1855 Proceedings - Grand Lodge of Missouri by Missouri Freemasons

PROCEEDINGS OF

THE GRAND LODGE OF THE

MOST ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF

II.

STATE OF }IISSOURI;

CONVENED IN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS,

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MaY, A. D., 1855; A. L. 5855.

SAINT LOUIS, PRINTED :BY Af. NLEDNER & CO., :1\0. 4G TlfIlW STREET. GORNER OF PINE.

PHOCEEDINGS. The Annual Cnmmuuiratton of the mBst Worshipful Grand LodA'e of Andent Frf''l and Aecepled Masons of the State of Mis-

souri, was held in the City of St. Louis, commencing on the Fourth Monday, 28th day of May, A.. D. 1855. A.. L.5855. Were present: M. W. L. S. CORNWELL, Grand Master, Rt. W. J. W. CHENOWETH, G. S. W., " " Ol'CAR F. POTTER, G. J. W., " " JOSEPH FOSTER, G. Treasurer, " I, A. O'SULLIVAN, G. Secretary, ,,& Rev. J. F. TRUSLOW, G. Chaplain, " HENRY E. VAN OSDBLL, G. S. D, " B. GOLDSMITH, G. J. D., " A. STiLLE, G. Tyler, PAIiT

GRANt>

OFFIC£RS,

Rt. W, Hon. S. W, B. CARNEGY, P. G. M •• " B. W. GROVER, P. G. M.,

GEO. H,

lVIELODY, P. D, G. M.,

JOHN D. DAGGETT, P. D. G. M" " S. It'. CURRIE, P, D. G. M., " <,A. T. DOUGLAS, P. G. W., " JOHN H. TURNER, P. G. W,. ,~ S, H. SAUNDERS, P. G. W. The Mo~t Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri was opened on the Third Degree, in ample form. Prayer by the Rev. Grand Chaplain. The M. W, Grand Master appointed Bros. De Haven, Hunter, and Houston, a Comm:ltee on Credentials. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until half-past three o'clock, II

Half-past 3 o'clock, P M. The Grand Lod~e of Missouri -was called to Labor by the M. W. Gr,lnd Master.

GRAND LODGE A. F.

A. MaSONB

Grand officers at their several stations. The Committee on Credentials reported the following Lodges represented, to-wit: Missouri, No.1, Bro. John D. Daggett, proxy for W. M. Wm. Burden, Jr. W. " It Goldsmith, W. l\f A. Suss, S.W • .Meridian, " 2, " Charles S. Hamilton, W. M. " 3, Beacon, " William E. Dillard, W. M. and pro Williamsburg, " 8, J. W. I

George Washington, 9, Smith, .I1uburll,

" 13, " 14,

17,~

Clarksville,

mer, S.. W., J. H. l\fcAlpin, J. W. Dan Conway, W. l\f.

" "

Wm. tV. Reynolds, W. ~f . T. K. Vau~han, W. M. J. W. Heinphlll, pr. J. 'V. Robert Cilnnan, W. M.

" "

" 18,

Paris Union,

" 19,

St. Louis,

" 20,

Napfhali,

St. John's, Liberty,

" 23, " 31,

Lafayette,

" 32,

.Merccr,

" 35,

25'~

COOPC)',

" 36,

•Mount MorialL,

" 40,

Jefferson Oity,

" 43, " 45,

Bonhomme,

D. H.Moss, M. W.

S. A. Ra,vlins, S. W. Connor, W. M., pr. S. and J.W.

John

" "

James H. McLane, S. W. James W. Barry, J. 'V. N. P. Kunkle, "V. lVl. H. E. Van OsdeU, pre W. M. S. and J. Vif. H. E. Peebles, 'V. M. and pre S. und J. W.

JlILtr{/w Washington, 46,

Fulton,

" 48,

MidJleto'JJn,

Livingston,

" 50, " 51,

IVakanJa,

" 52,

W. S. Swim-

" "

M~.

" "

Palmyra,

"r. Crane, W.

,V.

J. R..

"7. I-Ianson, pre W. M.

Cl~Hk,

W. IV!.

S. IIouck, pre Vl. M.. , D. De Haven, pro S. W. " Alex. T. Douglas, "V. M. and pl'. S. W., L. W. Milchell, J. W. " Charles W. Stcwart, "V. 1\.1. h D. J. l\1urt.lnis, pre \V. M. J. H. Han, pro S. W. ·W. J. Browll, W. lH. " David McKinney, J. W. " Tbomas C;lT(l, pro S. vV. J. '\T. B'l\Ilwarc, .T. 'lvV. John ',V. Jam(;~, \V. ]\1. " .J olin H. Turner, W. ']\1. " J. F. Houston, pl'. W. M.

OF TIlE STAT:R OF MISSOURI.

53,

Weston,

.Ilrrow Rock,

" 55,

Platte, .New Bloomfield, St. .'M.ary's, Savanna, Danville, Eureka, Ashley, Indepen~nce, Lebanon,

" 56, " 60, I' 63, II 71, " 72, " 73, " 75, " 76, \. 77,

Polar Sla",

" 79,

Bridgeton,

" 80,

.MitcheLl,

" 86,

Pel'severance,

" 92,

St. .Marles,

" 93,

Greene,

" 101,

Relief, Miami, .New .'Madl'irl, Plalfsburg,

" " .' "

V6?'Sailles, Postel',

" 117, " 119,

Oscar F. Potter, pro W. M. Sand J. W. " Wm, Cristison, S, W. " J. P. Howe, pr. W.M.S. andJ.W• " G. W. Eutler, S. W. " O. H. P. Craig, pr. W. M. " J. H. Robinson, W. M. " Stark Mnnzee, J. W. H C. W. Pharr, W. M. " Rev. J. Fl. Truslo\v, pro W. M. " A. l\.fetcalf, W. M. " N. Wall, W. M., C. H. Drenan, S. \V., T. E. Courtenay, pro J. W. " Jmnes H. Garrett, S. vV. " M. W. L. S. Qornwell, G. M. pro W.M. B. W. Gorin, W. M. " Thomas B~lts, pro S. ,Y. E. Lea, J. W. H

" "

J. F. Schiefer, W .. lVI. J. W. Chenowe1lJ, pro W. M. T. W. Booth, pro S. und J. W. " W.I(illebruri, pro S. and J. 'V. " D.. Parsons, pro W. M., S. and J. W. " R.B. Hateher, pr."\tV.l\-I.S. and J .W•

105, 106, 108, . 113,

" 121,

" " "

Herman, Athens,

" 123, " 127,

Constantine,

"129'1

Plllxnix,

" 136,

A11

James N. Burnes, pro S. W. G. W. McLane, pro J. W.

Jalues H. Birch, Jr., pr. W. and J. W. James Livingston, Isaac Hunter, W. IH. c. v"l. IIorn, \\7. M. i\.. C. Erfurt, S. \V

l? W. H.osenthal, J. 'V.

W. Vogel. S.

~lt,

W.l\L j\.H)in, S. '\'1. " .A.. ~I. Bedford, 'V. 1\1"Wil!hm H. Gu~dill. J. W. "'Villi:Ull Bolton, W. M. H

which l~ respectfully submitted.

D. DE HAYEN, Js.~ AC 1:1 U;VTEll, JOliN HOLSTON.

_______ - - - -

L 1\

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I IIIi II

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GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

The M. W. Grand Master declared a quolum present for the transaelion of business. The M. W. G. Master then delivered the r{)llowin~ address: My Brethren of the Grand Lodge of .Missouri'Through the kindness of the only living and true God, we are permitted once more to assemble in this Hallj dedicated to purpcses of uni"f!rsal benevolence, by an institution, whose le:ldil.g tenets are"Brotherly love, relief and trulh,l' and whose characteristic is free and voluntary service. Let u~ therefore return unto Him our devout thanks {"r his superintending care over us during the past Masonic Year; acknowledging his providence, and implore his aid in our present. delilJeratiohs. Not forgettipg the moral lesson taught u.s by the emblem that adorns the centre of the checkered pavement of ollr mystic temple, we meet as the representatives of the Subordinate Lodges throughout the S'ate, all haYing the same ends in view, that of" conciliating true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance." I am gratified in being able to announce to the Grand Lodge, that as far as my information extends, the craft throughout our jurisdiction is bles,ed with pro~perity and health. We are at peace with ourselves, and at peace with all our sister Grand Lodges. no~hing of an unpleasant nature having transpired in nny of ollr Masonic relations that required de"islve action of me, except such as were of a local and temporary character, and all have, I believe, been amicably settled to the satisfaction of all parties, with slight exc('ptioll~, and tho~e of but litlle im porlance. Notwithstanding, the craft laboring in the 'Ve~t have been blessed with comparative good health, yet we hear a voice coming up from the South, that IInc of our beauhful columns has fallen: Brother Edmund P. Hunter, Grand lHasler of the Grand Loige of Virginia, has been called by the Grand Master of the Universe, from labor upon earth, to partake of a fea~t prepared for the rig:hteous, in the Grand Lodge above. Brot her Hunter was called from the active and responsible duties of the craft; he died wilh the Slar of Masonry emblazoned npon his breast, an arm'lrial more noble than that worn by the legion of honor, so much prized durin~ the early p3.rt of the pre. sent century. His virtues and talents called him to occupy the most distinguished rank among his brethI'm of Virginia, and from that high position, he was cut off to enojys blessings such llS mor!ality is not permitted to see. May his virtues remind us of that "purity of life and conduct which is essentially necessary to our gaining admission"

0'1' 'I'D STATE OJ!' MISSOURI.

to the feast that he now so bountifully enjoys, when like him we shall have pa~sed the Jordan of death, and arrived at the gates of the cele8~ tial city, may we be enabled to pronounee the paillword, and receive the welcome-HEnter ye blessed of my Father." During the month of July last I received a cnmmunication from the Secretary of Liberty Lodge No. 81, furnishing me with a eopy ora resolution passed by that Lodge, on the 24th June previous, in regard to the appointment of aD. D. G. M. for the Third Masonic District, denouncing the action of the Grand Master, as being unmasonic and illegal, therefore disregarding said appointment. I at once ordered said Lodge to expunge the said resolution from its records. or cease labor ender their Charter. Accordingly at a meeting held in the month of August following, of which but ten of the members were notified, said meeting, by the casting vote of the Worshipful Master, resolved not to expunge said resolution. tut suffer their Charter to be arrested. Subsquently upon the Petition of a number of Brethren at that place, having been members of the Lodge previously, promising a strict obedience to the laws of the Grand Lodge, &c., I restored to them their Charter and furniture. Recently I have received a communication from the Lodge informing me, that the action had in August last, was not a fair expression of the feelings of the members of that Lodge. I am now happy to state, that from informama'jon received from the D. D. G. M. of that District, the Lodge has never been more harmonious, prosperous and happy. I have, during the Masonic Year, received a Ilumber of communications from various parts ot the State upon questions of Masonic law and usage, growing out of difficulties among the craft, which, I believe, have all been healed and peace restored. Seeming difficulties frequently arise in Lodges, growing out of mere questions of expediency, that really involve no principle of Masonic law or usage, except tAnt of "who can best work and best agree." This being lost sight of, and strange principles incorporated in lieu thereof. My advice to my Bre!hern has universally been: sacrifice everything but principle for !wrmony, to let no mere question of expediency destroy harmony, which is the cement and support of Masonry, but always sacrifice the less for the greater good. In obedience to a resolution of the Grand Lodge, at its la~t communicallon, I summoned the Brethren therein named to meet me at the Library Room of the Masonic College, on the 25th day of July last, and acquit themselves of the wrong camplained 01 in said resolution, b)" designating the Brethren and specifying the acts done, which were

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

"calculated to reflect discredit upon the order." They promptly obeyed, and the persons designated were-Brothers B. W. Grover, A. Patterson, and myself. The acts were, that Brother Grover, as Grand Master, had recommended the putting on an additio:lal story to the Boarding house of the Masonic Cullege, wherein the Board of Curators transcended the appropriation made by the Grand Lodge, he promising to have the action of the Board approved by the Grand Lodge, at its next communication, and failed to do so. That Bro. A. Patterson had been appointed a member of the Building Committee, and acted as such for a time, afterwards refused to serve, and denied having taken any part as or being a member of said Committee, and myself, for the answer made to a suit brought against the Grand Lodge, by one of the mechanics employed by them in building the Boarding-house, upon a lien filed in the Lafayette Co. Court, all of which, with their arguments in the case, is on file in the Grand Secretary's office. Also, by authority of another resolution, passed at your last communication, I negotiated a loan for $1,500, upon a mortgage given upon the College property, in favor of Mr. Henry Thompson, of Johnson county, Mo. The note will be due about the 1st October next; also, three mortgages executed to several members of the old Board of Curators, for the a!nount of money advanced by them for building the Boarding-house, amounting in the llggregate, including interest for one year, to $2,058 41, which notes will be due about 1st August next. The funds received upon the first named mortgage have been paid to Secretary of Board of Curators, and applied according to the direction of the Grand Lodge. I have endeavored during the year to ascertain as near as possible our financial condition, but for want of a uniform system of keeping the accounts and books of the different Boards of the Grand Lodge, our true condition cannot be arrived at with any degree of exactness. Our endowment fund, as reported in 1853, to be $63,198 00, I find to have been greatly exaggerated. The a~ent appointed by the Board of Curators not yet having made his final report, nor in fact any report to the Board since his appointment, leaves the matter in doubt and uncertainty, as to the real amount now available. I am satisfied, however, that not more than $30,000, or $35,000 can be relied upon as a sure source to meet the expenditures on account of the College. I have a~certained from the Board of Curators, tnat there is now owing to thefac.ulty of the College, individuals on contracts for the building of the Boarding-house, and for other incidental expenses connected there-

01\ 'lBE STATE OF MlSSOUlU.

with, the sum of $ , to meet which we have the interest now due on the Endowment Fund, together with the tax on degrees, and such surplus as may be on hand after defraying the expenses of the present communication, 'estimated at $2,000, leaving a deficit of $ , to be provided for. It is well, my Brethern, for us to consider our ways, and adopt some means whereby the Grand Lodge may be relieved of debt. The College is suffering more from pecuniarv embarrassment than from any other cause; it has during the past year been liberally patronised, as much so as any institution of learning in our State, and I feel confident that if once relieved of debt, and the endowment fund of $50,000 made complete, and placed upon a sure basis, the institution can live without further pecuniary aid from the Grand Lodge. The question then arises, hoW' can our debts be liquidated? how can the frater~ity relieve itself from a debt that hangs heavily upon it? I learn that we have about $1,700 in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, besides about $600 due the Grand Lodge, by individuals which I have requested Bro. Grand Secretary to endeavor to collect. We also have unsold lands and town lots worth, say $800, but how much of the foregoing can be made wailable I nm unable to say. We have the last payment made upon the old Marion property, amounting in cash to $2,100, heretofore set apart as a Library and Aparatus Fund; we also have in the hands of the College Fund Commissioners $1,773 P2 principal, and one year's interest now due. Thus, my Brethren, you have the whole assets of the Grund Lodge before you, as well as its liubilities, as far as I am able to ascertain them; and in view of all the facts and circumstances, would it not be better for us 10 dissolve the Board of College Fund Commissioners, nnd appropriate that fund, as well as the Library and Aparatus Fund to the payment of our debts, and thus relieve the continual clamor set up by our creditors. It may be argued by some, that 1he funds arising from the sale of the Marion property was; heretofore set apart sacredly, for a specific purpose, and that the College fuud was created for the support of desti路 tute orphans-hoth in themselves laudable objects; but let us be just before benevolent. If the Grand Lodge has by resolution or otherwise, tied up her own resources, the sooner she frees herself from her shackles the better. Weare now boarding, clothing and eduoatiDg a number of orphan children at the Masonic College, from means derived from different sources altogether. The aparatus oCthe Masonic College, is more extensive and better than some other Colleges of

GSAND LODGE A â&#x20AC;˘ .,.. A. MAWNS

three time. ita age, and a library sufficient for ihpurpose. for years to come. As for the condition and future prospects of our College, I would refer vou to the report of the Board of Curators, and would b?g leave to suggest, that a code of Laws for the government of the Board of Curators and Endowment Fund Commis~ionen be adopted at this communication, as the only laws now in existence for th,eir jrovernment are those adopted for the College while locaetd in Marion connty. not at all applicable to its present organiza1ion or wants. I would a'so sllg'g'est, that they be as ~pecific and defini'e in dptail as to be easily understood, lind suffiaiently stringent to hold each and all. respon~iblc for the duties enjoined by them. The Grand Lodge is annually making large appropriations for the support of that instituHon, which is all, no doubt, disbursed according to instrucHons. Yet for want of a law to ~overn their $ystem of book ktleping, one not Ii-Imiliar with the alfuirs of the College, would be puzzled to ascertain 'r trace out fully any appropriation made. In order. in part, to remedy this defect, I requested Bro. Grand Secretary. in April last, to yisit the city of Lexington, and make an examination and such sug,restions and instructions as he might thltlk would make the whole matter more satisfactory, and also to assist the Secretary of the Board of Curators in making a settlement with the College Agpnt. I have requirerl extra services of our worthy Brother, for which I hope the Grand Lodge will amply remunerate him. I have receive(l reports from the D. D. G. Masters of the 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19,21, ani 24,h Districts, and am happy to state, that from them I learn that peace and harmony seem to prevail throughout the State; a general complaint, however, exists for the want of instruc' ion and a greater uniformity in the work and lectures, an evil to whichI wish to call the el'lpecial attention of the Gr. L. I am aware that we have a law upon our statute book, requiring that no Lodge shall recommend any petition for a di~pensa1ion for a new Lo:lge, unless the three officers named in said dispensation, are able to confer the Degrees, according tt) the work and lectures adopted by this Gran 1 Lodge. a. requisition, that in bllt few, if auy cases, can be complied with by either party. My Brethren, there is no disguising the fact, there are but few, if any, Lodges within our jurisdiction, that can decide what the work of the Grand Lodlte of Missouri is. I presume that alluded to is the w'lrk reported by onr Dcllegates to the Baltimore Convention, ir. the year 18t3, and only those Lodges that have been fortunate enough to receive the Lectures from those Brethren,

CF THK STATE

or MISSOURI.

know what it is, for it will be remembered, that the Grand Lod~e has adopted a dIfferent text book from that recommended by said Convention. It is true we have had a. Grand Lecturer, annually appointed since that time, but how many Lodges have Leen instructed in the work? 'Tis al!lo true we ha\'e twenty-four D. D. G. Masters, bllt how many of them know the work as adopted by the Grand Lndge? 1he consequenr:e is, our whole system of communicating inslruc:ion has totally failed, and thick darkness seem to hang over the subordina'es, to d spel which will rl'quire years of toil and labor. The question natur~\Iy arisl's, how can the end so devoutly wished for be accomplished? The increase of D. D. G. M~sters will not remedy the evil. First, from the tlifficult.y of procuring the services of c"mpetent Brethren; Second, from the great diversity of work which is prac'ised. throughout the State; and Third, even though competel;t Brethren could be found to discharge the dutie!l of D. D. G. M., and were in possession of the work as authorized to be taught by the Grand Lodge. Their official visits, which they annually make to the suhordinales in their jurisdiction, are too limited to effect any permanent good. Therefore, if the Grand Lodge deem uniormi/y in work important to the well-being or it:! subordinates, I hope lhat some measure may be adopted at this commullication, to accomplish so desirable an end-some plan whereby all itinerant lecturing- may be discontinued, no lectures permitted except by authorised Brethren, and none authorized but those competent to teach. I woulJ therefote bl'g leave to su~est. that some brother well skilled in lhe work, ](cturp.s lind principles or our beloved institution, be employed by the Gr. L., who shall devote his whole time in vi~iting and lecturing the Lodges, spending as mnch time with each Lodge as in his discretion may be deemed necessary, having sufficient l!uthority as to require obedience to his teaching, and enforce his lawful commands, wi:h such restrictions with regard to compensation as may not be too burthensome to the subordinate Lodges; that the Gr. L. should pay him a s:ated salary, contributions from the subordinate Lod!!,'es should be J><,id iuto the Grllnd Lod~e. It might be mad'l his duty to collect the interest on Scholarships from Lodges failinp; to send up their returns, also to increase the Endowment Fund or the ColJe~e by the sale of additional Scholarships to Lodges nnd individuals who have not already purchased, and perform such other duty as the Grand Lodge or Grand M~'ster may require of him, not interfering with the main object of his appointment. I would also suggest the propriety ot constituting him the proper authority to decide questions of Ma.onic jurispru-

'---

GRAND LODGE A. P. A. MASONS

dence for the subordinate Lodges, thereby having those ql,lestions settled, more consistent with the true principles and spirit of Masonry than the present too prevalent practice. I allude to Masonic Publica~ tions, where columns are filled from month to month with queries and replies, divulging to the idle gaze of the wQrld any difficulties that may unhappily exist in the subordinate Lodges; asking frequently such questions as in themselves are of no importance whatever. For example: "What part of a Lodge Room should the stove be placed ?', Prohibit the members of the subordinate Lodges from having queries published, Lhat arise from difficulties or difference of opinion growing out of the action of the Lodge. It is to be lamented that some editors and conductors of Masonic pUblications, have no more discretion than what appears to be among their less informed Brethren. It may, perhaps, require three or four years to carry out and accomplish the object referred to, but to my mind the amount of good to the fraternity would be inca,lculable. I conceivc the perpetuity of the subordinate Lodges mainly depends upon the Masonic light and intelligence possessed by them, thus we need skilful artists in every Lodge, to fit, prepare and polish each piece of material introduced into the building. It is unnecessary for me to say to the intelligence of this Grand Body, that the Endowment of the Masonic College, depends upon the perpetuity of its present subordinates. Should a similar plan to the foregoing be adopted, I would further suggest the propriety of prohibiting the authorized Lecturer of the Grand Lodge from conferring Degrees, called by some, even in this country, "Adoptive masonry;" by others, "Female masonry," or side Degrees, thereby imposing upon the credulity and intelligence of our wives and daughters. How Can any well informed Lecturer, who has an honesty of purpose in communicating the work of Masonry, divert the attention of his hearers with the so-called Degrees, and attach to them the name of Masonry; it is an attempted imposition upon the intelligence of the craft. The rapid increase of our Lodges and members is a subject that requires serious attention, as days of adversity too frequently follow those of prosperity. In the languge of our P. G. M. McBride, in his report to me, as D. D. G. M. of the 11 th District: "We are affording too many facilities for making Masons; we are opening the door of the Lodge too wide; we are making Masonry too cheap to he properly appreciated," in which sentiment I heartily concur. We find too many of our Brethren in good standing, as they term it, with their own Lodge, whose habits will not bear the test of the Master's emblem; dissipa-

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

tion, drunkenness, gaming and profanity are evil I' we daily have to encounter. The name of that being who said amidst thunders and lightning upon the top of Mount Sinai-"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain," is daily profaned by members of the Masonic Frat~rnity, who openly publish to the world, that" a Mason is bound by hi>i tenure to obey the moral law." My Brethren, how can these evils be remedied; there is not a lecture given, not an emblem explained, and not a charge or precept read in our Lodges, but admonishes the hearer of the importance and propriety of abstaining from the wicked vices above alluded to-vices, the practice of which is derogatory to the character of a Mason. I hope that all who are found guilty may be kindly admonished (for they are our Brethern) as often liS there is any probability of reclaiming them, and if they still persist, cut them off, no matter how painful the operation. Unless the evil is arrested, we may look for another political excitement, demagogues will endeavor to ride into office by arraying the masses against our order; they will point to the vices and irregularities of our Brethren, and wield them as mighty engines- to control popular prejudice, ignorance and bigotry. Purity of life and conduct or the membprs of a Lodge, will rear a column of strength that will withstand all the malice of a wicked world; it is the basis upon which we rest the perpetuily of our glorious conservative institution. 'Ve must away with the too prevalent idea, that Masonry will make a good man out of corrupt material, nothing short of the spirit of our Supreme Master can effect that change. We lay no claim to works of omnipotence, never admit an unworthy man, with the hope that Masonry will make him better; admit only good material. I would, my Brethren, as a general regulation, that the formation of Lodges were restricted to only one in a county, except in towns or cities, where it mny be necessary to have more; as it now is, our State is becoming dotted over with Lodges, at every village and cross-road, some of them searcely able to keep alive, doing but little good for themselves or the fraternily at large. I have reeeiyed the proceedings of the National Masonic Convention, held at 'Vashington Cily durin~ the month of .January last. A series of articles of confederation was adopted, "for the purpose of establishing a lIllily of intnest, design and purpose mnong the several GratHl Lodges of the U. S." A great many objections thatherclofore have been urged by the Brethren oPTJUsing a General Grand Lod~e, :1.re obviated. Ti:e plan proposed is, that all difficulties existing between t IVO or more G rand Lodges, that cannot be settled by their own

GIUND LODGB A. P. A. MASONS

action, shall be submitted to the several Grand Lodges composiflg ~aid confederation, and the concurrent decision thereon of two-thirds of the whole number shall ~et\le the question authoritatively. Tbe convention earnestly solicits the earl, action of the several Graml Lodges upon the ph~n propo~ed. Thus, my Brethre'l, I have endeavored to lay before you the con. di:ion of Masonry' within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Mis. souri, pointiflg out to your consideration what is believed to be evils of 110 small magni1ude, and sllggestillg such remedies as, in my judgment, are best calculated to heal them. I lay no claim to any superior srgacity or foresight above my Brethren, neither ha\'e I vanity enough to suppose that the remedies 1 have sug-gested are the best that can be adopled. I wm be pleased, if the Grand Lodge will adopt slIoh lIIeaslues as they may deem expedient and necessary. Having performed my duty to the best of my ability, I return 10 you my sincere thanks for the high honor you have conferred in c.lling me to pre~iJe over your deliberations, and for YOllr future harmony and prosperity )'ou have my constant prayer. L. S. CORNWELL. Which was on motion of Bro. Houston, referred to a Committee of three, consisting of Bros. PoUer, Pettit and Houck. On motion at Bro. Peebles: Resolved, That the Represenlatives of Subordinate Lodges, be allowed to vote, alld sit ill this Grand Lodge without their proper jewels. Adopted. On motion, The rE'ading of the minutes of the last communication of this Grand Lodge was dispensed with, the members being furnished with the printed proceedings. Adol,ted. On mo:ion of Brother Whitoomb: Resolved, That DelegJtes from Lodges U. D. be allowed seats and be permitted to participate in debate at this Convocation the Grand Lodge. Adopted. The Chairman on Forei~n Correspondence, Bro. Jos. Foster, read his report, which was received and laid on the table for the present. The Grand Lodge of Mi~souri was called from labor until half past eight o'clock to-morrow morning.

TUESDA T MORNING, 8 1-2 o'olock. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the M. W. Grand Master.

OF TUt!: STATE 0.. MISSOURI.

Grand Officers at their several stationâ&#x20AC;˘. Prayer by tho Grand Chaplain. Minutes of yesterday's proceedings read and approved. The M. W. G. Master appointed the following Committees: U1ifinuhed Bu,inus.-Bros. J. W. Crane, Thomas Curd, Isaac Hunter. Chartered Lodges.-Bros. Geo. Whitcomb, G. W. McLane, J. R. Clark, 'Vm. Bolton, S. Houck. Lodges U. D.-Bros. Jno. H. Turner, O. H. P. Craig, B. Sharp, J. W. McAlpin, J. W. Hemphill. Accountl.-Bros. H. E. Van Osdell, J. N. Burnes, J. H. Birch, Jr. Ways and oIlfeans.-Bros. A. Patterson, Geo. Pettit, H. E. Peebles, A. W. Bradford. Charity.-Bros. J. Houston, J. F. Schiefer, S. H. Saunders. Applications Qnd Communications.-Bros. C. Levy, C. W. Horn, J. W. Chenoweth. Masonic College.-Bros. S. W. B. Carengy, W. M. Reyonds, O. H. P. Craig, N. Wall, A. T. Douglas, B. W. Grover. Grievance.-Bros. H. E. Peebles, Isaac Hunler, D. Conway, W. H. Goodin, J. D. Daggett. A communication from the M. W. G. Master, in relation to ByLaws of St. Louis Lodge, was received and referred to a special Committee, consisting of the following P. G. Masters. B. W. GROVER, S. \V. B. CARNEGV, JOSEPH FOSTER. Bro. Whitcomb offered the following: Resolved, That the action of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, on the subject of Border difficulties, be referred to a select Committee. The M. W. Grand Master appoLlted on said C;Jmmittee: Bros. GEORGE W HITCOlllB, GEO. PETTIT, ROBT. H. HATCHER. Bro. Raphael offered the following: WHEJl.EAS, This Grand Lodge has satisfactory evidence of the fact, that by the great fire in the city of Weston, on the 8th of March last. Weston Lodge No. 03, lost everything belonging to said Lodgebooks, papers, &c., excepted, and is now engaged in rebuilding and re-furnishing their Hall. Resolved, That the dues of Weston Lodge ,No. 53, for the past year, be remitted by this Grand Lodge. Adopted.

GRAND LODCU: A. P. A. MASONS

Brother Houston offered the following:

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge go into the election of its Officers

for the ensuing year to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Brother Burnes offered the followihg: Resolved, That the propo~ed amendment to the By-Laws submitted at the last Communicalion, and to be found on page 97 of printed proceedings, be now taken up and made the special order for three o'clock P. M. On motion of Brother Levy, The report on Foreign Corresponaence was taken up and after debate it was nn motion ordered to be printed with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. To the illost Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri: Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence again present their Annual Report for your approval. The proceedings of our sister Grand Lodges presented to us by the Grand Secretary, are full of interest to the reflecting Mason. On a careful perusal, we find but little difference of opinion on any important point-not more than may be annually looked for, while men are restricted to the use of words, those uncertain and too often feeble exponents of thought. Yet we may well rejoice to find that those differences, whether apparent or real, are discussed with a strongly marl,ed courlesy, but too seldom found without the bounds and influences of our Fraternity. "ALL H.\IL" then to those fraternal greetings of our sister Grand Lodges-those nnnnal harbingers of "P~acc on Earth and good will to men," may each returning year enlarge their sphere of usefulness - " lengthen their cords and strengthen their stakes "-until Ignorance and SupeTSWion, the only supports of the Tyrant and the B1路got, shall cease to exist, and MAN, created in the likene~s and image of his MAKER, shall stand forth erect III the fuJi force and power of his social and moral natures, ,. With none to molest or make him afraid." CALIFORNIA. The business of this GralJ(~ Lodge was conducted in peace anu harmony. The <lrldress ot the Grand Master, and the report of the Correspondence Committee are both interesting documents. From the former we maltll the following- e"tract: " It is not sufficient, in examining the character and qualifications of a candidate for our mysteries, that nothing can be said .'gdnst him. He should be recommended for his virtues, unspotted before the world, and prollounceu well.formed, true, and trusty, so that his Masonic

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edifice may be erected with pleasure to himself and honor to the fratemity. 1 feel it to be incumhent upon me, at this time, to caution the several Lodges in this jurisdiction, touching the care which should be exercised in investigating the moral character of all applicants for our mysteries. I do this because facts have come to my knowledge which warunt the opinion that such care b not taken. The fact that so m:lny Masons have been made during the last year, is sufficient to awaken suspicion that some may have entered the porlals of our Masonic Edifice wLhout that scrutiny which the principles and purity of our Institution demllnd." M[NNESOTA. Our Brethren of this Grand Lodge appear fully impressed with the responsibilities resting on them as the head of the craft in that jurisdiction, and, doub:less, will fully adhere to the ancient rules of the order. IOWA. This Grand Lodge is engaged in the noble work of collecting a Masonic Library for the use of the craft in that jurisdiction, and have already far outstripped us, by procu-ring many valuable works on Masonry. MAINE. Our Brethren of this Grand Lodge, beholding as they do the first rays of the rising sun, appear to follow the light of our Order JiJigently. The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence is a \ery able proJuetion, filled with remarks on many interesting subjects, which, if peruser! as it shoulJ be, by all, is well calculated to impress the mirJd with much of the be~utiful workings of our Order. May we have more reading Masons and then we shall be spared the pain of seeing so many stumble in their work, and fail in their daily walk and COll\ersation before the world. WISCONSIN. The proceedings of this Grand Lodge 路present the Craft in a prosperous condition in that jurisdiction. NEW HAMPSHIRE. The Grand Master's address, and the report of the Correspondence Commi~tee are well written documents, both calculated to effect much good for the Craft. VERMONT. The proceedings of this Grand Lodge were harmoniously conducted under the supervision of Grand Master P. C. Tucker, whose annual address bears the impress of the Mason whose heart is in the right place-eyer ready to perform his whole duty. We subjoin the fololwing from his llnnual address: 2

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

" I said to my brethren of this grand lodge at our last communication that they might consider the office of g-rand master always resigned on my part, without any formal or periodical declared public resignation. If I have ever sought Masonic elevation 路itwas with a higher motive than to gratify any personal ambition. Limitetl in my sphere of usefulness by my position in life I have always found mysell' possessed of a disposition to do good where I could. This institution offered me the best means within my power. How I have improved it, must rest in the judgment of others. " So far as Masonic elevation and honor are concern.:ld, my strongest aspirations have been, for years, satisfied tQ the full; but I, by no means, wi~h it to be understood that Masonic honor has tired me of Masonic duty. Thirty-two years of Masonic life have always found me at some act.ive post, and it is my happiness to believe, 1hat the time still reserved for me ill this life will not find me more sluggish than in the past. I prefer dying with the harness of industry upon me, rather than to die in the most palmy state of useless ease. I neither seek nor decline office. I am content to retire from my present elevation at any moment, and equally content to respond to any duty which my brethren, in their wisdom, may see fit to assign to my care. I have no inclination to keep myself too long in the way of the elevation of others. There are able brethren among us who have labored long with the old guard of the order, for our preservation and re-establishment in Vermont, and whom I would gladly see at your head. Whenever it pleases you to place them there-be it now or at any other time-I shall be found as industrious and sincere a laborer in the ranks as I have ever been in the oriental chair." We have also before us the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Vermont for January, 1855. We should be pleased 10 extract largely both from the Grand Master's address and the report of the Correspondence Committee, but our space will not admit. Masonry can but prosper in the hands of our Br~thren of Vermont. NEW JERSEY. We extract the following resolution, so full of interest to every jurisdiction, and hope that our brethren will perfect their good work so happily begun: "Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommend to the subordinate Lodg-es under its jurisdiction the creation of a voluntary subscription fund, to be sacredly devoted to the establishing of a charitable building fund for the purpose of purc:hasing the necessary land and erecting thereon a suitable building or Luildings for a ' Home for Free Masons, their Widows and Orphans,' said fund to be created by the free will contributions of the members for that purpose; and all sums so collected to be transmitted to the Grand Secretary, at each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, with the usual reports of the secretaries, to be by him paid into the hands of three or more trustees, who shall be appointed by the Grand Lodge .to receive sl1ch moneys,

CF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

and invest them to the be~t interest of said fund, as they may be directed by the Grand Lodge. "Resolved, That in the scheme thus proposed, the Grand Lodge recog-nises a means by which a 1\'lason's charity may be exerted to the greatest advantage; and we earnestly recommend the plan as ene which commends itself to the thoughtful consideration of the subordinate Lod~es as a proper method of showing to the world the yitality of Masonry and the activity of the principles which we profess. " Resolved, That a committec of three be appointed at this communication, to draw up an address to thesubordillate Lodges on this subject, and that they be empowered to print - - copies of the same, for distribution among the Fraternity in this State, at the expense of the Grand Lodge." DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The proceedings of this Grand Lod~e are mostly of a local character. The addresses of the Past and Present Grand Masters are full of interesting thoughts, well calculated to impress the mind of every reflecting Mason. The present Grand Master, W. Brother Frailey, regards the present great prosperity of the Fraternity as our weakne:os instead of strength. III this we fully concur. "Ve extmct the following from the address of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, M. W. Brother W. B. 짜larr(}n: " I be~ leave to recommend to the Grand Lodge that some strong and decided action be taken on the subject of Temperance. No Man who studies THAT BOOK, which has laid open on the ALTA.R for tholl~ands of years, can make use of intoxicating liquors without a violation of his Masonic obligations. I had hoped to have been present with you, and to have urged thi~ subject before your Grand Body, but as I may never leave my present bed of sickness, I wish to put my voice on record against the use of spirituous liquors. No man who understands his duty to himself, his neighbor, and his God, can drink intoxicating liquor." What a great pity that Brother Warren had not turned the pages of 1hat ,. open book," to the advice; of Paul to Timothy, and been advised thereby to " drink no longer water but use a little wine for his present infirmities." VIRGINIA. This Grand Lodge has been called to mourn the loss of Grand Master Hunter. The proceedings of that occasion are full of interesting reflections, well calculated to impress us " with the uncertainty of life and the vanity of all human pursuits." May we all be timely ad.monished that" here we have no continuing city." The Grand Lodge required its Subordinates to provide for the wants of his Widow and

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

Orph;,ns, and we doubt not that each will perform that great duty as becomes both men and Masons. The Craft in the Old Dominion are in a prosperous and healthy condition-steadily increasing. New Lodges are springing up, and old ones are redving, and preparing themselves for that great conflict against the wants and woes that press hard upon our race at every step. The Grand Master's address is full of interesting thoughts, a perusal would be profitable to all. He strikes a good blow at itinerant beggars. The Grand Lodge refused permission to Lodge Francaise to work in the French rite. The Committee to whom the subject was referred, remark: "There are some reasons which would induce us to wish the petition could, with propriety, be granted; but there are so many grave, and, as it appe::\Ts to us, insurmountable objections, which cannot be laid befure the Grand Lodge in a written report, that they deem it inexpedient to do so." An example, in the opinion of your Committee, worthy of the imitation of all.

