv, ego, 350; Misraim, Rite of, iv, 2g2, 352; New or Gold Rosicrucians,
iv, 301; Order of the Secret Monitor, iv, 258; Philalethes, or searchers for
truth, and the Philadel hians or Primitive Rite of arbonne, iv, 300; Royal Ark
Mariners, iv, 259; Royal Order of Scotland, iv, 252; Sciots, iv, 304; Scots
Masonry, iv, 259; Scots INDEX 539 Philosophic Rite, iv, 261; Societas
Rosicruciana, iv, 2.58; Strict Observance, iv, 270; Swedenborg Rite, iv, z86
Rix, Charles N., v, 469 Rizal, Josh, vi, 170 Road agents in Montana, v, 395 f.
Roane, Archibald, vi,
127, 245 Roane, John S., duel of, v, 40 Robbins, Alfred, EnglishSpeaking
Freemasonry, ii, 2‑58; iv, 175, 182 Robbins, Charles Burton, v, 219 Robbins,
Joseph, iv, 114, 189, 194 Roberts, Amasa, v, 30 Roberts, I. S., quote, vi, 264
Roberts MS., 44 Roberts, Samuel G., vi, 82 Robertson, David, vi, 334
Robertson, James, vi, 2‑27, 229 Robertson, Reuben H., vi, z9o Robinet, David,
v, 98 Robinette, David, v, io5 Robins, S. M., v, 72 Robinson, D. C., iv, 1
Robinson, Francis, v, 95 Robinson, Henry, v,177 Robinson, Jeremiah William, v,
173 Robinson, John C., v, 382 Robinson, Joseph, v, 2‑89, 299 Robinson, Robert,
v, 179, 373 Robinson, William, ii, 113 Robison, Professor, ii, 2‑15 Robson,
John, iv, 18 Roche, de, H. M. P., iv, 103 Roche, Edward, v, 98 Rockville, v,
301 Rockwell, D., v, 183 Rockwell, William S., v, Rocky Mountain Lodge, a
military lodge, v, 382 Rodgers, Harry, v, 393 Rodney, Lord, victory of, iv,
140 Roettiers, de Montaleau, iii, So, 56 Rogers, H., v, 183 Rogers, James, v,
101 Rogers, John A., vi, 2.33 Rogers, Thomas Amis, v, 3, 8 Rogers, Wynn G., v,
258 Rollo, Lord, iv, 35 Roman Collegia, The, divisions of, 18; general
characteristics, 19; Freemasons' descent from, 126‑z8 Roman, Miguel San, iv,
167 Rommel, Otto H., v, z25 Roome, Charles, vi, 63 Roop, Isaac, v, 55
Roosevelt, Franklin D., v, 2zo Roosevelt, Theodore, v, 22o; vi, 117 Rosa, iv,
333 Rosas, Mauel P'rez, iv, 165 Rose Croix, iii, 46; v, 15; Chapter La V6rit6,
v, 304 Rose, Wm., iv, 52. Rosenbaum, Charles E., v, 4z Rosicrucian, i, 324,
325, 3?7, 329, 330, 345, 347, 354; 111, 187, 303; iv, 361 Rosier, F. W., vi,
339 Roskruge, George J., v, 18, 24, z6 Ross, Alexander, v, 261 Ross, John, vi,
log Ross, J. H., iv, 245 Rosse, Earl of, ii, z6z f. Rosskampf of Heilbronn,
iv, 341 Rosslyn, Earl of, ii, 401 Roulstone, George, vi, 22‑7, 246 f.
Rousselin, v, 141
Rowan, William A., vi, 65 Rowe, A. V., v, 366, 370 Rowe, John, v, 89, 273,
32‑1; vi, 85, 88, 415 Rowland, M. D., v, 4o0 Royal Arch, ii, 140, 169, 170f.;
iv, 36, 53, 54, 92, 12‑0; v, 133, 1, z80, 283, 291, 375, 43771 471; vi, 15
Royal Ark Mariners, iv, 319 Royal and Select Masters, earliest date of, v,
133, 300 Royal Freemasons' Charity, 1788, ii, 114 Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh,
ii, 382 Royal Order of Scotland, The, tradition as to origin, iv, 308 Royal
York Lodge of Friendship, Berlin, iii, 132; Fessler, Ignatius Aurelius, iii, P
4; French branch of the hree Globes, originally, iii, 132; Grand Lodge formed,
iii, 135; independency reasserted, 1776, iii, 134; National Grand Lodge, under
jurisdiction of, iii, 133; York, Edward Augustus, Duke of, becomes a patron,
iii, 133 Ruckle, John E., vi, 26 Ruckle, Nicholas R., v, 207, 209 Rudd, John
M., iv, 18 Rudisill, Henry, v, 107 Ruhland, J. W., iv, Sz Ruinart, on the
Quatuor Coro nati, 1, zz9 Ruiz, Zorilla, iii, 2.69 Rumania, Freemasonry in,
iii, 305; "American Grand Lodge of Rumania," iii, 3o6‑7; Grand Orient, iii,
308; National Grand Lodge formed, 1880, iii, 305; Pangal, Jean, established
‑Supreme Council of Rumania, 1919, iii, 3o6; Statistics, 1929, iii, 308
Rushworth, H. J., v, 113 Rusk, Thomas J., vi, 2.61 Russell, Alexander, vi,
262, z66 Russell, Andrew J., article by, v, 29 f.; vi, 481 Russell, E. P., v,
370 Russell, James, v, z3o, 231 Russell, O. O., v, 67 Russellville, v, 5
Russia, Freemasonry in, iii, 173; Cagliostro and women in Freemasonry, iii,
19o; decline of, iii, 193; downfall and disappearance, iii, 199; Empress
dissolves Lodges, iii, 189; Empress rises against Freemasonry, iii, 191;
English system abandoned for Swedish ritual, iii, 181; Gagarin's Grand Lodge,
iii, 186; Grand Lodge Astrea, iii, 197; Keith, General James, iii, 173;
Knights of Malta, iii, 178; Loge of Silence, iii, 177; Lodge Mars, iii, 181;
Melesino, Count, iii, 177; 540 INDEX Military Lodges, iii, 196; National Grand
Lodge of Russia formed, 1776, iii, 181; Novikov, Nikolai Ivanovitch, iii, 175;
Paul 1, 192; political Masonry, iii, 198; restrictions, iii, 188; revival
under Alexander, iii, 194; Rosicrucians, iii, 187; Schwarz, John Eugene, iii,
175; Strict Observance, arrival of, 1765, iii, 177; Swedish Provincial Grand
Lodge of Russia, iii, 183; Swedish system, Degrees of, iii, 185; under the
tutelage of the Grand Lodge of England, iii, 179; Wilhelmsbad Masonic
Convention, 1782, started a new organisation, iii, 187; Yelaguin, Ivan
Perfilievich, iii, 18o; Yelaguin's Doctrine Supreme, iii, 188, 189, 19o;
Zinnendorff system obtained a footing, 1771, iii, 178 Rutan, William, vi, 23
Rutherford, Alexander, V, 95; vi, 150 Rutowsky, Count, iii, 140 Ryan, George
John, iv, 170 Ryerse, Samuel, iv, 37 Rylands, i, 374 Rynerson, William L., Vi,
34 S Sachse, Julius F., vi, 157 Sackville, Lord George, ii, 157; iii, 241
Sacramentary, by Gregory the Great, i, 222 Sacramento, California, v, 54, 6o
Sadler, Matthias, vi, 165 Sadler, Thomas Dunkerley: His Life, Labours, and
Letters, by, iv, 86 Sagasta, Praxedes M., iii, 271 Sagendorf, Andrew, v, 68
Sahler, John H., v, 223 Saint, Percy, v, 258 Saint Andrew's R. A. Chapter, V,
471 Saint Le6nard, Guillaume de, i, 96 St. Albans Abbey, i, 130 St. Andrew's
Lodge, Banff, ii, 36o; Charter of, v, 123; in Florida, v, 124 f.
St. Augustine,
Florida, V, 4, 123, 124; lodge at, v, 126 St. Bartholomew, Freemasonry in, IV,
150 St. Bernard, rule of, i, 218 St. Catherine, iv, 125 St. Christopher,
Freemasonry in, iv, 150 St. Clair, William, ii, 380, 382 St. Clair Charters,
ii, 295, 297, 0 2 St. Clairs of Roslin, ii, 296 St. Cricq, Jacques, iv, 242
St. Cyr, Dathan de, iv, 135 St. Eustatius, Freemasonry in, iv, 150 Ste.
Genevieve, first Missouri lodge, V, 373 St. George, iv, 125, 153 St. Helena,
Freemasonry in, iv, 231 St. John the Baptist, iv, 212; v, 479 St. John, Kelso,
Lodge of, ii, 362 St. John Kilwinning, Lodge of, ii, 361 St. John's, Masonic
Temple at, iv, 64 St. John's College, V, 36 f., 42, 43; in North Carolina, vi,
78 f.
St. John's Day, ii,
29, 38, 39 f‑, 52, 83, 104, 111, 126, 162, 165, 184, 187, 189, 200, 231, 261,
268, 321, 346, 347, 370, 371; iv, 39, 110, 208, 209, 222, 279; V, 151, 18o,
244, 248, 274, 318, 321, 323, 324, 331; vi, 7, 42, 46, 51, 66, 77, 132, 146,
19o St. John's Lodge, history of, iv, 65 St. Kitts, iv, 125 St. Leger, Hon.
Elizabeth, initiation of, ii, 262 St. Louis, Missouri, V, 42, 375 St. Lucia,
Freemasonry in, iv, 151 St. Martin, Lodge of Copenhagen, iii, 201; Freemasonry
in, IV, 151 St. Ninian, Lodge of, Brechin, ii, 364 St. Paul, Peter Philip
Charles, IV, 32 St. Paul Lodge organised, V, 348 f. St. Petersburg, v, 129 St.
Pierre, iv, 125 St. Stephens, v, 2, 3, 5 St. Thomas, lodges in, iv, 146 St.
Vincent, Freemasonry in, iv, 151 St. Vrain, Ceran, vi, 31, 36 Salem,
Massachusetts, v, 197 Salisbury, v, 301 Salle, Robert E., v, 49 Salt Lake
City, vi, 293 Sam Slick, the Clock Maker, iv, 26 Samber, Robert, i, 359
Samjoaio, Joaquin Josh Mendes, iv, 172 Sample, William A., v, 49 Samuel,
Richard, v, 382 San Domingo, Freemasonry in. See Hispaniola, iv, 125;
independence of, iv, 131; lodges in, iv, 131 San Felipe, lodge at, iv, 121 San
Francisco, V, 13, 56 San Francisco disaster, iv, 6 San Jacinto, battle of, v,
36o San Miguel, iii, 268 San Salvador, Freemasonry in, iv, 123, 124 ..