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INDIANA.

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The Grand Master's address manifests clear views of the principles of the Order. We deem the following full ot interest: " At our last annual Communication, Bro. Throop from a select committee made the followin~ report, with accompanying resolutions, (see pages 56 and 57, proceedings of 1853) and the record of proceedings states that the resolutions were adopted. This is an error of the Secretary. The sr;id resolutions were seconded by a majority of the members present and then ordered to lie over until the next annual Communication, under the rule governing in such cases. Such was the decision of the presiding officer. " I hope that before final action is taken upon these resolutions the Brethren will well consider them in all their bearings. Under the impre~sion that they were at once in force, much injury has been produced in various ways, and that impression still remaining would have caused the withdrawal of some of our best members from various Lodl?:es. " In answer to one communication npon the subject, I replied, in part, " I doubt the propriety of reiterating in such a manner, principle~ which we know and declare to lie at thc very foundation of our time-honored institution. The adoption of such resolutions, forced upon us by modern organization, infant societies, and I doubt if they ever arrive at years of discretion, would be a tacit acknowledgment on our part that we have h~retofore never respected the name of our Supreme Grand Master, and that our assertion that T~lllpcra]Jce is one of the cardimd virtues of our profession was an unmeaning expression, never

intende~to be : : d upon

li~~~~~~, but cal:~~

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OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

lated merely for deception. Let us not be like the so-called Temperance Societies of the day-intemperate in our temperance. "The communication referred to with a copy of the answer, is herewith submitted-package H. "I am aware that in speaking thus feelingly upon the subjeot I may differ much in opinion with many of you who are honored and reo spected members of or~anizations, the sole aim and object of which is to correct the evils of intemperance. But I cannot see any additional good that is 10 result from the adoption of these resolutions. They are nothing new with us, :lIld their adoption will be a work of superogatioll. They are among the very first lessons that are taught the young initiate; they are reiterated a~ain and again in the course of the severallectures; we have repeatedly passed resolutions similar in import, and to adopt. these now will be but to say virtually that heretofore we have not endeavored to live up to the spirit of our moral teachinf!:s. Shall this be? Shall we condemn ourselves to ourselves, and to the world wilhout ? Shall we say that heretofore we have only been pretending to be moralisls, whcn we have claimed, and do now claim, and as we think, deserve to be considered, one of :he gl eat est safeguards of' moralily, not only at this time, but" through the ages a1l along?" No, rather let the committee to whom ihis shall be rclerred, say truly, we need not these resolutiom, they are now and alw,.ys have been part c\nd parcel of our moral code, cind it' we will not live up to that as it has been, and is now, unchallged through long ages, the adoption of thc~e resolutions will not give us additional strength; we have already sufficient if we will but exercise it, more will not cause us to strive more, 'if' we hear not Mo'es and the Prophets, Ileither will we be persuaded though one rose f'rom the dead.' " Brethren, I recommend this sUbject to your calm consideration. ,"Ve legisbte too hastily and too much. To suell of you as are members of other socle! ies I would say, if in aHending the meetings a those societies you havc formed opinions, action upon which here will tend to the disparagement of our beloved and time-honored institution, it is YOllr duty as lVIasOlls, and true and faithful members of the Craft, to by aside your prejudices, move from your false p0sition, ~nrl look solely to the honor and well-beillg of this Socit)', which through all the a~es of the world's history, has left a bright and shining mark along which we can louk back and see most of the philanthropists and reformers that the wOlld has known; and the record thus far written of [he nineteenlh centurj', up to this day, shows its full quota, and we need not fear that our principles of morality are not now so strong as they were, that some vital principle has been struck from our moral code, an(l that it therefore needs additions and emendations. It is as strong now as it ever has been, and as it can be made, and if we bnt live up to it as it is, no new society can take from us u.ny of our wellearned laurels; they may ,hnre them with us; we will hnil them, if true to humanity and morality, as co-workers with us and will bid them God speed in their glorious labors, but we sl10uld not submit to

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GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

their dictation against our own better judgment where that judgment is right, if coolly exercised." To all who may remember the report of the majority of this Committee, last year, it is needless to say that the sentiments set forth in the above extract are fully endorsed by the Chairman of this Committee. The report of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence was presented by Brother A. M. Hunt. He concludes by congratulating the Fraternily on the prosperous condition of the Craft, beyond all precedent, in that jurisdiction. We extract the following: " In our own State; the Craft are prospering beyond precedent; our only fear is, that some bad men will avail themselves of the prosperity of the Institution and seek its mysteries with unworthy motives. Your committee kn')w that it is human to err, and that brethren and Lodges may receive unfitting- material for the great moral temple which we are buildin~; but time will test the character of every initiate-r,-ood trees will bring forth good fruit, saith the book-aild we will judge of our brethren by their works. Happy are we to say that, we believe our brethren at home are moved by the spirit of noble emulation which our ritual commends, and our errors are those of ignorance rather than a disregard of the principles or Masonry." OHIO. We make the following extract from the address of the Grand .Master : " Among the' General Regulations of ancient York Masons,' it is provided, 'that no set or number of brothers shaH withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made, or were afterwards admitted members, unle,s the Lodge became too numerous -nor even then, without a dispensation from the Grand Master or Deputy; and when thus separated, they mllst immediately join themselves to such other Lodges as they shall like best, who are willing to receive them, or else obtain the Grand Master's warrant to join in forming a new Lodge.' Such are the ancient landmarks of the Ordel. The Grand Lodge of New York, in June last, revised its Constitution, and under the head of' Ancient Land-Marks,' declares' it is the duty of every Master-Mason to be a contributing member of a Lodge.' " The Grand Lodge of Indiana, at its last session, 'resolved, tha.t it is the duty of every Mason to be a member of some Subordinate Lodge. and obey its By-Laws and Regulations relative to the payment of dues and contributions to the charity funds.' " The 6th general regulation of the Grand Lodge of Illinois declares that 'it is contrary to, and inconsistent wilh, the ancient usages and principles of the Order, to withdraw from a Subordinate Lodge without some good cause, or to reside in the neighborhood of a Subordinate Lodge without becoming a member thereof.' "Such, I understand, to be among the ancient landmarks of Masonry. If so, they are still the landmarks; for we have no right to

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

remove them-what they were, they still remain-they cannot be changed, or altered, or removed, without destroying the Order itself, and makin~ it other than Masonry. They stand now, as they have ever stood, unchangeable a~ the Rock of Ages. Attempts have been made to innovate, but as well may man attempt to innovate on the fiat of the Almighty, and make darkness where God says, , Let there be light,' as to improve on the primary truths, principles, and landmarks of Mnsonry." "As early as the 24th of October, 1733, the Lodge in Boston, the oldest Lodge in Ameri-ea, adopted a resolution, that' no brother that lives within or about this town, that is not a membep of this Lodge, shall be admitted as a visitor, before he has signified his desire of being a member, and paid his quarterages, or else make it appear that he is actually a member of a reguhr Lodge.' " Such was the eonstrucHon put upon this Masonic law by the oldest Loolge in America, over a century ago. An unaffiliated Mason was cut off from all the ri~hts and privileges of the Order. Viewing the subject in this light, I could not but regard the practice of residing within the jurisdiction of a Lodge without being- a member of it, as an anomaly of modern times, unknown to ancient Craft Masonry. Acting, as I believe, in the spirit of these rules, regulations, and ancient landmarks, on the first of January last I issued a circular order to each of the Lodges in this State, commanding them to summon every Master Mason residing- in their jurisdiction, and not a contributing member of some regular Lodge, to appear and show cause why they did not attach themselves to some Lodge, or aid in its labors, or contribute to its funds; and on their failure to obey such summons, or show good C;\I1se, to suspend them from all the rights and priviTeg-es of Masonry. This order, I am happy to say, although by many disapproved, has been obeyed in the true spirit of Masonry, and with good results. " Old Masons have obeyed the sound of the gavel, which they had not heard for years,-again united with the Lodges, and received the fint fruits of Masonic charity in the remission of their dues, and felt the warm sympathies of the fraternity in the Lodge room, the place of lheir early love. "If a Mason ever requires the sympathy of his brethrlln, it is in old age, when his head is blossomed with years, and his trembling feet totter, as he walks upon the level of time. It has been too long customary to dimit such, because to infirm to attend the Lodge, or too poor to pay dues. If too infirm to attend the Lodge, let the brethren show theIr regard for them, by helping them there. If too poor to pay their dues, let the Lodge remit them, but not dimit them out of the Lodge in their old ag-e, because no longer useful. " This order was issued on my own responsibilit.y, and from a con~ viction of dut.y; but I am happy that other Masonic authorities have since avowed the same doctrine. "The Grand Lodge of Illinois, at its last annual communication, adopted as rule 44, " Every non-affiliated Master Mason is unqer the high obligation to contribute annually, or oftener, to the Treasury of

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

the Subordinate Lodge under whose jurisdiction he resides. And any non-affiliated Master Mason who shall neglect or refuse so to contribute, unless excusl'd by the Loilge, after being duly notified of the ~c tion of this Grand Lodge, on this subject, shall forfeit all the rights, privileges, and beJ,efits of Masonry.' "The Grand Lodge of Iowa, at its lastgrund communication, says, ' they shall forfeit all the rights, privileges, and benefits of Masonry.' "The Constitu1ion of the Grand Lodge of Missouri says, " Nunaffiliating Masons have no cla:ms upon the charities of the Grand Lodge, or Subordinate Lodges.' " The Org::n of the Order in Kentucky says, 'If a Mawn voluntarily withdn \vs from the Lodge, he forfeits the privilege of protection, sympathy. snpport, and interment,-which are secured to all worthy, affiliated :Masons.' "At the session of the Grand Lodge of California, in 1852, they 'resolved that all non-affiliated Master Masons who refuse to contribute to the support of the institution, unless prevented by disEbi1i'y to do so, by so dOlllg forfeit all the rights, privileges and benefits of the Order.' "The Grand Lodge of Indiana' resolved that no Master .Mason, who for the period ot six months sh;:,ll reside in the vicinity of a Subordinate Longe, and shall neglect to affiliate himself therewith, ;,hall be permitted to visit any Lodge under the jurisdiction of 1his Grand Lodge, be entitled to Masonic burial, or receive relief from the charity fund of the Order, 01" nllowed to assist at any public ceremonies or processions of thc fraternity.' "The Grand Lodge of Florida requests the other Grand Lodges to recommend to their Suhordinates not to grant relief to any applicant from Florida, unless he presents evidence that he is a contributing member of' a Lodge, or gives a re;11;on wLy he is not one.' "Bro. Mackey, Gr;1lld Secrctary of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, says in his report, " a correct view of the eleemosynary responsibilities or a Ludge, and the respecfive claims of affiliated and unaffiliated brethrcn, would, I believe, justify (he adoption, by this Grand Lodge, of such a resolution. " Such are some of the la1e decisions on this point, made by other Masonic authorities, and with, I believe, only two exceptions, since the issue of my order. " As I I'm aware that my order has been looked upon, by some; as an innovlltion on the ancient landmarks of Masonry, I have felt bound to give the subject more than n passing notice. I rojoice to sell the brethren jealous to preserve the ancient landmarks, for in them is our only safety; the closer we adhere to them, the more prosperous we are. But we should be careful that what we cling to is an ancient landmark, and not, itself, a modern encroachmeut on the original boundaries. "The whole is now submitted to your consideration, and I shall be happy to aid you in any measures that will restore the ancient Rule,

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

and duty of every Master Mason being a member of a Lodge, and truly subjecting himself to its By-Laws." We rejoice to find that our Brethren are at last beginning to view the Fraternity in its true character. MASSACHUSETTS. We extract the following from the address of the Grand Master: "CONDITION OF THE FRATERNITY.

" I cungratulate you, my Brethren, on the present state of' the Fraternity in this Commonwealh. The year just closed, has been one oj' almost unprecedented prosperity. According to the returns made by the District Deputy Grand Masters, it appears, that th?-ee hundred and seventy have been initiated, during the p,lst year, in eig ht Distric~s; no returns having been received from the eighth District. Of which number, one hundred and eighty were in the first DIstrict. These simple statistics express more forcillly lhan any words of mine can do, the gratifying fact, that our Ancient Fraternity has sccured a high place in the estimati::l1l <lJJd confidence of' the community. " The general condition of' the Lodges, in the several Districts, so far as I have the means of knowing, is, with fcw exceptions, highly prosperous. " "MORAL QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES.

" As I h::ve ,llready statcd, nearly joul' hundred persons have been made Masons within this jurisdiction, during the last year. 'Whether this fact be a ground of congratulation or regret remains to be seen. If all these initiates prove to lie 'good men Qnd true,' we mar well rejoice in our prosperity i-but if tJwy do not come up to lhe standard of our principles, 1hen we have good cause to remcmber that ,;uch apparent prosperity is but the antecedent of another day of trial and darkness. I feel it to be incumbent upon me to reiterate the caution contained in my last annual address, touching the c'we which should be exercised, in ,horoughly inve;tigating the moral character or all applic"tions for the degrees. I do this, because facts have come to my kl1owled~e, which warrant thc opini0n, that ;;uch care is not alwuys tak-en. The rnct, that so many Lave received the degrees, the last year, is of itself sufficient to awaken suspicion, that some may have ent~red the pale ~ur Fraternity wi~hout that thorough scrutiny, wluch both the prlllciples and the punty of OUl Institution demand. I ha~e b~en informed that no I.ess tJ?an. three persons who have recently applIed for Chapter degrees, III thIS CIty, have been rejected solely for moral causes. And yet, these three persons had been accepted and made Master l\fasons, in this jurisdiction--two of' them, I ulvlen.tand, in onc Lodge. Such a fact is humiliating, but instructive and admonitory. "It would not be extraordinary if the spirit of rivalrv, amid so much success, should steal its way into some of our subordiI;ate Lodges, and the desire to outdu each other in the amount of busincss done, should lie at the foundation of this hasty and incomplete investigation into the moral character of candidates.

GNAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

" There is another point on wl.ich I feel called upon to speak a word of caution. I fear, thi.t among some, perhaps of the more inexperienced Brethren, the very unmasonic course may sometimes be pursued of inviting young men to become members of our Order. This is wrong. Great care should be taken not to be forward even in recommending the institution to those, who are not members. When culled upon, we may on suitable occasions, express our opinion of its principles, and when requested to lwopose the name of a friend for initiation, we should cheerfully do this office; but beyond this, we should be careful not to go, In the way of offering inducements to the uninitiated to SlJâ&#x201A;Źk admisgion. "There is one practice which now prevails, that may in some measure conduce not a little to a state of things that all must deplore. It is this :-a Lodge feels at liberty to initiate witbout limit, but at the same time it most carefully restricts the number of its members. While the vote to give the degrees to cerlain candidates is decided without hesitation in the affirmative, the que~tion on admitting these same persons to membership would be decided as promptly in the ,negative. A safe rule for all to adopt would be not to give the deg;'ees lo any candidate, with whom they "re not willing to associate, as a member of the same Lodgf'. TJ:e distinction now so common between being made a Mason in a certain Lodge, ~lJd being a member of that LocJge, (ends to promote the evil which it becomes us to avoid." In the opinion of your Committee, our Brethren in Massachusetts had better at once return to the good old path,from which it wuuld seem they have strayed, and admit and act on the principle that to make a m,m a Jl.!IJ50n constitutes him a member of the Lodge 50 making him-and that the Lodge in a great measure is responsible to the whole Fraternity for his Masonic deportment. For if indeed it be true that our Brethren, under the jurisdiction of our elder Sister, would admit any m'.n to the pri\ileges of Masonry, whom they would reI use affiliation with themselves, they thereby perpetrate a great wrong, which they cannot too soon begin to rcmedy. SOUTH CAROLINA. Our Brethren in South Carolina are moving steadily on in the good w(lrk of Ma~onry. We make the following extract from the Report of the Grand Secretary, Brother A. G. Makey, who is charged with the correspondence of that jurisdiction. The beautiful sentiments it contains should stimulate us all to press forward in the grcat cause of virtue and benevolence: "In concluding this Report, I cannot again refrain frt>m calling your attention to the striking fact, that in almo~t every jnrisdiction of our widely extended Union, Grand Masters and Committres of Correspondence are impressing upon the Craft the absolute ~ ecessity of an enlarged knowledge of the principles, the design and history of Ma-

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

sonry. Viewed no longer as it has been too long as a merely social institution, it is now a~suming its original and undoubted position as a speculative science. While the mere Ritual is still carefully preserved as the casket should be, which contains so bright a jewelwhile its charities are still dispensed as the necessary though incidental result of路 all ils moral teachings-while its social tendencies are still cultivated as the tenQCiOllS cement which is to unite in symmetry and strength, so fair a fabric--the Masonic mind is everywhere beginning to look and ask for something, which, like the manna in the desert, shall feeel us in our pilgrimage with intellectual food. The universal cry, throughout lhc length and breadlh of our land, is for light, more Jight-olIr Locges are henceforth to be schools-our labors arc to be study-our w'1ges are to be learnil:g-the types and symbols of our institution are beginning to be im'estigated with reference to their ultimate meaning-our hislory is now tra2"d by zealous ir,quiries to its connection with :lI11iquity-and the Masonic world is beginning to understand, in its true sense, that so often quo~ed phrase, that' Masonry is a science of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.' "The effect of this intellectual pursuit of Masonry, by which, thcugh 1he specul:llive science is still liJtther removed from the operative art, our operative ori.o;in is still more clearly understood, and as a type more thoroughly valued, is most gratifying and full of promise. The more a Mason becomes embued with a knowledge of the true meaning of the institution, the more does his admiration and reverence of it increa;,('. If I have any love for our Orner-if 1 have any dev01ion to its interests, or any veneration for its peculiar system, lowe it all to the time that 1 have spent, and the labor that I have employed in the investigation of its antiquities, its symbo,lism, and its science. Nor have I found in any part of our country a single Mason whose zeal and energy for Masonry w,:s not in direct proportion to the knowlellgc he possessed of its end and nim as a science of symbols. " It is not 10 be expected that every man can employ his whole h~bor or direet all his intellectual "bility to Ma;,onie s:udy.. Tbe inequality of conditions will prevent some from sparin?; the time to investigate, and the incquaWy of mind will disable others from appreciating the entire science in all ils relations. But surely there isno man so poor that he cannot indulge some hours of leisure in readin?; our elementary books now so common and so cheap, and as surely there is 110ne so unintelleetual that he caB not appreciate the lessons of wisdom that tho~.e books convey. I beseech you to aid the lVlasters in Israel, who have spoken from their re5peetive Easts during the past year, in speedily hastening that happy time, when an igilOrant Mason shall be unknown in the mystic circle, which our chain of friendship embraces. " In asking you to unite in this glorious effort to redeem our Order -and in soliciting those who have not already made Masonry a study, to commence at once a course of Masonic reading, I invite you to no task of peril, of labor, or of fatigue. The path to which I point is one

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whose soil is smooth and fair-fluwers of fragrant smell and delicious hue will meet your gaze on every side-shady groves will arrest your admiration at every step--rippling hills, with their etherial music, will cheer your advancing face-the asccnt, though great, will be too gradual to fatigue your pro~ress up the hill of learning, and beyond, upon its summit you will behold amid the gorgeous blaze of Divine light, the beautiful temple of Divinc Truth and Divine Wisdom, cheering- your advance ,with the prospect of an intellectual Mason's rest, and an intellectual Mason's reward." KENTUCKY. The Report of the Committee of Correspondence was presented by Brother Morris. In revicwing the action of our Grand Lodge, requiring the Lodges located in towns and cities jDintly to form and contribute to a Masonic board of relief, Brother Morris takes occasion to SHy, " We cannot reconcilc this act with the proper independence with which each LOGge is clothed in the management of its own funds." If our Brother will reflect a moment, he may find that um1er the peculiar organization of l\1asonry, every requirement of a Grund Lodge is at most only thc joint action of the Subordinates that constitute it. And if so, we think he may be nble to "roconcile" mallY things, which, under .my other hypothesis, may appl'ar qlli,e irreconcilable. "Ve also present the following extr.~ct : "The :,(tenlion of this committe~ has been called to a 'memorial of I~o:1ges 129, 1HI, and 108,' in the procrerljngs of Missouri fOj' In5'1, in which lVlill's Point Lodge, Nl>.l:iO, and Columbus L.,dge, No. 173, both under your jurisdiction, are declared to have made lVIaSOllS of many persons residillg in this Statc (Mis~ouri.') They are likewise accused of making Ma~ons of material that co.u111 never be worked up .in !he Lodges of Missouri, ~nd two instances are cited , where pe:itions have be'en withdrawn from one of our Lodges (iVIo.,) for tlle avowed- reason that they were afraid or the bbek ball, and the petitioners were m:.de lVh1sons in the Ken! ueky Lodges.' , Conceruing the general charge of exceeding jurisdiction, the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, (art. LVI,) permits L~(lgcs bordering on other States 10 recei"e majeri'lls from "Cl'O~s the line, provided the applicants live nearer Kel\t\\cky Lodges thano;hers, and we submit to our Missouri sister whe:her, in a spirit of fr,:tern~l eOIJrtesy, it would not be belter to reciprocate with us, and .:dopt !ltlS law, r,-,ther than to require us to change a constitutional provisiun in force among us more than twenty years before the Grand Lodge of lVIissouri was organized. Before proposing un amcndment to uur constitution on this subject, we await a reply. . "In regard to the cha"ge of working up improper rnaterial, it is but Justice to say that the members of the two Lodges charged have unrmim01!sly det.:la1'ed to the cha'iTman of this committee tAat it is a slander,

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

and they cheerfully offer their rel'P.eetive catalogues of membe'(ship in comparison of moraTity and .lYlasonic fitness with any Lodge in Missouri. The oldest member of Mills' Point Lodge, No. 120, Brother Jesse Edmondson, Mayor at Hickman, and a gentleman esteemed throughout the land for every moral and religious virtue, assures us that his Lodge has only taken in one member out of Kentucky, in the l:::st 1hree or four years, and 1hat one is a resident of an bland in the Mississippi river, at a great distance from any Lodge in Missouri." We fraternalIy 'submit, in answer to our Brethren of Kentucky, whether the paragraph in the above extract, especially that portion we have italicised, does not of ilsdf constitute a conclusive argument why the Grand Lodge of Missouri,-even if there were no other reasons, should not recede from the position assumed, of complete and entire control over her rightful jurisdic:ion. We also append the following resolution: "Resolverl, That the Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, be r('que~tcd su to tabulate their printed proceedings as that it will fully appear what is their membership, nurnbel' of Lode-os, progress in numbers, deaths, expulsions, &e., with such other statistics as may be valuable and proper for publication." On the subject contained in 1he above resolution, )'our Committee fear that our Brother Morris has not sufficiently reflected on the evil cOn~e(lllenees that m:lY result from the acquisition of such stalistical knowledge-consequences, too, without a single good, either directly or prospectively, to be obtained. Nor would the knowler'ge desired by our 'Brethren, if it could be obtained with the same exactness as the cnumern1ion of the workmen at the building of the TEltIPL.E, add a sinfdc feather to the weight and influence of Free Masonry, but might, especially in thc hands of injudiciou~ or designing mcn, frcm which even our Fraternity is not exempl路, prove the opening wedge to j:crs within, and distrusts without, which might be when too late, deplored. "Ve, therefore, say to our Brethren, let us nut waste our time and means in the ncquisition of wlwt might prove worse than useless knowledge, but rather bestir ourselves in developing the gred conservative principles and moral beauties of Free Masonry, whiell ne<?d only to be understood to be admired by all, Here we may find ample room for all our spare time and means. Here also we may enf:age, or if already eng~ged, zealously and lawfully emulate each o;}ler, in our own proper sphere, without the fear of exalting our own selfpride above its proper measure, or of being the occasion of offence to any.

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ARKANSAS. The Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, from the pen of Bro. Pike, is a full review 0 r the proceedings of Sister G. Lodges, amI is a long and interesting document, calculated to do Kreat good to the Craft. We cannot, however, join in his desire to see the Grand Lodge of New York "try the experiment of constituting itself of a single representative from each Lodge." Because such a body, as we understand tbe rule, would not be a Grand Lodge of Masons. The rule is, that a Grand Lodge, consists of, and is formed by, the Masters and Wardens of all the particular Lodges." We hope, therefore, that our ]3ro. Pike will not give the weight of his great influence in breaking the link by which Masonry of the present is connected with the past. For if' once broken, another Babel, with all its confusions, will be erected on the foundation of that beautiful system of well balanced powers which exhibits, with but few exceptions, the great wisdom of our present organization. In reviewing the opinions of Brc. Mackay, on the action of this Grand Lodge, on the subject of persons residing in this jurisdiction being initiated elsewhere, Bro. Pike brings to view the thought, on v..hich we intended to remark, when we had the subject under consideration last year. That is the ability of a Lodge to try any Mason, for any of his conduct before he was made. If he may be tried for one offence, then indeed may he be tried for all, and if so, who can estim<\!e the consequen'.:es that must follow. But coming, as this doctrine does, with the sanction of such eminent Brothers as King of New YO\'k, Mackey of South Carolina, and Pike of Arko.nsas, we may well pause before we sanction its oorrectness, even by a silent acquiesance. And whilst we may not hope successfully to stand against the great for{)e of such distinguished Brethren, still, as wise men may err, We canUl)t forbear to enter our demurrer against a OOJtrine so much at war with the ordinary affairs of the craft. In our opinion no such power resides, inherent or otherwise, in the L"rlgc or the Fraternity-no, not even in the Lodge that made him, to expel any 1\1ason for the offences committed before he was made, or even 10 take them nnder consideration. Nor is it at all necessary to the well being of the .Order that any such power should exist. On his petition, he was or should huve been tried according to rules made and provided, and the Lodge solemnly adjudicated on his requisite qnalifications, and behind that awatd, if made according to the rule, (and, if not, it was not made at all in good faith) we are not to look. It is final, and unless we attack the error in his making, there can be no

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

further adjudication. Like many other things with which we have to deal in this uncertain world of ours, it is done-we may regret and lament it-but the admission of the doctrine, that we can expel for acts committed while the Mason was a profane, is the greater of the evils. The true doctrine is, and the well being of the Craft requires it should be fully adhered to, that a Lodge can only try for Masonic offences, and those we all know, it is impossible for any man to commit before he is made a Mason, and no immergency or expediency can possibly allow of a different rule, at least so it appears to us with our limited knowledge of the rules of Masonry.