Sandby, Thomas, ii,
2o5 Sanders, Jared Y., V, 258 Sanders, Wilburn F., v, 394, 6 Sandlin, J. N.,
v, 259 Sandys, William, extracts from, quoted, i, 350 Sanford, John, vi, 8
Sanitarium, gift Of, v, 344 Sankey, Richard, i, 274 Santa Cruz (or Sainte
Croix), iv, 146 Santa F6, v, 27; vi, 29 Santiago, Cuba, iv, 125 Santo Domingo,
Freemasonry in, iv, 130; v, 38 Santos, Antonio Luiz dos, iv, 182 Sapieha,
Casimir, iii, 294 Saqui, Jacob, v, 224, 227 Sarasin, iii, 239 Sardinia,
Freemasonry in, iii, Sargent, Donald J., vi, 28 INDEX 541 Sargent, Fred
Wesley, v, 2 119 Sarpy, Peter A., v, 404, 41111 Sarum Lodge, feud, ii, 98
Saskatchewan, iv, 11, 116, 94 f.; Grand Lodge of, iv, 98; convocation of, iv,
1o1; districts of, iv, 1o2 f.
Saskatoon, first
convocation, iv, 101, 102 Savannah, Georgia, v, 136, 139 f., 1~ 3 f., 185;
lodge at, v, 141 f.; capture of, v, 155 f.; evacuated, v, 157 Savery, Phineas
Messenger, v, 364 Savoy, Freemasonry in, iii, 247 Sawyer, Claude E., vi, 2oo
Sawyer, Edward, vi, 54 Sawyer, John Y., v, 181 Sawyer, S. Nelson, vi, 64
Saxony, National Grand Lodge of, at Dresden, iii, 139; Count Rutowsky, iii,
140; erected 1811, iii, 141; the Constitutions, iii, 141 Sayer, Anthony, ii,
1, 57, 64; iii, 214 Sayre, Benjamin, v, 204 Sayre, Daniel, v, 11, 13 Sayrs,
Frank C., vi, 28 Scarborough MS., i, 38 Sceau Rompu, 1745, iii, 23 Schauberg,
i, 64, 80, 100 Schaw, William, ii, 18, 295, 298, 343 Schaw Statutes, ii, 2o,
32, 40 f., 298, 299 f., 302 f., 365; iv, 29o; Kilwinning Lodge, prepared
especially for, ii, 300> 305 Schiffmann, G. A., Andreas Michael Ramsay, iii, 4
Schkler, iii, 153 Schmidlap, Caleb, v, 203, 206 Schofield, J. H., iv, 18
Schofield Barracks, v, 159 School for blind, v, 36 School of Instruction, v,
114 Schrepfer, J. G., iv, 362 Schroeder, Ludwig, iii, 92 Schubart, J. C., iii,
115, 149; Schultz 5 Edward T., v, 29o, 299, 302, 3o6; History of Freemasonry
in Maryland by, v, 274, 286, 290, 301 of, ii, 2.3; Lodges, operative and
speculative elements in, ii, 2.3; Lodges, Annual Meeting of, on St. John the
Evangelist's day, ii, 36; Mason Word, ii, 25 ; Old Charges, evidence of
existence before the seventeenth century, ii, 117; predominance Lodges,
predominance of, in early Scottish records, ii, 29; Quartermasters and
Intenders, ii, 41; Schaw Statutes, ii, 2o; Schaw Statutes, customs mentioned
in, examined, ii, 4o; Sloane MS., 3329 the Oath given in, ii, 31;
stoneworkers, Scottish, in twelfth and thirteenth centuries came from England,
ii, 14; Warden General, regulations enjoined, ii, 35; Wardens, election of,
ii, 46 Schultz, John, iv, 20, 94; vi, 80 Schwarz, J. E., iii, 1186, 1188;
"Father of Russia Freemasonry," in, 1175; death of, iii, 1187 Sciots, the, iv,
364 Scobey, John S., v, 207 Scoon and Perth Lodge, ii, 326 f.
Scot, James B., v,
238 "Scotch Master," v, 507 Scotland, ii, 294 f.; list of Grand Masters, ii,
405 f. Scotland, apprentices of inferior status to masters and fellows in
sixteenth‑century Lodges, ii, 2o; banquets, ii, 45; Cowan, derivation and use
of the word, ii, 33; Decreet Arbitral, 1715, or Charter of the Journeymen
Lodge, ii, 3o; Degrees (three), introduction of the system of, ii, 27; Degrees
Scotland, Freemasonry in, ii, existing in Scottish Mason ry, English
derivation of, ii, 31; Degrees, earliest references to, ii, 32; early English
and Scottish Freemasonry compared, ii, 13; Edinburgh, Lodge of, apprentices
recognised as active members of, ii, 21; Edinburgh, Lodge of, secrecy of its
records, ii, 29; Freemason, meaning of the word, ii, 22; Freemasonry,
existence of, between 1707 and 1717, ii, 19; gloves, use of, ii, 41; "Grip"
and "Word" in ceremony of Lodge of Haughfoot, 1702, ii, 26; ideas and customs
of early Scottish Masonry, ii, 19; Independence, War of, ii, 16; Intenders and
Quartermasters, ii, 41; journeymen Lodge, ii, 29; journeymen Lodge, Charter
of, 1715, ii, 30; Kelso Lodge, independent until 1753, ii, 28; Kilwinning,
original seat of Scottish Masonry, ii, 14; Lodge ceremonial, simplicity of,
ii, 2‑5; Lodges, character and composition r 294; Aberdeen Cathedral, ii, 341;
Aberdeen Lodge, ii, 339; Aberdeen Lodge,. Laws and Statutes, 1670, 111, 345
Aberdeen Lodge, Members, 1670, ii, 351; apprentices' fees of admission, ii,
311; apprentices, disfavour shown to, ii, 317; AtchesonHaven Lodge, ii, 365;
Ayr, Annual Assembly at, ii, o8; Canongate and Leith, eith and Canongate
Lodge, ii, 331; Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, ii, 3112, 325; Convention of
Lodges at St. Andrews, 16oo, ii, 36o; Degrees (three), ii, 348; Dunblane
Lodge, ii, 335; Dundee, Ancient Lodge at, ii, 359; earliest MSS., ii, 307;
early Lodges, ii, 297; early records of, ii, 294; early regulations, ii, 373;
Edinburgh Lodge, ii, 301; Edinburgh Lodge No. 1, ii, 313; Edinburgh Lodge,
introduction of titles, ii, 321; .1 eldest entered apprentice," ii, 321;
Glasgow, St. John Lodge, ii, 329; Hamilton Kilwinning Lodge, ii, 542 INDEX
332‑; Haughfoot Lodge, ii, 366; irregular makings, ii, 310; James I, patronage
of, ii, 373; Journeymen Lodge, Edinburgh, ii, 332; Kilmarnock Kilwinning, ii,
312‑; Lyon, D. Murray, ii, 306; Masonic Dames, ii, 320; Masonic "Word" and
"Grip," ii, 350; Masons' wages and hours of labour, ii, 318; Melrose Lodge,
ii, 367; Milne, John, and his descendants, ii, 327‑329; Mother Kilwinning
Lodge, ii, 301; Old Kilwinning St. John Lodge, ii, 31; Peebles Kilwinning
Loge, ii, 337; St. Andrew, Lodge of, ii, 36o; St. Clair Charters, ii, 295; St.
Clairs of Roslin, ii, 2‑96; St. John Kilwinning Lodge, Haddington, ii, 361;
St. John Lodge, Kelso, ii, 362; St. Ninian, Lodge of, ii, 364; Schaw Statutes
No. 1, 1598, ii, 299; Schaw Statutes No. 2, 1599, ii, 302‑; Scoon and Perth
Lodge, ii, 326; Speculative ascendency at Aberdeen, ii, 351; Speculative
Masons, admission of, ii, 32‑2‑; Torphichen Kilwinning Lodge, ii, 312‑, 337;
Tramps, ii, 311 Scotland, Grand Lodge of, ii, 375; Associated Lodges, ii, 396;
Atholl, John, third Duke of, Grand Master, 1773, ii, 393; Atholl, sixth Duke
of, Grand Master, 1843‑63, i1, 399; Benefit Societies, advantages of, ii, 399;
Campbell, Colonel Sir Archibald, ii, 401; Cromarty, Earl of Grand Master,
1737‑8, ii, 382; Dalhousie, Earl of, ii, 391, 401; Dalrymple, David, ii, 393;
Degrees in 1815, ii, 404; Douglas, Dr. John, ii, 38o; Drummond, Alexander,
first Provincial Grand Master, ii, 383; Drummond, George, Grand Master, 1752,
ii, 387; Dumfries, Earl of, Grand Master, 1771‑2‑, ii, 391; Edinburgh, Lodge
of, Grand Visitation to, ii, 383; Eglinton, tenth Earl of, Grand Master, 1750,
ii, 387; election of officers, 1751, ii, 387; Elgin, Earl of, Grand Master,
1761‑2, ii, 391; Erskine, Lord, Grand Master, 1749, ii, 387; established,
1736, ii, 168, 376; Forbes, James, Master of, Grand Master, 1754, ii, 391;
Foundation, circumstances leading up to, ii, 375; Galloway, Earl of, Grand
Master, 1751‑8, ii, 391; Glenlyon, Lord, Grand Master, 1843‑63, ii, 399;
Gordon, C. H., Grand Master, 1753, ii, 391; Grand Election, 1736, two Lodges
excluded, ii, 376; Grand Election, ii, 379; Grand Masters, 1736‑1930, ii, 405;
hall, erection of, ii, 400; High Degrees, ii, 398; honorary members, ii, 4oo;
irregular makings, ii, 386; Kellie, Earl of, Grand Master, 1763‑4, ii, 391;
Kilmarnock, Earl of, Grand Master, 1742, ii, 383; Kilwinning, Lodge of,
discontent, ii, 385; Kilwinning, Lodge of, reconciliation with, ii, 394;
Knights Templar, ii, 397; Laws revised, 1829, ii, 398; Leven, Earl of, Grand
Master, 1741, ii, 383; Leven, Earl of, Grand Master, 1759‑6o, ii, 391; Mark
Degrees, ii, 405; Masonic Clubs prohibited, 1851, ii, 4oo; Military Lodge
(first), 174 , ii, 383; Military Loges, others, ii, 384; Moira, Earl of, ii,
394; Moray, Earl of, Grand Master, 1744, ii, 386; Nisbet, William, Grand
Master, 1746, ii, 387; Oughton, Lieut.‑General, Grand Master, 1769‑70, ii,
391; Prince of Wales elected Grand Master and Patron, ii, 394; Prince of
Wales, Patron of the Scottish Craft, 1870, ii, 4o1; Provincial Grand Mas ter
appointed, ii, 383; Quarterly Communication (first), ii, 381; Rosslyn, Earl
of, Grand Master, 1870‑3, ii, 401; Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, 1738, ii, 382.;
St. Clair, William, first Grand Master, ii, 177; 376, 380; Schism, 18o8‑13,
ii, 396; Scottish Lodges abroad, ii, 392; Secret Societies Act, 1799, ii, 393
Seton, Hugh, Grand Master, 1748, ii, 387; ShawStewart, Sir Michael Robert,
Grand Master, 187381, ii, 401; Stewart, James, Grand Master, 1765‑6, ii, 391;
Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, ii, 397; Wemyss, Earl of, Grand
Master, 1743, ii, 385; Whyte, Melville John, Grand Master, 1864‑7, ii, 401;
William IV, patron, 1830, ii, 398; Young, John, ii, 388 Scots Masonry, iii, 3,
24, 27, 54; iv, 319 f.