NEW YORK. The following t'xtract from the address of Grand Master \Valworth, will be read with interest: "Let me also impress upon every officer and member of this Graml Ladue and every Mason who love~ our institution, the duty in being circ~lmspcct in 0111 his words and actiOl?S, Hl.Jd of disc0l;llltenancing immoralities in others, as well as keepmg IllS own whIte apron untarnished by a single stain. It was written by the pen of inspiration, under the dictation of the unerring wisdom of the Most High, that virtne exaltelh a nation. And it is equally true that vice or immorality unrestrained, is not only a reproach to any community or any institution where it is allowed to ~xist, but it will sooner or later entirely destroy the peace and happiness of that community, or that institution. Let us, thcrefurc, endeavor so to COJl(luet ourselves, not only in our intercourse with each other as brethe~n, but also in all our dealings with others, who do not belong to the fraternity, :'\s not to bring di~credit upun ourselves, or upon the institutions of Masonry to which we belong. Recollect, my brethren, the parting declaration of that illustrious brother, who was first in war, first in peace, and who should always be firs! in the recollection of every true Mason; that religion and morality are the indispensable supp01'fs of all those dispositions and habits which lead to prospe1"ify. One of the most distinguished of our Grand J\tIasters who ever occupied this orien al chair, who has long since taken his departure for the Grand Lod;.;-e abo\'e, has also said that the insufficiency ofhum~lD laws for their int end,"d objects were p~:lpable from the daily operations of society, and tbe accumulated experience of ages; that the efficacy of the law of public opinion was also limited, and had all the imperfections dtached to humanity; but that the sanctions of divine law supplied all these deficiencies, covered the whole area of human action, and reached every ease, punished every sin, and recompensed every viriue. Its rewards and its punishments are also graduated with perfect justice; and its appeals to the hopes and the fears of man are of the most potent character and transcendent influence. In view of these important facts, permit me, my brethren, to remind

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you that this Divine law is only found in the Bible, that great light of Masonry, which we are all taught to study and revere. And let me recommt>nd to you what the lcarned and pure-minded Sir Mathew Hale recommended to his children-to read seriously and reverenlly every day a portion of the sacred Scriptures, and make yourselves acq uainted with the history and doctrines thereor. It is in the Bible alone that the Mason is fully instructed in all the great duties which he owes to his brethren and to his fellow-men, as ,veil as in those duties which he owes to himself and to his M'lker, t.he Great Architect of the Universe, and the Grand Master of that Celestial Lodge above, in which every true Mason hopes, at a future day, to hold an unquestioned seat. The Bible inslructs us in that general civilization which consists in subduing and controlling the passions, in cultivating the social virtues, and in regarding the rights of others as commensurate with our own. No where else do we find that Kreat precept of true ch路.Irity and benevolence, to do unto others as we would that they should do unto us in like circumstances, urged upon our attention as an absolute and binding duty. By.a careful and diligent study of the Scriptures, the statcsman, the scholar, and the Mason, as well as the Christian, will find himself a milch wiser, if not a much better man. I hope, and trust therefore, that this grcat light of mnsonry, which exceeds all the other books in the weight of its authority, and in the extent of its usefulness; which has withstood the gross sarcasms of a Paine, and the more refine::l wit of a Voltaire, as well as the separate and combined attacks of a bost of other~, many of whom prob<:bly have but seldom examined h inspired pages, will not only be found in every Lodge, where its presence is always indispensable, but it will also be found and studied at thc social fireside of e\'ery member 01 the Fratemity, and that each and every one of u~, ,Ind every true Mason, may thereby, with the assi, tance of Di ville grace, be made wise nnto sal vation." The report from the Committee 011 the condition of Masonry, adopt路 ed by the G. Lodge, sets forth the craft ill thc jurisfliction of New York in a high state of' prosperity. The report however will speak for itself, much bettcr than any comment we can possibly make. "R. W. J. H. Perry, from the Committee on the Conditioll of Mas'onry, prescnted the following repor,: The Committee on the Condition of Masonry, 'to whcm was referred so much of the addreis of the M. W. Grand Master as relates to the situation and condition of the Fra:ernity in this State, and to tbe subject of clandestine masollic Lodges, beg leave to report: That they congratulate the Grand Mtlster and the Grlmd Lodge onthe general prosperity and harmony of the Craft within our jUTlsdiction. They also concm cordially in the sentiments expressed by our M."Y.G. Master resp~ctillg what .,;hould be the general conduct of' the Fraternity to make our prosperity permanent. With respect to the subject of clandestine Masonic Lodges, your

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committee recommend the exerci~e of pludence and vigilance on the part of our loyal Lodges and members, to prevent ingress into our Lotl~es of clandestine Masons, :HI well as to prevent as far as possible, all l\hsonic intercourse wi h them." We regret to notice that the Grand Lodge of New York, has refuse] to comply with the req!lirementli of the resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which were adopted by our Grand Lodge at its la~t session. The subject is discnssei, at length, by a Committee, and by resolution the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts reqnested to rei race her steps. The arguments of the .C:.Immittee will luil, we think, to convince our Brethern of Massachusetts, ot any error in their position,路 or to move them from their own sleadfastness. And if our Brelhren in New York shall, by u refusal to comply with a r<'qnest so simple and easy, the efft'ct of which was desi~ned to protect. her own rights, not less than the rights anti interest of the Craft in every jurisdiction-and thereby facilitate the restoration of peace and onler to the Craft in her own jurisdiction-we sny, if she will thus thoughtlessly cui herself off from fraternal intercourse. on her let the responsibility re~t. We can bnt regret it, and will still hope that bet!er <:Ollnsels may ere long prevail. Bro. Finlay M. King presen~ed his annual report on foreign correspondence, reviewing the proceedings of some twenty-five- sister Grnncl Lodges. The report is well digested, covers some eighty closely printed pages, and cC'ntains much that is interes~ing to Masonry. Your Committee do not concur in all the conclusions of the report-our space, however, will not admit of a review. The majority and minori~y reports, on the division of that Grand Loige, are both long and instructive documents-the report of the m'j:)rily was adopted-and the subject of division we hope finally settled. TEXAS. From the well written rep:)rt of the Committee on Foreign Correspon:lence we m1.ke the following extract: .. We particularly regret that this imprudent assertion, as to the change or Maso,tic ritual, sho:tld have come from Bro'her Gerl~e, a,\(I been a:lopted, as it re:lds, by the Grand L')(I2;e of Lou;siilna. It it has b~en changed, the power to change still exists, and i's rl'c')!?ni'ion by a brother of such justly acquired eminen('e, and hy a Grand Lodge of so much experience and intelligence, will be well C:l1cnlated to fostcr that spirit of 'progress and rEform' which hlS already so much obscured the old land marks. In sciencc, in mnrals, in e111cnti.-,n, we claim to belong to the progressive p:trty; in politics, we rejoice in the triumphs of "Young America;" but in Masonry we belong to the

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'Old Fogies;' we desire no change, and we recognise the ell:istenl~e of no power to change those features of the Masonic ritual, which mark the distinctiveness qf Masonry, 3S a system, and give it its uni. versality in the three symbolic degrees. With this ritual, Masonry has outridden the storms of opposition which have assailed it, checked the tears of distress. gIven protection to the fatherless and widow, and been the hand-maid of intelligence and piety lor more than three thou.sand years. With it, as it has been, and ~;lill is, we are content, and we hope it will not be changed while the wants, the sufferings, and the depravity or man demand its existence." CANADA WEST. The proceedings of this P. Grand Lodge presents the Institution in a prosperous condition in that jurisdiction. CONNECTICUT. The proceedings (If this Grand Lodge are full of interest-of which those in relation to the Wooster Monument are not the least. The report of Brother SLorer, Ohairman of the Correspondence Committee, occupies one hundred and eleven closely printed pages, full of interesting arguments on many of the subjects of Masonry. We should be pleased to present some of the interesting views advanced by our brother, but we are admonished by the short-coming of the patience of our Brethren, to forego the pleasute. We have also perused the address, and the action of the Grand Lodge on the completion of the Wooster Monument. The Oration on t-he occasion was delivered by Han. Henry C. Deming. Any of our Brethren who will read it will be fully remunerated for the time it may cost them. It is full of historical incidents of the life of that great and good man and Mason. FLORIDA. Our Brethren of this Grand Lodge are fully impressed with the hest interests of the Craft. The Grand Master's Address, and the Report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, are interesting and instructive doc uments. We should be pleased to extract largely from both, but our space will not permit. MARYLAND. The Report of the Correspondence Committee, from the pen of our esteemed Brother Gillman, takes a comprehensive "iew of Masonry in all its bearings on the moral and social relations of life. In discussing the nature and position of the" Order" (" not degree ") of Past Master, for our Brethren, of late, are becoming quite technical and seem to think" there is much in a name," Bro. Gillman procQedil to state, that the G. G. Chapt., at its last iession, disavowed

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its exclulUve jurisdiction over the" Order of Past Mauer." "And so now it may be looked upon as at rest, and that too to the satisfac路 tion of all except such as are too often found seeking cause of complaint against the G. G. C., as in the Case of the Grand Master of MislIouri, in his terrible warning against the formation of a G. G. Lodge, wherein he calls upon the friends of the measure to read the fate of Craft Masonry, by looking at the career of that body, in not being able to coll'.lct within its fold the Grand Chapten of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida." On reading the above extract, the Chairman of your Committee was much puzzled to nnd which of the Grand Masters of Missouri our distinguished Brother referred to. He, therefore, commenced an examination of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, and after running back to 1848,-the Chairman of your Committee then occupying the position of Grand Master, - found in the Address of that year t.he following, to whidl the severe strictures of our Brother may possibly refer. We feel bound to make the extract, that all may fully understand the complaint of our Brother Gillman. " The subject of a Supreme Grand Lodge oE the United States is one on which this Grand Lodge has frequently been called to act. The proposed Constitution together with the Address of the Committee will be laid before you. The arguments used by the Committee are as applicable to the whole Masonic world as they are to these United States. I find in them no reason why this Grand Lodge should change its former votes on that subject." '*' '" '*' '*' "The evils of which the Committee complain will readily be admitted by all; but that those evils can be corrected by the creation of a Supreme Grand Lodge (as the Committee seem to !hink) the two bodies to which they refer, to wit: the Grand Lodge of England and the G. G. R. A. Chapter of the United States, are a living refutation; for under the immediate intluence of each of these the same evils now exist to an extent as great as they do under any other true Masonic organization." '*' '*' " It would be well to make an estimate, in order to ascertain the enormous Sums that would be t.hus diverted from the Widow and the Orphan, without the return of even a partial equivalent, judging from the acts and doings of an organization which the Committee say, lias existed more than half a century; and ill which bod,- there lwve been more discrepancies and less consistenc)', in its cour;e of prnceedings, than in any o~her Masonic body with whose ac~s and doings I am familiar."

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GRAND LODGE A.F. A. MAllONs

The above e"tr~ct pre~ents, we presume, the thought which has caBed out at this I~te dry the slrong denunciation of our Brother-ot' which it would be discourteous for us to complain, knowing as we do that our distinguished Brother Gillman (and we would not take, if we could, a feather from his influence) was the" power behind the throne," in that G. G. hody for some fifteen to ei~hteen years. \Ye, theref'ore, cheerfully grant to tum the privilege of wiry feelings under all criticisms of the works ot his creation. AmI now as to who are" found seeking came of complaint," or whelher it be " the Grand Master of Missouri or the distinguished Chairman of the Committee uf Maryland, we cheerfully leave for others to decide. It should be remembered that" the Grand Master of Missouri h was commenting on a proposed Constitution for a Supreme Grand Lodge, explained and enforced ly the arguments of an able Committee (of which, we believe, Brother Gillman was the Chairm:m), who had officiaBy presented the subject lur the adoption of this Grand Lodge; and, surely, the remarks of a Grand Master, under such eircumslar.ces, ought not to subject him to the unkind charge of being "found seeking c~usp. of complaint," &c. \Vas it )](>t his high duty to embrace that opportunity to show, if he could, the falaciolb arguments (>f the Committee, not less than the evil tendencies of the creation of such a Supreme Body? On the other hand, c:m the Chairman of the Committee of J\Iaryland, who goes back, as we have shown, nearly seven years, to find an eXcuse for an unwarrantable attack, be acquitted of the charge which he has made of heing- "found seeking cause of complaint," &c., by thus impugning the motives of the Grand Master of Missouri," which none but thc Supreme GT3nd Master can possibly know?, But, as we be~ore inqmated, our Bro:her's long connection with the ~. G. Cliallter entitle him to much, and we accord to him the privilege of " seeking cause of complaint" against any llody or perscn, in justification of the act~ and doillgs of the G. G. Chdpter.

MfSSISSIPPI. The proceedinl!s of this Grand Lodge contain [many interesting thoughts. The Grand Master's Address is a well conceive'! document. After his thanks to Almighty God, and a Fraternal salutation of Health, Peacc, allu Union, within his own jurisuictiun; he remarks: .\ It alford~ me no measured gratifICation to advert on this occasion to a practical illustration of the happy inlluence of our Imtitution upon

.!====-..:..----:-_---------=._=--=--=--==-=====-=--=--====-=-=='-!-

or TilE

STATE OF MrSSOURI.

the mass of our people at large. The preceding year has been marked by circumstances long to be remembered, fcr the bi:t€rress wiih which the parties were arra~'ed in the conflict for vre:!ominance, and the personal strifes and contentions incident there'o, which seemed, in many instances, to threaten seri'lUsly the spcial relations of ne;~h borhoods and of families. The silent, but powerf'ul id\uence of Free Masonry, in curbing' and temporizing the perturbed pas>ions, was then seen and felt. I am glad, of my own personal kl1(llVled~e, to testi"y that in several instances, during that excitemen f , our Lodges diu nobly their reasonable service of healing dissensions nmon~ ne'ghbors anel friends, by pouring into the breach the' oil and wine' of peace and fraternal love. "Such is the benign province of Free Masonry; and this, too, is more clearly demonstrated under our peculiar form of ci\'il g<'verllmen!. In a country like ours, where there is :,lIowct! the brA'est amount of' personal liberty, not inconsistent wilh the riA'hts of others -where there is freedom of thought and (If opinion, the passions and prejudices of men h::lVe a more ampie sway, :In,llhe desig-ns of the evil and ambitious can only he anr(ed by rllising" hig::) the stnn,lnrd of moral :'ectitude, and effecting a gener::Imorlll, liS well as :t genenl intellectual, cullure amon~ the masses. Am I as-'lmi"g too milch when I cbim for our Insliluti(\n the exercise of it powerl'u\ agency in effectil'g this great and important work amo"g' onr people? Is not, and may 110t, its moral influence be seen and felt, nol. only in the v::lried re lations of hum,ln liFe, bnt by the body or the comlOLllli'y at large? Shall I be charged wi!h an undeserved eulogiuTIl npon our venerable Order, when I all!'ge that it is peculiarly lld'lpted 10 the genius of Gur institutions, and exists as an energetic, but unobtTll>i\'e, agent, continually aidin~ in the maintenance and deYl'lopment of 1he grt-~at principles of civil nnd religious liberty nnd equali'y? Free Masonry, in the ministration of hcr offices, acts not by ostentatious or coercive means; but sileutly and unobtrusively she operates upon the finer sensibilities of cur nature, and dispenses her blessings' as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion.' "

•

" Permit me, Brethren, to cherish the fond hope th:!t Peace and Br()therly Love will pervade y"nr counsels, and that yom deliberations may be ehal'acterize!l by PRUDE~CE a1\(I C,ncuMH'ECTION. Let not the spirit of innovation encroach up::m the laud mark~ of om venerable Order, nor aspiring- ambition attack the IlIn'laml~nt<l1 principles of Olll' God-like Institution. Free :\1.ls,mry as it is, m,ly be jJ;e instrnment of great ~ood to depraved human n,,1 ure; bnt desfrny her bC<lu1it'ul proportions, and yOI1 sound the reljuh>m of her uscfnlness. \Ve ha\-e milch more to l'e;I1' from interJlal expansion than frnln €)(ternal oppression. In this time of qniet and unparallellcd aU\':lIlCement, CAUTIO"" should be our w:llch·wnrd. Furget this, and the evils ot' all inflated pro-perit)' may yet p~lralyze the e,;erg-ies of a noble In,titution, which has breasted the storms 01 ages, and standing Ilnd~unled

(~j :;:~::--;;:res

GRAND LODGE A. II. !. M:A.80NS

ef persecution, has triumphantly erected. its banner upon the ruin and ~hllme of its foes."

The Reports of the D. D. G. Masters are also int~resting papers, detailing the condition of the Craft, in that jurisdiction, with a frankness worthy of imitation. The following extract from a Report presented by Brother Wm. H. Hammett, cQntains thoughts which should be fully impressed on the memory of ali : "Information of the most reliable character lead your Committee to fear that the interests of our venerable Institution are in danger of suffering, from the tno rapid itlcrease in the number of Lodges. The reports of the D. D. G. Masters show that several of the Lodges can now scarcely work for wallt of sufficient members, and that for these Lodges there is left but little hope of relief, from the scarcity of material. A further increase of Bubol dwate Lodges will make the Grand Lodge too large and too expensive a body. Your Committee therefore hope that no more Lodges will be created, unless in case of clear necessity. " The Report of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence, from the pen of our Brother Wm. P. Mellen, is a full review of the opinions and positions of Sj~ter Grand Lodges on many interesting subjects. Brother Mellen, howeyer, presents ~ome views not in accordance with the opinions of your Committee. In discussing the jurisdiction of the" Past Master degree," showing its connection both wilh the Chapter and Subordinate Lodges, he seemS to reach-to us-the novel conclusion that" a single Past Master may do it,"-that is communicate to lhe " Master Elect" all that is necessary to qualify him for his station of W. Master of a Subordi. nate Lodge. Brother Mellen holds with many others, that .. It is not properly a degree; it is only a part of the Installation ceremony of the Master Elect." Your Committee fear, judging from what they have gathered it: the last few years'路 experience, that most if not all the confusion and contention about this " degree," or "Order of Past M~.ster," or, as some prefer to characterize it, "Installation Ceremony," is rather the result of entangling alliances and a thoughtless running after strange novelties, than from any desire to maintain the Unity and indivisibility of Ancient Craft Masonry. The doctrine advanced by Brother Mellen, that a "smgle Past Master," unaided by two or more competent brethren, can confer this part of the "Instailation Ceremony," or the" Order or degree of

CF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Past Master," must be regarded by your Committee-with their present light-as innovating on the order of things long established, and not only novel but dangerous to the peace and safety of the Craft j worse than the practice of Maryland, where the degree was conferred without regard to qualification for office, but for a fee, perhaps, more for the amusement of the Brethren. Nur is the practice of confering it, under the sanction of the warrant of a Chapter, much more con. sistent, or safe, for under it all the honorary distinction and official identity intended to be cornered, is annihilated thereby. .And whilst we can but lament over what we may not be able fully to control~that is, that it was ever included with the degrees of a Chapter,-still, we may, if all were so disposed, take the advice of the Prophet: "Cease to do evil and learn to do well," by a zealous attempt to place things in a train that will eventually restore this" degree or Order of Past Master," or this paort of the" Installation Ceremony," to that place and di~nity where the indispensable wants and interests of the Craft require it, and where too it will be free from the bondage of all fee and fiction, not l~ss than its present alliances, all of which conspire to weaken the force and dignity of its own pristine power. In view of the whole, we may, perhaps, be safe in stating that the discord and confusion consequent on the supposed concurrent jurisdiction, forms no part of the beautiful and harmonious system of Ancient Craft Masonry. All attempts, therefore, at consistent reasoning on the subject, with such an hypothesis, must fail of any convincing ef路 fect. For, if Free Masonry be indeed an Unit-and wi~hout which its glory has departed-the idea of conQurrent jurisdiction is absolutely inadmissable. On this subject, your Committee have their own views, not original, howeyer, with them, for then they would be useless, but gath~red from a work published very many years ago. From this work, we learn that the three principal officers of ~he Lodge were aU participants to a certain extent in the " Ceremony of the degTee," or " Order of Past Master," or, if preferred, the ,. Ceremony of Installation." They were all placed under the same bonds to be faithful to the Lodge. The Wardens were invested with the means of official recognition and an additional TEST was imparted to the W. M. Elect, to enable him to demonstrate his claims to the honorary distinctions of a PAn or PRES~NT MAsTElI. This is the simple story about which our Brethren .have written so long and eloquently.

GRAND LODGE A. 1'. A. MAS01'\S

May our Sister Grand Lodges ~peecilv discard the idea of conCllTrent jll,'risdiction-reason hencdorlh en the simple principl~5 of Free Masonry, and, with one accord, gra.'p the beautiful sentiment uf our c:tptive Brethren, which so earnestly led lhem to exclaim," If I forget 0, Jerusalrm, let my ri",ht hand forget its cunning." Let this feeling of aHr.cl:ment to Craft Masonry be once more predominant, and discord and confusion, those legi:imate frui's of a divided al!egi;'nce, H like the early dews and morning c1uud," will vanish before the gilded rays .of the rising sun, as He diffuses light and lustre to all witl.in his sphere.

UNIFORMITY OF WORK AND LECTURES. This subject is attractipg the attention of many of our Si~ter Grand Ludges, e~pecially our Brethren in Virgillia, who are zealo1Jsly engal?;ed in devising the ways and mfSUS to effect this desir; b'e l,bject. _ We have had some experience and anxiety, and labored mlll h for the accompli~hment of tIle object, ourselves, but our fears and labors have been exhaus!ed in the hitherto fruitless attempt. And, whilst we now sincerely desire to see the time wIlen Masons will all sreak the s~me thing in Masonry, we are fully admoni.hed by our past experience, that such an event, to the extent of the bopes and wishes of our Bre' hren, if not impOi'sible, is absolutely impraclic~;b'e, on any plan hitherto pursued. The rea~on, perhaps, may be found in the fact tl.at HE who made liS has st mped upon each his own personal identity, with such mal ked emphasis, that our difference in thought, memory, and all the modes of cnmmunicalin~ our ideas, are as varient as our natures: so varient that it is improkble lhllt we shall ever be willing to Illal,e the personal sacrifice necessary for the atlaining a uniformil y either in Masonry or in any of the nff"irs of life. Nor is it all necessary to the Hcomp'ishment of the great ol'jects of our Fraternity, as we understand thrm. A per:ect agreement in the great principles and historicnl facts, forming the basis of the Society. in the opinion of your Committee, is 811 that we may reasollably hcpe to accnmplish. How can we expect to agree on tradi:ional subjec's whilst there remajn~ such a diversity of opinion on that portion so fully developed in written hisfory. The fact is, we begin at the wrong end, the cap stone instead of the fonndat]on, and often render that which is ~implicity itself, a confused and complicat!'d mass, hardly digestible by the most reflecting mind. And yet each wonders at the ~tupidity of his fell.n\', when the truth is we have only told, 1I0r dare we tell 1ll0re, than half our story. '

OF TUE STATE OJ' MISSOURI.

Nor may we hope to be any better understood than those wl.o have gone before us. If our Brethren would dispense with their hitherto heedless indifference, and but attain the unifhrmily of being rt'ftecting Masons, we should have much to hope. Your Committee would not be llnderdood as disparaging any efforts that may be made in this or any other jurisdiction, but, on the contrJry, would urge all to the diligent use of all lawful means for the accomplishment, as far as practicable, of so desirl!ble an object. But, then, let us do it in the right way, begin at Ihe right place. The first and great step towards attaining an uniformity, i! this: The several Grand Lodges must first decide upon the text book b be usp.d by all. That or.ce ncccmplished, let all others be burned, or laid up as memorials of the past, and make it a penal offence, of a high grade, to be inflicted on any Mason who may attempt to get up another. A failure of uniformify here, i.. a total failure, that will forever perpetuate itself. This is the beginnin~ of uniformily: let us have one text book or none at all. Let the Grand Lodges take this first step, and we are prepared to proceed, but until that is accomplished we may in vain urge upon the Lodges the suhject of a uniformi'y of work and Lp.ctures in Masonry; amI we may add here, that so long as itinerant Masons are permitted to travel and Lecture, they will add to and endeavcr to embellish, or rather fill up thcir Lectures wi:h unmeanil'g incidents and verbiage, regardless of either fact or history, the novelty of which will be sure to attract the young amI ardent Ma~on. We must reverse the order of thinf!:s hitherto pursued, if we would succeed; and send the Pupil to the Teacher-for one proficient Mason in a Ludge i~ of more value, espec:ially when his qualifications are' endorsed Ly known authority, than a host, when but half informed. One great error of many professed Masonic Teachers is this: they seem to forget the great aim and object of the Institution, and too frequently measurp- it by the stripling associations of the pge. They are quite expert in all the modern Orders, as they are termed, such as Mason's Daugllter, Holy Virgin, and Good S<:maritan, when, if you sound them on the solid principle~, which constitu!e the glory of Masonry, they have nothing hut embellishments, or, rather, emp'ydelusions. They ha\'e forgotten, perhaps they haye never learned, the beauties of our pure and simple ritual, which, like the rude works of nature speak forth the Glory of their CREATOR )Jlost when adOJ'ned the least. Thev seem to forget, also, that could they succeed in their desires of emilellishing, that, after all their efforts, it would be a spurious thing, 'Iuite unlike Free Masonry, and would be sure to slip

'iI

GRAND LODGS A.

:r.

A. MASONS

thr()fJ,gh the fingers of Time, too much polished to be stayed by his rude grasp. The system of work and Lectures, adopted in 1843, in the city of Baltimore, which was reported to this Grand Lodge, and received its sanction and adoption, is, perhaps, as near the Ancient mode as we Moderns may hope to arrive. In fact, its great simplicity should commend it to all the lovers of uniformity. That work and lectures have been preserved in this jurisdiction as nearly pure as the" frail memory of man could rdain it. The unsuccessful efforts that have been made to fix it, and it alone, in the minds of our Brethren, has served to strengthen the opinion long entertained by the Chairman of your Committee, that no system, what ever may be its merits, will ever be fully understood or practised by a majority of our Brethren. There are so many obstacles to be subdued, besides our prejudices, which, of themselves, constitute a mountaitl of difficulties, requiriug more than ordinary efforts 10 surmount, that we are ever learning yet never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth. One great difficulty is to be found in the fact that so many Brethren have such an aversion to confess their ignorance of things which they should have learned in their l\-Iasonic youth. Other~ are to be found who can't consent to sit and learn such simple things, but readilr assert that with the higher degrees they are really captivated, and in them they are fully proficient. But, alas! for the cause, when those who hate traveled all the road, and learned and wondered, as they progressed step by step, shall try them, even there they ure, to be found, utterly deficient of any knowledge of the ritual that will enable them to be of any service either to themselves or others, save, perhaps, they may count one, and even for that Utile service, except on extraordinary occasions, they are too often found wanting. We write plainly on these SUbjects, believing that it is best that "every I;llan should speak truth with his neighbor." Nor ought we to be at all surprised, when we remember that so large a number of our Brethren are members of some three or four, perhaps, half a dozen other Associations; and many others engaged, with all their powers, in cultivating other rites, to the neglect, perhaps, the exclusion of our own. To which we may add a Legion of others, who spend their time in working at what is termed, by way of distinction, we suppose, the side degrees, without deigning even a glance at the simple ritual of Masonry, only so far as they may assimilate and bring their .fictions under the shadow of its wide-spread wings. With all these difficulties and estrangements, aU must see that the obtaining of

,;=:======:::==================-I OF i'JlE BTA:J:ÂŁ OF lIfISSOUJU.

a uniform system of work and lectures, under our ritual, lDu~t be a difficult task, 110 lQDg as those g"eat obstaclell to its .accomplishment shall remain. And not only so, but we re~rd the Fraternity, frQID the causes enumerated, and others that might be stated, in far greater danger than it has ever been. even under the most :oppressive circumstances through which it has passed. And,if so, it behooves all to be on their guar.d, or else our ancient identity must soon be lost, not, however, from any want of stability in itself, but from the divided support of its professed adherents. The remedy, if indeed there be any, will not be found, in the opinion of your Committee, in Legislative enactments of compulsory measures; it must be looked for quite elsewhere. Indeed, the very name of Free Masonry is but too often made the pretex.t for the abuse of it~ principles,--.and that, too, by many who ought to be, aye, and by some who profess to be, teachers of its simple beauties; and this, perhaps, may in :OOille degree account for the prevailing uniformity-that alarming ignorance of all that constitutes the value of Masonry. And yet, if the Grand and Subordinate Lodges will begin at the right place, that is at the beginning, we may have some reason to look forward to a better state of things; first, in a growing attachment to the Order, as the only Universal Association on Earth, urging t(l a zealous cultivation of its Principles, with all our might, not only bllcause it is so, but for itB large and diffusive charity. Let us see to it, then, that in the fut1,\1'e our Rulers and Teachers are selected from that little band whose allegiance, hopes, and interests are not divided, either by their prejudices or their preferences for those silly novelties of the age. This will be a beginning, and having begun, let us see to it, also, that all who are made Masons learn, as they progress, the full requil ements of the ritual, before they are permitted to advance: learn it not, however, as such things are usually learned, only to be forgotten, but as men endowed by lheir CREATOR with power sufficient to analyze every thought and work, worthy of their esteem or pursuit. Since writing the above, we have perused an article in the Magazine of Bro. C. W. Moore of Boston, which we append principally for the information it affords: "The Higher Degrees in Eu,rope."-The Editor of the London Free Masons' Magazine, in answer to the inquiry of a correspondent, "on the eve of )eavj~ England for the Continent, whether the Templars, and other high degrees, would be of any service to him P" sa) s,--.and the information may be of service to SOme of our Brethren

i i

1-44 I -----I

GltAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

in this conntry, who may have occasion to visit Europe-"If your are about to reside or to stay abroad, we should recommend you to proere:!. ""hatever m'lY be the deci"ion in thi;, country, it is a f,:c+, (hat

none but those who have higher degrees than fhat of Royal Arch, make any way in .JI1asonry abroad. Into the right or wrong of this

Ii \\

we d,l not preS1lme to enter. The Most Worshipful the Grand Master" and the Grand Lodges of the Continent ha\'e the right to aet as they please. 'Ne are asked a question, and we merely state what is a fact. The Knights Templar Degree is of but I:~tle me on the Con' inent." Here i路 a fact, strong1y corroborative of the strength and truth of the op'uinns of your Commi:1ee advanced above, and should suggest to our Brethren that the time has fully arri\'ed, if indeed it be not 100 lute, wh, II we should look the monster, which has so long prowled ahollt ollr c::Imp, full in the face, and measure and meet the impending strllg-g!e as becomes bo~h men antI Masons. And the more we look, lhe more clearly shall we he able to comprehend, un less iudeed we permit our~eh'es to be Llinned, as hi. herto many have been by his wily <lrJs, the evil c~ns('q\lences ~o much to be dreaded by nll the lovers of Ancient Craft of Ml~onry. By a peru~al of the above extract we may fully grasp the fact as it really ('xi~ts, and wilh a little reflection we may analyze with certainty its effech upon the Fralernity on this Continent, with nil its witherilig influences upon the came of :Masonry and humanily. There is but one succes~rlll remedy against the wily arts 01 this insidious foe-the foe, which like all other ~p~ems of lal~e philosophy and vain prdensi"ns, heguiles men ont of their senses, and then leads them c:lp:ive <It his will, and lhat is to he guided by our great light, "resist the en('my and he will flee from you," So it has come to pass, nyc, that. even the higher i1egrees of our own ,-ile will not a,'mit a Mason, though good man and lrue, to Masonic I'd low"hi p in the Olt.1 World? Verily we have fallen lipan evil times, or 1I,"y it not ra'her be a re(alia:ion upon the Grand Lodge of Engl.\nd for the tm!y I\t,sonic course pursued by her in relation to one of her O\\-n ()ffir路j:t\s who set her laws at defiance. Bllt ~ lIcb is the nat ure of man-such the sons of " degenerate race -the)' will follow vain ,harlows and emp'y delusions, and Olre sure to be c;1ptivatcd wilh thin~s of the marve!om, nyc, even tin inflated bubl.le will suffice pro, irled it be associ:lted with lhe high, or the still more vaullting things which men are wont 10 call noble-yea, he drillkelh in vani'.)' like a floc,d.

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OF THE. STATE OF

M[~SOURI.

But to what sort of "higher degrees" does the writer refer--and which our good Bro. Moore thinks "may be of service 10 some of our Brethern in this country who may have occasion to visit Europe." We suppo~e reference is had to the "higher Elegre. s" of another rite quite outside of legitimate Masonry, lIhnOll~ as modern as railroads and magnetic tele~raphs, certainly far more modern than the use of steam as a mo!or~"i igher degrees," m,~de and provided for quite other things than those contemplated by Free Masonry, fitted up to sustain the higher statiOfts in life and georgeously a'rayed with the timel and show, so congenLl to poor thoughtless and self-inflated humanity. Alas! that these "higher dei{rees," so incongenial with pure Free Masonry should find so many advocates who occupy such prominent positions under our simple and unpretending ritual; and some too, who assert that our system cannot be understood without them, and who would presumptuously have us believe, that our Lion of the Tribe of Judah, in all his strerg'h and generosify, must crouch and lick the beaks of their double-headed eagle. The fact is, and it is useless to try lon~er to disguise it, that those of our bretllern in this country who cultivate the "higher degrees," as they term them, but which in fact are nothing more than the vain philosophy of a roviJ"g Scotchman) perhaps a little improved by their still more modern possessors, have ever disregarded, with but few exceptions, the unity of Free M,lsGnry, ~nd are seeking, some of them, it is hoped innocen:ly, to es:ablish an order ruther above the poor simple souls that are content wiLh the p'ain unpretendin~ ritual of Craft Masonry. This is the aim and object of the "higher degrees," the practical workIngs of which are clearly seen in the above extract, and we who luve the Ar.cicnt Onler of Masonry just as it has been transmitted to us by Ollr Fathers, must beg1n) if we would perpetuate our trust, to regard and hold to a strict accoun:abili:Yl all who cultivatl- any other rite in Masonry as enemies to our C:lUse, so long as tlley may c()n~inue to regard these "higher degrees" wi:h a favorable eye. Let them choose without dehl)" between every o:her rite and ours. Because no man can serve ~wo masters. For that he will hold to the one and despise the olher, or else he will love tLe one and hate the other, ill a fixed law of our being from which there is no escape. There can be no concord between the two. We may tolerate every other association without dist rust, but there can be but one on this little p;lobe of ours legitimately Masonic. And however much that one may be dIvided by jars and discords, we may still reg~rJ it as but the effervescence of poor, frail humanily, and lament OHr it with

.46

GAAlfD

woos

A. J. A. UASONS

.Âˇhopeful promise of peace. But when the defire manifeats itself, as in this modern rite of "higher degrees," to supplant or to divide Free Masonry into serfs and Sov~reign., lords and lacquays, all the feeliI\gs of our manhood instinctively re-volt.

NORTH CA ROLINA.

Weextraet the following from the address of the Grand Master, because we deem. the remarks worthy of perpetual remembrance: "In some instances I have dilfered with well informed Brethren as to the meaning of "moral character" in our code. I can fix to it no meaning, when used Masonically, separate and apart from its generaJ. acceptation. Certain am I, that in our phraseology it is taken in as comprehensive a sense as it.is in any other association under the sun. Obey the moral law is the stern command of that .ritual, handed down through successi"e generations, from our illustrious founder. from whom nothing less could have been expected. (' I have unwaveringly adhered to this test. in empowering Masons to work and conduct the affairs of a lodge under my sanction. But while 1 have been disinclined to relax, or in the smallest de~ree lose sight of this great beacon light, established by the patriarchs of the order, 1have as perseveringly tried to prevent 1he introduction of others. Such, for instance, as the so called moral questions now so extensively agitating the public mind, and have allowed no declaration for or against them to be used as passports to our favor. Inexperienced Brethren, in their great zeal to do good, are apt to require a little more than is required Dy universally acknowledged h.w. It has sometimes been a pleasant duty to take s.uchening Brother back to first principles and show him, that in most of tMse things, for more than three thousand years we have stood OIl a platform as elevated in the scale of morality as any of modern date. It i~ 111e beautiful system of MORALITY, taught in our peculiar allegorical language, that has given to Masonry all her charms. Divest her of this lile-giving principle and her gigantic form~ her beautiful proportions would soon crumble to dust, and a world witness the dying throes. of. an institution whose motto has ever been: peaoe on earth and good will to men. â&#x20AC;˘ 'if< "The past year has been one on which we may look in after life without reproach. It has been a good year, all-! much has been ac~ c)mplished for the good of Masonry. The initiations, the materials brought up for a place in the great fabric, never were better. Men of high grade, of moral worth, are the living speoimens of our labors." Our Brethren are zealously eng<lged in the cause of education, that great and only base of morality ,virt.ue and civil liberty. May the

OF THE STATE OPMISBOUBI.'

blessings of Heaven rest upon them, and crown their labors with abundant success. The report of the Committee of Correspondence is from the pen of Bro. R. S. French. He regr~ts to find in the similar reports of Sister Grand Lodges discussions of Masonic principles, both in ~'bad temper awl bad taste. But our brother should never forget that we are men; he should also remember that there is no accounting for ÂŤtaste,l' the standard for which is not so very clearly defined, and must partake more or less of the times and circumstances by which we are surrounded. And as for bad temper, our language is not always a correct exponent. It is therefore wise, that we should always place the most liberal and fraternal construction upon the language of our Brethren, and in that large Masonic charity, readily believe that none would willingly offend or be the occasion of offence to his Brother. The Grand Secretary has also furnished us with the Proceedings of the National Masonic Convention, held at Washington, D. C., January 3d, and 4th, 1855, which we herewith present for your consi.deration. " To the National .Masonic Convention."The Committee to wh{lm was ref~rred the resolution offered by the R. W. Bro. Smith, of Michigan, aud the substitute therefor, offered by the R. W. Bro. King, of New York, beg leave respectfully to submit the following Preamble and Articles of Confederation, as containing their conclusions upon said resolution and substifute, and as embodyin$ a plan for uniting the Crand Lodges of the United Stales upon a basis the least objectionable in its character and the most feasible and serviceable in its operations, and results, viz.: " PREAMBLE.

"For the purpose of establishing a unity of interest among the Grand Lodges of the United States-a unity of design and purposeand of securing mutual confidence between them, and promoting the general welfare of the Fraternity, said Grand Lodges do ordain and establish the following ARTICLES

CONFEDERATION.