Scots Philosophic
Rite, iv, 322Scott, Andrew, Judge, v, 30, 8 3 Scott, Angus M., v, 7 Scott, C.
C., v, 47 Scott, Charles, v, 347, 372Scott, Edward, vi, 229 Scott, J. R. H.,
v, 38 Scott, James, ii, 367 Scott, James A., vi, 121 Scott, John, v, 374
Scott, Jonathan, ii, 99 Scott, Joseph W., vi, 28 Scott, Leslie McChesney, arti
cle by, vi, 125 f., 481 Scott, Sir Walter, ii, 125, 315 Scott, William G., iv,
5, 19, 24 Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the, iv, 93, 105; v, 1, 15 f., 92,
5o6‑533; Ancient accepted, Florida, v, 134, 2‑07, 371; in Maryland, v, 303;
beginning of, v, 507; extension of the, v, 509; early vicissitudes, v, 512‑;
form of organisation, v, 513; degrees, v, 514; officers, com‑ INDEX 543
mittees and meetings, v, 515; Delegation of Authority, v, 518; Days of Special
Observance, v, 518; Certificate of Membership, v, 519; Double Eagle, v, 521;
aims and activities of, v, 52.4; Temples of, v, 522.; Temple at Indianapolis,
v, 52.3; assertion of principles, v, 525 Scottish Rite Bodies, first, v, zo8;
vi, 124; International Conferences, v, 52‑7, legitimate Supreme Councils and
their officers, v, 530; in Kentucky, v, 237; in New Mexico, vi, 38 Scouloudi,
Stephen, iii, 314 Scoville, Lucius N., v, 184 Scudder, Townsend, vi, 420
Sculley, Thomas, v, 94 Sea and Field Lodges, iv 2‑54; Mrs. Bell, iv, 2.55; the
38th Foot, iv, 2.56; America, iv, 268; American Lodges during the Revolution,
iv, 275 f.; Auxiliary Corps (Foreign), iv, 2.62; Belgium, iv, 2.65; " Black
Watch " Lodges, iv, 258; British and Irish Field Lodges, iv, 2.58; British
Militia, iv, 2.62; Cavalry, iv, 258; English and Irish Field Lodges, 1886, iv,
2.63; Fencible Regiments, iv, 2‑62; Foot Guards, iv, 259; Foreign and Colonial
Regiments, iv, 2.63; France, iv, 265 ; Garrison and Veteran Battalions, iv,
262; Germany, iv, 2.63; Gibraltar Lodge, iv, 255; Holland, iv, 265; Honourable
Artillery Company, London, iv, z6z; Infantry Regiments, iv, 259; Irish and
Scottish regimental Lodges, iv, 256; Minden Lodge, iv, 3 5 5 ; Royal
Artillery, iv, 259; Royal Engineers, iv, 2‑59; Royal Marines, iv, 261; Russia,
iv, 263; Sweden, iv, 2.63; v. 440; vi, 419 Seabury, Samuel, vi, 46 Sealy,
John, ii, 135 Sealy, R. P., v, 397 Searcy, Bennett, vi, zz7, 22.8 Searcy,
Isham Green, v, 12.7 Searcy, Robert, v, 358; vi, z z7, 228 Searcy, William, v,
374 Sebastian, Robert L., vi, 362 Secession, cause of, v, 32. Secret Book of
Stonemasons, i, 69 Secret Societies Act, 1799, ii, 393 Seevers, Nathaniel, v,
2.88 Seipp, Warren S., v, io6, 298, 301 Seitz, John A., v, 131 Selby, John F.,
vi, 82 Select Bond of Hamburg, iii, 94 Sellers, John, v, 97, 98 Selma, v, 14
Semple, Robert, v, 51 Senter, A. B., v, 503 Serrano, Octavio A., iv, 117
Seton, Alexander, ii, 2‑81, 2‑84 Seton, Archibald, iv, 2.11 Seton, Hugh, 1748,
ii, 387 Seton Secession, the, ii, 2.84 Setzer, H. N., statement of, v, 350,
351, 352 Sevier, John, vi, 2‑27, zz8, 243 Seychelles, Freemasonry in, iv, zoo
Seymour, George S., v, 2o8 Seymour, Harry J., iv, 32.9 Seymour, Thomas H., v,
91 Shannon, Wilson, v, 127 Sharp, C. Ensor, iv, 18 Sharp, William L., v, 196
Sharpe, Edwin, vi, 214 Shaver, William M., v, 22.7 Shaw, Ebenezer H., vi, 290
f. Shaw, E. W., ii, 107 Shaw, Francis A., v, 18, z4 Shaw, John, iv, 18 Shaw,
John A., vi, 183 Shaw‑Stewart, Sir Michael Robert, ii, 401 Shawneetown, v,
179; first corner‑stone in Illinois, v, 182 Sheets, John, v, 199 Sheets,
William, v, 207 Sheftall, Benjamin, v, 138, 141 Sheftall, Mordecai, v,138,146
Sheftall, Moses, v, 139 Shelburne, iv, 41 Shelbyville, v, 205, 230, 236
Sheldon, John, vi, 54 Shellard, Henry C., vi, 44 Shepherd, Charles M., v, 414
Shepherd, H., iv, 2.12 Shepherd, Samuel, v, 230, 2‑31 Sheppard, John H., v,
268 Sherburne, Henry, iv, 33 Sherburne, Joseph, iv, 33 Sheriff, William, iv,
2.9 Sherman, Buren Robinson, v, 220 Sherman, Charles R., vi, 102 Sherman,
Lawrence Y., v, 196 Sherman, Roger, vi, 416 Sherman, W. T., General, vi,
Sheville, John, v, 365 "Shield of David," i, 310 Shimek, Bohumil, v, zi9
Shippen, Joseph, vi, 162 Shoman, William, v, 47 Shotbolt, Thomas, iv, iz Shoup,
George Laird, v, 171 Shrader, Otho, v, 374 Shryock, Thomas J., v, 2.85, 287,
298, 308, 361, 467; vi, 408 Shubenacadie Canal, completion of the, iv, 39
Shute, John Raymond, article by, iv, 315, 317; v, 471 f.; vi, 349, 482 Sibley,
General O. O., v, 8o Sibley, S., vi, 98 Sicily and Naples, Freemasonry in,
iii, 2.41; a National Grand Lodge formed, iii, z42.; oppression of, iii, 2.43;
revival under Strict Observance, iii, z44; disappearance of, iii, 244 Sickles,
Daniel, vi, 58 Sigourney, Elisha, v, 474 Sigur, Laurent, v, 2‑38 Silence,
Lodge of, Russia, iii, 177 Silesia, Mother Lodge of, in Glogan, iii, 152.
Silley, Alfred C.,
quoted, iii, 315 da, the Chevalier, on Mason's Marks, i, 144 Simcoe, John
Graves, iv, 7o Simmons, M. T., vi, 356 Simms, William Gilmore, vi, 2o6 544
INDEX Simms, William M., vi, 122 Simonds, v, 376 Simons, John W., vi, 58
Simpkins, Eli, v, 292 Simpson, ,John, v, 123, 232 Simpson, Oramel H., v, 258
Simrall, James O. H., v, 233 Sims, John C., vi, 67 Sinai, Joseph, v, 255, 259
Singleton, William R., v, 118, 119 Sitcom, Stephen R., iv, 51, 52 Sisco, Chart
es T., v, 302, 3o6, 3o8 Sisson, Thomas U., v, 371 Six Tribes of Indians, vi,
86 Skaggs, Thomas E., vi, 363 Skene, John, the first Mason in America, vi, i
Skene, William, iv, 29 Sketo, John W., v, 49 Slaughter, William A., vi, 356
Slaughter, William M., letter of, v, 68, 69 f.
Sloane MS., 3323, i,
33; 3848, 1, 33 Sloat, John D., v, 51 Slythe, Joseph, iii, 284 Small, Jacob,
v, 297 Smart, Charles Henry, vi, 253 Smith, Alexander, v, 123 Smith, Ashley
A., v, 271 Smith, Benjamin, vi, 69 Smith, C. A., iv, io1 Smith, Caleb B., v,
207 Smith, Charles Kilgore, v, 346, 347 Smith, Charles R., iv, 52 Smith,
Cullen J., iv, zoo Smith, Edward A., v, 226 Smith, Elijah, v, 359 Smith,
Captain George, Junior Grand Warden of Grand Lodge of England and Provincial
Grand Master for Kent, ii, 2o8; author of The Use and Abuse of Free Masonry,
ii, 2o9; expelled from the Society of Freemasons, 11, 210 Smith, Gerard, iv,
250 Smith, Green Clay, v, 398 Smith, Henry C., v, 400 Smith, Horace W., v, 2o8
Smith, Hyrum, v, 184 Smith, J. T., iv, 245 Smith, Jeremiah G., v, 396 Smith,
John, v, 374 Smith, John W., v, 222, 223 Smith, J. Worthington, vi, S32‑9 it,
Laban, v, 88 Smith, Leon A., vi, 126 Smith, Lewis E., article by, v, 403 f.;
vi, 482 Smith, Marcus A., v, 27 Smith, Nathaniel G., v, 37 Smith, Samuel C.,
v, 279 Smith, W. A., iv, 17 Smith, W. H., vi, 81 Smith, W. J., iv, loo, 1o2
Smith, William, v, 276; vi, 7 Smith, William B., v, 202, 204 Smith, William
R., v, 348; vi, 381 Smithsonian Institution, corner stone of, v, 113 Smoot,
Benjamin S., v, 2 Smyth, C. E., iv, 4 Smyth, William, v1, 92 Smythe, William
H., v, 2o6 Sneddon, S. N., iv, 8 Snell, Perez, v, 365 Snow, Edgar P., vi, 394
Snow, H. H., v, 182 Snow, James, v, 97, 98 Snow, John, v, 201, 203; vi, 102,
104 Snowden, Richard H., v, 305 Snyder, William S., vi, 153 Soalmon, Antoine
Lamy, v, 246 Societas Rosicruciana (see Rosicrucians), iv, 314 Socrates of
Constancy, Lodge at Frankfort, iii, 1o2 Soleure, Freemasonry in, iii, Soley,
John, v, 448 Solomon, Sons of, division of the Companionage, i, 1o1; connexion
with Freemasons, i, 115 Solomon's House, i, 8 "Solomon's Seal," i, 310 Somers,
Lord, iv, 246 Somers Islands, Freemasonry in, iv, 152 Somerset House Lodge,
ii, 55 Sommerville, John, vi, 227 "Sons of Liberty," organisa tion of, v, 152
"Sons of Solomon," i, 115 Soofees of Persia, i, 17 Sopris, Richard, v, 2o6
Sorin, Thomas R., v, 18, 24 Sorrel, Francis, ii, 262 Sorrels, J. W., v, 38
Soubise, Maitre, Sons of, a division of the Companionage, i, 1oi; legend of, i,
1o5 Souders, Otto R., v, 225 Soulie, J., v, 244 South African Islands,
Freemasonry in, iv, 239 South America, Freemasonry in, iv, 154 f.