"Article I. All matters of difficuty which may hereafter arise in any Grand Lodge, or between two or more Grand Lodges of the United States, which connot, by their own action, be satisfactorily adjusted or disposed of, shall, if the importance of the case, or the common weHare of the Fraternity demand it, be submitted, with accompanying evidence and documents, to the several Grand Indges, in their individual capacities; and the concurrent decision thereon of twothirds of the whole number, officially communicated, shall be held authorative, bindin/!, and final, on all parties concerned. " .I1rticle 1I. When any matter of difficulty shall arise, in any Grand

GRAND

LOD~B

A. F. A. M.\SONS

Lo('ge belonging to this Confederacy, between such Grand Lodge and its suborcinates, of a revolutionary or other character, it shall be ~ub milled, as prescribed in Article first, upon the request or direcion of the Grand Longe in which the snme may have occurred. U .!Jrfic/e Ill. When a difficul y shall have occurred between two or more Grand Lorlges, of the c:;arllc'er mentioned in Article first, it shall be so sullmitted upon the request or direction of either of the Grand Lo(lges immediately interested therein. ;. Article IV. Any member of the Confederrcy shall have the ril!ht to submit to the several members of the same, any ques~ ion of Mas..nic jurisprudence, or Masonic action, contcmpla'ed Wllhin its own jurisdiction, which may be deemed by it of sufficient import'lnce, to call 1'01' tbe united opinions ("If the members then'of; rnd ill all such cases, the like action shall be had by the said Grand Lodges, ;lS is herein provided in other cases, and the decision thereupon shall be conclusive• •. ArtIcLe V. Each Grand Lodge belonging to this Confederacy, shall 'ake action upon the matter so suhmited lo it, and mike a decision 1hereupon at its first Annual ContmUnic;llion, alter the eYidnlCe and documents relatin~ thereto shall have been received; unless for w;mt of time or information it shall be unable to arrive at a decision, ane in this casc it shall ha,'e unlil the next Annual Communication, at which time a decision shall be made• •, Article VI. Wilen any difficully shall have arisen in any Grand Lodite, or between a Grand Lodge lind ils subordinates, or between two or more Grand Lodites, as mentioned in Articles second and third, the Grand Lodge submitting suth difficulty, in manner as afores;lid, shdl ~i\'e not:ce to the o:her party or parties concerned therein, of i:s in'en'ion to snbmit the same to tLe Conft>derr.cy; and in C;.'8e of the omission, negled, or re(usal, of such ohel party or parties to supply the eviden"e and documents rehl1ing to such diffi, nlly, in the manntr prescribed III Arlide fust, for three months from the lime of the service of such notice, the mt'mbers of the Conl'ederat·y may prucf cd in the examinalion and decision of the diHicul y so 8uLmil\ed, upon the evidence and dccumen's before them: Provided, that whl n sHch difficuI y exiSls between two or more Grand Lodies, the Grand Lcd.g-e or Grand Lodges which shall not have first decideu upon such submission, .hall have three months lIfler i's !lext succee(;ing- Annual Communic<ltion, to supply such evidence and ducuments as nforesaid• .. Article VII. From and after these Articles shall have been adopter\ by twenly of the Grand Lodges of the United ~atest their provi~ion~ shall be considered ratified; and all maHers there:n con~ templated for lldjustment shall then and thereaner take the course therein pres~ril'ed. ,• .lb-ticle VIII. No Grand Lodge, which shall have united in this Confederacy, in manner all afO! e~aid, shall wilhdraw 1herefr om, until it shall have given twelve months' notice to each and every member of the Confederacy of its intention to do so. U .I1rticle IX. These Articles may be altered, revised, or amended,

OF THE STATE OF MISfilCURI.

by proposition in writing, submitted by anyone Grand Lodge, and concurred in by two-thirds of lhe Grand Lodges in this Confederacy; and such alteration, revision, or amendment, shill! be operati\ e and binding ulJon each and every member of the Confederacy from the time of its adoption, in manner as aforesaid. All which is respectfully submitted. DAVID CLOPTON, FINLA Y M. KING,

ALFRED AMES, CHARLES GILMAN,

A. C. WASHINGTON,

Committee.

SMITH.

Jan 4,1855.

"ADDRESS TO THE GRAND LODGES OF THE UNITED STATES."

"The undcrsi~ned were appointed a committee to present to your consideration, and for your action, the accompanying "Articles of Confederation," which ~ere adopted by the convention, that assembled in Washington City, on the first Wednesday in January. It W:lS matter of regret to the members of that Convention, that so few of the Grand L0d~es were represented; as, " in the multi! ude of counsel, there is wisdom;" and, more especially, as its proceedings were not considered obligatory upon any Grand Lodge, unless subsequen:ly appruved and ratified. Those who did attend, endeavored to arrange :l plan that would, intrinsically, recommend itself to the favorable consideration of the several Grand Lodges, and secure, if possible, lhe co-operation of a ~ufficient number to guarantee a fair and impartial experiment. That a diversity of opinion would exist among the members of the Convention, was, naturally, to have been expected--o!herwise, they would have been more than human. Coming from different sections, viewing lhe condition of Masonry from different stand-points, and entertaining conftictin~ opinions of the economy or its government, the only thing remarkable is, that the Convention was finally un:lIJimous in the result of its deliberations. Some believed that anything short of a General Grand Lodge, ivested with supreme powers, (original or appelate,) in certain respects, or with certain defined limit alions, would prove wholly inefficient; whilst others entertained ~pprehensions with regard to any national organization wha1ever. The former being assurtd that any attempt to form a Supreme Grand Lodge would be futile, at least for the present, and, that a snffieient number 01 the Grand Lodges, could not be induced to enter into such an organization, so as to endue it with efficacy, and secure unanimity witha spirit truly m:lgnanimolls and lVIasonic, yielded their pre-conceived opinions, and united with the other members of the Convention, in the effort to arrange and mature a plan, which, on the one hand, would leave unimpaired the supremacy and sovereignty of the Grand Lodges, and, on the other hand, would be efficient in promoting peace and harmony, and effecting uniformity in the interpretation of the usages :lnd customs, and in construction of the ancient conslitutions of Masonry. The plan herewith submitted to you, is the result of this reconciliation of conflicting opinions.

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

Since the formation and adoption of a National Constitution, the great want of Free Masonry, as it has existed. in the United States, has been a closer bond of union between tht' different G. Lodges. The condition of the Masonic Institution in this country, is, to some extent, an aJlOmalous one--very different from what it is in 01her countries, Rnd under other forms of government. We have our respective Grand Lodges exercising jurisdiction co-extensive with the territorial limits of the State : nevertheless there is still need of some national arrangement, by which these Grand bodies shall he united in bonds of economy, as Wi'n as fraternity. As members of the Same great political family, it is true that we cherish towards each other closer ties and warmer attachments, than to other and foreign branches of the Masonic Brotherhood; but then these exist ouly in our ~cnsibilities and feelingsnot in the reality of a practical system. To remedy this defect in the governmental organization of l\iasonry, and to supply the necessity of a more intimate union, and a rf'gular and permanent intercourse, tr,e idea 01 3 National Grand Body was conceived and proposed by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, as early as 1790. A suficient number not having responded favorably, the ejfort failed, and was abandon~'d. Since that period several attempts have been made to accomplish the same design, but with like success. Whilst the history of those various propositions and efforts to organize a Supreme Grand Lodge, demonstrates that any further attempt would be inelfectllal, it also shows, conclllsively, that ever since the formation or our National PoLitical union, the necessity of a National Masonic union, of some character, has been recognized and felt by prominent membcrs of the Fr~,ternity. We cannot depart from the "ancient landmarks," or change the ritual and work of the Order. Notwithstanrlin:z this, Freemasonry has, in all ages and in all countries, adapied itslf, in the economy and policy of its government, to the social ,md pol itieal institutions of the particukr country and age, when and where it has existed. The chief element of i's success, consists in this adapiabili:y to lhe local customs and changes, and to the various phases of socie:y. \Vhen the necessity arose of a departure from the origin;11 organization of Operative I~fasOJlTY, and of OHe Grand Master for the whole Bro:hcrhood in aJI places, it was this principle that put into operatien the present system of Speculative Masonry and distinct and independent Grand Lodgcs in distinct and indepcndant countries. In Europe, one Grand Lodge, co路ext ensive with each sovereign government, w"s all sufficient, and most nearly assimilated to their political systems and principles. Not so in America: Here, existed separate Colonies-there, separate and independant States; hence, there must be separate and independent Grand Lodges. These, however, do not answer the full, wan~s of Masonry. As the political relation between the severa~ States IS of much closer intimacy than that which exists, between different co.untries so the Masonic relation between the Grand Lodges of the Umtcd Stat~s should be of clo~er intimacy than that which exists between the Grand Lodges of separate and foreign countries.

01' !JHE STATE OF MISSOURI.

- - - - - - - - _.._---_.It is not intended to be inferred from these remarks, that there ought to be a Supreme Grand Lodge, analogous, so far as it can he made, to our general government; for Masonry, whilst it ought to assimilate to the political institutions of a people, cannot be expected to reflect their exact im~ge. We do not infer from them, bowever, the necessity of some plan-call it.R National Confederation, or by any other name, which will make that Union a living, active, working reality-a Union of brothers-of closer bonds of fraternity, of feeling and action-a practical Union, that will make these bonds more efficient for g-ood, (lnd illustrate a unity of interest. It is the privilege of the American people to behold, daily, an increased intercourse between the citizens of the various States, in the way of business, travel, and the interchange of Socialities. The manifold ways of inter-communication, now erected, and in process and contemplation of erection, a.re llniting, by routes more or less direct, each part of the country to every other part, and constantly opening Ilew channels of commerce and travel. By these means we are also brought into frequent communication as Masons. A National Masonic Confederation will have the tendency (0 make this now frequent and increasing communicatioll more abundant in good and more effective in binding together the entire Order. \Ve would not disparage the ~earness of the Universal Masonic Tie, or the strength 01 that cement which unites the whole Fraternity into a society of friends and brothers. StiJl no one can deny the operation, in Masonry, of thut princilJle which forms a part of our human nature, and whicll receives, as dearer to us, those who belong to our immediate family, than those more distantly connected-a brother, than a friend. 'Ve IDay go to the house of a ilospit<~ble neighbor or acquaintance, and feel all the ease and freedom of a welcome; but when we go to the house of a brother, we feel that it is next to home. Likewise it is in Masonry. Those who realize that their interests and destiny are common, are bound by cords which draw them more closely togethel', and feel a sympathy otherwise unfelt and unknown; a more ardent desire to "promote each othcr's welfare." This feeling, too, is capable of expansion, and by means of a national organization, instead of being confined to the limits of a Slate, would be bounded by the limiti' of the Union. One of the greatest evils which has attended the condition of: the Institution in this counlry, has been a diversity of opinion concerning Masonic Laws and Usages, and the proper jurisdiction and riO'hts of the several Grand Lodges. Every di'.agreement which has occur~ed between any of the Grand Lodges of the United States, has been produced by tbe assE.'rtion of a right by one, which another has denied; or, a claim of jurisdiction, which another has resisted. If these were uniformly understood by all the Grand Lodges, this chief danger of alienation Qf feeling would be removed-each moving in the same direction, guided by the same landmarks, and observing the same great principles, it is impossible lhat a collision could ever result; entire harmony would prevail between them, just as in the solar system, where

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

many planets move in concord, because each moves in an assigned sphere. Whilst great respect is entertained and manifesled by the different Grand Lodges, for the well路 considered opinions of each other j yel, these opinions, when expressed, carry with them no authority, but are free to be disregarded. To accomplish this great desideratum; und secure that uniformity, whi"h is the ~upport of Masonry, some plan must be devised, by which these opinions, whell expressed upon proper occasions, will possess weight, and power, and obligation. Like judicial opinions, they must have the force of precedents of sol, emn adjudications; they must be the utterances of a tribunal intelligent enough to command respect, august enough to command deference, and strong enough to command observance, at least by its moral power. A tribunal of wisdom, beauty, and stnngth. The Conventio.n believes that the plan herewith proposed will as nearly accomplish tIllS object as any plan can whose arrangemenb is compatible with the other rights and interests ot'the Grund Lodges. Having thus endeavored to demonstrate the necessity of a morc complete Masonic Union than at present exists, it is proper for us to consider briefly, but more speoifieally, the details 01 the scheme adopted by the Convention. By an investigation of the principles upon which the proposed Confederation is organized, it will be observed, that it fully recognizes the supremacy und sovereignty of eueh Grand Lodge. It does not disrobe them of any authority; it does not divest them of any power; it does not deprive them oC any right: whilst it avoids the objections usually urged to the formation of a General Grand Lodge, it pro1"ides the means, the sure means, of obtaining their aggregate voice upon any disputed or debated question. Without great central power, which is prone to grow stronger, and to absorb all subordinate authority, unless properly checked and restricted, Masonic honor and liJ.ith are pledged !o a regard to its duly expressed opinions and decisions. Thus, it is mvested with a moral power, which, with Masons, is more than physical force. The scheme, in one uspeet, is simply this: Upon any occasion of difficulty or disagreetnent between two or more Grand Lodges, the one says to the other, , We will submit our matter of difference to the arbitrament of our sister Grand Lodges, who arc our peers, and who, althou/?h disint:rested in our particular case, have yet the highest interest ~n atlaiJ~llJg the great end cl truth and right, and in protecting the uDlversalmlerests of :Masonry.' In another aspect-when any intern~l commotion may happen, the Grand Lodge, whose peace is thus (hsturbed, has the means, and is herebv invited to take counsel, with her sister Grand Lodge. Thus simplified and considered, the scheme is not li[lble to the objections of those who entertain apprehensiom; concerning any National oro-anization. N either are the Grand LodEesOto incur the expense of sendin~ delegates to meet in some great t;ouncil, there to reflect, deliberate, and decide, the matters which may oe submitted to the Confederation.

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

No additional expense is entailed upon them. When any occa~ion may arise, requiring the action of the Confederation, each Grand Lodge decides Jor itself, in its own hall, at it" regular commllnica!ion, and according to its own judgment, unbiassed by the pre~enoe or influence of pal ties interested. Ins(ead of the wisdom, leal ning and intelligence, of a limited number of delegates, there will be the nggregate wisdom, learning and intelligence, of all the members of all the Grand Lodges, each excrci~ing its individual iutellects. There can be no d:lIlger of any usurpation of Power. The Confederation, either upon the request of one member, or a majority of the members, or otherwise, cannot take jurisdiction of any matter without Lhe voluntary submission of one of the parlies involved. Any decision that might be made, However unan;mous, without a compliance with the provision of the Articles, wonld be " coram non judice"-a mere assumption without legal or moral force. The committee deem it unnecessary to review all the delails of the plan, but simply to present its prominent features. The Convention did not expect to rna' ure a perfect plan. It is an experiment. Time must deyelop the deficiencies, and ample provision is made for the alteration or amendment of the Articles. One other consideration: It is recognized as a well settled principle in the Masonic jurisprudence of this country, lhat the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge extends with the territorial limits of the Slate in which it is located. The Grand Lod~es uf other countries do not recognize or observe this principle. They claim the right to organize Lodges and exercise power in all places. Upon the m~1intenallce of this principle, as between our own Grand Lodges, depend their peace and harmony; and, IIpon its observance, by foreign Grand Lodges, so far as relates to the United States, depend lhe preservation of peace and harmony between them and our Grand Lodges. Without it. we are liable every day to have Ludges established in our midst, under the authority of some Granel Lodge. Accustomed to listen to the vcice ot a supreme he'ld, only, an expression or this sentiment, by the several Graud Lodges of the Union, individually, will not have the same effect upon them, as its expression by an org;\n;za1ion having the air and sembhu1ce, at least, of nation'llity arnd suprcmacy. Hence, to secure ourselves against invasion from abroad, two thirgs must co~cur-a national objection and opposition, and a more thorough IlnWll. We hope that the Grand Lodi<'es will consider the plan worthy of a tI i~ll, and that a National confederatioll may be found a wall of protection--a cord of Union-the means of preserving peace and hurmony, promoting the general welfare of the Order, and exciting that noble (contention, or emulation, who can best work and best ag;ee.

DAVID CLOPTON,

IIII

A. C.

S,'llTH,

FINLA y

1\1.

KING,

CHARLES GILMAN,

r,I

B. B.

FRENCH,"

===-=_=-=....===========~~

I::-=:'

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. lIfASONS

It will be seen that only Six Grand Lodges were represented in the Convention. In presenting the above articles of Cunfederation, proposed for the adoption of the several Grand Lodges, and the Address of the Committee, eXplaining and enforcing the same, we feel somewhat embarrassed, when we remember the Address of a similar Committee, 31reatly referred to in this Report. And yet we know not, nnder existing circumstances, how to avoid the expression of our own views on a suhject of such vital interest to the Fraternity. 路We cannot, therefore-even though it may be attended w1th difficulty and dangel-shrink from the expression of our views, fully, freely anG honestly, regardless of every consideration, except the duty we owe ourselves and to the Fraternity. As we understand the action of the Convention, the base of the proposed Articles of Confederation is contained in the Preamble which heads the Report. This Preamble contains some four or five distinct matters. First, "For the purpose of establishing a unity of interest among the Grand Lodges of the United States." Second, "A unity of Design-and purpose-and of securing mutual confidence between them, and promoting the general welfare of the Fratp.rnity. " Now, it has never yet occurred to us, in all our reflections on the subject of Masonry, that there could exist any division of "interest" among our Sister Grand Lodges. We had supposed that on this subject, whatever thight be our minor differences, as to modes and forms, that the Grand Lodges of these United States were a UNIT, set apart by solemn dedication, in very deed, to Universal benevolence j and that "to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes-to compassionate their miseries) and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim of legitimate Free Masonry." ., On this BASIS we form our Friendships and establish our connexions." If our Brethren, who so much desire to form this GTand Confederation, have any other interest for which they wish to establish " Unity among the Grand Lodges,"-and it may be that the developments of this" progressive" and cumulative age, have created mm.y, besides those taught in our beautiful ritual-or, if there be any new light, whose rays have just reached our Brethren, or any important Princi~le discovered by them, among the rubbish of the wear and tear of ages, then such a" Grand Confederation " may, for aught we know, be both useful and necessary. But for the purposes legitimateto our

II I I

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Institution, as your Committee understand its principles, no such Confederation can be either useful or deSIrable. Our Brethren should remember, that though we live in a progressive age, and must to some extent progress with the men and things with which necessity associates us, still, as Masons, we are bound to hold to the links which connect with the past, nor dare we yield to the seductive influences by which we are surrounded. They should remember, also, that our individuality as Masons~ and the ennobling and unobtrusive characteristics of M,!sonry are too sacred .to be thoughtlessly placed in jeopardy by any attempt to establish a new and untried organization-our pride of antiquity should be a sufficient barrier. Nor can your Committee con,ceive of any" Unity of Design" other than to cultivate to the largest extent, the great principle of Universal Brotherhood, being" linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection-the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare and rejoicing in each other's prosperity." And on this princip1e, surely, every Grand LOdge is full of "interest and Unity." Is it not the burden of all our cares- the warmest aspiration of all our hearts? In the opinion of your Committee, the great means of" securing mutual cunfidence " ~if indeed it be at such a low ebb, as our Brethren of the Convention seem to think, which we are by no means prepared to admit-is to be sought for in a constant inlercourse and mutual greetings in the Subordinate Lodges-anel not where our brethren of the Convention seem to have placed their hopes and aspirations. The fact is, as we have elsewhere stated, we too often be~in at the wrong place-lean too much towarc:is large and powerJul organizations, with their coer. oive and too often oppressive laws, when the only hope of the Unity and perpetuity of the Fraternity 1'ests on the sympathetic affections of that great Masonic heart, the Subordinate Lodges-each healthy pulsation of which sends forth its peaceful and healthful influences to the farthest extremities of civilized Earth. Let us, therefore, begin anew here, and learn to be content with the simple beauties as they have been handed down to us from" time immemorial," nor any longer indulge in the vain attempt at that National .jl1a~onic gmndeur which has so long eluded the grasp of its giddy pur~uers. For pure Free Masonry is but the reflection of Divine truth, drawn from thence and veiled in alleg-ory by its founders, and was nev"r intended for parade and show, either imaginary or real; and before we seek to stamp upon it any other thun the simple impress left by our fathers, we may well pausa and reflect, lest, peradventure, that which befel Ancient Israel, to whom God gave a KING, in his anger, and took away in his

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

wrath, should also befal our beloved Institution. Let us then be wise, ere it be too late, and learn to be content with the simplicity of Free Masonry. In the opinion of your Committee, the best means of " securing mutual confidence in the Grand Lodges," are to be found in a constant intercourse with each other, in the Subordinate Lodges; and if we fail to secure it there, we may in vain look for it by the creation of a Grand Confederation, or of any other Supreme or General Grand Organization. We must not invert the natural order of things, if we would succeed in securing the mutual confidence of each other, or of the World. Nor should we undertake, by any means, to bring into discredit, by new and unauthorized creations, or "experiments," the simple though quite efficient means already existing, and which many fail to see, being blinded by the glitter and show of those imaginary things far above the reach of mortah. In the Subordinate Lodges, then, those nurseries of the Craft, alone, may we rationally hope to " establish," or rather perpetuate a Unity of interest, design, and purpose, and of securing mufual confidrmce, and of promoting the general welfare of the Fratemity-because it is here our Brethren are prepared by frequent intercourse with each other fOT the active and legitimate duties of Masonry. This is the fmmdation: if we build wisely here, our work-though it may not be as finely polished as many seem to desire-yet, if built according to the established rules of the Order, it will be sure to stand that great day that must try every man's work of what sort it is. May we then ever keep in view that" higher," that paramount law of Masonry, "ere the evil days draw nigh, when we shall say we have no pleasure in them." So far a~ oUl路 own experience goes, the great body of Masons require not to be coerced in, but to be shown the old paths of Masonry, and when clearly perceived by them they will walk therein with alacrity ann delight. The difficulty is not to get willing Pupils, but Practical Teachers. Let us not, therefore, try any new" experiments," for they are not required for any of the legitimate purposes of Free Masonry. And may we not well consider the bare admission that they are experiments, proof beyond cavil, that such things form no part of Ancient Craft Masonry. And does not the fact, thus admitted, and the legitimate deduction from it, if there were no other reasons, render it impossible for us either to countenance or approve them? Nor is such an organization required for any of the purposes specified in the Address of the Committee, or for any other purpose that your

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Committee can now conceive; nor would it work out any of the things contemplated, but, on the contrary, would surely prove a splendid failure, if for no other reason, because there is nothing for it to do. But even if it would work, as by charm, and were the members of this Grand Lodge unanimous for its adoption, still that paramount law, to whose high behests all must yield a hearty obedience, would interpose its resistless power. There is no power in this Grand Lod~e-and we much question the eXIstence of it iil others-to form any such alliances, or to create, or assist in creating, any Body superior to itself. The powers of this Grand Lodge are clearly defined in the Constitution, by which it exists, in its o'wn undivided sovereignty, conferred on it by the voluntary grant of the Subordinate Lodges of this jurisdiction-to be held and exercised by her at their will and pleasureâ&#x20AC;˘ .According to this Constitution, " The Grand Lodge of Missouri shall be the SUPREME Masonic authority within the State Q( Missouri," a!1d by the Ancient Constitutions and usages of the Fraternity, is, and shall be invested with ALL the original essential powers and privileges belonging to the Ancient Craft; especially to enact and enforce all laws and regulations for the governmmt of the Fraternity-to hear and determine all questions of dispute, &c., &c. Nor is there any power in this Gr~nd Lodge, whereby it could possibly delegate its powers amI prerogatives of sovereignty to a "Grand Confederation of Grand Lodges," or to any other Body, Supreme or Subordinate. It must remain the final resort. We give our Brethren, full credit for the best of motives in relation to this Confederation, but still we can but believe that they have in their great zeal altogether mistaken the means for the accomplishment of the end proposed. The fact is, there is nothing for such an organization to do that is not now much better done withou't it.Our ,Brethren are looking too high, wandering among the stars or their more eratic companions, the comets-so to speak-for means of Masonic culture and stability, which lie, it would seem, unobserved by them, yet already within the grasp of even the young initiate. Those means and appliances may be more simple than the high aspirations of our Brethren desire, not quite so finely polished and furnished as similar appliances of surroundin~ associations. But then we should never forget that our system of moral and social culture, wilh all the means of its perpetuity, was ~vised and tempered by those skilful craftsmen, our ancient Brethren, whose work has been fully tested by a long series of ages. And though we, in our self sufficiency, suffer them to lay idle among our unfinished works, yet it is not beoause of their ill

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

adaptation to the work designed, but rather because our Brethren have been diverted from their use by that aspiring spirit, which for more than sixty years has been devising- some new amI untried creations. But thanks to the providence of God and the genius of M~sonry, thus far we have been saved in our ancient simplicity. "What the be~t "interest" of Masonry now requires is nothing of the kind proposed, but a prudent, careful and faithful performance by each of the practical "duties everywhere acknowledged by the craft. For the plan of Free Masonry, as it has existed for ages, in all its principles and details, is of universal application, perfect in all its parts for the purposes designed. And like those beautiful architectural structures of ancicnt Greece, perhaps also the work of our brethren, each omission or addition by us in its construction, either in detail, principle or proportion, can but manifest our ignoyance and presumption, and is sure to mar that symetry and beauty which has been so universally accorded by the wise and good of all ages. Let us therefore take the advice of that great patriot and statesman, and timely learn to "let well enough alone." Free Masonry is also as extensive as the wants of man, at least so far as his moral and social relatiuns are concerned, and like a great tree whase foliage is a perpe1ual green, all the nations of earth, who acknowledge the Mason's God, without a fear of the distinction of sect, creed or party, may now gather in social and fraternal concord under ti,e refreshing shade which its wide spread branches afford. It is also so plain and simple, both in what it teaches and in what it requires, that even the young initia1.e may readily understand not only its precepts, but their practical effects on all the multiform relations of life. Then why is it that our Brethren are so constantly urging-yea, almost forcing their untried expel"iments on that system which has so successfully resisted for so many centuries the wily assalilts of all its enemies? Would that your Committee had the eloquence of an angel, that they might sllccessfully warn our Brethren to beware. There are also features in the "articles" propose<1 which cannot be adopted, in the opinion of your Committee, without bringing great trouble into the bodTf of .Masonry, between the Grand Lodges and their Subordinates, and yet it is gravely argued in the address of the Committee, that a Grand Lodge gives up none of its power, by adopting the articles of confederation. But we think the difficulties contemplated in the second and sixth arti~les would in IDRny cases, if not all, render a Grand Lodge powerless for all the practical purposes of discipline in its -own jurisdiction. Strange feelings oppress the

OF 'l'HH STArE OF MISSOURI.

mind ,,( your' Committee at this point, but whether our BrethTeD of the Convention might 110t just here have felt equally as strange, we are not prepared to say. They may have doubted, hesitated, perhaps counted the cost, but the old mouo--risk all to save all-seemed to prevail, and they boldly staked the peace and harmony of the fraternity on what they doubtless deemed the sure success of the adoption of their "experiment." In the opillion of your Committee, this branch of the articles proposed, if there were no others, would of itself constitute a sufficient reason why the "experiment" should not be tried; for unless we are greatly deceived in our estimate of men and things, if this system was put to practice, which we earnestly hope may nevcr be the case, it will be the direct cause of more mischief to the Craft than any are now prepared to estimate-bei'ides changing the pI esent peaceful state of affairs existing in almost every jurisdiction to such an extent, that neither the Grand or SubordirJate Lodges, or the "National Confederation" itself, nor all combined, would have any claim to the peaceful name of .lIfasonic-but would present a kind of mixture alld confusion that would soon bring the entire fraternity into disrepute if not disgrace. We hope therefore, that our Brethren in every jurisdiction will unhesitatinf\"ly place on the plan of this "National Confederation" their seal of disapproval. Not onlybecause of its inutility and manifest inability to accomplish any good for the craft, but because of the innovations and additions necessarily required in the paramount law, to make it effective even for evil. In closiJlg our review of the proceedings of our sister Grand Lodges, we remark thflt the labor of a Correspondence Committee is far greater than many of our Brethren may suppose. The ohject doubtless, if there be 3ny worthy of the cause of Ma~onry, is to keep this jurisdiction f1llly informed as to what is going on in the Ma~onic world. To do this effectually, it is not only necessary to give the actions of. sister Grand Lodges, but in many cases the reasons set forth which induced the action, in order that our Brethren may understand the principles involved. And to this end long extracts are found far more available, and much better suited to the purpose than any comments which the present Chairman of your Committee could possibly make; besides, there is much less danger of miss representing the views of a Brother, which we all so justly dispise, when we let him speak in his own language. Hence, a large portion of such reports are usually extracts from Sister Jurisdictions. It has been the great aim of your Committee to be just to all-to be frank with their own and with the opinions of others. Where they

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GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

have differed, they have endeavored to be courteous, yet sincere in giving their own simple views, when fully matured, and when they were ignorant, and knew that they were so, they have deemed silence the most prudential course. We have kept the great object of the U nity and indivisibility of Free Masonry always before us, free from all sectional considerations, or alliances, whether social, religious, or political: of all these we would admonish our Brethren to beware, and let Free Masonry stand on its own merits-a:ye, let it stand alone, arrayed iu its OWIl simple armor, and if it must fall before the progressive age of a demoralizing world, let it be our great duty to see to it that its death is natural and alolle; let us, therefore, not permit any of the progressive creations of the day to be allied with it, to any, even the most limited, extent, either really or apparently. We have endeavored to keep before us the thought, that what is once true in Masonry, is always true. Our great object, therefore, should be to find it, and, havinK found, we should cling to it with the tenacity of lifeyea, in the language of Solomon, we should" buy the truth and sell it not." And did we not buy it at a dear rate, in years that are past and gone? Let not the Craft, therefore, in any jurisdiction, complain about the great price we then paid for it; but let all public refercnce to former advcrsity, or present pro~perity, henceforth cease, and all our effen-ts turned to the performance of some practical good, even to our enemies, if indeed there be any. And let us be ever ready and willing to fredy extend to all the privilf'ges we .so justly claim fur our own beloved Institution. Nor may we anticipate any evil from without, so long as we truly culLivate and practice the beautiful and simple principles of the Order. The danger all lies within, and we may boldly ask" who i~ he that shall harm us if we be followers of that which is good ?"-and are not the principles :lDd workings of Masonry posilively good ?-let us then cullivate and practice them f:J.ithfully, in perfect confidence that we shall receive a full rcwar(]j and then, it we should be called to suffer, as some of our eminent and farseeing Bretltren seem to think, we shall be prepared to render good for evil, as hitlwl'to we have done. But in the performance of duty we lwve nought to fear :-let us, therefore, follow peace with all men, and harmony among ourselves, l"C'5ting assured thut the GOD of the Mason" will not forget our work and labor of love which we have showell towards hi;; name, in that. we have ministered" to the wants and woes of the VVidow and the Orphan, and do mini.ter. Fraternally,

JOSEPH FOSTER.

I I

I ~

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

The Committee on Grand Master's Address, made tile following Report: To the Most W. Grand Lodge of Missouri : Your Committee on the Grand Master's Address beg leave respectfully to report, that they have carefully examined the document submitted to them, and recommend that so much of the Address as relates to Liberty Lodge No. 31, be referred to a Select Committee. So much as relates to Work and Lectures, to a Select Committee. So much as relates to Financial concerns of Grand Lollge be referred to Committee on Finance. â&#x20AC;˘ And so much as rl'lates to a NationalM;lsonic Convention to a Select Committee. O. F. POTTER, Chairman. Memorial of Bro. GatHchs, Past D. D. Grand Master, and late a member of Liberty Lodge No 31, was received and referred to a Select Committee, consisting of Bros. WJIITCO~IB, J. H. TURNER, J. W. BURNES, B. SHARP, S. H. SAUNDERS. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until three o'clock this afternoon. TUESDA Y AFTÂŁR~OON, 3 o'clock. Thc Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the M. W. Grand Mastl'r. Grand Officers at their several stations. The following" Special Committees" were appointed by the M. "V. Grand Master: Work and Leciures.-Bros. A. O'Suliivan, O. F. Potter, D. De Haven. On ~Ya{ional Masonic' Convention.-Bros. A. T. Douglas, J. N. Burnes, J. H. Robinson. The proposed amendment to the By-Ln.ws, which was printed with the proceedings and submitted to the Subordinate Lodges, was taken up and, after discussion, the same was rejected. A Communication was received from the old Board of Curators of Masonic Coll('ge, which, after being read, was, on motion, referred to a Committee of three, consisting of Bros. CARNEGY, DAGGETT, " REYNOLDS.

GRAHl' LODGIll A. J!. A. 1'IIAsoNB

Bro. \Vhitcomb presented a certain Preamhlil and Resolution, which was, on motion, laid on the table for the present. Bro. Van Osdell offered the following, which was, on motion, adopted. Resolved, That the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge shall be held in the city of Lexington, under the provision of' Sect. 1, Article I, By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. The foll<1wing Report from Bro. P. Draper, Agent for the sale of Marion College property, was read and adopted. To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The undersigned, Agent for the sale of Marion College property, fraternally reports, that, since the last Grand Annual Communication, he has collected of the purchaser of that property, on account of the judgment against 11im, heretofore reported, the sum of $2300 00, of whi.-:h he has p'lid over to the Secretary of the Board of Curators, $2100,00; to Brother J. O. Broadhead, his fee in prosecujing suit, $100 00; thus leaving in his hands, after deducting some other small items, $10B 24; all of which will appear by his account current, herewith submitted. In his last report, your Agent mentioned that an appeal had been taken from the judgment of the Circuit Court of Malion county, with reference to about $ 250. Up to this time, the final decision on that appeal to thc Supreme Court has not been asoertained, an(l hence the above named baL1I1ce has been retained, to provide for the costs of that appeal, which wiIl, of course, depend on the final issue. P. DRAPER, Agent. All of which is Fraternally submitted.

Agent, In Account with Grand Lodge of Mo. May, 1852, To balance, as per report, this date, Ap. 9,1855, To Cash of R. Knox, on Judgment, DRAl'Ell,

Dr. $969 2300 00 $2309 69

CONTRA.

Ry oash paid sundry postages, $ a 45 March 15, 1854, By cash, Justice's fees for depo1 00 sition of A. Patterson, April 9, 1855, By cash, James O. Broadhead, attorney's fees, 100 00 By cash, Jno. Williams, Secretary Board of Curators, 2100 00

2201 45

----d

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

$108 24 Balance in hands of Agent. P. DRAPER, Agent. ÂŁ.&0. E. Louisiana, May, lR55. A Resolution in relation to the arr&st of Charter of Ringgold Lodge, was presented by Brother Burnes, and, on motion, referred to a Special Committee, consisting of Bro~. Burnes, Conway and Saunders. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until 9 o'clook to-morrow morning. W:EDNESDAY MORNING, 9 o'cl<lck. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to lahor by the Grand Master. Grand Officers at their several stktions. The minutes of yesterday's proceedings were read and approved. A memorial from Memphis Lodge, in reference to the sale of a. Scholarship in the Masonic College, was read, and referred to Committee on the College. Memorial of Greene and Taylor Lodges received, and referred to Committee on Chartered Lodges. The hour having arrived for the Election of Officers, the GrandLodge proceeded with that duty, which resulted as follows: M. W. L. S. Cornwell, G. Master. D. G. Master. R. W. Oscar F. Potter, J. ""V. Chenoweth, G. S. \\1. " Henry E. \T an Osdell, G. J. W " John D. Daggett, G. Treasurer. " A. O'Sullivan, G. Secretary. On motion of Bro. Homton, It was Resolved to instal the Grand Officers elect this evening at eight o'clock. Bro. James had leave of absence for the remainder of the session. The proposed amendment to the By-Laws read the first time. The Committee on Memorial of St. Louis Lodge No. 20, made the' following Report, which was, on motion, adopted. To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The undersigned, Select Committee, to which was referred the Memorial of Bros. Hubbard, Rowe, and Miller, from St. Louis Lodge No. 20, together with the Communication of the M. W. Grand Master, in relation to the subject matter contained in the Memorial, have had the same under consideration, and have instructed me to submit the ÂŁollowing Report: That, in the opinion of your Committee, Arti~ Il

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

cIe 9, sec. 1, of the By-Laws of St. Louis Lodge No. ~O, which requires that the Charity funds of said Lodge shall be appropriated to beneficiary members of said Lodge, their Widows and Orphans, and "for no other purpose whatever," is not only unconstitutional, but violates the true spirit and genius of Masonry; and without entering into the many controlling reasons which occur to your Committee, for the opinion here given, we recommend, that St. Louis Lodge No. 20, be required to repeal the obnoxious Article in their By-Laws. The By-Law in question, in the opinion of your Committee, having been, from its inception, unconstitutional, and violative .of the broad principles of Masonry, was not only inoperative, but absolutely void. B. W. GROVER, On behalf of Committee. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until three o'clock this afternoon.

THREE O'CLOCK, P. M. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by R. W. Benj. 路W. Grover, P. G. M. Grand Officers at their several stations. On motion, the sum of fifty dollars was appropriated to the relief of the Widow of a Master Mason. The Grand Secretary read his Annual Report, which was !eceived and, on motion, adopted: GRAND SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

or the Grand Lodge of Missouri, S ST. LOUIS, May 28th, 1855. A. L. 5855. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. A. Masons of the State of Missouri: BRETHREN--In accordance with the eleventh Section tenth Article of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, I now proceed to lay before you a report of my acts as Grand Secretary for the past year. Dispensations for the formation of new Lodges have been issued from my Office, as follows: July 1st, 1854, To Thomas P. White, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Milton, Randolph county, to be called Milton Lodge. By order of R. W. John H. Turner, D. D. G. Master Eighth Masonic District. July 26th, 1854, To Thomas McDowell, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Cassville, Barry county, to be called John Dade

(IF THE STATB OF MISSOURI.

Lodge. By ortler of R. W. W. K. Lathim, D. D. G. Master Seventeenth Masonic District. August 3d, 1854, To Wm. Florence, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Newark, Andrew county, to be called Round Prairie Lodge. By order of R. W. N. B. Giddings, D. D. G. Master First Masonic District. . August 4th, 1854, To John \V. Chi\'ir,gton, and others, to open a Lod~e at the house of Matthew R. Wlilker, in Wyandott Territory, to be called Kansas Lodge. By order of Most Worshipful Grand Master. August 28th, 1854, To Wm. A. Darr, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Windsor City, Carrol county, to be called Windsor City Lodge. By ordq of R.路 V.l. Joseph Chew, D. D. G. Master Fourth Masonic District. Sept. 25th, 1854, To Samuel H. Saunders, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of OtlerviJIe, Cooper county, to be called Pleasant Grove Lodge. By order of R. W. Oscar F. Potter, D. D. G. Master Fifteenth Masonic District. Oct. 6th, 1854, To John W. Smidl, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Smit.hfield, Kal~sas Territory, to be called Smithfield Lodge. By order of R. W. N. B. Giddings, D. D. G. Master First Masonic District. Dec. 13th, 1854, To Thompson J. Kelly, and others, te open a Lodge at Linn Creek, Camden county, to be called Lmn Creek Lodge. By order of R. W. Thomas Monroe, D.D. G. Master Nineteegth Masonic District. Dec. 16th, 1854, To Robert Faulkner, and others, to open a Lodge at Spring Hill, Livingston county, to be called Spring Hill Lodge. By order of R. W. R. H. Dickey, D. D. G. Master Sixth Masonic District. Dec. 16th, 1854, To Geo. W. Edmonston, and others, to open a J..odge at the town of Concord, Calloway county, to be called Calloway Lodge. By order of R. W. H. McBride, D. D. G. Master Eleventh Masonic District. Dec. 30th, 1854, To G. B. Mitchell, and others, to opeD a Lodge at the town of Buffalo, Dallas county, to be called Buffalo Lodge. By order of R. W. J. W. Chenoweth, D. D. G. Master Eighteenth Masonic District. Dec. 30th, 1854, To Richard R. Rees, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Leavenworth, Kansas Territory. By order of R. W. D. P. Wallingford, D. G. Mallter. II

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

Jan. 9th, 1855, To James B. Mitchell, aud others, to open a Lodge at McGee College, Macon county, to be called McGee Loog-e. By order of R. W. John H. Turner, D. D. G. Master Eighth Masonic District. Jan, 11th, 1855, To Joseph N. Savage, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Flint Hili, St. Charles ~ounty, to be called Flint Hill Lodge. By order of R. W. B. Sharp, D. D. G. Ma~ter Twelfth Masonic District. Feb. 14th, 1855, To Wm. Howard, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Middleburg, Mercer county, to be called Middleburg Lodge. By ,order of R. W. James McFerran, D. D. G. Master Fifth Masonic District. March 13th, 1851'. To Edward 'Winsor, .and others, to open a Lodge at the city of Lexington, Lafayette county, to be called Lexing ton Lodge. By order of M. "V. G. Master. March 13th, 1855, To Thos. J. Jones, and others, to open a Lodge at Rose Hill, Johnson county, to be called Cornwell Lodge. By order of M. W. G. Master. March 31st, 1855, To Wm. Ashbrook, and others, to open a Lodge at the town of Salem, Dent county, to ~e called Melody Lodge. By order of R. W. N. Eldridge, D. D. G. Master Twentieth Masonic District. May lOth, 1855, To Chas. A. Goshen, and others, to open a Lodge at the city of. Nebraska, Nebraska Territory, to be called Gidding Lodge. By order of R. v.-. N. B. Giddings, D. D. G. Master First Masonic District. [NOTE.-It is the request of petitioners that the Grand Lodge authorize this dispensation to continue in force until Annual Communioation 1856.] There is yet in the hands of Bro. John B. Brown, P. D. D. Grand Maiter, twenty dollars for dispensation of Martha Washington Lodge. 1 have written to him repeatedly on the subject, but thus far without effect. There are yet Twelve Lodges who have not paid dues for the year 1854. I would respectfully suggest for the consideration of the Grand Lodge, the propriety of having the Masonic year end on first day of May, in each year, and that the Subordinate Lodges be required to forward their returns to the Grand Secretary, so that he may have time to examine them, with a view to the correction of errors, as to /Ullount of dues, &c. Respectfully submitted. A. O'SULLIVAN, G. Secretary. 4

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

On motion of Bro. Van Osdell, it was ResoLved, That Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be required to make up their returns ending on the first day of May, in each year, and transmit said returns immediately thereafter to the R. "V. G. Secretary. Adopted. Bro. Whitcomb, from the Committee upon the request of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, ,. In regard to Border jurisdiction," made the following Report, which was, on motion, adopted. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri: Your Committee, to whom was referred the reque~t of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, in regard to the question of" border difficulties" between the Subordinate Lodges, would respectfuliy report, that upon investigation of the subject, they find that at the June communicalion of this Grand Lodge for the year A. L. 5853, the Masters of Constantine, Foster, and New Madrid Lodges, presented a memorial, alledging that some of the Kentucky Lodges were conferring degrees upon persons residing in this jurisdiction, and sometimes of material that could naver be worked in our Lodges, and stating that in bringing the matter before the Grand Lodge they wished for such instructions as might be necessary to guide their future actions, and if it was considered wrong on the part of the Kentucky Lodges that proper representations be made to the Grand Lodge of that State. This Grand Lodge, in taking action upon the subject, laid down what they conceived to be law upon the subject, as follows: "The term G. L. jurisdiction we define as holding Masonic control, complete and entire, over all the Masons affiliated and non-affiliated, and the widows and orphans of deceased Masons, together with all persons who are residents within the geographical boundaries of the jurisdiction of any G. L. of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, who are, by the old charges and regulations, worthy and well qualified to receive the honors of Masonry." Taking this to be Masonic law, they issued their edict to meet the above case, as follows: " No reEident who may travel from this into another jurisdiction, and there be made a Mason, shall be permitted to visit any Lodge within this jurisdiction; and the Lodges are hereby prohibited from holding any Masonic intercourse with all such persons, under any pretence whatever." They also represented the case to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, claiming the privilege, as they clearly had the right, of deciding upon the fitness of material in this jurisdiction, and closing with these words: I' We hope that the rights which we so cheerfully ~uarantee to all, may be fraternally extended to us, and that our gallant Brethren of

l~====='j

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

Kentucky will see the propriety, if not the necessity, of letting the Lodges under this jurisdiction exercise the undoubted right to judge of the character of all applicants who reside within their jurisdiction. In this way alone can harmony be preserved." It was supposed by us that the Kentucky Grand Lodge would immediately remedy the grievance, both as a matter of right and of courtesy to a sister Grand Lodge, and also for the more important reason of keeping bad material out of the temple, especially as it left the Kentucky Lodges liable to the imputation of making merchandize of the degrees and admitting foreip;ners to our order merely for the sake of the fees. No notice was taken of our request at the next Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, nor until since the last meeting of this Grand Lodge. Since then we have been informed, in very few words, "that the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky permits her Lodges, bordering on other States, to receive material from across the line," and that their constitution being twenty years older than ours, we ought to adopt a rule that would fit their constitution, instead of asking them to alter their regulations and change their practice. After due deliberation upon thIS subject, we feel constrained to report adverse to the requirement of the Kentucky G. L., because we .think this G. L. is right upon this subject; with our P. G. M. Grover, we believe" that such a wide departure from all well settled Masonic law and usage ought to be firmly discountenanced." Bro. A. G. Mackey, of South Carolina, whose views are endorsed by the M. E. G. H. P., of Maryland, Bro. B. B. French, says, in his "Lexicon of Free Masonry," a work which should be in the hands of every Mason, that "the territorial limits of a G. L. are determined in general by the political boundaries of the country in which it is placed. Thus, the territorial limits of the G. L. of South Carolina are circumscribed within the settled boundarifs of the State-nor can its jurisdiction extend beyond those limits into the neighboring States. A G. L. is invested with all power and authority within its jurisdiction." Dr. Oliver, a father in Masonry, says: "The jurisdiction of a G. L. extends over every Lodge within its. territorial limits." The Ancient Landmark, high authority everywhere, says: "We hold that under the present conventional and constitutional regulations of American Free Masonry, a Lodge in New York has no more right to admit persons resident in Missouri, than the said Lodge would have to remove en masse to St. Louis and exercise her prerogatives." The G. L. of Rhode Island says: "No principle of Masonic juris-

OF THB STATE OF MISSOURI.

prudence is more fully established in this country than that of G. L. jurisdiction, which gives to every G. L. the exclusive right through-路 out the State, and we will not countenance those who assume. such il. legal powers, nor recognize as Masons those Wilo are made by them," The G. L. of Wisconsin, advocating the Missouri rule, says: "That fraternal courtesy which is due from one Grand Lodge to another, as well as a due regard for the interesh of the order, points out this as the only proper course." The G. L. of Connecticut, speaking of the G. L. jurisdiction, says: "This act of injustice should be met by emphatic rebuke by every American Grand Lodge." The G. L. of Illinois has an edict, "That no Subordinate Lodge in their jurisdiction should confer any of the degrees on citizens residin~ in another jurisdiction without the consent of such jurisdiction, first asked and obtained." The G. L. of Floridd, speaking of "a man dE'sirous to become a Mason, and having reason to believe that he will be rejected by the Lodge in whose jurisdiction he resides," goes to another and is initiated, says: "we conff'ss it directly violates one of the landmarks of the Order." P. G. M. Mitchell, of the Signet, whom Bro. Clark, of the Mirror and Keystone, "regards as more than common authority in all questions and upon all subjects affecting Masonry," in speaking of the Missouri resolutions, says: " We regard them as worthy of imitation everywhere." G. M. Philip C. Tucker, of Vermont, in his apology to New York, for the making of one living over the line, says: the Lodge violated a well established rule." The G. M. of Connecticut says: "I consider the act of conferring the degrees upon a non-resident, a breach of Masonic rule." Judge Lewis, G. H. P. of lhe Grand Chapter of New York, expresses the same sentiment in regard to "our Canadian neighbors, who have been in the habit, sometimes, of taking in candidates from this side of the line." M. W. David Clopton, G. M. of the G. L. of Alabama, says: "It was with feelings of regret that I received from the G. Sec. of the G. L. of Tenn. a complaint tllat one of our Lodges had invaded the jurisdiction of that G. L., and violated the rights of a Tennessee Lodge, by initiatin~, passing and rai$ing candidates wh(l were citizens of Tennessee." No G. L. in the Union has maintained a more rigid position

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. lI:lASONS

in reference to the right or practice of the Subordinate Lodges conferring the degrees upon persons residinl!; in another jurisdiction. "The only apprehemion for the institution, which the intelligent Mason ever entertains, has arisen from the admission of unworthy members. This evil has been greatly increased by persons going temporarily into other States and there being permitted to receive the degrees and then return to their places of residence. It gives me pleasure to communicate to you that the G. L. of New York has adopted regulation forbidding the Subordinate Lodges to confer the degrees upon anyone who has not been a citizen of the State fOl twelve months preceding, and I am of opinion that the adoption of a similar regulation by all the Grand Lodges would greatly tend to preserve peace and elevate the order." Our worthy Grand Secretary, Bro. A. O'Sullivan, in an able report to this G. L., says: "That every G. L. is sovereign and independent a:1d as such, they exercise undi~puted control, not only over the Lodges and Masons within their geographical limits, but over all those who are eligible to be made Masons; that their Subordinates have th.e inviolable right to jud~e of the character of all applicants who reside within their jurisdic1ion; and that, in general, these geographical limits have been held inviolate in this country, and may be set down as common law usage." That old veteran in Masonry, our own P. G. M. Foster, not only concurs in the same views as regards jurisdiction, Lut also deems the parties so made" clandestine Masons." He says: "We are unable to draw any distinction between a Mason made fraudulently and one clandestinely made." So thinks the G. L. of Rhode Island, for she" will not recognize such as Masons." So thinks the G. L. of Illinois, for she pronounced as clandestine those made at the Nauvoo Lodge, by the celebrated Mormon Prophet, Joe Smith, though working under one of her own Charters, because they were not made according to the Ritual. So thinks Bro. Mitchell, of the Signet, for he says: "The Illinois G. L. did right," and the act of the Missouri G. L. is worthy of imitation everywhere." So thinks the Ancient Landmark, for, speaking of one made in another jurisdiction, wilhout the knowledge or consent of the Lodge where he lived, ;lnd also of one made by G. M. Ryam, of California, outside of a Lodge, says: "We believe both to be clandestine, and can treat them in no other way."

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

So thinks our learned and distinguished companion, Albert Pike, G. H. P. of the G. C. of Arkansas, for he says: "It has become Masonic law-if there be any such thing as Masonic law-that it is clandestine and unmasonic to invade another jurisdiction." With such high authority, which could be increased by dicta from almost every Grand Lodge and Grand Master in the United States, your committee deem it inexpedient to comply with the request of the Kentucky Grand Lodge j yet that we may not be deemed unnecessarily strict with our sister Grand Lodges, we would recommend for adoption the rule of the Indiana Grand Lodge. That" Lodges in adjoining States have permission to receive and act upon petitiolls from applicants residing in this State, when there is no Lodge convenient to the residence of the applicant, upon their obtaining permission of the Grand Master of this State," and we would add, "or of the Lodge in whose jurisdiction the applicant resides." We believe that this rule, if adopted by the different Grand Lodges, will remedy the evil so much complained of, both in this and other jurisdictions, and we therefore recommend, that the Grand Lodge submit the same to her sister Grand Lodges, and fraternally request them to adopt it, and as Kentucky claims as a constitutional right the unmasonic privilege of making Masons of our citizens, without our consent, that this Grand Lodge request her, as a matter of courteq to us, to require her Subordinafes to conform to this rule, and also that our Lodges have permission to receive as members such of those initiated in Kentucky, as they may deem fit and proper to receive. If, however, this Grand Lodge differ from your committee, and see proper to adopt the recommendation of the Kentucky Grand Lodge and permit them to make Masons of those living in this State, then we would recommend, as a means of preventing any conflict of jurisdiction, that the line be drawn distinctly through our counties, half way between the Lodges. and that all east thereof belong to Kentucky, and be subject to her edicts, and all west thereof to belong to tbis Grand Lodge, and to it alone, so that our brethren may know distinctly what part of the temple they are to build, and not have our material-be it good or bad-put upon the wall, against the will of the overseers, and without the knowledge of the workmen who are daily at work in our quarries. One word in regard to the charge made by the G. L. of Ky., in regard to the memorial, which your committee in behalf of their respective Lodges, presented to your honorable body, two years ago, a charge which we regret to find coming from our brethren, and which we

'T.2

GRAND LODGB A. F. A. MASONS

would not notice, if silence could not be construed into acquiescence; they say: "In regard to the charge of I working up improper malerial,' it is but justice to the two Lodges charged, to say that it is a slander, and they cheerfully offer their respective catalogues 01" membersh1p, in comparison of morality and Masonic fitness Wtth any Lodge in .Missouri." This is a grave and serious charge; if it be true, then have we traduced the character, and spoken evil of our Brethren, which we ought not-and certainly did not intend-to do. We must confess, however, that we are at a loss to understand our Brethren in this charge of slander-certainly we spoke the. truth-this no one will pretend to deny-applications were withdrawn from one of our Lodges, for the avowed reason that they were afraid of the hlack-ball, and the applicants were initiated in Kentucky,-material was worked up by them which we would not-and will not-receive. There is now residing in our State a fellow Craft, made in a Ky. Lodge, years ago, who was .topped because he was not under the tongue of good report. We do not give his name, deeming it a paramount law in Masonry, as. well as morals, to do no harm if we can do no good, and not leave men who seek to associate with us, worse than we found them, by publishing their names, as do our Kentucky Brethren, with their residence, occupation, ~ge, heighth, weight, and other marks, like so many runaway negroes; but those who wish the name can have it, upon application. Anoher resident was made .In E. A., and stopped there, why, it is not necessary to say-except that it sustains our statement; and, there is still another case, which affiliates closely with the whisky bottle. Now, if the~e ere good material why have they not finished their work? If not, why are we branded as slanderers, for performing the unpleasant duty of calling the attention of the Grand Lodge to it? Perhaps, the old English maxim is made the rule, "the greater the truth the greater the libeI." If so, we must plead guilly, and throw ourselves upon the mercy of our Brethren, trusting that we may never have another opportunity of slanderin~ them b) telling them the truth. We must also most respectfully decline comparing our members with our Kentucky Brethren, like Barnum's collection of babies, or beasts at a cattle-show. We are bad enough; would to God that we were better-that every block in our part of the temple was exactly square, and perfectly fitted to its place. We do not and cannot expect to clImpal'e with Lodges twenty years OUT 8enior~; yet we are trying to be faithful in our work-hoping with a Mason's hope, trusting with

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

a Mason's faith, that wheil it is over-when we present our specimens -they will be found to be square, and receive the approbation of that overseer, without whose approval the workman laboreth but in vain. We wish here to assure our Kentucky Brethren that we entertain no feeling of dislike or ill-will towards thelli. We thought them wrong, and no doubt they thought us equally so. We stated the fact to our Grand Lodge in as mild and courteous language as we could well use; slanderous though it may be, and we are sorry, truly sorry, that our worthy and beloved Brethren have taken offcnce thereat, and attempted to place upon our brow the felon's brand. We cannot retaliate. We would not if we could. We intend, so far as in us lies, to ubey the orders of our Great Master, by 10l'ing our brethren as ourselves. GEORGE W HITC01lllB, Respectfully submitted. GEORGE PETTIT, RICHARD H. HATCHER. Bro, Charles Levy, from Committee on Applications and Communications, made the following report, which was on motiQD adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of lhe State of Missouri: The Committee on Applications and Communications make the following report: They had before them the application of Bro. Wm. Cameron, Professor of Lang'uages, Masonic College, which they recommend be referred to Board of Curators of Masonic College. A petition to the D. D. G. M. 24th District, duly recommended for a dispensation, to hold a Lodge in the wesiem part of the City of St. Louis, to be calkd Occidental Lodge, has been refl'ned by him to this Grand Lodge for their action, as it was presented to him only a few days PI ior to the meeting of this Grand Lodge. In his communication accompanying the said petition, he recommends the Grand Lodge to grant their request. Yonr Committee are opposed to a too great increase of Lodges, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the creating such Lodge will tend to the "firmly establishing the honor, glory, and reputation of the institution," which they believe will be the effect of establishing this Lodge; the Lod~e in St. Louis recommending the petition says: â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ We do so without cOJlsulting our Sister Lod~es in this city; because at a meeting convened by the Order of the D. D. G. M. it was declared to be the opinion of the Lodges then convened, that a Lodge located in the western part of the city will advance the interests of the Order." The D. D. G. M. fully concurs

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

in their views. Your Committee therefore recommend that a dispensation be granted. A memorial has been presented by Boliver Lodge, in which they set forth that a Brother "who had never served as Warden, had been elected and installed as W. M. of said Lodge, on the 27th December last. Doubts arising and expressed by the members at the time of installing the officer~ was waved, as a statement was made that the D. D. G. M. had installed Brethren as W. M., who had not served as Wardens, and Bro. Rains, who had also objected, withdrew his objection, giving notice that he intended carrying the same to the G. L. for its decision, which he presents in the shape of Queries (some of which, like too many which your Committee believe to be growing evils to the Fraternity, are propounded to the various Masonic periodicals) are too plain to require an answer; one or two of which we select as an illustration: "Did the G. L. have the ancient charges and regulations published as law to govern the G. L.?" '.' Is the violation of them a violation of Masonic law?" In reply to the question, as to who are eligible to the office of W. M. to the law and testimony, we quote from old charges, art. 4: "No Brother can be a Warden until he has passed the part of a Fellow Craft; nor a Master until he has acted as a Warden." Comment is needless, as we are bound to these charges as Masons have been in all ages before us. He further states, that the W. M. is now and will be absent at least six months if not lon~er; the Sr and Jr. W. are preparing to leave, and .mure lhnn probable, not to return, asking, "what are we to do under the circumstances." We refer him to the 27 sec. art. 4, By Laws G. L.: "N 0 Lodge shall be opened for the transaction of business in the abo sence of the ""V. M. and Wardens, unless there be a Past Master present to preside. ,. He asks if the Lodge acted right in installing the Brother, because the D. D. G. M. has so done under like circumstances at some previous time, to which we answer, 110. We have answered the questions propounded. Your Committee state, in connection, that Bro. Rain~ had communicated with Bro. G. Sec. on the above subjects, who replied ill full, ciling the law and giving other information thereon, of which the Lodge was informed previous to the installation, by which the Lodge should be governed. A short time after the installation, Bro. Rains addressed the M. W. G. M. on the same subject, who replied in an able, clear and concise manner; they involve a few of the above named questions, and one other-as to the power and duties of the D. D. G. M. We agree with the reply of the M. W. G. M. that, lLthey have just such power or authority as is conferred

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

upon them by the Grand Lodge, having no authority to set aside or suspend any By-Law that is in accordance with the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, so far as countenancing a departure from the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge, he must use his discretion. In arresting that departure it may sometimes be necessary from the nature of the case to ratify or heal a departure by the Lodge, but never sanction a wilful violation of law." Your Committee are of opinion, that when a Lodge violates the laws which govern them, the most charitable construction is, that it is more the sin of omission than commission, arising from the want of the knowledge of the said laws by the Brethren acting under them. The same may apply with equal force to D. D. G. M. or any other Grand or Subordinate officer. There was a time through men's ignorance the G. L. may have winked at it, but the G. L. hav~ ing made ample provision, by furnishing the Lodges with the Constitution and By-Laws of Grrl.nd Lodge, the "Old Charges," and "Old Regulations," it is the duty of every Brother to obtain a copy : it is therefore our duty to the Fraternity to ask them to learn to keep and obey the law; we shall then save much time and labor, which is now spent by the subordinate Lodges, Grand Officers, and the G. L. in settling the things which ought never to occur, believing that all that is necessary for your Committee to do in tne premises is now done, that of calling the attention of the Lodges to existing laws, to which they will heartily endeavor, no doubt, to emulate each other in carrying out. CHARLES LEVY, Respectfully submitted, J. W. CHENOWETH. Bro Burnes, from Special Committee on Ringgold Lodge, made the following report, which with accompanying resolutions were adopted: '1'0 the M. W. Grand Lodge A. F. and A. M. of the State of Missouri: The undersigned Chairman of the Select Committee, to whom was referred the resol'ltions concerning the arrest oE the Charter of Ringgold Lodge, No. 27, introduced yesterday, is instructed by said Committee to report as follows: Your Committee have satisfactory evidence of the most unhappy cirGumstances surrounding said Lodge. These circumstances have divided and estranged the members of said Lodge, and now it is almost impossible togeta quorum present at any regular meeting; besides which tlle most yiolent public contention is prevailing among the members, to all extent, in fact, so great as to deprive your Committee of the last hope of aaid Lodge doing any more good to the Fraternity. Satisfied, therefore, of these facts, and at the express request of the Master of said

GRAND LOD(}E A. 1'. A. M.4.S0NS

Lodge, and in accordance with the recommendation of the R. W. D. D. G. M. of that District, and for the non-payment of the dues of said Lodge to this Grand Lodge, your Committee instructed me to report back the resolutions as offered yesterday, and recommend their adoption, which is now very respectfully submitted. JAS.

BURNES,

Chairman of Select Committee. Introduced by Brother J. N. Burnes. Resolver!, That the Grand Lodge having satisfactory information that Rin~gold Lo:lge, No. 27, has failed to pay the legal dues to this Grand Lodge as required by law, and being satisfied of the wishes of the Members and Master of said Lodge, the Charter thereof is hereby arrested, and said Lodge stricken from the roll. Resolvea, The D. D. G. M. of the proper district shall proceed to collect the property of said Lodge, and effect a settlement with the Secretary and Treasurer thereof, which he shall report to the Grand Secretary, and he shall hold the property, jewels and effects in trust, for the use and benefit of Weston Lodge, No. 53, until such time as Ringf.?;old Ledge may be revived. On motion, the Committee on Liberty Lodge was increased to five by the addition of the following-Bros. Burnes, Saunders, Sharp. A communication was received and read from the R. W. S. W. B. Carnegy, D. D. G. Master. Referred to Committee on Lodges, U. D. Bro. John H. Turner, from Committee on Lodges U. D., made the following report, which was on motion adopted: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri: The Committee on Lodges U. D. ask leave to report as follows: Windsor City Lodge correct, and recommend a charter to be granted. Concord Lodge, correct, still the By-Laws are imperfect, yet do no conflict with the By-Laws of Grand Lodge. Recommended a Charter. Kansas Ledge, K. T. proceedings are not fully Masonic, to-wit, as regards the action in the initiation of W. Walker, which was first receiving and referring to Committee, receiving Committee's report, and ballot., then deferred till meeting 9th November, and before the banot was taken, the petition withdrawn, and at the next meeting November 20, they initiated said Walker, which your Committee think was not le~al, however. recommend a chatter. Round Prairie Lodge, recommend a Charter. still the balloting for a Brother at same meeting ofhis }letitioning is not correct.

OF THE STATE Oll' MISSOURI.

Lexington Lodge, proceedings are conect, and recommend a Charter be granted. Springhill Lodge found correct, and recommend, on their returning the dispensation a Charter be granted. McGee College Lodge, find all right, and recommend a Charter be granted. Middlebury Lodge correct, aside from the custom of a motion to adjourn a Lodge, which is unmasonic, as the power to close a Lodge is only in the W. M. We recommend a Charter. Pleasant Grove Lod~e fonnd correct, and ask a Clwrter for same. John Dade Lodge, work correct, finding no By-Laws in the returns, referred to D. D. G. M. Chenoweth, of 181h District, and learn he furnished ;l, code of By-Laws, which are not in conflict with the laws of this Grand Lodge. We recommend a Charter be granted. Flinthill Lodge, proceedings correct, except the Secretary shows his Lodge aljourns, instead of clo~es. Recommend a Charter. Smithfield Lodge, Kansas Territory, work substantially correct, still the proceedin~s do not show the examination of applicants ill open Lod/?;e on preceding Degrees, of which a Secretary should always take notice. We recommend a Ch,lrler in the name of Smithton Lodge, as such is the wish of the W. M. Oregon Lodge, Transcript, By-Laws, Dispensation, are all proper and correct. Recommended a Charter. Linn Creek and Buffalo Lodges, proceedings are prepared with un- . usual care, and indicate that the officers and members are surely master workmen. Charters are recommended. Milton Lodge-The Secretary has not been sufficiently careful in his minutes, your Committee are left to infer from a knowledge of the skill of the officers that the work of the Lodge has been regular and proper. Secretaries fail to name the meetings as regular or called, thereby causill~ your Committee the trouble of examining an almanac to ascertain if the initiations, ballotings and elections were in conformity with the requirements of the Grand Lodge, also fails to state how ~he candidates for passing and raising were examined as to their "proficiency in preceding degrees;" however your Committee are of the opinion that these defects are only omissions of the Secretary, and on the Lodge returning the dispensation, we recommend the Grand Secretary to furnish a Charter. To Yancy Lodge we also recommend a Charter be granted.

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

All of which we most respectfully submit. JOHN H. TURNER, Chairman. Bro. Connor offered the following, which on motion was adopted ResolveJ, By the M. Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. A. Masons of the State of Missouri, that the sum of three hundred dollars paid by St. Louis Lodge No. 20, for the Scholarship in the College at Lexington, in this State, be and the same is hereby loaned unto the new Lodge, for which a dispensation has been granted by this Grund Lodge, to be instituted in the western portion of the city at St. Louis, at the rate of six per cent per annum interest, until such time as said Lodge is able to refund the bame without injury or detriment to her prosperity and successful operation in disseminating those most excellent principles of our time honored institution. Resolvea, That the Grand Treasurer be instructed to loan the sum of three hundred dollars (so soon as the same sh;lll have been paid over by St. Louis Lodge) to Occidental Lodge U. D., upon the bond of two or more responsible persons, duly executed to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. The Grand Lodge of MissoUl i was oalled from labor until eight o'clock this evening. W EDNESDA Y EVENIl'i"G, 8 o'clock. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by R. W. Hon. John F. Ryland, P. G. M. Grand Officers at their several stations. Bro. Peebles offered a Preamble and Resolution which was read, and, on motion, the Report of the Committee on Lodges U. D. was ordered to be reconsidered. The hour having arrived for the Installation of the Grand Officers, the Han. Bro. John F. Ryland proceeded to install M. W. L. S. Cornwell, G. Master. D. G. Master. R. W. Oscar F. Potter, " J. W. Chenoweth, G. S. V\T. " Henry E. Van Osdell, G. J. W. " John D. Daggett, G. Treasurer. " A. O'Sullivan, G. Secretary. W. B. Goldsmidth, G. S. Deacon. G. J. " W. Isaac Hunter, W. A. Stille, G. Tyler. Bro. Ryland delivered an interesting and instructive Discourse to

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

the Grand Officf'rs and Members of the Grand Lodge, which was listened to with marked attention. Bro. Houston offered the following, which, on motion, was adopted. Resolverl, That a Committee be appointed to recommend suitable persons to fill the vacancies that occur in the Board of Curators of the Masonic College, at this time. The M. W. Grand Mastl'r appointed on said Committee, Bros. J. F. Houston, J. F. Ryland, and B. W. Grover. Bro. Peebles offered the following, which was, on motion, adopted. Resolvea, That every Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of thi~ Grand Lodge, be required to present a copy of their By-Laws at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor lmtil nine o'clock to-morrow morning. THultsDA Y MORNING, 9 o'clock. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the M. W. G. Master. Grand Officers at their several stations. The By-Laws of Erwin Lodge was received and referred to a Committee, consisting of Bros. C. LEVY, A. T. DOUGLA.S, S. F. CURRIE. A Memorial from Smith Lodge was- received and referred to a Committee, consisting of Bros. BURNES, HANSON, REYNOLDS. The Committee on Liberty Lodge made a Report, which was, on motion, laid on the table until three o'clock this evening. Report 01' the Board of Curators read and referred to the Committee on the College. To the Most W onhipful Grand Lodge of Missouri: The Boal,a of Curators of the Masonic College, in their Annual Report, beg leave to assure the Grand Lodge, that the College is in a good healthy condition, but, notwithstanding, the number of Students admitted to recitation is less than it was at this time of the last Collegiate year. This fact is mainly attributable to the short crops in our State, and the geneT,,1 depression in the monetary affairs of the country. For confirmation of this opinion, we need only refer to the number of Matriculants in our sister institutions of learning.