South Australia,
Freemasonry in, iv, 241 South Carolina, v, 2, 3; Freemasonry in, vi, 185‑2o6;
spirit of Freemasonry, vi, 198; relief in, vi, 199 f.
South Carolina
Gazette, quoted, vi, 187 f.
South Dakota,
Freemasonry in, vi, 207‑226; lod e$ in, vi, 211 f.; Grand Loge, vi, 212;
members of committee on Constitutions, vi, 215; Library of Grand Lbdge, vi,
219 f.; Masonic Veterans' Association, vi, 221; charitable activities, vi,
222; Grand Charity Fund, vi, 223 South Platte River, gold in, v, 67 Southern
Jurisdiction, v, 514, 516 Southern Pacific Railway, v, 26 Southey, Richard,
iv, 229 Southgate, J. J., iv, 17 Sovereign College of Allied Masonic and
Christian Degrees of U. S. A., iv, 318 Sovereign Council of the Emperors of
the East and West, iii, 30 Spain, Freemasonry in, iii, 262; alternate
persecution and prosperity, iii, 266‑69; Ancient and Accepted Rite, iii, 271;
Don Francisco de Bourbon, iii, 267; Gibraltar, iii, 262; Grand Orient, iii,
266; Grand Orient recognised, iii, 271; Hesperique, Grand Orient of, iii, 268;
Inquisition causes diffi‑ INDEX 545 culties, iii, 265; Lodge of the Lilies,
Madrid, iii, 263; Lodges of the present day, iii, 272; many Grand bodies after
11868, iii, 269; Minorca, iii, 262; Secrecy, iii, 267 Span, Augustus, iv, 85
Spanish‑American War, v, 390; vi, 1122 Spanish Honduras, iv, 1124 Sparre, Axel
Eric Wrede, iii, 221 Spearing, J. Zack, v, 259 Speculative Masonry, in
England, i, 307; ii, 348; vi, 14 Speculative Masons, admission to Lodge of
Edinburgh, ii, 322 Speed, Frederick, v, 372 Spencer, R. H., iv, ioo Spencer
MS., i, 40, 54 Speth, G. W., quoted, i, 282 f.; iii, 208 Spilman, Charles
Hadley, article by, v, 5o6 f.; vi, 483 Spitzer, Barnard M., v, 511o Sporcke,
John Frederick Raban de, iii, 148 Spork, Count Francis An thony de, iii, 299,
305 Spottswood, Edward Whipple, v, 400, 401 Sprague, Alden, v, 34 Spratt,
Edward, ii, 164, 167 Sprengle, A. J., vi, 116 Springer, Benjamin, v, 367, 369
Springer, Christopher, vi, 119 Springett, B. H., i, 139 Sproul, William
Cameron, vi, 164 Sproule, Percy J., iv, 195 Square and Compass, The, Masonic
Magazine, v, 83 Stability Lodge of Instruction, ii, 246 Stack, Lee O. F., iv,
233 Stacy, William, vi, 88 Stafford, S. H., vi, 214 Standish, Frederick
Charles, iv, 245 Stanford, Leland, v, 64 Stanley, Thomas, vi, 88 Stanser,
Robert, iv, 53 Stapleton, Joseph K., v, 47, 202, 294, 296, 297, 301, 362; v1,
255, 347, 391 Starck, activities of, iii, 1177; iv, 336 f.
Stark, Augustus W.,
vi, 391 Stark, Benjamin, vi, 1132 Stark, James, iv, 118 State Constitutional
Convention, v, 8, 1198 State House, corner‑stone of the, v, 3211 State
University of Idaho, v, 172, 175 State University of Iowa, v, 217, 218, 219
Statutes relating to the Freemasons, i, 11S 4; Labourers, Ordinance of, i,
154, 162; Black Death, effect of, i, 155; regulation of wages under Edward I,
i, 156; by whom enacted, i, 157; King's authority, i, 157; languages employed,
i, 158; distinction from ordinances, i, i6o; Labourers, Statutes of,
parliamentary confirmation of, 136o, i, 165; regulations for the trade of
masons, i, 166; restrictions on disposition of workman's earnings, 1363, i,
168; Labourers, Statutes of, again confirmed, 1368, i, 168; Richard 11, i,
1168171; villeinage, tenure of, i, 169; villeins, oppression of, i, 169;
villeins, customs of, i, 170; Labourers, Statutes of, again confirmed, 1388, i,
171; Labourers, Statutes of, further restrictions, 1389, i, 172; Henry IV, i,
172; Henry V, i, 173; Congregations of Masons, i, 175; early writers'
opinions, i, 176; Henry VI, a Freemason, i, i8o; Justices of the Peace,
authority of, i, 118o; Henry VI, i, 173‑180; apprentices, i, 184; distinction
between skill and capital, i, 184; wages, further adjustment of, 1, 185;
apparel, restrictions on, i, 186; b adges, i, 186; liveries, i, 186; signs and
tokens, i, 188; regulation of hours and wages of labourers and at tificers, i,
1189; Guilds, restrictions on their rulers, i, 119o; food prices, i, 11911;
wages, Acts of 115114 and 115115 regarding, i, 11911; Journeymen Fraternities,
i, 1192; dissolution of the Monasteries, 1, 1194; victuallers and handicraft
men, i, 195; Edward VI, i, 195; Labourers, Statutes of, codified by Elizabeth,
i, 198 Stearns, Abel, v, 5o Stearns, William F., v, 362, 366, 367 Steel, W.
Hutton, ii, 122 Steele, Edward H., vi, 251 Steele, Sir Richard, quoted, i, 394
f.; ii, 118 Steevens, William H., vi, 445 Steinbrenner, i, 82 Steinmetz
Catechism, the, i, 204 Steinmetzen, see Stonemasons of Germany Stempowski,
Stanislaw, iii, 298 Stephen, Francis, iii, 161, 1163, 165 Stephen, Henry, vi,
230 Stephens, William, v, 146 Stephenson, Alfred John, iv, 252 Stephenson,
Clotworthy, v, 109, 278 Stevens, Charles T., v, 351 Stevens, Joseph C., v, 269
Stevens, Moses, vi, 251 Stevens, William, v, 151 Stevens, William H., v, 370,
584 Stevenson, Adlai E., v, 196 Stevenson, Alexander A., iv, 22, 51 Stevenson,
Edward Augustus, v, 165 Stevenson, John, iii, 119 Stevenson, Jonathan Drake,
v, 53, 6o Stevenson, Levi L., vi, 328 Stevensville, Montana, v, 392 Stewards'
Lodge, the privi leges bestowed upon, ii, 204 Stewart, Archibald, ii, 323
Stewart, Edward, v, 57 Stewart, Houston, iv, 53 Stewart, James, Grand Master
546 INDEX of Scotland, 1765‑1766, ii, 391 Stewart, Peter, iv, 43; vi, 126
Stewart, Robert, v, 371 Stewart, William, ii, i59; iv, 15 Stidham, George W.,
vi, III Stiles, Chilion F., v, 359 Stillenau, Gottwald F., iii, 301 Stillwell,
Daniel, vi, 179 Stirk, Samuel, v, 146 Stirman, Alfred A., v, 47 Stirratt,
James, v, 2o6 Stockbridge, Sylvester, v, 286 Stockton, Richard, vi, 6
Stockton, Thomas, v, 97, 98 Stockwell, Walter Lincoln, ar ticle by, v, 505;
vi, 80, 484 Stockwell, William, vi, 240 Stoddard, David, v, 291 Stone, Caleb
H., v, 49 Stone, William A., vi, 164 Stone, William Henry, iv, 193 Stone,
William M., v, 220 Stonemasons, Fallon, i, 64; Monasteries, i, 65; of Germany,
the (Steinmetzen), i, 64; Patricians, i, 67; Guilds, i, 67‑68; Laws and
Ordinances, i, 68; Degrees or Classes, i, 72; Schenck (Grip), i, 73; Gruss
(Greeting), i, 73; Fellow Craft, i, 73; meetings of the Fraternities, i, 76;
Warden, i, 77; affiliating a journeyman joiner, i, 77; Strasburg, Lodge of, i,
78; Parlierer, i, 78; Operative and not a Speculative science, i, 8o;
traditions of, i, 81; conclusions regarding, i, 84; code of, i, 93 Storer,
George Hiram, v, 173 Story, Daniel, vi, 97 Stoupis, Anastase, iii, 318 Stout,
Elihu, v, 198 Stowe, Harriet Beecher, v, 414 Stowell, Levi, v, 56 Strachan,
Alexander, iv, 27 Strain, Elmer Franklin, v, 222 f., 225; vi, 484 Strasburg,
Lodge of, i, 78 Strasburg Cathedral, descrip tion of, i, 83 Strasburg
Ordinances, i, 78 Stratford, v, 87 Strathmore, Earl of, ii, 88; Grand Master
of Scotland, 1740, ii, 383 Strauss, Charles M., v, 24 Street, Oliver Day,
report of, IV, 119, 124, 155, IV, 122; v, 1 f.; vi, 485 Strict Observance,
iii, 2, 91, 93, 115, 116, 117, 123, 126, 127, 139, 149, 1521 177; iv, 330, 345
Strike ‑ by ‑the ‑ Ree, or Old Strike, vi, 2o8 Striker, Daniel, v, 464 Strong,
Edward, and the foundation‑stone of St. Paul's, i, 266 Strong, Thomas, and the
foundation‑stone of St. Paul's, i, 267 Strong, Valentine, i, 246, 256 Strug,
Andre, iii, 298 Stryker, Jonathan, vi, 231 Stuart, Prince Charles Ed ward,
iii, 17; iv, 207 Stuart, David, v, io8 Stuart, Edwin S., vi, 164 Stuart,
,James, v, 392, 399 Stuart, John, iv, 65 Stuart, Sir John, ii, 395
Stuart‑Wade, C. H., iv, 5 Stubbs, Frank P., v, 259 Stukeley, quoted, ii, 5, 9
Suggsville, v, 2, 3, 5 Sullivan, Baldwin, iv, 73 Sullivan, Jeremiah, v, 191,
197 Sullivan, John, v, 425 Sullivan, John W., v, 2o5 Sumatra, Freemasonry in,
iv, 196 Sumpter, Thomas, vi, 204 Summers, Thomas, v, iii Sun, Grand Lodge at
Bay reuth. See Bayreuth Supreme Council, members of, iii, 59; in Mexico City,
iv, 109; formation of, iv, IIo f.; of Mexico, regulations of, IV, I12; 1V,
113, 128, 168; of Colombia, iv, 123 ; the first, v, 5o6, 5 io; Northern, v,
511; other Councils, v, 512 Supreme Grand Chapter of New South Wales,
established, iv, 244 Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, iv, 292
Supreme Grand Orient, organised in Mexico, iv, log, 113 Surius, on the Quatuor
Coronati, 1, 227 Sussex, Duke of, ii, 235 f.; iv, 241; Grand Master of the
Moderns, ii, 221; Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, 1814, ii,
231; his last years, ii, 240; loyal support from leading figures of the
Antients, i1, 241; his death, 1843, ii, 250 Sutter, John A., v, 52 Sutton,
John, v, 230 Sutton, W. H., v, 36, 48 Sutton, William, v, 230, 231 Sutton,
William G., v, 48 Sutton, William J., vi, 362 Swain, Edwin C., v, 1go Swain,
Gilbert, iv, 102 Swain, W. C., v, 494 Swalwell Lodge, i, 380; ex tracts from
the records, i, 383; records of, i, 385 f‑; Minutes compared with those of
Alnwick Lodge, ii, 48 Swanson, Peter, account of, iv, 18o f.
Swanstrom, Andrew P.,
v, 504 Sweden, Freemasonry in, iii, 221; early Lodges, iii, 222; early traces,
iii, 221; Eckleff, Count Karl, iii, 222 f.; first Provincial Grand Lodge, iii,
226; Goodricke, Sir John, iii, 224; Government of the Order, iii, 229; Grand
Lodge formed, iii, 222; Grand Lodge recognised by England, 1770, iii, 2‑2.5;
Gustavus III, iii, 226; Karl XIII, iii, 23o; Norwegian Lodges under the
Swedish Grand Lodge after the union of the two kingdoms, iii, 2‑23; Oscar 1,
iii, 23o; Rite remodelled, iii, 227; Swedenborg, iii, 228; Swedish Rite, iii,
2.2‑5; Strict Observance, iv, 342 f. Swedenborg Rite, The, iv, 346 INDEX 547
Sweeney, Harry, v, 393 Swinney, Sydney, ii, 2o5 Swintz, William H., v, 207
Switzerland, Freemasonry in, iii, 233; Aargau, iii, 237; Basle, iii, 236;
Berne, iii, 2‑35; Directory of the Rectified Rite (Strict Observance), iii,
237; dormant period, 1813‑16, iii, 237; early Lodges, iii, 233; France as
ruler over, iii, 234; France, Grand Orient of, iii, 237; Freiburg, iii, 236;
Geneva, Independent Grand Lodge of, iii, 2‑33; Geneva, Grand Orient of, iii,
233; Grand Lodge Alpina, iii, 24o; Hamilton, George, iii, 233; Helvetic Rite,
Grand Orient of, iii, 238; National Grand Lodge Constituted, iii, 238;
Neufchatel, iii, 236; Rectified Rite, iii, 239; Soleure, iii, 237; Strict
Observance, iii, 237; Vaud Lodges, iii, 234; Zurich, iii, 236 Sykes, Ernest
E., v, 43, 256, 26o Symbolic Masonry, in Quebec, iv, 92; in Connecticut, v, 89
Symmes, John Cleves, vi, 89 Syng, Philip, vi, 162‑163 T Tafel, Documents
Concerning Swedenborg, iv, 348 Taft, William H., v, Zoo; vi, 96 Tait, William,
iv, 285; v, 441; vi, 227, 228 Talat, Mehmed, iii, 315 Talbot Court House, v,
276 Tallahassee, birthplace of Florida Masonry, v, 126 Tally, John R., v, 371
Tamayo, Jose Luis, iv, 165 Tannehill, Wilkins, vi, 237, 251 Taos, New Mexico,
v, 5o Tappan, Benjamin S., v, 361, 363, 370) 371; vi, 237 Tardy, John B., vi,
167 Tasker, Patrick, iv, 65 Tasker Memorial Fund, iv, 66 Tasmania, Freemasonry
in, iv, 248 f.
Tatam, Victor N., iv,
182 Tate, Samuel C., v, 197 Tate, W. B., iv, 97, 102 Tatem, John H., vi, 429
f., 441 Tatsch, J. Hugo, Freemasonry in the Thirteen Colonies, v, 125; vi, 485
Tatum, Howel, vi, 227, 229 Taylor, Christopher, vi, 130 Taylor, E. W., vi, 279
Taylor, H. C., iv, 4 Taylor, Harry G., v, 133 Taylor, James W., v, 464, 469
Taylor, John Louis, vi, 69 Taylor, S. Y., iv, 8 Taylor, William, iv, 52
Teague, H. H., vi, 265 Telepneff, History of Swedish Freemasonry in Russia,
quoted, iii, 184 f‑187, 189, 19o, 196, 198 Teller, Henry M., v, 73, 76, 77,
78, 81 f.
Tempest, Sir George,
ii, 113 Templar Educational Loan Fund, v, 490 Templar origin of Freemasonry,
v, 9 Temple Heights, v, 115 Tener, John K., vi, 164 Tennessee, Freemasonry in,
ar ticle by, vi, 227 f.; Lodges in, vi, 234 f.; Old Masons' Home, vi, 236;
Grand Masters of, vi, 237 f.; peace circular, signers of, vi, 238 f.; order of
high priesthood, vi, 241; Masonic Veterans' Association, vi, 242; Royal Arch,
vi, 250; Chapters, vi, 251 f.; Cryptic Rite, vi, 252 f.; Councils in, vi, 253;
officers of New Council, vi, 253; the Templar Rite, vi, 254 f‑; first Knights,
vi, 254; officers of Nashville Commandery, vi, 256; Organized Royal Arch
Masonry, vi, 26o; Cryptic Masonry, vi, 26o; Chivalric Masonry, vi, 26o; Order
of High Priesthood, vi, 261 Tennis, Edgar A., vi, 16o Terre Haute, Indiana, v,
2o5 Terry, Deacon, v, 89 Terry, Robert, v, 374 Terry, Sarah H., article by,
vi, 425 f., 486 Terry, W. S., iv, 18 Tessier, Charles, v, 238‑239 Texas,
Freemasonry in, vi, 262 f.; Grand Lodge in 1837, vi, 2‑63; members of Holland
Lodge, vi, 268; members of Grand Lodge, vi, 270, 271; Holland Lodge, vi, 272;
education, vi, 273; Committee on Education, vi, 274; members of Convention,
vi, 274; Masonic Collegiate Institute at Fanthrop's, vi, 2.75; Lodges in, vi,
275 f.; Masonic educational institutions, vi, 276 f.; Linden Male and Female
Academy, vi, 276; Bethany Masonic Institute,. vi, 276; Grapevine Masonic
Institute, vi, 277; Masonic Home and School, vi, 279 f.; Masonic Widows' and
Orphans' Home, vi, 28o; Home for Aged Masons, vi, 281; Welfare Work, vi, 282;
United State Veterans' Bureau Hospital, vi, 282; Gavel Club, vi, 282; Scottish
Rite Hospital for Crippled Children, vi, 2‑83; Scottish Rite Dormitory, vi,
284; Home for Aged Masons, vi, 284; Grand Lodge Magazine, The, vi, 288 Thearle,
John Mott, iv, 293 Theresa, Maria, iii, 162, 166, 258 Thesiger, F. A., iv, 53
Thibaut, John S., v, 26o Third Provincial Grand Lodge, iv, 74 Thomas, Daniel
Walker, vi, 8 Thomas, David, v, 127 Thomas Dunckerley: His Life, Labours, and
Letters, iv, 86 Thomas, Emmet N., v, 371 Thomas, Evan, v, 97, 98 Thomas,
Isaiah, v, 325 Thomas, John R., v1, 124 Thomas, L. E., v, 255, 259 Thomas, W.
Larue, v, 237 548 INDEX Thomason, T., iv, tog Thompkins, Daniel D., v, 336
Thompson, David N., v, 258 Thompson, David P., vi, iii Thompson, Frank J., vi,
82 Thompson, James, v, 278 Thompson, Lawrence, ii, 245 Thompson, O. O., vi, 8o
Thompson, R. R., vi, 131 Thompson, Samuel, v, 277 Thomson, Peter, ii, 246, 247
Thorington, John H., v, 3 Thornburgh, George, v, 38 Thornton, Henry P., v,
197; vi, 317 Thornton, Lewis B., v, 3 Thornton, T. C., v, 362 Thory, first
historian of French Freemasonry, i, 86, 108; 111, 9, 21, 27, 188; iv, 309, 324
Three Brothers Lodge, iii, 290 Three Eagles, iii, 14o Three Firing Classes,
Lodge of, iii, 162 Three Globes, the, iii, 107; Bielfeld, Baron J. F. von,
iii, 111; Constitutions revised, iii, 12o, 121, 122; Dresden, pact with, iii,
12o; foundation and first meeting, 1740, iii, 113; Frederick, Crown Prince,
initiation into Freemasonry, iii, 1o8; Frederick William II grants protection,
iii, 118; government, no representative form of, iii, Io8; Grand Royal Mother
Lodge, 1744, iii, 114; Jewish question raised, iii, IIg‑‑z2; laws, first code
drawn up, 1740, iii, 113; Masonic Union of the three Grand Lodges of Berlin,
iii, 119; O'Etzel, Grand Master, iii, 12o; Printzen, Baron von, iii, 114;
Prussia, early reference to Masonry in, iii, Io8; Rosicrucianism introduced,
iii, 117; Scots Directory, iii, 116, 118; Strict Observance, iii, 115;