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

But we are of opinion that there is still an01her cause of declension in the numerical strength of our catalogue, and that is the present imperfect orKanization of the Facul1y. Students are now awaiting the action of the present convocation of the Grand Lodge, in reference to the election of a President,-determined to enter the Institution if a President be elf'cted, and, in the event of a failure in this matter, to go from Lexington to some other College. It will be seen by reference to the Report of the President pro tern., of the Faculty, made to the Board of Curators, hereunto appended, and forming a part of this Report, that a change in the entire organization of the Faculty, putting it upon the University plan, is suggested. This .plan has worked well, and for a long time, in the University of Virginia; but that it would do so in onr College does 1I0t now appear quite clear to the minds of your Board; -and, to say the least of it, it is an experiment, and of such we have had several, already, in the history of tbe Masonic College of Missouri; some of which, we are sorry to say, have not inured to the credit, honor, or prosperity of our beloved Institution. 1Ve, therefore, enter upon further experiments most reluctantly. At the Semi-Annual Meeting of the Board, held on July 26th, 1854, it was found necessary to allow our Secretary a compensation for his services, in order to secure a sufficiency or his time to discharge the duHes incumbent; and helicving that justice required that the former Secretary, Bro. W. J. Pigott, should also be paid, we passed the following resolutions: Resolvea, That we pay Bro. W. J. Pigott one hundred and fitly dollars, for his services during the past year. ResolverI, That we allow our present Secretary one hundred and fifty dollars per annum, for the future. And the more certainly to secure the attendance of the distant members of the Board. and to subserve the ends or justice, it was ResolverI, That the necessary expenses of the members of this Board, livin~ out of Lafayette county, incurred in attendance on the meetings of the Board, be paid out of the Contingent Fund. And, in consequence of the great advance in the pnce of provisions, house rent, servant hire, etc., since the salaries of our Professors were fixed; as well as the strong efforts made, at other points, to induce one of the Professors to leave the College, we deem it expedient, just and prudent, to ask your M. W. Grand Body to favorably consider the following Resolution, and Report of a Committee, thereupon raised: Resolved, That the Board of Curators memorialize the Grand Lodge

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

on the increase of the salary of each Professor in the Masonic College, three hundred dollars, for the ensuing year. At a l\leeting held in February, 1855, on motion of Bro. Van Osdell, the President of the Board appointed a Committee of three, to memorialize this M. W. G. Body, in reference to the salaries of said Professors. The Committee reported as follows: The undersigned were appointed a -Committee, by the Board of Curator~ of the Masonic College, at their Meeting in February, 1855, to Memorialize the Grand Lodge on an increase of the sal{ry of each Professor, in our College, three hundred dollars per annum, to commence with jhe beginning of the present Collegiate year, datillg from the first Monday in Oct., 1854. The Committee would state, that they have well considered the subject, and conclude that the increase of salary, nbove mentioned, is netually necessary, for the interests of the College, and as an act of justice to the Professors. That the present salaries, although they may have been sufficient at the time they were fixed, are now wholly inadequate and insufficient to support them and their families. This is owing to the great advance upon all the necessaries of life, health, or eomfort. That other similar Institutions of learning have increased the pay of the Faculty, and if our College is worthy of, and we desirous to continue the services of our present competent faculty, we must pay them as liberally as others do. Your Committee would, therefore, urge upon the M. W. G. Lodge the utmost necessity, as well as the importance of increasing the salary of each Professor, as above asked for by the Board. J OSEPU CHEW, ~ (Signed,) WILLIAM HUNTER, Committee. A. M. TUTT, To the end, that, under the pressure of circumstances, beyond the control of the Board, no Professor may feel at liberty to abandon his post, (he following was passed: Resolved, That in thc opinion of this Board, no Professor has the legal or moral right to leave the College, during term timc, or resign his Chair during the term of his election, without the previous consent of the Board of Curators. In the further disc11arge of duty, your Board have visited the College premises, and, so far as is practicable in the nature of existing circumstances, inspected the several departments thereof. But it must be very evident to this Honorable and highly intelligent 6

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

body of Masons, that a set of inexperienced men, in Collegiate duties and exercises-unur;quainted. with the different systems of instruction, modes of teaching. and plans of government used in Colleges, are not competent judges of the efficiency or inefficiency of a system of teaching, or routine of C01lege exercises; nor could they make an intelligent report upon these things, had they ample time to examine the subject: much less, then, are they able to do justice to this maUer, under existing circumstances, as we lire able to give the subject a mere cursory examination. Therefore, to attempt a report, or oirer a suggestion~on this part of our dUly, would not inure to the credit of the Board, or do justice to the College. . Your Board are required, by resolution of Grand Lodge, to meet at least twice a year, perform many important, an<! some vcry unpleasant duties, assumfl responsibilities, subject themselves to much abuse and personal inconvenience; to perform acts that require time [\J~d labor, both mental and physical, of no inconsiderable amount, with a fair and (judging from the past) probable prospect of bei11g most unceremoniously turned out of otlice, ere the expiration of the two short years, of honor (?)-at our own expense, and all merely for the glory of the thing 1 This thing is most egregiously wrong, both in principle and practice. We hope, therefore, tliat this M. vV. G. Lodge, wi!!, in its clemency, excuse I:S for not reporting on this F.rt of the duties incumbent, and accept the a3surance of the Faculty, lklt all things pertaining (0 the mental and moral culture of the Student, in our College, are done upon the most approved plan, "And they are honor;~ble men." The present Collegiate year wa~, by the unanimous consent of tbe Faculty and Curators, shortened one month; the object of which was to close the labors of the School before the hot weather of J Illy set in, and give to the Students of the Masonic College their longer vacation in July und August, as other Colleges of our t-itale do. The College year will, herer-ftcr, begin on the first Monday in September, inste'1d of October, as heretofore. :Many Students in aUend,lllce at our Institution, luwe sisters in the" Lexington Female Collegiate Imtitute," who are released from School about the last of June, and it is very desirable to all concerned, to permit the brother to l\CCOmpany the sister home i-this, however, was not practicable under the former arranger ment. From the abridgement of time, it became necessary for the several Professors to increase their efforts to bring their classes up to the pre-

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I I

scribed limits of the course for the year; this, your Board are gratified in saying, has most faithfully been done. Perseverance, zeal and fidelity have characterized the acts of the Faculty, during the year; and, in fact, they have not confined themselves to thE' prescribed hours of CQllege duties, but some of them have loeen laboring" in season, and out of season." The undersigned has spent hours with the long tried, well skilled, true and trusty Prufessor of Mathematics, at hard labor, in the Laboratory of the Col'lege, in the dead hours of the night, while, no doubt, those who would rejoice to see our President pro tem. hurled "vith disgrace from the exalted position he now occupies among men and Masons-a position (0 them unattainable-were locked in the ~mbrace of Morpheus, or may be, planning the ruin Qf our beloved College. From all the facts and statistics that your Board were able to col. lect, it is plainly apparent to them, that in the present arrangement and distrihution of labor, the Chair of Languages falls short of having its equal proportion of the labor, care, and duties; this opinion, however, may be erroneous, owing to the posdbility of your Board not being competent to se~ and appreciate the more arduous task of instructing a dozen boys in the abstrusitics of Greek and Latin, than in governing and instructing a chapel-full of boys, engaged in the acquisition of the rudiments of science. Among the Students, peace and harmony prevail; a strong desire and manifest disposition to obey the laws, rules and regulations of the Institution is very apparent. The undersigned thinks more so than at any former hme, that came under his observation. The Buildings.-Of these we have Lut little to say. We are pained, however, to bear testimony, that unmistakeable evidences of carelessness, on the part of those to whom this matter, of right, belongs, are very manifest--in the chalking, marking, scratching, and cutting, upon the walls, doors, windows and furniture of the College; no doubt, much, and, perhaps, most of which defacement and injury was done years ago; but the dirt, dust, aull litter, so generally distributed over the building, may, in our opinion, have accumulated within the last two or three years. Your Board found the furniture in the Chapel so poor, that they opened a correspondence with M. W. Joseph Foster, last fall, whereby they ascertained the cost of suitable seats and desks; but finding more claims upon the Contingent Fund than they had calculated on, they were oompelled to abandon the enterprise, for want of funds. If your M. W. Body can devise ways and means whereby this de-

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

sirable object of refurnishing the Chapel can be attained, without embarrassment, we, most urgently press the necessity for new seats and desks, for the dilapidated condition of what little furniture there is now in the Chapel, is wholly inadequate to the wants nnd comfort of the Students in the Preparatory department. The Boarding Hotlse.-Tbis building is covered with a felt, tar, or composition roof, and, from deep snows melting upon it, and heavy rains falling on it, we find some leakage; this will, of necessity, have to be remedied, or greater injury will ensue. The internal appearance of taste, comfort and cleanliness, in this building, bears evidence of the faithful care and untiring attention of woman. Brother Currie and his excellent lady deserve our commendation for tl1e manner in which they have conducted the affairs of the boarding house, through the most trying season of scarcity and want of provisions, ever experienced in our section of the Stilte. Their hoarders speak of them in hig-h praise. Here the poor Orphan finds both a Father a.nd Mother; and, no doubt, but long after they ha.ve gone to reap their reward, elsewhere, for toils, vigils and cares, these Orphan Boys will pronounce their names with grateful remembrance, and pray for blessings to descend upon their posterity. The College grounds still lie unadorned, excepting from the labors of our President pro tem., in planting a numbcr of small forest trees, which, ultimately, will afford fine shade, and much adorn the grounds. We hope the day is not far distant, when the means will he in the hand s of the Curators, and a determination of will to do ample justice in this matter. Your Board have found it rather difficulL to get the Curators, generll.lly, to attend the Stated Semi-Annual Mectings; indeed, some h.lve not entered upon the active duties of their office, at all-others have been present but once, so far. This dereliction, the undersigned think s, arises mainly from two causes; first, the Board is too widely dispersed,-mcll have to travel too far to get to the College; and, secondly, they are expected to work faithfully, assume responsibi~ities, and pay their own expen~es. We would, therefore, suggest that our successors be allowed some slight remuneration for their actual services; and that the next Board be selected from among Masons living within a reasonable distance of the College. Furthermore, we are of opinion, that the present plan of electing a whole new Board, every year or two, is not the better one, but would most respectfully suggest, that, hereafter, the tenure of office be so ar-

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

ranged that Some part of the Board becomes vacant, :mnually, and refilled by the G. Lodge, while the major part hold over, and, thus, have no more" old Boards," or "new Board~ j" Provided, however, that the Grand Lodge reserve to herself the right to remove from office all such as fail to enter upon the active duties of their stations; and thu8, by pruning and planting, finally, get a fruitful and working Board. Furthermore, your Board finds it to be difficult to ascertain, always, the precise law intended to govern them, in all their acts and doings, as the code adopted and published in 1844, is not well adapted to circumstances, and organizations now existinp:, and the numerous resolutions, rules and edicts of the G. Lodge, made to remedy tbis defect, are scattered through the printed proceedings, for a space of years, and hence net always available when most needed; we, therefore, would respectfully suggest the propriety of the adoption of a revised code of Laws, to govern the College, Curators, and Endowment Fund Commissioners j and to the attainment of this desirable object, of a plain yet comprehensive sct of By-Laws. It was believed that the whole amount of liabilities of the Board was furnished in our last year's Report; but, since that time, accounts that had been allowed by the former Board, of which we had no record, have been presented. These accounts, together with the amount ot interest, cost in Buits, &c., have amounted to some five or six hundrcd dollars.

We now find the aggregate of our liabililics, as far as ascertained, to be $9,749 88, as follows: Amount due to Faculty, $3,806 25 "Individuals, " 1,321 45 " of Mortgage on College, 3,558 41 " of Note in Bank, at Lexington, executed by L. S. Cornwell, H. E. Peebles, and John WiJliams, 400 00 Amount of Note in Bank, executed by John F. Ryland, and W. H. RusselJ, 160 00 Amount due S. F. Currie, for Board of Beneficiaries, &c., 503 77 $9,749 88 The notes to Bank, above mentioned, were given. to raise money to payoff some pressing claims, and to prevent other Law suits. To the payment of the above we have on hand,

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Cash, per account of Secretary of Board, Library and Apparatus Fund,

$138 50 2,100 00

- - - $ 2,238 50 Balance liabilities unprovided for, $ 7,511 38 The Grand Lodge will perceive that we have attempted to lay before it the路whole liability, the inadequacy of some part 01 the machinery, the difficulties in the way of the free acts of the agents of your Body; and respectfully suggest such changes aud improvements, as we honestly think would inure to the good of the College, and redound to the honor, harmony and perpetuity of this Most Honorable Fraternity. Respectfully and Fraternally submitted, H. E. PEEBLES, Vice President of the Board of Curntors, and Chairman of Com. of Superintendence. Report of Professor Patterson, President pt. of the Masonic College, was also read and referred to the Committee on College. To the Board of Curators of Masonic College: The undersigned presiding officer pro tem. fraternally submits his second annual report: During the currrent year commencing October 2d, 1854, the number of students 3dmitted to recitations in College up to this datlt, is 136. Of these 30 are ma(riculatcs, the remainder students of former years; sons of Masons 64; of others 72; average age 16 years. They hail from 24 counties, dispersed through all sections of the State, and from Illinois, Mi~sissippi and New Mexico. Beneficiaries of the Grand Lodge seven, from the Masonic districts of 1853, numbered 3, 4,5,7, 11, 12 and 15; of the Grand R. A. Chapter 1; of Chapters and Lodges 10, admitted by faculty, as per resolution of Grand Lodge passed in 1851-3. Beneficiaries in all 21. Admitted on Scholarships owned by Chapters and Lodges 20; owned by individuals 53; total on Scholarships 73. In collegiate department 40, of these 18 pursue a regular course, and 22 are irregulars. In preparatory department 96, of whom some 20 are expected to take a regular course. In common with other public schools of the State, our numbers are less this year than at the same date last year. This is accounted for, in part, from the short crops and money pressure so oppressively felt throughout the country; in part, from the fact that the Lexington "City Free School," put into operation last lall under favorable auspices, has taken a few who otherwise would have been with us. To this may be added that a few applicants have been rejected, because of

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

their known idle habits in former years, and the want of proper cooperation on the part of parents. Our rule is to admit or retain none among us except those who attend punctually, profitably improve their time, and set a salutary example to those around them. About 20 have lodged in the College edifice, and boarded, some at Bro. Currie's, on the College premises, and some elsewhere. Of the 25 to 30 boarders at Bro. Currie's, the larger proportion have lodged there. They are subject and conform to the rules governing those who lodge in College. No complaints 'l.gainst the fare in that establishment have come to the ears of the undersigned, and he is satisfied there is no just cause for any. As a home for the orphan or orderly student, it is second only to the paternal roof itself. A quiet, orderly, law-abiding spirit has characterised the students of the current year. If any little injury has been done to the property, such as the breaking of a lock, or a pain of glass, or the loss of a key, or if a student has been guilty of improper conuuct, in violation of law, in nine cases out of ten the oJrender voluntarily presents himself before the presiding officer, makes a candid avowal of the whole affair, and so far as he can, makes reparation for the wrong. Such is the tone of what may be called public opinion in the school, that it is deemed mean, cowardly and dishonorable among the students themselves to act otherwise. Hence the task of governing lillch an establishment is comparatively easy; nay, as a whole, it is a positive pleasure. For who can daily look upon the honest faces and manly bearing of so large a number of young men and boys, governing their actions by reason and principle, instead of impulse or passion, and not feel an abiding sense of' gratification. The daily routine of business in College is as follows: At half-past eight o'clock, A. M., the students are assembled in the Chapel for worship, whieh consists in reading the scriptures and prayer. The roll is called, absences noted, and excuses from absentees received. This through, at the sountl of the gavel the students repnir, some to recitation, and others to their quarters to prepare for recitation. Six hours per day is the regular time allotted to each Professor for hearing recitations. By some of them seven, and even eight are sometimes spent in that way, as the wants or the classes may require. Young men of both departments who do not lodge in college are allowed to occupy rooms for day study, two, three, or four to a room. A large proportion of the younger members of the Preparatory department study in the Chapel under the immediate eye of our indefatigable Prof. Davis. The remainder of that class of boys study in the room, and

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

under the direction of our Assistant Professor J. E. Ryland. The Professors of Mathemathics and Languages receive their classes at stated hours, in their respective recitation rooms. From daylight till 12, A. M.-From 2 to 5, nnd from dark till nine, P. M., are stuJy hours, the requisite time for breakfast only excepted. From 12 to 2, and from 5 till dark, P. M., are hours for recreation. The Collegiate and prepnratory students are each arranged into three divisions for exercises in declamation and composition. One division of' the latter declaims on eyery Friday from 3 to 4, P. M., and one division of the former from 4 to 5, same days. One division of each hands in compositions every Monday morning, which are returned with criticisms on the next Monday. These exercises are regularly kept up throughout the year. During the present session, for the first time, students have been allowed the whole of Saturdlly at lheir own disposal. Each student is required to atlend church at some one of the places of worship in the city on Sabbath morning, and report the fact at roll call, on Monday morning. Each goes to the place of his own choice or that of the parent or guardian. While sectarianism in religion and partizanship in politics are carefully excluded from recitations, Chapel, and all other public exercises of the Cullege, freedom 01 thought and the right of privnte judgment are accorded to all without restraint. The two literary societies meet every Friday night 10 debate, declaim, read e5says, &c. These exercise~ are conducted with l'pi. rit, and productive of much good. Books are issued from the library every Friday evening to snch as desire them. Tht' library is in regul<t:r receipt of the series of publications issued by the Smith路 sonian Institution, 'Yashington City, and our acknow ledgmcnts are due to Hon. H. S. Geyer and Hon. J. G. Miller for some three dozen volumes of public documents received during the year. The attention of the Board is respcetfully invited to one disad~ vantage under which this enterprise has labored from the begining. It arises from the smallness in number of those who have had the leisure or inclination, or ability to study and comprehend its practical workings, devise plans for its advancement, and give per~olllll attention to their execution. Prcl'idents have depended upon Boards of Curators, Rnd they upon the Grand Lodge, and that body in its turn upon both the others, and all have too often found themselves leaning upon broken staves, so far as sound practical counsels are conoerned. See official reports of by-gone years in confirmation of this. To the Board of Curators and the Faculty under their direction! has the

I I

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Grand Lodge confided the managemant of the enterprise, in all its details, and to them she must look for results. Through their reports alone can that Grand Body be correctly and officially informed of the practical operation of measures adopted for its advancement, and by their plans and suggestions has that body, in a great measure to be governed in her legislation for the College. Constituted as the Grand Lodge is, this must be, in the nature of things. And yet the order of nature has too often been reversed. Practically, all wisdom and all knowledge have hitherto been expected to emanate, as if by magic from the halls of the Grand Lodge. That body has been expected to do all the thinking and all the planning, and foot all the bills without a murmur, whether she had reliable data upon which to act or not. And if, in the absence of proper information, she has failed at any time to legislate when it was needed, or from the necessity of the case has been compelled to adopt the crude suggestions of those whose duty it was to furnish correct information and well matured plans, founded on practical experiencejand these cTude suggestions have led to injudicious legislatioo or injurious results, the very first to cast blame upon the Grand Lodge and reproach upon her immediate ngents, have been those upon whose own shoulders, in all justice, the responsibility rested. And in the mean time, let the sin lie at whose door it may, the penalty has fallen upon the best interests of the College. My Brethren oflhe present Board, "these things ought not so to be." It i~ well known that you have done much to have it otherwise, and are striving to do more, and therefore it is hoped will not be offended at the plainness of speech used in this report. Have you then any plans? or, allow me to use the first person and include the Faculty. Have we any plans for the advancement of the College? or shall we go on hap hazard and hood winked, without knowing the beginning from the end, or whereabouts we ourst'1ves stand? If the Board and Faculty do not think and plan and execute, who will 7 To whom does the duty more properly belong? They to whom the management of the enterprise has been committed are presumed to be most familiar with its wants, and best qualified to suggest wise legislation for its benefit. And, however the subject may have hitherto been viewed, upon them devolves the labor and responsibility. In the event of Ii failure, to whom will the Fraternity and the world look for the cause? Will it be to those who built and freighted the ship, and set her afloat under favorable auspices, or those to whose skill has been committed the direction of the voyage? Whose oon-

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duct, in so sad a catastrophe, will be the burden of the widow's wail and the orphan's cry, and the heart felt sorrow of the good man and true? OUTS, most assuredly! Let us see to it then, that our duty be faithfully and fearlessly performed. - Sundry topics have occurred to the undersigned as proper to be submitted to the Grand Lodge, in such form as the wisdom of the Board may devise, and, First-Our laws consist of a code enacted in 1844, tor the government of a College with common refectory and farm attached, and sundry resolutions passed since that date. In the mean time the location has been changed; new circumstances surround the institution; a system of scholarships involving complicated financial operations is going into effect; new financial offices have been created, and the duties of their incumbents but impel fectly defined. Many of these regulations are incompatible with each other and inapplicable to existing exigcncies of the inst.itution. And hence we have heard ignorance of what the law is, gravely pleaded in excuse for failures in official stations, to execute its requirements. The Board, it seems to the undersigned, is the proper party to suggest the remedy; to mature and submit for the action of the G. Lodge, a system of regulations for the government of the College and all concerned in the management of its affairs, and providing for the collection, safe-keeping, investment and disbursement of its funds. Well matured suggestions from them will doubt.less have weight with the Grand Lodge, as they have facilities for practical knowledge or. these subjects, such as are possessed by few others. In adjusting the detnils of thesc laws sundry matters of great practical importance requi' e attention. One of these relates to the constitution of the Bourd of Curators. The records of the Grand Lodge and of the Board show that within the last eleven years about one hundred different Brethren have been elected Curators of the College, that a majority of these never qualified nor entered upon the duties of the trust committed to their charge; that of those who did, only a bare quorum, or at most a meDgre IDDjority, attended punctually their meetings for business. And to this may be added, that of those who did attend, a very small proportion have been wcll informed in the details of the business. The work has generally been done by a few men, and endorsed by the majority under circumstances unfavorable to mature deliberation or rigid scrutiny. These facts can only be accounted for upon the hypothesis that brethrim generally have felt less interest in the success of the College

OF THE STATE OF M)"SSOURI.

enterprise than they have had credit for; or, that they have missapprehended the importance of the Curatorship, and regarded the duties of the Board as mere formalities to be dispensed with at pleasure, and without serious detriment to any interests. The office is one of labor and responsibility, and without emolument. When dangers threaten or difficulties are to be encountered, it is the easiest thing in the world to let the brief tenure of a year or two glide bye and leave responsibilities and troubles to fall upon the heads of successors. The temptation to do so is strong and not easily resisted, and doubtless has not always been resisted. It is therefore suggested that the tenure of the office be extended to a term of not less than four or five years, that the names of members elected, who fail to enter upon their duties durin~ the first year be stricken from the list, and their places supplied by the next Grand Lodge; and that this process continue until a full Board of working men shall be obtained. The extension of the tenure will enable the members to become路 familiar with the complicated details of their duties, and to originate and give personal attention to the execution of important and salutary measures. It will also cause the responsibilities of the office to be more sensibly realized. Another important subject is the constitution of the Board of Instruction. Will you recommend a continuance of the old organiz ation? If so, provision must be madeto support a President and at least two Professors in the Collegiate, and a Principal and one assistant in the preparatory department. That less than two in the latter wi]] not answer is abundantly shown by the statistics embodied in the last annual report of the undersigned, and by the records of the College. Have you then, or wiII you have for years to comc, the funds to support such a corps? If you have, where is your President? Echo answers, 1vhere? The last eleven years' history of the 路College responds, where? Judging uf the future by the past, cleven years more may elapse before that station shall be satisfactorily filled. In the mean time what is to become of your school? A Pro Tem. wiII not answer. True, for a few months or a year, in case of emergency, it may; but not for a longer period. A p<lrmanent Pro Tem. is a paradox-an absurdity! With the idea is associated that of imperfect organization, and a corresponding want of confidence, no matter how well the work may actually be performed. If you retain the office and title of President in your organization, you must have the man, actually at work in your College, or pay the forfeit in the depreciation of public confidence and the diminution of patronage. But suppose you have 11 President and a fu]] corps, as above indica-

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

ted, and the means to pay, there is another aspect in which the matter may be viewed. The catalogues published for the last six years, with that forthcoming for the present, show the aggregate members constituting all the classes, in all departments of the College, to be 942. Of these 272 were collegiate, and 670 preparatory students. Of the former 147 were regulars, and 125 irregulars, whose studies embrace the entire prescribed course, the .dead languages excepted. Suppose the number and character of students to be about the same for the next seve)~ years. You will then have a President under pay for giving instruction to ~e regulars, and a portion of the irregulars, say in all 175 to 200; a Professor of Mathematics for all of both classes, say 275 to 300; a Professor of lan~uages for the regulars, say about 150; and two Preparatory instructors for, say 335 to 350, students each. Let it be borne in mind too that the real drudgery of the ancient languages falls upon the Preparatory teachers, and that the Professor of Mathematics has in charge, instruction in the natural sciences so called, and performs the duties of Professor of Chemistry, and has the use and care of the Laboratory and Cabinets in those departments. The above figures are based on the hypothesis that each professor restrict himself to the specific duties of his own chair. It is true this has not been strictly the practice heretofore, but there has been a very strong proclivity in that direction. Men who aspire to Presidential honors are generally too large to descend, with good grace, to the drudgery of preparatory instruction. The same may be said of many otho)' Professors, in the absence of specific legal requirements on the subject. This aspect or the case shows a very considerable degree of inequality in the distribution of lahar, and some want of proper adaptation of means to the end. And yet, under the rigid forms of the old or~ ganization, it will be difficult to have it otherwise, as most Professors are not naturally inclined to make sacrifices, or take upon themselves greater labors than those enjoined by the strict letter of the law. The above indications of practical experience lead to thc conclusion that a judicious modification of the old organization would essenfially promote the greatest good of the greatest numbers, an end which should constantly be kept in view. There are other considerations which go to sheng-then this conclusion. The beneficiaries of the Grand and Subordinate lodges and Chapters, and of individuals, and a large number of those availed of scholarships, if we may judge from the past, will enter as preparatory students, and when advanced will pursue an irregular course, that is,

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

omit the ancient languages. The progressive and utilitarian spirit of the age is such as to incline a large proportion of the young men of the country who resort to our schools to apply themselves to those studies which are deemed of more immediate practical advantage: Mathematics, pure and mixed; the English sciences, and the application of science to the arts, and not Roman or Grecian classics find favor in thdr eyes. To this class of students time, and a thorough systematic course of mental discipline are as important as to those pursuing what is called a !egular course. And yet when the accomodation of the latter is the basis for the arrangement of the classes, the best interests of the former cannot always be so carefully provided as is desirable, and as strict justice demands. The effClrt to avoid injustice in this particular, has occasioned much labor to some of our professors, in the way of extra classes, in days that are passed. But, estimate all these considerations as you will, the main question still recurs, have you the funds to meet expenses? In the absence of data from which to arrive at positive certainty on this subject, it is nevertheless believed, from wl:at is known, that for some time to come, your available means will be insufficient to support, at remunerating salaries, such a corps as that above indicated. Retrenchment will therefore be necessary, not in the compensation allowed to each, but in the number of Professors employed. And this willnecessarily lead to a modification of the organization, practically at least, whether theoretically sanctioned by law or not. As already shewn, the demands for preparatory instruction cannot be met by a less number than two. The retrenchment must therefore take place in the other departments l and necessarily result in a change of organization. With the idea of a regularly organized college, even on the most limited scale is associated in every man's mind the idea of a Presidency and at least two Professorships. So long as either of the chairs are vacant, or one man is required, even nominally, to ftll two of them, just so long will you fail to secure and retain the confidence of the public in the efficiency and permanency of your institution; and these two elementary ideas are at the foundation of all patronn~e. Already has it suffered enough from this source to have annihilated any institution less securely based than on the plighted faith of the Mason's Fraternity of Missouri. What then shall be done? What will you recommend to Grand Lodge on the subject? Were the answer left to the undersigned it would be as follows : Let your new code of laws provide for an organization on the

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

the University plan. For the present institute, say five Professorships; one of Mathematics and Mechanical Philosophy, including Astronomy; one of Ancient Languages and Literature; one of Mental and Moral Science, and "Belle Lettre;" and one of Chemistry and Mineralogy, including Geology, and one of Modern Languages. Provide for the employment of such tutors as the exigencies of the school may from time to time require, in the dIscretion of the Curators and Grand Godge. Let each Professor have charge and be responsible for the advancement of all who study in his department, from the begining up. Let the course of study in each Professor's department be systematic and extensive, and be regarded theoretically as a distinct school. Let the student who accomplishes the entire course in any one of these departments or schools, graduate and receive a diploma from that department, without reference to his proficiency in the other departments, or the length of time he has been in attendance. The prospect of graduating in the departments of thelr choice, without being obliged to pursue studic~ for which they have no relish, will stimulate many to diligence and induce them to remain longer in school than otherwise they would. Let the Professors be elected by the Board of Curators, subject to the appro\'al of the Grand Lodge at the next communication after each election; and let the tenure of Professorships be not less than five years from the date of said approval. Let the course of study be prescribed, the studrnts classified, and the labors of instruction distributed in accordance with a system of regulations devised by the Faculty, and approved by the board and Gralid Lodges. Under the general supervision of the Board, let the internal government of the College be vested in the Faculty. Dispense entirely with the office and title of President. Let one of the Professors be olected by the Board, for a stated pcriod, as Chairman of the Faculty, to preside at their meetings, and perform executive duties, and be the organ of communication with the wcrld. Let another Professor be elected for a stated period, Rector of the Preparatory School, to pre~ide onr and govern the younger students, at their studies in the Preparatory school rooms. Under an organization of this kind the labors of professors can be equalized, and a classification made that will enable the same number to accomplish a much grcater amount ot work, and do it better than upon the old plan. As the theory admits of a gradual increase in the number of Professorships as the demands for instruction and

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

the means to pay may justify, so also does it admit of retrenchment, should that be necessary at this or any other period. Your first care will of course be to get the Institution out of debt, and then keep it out. Let it be a maxim to employ no more teachers than you have available means to pay, promptly and liberally. A small number well compensated will do more service than double the number stinted in that particular. If you have not the means to employ fonr regular Professors at first, employ three and a Tutor. The latter can be had at about half of what a regular Professor should receive. If your means will not admit of this, take two Professors and two Tutors, or even one of the latter, or three Professors alone. By any of these arrangements the work can be done and well done, much better than the same number on the old plan. â&#x20AC;˘ As the scholarship system has become a prominent feature in the College enterprise, a brief exhibit of the facts developed by the current year's experience may be interesting, and useful in future legislation on this subject. Of the 73 students admitted on scholarships this year, 23 were on the class oC fOllr years; 2 on five years; lOon ten years, and 20 on perpetual scholarships. Am't paid into endownent fund by 23 scholarships of 4 yrs., $575 00 Aggregate tuition fees for these 23, at usual rates for 4 do. 2,160 00 Interest realized from fund paid in by these at 10 per cent. 230 00 Deficiency of receipts as compared with earnings, - $1,930 00 Am't of $575, funded principal at 10 per cent for 231-2 years, 1,930 00 Amount of same, at same rate, for 27 1-2 years, 2,160 00 Hence from the date these four years' scholarships commence to run, 27 1-2 ycars must elapse before the College -can realize the amount actually earned in four years, by teaching the holders of this class; and 23 1-2 years of that time, after the work has been done. This four years' excresence on the scholarship system may be set down as one of the crude suggestions above alluded to. Again-Am'L paid into fund by 20 of the 5 years class, $1,000 00 2,450 00 Aggregate tuition of these 20 for 5 years, 500 00 Interest on fund paid in by them at 10 per cent, Deficiency of receipts compared with earnings, - 1,950 00 Hence 14 1Âˇ2 years will be required for the College to realize from the fund paid in by this class, the amount earned by teaching the holders

GRAND LODGEl A. F. A. MASONS

5 years; and nine and a half years of this after the work has been done. Again-Am't paid into fund by ten, of the 10 years class, $1,000 00 2,100 00 Aggregate of their tuition for 10 years, 1,000 00 Interest realized from fund for these, 1,100 00 Deficiency of receipts below earnings, Am't of $1000 funded principal at 10 pcr cent. for 1 year, 1,100 00 2,100 00 Amount of same for 11 years at same rate, Hence in 11 years the College will realize the amount earned by teaching the holders of this c1aes 10 years. Again-Amount paid into fund by 20 perpetuals, $6,000 00 Aggregate tuition of these 1 year, at usual ratesj 50000 3BO oq Interest on $6000 funded principal at 6 per cent., Deficiency of receipts, compared with earnings, 1 year. Interest on $6000 at 10 per cent for 1 year, From which deduct tuition as above,

140 00 600 00 - 500 00

Excess of receipts above earnings for 1 year, To which add the above deficiency, -

100 00 140 00

Gain per annum by funding- principal at 10 instead of 6 per cent, 240 00 Again-Aggregate amount paid into fund by the above 73, of all claises, 8,575 00 Agg:regate of tuition for these 73, this year, 1,740 00 $36000 Interest on 20 perpetuals at 6 per cent, 257 00 Ditto on 53 of other classes at 10 per cent, ---$61750 Deficiency of receipts below earnings, this year on 73, Scholarships, 1,122 50 Interest on ~fj8575 50; the amount paid into fund by 73, at 10 per cent. 857 50 882 50 Which deducted from tuition $1740 leaves deficiency, Deduct this from former deficiency, leaves gain by fund 240 00 at 10 per cent. Again-Suppose these 73 had all been perpetuals, the 2,1900 00 aggregate paid into fund by them would be, Interest on same at 10 per cent, for 1 year, - 2,J900 00 1,740 00 Aggregate tuition for same time,

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

Excess of receipts above earnings for one year on 73 Scholarships, To which adding the above deficiency for 1 year,

450 00 1,122 50

We have excess of receipts on 73 perpetuals over 73 of all classes for 1 year, $1,572 50 From the foregoing the inferences are plain. Sell no more four or five year scholarships. Allow none to exchange ten years on pcrpe~uals, for 5 or 4 year Scholarships-this is often proposed, but should not be done. Continue the sale of 10 years and perpetuals with as much energy as possible. Offer every inducement consis'ent with good faith and the obligation of contracts, and the welfa~eofthe Fraternity, to the holders of perpetuals to payupthe principal. The difference between funding at 6 :md:9 per cent as seen above, for a few Scholarships, for a single year is a considerabl<l item; for the whole number sold it will be qui:e a handsome sum. It is indispensible that efficient measures be resorted to for the collection and investment of this fund. It is our main depenuenee. But this report is alre1dy unreasonably long and must be closed. Many other important topics might be referred to, but thete is not room. The undersigned has given, in all frankness, his own opinions, without regard to consequences personal to himself. The Board of course will act upon theirs. He is aware that there are persons, who for reasons best kn'Jwn to themselves, have attributed to the undersigned aspirations for the Presidency of the College, and wiH doubtless attribute the suggestions in this report to kindred motives.路 It is therefore deemed due to himself to say, that no consideration can indace him to accept of any other position than the chair he has for 10 years filled, '1nd this he asks not Pond never will seek. And, should it be his fortnne longer to fill it, he is neither to be muzzled, nor driven from his post by the machinations of those whose path he may cross in the honest' and fearless discharge of his duties to the College and the Fraternity. All of which is respectfully submitted. May 1st, 1855. A. PATTERSON. Bro. Patterson, President pt. of College, presented a cude of laws for the Government of Masonic College, which wall read the first time and ordered to a second reading. The committee on accounts made the following report, which was on motion adopted : To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Mis~ouri: The Committee on Accounts beg leave to Report, that they have 1

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS-

carefully examined the books of the R. W. Grand Secretary, and, after a rigid examination of the same, find that the Grand Secretary has received in year 1854, after P. P., and to present time on said year, the sum of, $546 50 Also, find that G. S. has paid out during the same time, as per vouchers on file, the sum of, 527 24 Leaving a balance on year 1854, of, He has received on year 1855, as follows: For Dispensations, Degrees, and Charters, From Chartered Lodges, on yt'ar 1855,

$19 26

$899 00 3,338 43

Leaving a balance in G. S.'s hands, due the Grand Lodge at this date (June 2, 1855), $ 4,237 43 The R. W. Grand Treasurer also laid before us a statement of his }'eceipts and disbursements, and we find that he was indebted to the Grand Lodge, at its last Annual Communication, in the sum of(see P. P. of 1854, p. 78), $1800 24 We find also that he has received from the hands of G. S. the sum of (ab per receipts), 597 33 Also, Int. on Scholarship of James Graham, 18 00 Making the sum of, We find that the G. T. has paid out, as per vouchers, exhibited, the sum of,

$2,415 57 656 86

.Leaving a balance in G. T. hands, due Grand Lodge, $1,758 71 Your Committee cannot close this Report without bearing testimony to the uniform courtesy of our R. W. Brother A. O'Sullivan, in exhibiting all his books, papers, &c., which we have pleasure in stating are made up in the most satisfactory, clear and concise manner, enti. tling him to the thanks and gratitude of this M. W. Grand Lodge. It is also due to your Committee to report that the statement and vouchers of our It. W. Brother Joseph Foster, Grand Treasurer, were found correct and satisfactory, although it did not appear to your Committee that the R. W. Grand Treasurer kept any book in which were recorded the receipts and disbursements of his office, as Grand Treasurer. .With great diffidence and hesitation, we beg to suggest to the M. W. Grand Master of tl.is Grand Lodge, that he attend to the requirement of the secend Section of ninth Article of our By-Laws, and re-

A.~~~~:8~1~t~e?: 1:.~~~e.J::e~~~~I~~ 1. l:. ':IT::~e~r~~:':deJ::~ ~~ ~:~'::~tee

••

and ~T::~;i1:;~~~/I:'I;.:~.~ was reA'lIlll'ly made out, bllt miSlaid, ud the OID1DinIOD was bot discovered. u.:.~i1o~~trit1:lN:eg~nCe'i;.re bO'lluil

The Grand Lodge of Missouri ...... eal1ed from labor nntil tbree o'oIook tWs afternoon. • TOtm8D.Y EVENIl{O, S o'clock. The Grand Lodge of Missouri w.. aalled to labor by the Ilt. W. D. Gr. Mallier. Grand OfliCQf8 at t.heir Beveral station•• Rt. W. JameS H. Hibbard, G. B. Warden, Grand Lodge of nUDois. entered. and w.. invited to a seat In tbe east. The report of Committee on Liberty Lodge was taken up for tbepurpos. of amendment. Bro. A.. T. Do1.l.las, from Committee on the propesed Na.tional Conv8Dtion, ma.de tibe following report: 1'> the Molt Worabipful Grand Lodge of tbe Btate of MilI.ouri : The ubderaigned; Speoial Committee. appointed on tbe proceedlnge of tbe National Mesonlo Convention, beld at Wasbington City daring the month of Janua.ry laat. beg lelilve to report, that we have examined tbe prooeedinge of said Convention, and upon duo delibera.tion would respeetfllUy suggest that this Gran. Lodge delay any action relative to the pia-nB M()pted by said N a.tione.l Muonio Coll_vention for the present. The object of said C"nvendon seems to have been to adopt, a teries of artieleB of confederation, and present the aame to the several Granrl Lodges of the United States for t heir adoption. lVe farther ask that the artioles of ooDfedoration, together with the addre89 incorporated in said proceedings, be read as a part of this: report. All of whiob is re'Peotrully snbmitted, ALEXANDER

DoUGLAB9, Chairman.