Zinnendorff, iii, 115 Three Keys, Grand Lodge of the, at Ratisbon, iii, 153
Three Skeletons of Breslau, iii, i62 Three Swans, iii, zoo Three Swords, iii,
zoo Thummel, George H., v, 413 Tilghman, Oswald, v, 286 Tillemont on the
Quatuor Coronati, i, 227 Tilley, Fran~ois Auguste DeGrasse, v, 512 Tillotson,
Lee S., Ancient Craft Masonry in Vermont, vi, 307, 1 Tilly, Count de, iii, 266
Tilton, James, v, 97 Tindal‑Robertson, P., iv, 181 Tippecanoe, battle of, v,
199, 232 Tipton, John, v, 197, 199 Titus, Benjamin, v, 18, 24 Tlaxcala, iv,
111 Tobago, iv, 151 Todd, George, vi, 92, 93 Todd, James, iv, 223 Todd, T. T.,
v, 133, 233 Todd, William D., v, 84, 85 Tolosa, Pedro, iv, 144 Tomlinson,
James M., v, 207 Tomlinson, Robert, v, 318 Tompkins, Arthur S., vi, 65
Tompkins, Daniel D., v, 53, 511; vi, 52, 6o Toney, Markus Breckinridge, vi,
236 Tooke, Randolph, iv, 154 Tooley, Henry, v, 359 Topeka, Kansas, v, 225
Topping, William H., vi, 83 Toraritis, Christophorus G., iii, 318 Torgau
Ordinances, i, 72, 78 Toronto, Canada, iv, 71 Torphichen Kilwinning Lodge, ii,
337 Towner, Horace Mann, v, 21g Townsend, Alexander Thomas, vi, 253 Townsend,
Charles H., vi, 396 Townshend, Charles J., iv, 53 Trade marks, connexion with
Masons' Marks, i, 145 Trade of Masons, Regulations for the, i, 166
Transactions of the Supreme Council, v, 15 Transmission, Charter of, i, 214
Treaty of Monterey, iv, 113 "Treaty Oak, The," v, 115 Treaty of Peace and
Alliance, iv, 176 Treaty of Versailles (1783), v, 124 Trenaman, Thos., iv,
Trent, William, vi, 4 Trenton, New Jersey, vi, 2o Trestle Board, The, v, 289
Treumann, William C., vi, 171, 423 Triennial Assembly at Savannah, v, 368
Triennial Conclave, v, 303 Trigg, James, v, 31 Trimble, James, vi, 227, 251
Trimble, Joseph, vi, 17 Trimble, Matthew, v, 441 Trinidad, iv, 151 Trollope,
statue of, i, 248 Trowbridge, James, v, 362 Trowel, The, v, 29 Trumbull, John
H., v, 91 Truter, John, iv, 228 Tryon, S. H., vi, 132 Tucker, Nathaniel B., v,
378 Tucker, Philip C., vi, 300, 307, 309 f.
Tucker, T. C., v, 366
Tucker, William, v, 24 Tucson, New Mexico, first organisation in, v, 18, 23
Tully, Lewis B., v, 3 Tunis, Freemasonry in, iv, 238 f.
Tunnah, James, v, 49
Tupper, Benjamin, vi, 86, 88, 52 97 Tupper, T. C., v, 369 Turberville, John,
v1, 334 de Turenne, Vicomte, iii, 8 Turgot, abolition of Craft Guilds in
France, 1776, iii, 97 Turkey, Freemasonry in, iii, 311; early Lodges, iii,
311; "Grand Lodge of Turkey," iii, 312; Grand Lodge Constituted, iii, 313;
mixed nationalities, iii, 314; Oriental Lodge, iii, 312; position to‑day, iii,
315; Sultan's support, iii, 314 Turley, Marshall M., v, 382 Turnbull, Everett
R., article by, v, 176 f.; vi, 487 INDEX 549 Turner, Daniel Webster, V, 220
Turner, Edward, v, 359 Turner, G. A., iv, ioo Turner, John E., vi, 232 Turner,
John L., vi, 214, 215 Turner, Robert, ii, 165 Turner, Vantrump, V, 186
Tuscaloosa, Iowa, v, 2, 3, 5, 10 Tuscany, Freemasonry in, iii, 245 Tuscumbia,
v, 14 Tutt, ohn A., v, 6o Twee, Albert E., vi, 396 Tweed, Thomas, iv, 3 Tyler,
G. W., iv, 113 Tyler, Samuel, vi, g1 Tyng, Edward, Captain, iv, 31 Tyng,
William, v, 262 Tyskiewicz, Theresa, iii, 294 Tyson, John S., v, 286, 298 U
Ulster, Grand East of, ii, 285 Uniacke, John, iv, 53 Underhill, J. C., iv, 100
Underwood, Thomas, v, 123 Union, articles of, ii, 231 Union Pacific Railroad,
vi, 292 Unite, Stanley Edward, iv, 193 United Empire Loyalists, iv, 70 United
Grand Lodge of England, iv, 46 United Incorporation of Mary's Chapel, ii, 315
United States, Alabama, v, 116; Alaska, vi, 355 f.; Arizona, v, 17‑26;
Arkansas, v, 29‑49; California, v, 5o66; Canal Zone (see Panama). Colorado, V,
67‑86; Connecticut, v, 87‑93; Delaware, v, 94‑1o6; District of Columbia, v,
107‑120; Florida, v, 121‑134; Georgia, v, 135‑157; Hawaii Territo , v, 158 f.;
Idaho, v, 1767; Illinois, v, 176196; Indiana, v, 197‑210; Iowa, v, 211‑221;
Kansas, v, 222‑229; Kentucky, v, 230‑237; Louisiana, v, 238261; Maine, v,
262‑273; Maryland, v, 274‑308; Massachusetts, V, 309‑327; Michigan, v,
328‑346; Minnesota, v, 346‑357; Mississippi, v, 358‑372; Missouri, v, 373‑391;
Montana, V, 392‑402; Nebraska, v, 403415; Nevada, v, 416‑421; New Hampshire,
v, 42243o; New Jersey, vi, 1‑28; New Mexico, vi, 29‑39; New York, vi, 4o‑65;
North Carolina, vi, 66‑79; North Dakota, vi, 80‑84; Ohio, vi, 85‑1o8;
Oklahoma, vi, 109‑124; Oregon, vi, 12‑5‑143; Panama Canal Zone, v, 327;
Pennsylvania, vi, 144‑168; Philippine isIands, vi,169‑174; Rhode Island, vi,
175 f.; South Carolina, vi, 185 f.; South Dakota, vi, 227 f.; Tennessee, vi,
227 f.; Texas, vi, 262 f.; Utah, vi, 289‑297; Vermont, vi, 298‑315; Virginia,
vi, 316; Washington, vi, 355‑367; West Virginia, vi, 368‑379; Wisconsin, vi,
380‑393; Wyoming, v1, 394‑403 University of Illinois, V, 174 University of
Texas, v, 525 University of Virginia, v, 43 Upton, William H., vi, 364 Urien,
Carlos, iv, 12o Urquhart, Thomas, v, 244 Uruguay, Freemasonry in, iv, 174 U.
S. S. Kearsage, v, 62 Utah, American Masonic Federation, vi, 2 6; Charity
Fund, Vi, 295; formation of Grand Lodge, vi, 291; Freemasonry in, vi, 289‑297;
Lodges in, vi, 296; Masonic public library, vi, 294 f.; Masonic Temple in Salt
Lake City, vi, 296; mining districts in, v1, 292 f.; Mormons not allowed, vi,
290 Utica, Masonic Home at, vi, 59 f V Valentine, Basil, plate of, i, 16
Valentine, John, i, 8 Valle, Fran~ois, V, 373, 374 Vallery, George W., v, 78
Van Bokkelen, J. L., v, 420 Van Brunt, Willard, vi, 389 Van Buren, President,
V, 34, 211 Van Duzer, Frederick C., quoted, v, 431 Van Horn, Isaac, vi, 93 Van
Rensselaer, Killian H., V, 208; Vi, 107, 183 Van Rensselaer, Stephen, vi, 53,
56 Van Valzah, Robert, v, 2o9 Van Vechten, Jacob T. B., v, 454 Van Voorhees,
William, v, 56 Van Vorhes, Abraham, v, 352 Vancouver, iv, 14, 18 Vandalia, v,
181 Vanderslice, Daniel, v, 222, 223 Vansittart, Henry, iv, 205 Vardeman,
Jeremiah B., v, 381 Varnum, James Mitchell, vi, 86 Vatet, Eugene, v, 207 Vaud,
Freemasonry in, iii, 234 Veazay, George, v, 277 Veintimilla, Ignacio de, iv,
163 Venetia, Freemasonry in, iii, Venezuela, Freemasonry in, iv, 154 f.;
Supreme Council of, iv, 158 Vera Cruz, iv, io5, 111; Grand Lodge at, iv, 118
Verendrye, O. O., vi, 80 Verhaegen, iii, 261 Vermilion, vi, 216 Vermont,
Freemasonry in, vi, 298‑315; Grand Lodge Charity Fund, vi, 303; list of Past
Grand Masters, vi, 314; Masonic districts, vi, 305; Masonic Temple, vi, 313;
relations with Canada Masonry, vi, 311 Veron, J. B. G., v, 242, 243 Verrier,
Franrgois, v, 251 Vevay, V, 197 Vicarius, Salomonis, iii, 226 55░
INDEX Victor Emmanuel, iii, 248 Victoria, iv, 17 Victoria, president of
Mexico, iv, 107 Victoria, Freemasonry in, iv, 245 f.; Grand Lodge of, iv,
Vienna, iii, 165; Grand Lodge of, founded 1918, iii, 170; seeks recognition
from other Grand Lodges, iii, 171; revision of Constitution, 1929, iii, 171
Vigilantes, The, v, 393 f. Villal, Francisco, iv, 161 Villeinage, tenure of,
iii, 169 Villeins, oppression of, iii, 169, 170 Villeneau, Josiah, ii, 5o, 92
Vincennes, v, 197, 201 Vincil, John Davis, biograph ical sketch of, vi, 32,
432, 447 f ‑ Virgin Islands, Freemasonry in, iv, 145 Virginia, Freemasonry in,
vi, 316f.; the beginnings, vi, 316; the Colonial period, vi, 317; list of
early Lodges, vi, 318; America's first Independent Grand Lodge, vi, 319;
recorded Minutes, vi, 321 f.; oldest independent Lodge, vi, 322; the first
decade, vi, 322; Lodges in, vi, 324; growth and fruition, v1, 326; "Masonic
Literary Fund," vi, 327; Masonic Relief Foundation, vi, 330 f.; Royal Arch
Masonry, vi, 331; Grand Chapter, vi, 332; Royal Arch Schools of Instruction,
vi, 336; Templar Masonry, vi, 336; Grand Commandery, vi, 338; Cryptic Masonry,
vi, 341; Charters of, vi, 342; Certificate, vi, 342; Grand Council, vi, 344;
Cryptic Degrees, vi, 345; the Scottish Rite, vi, 349; Grand Consistory, vi,
353; Lodges of Perfection, vi, 354; Ordinance of Secession, vi, 368 Virginia
City, Mont., v, 396, 397 Visconde do Rio Branco, iv, 179 von Beulewitz, iii,
129 von Boetzelaar, Carl, iii, 206, 214 von Bruckenthal, Samuel, iii, 164 von
Dachroden, iii, 132 von Dalberg, Karl, iii, 102 von Donnersmark, Henckel, iii,
130 von Escher, iii, 239 von Exter, Dr., iii, 93 von Geusau, Herr, iii, 4 von
Humboldt, Researches by, 1, 10 von Hund, Karl Gotthelf, Baron, iii, 3; iv, 330
f.; death of, iv, 341 von Knigge, Baron, iv, 358 von Schroder, C. N., iv, 363
von Stassart, Baron, iii, 260 von Wachter, iv, 340, 342 von Weiler, Baron, iv,
338 f. von Zwackh, Franz Xaver, iv, 358 Voorhis, Harold Van Buren, iv, 314,
364; vi, 487 Vreeland, W. V. W., vi, 432 Vroom, James, iv, 26; vi, 488 W
Wackernie, Andres, v, 238 Waco Masonic Institute, vi, Waddill, William, vi,
327 Wade, H. S., iv, 5 Wade, Owen, vi, 131 Wadsworth, Ebenezer, v, 288 Wages,
regulation of, under Edward I, i, 156 Wagstaff, Richard, v, 274 Wailuku, v,
159 Wait, A. E., vi, 131 Wakeford, George W., iv, 26, 57; vi, 488 Waldo,
David, vi, 31 Waldo, Henry L., vi, 34 Wales, Edward, Prince of, ini tiated
1869, ii, 253; Grand Master of England, 1875, ii, 256; resigned Grand
Mastership on accession to the throne, 1901, ii, 258; his fine work as Grand
Master, ii, 258; Grand Master of Scotland, ii, 394; Patron of the Scottish
Craft, 1870, ii, 401 Wales, George, Prince of, initiated into Masonry, 1787,
ii, 113; Grand Master of the Moderns, 1792, ii, 214; Grand Patron of the
Society, 1813, ii, 221 Waliszewski, Paul the First of Russia, quoted, iii,
178, 191 f.