Preamble and resolutions of Bro. Peebles in relation to report of Committee on Lodges, U. D., was, on motion, nooneidered. Proposed amendment to By-La..... read a ..cond time. Ordered to a third readinl!. Committee appointed to 6.11 vaoanci.. in Board of Curators, made a report, whiob wes, on motion. laid on tbe table for tbe uTesent. Report of Committe. on Liberty Lodg. was taken up, wben Bro. Hugb.. oft'eTed a seric. of resolntiollS, ....blob. aftiPr disousBion, "'ere laid on tbe tatle. Bro. Carneu t~en oft'er.d an amendment. wblob. together ....ith tbe following r.port of the Committee. was tIIen adopted. To tbe M<>;t WOT.bipful Grand Lodge of tb. State of Mi..onri: Your Committeel~to whom was referred the petition ofF. A.. H. Garlicbs, representtnghimselfas It a Committee of Liberty Lodge. ,"0. 3l,aPl"'inted to ..ieit tblB Grand Lodge in regaTd to tbe arrest of tbeir cbarter by tbe G. M•• report that they have ezammed said petition and the pa.pers accompanying the same, aod al&o have bad before them. tbe representative of tb(l petitioners, Bro. G&rJiohe.,and upon u full inve!!tigation as tbflY baYe been, able to sive tbe subject in lb. ohort t.",e allotted to tbem, th.y find tbat tbe M. W. G. M., in tbe discbarge of bi. duty• ..Ieoted Bro. Veu O.deltes a suitable pereon for bi'deputy in District No.3, be being at tbat tim. Master of Liberty Lodge. Tbat Bro. Van Osden, in order to oomply with the wi,bee of tbe G. M., religned bill ol&oe of W. M. at the next meeting of the Lodge, and was re-appointed D. D. G. M. after his resignation. We further ftnd that afterwards the Lodge passoo a resolution II that tbey considered the .appointment of Bro. Van Qs:lell, D. D. G. M., unml8onic, illegal and oontra.ry to the provision, of the eOD8titation of tbis Grand Lodge, and ordered the Seoretary to transmit a oopY of the res(llution to t.he G. M. Upon reception tbereof, G. M. Cornwell answered that b. regarded the resolution &8 ala iDsult and indignity ~ the G•.M., exhibiting a spirit of insubordination that; oou.ld not be wlerated, an.d ordering them to expunge the resolutions from tbeir minutes, or to cease labor UDder their oharter until this eommunioation of the G. L.

Upon reception of this order, Lbe Lodge appointed a COm..

mittee to confer with the G. M., who, in their oommunioition to him, stated that the only reason for pusing the resolution tbat tbey d.emed the appointment of their m""ler to tbe offio. ofD. D. G. M.• a dlreot violation of the By·La of tbis G. L. The G. M. replied to the Committee as foUows: U You oonfine yott1'8elvea to tbe Btriat letter withont lookiQg a' the 'Plrit and meaning of tbe ta..... Ito Intention is that no brotber .ball be D. D. G. M. aud M",ter of a Lodge at the same time. I did not.xpect that Bro. Van Osdelt would .....pt tb. afpoilltm.nt Wltil he reeigned bis offi.. ot W. M. of your Lodge,and an appointment is not oo~plete until accepted.' Upon tb. reoeption c£tbls oommWlioationfrom theG. M., the Lodge refased to obey tb.ordera of tbeG. M:,> alld I\IIrOIldered ber cbarter to th. D. D. G. M•• baving apJlOiuted Bro. Garliob.to repr...ilt tbem before this G. u. Some three montbe after. twelve of tbe bretbren of Liberty Lodge petitioned tb. G. M. to restore tbe cbatter to themt and promising to confirm to tbe rules and regula.tions <if the Order. In complian.. wIth tbeir peti,ion, th. G. M. restored tbe obamr to tbe petltionera, and directed tbe D. D. G. M. to .et tbem to work. After being duly started in tbelr tabcmo tbey oompUed with tbe order of tb. G. M.••xpanpd the obnoxious resolution8 from their minutes, and put UpoD their record .. statement that aaid reEOlntioDl wfIre not a fair expression of the opinion of the Lodge-not being done at a roguh~r meeting-that there were but ten- members presflnt\,the rest baving no DOtice of the meeting, and that even in that small Dumber the resolutlen w.. earri.d onl,1 y tbe c..ting vote of lbe W. M. pro. t.m., and tbey alBo passed a reaolutiQn tbat the;, fully approved ,b. eotlon of the G. M•• and tb.y bave retumod to this G. L. a liet of members, and the D. D. G. M. r....rts that tbey are working in pea.. and barmOllY UIlder tbelr present organization. tliiUCD l1l'e the facts of the case U Deal lUll W9 have been able to uoertain them. If we 8l'e incorreot in any partloulM. it II for waut of mor. definite int....atlon. It.... ouly at tb.........t reqneet of tb. brethren intoreoted that we OOJllJented to act upon luah inmfBoient ud nnau1ihentioated data. There is no copy of the prooeadings of the Lodge before us prior to the restoration of the eharterI but we have taken Bro. Garlich'8 8t&~ment B8 'he ~J:l:j:;.:.rr~:.~~1a~eh'::utl~::"r.:rr:~nt the LocI&e in this matter.....d that the reoord have booll We tbink tbe wbole difficulty has arilen out ora puroly teobnioal oonstmctlOllof oorml.,. All Hi. HOIlorJudge Wel1J, of the District Oourt, obBerveain one ot hie decisiOD.lln a very similar case, If rules are made to faoUitaw bui..... no& to ohetrnot 1\. aud if th.y_ fOUlld ob,tructing. great latltnde may be taken in eonstruing tb.m, beiDg earelal that no party be injured thereby." In t.... ls doctrine we fully ooncor. On By. Laws and rules were madi far '!Ie Soud of tbe craft, and If a rip! adberenoa to tbe letter ....ould work an Injnry, we tbink a r able lat!. tilde in_ruingtbe mi. aooordillg to ito spirit mAy .....11 be exeroIeed. at I...t by a G. M. It is a ell bcW1l fao~...ll upon In our Grand Master's ad~tbat tlle work ill far from perfeot in our Lodl!"". Our eloquent brother from aealry·bu eJready stated to this G. L. wbat all must admit. that the D. D. G. M. frrquenUy Om... bat Ultl~ any more. than tboea heiB TfqlUred to inetrocl. With ....b faeta before him,lt was the duty of tba

~Wn._~~e:_~e:.~:~~.~=-~ ~~tJ:.~~8 tP~~~~~.~l1~o ~~:..w:a~.1~~

IIIe pI.-". . . 110 oon do tlte mca ~ 1Io tllo frMonlltJ. Wll",1Ior tIlo Q. M. 'n .1c\a4 Bnl. V.. o.toU ml<!_ &Il.Motoeloalion Ie not for Wo }'l'IlI1Imotbot M Jooat he tbought 00; aDd "olbmk with thoG• .I(. lb•• ... • Jl1lOIDtment 18 not eomplete IlDtU it 18 ....pled. If it "ere, trouuron ODd otbor liDaneia! ~geD", mfgb' ae\ with impunity, wllhout giving bond, or teking tbo oolb of ·ollice. ~onl Pi.rce would nol be the rnlor In thle land though he wae elooted, unl... be had ""'1'pte1 the om... Oar vellOrable Bro. Ryloud would J>D\ be teH1f,7 Judge of our Supreme Court unles, be had taken the ooth of olIiee, and ODr G. M. himself would not now be in lb. oriental obair nnle" be hod accepted Ibe ollioe to wbicb he "ae elec!ted. Auy olber polIition Ie too abeard to r~ulre notioo. Llko oontroeto and aU otbor lWo-lided agreements, botb llid.. mu,t eoulent bofore it 1, valid. If this vi.w be ...nect, Bro. Van Osd.1l "'" .ligible to tbe office wb.n h. _pled the fame, for he hod rtlll\l!Dod hie office and "as no lODger Master of Liberty LOdge. We thiDk tbot tbe &Ot Of re.ignltion and pl•.,lng lbe o1larter in the hODd. of the GroDd WardeD w.. all tbat " .. n....ary to perreot hilI...ignation. If lbe Walden boIds lIle charter h.1e for the tim. being actual MI,ter of the Lodg•• W. do not 8&nolion the doctrine of tb. rigbt to resip. Upon tble ]>Oint wo give no opiDion; hut .. tl&o ~ or Liberty Lodge aut.horize BU~h a proceeding, we tbink they are binding upon ita members uDtil tet Mide lt7 proper authority. Nor do w. think thot Bro. Van Oo4ell'. being in.ligihl. ot th. time of bi...Ioa~ion,h,..tho Grand Muter vitiates the appointment. Hundred. of men are elected to offioe and to tea.&" in the LegiaJatare ad to Congress wbo are at the rime holding office that rraders them iaeJigible, but sa they resip t-be form" offioe before they accept and qualify for the new, the- right to the seat or to tbe offiee is unh'erPaUy admitted. H,tbea"ora Committee &Ie right in their oonclulriODI, it '01l0w8 that the Lodge W88 millt8ken in its lIiews, and that the GimtcI Muter's appointment W88 not unmuODic, illegal and contrary to Jaw M cbarged by tbe Lodge, and this beiDl the only objectiuu. made to his act, tbe groundwork of t.he difficulty is removed. Upon the sot of the Grand Master in arresting the charter, we would remark, 88 it hu been eomplained of, that tbere can be DO questir,n in regard to his power 80 to do. Whether be exercised it wisely is not lor 118 to Ba1 j bu' we must be permitted to state, that it & cbarge by a Lodge of unmasonlo and illegal conduct., even if it were true, whioh in thIS case it certain)1 WBB Dot, aDd an expreB8 TUwlatioD not to obey him B8 G. M., WIl-8 not Q 8u8ioieDt cause for the exerei81 of b~ preroptive, w. scarcely know of an act. of insubordination that would be. We deem It but simple justice to the G. M. to lay we believe he done right in alTestiDg tbe charter. . 8incethe appointment of Bro. Garlich, to r.present the Lodge, the cbaTter has been re.tored to Liherty Lodge a. it "",isted at tb. tim. of lh. arreet. Tberefore w. recomm.nd Ibat lb. r••toration of Ih. obarter by tho G. M. be approved, and that. tbe 0011 of the Lodge since it, restoration he oP1>rovod and le..l1<o4. And W& woald 8&yto our bi.tbren of tha.t Ledge, tbat we fear the great lights are not upon tbeir altar. It seems to us that they bave DO' actAld npon lb. 'quare, DOf bee. k.pt wilbin due ho\lDda hy Ibe compass, aDd ..rt&inly tbat gr..llight whicb ..an shineth upon QOf altars hal failed to ilIumiDate our brethren, when they fall out and differ on luch an immaterial '''1;001 •• the very teebDie,1 on. that ho, hern presented to us; and we fraternally rreommend to th,m to 1..., the hatchet-to I.t l'y·gon.. h. by.gones, and to join together, .. all mason. ,beDld, and .. oil good m....D. will, to hni14 IIp high and .trong our pari of thai great moral lemplo whicb is DOW building ao rapidly and aprNdlng 10 wWely both ID .m beloved oo""try and thronghont the world.

""to..,.

GBO'RQB WBl'I'COKB,

J. H. TURnB, J. N. BUR,,", B. SKARPB,

Oomlllittoo.

- ' SA.UNDER8,

!r1Io Gnnd Lodge of Miaouri " .. ealIod from labor nnlil ow. o'olook to-morrow morning. :rho ChaDd Lodge of Mief'Ollri was oollod to labor by tho M. W. Grand _ler.

FRIDA.Y lIoaBUUiJ, it o'clock.

Grand 08ieers at their MvewstatioDS. Th. minot.. of y.,lord.y'. proceedings w.re rood and approved. lll,o. 'wbitoomh.from obarlerod Lodges, ....d. the followlIlg report, wh\oh ..as, on motion, adopted. To the Grand Lodgo of Mi..ouri: The Committee on Cbartered Lodges ropert thot lhey h.... tZamlDod all the repert, nceived np to tho p. . . . time, and lind that Dln.ty'siz Lodg.. ha... mado tbeir retorns. Of tb.... mty-,;z Lodges hove fald lb.ir d_ ud ..e olear of any chorge npon tho books of the Grand Secretary. 1:1&0 foUowlDg Lodgel Neorho,81. Laclede. 83. Mount Tel'lllOD,". ReIi.f.l05. GoldeD Eq.....o,107. Waverly, 11~. larmin~n, 18:. Ridgley, 186. Carthage, 103, In .-rt. Plot~e, 56. Riohmond,51. Potter, U. mado Mn.DI of th.lr work, hlluo.. paid DO dues, ani tho following Ledgoa Ne" London, 21. Florida,2.9. Mo:lloo.26. ltiDggold. Graham,88. Botheny,". Fayotte.41, Kontloetlo,68. Lanoaoler, 59. 0,000Ia,61. Linn, tie. Landmark, 6~. Rooh.port. 61. Tobo, 680 Al..ODoIria, 69. Eureka, 13. ~.15. Lebanon, 11. St. Joseph; 78. 1IoIlBoke, 70. JohnlOD,85. Olivo BraDoh, 88. Prioncitlbip, st. Boon., 96. PleuaDll:lill,91. Canton, 100. Heroin•• 104. BtOn,lIG. 8Ihley,115. Cedar,lU. GeDtryvillo, 125. ll:itksvIJle,lZ8. P _ , lal. 8&ar of'tho Weol, 133. Warrenton,137, in all forty Lodg.., ho.. failodlomako any ratmn to thill Grand Led,.; Iieeoho, 81, and Dover, 122, bavo DOl rallDDtd the limo of their Ngnlar OOlll1nnniDatlau, .. reqII!nd '" tIIIa (ftuj Lo4ge. Platte City, 68, ..ncitl DP very fll1lretarno, 1"" no money, Ju.vIaS ezhonated alI their funds In bnildIBl a Loqo roem;. hnl .. th.y 8&;r tbal lbeir credit 18 &rat rate, ...d she' tIIej will hove tho m"""7ln ........ of olilGlllll, .... lft8IIJDo th.ir dn.. WID _n be . .tied. Madison, No. 91, boa madolaorretarn in vtl"Y ha<l form; if 1DI1... It ho berreturn, .. I' !.eliot .od '" \Ilo W. )I. or atleoted h1 tho Seorel&ry. Bowe?ot, .. abo has _ ber llabiIltleopromptly,..,. on""", DO . . . . ., _ ' " "twing h.r to do better n.zt lime. ~Iede. No. 83, whilo Ibe b.. fOJllOt the - . ~glleodfulto keep up our .,.Iom, boa boon nIlD.-dI.1 ~ UmII.. In lao: returns. OS .be h.. rMul'1lOd the Mort M.tors in .... jUiadiOtiOll, thongll '" 'Irh8& -th<ldt11bo \llk.. oharg. of lbat <legree, or pl_ tloem In her retarna, 18 lIDknOWD to yonr Comml""'.. • J!oward Lodge, No. ~, in Iik........n....bIrna 'bel'lllt ·Ibotoro made UDder Cbaptor JuIslIIetidb. 0l0tr.bIly l:IdI ill wrong,..,d y.... CoIllml_ a- it:.r.: _ proper to.."lbattho ao-oallod PUt 11_ mado uno1« .......

_TO

~::.I':,~'~!"~~:...":"~~~~·=.:'!'~~'7..'~,~~~~

one ...........

of M&!'OtIe,110 I. DGtolgood by tho W.IL .. roqnlrecl hy~ I"4I.. oftlllo Grud fJod~. tru5I. th.y wi.IJ be mo"" car.ful iu future witbont.••)' furthor octiOli on O1Ir Part. Marcilo, no, ret_ .. bolOllling to her j~ictio. R. W. J. W. Morri•• D.D. O. M. for tb. di,triot, wbon be ill retaruod here by lit. Mark'oLodIl'!" am........ ..,d Seoretary tb.reof. With .. mu.h proprloty Marcu. Lodg<> could ho.... put ill hor ""lur.... tho O. M., or auy of tbe Grand ollice.. ao m.Qlbo.. thoreof, as .ho could tb. D. D. G. M. whon h. did not bolODg to tho W. tru,t ou.h miotakoo Wl11 not bo modo hereafter. T 0 ret.m. oIllt. Marks, 93, aud Middletow., 50, aro not lUdo """"rdI.g to tho requi1emOllt of thio Gmed Lodge. W. hope that hereafter thoy will give no no ..... of """,plaiut, aud therefore We do not recommmd ID1 ootlon UllOn tbe subject. . ltoonok. Lodge, 70, blS mioUlld.1'lIlood tb. &Otion of tho Grand Lodg. at lte laot oommunication, and did not tbe attleunt due u.JKl.U degrees. She hYS, I i as there is 'no column in the printed form of. retums Cor the mOluJY, she snpJlOllO'l tb.t .t 18 ••t Nqnired." As it ill a mi.tak. upon h,r p.rt, w. snpp<llle ,h. WlII notify It uponllotloo. Th.refore w. reoomm.nd tbat tho Grand Sooretary b. reqnired to notify th.m of tbeir Constantine Lodge, No. l29, furnishes each of her-members with a. Masonic work as .. ten book, and also a cop, of Bro. Morri,' paper-tho Am.ri... FreemlSo.. We thi.k this attempt to apread light amo.g the br<>thr.n worthy or imitahon. It is ODe great C&QS8 o£ those auomalous creatures, Doo·affiJiated MR8OD8 being in our midl& that tlley 0"1 rsqnir<ld .to th.lr moo.y witbout any <lOm!,po.di.g odv.ntage, by uoi.f a ps.rt of tho du.. theJ l'1''' ~ fumi.h th?m ,!lth Masonio !.igbt. U will remove their objoe~ion, a.d d~ what 0.1 mn.t ooknowledl:" 10 of Vttol.mportane.1O tbll day of rapld p...grees-k.ep tbem pooted tip the work1Oge of our ordor. Very m••y of tho Lodg., complai. tbat they ...not understand tbe role. of tbe OtoM Lodge made at Ito lilli' communiea.tioD, ia ngard to returns, and the retarn! sbow that however simple the form was intended to be, it is nry freque.tly mi.u.d....tood. W., tllero(or., recomme.d tit<> propriety of .dopting anoth.r fonn of report of Btlbordinat. Ledge. to .mbody more ftlll" tho work of oald Ledges, oud tooollect oud eompile more fully tho .tatiltics of tb. Order. Your Committe. would eoograttl1..te your body and the order thrmtlhout tho Slate, upon thoir _ro}', condition; aod "bUe we rejoioe that Ola' beloved institution is 10 6.ouriah\ng-1s spreadiog 80 rapidly and so WllHly, we would resp&elrolly 60ggeat to our brethren to forget Dot their duty-to have their BeDtine18 upon the outer walla, aud to bo ..rlaiD tbat tbey work in .0 materi.1 that win not make firm pill..... in onr ~mple. W. ~.stI, request thom'to ...memhor th.t day. of prosperity are .lw.y. do"a of da.ger, a.d that it 18 not th. qua.tity but the quality of the material tbat is to give character to our great moral edifice. A! a means of carrying out.our 8uggestions. we recommend the followiDg resolution I ~ Reoolvod, Tbat the Grand So.rotary be ...quested to so .m••d the form of retorn. as to .how tho time at 0011ferring tho d.greea upo. candid.te!, aod the admissioo of members, with ooIumOl for tho BIIIount <Iu. from th. Lodge for membenhip. college dUG! and other fees, and make such otber amendments thereto aI he 8ball deem . . ce....ry to carry out mar. fully the i.tention of the Gra.d Lodg•. Resol.od, That the Grand Soere~ in maki.g o.t bis Iabolar .Ialom.nt of lhe Lodges"'! ""9,nl!od by tb~ 1l1LaW!, add thereto the number of ilrltratioDs, passings and raisiD~, the admissions, deaths, dlBmzaslotls, rejeotlmlll .nor-naioDS and expu1J!lione, the amount of Grand Lodge dues pa.Id, tho number of m~mbers, and suoh oth81 matte!' .. • .haU doom noeosoary to .mbody ill o.e vi.w the .tatistico of the snbardlna", Lodg••• All or whi.h io r_trally snbmltted, G"oBIIl! WlmCotO, Ch6lrman. A ....morial from AtheDs Lodge, No. 127, " .... od a.d r.r.nod to Committe. on Smilh Lodg.. . The Committee o. Lodges, U. D.. i. relatlO. to Lexlngto. Lodgs, U. D., mod. tho f.llowinlrnport, "hloh, after incorporating a t$8Olution of Bro. Peebles, was adopted. To tho Most Worshipful Grand· Lodge of Miesomi: Tb. Committee o. Lodgeo, U. to wbom was r.ferred hook so much of th.ir report as relat•• to LeEiDgtolI, U. D., b.g lelVe to make the foUolnDg ...port : W. have given the prooeediD~ and By-La.", a. ml')~ careful ezammation, and find that tbe ,""ark is all coned a.d i••..,ord.nce with the L..... cr the G'aDd Lodge. Bllt tho By-Law. In aome reopeoto ar<> objectlo.abl., partiaala.rC, artiele three, section two, wbiob allows an appeal from ~be 1ecislon of the WOl1Jhipful Maater, BM articl. tblrtee., wbloh r.l.tes to tho Cbarity Po.d. Wo wo.ld, therefore. reoomm••d that tho By·Lawsas above be so altered and amendedaaw strike ont8C) much of Bection two, artic!e three, as alloWB an &ppe:al from the deiOi· oion of tho W. 14., and to atrik. out all o( article thirteen, and r_mmend a obarter be granted, "h.. tll..e roqnir<lmonte Or<l complied with !oJ' said Lodg•• Rospootfully snbmltted, JRO. B. Tmllo,•• Roeolved, That tho r.port of Committee o. Lodge, U. D., be ao amondod .. to 01It the _tion of tho B.,. Laws of Lo"ingto. Lodge'permitting ita membem to demit. Totho Moot Worshlpftll Gra.d Lodge of lb. State of Miesourl, The u.deroigoed. Comrnittee of Lodg.s, U. D., to "hom was referred the r.port of D. D. G. M.oter or tho .eve.th Maoonio DIstri.t, ill relation to tho work and proosodiuge of Edina Lodge, U. D., and tho oction of said D. D. G. M. in tho promieos, be~ leave to report, that In th. opi.lon of "oar Committe. the R. W. D. D. MBStor, B. W. B. Camec, in authori'lJlg Edina LOdge, U. D., whioh bad taUod through a mloapprebe.,lo. of th. tim. of the meeting of the Grand Lodge to rotum!to <ilspouoatlon and prooeodi.ge at th.llSt communication, to _lina. to "ark und.r lIB cUoponaallon, did not eBOOed bill oonsUtutlonal pow.rs, or _to any of tho anci.., _geso'Mason'1. Fdina Ledge, U. D., having failod to make rotW'll cf ita dispensation aud work at thie eommunioalloll of th.6. L., and thie Committee being induced to bolieve trom the repr..e.tation. of the R. W. S. W. B. earnelf) that theY have been unable to do 10 throun SOUle unavoidable cause" recommeDd that their diapensation be OODun~ed uta tho n.xt communieallon of th. G. L., unI... lb. D. D. O. M. for that D1striot .halffor good ca... BUBpond th. ...... Rospoetfully snhmitted J. H. Tv1ln.. Bra. Whitoomb, from Committee on Chartered Lodges, made following report on Green. and Taylor ~,

Lodr.'

po,.

.TrOT.

po,

D.,

.trik.

th.

.hie~o~h:,;::~~oF~odG_d Lad of Minourl , 1'_ Committee. to w&om ....... r e r =tho potiti... of eoma of til. m.mbers of Greon and Taylor Ladgea to be "'ted, r.\'Ort that this oobjeot he ,eforrod to tho said Lodges for th.ir notion th.reo., and if they allf"O apen a pin of UII",!" and will eertIfy the ~m" to the G. 111. or IW! d.pnty ill that district, ~d surre.dor th.ir eh~", thai

Jio he aatborisod to grant them a·Wsp.nsatlon to work ""til the next oommunicattoo of the G. L. Providedl that It there he ill either Lodge lOVell ....mbe:ta d.sirona of holding th.1r eharter, tho sam. llha1l not be e1l1'TOnd.rOCl. GJlo. WBIt'OOBll.

- - BoLIO••

The 00m...1ttoo.1l Gri.ftnoo mad. tbe tbllowblg r.port, "hieh w.., on motion, separately adopted. Bro. Craig WI8 .".1IOOd from volin.. ~ th..... or Bro. Boll)', IUlIpOI1doll. !oJ' Savanna LoiIgo. 'l'lI tho Moot Wonhlpfal Gnmd J..odge I _~m~ ~"'u.'.."!~~; t.!l~ aav! ~~~ .~J1!r8 and testimony accompanying tho appeal ol

_ ""y pIIllidlml1lt, UIaof... 1lon!II YloI&tiDg &bo fo~lh rule fa Beo&n ""0, Arlicle _l1Iloon of tht B7Lawa of ~hc Grand Lodge. We tll0r0fore reoommond t.ho following: :a-lved, Thot JohDiOl1 Lod~l No. 86, be, and is hcr.b~ required to ...... a punisbmant due tbe GfI'e.... 011 Jolln Davis, ...d WltU _h pWUSlUl1ent be _e..ed tho said olln Davis.tand .uspended from all tbe priYiles" of

~7Committee

further report, having examined tbe ptoaeedingt and evidence aocom,auyinR it, from Savanna Ledge. 71, relatimll to auspol18lOl1 of Bro. OIl... F. Holly, togetber with biB appe.1 to this Grand Lodge, it appears from aaid prooeediog, tbat the wbole matur of dim... lty had been satisfactorily .djD.ted bet....n Bro. E. A. Donolan. who prefened the cbar~e!, and·Bro. Holly, and this too wit.h the aasistance and approbat.ion of a Special Com~ m,ittee of the Lodge. -NotWlLhJtanding a compa....tivel1 small Dumber of members and at a late bour, iDBt.ead of JUIPOllding fortber action npon said obarge, prooeeded to vo'e npOll tbem, ftnding Bro. Bolly guilt)', .nd ....pend. lug him for ODe year, your Committee are of opinion that the aet of BU8.P8nmon under th~ cireumstancea Wal improper and unjust, and recommend that SavaIlDa Lodge, No.. 71, be requll'ed to reverse itB deoiBioD &Ild dismiss the .wge .geinst Bro. Holly. Your Committee further report that hsving examined the proceedings bad by St. John's Lodge. No. 28. in the eue broagbt by J. P. MoMillan. of DQdley Lodge o~ Loui&ia.na. aga.inst Robert Pratt... transient brother from Inlland, .nd from all tbe f.cI1t .nd testimony to DB aulomitted, are clearly of opinioll that tbe Lodge gave a right80UI decision. . Your Committee on Grievano~ beg le.a.ve Cartber to relJOrt, they have enmined the papen carefully in the appeal of B. H. Pbelps, from tbe deoision of Ridgely Lodge No. 13~, .nd find no r....p ..hy thia Gr'Dd Lodge .bonld not 8Ultatn said L~ge in ber aotioo in expelling said B. B. Phelps, a.ni. offer the following rt?80111tion fur adoption: Re.olved, Tb.t Bro. David Meek, W. M., of Bld&ley Lodge, No, 13~, i •• en'Drable for trying, according to his own admi.aeioDs. to induce the aceused to believe that a fa.lse statement WaB not a lie. In tbe cue of oem plaint of lames McManus against the action of Missouri Lodge, No.1, the Committee find nothing in the papel"S submitted sufficient to justify any aotion of Grand Lodge. ID. the case c8ming \lP informally from thti ~tetary·of Wakand. Lodge, No. 62, in relation to the expulsion of Jolm nendereon, report that tbere is notbing legally before them npon ..hicb this Grand Lodge COD .ct. All of ..bich is r••pcclfolIT .ubmitted, B. E. PXJl:BLES. Chairman.

DANIEL CO}lWA.Y, ISA.AC HUNTER,

WK. H. GOODIN".

The Committe. to wbom was referred the memoriala of Smith and Alban. Lodge., made tbe iotlowinll ...port, wbiah was, on motion, adopted. To tbe Mo.t Woreblpful G",nd Lodge of tbe State of Misronri : 8elect ComButtee, to whom was referred the memorial of Smith Lodge, No. 13, beg leal"&. respectfl1lly to report, that after a careful and frsternal tODsideratioD of the appea.l of the mePlorialists. your Committee can rooommend that all tbe pr.yer be granted. We find, howeve-r, that Smith Lodgo, No. 13, for the honor ond benefit of the craft have involved about twentysix membe1'8 of said Lodge in It debt of nearly fourteen hUDdred. dollars for the erection of a Masonio building and hall. We. therefor., in oopsideration of the public spirit msnifcsted by thoEe brethren, and of their present unfortunate condition, r60Qmmend that the dues of mid LOdge to tlua Grand Lodge for the put year he remitted, aDd that. for the Qurreot year no dUeR shall be levied. We also most respectfully recommend that the name of said Lodge be ohanged from Smith Lodge, NOa 13, in Clay county, t.o Rismg Sun Lodge, No. 13, in Platte County, and that the R. W. Grand Secretary alter the aharter aooordingly. We b.ve also had before u' tbe memorial of Athens Lodge, No. 127, and most re,peetfnlly report, that after a e-nful and fraternal consideration of said last ment.ioned memorial~ your Committee finds tha.t nid Lodge illl in a most unfortunate aDd embarrassing pecuniary cironmstances, resulting mainly from a laudable Masonio spirit w tlnot 80itable building! for MasOD1C purp"Bs. We areoonalrained to recommend tbat £be dUeBof Atben. Lodge, No. 127, for the year 18H .nd 18~~, be and ..e hereby remilled. Your Committ.ee. not entirely WIthout misgiviDge as to tbe principles of this Grand Lodge remitting dUe!~ is yet, aDder the peculiar circumstances of this C&8e, firmly of opinion that it is such a meritorious ca.U aa to be entitled to the relief recommended above. Respectfully, lie., JA8. N. BURl'ES, Ch&irman.

J_o. W. HARRISON, W. M. REYlroLDS.