Walker, James, iv, 1
Walker, James H., v, 31 Walker, John, iv, i Walker, Leroy Pope, v, 7 Walker,
Matthew R., v, 222, 223 Walker, R. E., iv, 18 Walker, Thomas, iv, 59 Walker,
William G., v, 65 Wallace, George, v, 197 Wallace, Henry A., v, 220 Wallace,
Henry Cantwell, v, 220 Wallace, Lew, vi, 36 Wallace, William H., vi, 358
Wallingford, v, 87 Wallis, William John, v, 207 Walter, Harvey W., v, 365, 367
Walter, W. T., vi, 197 Walter, William, iv, 37, 41; vi, 45 Walton, George, v,
153 Walton, Isaac, ii, 250 Wanamaker; John, vi, 164, 409 Wannamaker, William
W., vi, 200 War between the States, v, 4, 11, 13, 14, 47, 171, 218, 270, 282,
303, 354, 379, 381, 383, 390, 405, 513; vi, 15, 27, 156, 195, 236, 238, 249,
339, 386 War for Independence, iv, 35, 44; v, 95, 135, 139, 147, 148, 150,
154, 156, 275, 276, 425; vi, 43, 72, 96, 149, 154, 204, 228, 2‑43, 244 f‑, 355
War of 1812, v, 390 War with Mexico, v, 282 Ward, Lord, Grand Master of
England, 1742‑44, ii, 94 Ward, Henry Dana, v, 89 Ward, James, iv, 207 INDEX
551 Ward, William J., iv, 64, 65 Warden, installation of, i, 77; election of,
ii, 46 Warden, General, order of, ii, 3 6 Wardens, P. G. S., v, 103 Wardlow,
James, v, 230 Warlow, T. Picton, v, 133 Warner, Stanley C., v, 78 Warrants,
granting of, ii, 121 Warren, Charles, iv, 195 Warren, Jas. A., v, 47 Warren,
John, v, 324 Warren, John B., v, 3 Warren, Joseph, iv, 271 f.; first death in
American Revolution, iv, 276 f.; v, 51, 309, 320, 445; v1, 414 Warren, W. B.,
v, 183 Warrington, Lodge at, 1646, 1, 273 Washburn, Calvin, vi, io1 Washburn,
Gamaliel, quoted, vi, 310 Washer, Nat M., vi, 283 Washington, Bushrod, vi, 4o6
Washington, George, iv, 132, 274, 278, 279; v, 36, 89, 98, 108, 1o9, 111, 113,
114, 148, 156, I57,2‑78,28o, 329, 425, 437, 440; vi, 4, 7, 12, 48, 56, 151,
163, 221, 228, 244, 321, 322, 324 f., 404, 411 f.
Washington, City of,
v, 31, 34, 42 et seq.
Washington, Memorial
(see George Washington Memorial, v, 46, 523; vi, 404413; description of, vi,
4'0f‑; laying of cornerstone, vi, 410 Washington Monument, The, v, 113
Washington Monument in Baltimore, corner‑stone of the, v, 28o Washington
(State of), Freemasonry in, vi, 3 5 5 f.; Charter, granted, vi,! 3 5 5 ; Grand
Lodge formed, vi, 357; Grand Lodge, presiding officers of, vi, 360; Grand
Masters, list Of, vi, 361; Masonic Home at Zenith, vi, 363; Grand Lodge Con
stitution, vi, 364 Wastell, John, i, 133 Warerhouse, George M., v, 171 Waters,
John, v, 275 Watres, Louis A., article by, vi, 404 f., 489 Watson, H. H., iv,
18 Watson, John A., iv, 57 Watson, Joshua, vi, 46 Watson, Lewis, v, 1 Watson,
Robert B., v, 3 Wattles, James O., v, 181 Watts, James, v, 364 Waymire,
Frederick, vi, 126 Wayne, "Mad Anthony," iv, 281; v, 156; vi, 416 Weatherbe,
Sir Robert, iv, 53 Weaver, James W., v, 2o6 Webb, A. W., v, 48, 49 Webb,
Charles J., v, 228, 286, 298 Webb, E. H., vi, 214 Webb, Joseph, v, 309, 323
Webb, Sidney, History of Trade Unionism, i, 140 Webb, Thomas Smith, v, 93,
200, 294, 3 5 5, 426, 443, 448, 451, 475, 479, 484, 489; vi, 100, 101, 104,
176, 178, 181 f., 3o6, 337, 387 Webb, Thomas Smith, Moni tor, The, v, 7, 144
Webster, Wilbur P., v, 132 Wedderburn, H. Hamilton, iv, 66 Wedderburn,
William, iv, 59 Weed, Leonard, v, 342 Weed, Thurlow, vi, 53, 56 Weeden,
Frederick, v, 3, 9 Weiler, Isidor Samuel, v, 169 Weir, Dr., iv, 99 Weishaupt,
Adam, founder of Illuminati, iv, 357 Welfert, George, iii, 310 Weller, William
F., vi, 388 Wellesley, Arthur, iv, 224 Wellesley, Richard Grand Master of
Ireland, 1782, 1821, 1828, 11, 281 Wellford, Beverley R., vi, 330 Wellington,
Edward W., v, W504 ls, Gideon, v, 91 Wells, Heber, vi, 17 Wells, John, vi, igo
Welsford, Major, iv, 49 Wemyss, Earl of, Grand Master of Scotland, 1743, ii,
385 Wendeorff, James H., v, 225 Wendt, E. E., iii, 121 Wente, William, v, 464
Wentworth, John, iv, 39, 40 Werschamp, Humbert Ger bier de, iii, 47 Wesley,
Garret, ii, 281 Wesley, John, v, 139, 151 West, Milburne, iv, 85 West Indies,
Freemasonry in, iv, 125; geographical positions, iv, j2‑5; Antigua, iv, 147;
Bahama Islands, iv, 151; Bardadoes, iv, 147; Bermuda, iv, 153; Caribbee
Islands, iv, 147; Cuba, iv, 126; Cura~oa, iv, 148; Dominica, iv, 148; Grenada,
iv, 148; Guadeloupe, iv, 149; Hispaniola, iv, 130; Jamaica, iv, 134, 137;
Lesser Antilles, iv, 147; Lucayas, iv, 152; Martinque, iv, 149; Mont Serrat,
iv, 15o; Nevis, iv, 15o; Porto Rico, iv, 142; St. Bartholomew, iv, 15o; St.
Christopher, iv, 150; St. Eustatius, iv, 15o; St. Kitts, iv, 150; St. Lucia,
iv, 151; St. Martin, iv, 151; St. Thomas, iv, 146; St. Vincent, iv, 151; Santa
Cruz, iv, 146; Sommers Islands, iv, 153; Tobago, iv, 151; Tortola and Virgin
Gorda, iv, 146; Trinidad, iv, 151; Virgin Islands, iv, 146 West Virginia,
Freemasonry in, vi, 368‑379; beginnings and development, vi, 368; bill to
admit, vi, 369; early chartered Lodges, vi, 370 f.; Grand Lodge, vi, 372 f.;
Organisation of Grand Lodge, vi, 373; ritual of Grand Lodge, vi, 376;
landmarks, vi, 377; benevolences, vi, 377; education, vi, 378 Westcott, Wynn,
iv, 350 Western Australia, Freemasonry in, iv, 25o Western Star Lodge, v, 179
Westminster, v, 301 Weston, Allyn, editor of The Ashler, v, 73, 8o 552 INDEX
Westphalia, Grand Orient of, iii, 15 5 Wethersfield, v, 89 Wetmore, Thomas,
iv, 45 Wetumpka, v, 10 Weyburn, iv, 1o1 Weymouth, Lord, ii, 9o; v, 142, 143
Wharton, Duke of, ii, 10, 79; iii, 263 Wharton, John H., vi, 262, 266 Wharton,
Philip, ii, 9, 74, 79 Wheatley, H. L., iv, 182 Wheeler, Andrew Jackson, v,
365; vi, 236 Wheeler, Daniel H., v, 409, 412 Wheeler, Edward M., article by,
vi, 175 f ‑, 489 Wheeler, John H., v, 288 Wheeler, Marion P., vi, 396 Whicher,
John, article by, v, 50 f., 148; vi, 490 Whinnery, A., v, 31 Whipple, Abraham,
vi, 416 Whipple, John C., vi, 81 Whipple, Thomas, letter of, vi, 4o6 Whipple,
William, V, 422 Whiting, Amos, v, 359 Whitaker, W. R., v, 494, 495 Whitcher,
Jeremiah E., vi, 432 Whitcomb, Governor, v, 2o6 Whitcomb, Lot, vi, 126, 130
White, Anthonv W., vi, 8 White, Benjamin V., v, 371 White, Francis E., v, 413
White, Frank, vi, 171 White, H., v, 259 White, Joseph, vi, 265 White, Maunsel,
V, 241 White, Phineas, vi, 3o6 White, Robert, vi, 375 White, William, iv, 203
White, W. H., ii, 228, 249, 254 White, William Henry, iv, 314 White House,
corner‑stone of, V, 113 Whitefield, George, v, 151, 152 Whitehead, Frederick
F., vi, 139, 33 Whiteway, William V., iv, 65, 66, 67, 68 Whitfield, E. H., v,
36, 47, 48 Whiting, Nathan, iv, 33 Whitman, Marcus, vi, 397 Whitney, A. G., v,
336 Whitney, Joel, first Masonic funeral in Minnesota, v, 355 Whittaker,
Franklin, vi, 384 Whittall, Matthew J., v, 326 Whittemore, Oliver A., v, 72,
85 Whitwell, William Carroll, v, 170 Whymark, George Harvey, iv, 193 Whytehead,
T. B., ii, 111, 117, 123; iv, 349 Whyte‑Melville, John, ii, Wichita, Kansas,
v, 225, Wigat, Edward, vi, 169 Wiley, William J., vi, 6o Wilhelmsbad, Masonic
Convention, 1782, iii, 117, 187 Willard, John Dwight, vi, 58, 62 Willey,
James, v, 97 William Thompson Masonic Schools for Orphans, openning of, iv,
244 Williams, George R., V, 359 Williams, James, v, 394 Williams, John, vi,
227, 246 Williams, Joseph, V, 2;9 Williams, Joshua Rice, V, 371 Williams,
Marmaduke, v, 1, 9 Williams, Nathaniel, V, 230, 231 Williams, Nelson, vi, 490
Williams, Nelson, article by, vi, 85 f.
Williams, Oliver, V,
336 Williams, Otho, iv, 278 Williams, Robert, vi, 69, 76, 232 Williams, Robert
W., v, 127 Williamsburg, Virginia, vi, 322 Williamson, Adam, iv, 130, 401 226
139 Williamson, Collin, v, 1o9 Williamson, D. E. W., article by, v, 416 f.;
vi, 491 Williamson, George, report of, iv, 204 Williamson, W. W., article by,
iv, 81; vi, 491 Willingdon, Lord, iv, 223 Willis, Nathaniel, vi, 91 Willis, S.
J., iv, 18 Willson, Samuel, v, 217; Vi, 305 Wilmans, Henry, V, 278, 300, 303,
510 Wilmington, Delaware, v, 95, 98, 102 Wilson MS., Nos. 1 and 2, i, 0
Wilson, Albert E., vi, 130 Wilson, Albert K., v, 225, 228 Wilson, Benjamin D.,
v, 51 Wilson, Charles Stuart, iv, W lson, David, iv, 18 Wilson, Henry H., V,
413 Wilson, James, v, 219 Wilson, John, ii, 134,:13 5 Wilson, John Lyde, vi,
2o6 Wilson, Peter T., iv, 117 Wilson, Riley J., v, 259 Wilson, W. Laurence, v,
371 Wilson, Warren S., vi, 83 Wilson, Washington L., V, 31 Wilson, William B.,
vi, 164 Wilson, William Mercer, iv, 22, 50, 75,288 Wilson, President Woodrow,
V, 219 Wiltsie, G. F., V, 494 Winder, Levin, v, 275, 280 Winfield, Tames H.,
iv, 52, 56, 66 Wingate, Frances Reginald, iv, 233 Wing, William, v, 362
Winnery, Abraham, v, 47 Winning, Thomas G., iv, 69 Winnipeg, iv, 2, 19, 22, 94
Winslow, George B., v, 236 Winsor, Lou B., article by, v, 328 f.; vi, 492
Winston, Francis D., article by, vi, 66 f.; vi, 493 Winston, John J., V, 1
Winston, Lewis, v, 359 Winter, William, iv, 138 Wirt, William, v, 282
Wisconsin, Freemasonry in, vi, 380‑393; first Lodge in, Vi, 80; Convention,
vi, 383 ; the disputed strip," vi, 384; powers of Grand Lodge, vi, 385;
Masonic INDEX 553 Charity, vi, 389; Masonic Home, vi, 389; Royal Arch
Chapters, vi, 390f.; Cryptic Degrees, vi, 392 Witchcraft, i, 316 Withers,
Robert E., vi, 330, 340 Witherspoon, John, vi, 6 Withrow, Chase, v, 81, 84
Witt, B. G., v, 463 Woart, William, v, 448 Wolcott, Oliver, v, 91 Wolfe,
General, capture of Quebec, iv, 34,81; v, 320 Wolfe, George, vi, 164 Wolff, A.
J., iv, 52 Wolves, nicknames for "companions," 1, 112 Wood MS., i, 31 Wood,
Anthony a, i, 347 Wood, B. E., vi, 214 Woodbury, Jonathan, v, 197 Woodbury,
Roger W., v, 84, 87 Woodford MS., i, 41 Woodford, A. F. A., ii, 107 Woodhull,
John W., vi, 387 Woodruff, Aaron D., vi, 23 Woods, Joseph, vi, 97, 98 Woods,
Robert Archer, article by, v, 197 f., 493 Woods, Saschel, v, 54, 60 Woodward,
Richard C., vi, 17,2.8 Woof, Richard, Sketch of the Knights Templar, iii, 282
Wooster, David, iv, 33, 277; v, 91 Work, Samuel, v, 397 World Wide Register,
iv, 179 Worrell, Edward, v, 290 Worsham, Edward R. T., vi, 2.36 Worsham, John
Jennings, vi, 240, 256 Wren, Sir Christopher, connexion with Masons, i, 7, 8,
41; i, 12o; was he a Freemason? i, 259; two sources of authority regarding his
claims as a Freemason, i, 26o; death of, 1723, 1, 264; not alluded to as Grand
Master until 1738, i, 266; his association with the theory of Masonic origin,
i, 2 82; not alluded to as Grand Master in his Memoir in the Biographia
Britannica, i, 289 Wren, Christopher (Junior), on his father's life (the
Parentalia), i, 267 f.; his work, i, 268 Wright, A. W., v, 344 Wright, B. D.,
v, 127 Wright, Cyrus, v, 2o5 Wright, David, v, 242 W91, t, Dudley, Druidism,
Ancient Faith of Britain, by, i, 7; Roman Catholicism and Freemasonry, iii,
2.75; iv, 170 Wright, George W., vi, 330 Wright, James, v, 152 Wright,
Jeremiah, v, 123 Wright, John Arthur, iv, 250 Wright, Olin Seamore, v, 134
Wright, Robert, Memoir of General James Oglethorpe, v, 143 Wright, Silas B.,
v, 121 Wright, Waller Rodwell, quoted, iii, 282 Wright, William D., v, 84
Wyatt, Matthew, i, 136 Wyatt, Peter, v, 94 Wyllys, Samuel, vi, 415 Wyman,
George E., v, 81 Wyoming, Freemasonry in, vi, 394‑403; first meeting of
Masons, vi, 394; South Pass Lodge, vi, 397; Grand Lodge, vi, 399; officers of
communication, vi, 4oo; list of past Grand Masters, vi, 4o1 f.; Masonic Home
Fund, vi, 4o2 Y Yale, Gregory, v, 59 Yale University, iv, 15; v, 175 Yandell,
Burton, v, 366 Yankton, S. D., vi, 2o8 Yantis, B. F., vi, 356 Yarker, John,
iv, 329, 350 Yates, David, v, 122 Yates, Giles Fonda, vi, 183 Yates, Richard,
v, 196 Yelaguin, Ivan Perfilievich, iii, 179 f.
Yell, Archibald, v,
40; vi, 237 Yellowstone National Park, v, 398 Yeo, John, iv, 56 York, A. S.,
v, 132 York, alleged existence of Lodge, 1561, i, 302; old Lodge at, i, 388;
extracts from Lodge Minutes, i, 389 York, Grand Lodge of, ii, 239; absorption
with the Grand Lodge of England, ii, 141; breach with Grand Lodge at London,
ii, 115; distinction from Grand Lodges at London, ii, 114; Drake, Francis, ii,
104; early writers, examination of their accounts, ii, 1o6; evidence of early
existence of, ii, 10o; Grand Lodge of All England, ii, 104; Grand Lodge of
England South of the River Trent, ii, 128, 135; Grand Masters from 170534 11,
109; Grand Masters and Secretaries, 1761‑92, ii, 137; inactive period, ii,
116; Knights Templar or the Fifth Degree, ii, 140, 141; legality of, ii, 104;
Milner, Sir William, ii, 112; novelties of the York Masonic system, ii, 138;
old rules, i1, io8; "Presidents" and "Grand Masters," ii, iii; Preston,
William, ii, 129; "Private" and "General" or "St. John's" Lodges, ii, 107;
prominent personalities, ii, 113; Punch Bowl Lodge, ii, 118; revival, ii, 118;
roll of meetings, 1712‑30, ii, ioo; Royal Arch Masonry, early references to,
ii, 138; rules of membership, ii, 12o; St. John's Lodges, ii, 107; Seals and
Arms, ii, 142; Supreme Lodge, ii, 125; Warrants, granting of, for subordinate
Lodges, ii, 121; Wilson, John, ii, 135 York, Freemasonry in, ii, 100 f.
York, list of Masons,
ii, 117 York MSS., ii, No. 1, 29, 554 INDEX No. 2, 38, No. 3, 31, No. 4, 37,
No. 5, 35, No. 6, 36 York Rite, iv, 107; v, 78 Yorkinos, iv, 105, 107 Yost,
Mattie A., vi, 432 Young, Benjamin, v, 373 Young, Brigham, v, 382; vi, 289,
292 Young, Charles F., iv, 96 Young, Claud F., v, 225 Young, George T., v,
16o, 161 Young, John, ii, 388 Young, Lafayette, v, 219 Young, Richard M., v,
193 Young, Robert H., v, 114 Youngs, Thomas, v, 57 Yount, George, v, 51
Yucatan, iv, 111, 116 Z Zabriskie, James A., v, 24 Zaldivar, Rafael, President
of Nicaragua, iv, 124 Zambault, iii, 34 Zanico, Jean, v, 239, 240 Zavala, iv,
1o6 Zerobabel Lodge, Copenhagen, iii, 2o1 Zetland, Lord, ii, 250, 253 f.; iv,
58 Zetland Lodge, Malta, iii, 287 Zinnendorff, iii, 91 f., 186; Constituted
Lodges in Hamburg, 1771, iii, 1; and the Three Globes, iii, 115; connexions
with National Grand Lodge, Berlin, iii, 123; becomes enemy of Strict
Observance, iii, 124; negotiations for recognition with England, iii, 126;
compact with England signed, iii, 126; his death, 1782, iii, 128; at Hanover,
iii, 149; his system introduced into Russia, iii, 178 Zurich, Freemasonry in,
iii, 236; iv, 342 Zola, S. A., iv, 233 Zollner, iii, 119 Zolnoski, John C.,
vi, 396 Zubirias, Francisco de, iv, 161