Bro. Grov.r, agent for the sal. of Scholanhlps of Maooni. College. pr_ted a rcport whicb was read, ...., 011

1II0tiou referred to Committee on Masonic College. 'DIe Grand Lodgo of Missouri was calild irom labor uUI three o'.look this afternoon.

FRlDAY EVIIBL..-9,8 o'clock. The.Grand Lodg. of Missouri .... called to labor by the M. W. Grand MasWT. Grand oflicers at their aBl"eral etations. Proposed amendment to By· La"" read a third time, and ordered to b. printed wilh the proceedingo of Grand Lodge. Bro. Sharp offered the rollowiDg~ which WU, on motion, adopted: B<oolved. Tb.t the Grand Secretary ,b.n, wbenever Warrenton Lodge, No. 137, .pplie. tberefor 8nd paY" to bim theU81laI fee, make out and deliver toE:aid Lodge a. oharter to bear the same date of their old one whicb w88101t. Besolved, That e:a.id WarreD ton Lodge, No. 137, shall be allowed until the next communication of this Grand Lodgo to poy in their Grand Lodge dues. Tbe foll""ing preamble and re..Jlltion wa. offered by Bro. Boothe, and, on motion, adopted. To the Mo,t WorsbipfDI Grand Lodge of Missouri: Wh..... Roah Sturt was, on the 28th day of Deoember last, expelled from all tbe privilege> of maoonry 117 lffllen Lodge, l'fo.101.-Said Stuart being aheent at the tIme of bis trial, nllurned a fe.. d.y. after his expulolon, aDd IlIIr.od aD .ppe.1 in his caso, ..hich was JlT.nted. AflOr taking his appeal to tbi. Grand Lodge, be ""titiODOCl &be H. W. G. H. to .et aside the ....tiOl1 of Groen LodiIe, No. 101, and gr.nt him a ne.. trial, aetting forth .... _ for ...king a ne.. trial that he did no~ wi.h to remain in the St.te unlU tbe .itting.f the Grand Lodge. The Gno.Dd Master granted his reqlleat for a new trial, but said Stuart left the oountry before tbe order of th. G. M ......bed Greell Lodge, alld as tbe By·L.... of tbis G. L. reqllire to give a brother hYing ont of Ibe State eixty : : ::t1:~::~beOC::~~ ~~IG~~tb~~"r:r. Lodge did Dot act 111 tbiB, booause there w... DOt time to give __Ived, TIlal Green ~l£O' No. 101, be reqDlred to proceed ...d try aai4 St.... again, in -.Iuee w1tb th of ~e JIrL W. Gna4 MllIIter.

_If

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

port to the Grand Lodge, before its adjournment, the bond of our R. W. Grand Treasurer, with a view to placing in that officer's hands, without dela)路, the balance of funds of this Grand Lodge, now in the hands of our R. W. Past Grand Treasurer, and also of our R. W. Grand Secretary. Regarding the funds of this Grand LoJge as a s~cred trust to its officers, our zeal for their security will be the more readily appreciated, and, if necessary, pardoned. All of which is respectfully submitted. HENRY E. V AN OSDELL, Chairman. JAS. H. BIRCH, Jr., JAS. N. BURNES. The By-Laws for Government of Masonic College was read a second time, and ordered to a third reading to-morrow. The Report of the Committee on the Memorial of Old Board of Curators was received, and, on motion, made the special order for this evening. Bro. Van Osdell, from Committee on Donation of Bro. J. W. Leonard, New "York, made the following Report, which was, on motion, adopted: To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge: The Select Committee, to whom was referred the Donation of Bro. J. W. Leonard, of New York, of the follow in/!: Masonic Works: Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry, Symbol of Glory, and Spirit of Masonry, beg leave, very respectfully, to report, that they have examined the above named Works, and find they possess a vast amount of most valuable Masonic information; and would recommend the following: Resolved, That the thanks of this M. W. Grand Lodge be tendered to Bro. J. W. Leonard, for his valuable Gift, and would recommend them to the favorable consideration of the Brethren of this jurisdiction. All of which is very respectfully submitted. HENRY E. VAN OSDELL, S. W. B. CARNEGY. Bro. Foster offered the following, which was, on motion, adopted. Resolved, That hereafter, and until otherwise ordered by the Grand . Lodge, the Grand Officers shall be ch(lsen on the morning- of the third day of the f:ession, but shall not be installed into their offices until all other business before the Grand .Lodge has been entirely disposed of' -which said installation shall close the Masonic year.

100

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

The Grand Master added to the Committee on the CollE."ge the fol. lowing Brethren, J. M. HUGHES, GEO. PETTIT, BENJ. SHARP, The following Report of the College Fund Commissioners was read and referred to the Committee on the College. Messrs. A. J. COONS, J. B. ALLEN, and J. ROWE, ) College Fund Commissioners, f In account with the M. \V. G. Lodge of Mo. To balance, as per Report of 1854, $1,773 92 To Interest collected, E. Dobyns' Note, 37 21 " "(bal.) Wm. Stacey's Note, 130 00

COYTR ....

By balance due on Note of Wm. Stacey, $1,400 00 372 13 " Note of E. Dobyns, " Cash in the hands of J. Rowe, the Treasurer of said Board, 169 vO

- - - $ 1,941 13 Respectfully submittedl

JOSEPH ROWE,

Treas. of Board of C. F. C. Report of Board of Endowment Fund Commissioners rEad, as follows, and referred to a similar Committee: To the Most W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The undersigned, the Board of Endowment Fund Commissioners, for the Masonic College, beg leave to submit the following Report: To Cash, Endowment, on hand, last report, $ 328 75 u Interest, "" 136 00 " Received 011 Endowment, since, 928 00 " " " Interest, " 1,665 67 $3,058 42 Jan. 5, 1854, By Endowment loaned W. P. BoulWilre, $500 00 Dec. 26, 1854, By Endowment loaned A. Patterson, 500 00 By C~sh, Interest paid Board of CuratOTll 1,801 67 By Balance Endowment on hand, 256 75

---$3,058 42

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

101

The Board have received in addition, since their last Report, the fonowing Notes from the College Agent: - $300 00 April 25, 1853. Littleby Williamson, 300 00 " 30," Bp.acon Lodge, 300 00 May 10," Canton" 300 00 Sep. 13," D. R. Parsons, 300 00 Oct. 22, 1852. Stephen Stafford, 50 00 May 12, 1855. Charles Sterne, 18 00 " " " Stephen Staffurd, 2500 " " ÂŤ Same, 50 00 " " " Thos. G. Dobbins, 300 00 3," Taylor Lo(lge No.5, " $1,943 00 WM. P. BOULWARE, Secretary R. E. F. Commissioners. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until eight o'clock this evening. Respectfully submitted,

FRIDA y EVENHW, 8 o'clock The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the R. W. D. G. Mastel'. Grand Officers at their several stations. A response from Old Board of Curators was read, when a Report of Committee on said Memorial, together with cerlain Resolutions offered by Bro. Fosler, was read, received and adopted. The Grnnd Lodge of Missonri was called from labor until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. SA TURD A y MORNING, 8 o'clock.

The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the R. W. D. Grand Mastcr. Grand Officers at their several stations. The miniltes of yesterday's proceedings were read and approved". The following Resolution was offered by Bro. Chenoweth, which was, on motion, adopted: Resolved, That the slim of one hundred dollars be appropriated to the Grand Secretary (in addition to his regular salary), as a remuneration for his services in going to Lexington, and other extra duties

102

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

performed by him, in accordance with the order of the M. W. Grand Master. The Code of By-Laws for the Government of Masonic College, was, on motion of Bro. Carnegy, referred to Bro. A. Patterson, and others, with instructions to report said By-Laws on the first day of next Annual Communication. The Committee on " Work an"d Lectures," made a Report, which was, on motion, re-committed l with instructions to Report on the first day of next Annual Communication. Bro. Van Osdell offered the following, which was, en moHon, adopted: Resolved, That R. W. Grand Secretary cause one thousand copies of the proceedings of the present Communication to be printed, and that he furnish each Subordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction ot this Grand Lodge, with a suitable number of copies. Bro. Carnegy, from Committee all College, made the following Report, which was, on motion, adopted: To the M. "IV. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The undersigned, a Committee upon the Masonic College of Missouri, appointed by the M. W. G. Masler, have had the various subje~ts submitted to them, under consideration. They have bestowed their best reflections on the various suggestions presented, and submit the following Report: Your Committee have had referred to them the Annual Report of your Board of Curators for the College. From this Report, it i~ apparent that the Brethren (Curators) have given due attention to the great interests and duties which devolved upon them. Your Committee, from this Report, receives assurances that the College, in its various departments, is in a healthy and prosperous condition-moving on silently unostentatiously-yet efficiently, safely and profitably-in its glorious purpose. That its faculty have proven themselves faithful, efficient and true, to the transcendantly momentous duties devolving upon them, dispelling the clouds of ignorance, illuminating the understanding, and drawing out the mind of :youth and trainin~ it to virtuous and useful development-the excellent fruits of whose labors, as evinced in the truly exemplary conduct of the Students-their ardent love of study-cheerful obedience to the rules of the College, and of gocd morals, (which we beg leave to comme:l.d in the strongest terms) is the highest and surest testimony which could be presented to our understandings and our judgment,

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

103

and is conclusive-proving, beyond cavil, that the G. L. and Fraternity are able to conduct and sustail) an Institution of Learning. The efficiency and prosflerity of tht' School is a source of the most pleasing reflection to every true路hearted Maso~-to every true-hearted man-and prove f,hat doubts, cavils, suspicions, and fears, as to the result of the enterprize ought no 10ngeJ' to find place in the mind of any. Let no one, therefore, henceforth go about with expressions calculatE'd to dampen the ardour and pamlyze the exertions of such as labor in confidence and hope; but, rather fall into the noble band of Brothers, who, through evil as well as A'ood report, have stood up in its bellalf, and through every difficulty and discouragement, succeeded in thus perfectin'g its consummation. The manner of organizing the Faculty of the College has been much disclls~ed and duly considered. Some Brothers have thought that we could get on well without filling the office of President; but your CommiU~e have come to a different conclusion, and submit that a Faculty must ever be less efficient and less harmonious, without, than with, the control and aid of that officer. The School becl.mes, apparently, of less dignity, and subordina:ion to rules, orders, and discipline, finds a less imperative authority. But your Committee have neither time nor space to present all the arguments in favor of filling that Chair at once: it will neither increase the expenses nor number of Professors; and they offer the following Resolutions and recommend their adoption: Resolved, That the Grand Lodge proceed;'at its present convocation, to elect a Brother to lhe office of President of the Masonic Col. lege of Missouri, with a salary of'twelve hundred dollars per annum, and two Professors, with a salary of one thousand dollars per annum, ewh. ' Resolved, That the Board of Curators have power, at the request of the President of the College, to elect lind employ an Adjunct, to assist in the Preparatory Department of the College, at a salary of not more than four hundred dollars per annum. Those recommendations are made because of the present pressure in the monetary affairs of the country, and the large expenditures indispensably necessary to enable the G. L. to keep faith with former engagements, and free herself from the temporary embarrassments thrown upon her, and for an explicit statement of which your Committee refer to the Grand Master's Address and the Report of the Curators. This state of our affairs would, at first examination, appear oppress-

104

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

ive, to some, e~pecially those who have ever looked upon the enterprize with disfavor; but when we contemplate also the large extent of present resource., the difficulty dwindles into compnrative ins;gnificance. Your Committee have not the requisite information, before them, by which to make up :m explicit statement of the exact financial condition of the various educational funds of the G. L; enough, however, is known to state, in general terms, that the annual income from those funds is ampl)' snfficient to meet every demand arising frem the business of conduc:ing education on the plan above proposed. Those funds, thus arising, and set apart for this purpose, are not now all paid in, but your Commi:tee have confidence that they will be paid in in reasonable time, and it is believed that there are ample me8ns in hand, and due, to meet every present demand against the G. L., for expenses accruing for providing education. The fund specially set apart for the maintenance and education of Orphans, is not yet adequate to the demands upon it; it is, however, increasing in amount, every year, and ere long may be sufficient to afford all the aid relluired. On this subject, and as to the condition and number of this class of Studen~s, your Cummittee refer the G. L. to the excellent and explicit Report of Bro. Patterson, appended 10 the Report of the College Curators; and your Committee, in like manner, refer the G. L. to the Report of the Committee on Ways and Means, for an explicit account of the several funds of the G. L., their amounts, availability, &c.; and when all shall be known, )'our Committee are satisfied that no reasonable doub's can long-er exist of our entire success. Soon, very soon, our liabilities will all be wiped out, and the sums arising an11l13l1y from our educational funds, be amply sufficient to mpet every accruing demand, 'without calling upon our Brethren for the adVal}Cement of a dollar more. The subject of increasing the salaries of the members of our Faculty, respectively, has been brought to the notice of this Committee, and they would all be glad if the situation of the G. L. weTe such as to eEable your Committee to look upon the proposition with favor, but such is not the case, as they well know, or may see, by an examination of the subject. True, provisions and cost of living are of high price, but we must call upon those Brothers to submit, with the rest of us, to the privations incident upon a dispensation of Providenoe, and to remember that the very cause of this additional expense of living, disables the rest of us, in some degree, from compliance with that recommendation;

105

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

------------------

and your Committee will not permit thpmselvps to doubt, that those ardent friends of the College, and the cause, will cheerfully submit to the privations of small w,lges, until such time as our abili'y may be such as to respond in a proper manner to all reasonable demands of this charactcr. And for the rt'asons above alluded to, it is hoped that the Board of Curators m::lY he enabled to obtain the requisite assistance in lceepillg their Rpcords, without aL1ditional expense; but if they find they cannot Go so, your Committee rrcornrnrnd that a small sum be allowed for that object; :md tllcr off.::r the following resolution on the subject: Resolved, That the Curators be and they are hereby authorized to pay to their Secre:ary, out of any money in their hands, not otherwise appropriated, an annual s3]ary not exceedillg one hundrcd dolh\r~. On the subj:>ct of' Laws for the G0vernment of the College, your Commill.ee recommend the followi1'g Resolution: Resolved, That the Board of Curators, togethor with the Facul'y, shall have power, for d:e time beil'g, to enact and enforce all necessary rules, Jaws and rt-g"t,hitions, for the government al~d control of the College Facul:y, their own Board, and the Students reciting in iL; and also for the pussession, occupation, safety nnd improvement of the College, lands, buildings, and property belonging to tLe G. L., at Lexington; provided, tklt they shll pass no law in derogation of the ByLaws now in force. S. \V. B. CARNF.GY, GEORGE PETTIT, N. WALL, Committee. O. H. P. CRAIG,

ALEX.

D,lUGLAS.

)

On motion of Bro. Carnegy, t1;o Grand Lo;lge proceeded to Ole election of a President of Ma,onic College, which re.ulted in the election of Bro. Wm. T. DiWis to tbat office. On motion of Bro. Carnegy, the election of Professors was referred to the Board of Curators; as was also the arrangement of the Faculty of the Masonic Colleg-e. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called from labor until three o'clock this afternoon. SIoTURDAY AFTERNOON, 3 o'clock. The Grand Lodge of Missouri was called to labor by the M. W. Grand Master. Grand Officers at their several stations. The Committee on Lodges U. D. made an additional Report,

106

GRA~m

LODGE A. P. A. MASONS

as follows, on Leavenworth Lodge U. D., which was, on motion, adopted: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The Committee on Lodges, U. D., respectfully Report that they have examined the work and proceedings of Leavenworth Lodge U. D. Kansas Territory, and find the same, to a great extent, informal and irregular; yet your Commiltee beirg satisfied tAat the Officers of said Lodge are capable of the very best work, and that the errors al. luded to, are more the fault of the Secretary than of the other officers, your Committee recommend that a Charter be granted to said Lodge, under the name of Leavenworth Lodge, Kansas Territory. Respectfully submitted, JNO. H. TURHR, Chairman. The Revort of Committee on Memorial of Old Roard of Curators, together with Bro. Foster's Resolutions, wei e, on motion of Bro. Chenoweth. re-committed. Bro. Garlichs presen~ed the following Memorial, which, together with the accompanying Resolution, was adopted: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of Missouri: The unde~signed would most respectfully represent that, during the year 1853, charges were preferred in Liberty Lodge No. 31, against Wm. H. McKowan-that an ex parte trial wa~ had in said case,without giving to defendant any due notice of such charges being pending against him; that the Lodge IVas derelict in her duty, in not proceeding in the trial, according to law; that the evidence in the case was not taken down in writing; that the residence of W. H. McKowan, which is San Francisco, California, was known on the day of the trial to some of the members of the Lodge, and should, therefore, have been deferred, and he should have been notified of the charges pending, and 0. copy of the same be sent to him; that he was expelled frum all the privileges of Masonry, without giving defendant a chance to be heard; and, whereas, "V. H. McKowan has addressed a letter to the undersigned, in the most respectful and feeling terms, in regard to said expulsion j thet efore, Resolved, That Liberty LQdge No. 31, having expelled Bro. Wm. H. McKowan, a Master Mason, and member of said Lodge, without notice, the same is void and of no effect, and the said Brother is hereb)' restored to all rights and privileges as a M. M. All of which is most respectfully submitted.

A. H.

GARLICHS.

The Report of the Special Committee on Memorial of Old Board of Curators, as amended, was adopted, as follows:

OF TIlE STATE OF MISSOURI.

107

[Bro. Foster's Resolutions, accompanying the same, were laid on the table.] To the M. W. the G. L. of the State of Missouri: The Special Committee to whom was referred the response of Bros. Edward Windsor, G. 'VIl. Shewalter, C. R. Moorehead, Wm. J. Pigott, J. C. Reinehard, R. M. Henderson, Wm. T. Wood, F. C. Sharp, and Car(;y W Lt\mbeth, have had the same under consideration, and submit the following Report: That, after the time necessarily employed in reading the lenr;thy paper (consisting of more than thirty pages) there is not left to your Committee (consistent with other pressing duties here) space for all that the various subjects, in the response contRined, would demand. They (the respondents) complain of the ac~ion of the Grand Lodr;e last year, had in reference to certain statements contained in their Memorial, as found on page 67 of the proceedings had that year. Those statements were certainly of a grave character, and unexplained, and the facts on which they were based being wholly unknown, and not adverted to in the Memorial, might justly demand by a Fraternity, sensitively jealous of their character, some explanation. Charges of this kind should seldom be made, and never without specifying the persons alluded to, which being there omitted, was properly adverted to as erroneous. The re:;ponde.nts promptly obeyed the order of the G. L., in obeying the notice to attend upon the G. M., and designate the persons referred to by them, in the above mentioned allegations. The respondents submitted the names of Bros. Cornwell, Grover and Patterson, as the persons to whom they alluded in the allegations referred to, and proceeded, in their answer, to specify at great length the acts and words of each of those Brothers, as the grounds for those reflections. Your Committee, anxiously desirous to render strict justice alike to all, caused those Brethren to come before them, to listen to the reading of the answer, and to submit sHch remarks and explanations of the acts complained of, as they might think just. The Committee learn from the said answer that the allegations set forth, last year, in reference to the acts of those Brethren, were made without allY intention on their part to impugn the motives of those Brethren, and had reference only to the fact and the effect of those acts. If this just, generous and explanatory remark had accompanied the allegations, unintentionally omitted by them, your Committee are sure no action of the G. L., like that complained of by the

108

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

Memorialists, would ever have existed; and heart-burning-s would neyer have prevailed-!he kind fraternal soul-clleering influences of Brotherly loye had never been arrested, nor the proud, noble and glorious School, reared and fostered by those Brothers, had never groaned under the influences arising out of mere mistake, misapprehension of motive, or result, or forgetfulness. The more your Committee have examined and learned respecting the actions of all the Brethren referred to in the premises, as well the res pondents as the three Brelhren named by them, the more they ad. mire, and the more they wnuld laud, the actions of each of the parties concerned; and your Committee s'ubmit that such, in their opinion, ought to be, and will be, the calm, deliberate judgment of the world, when the motives of all, as well as their acls, shall be fully understood. The Committee on the College, last yenr, in their Report, expressed the opinion that the Curators (respondent s) had not a legal claim ngainsl the G. L. for a portion of the demand set up for erecting the boarding-house. That. question, since that period, has becn legally adjudicated, anrI the question decided, and the legal liability of the G. L., upon that demand, fully established. This demand, however, by the same authoriy, was denolllinated as one of high moral diglllty, one (whether legal or not) which ought to be paicl promp ly and wi'.h pleasure; and your Cummittee now would reiterate the same sel1ti~el1t, and offer this additional evidence oE the unequivocal recogni~ion and sr\l1ctiol1 cf that demand by the G. L. Such is a condensed view of the whole subject, as the same appears to your Committee; and YOllr Committee respectfully, fraternally, and affect.ionately suggest to those immediately concerned herein, as wdl as to all, that we often e"pect too much from our Brethren-often set up a~ a standard, by which the conduct of others is to be aojudgcd, entirely too high for poor fr;jl humanity, though improyed and embellished by all Masonic knowledge. II becomes us all to seek and succeed first in casting out [he beam in ollr own eye before we intermeddle wi:h 1he mote in our Brother',s t>ye-first see that our own is square work before we harshly censure the skill of others. Our own happiness, prosperity and peace will ever be in exact proportion to the amount of the feelings of friendship and brotherly love which pervade our bosoms. Let us all, therefore, lay aside those weights that mar our journey, lessen our usefulness. and intercept our pleasure; and rising high above the errors, petulencies and trifles of life, go on in the glorious enterprizes; the accomplishment of which is the anx路

-------

OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI.

109

ious wish and ardent hope of every true friend of Masonry and of man. Respectfully submitted. S. W. B. CARNEGY, ~ JNO. D. DAGGETT, Committee.

W. M.

REYIICLDB.

The Committee on Ways and Means made the following Report, which was, on motion, adopted: To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri: The Committee on Ways and Means Fraternally Report, that from the Report of the Board of the College, they find the liabilities of the Grand Lodge to be as follows: $3,806 25 Amount due Faculty for salaries, Balance for Loarding-house and other improvements, 5,439 86 Due S. F. Currie, for board, &c., of Beneficiaries, 503 77 Totalliabil~ties, $9,94988 The Committee find the resources to be a-s follows: Due on loan to Bro. G. H. C. Melody, $354 00 Balance due from T. T. Ashby, Agent, 323 31 " in hands of G. Treasurer J. Foster, 1,75R 71 " in hands of G. Secretary O'Sullivan, 4,358 38 Cash in hands of College Fund Commissioners, 169 00 Cash in hands of Board of Curators, 138 50 Total resources, --$7,101 90 From which deduct, as unavailable at present, 2,436 02

Amount actually available in cash, From which deduct incidental expenses of present Communication and G. Secretary's salary,

- $ 4,665 88 621 00

Balance in cash, - $ 4,044 88 Which, deducted from amount of liabilities, leaves $ 5,905 00 amount to be provided for, For the payment of which your Committee recommend that the amount of Library and Apparatus Fund, in the hands of the Board of Curators be appropriated, which is $2,100. We also recommend that the Board of College Fund Commissioners be disbanded, and that the funds in their hands, amounting, as per their Report, to $1,941 13, be applied to the same object. It is estimated, that from the twentyfive Lodges, owning Scholarships, that have not paid up the interest, there will be collected, during the year, say, $450, which, with the

110

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

resources above indicated, will be sufficient to meet the entire liabilities. H is further respectfully and fraternally recommended, that, in the contingency of any of the above indicated resources turning out to be unavailable, the M. W. G. Master be authorized 10 make such loans, on mortgage of the College property, as may be necessary to meet the demands for which the said property is now mortgaged, whon they become due. All of which is fraternally submitted. A PATTERSON, ~ Committee. H. E. PEEBLES. ~ The Select Committee to whom was referred the selection of Curators 1'01' the Masonic College, made the following Report, which was, on motion, adopted; and the Brethren whose names are rr..entioned in said Report, elected Members of the Board for the ensuing two years: To the Most W onhipful Grand Lodge of Missouri: The Select Committee appointed to recommend suitable Brethren for Curators in Masonic College, have given the subjed due consideration, and recommend the following Brothers for the Board of Curators of Masonic College: M. W. L. 8. Cornwell, Columbus, R. W. O. F. Potter, Arrow Rock, " H. E. ,ran Osdell, Liberty, " D. P. Wallingford, Weston, Bro. John Williams, Lexington, " Wm. Hunter, " " " R. B. Bradford, " B. F. Wallace, Independence, " John Lewis, Saline COUI1lY, " Stephen Stafford. Carroll County. " A. M. Tutt, Clinton, " John H. Turner, Glasgow. All of which is respectfully submitted. B. W. GROVER, JOHN

HOUSTON.

Bro. Daggett offered the following, which was, on motion, adopted: Resolved, That the several Lodges chartered and under dis pensation, who have failed to make returns at this Grand Communication, be required to do so without delay. The M. W. Grand Master made the following appointments:

OF THE STATE OF MISSCURI.

111

R. W. Jomr S. TISDELL, D. D. G. M.-Savannah.

District No. I.-Composed of Atchison, Nodaway, Hillt and Andrew counties.

R. W. JAS. N. BURlHS, D. D. G. M.-Weston. No. 2.-Composed of Buchanan, Platte, De Kalb and

Di.~trict

Gentry counties. R. W. HENRY E. V AN OSDELL.-D. D. G. M.-Liberty. District No. S.-Composed of Clay and Clinton counties.

R. W. JOHN F. HOUSTON.-D. D. G. M.-Carrollton. District No. 4.-Composed of Caldwell, Ray'and Carroll counties.

R. W. JAMES McFERRE~, D. D. G. M.-Gallatin. District No. 5.-Composed of Harrison, Mercer, Grundy and Davis counties. R. W. R. H. DICKEY, D. D. G. M.-Brunswick.

District No. 6.-Composed of Chariton, Sullivan, Adair and Livingston counties. R. W. H. M. GORIN, D. D. G.M.-Memphis. District No. 7.-Composed of Schuyler, Scotland, Clark, Knox, Lewis and Putnam counties. R. W. JOHN H. TURNER, D. D. G. M.-Glasgow. District No. 8.-Composedof Macon, Howard and Linn counties. R. W. JOHN RALLS, D. D. G. M.-New London.

District No. g.-Composed of Shelby, Marion, Monroe and Ralls

counties. R. W. M. H. McFuUND, D. D. G. M.-Louisville. District No. 1O.-Composed of L~ncoln and Pike counties.

R. W. PRIESTLEY H. McBRIDE, D. D. G. M.-Columbia. D路istrict No. n.-Composed of Boone, Audrain and Callaway counties.

R. W. BENJ. W. SHARP, D. D. G. M.-DanviUe. District No. 12.-Composed of Montgomery, Warren and St. Charles counties.

GRAND LODGE A. F. A. MASONS

112

R. '\V. CYRUS OSBORNE, D. D. G. M.-Wellington. District No. 13.-Composed of Jackson and Lafayette counties. R. W. B. E. Morrow, D. D. G. M.-Columbus. District No. 14.-Composed of Johnson, Cass and Bates counties R. W. OSCAR F. POTTER, D. G. M.-Arrow Rock.

District No. 15.-Composed of Saline, Peltis, Cooper :-nd Moniteau counties. R. W. A. M. To-TT, D. D. G. M.-Clinton.

District Jfo. 16.-Composed of Henry, Hickory, Benton and St. Clair counties.

R. W. THOMAS JOHNSON, D. D. G. M.-Neosho. District No. 17.--Composed of Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Seneca, Lawrence, Barry and Cedar counties. R. W. W. R. LA.THIM, D. D. G. M.-Greenfield.

District No. IS.-Composed of Dade, Green, Polk, Dallas, Stone, Taney and Laclede. R. W. THOMAS MONROE, D. D. G. M.-Versnilles.

Disf1ict No. 19.-Composed of Morgan, Camden, Miller, Cole and Osage

countie~.

R. W. A. METCALF, D. D. G. M.-Steelville. District .,vo. 20.-Composed of Gasconade, Crawford, Pulaski, Dent, Wright, Texas, Ozark and Oregon counties. R. ""V. G. GEO. PETTIT, D. D. G. M.-Commerce.

Diytrict No. 21.-Composed of Scott, Mississippi, Pemiscott, Dunk. lin, New Madrid, Butler and Ripley counties.

R. W. J. H. WILSON, D. D. G. M.-Near Cape Girardeau. District No. 22.-Composed of Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds and Shannon counties. R. W. LEWIS T. PIMM, D. D.

<:r.

M.-Farmington.

District No. 23.-Composed of Jefferson, Washington, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties.

113

OF THE STATE OF MISSCURI.

R. W. JOHN W. LUKE, D. D.G. M.-St. Louis.

District No. 24.-Composetl of St. Louis cily and county and Franklin county. R. W. JOAB HOUGHTON,D. D. G. M.-Santa Fe. District No. 25.-Composed of New Mexico. GRAND LECTURER. R. W. A. O'SULLIVAN. GRAND CHAPLAINS. Rev. A. V. C. SCHENCK,

" J. F. " J. B. " II

R. D.

TRUSLOW,

WRIGHT, MORROW,

JAMES E. DRAKE, JOHN G. FACKLER.

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. JOSEPH FOSTER, P. DRAPER, GEO. WHITCOMB. Bro. Van Osdell offered the fOllowing, which were adopted: Resolved, That Rt. W. Bro. Charles Levy, Assistant Grand Secretary, be allowed thirty dollars for his services during the present Communication. Resolved; That the Grand Tyler be allowed forty dollars for his services during the present Communication. Bro. Peebles offered the following, which was on motion adopted: Resolved, That the College Fund- Comtnis~ioners be required to pay over to the Grand Treasurer all monies and assets in their hands belonging to the Grand Lodge, immediately. After the reading of the minutes and their approval, no Iurther business appearing, the Grand Lodge of Missouri was closed in ample form. A. O'SULLIVAN, Grand Secretary.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE

BY -LAWS. Amend the 13th Section of the 4th Article of the By-Laws, by adding: "And prol'ided further that when ever the whole amount of such Scholar~hip shall have been paid by any Subordinate Lodge, the Grand Lodge shall loan the money out, or invest the same in bonds of the State of Missouri, or such other bonds as may be deemed advisable, and EUch Lodges as may have paid in the whole amount of their Scholarships sh,tll thereafter be relieved from the payment of One Dollar for each De.c;ree conferred, as now required."

~~~~---~-

APPENDIX.

118

APPENDIX.

The following Table is maae in accordance with the requirements of Section 10, .flrticle 10, page 20, "Book of Constitutions," Grand Lodge Missouri, for year 1854. ..0 ~

Names.

No.

....'8

I Mi~souri, 2 lMeridian, 3IBe~con, . 4 Howard, 5raY10r, . 6 Ark, . 7 Grover, . . • • mi=,bU% • . 9 George Washington, 10 Chapel Hill, . . I1lPauldingville, 12 Tyro,. , . · 13 Smith, . . 14 Auburn,. • 15iCentral,. . 16;Memphis, . 171 Clarksville, . 18!Palmyra,. . 191Paris Union, 20;St. Louis, 211New London, · 22lWellingtoD, 23iFlorida,. . 24 Wyaconda, 25iNaphtali, : 26 l Mexico, . 28 iSt. Johns, 29 lOsage, . 30 l Huntsville, 31lLiberty, . 321 Lafayette, 33\RallS, . 34 Troy, . 35 Mercer, • 36 Cooper, • • . 38 Graham, . . 39 TUll Y, • • . 40 Mount Moriah, 41 IBolivar, • . •

· ··

8Iw

· ·

·· ·

13 7 1 12 6

· ··

· · ·

]3 11 8 4 13 7

·· · · ·· ·· · · · ·· · · · ··· ·· ··

4 3 11 2 6 13 4

21 19 4 12 4 1 6 1 1 7 17 20 5 1 10 10

'"0

-0

'"'"

'" "8

0..

~ Os '"0 -<

- - -- - 6 8 8 4 14 6 1 13 6

9 7 11 4 1 10 4 3 10 3 20 20 4 11

5 2 2 13 2 1 4 15 18

7 5 3 14 6 1 10

1 2 2 2 2

4 3 9 3 20 19 7 10 6 2 2 3 7 2

5 1

4 14 15 5 1

6 8

5 9

i=I

--1 2

5 1 1 2 4

'"0 '3 i:'S"' E-; -- -0

1 2

1 1

2 1

Ij I 1 7

7 7

-c

4 2 1 2 2 2 2 3 3

3 4 4 3 3 2

1 2 1

1 2 6 2 5 2 2 4

3 1

1 2 5

4 7

5 1 2 2 1 8

64 35 32 25 50 12 27 33 50 13 28 24 34 32 31 46 22 38 31 53 22 45 29 24 65 21 38 9 31 43 53 12 25 29 64 21 13 23 34

119

APPENDIX.

Continued. ...0Ql No.

."! ."8 .....

Names.

42 Middle Grove, • 43 Jefferson City, 44 Rochester, • • 45 Bonhomme, 46 Martha Washington, . 47 Fayette,. . • . • 48 Fulton, . . 51 Livingston, . 52 Wakanda, . 53 Weston, . 54 Douglass, 55 Arrow Rock, 56 Platte, 57 Richmond, 58 Monticello, 61 Osceola, . 64 Landmark, 67 Rocheport, 68 Tebo, . 69 Alexandria, • 71 Savannah, 72 Dallville, 73 Eureka, • 74 Warren, 75 Ashley, • 76 Independence, . 77 Lebanon, 79 Polar Star, 80 Bridgeton, 81 Neosho, . 82 Jackson, 85 Johnson, 86 Mitchell, • 87lWashington, 88 0live Branch, 89 Friendship,

· ·

·· · · ·· · ·

·· ·

9T,""i" . . 1

91 Madison, . 92 Perseverance, 93 St. Marks, • 951Acacia, • • 961St. Andrews,

· · · · · · · ·· · · ··· ·· · · ·. ·· ·· ·· · · · · · · · · · ··

1 3 7 6

· ·

· ~

· ··· · ·

·· ·

9 18 7 2 7 1 6 13 11 26 3 3

"Cl

...0 Ql <Il ."

r:e

13 6 2 7 1 9 9 7 25

2 3 12 1 3 7 6 5 2 5 19 1 3 1 13 6 8 8 18 1 2 1 7

8 3 1 4 5

8 2 1 3 5

p:;'"

.... Ql

...0.,

:::l

"f ·s., "Cl

...0.,

----2 - - --1 7 9

2 5 21 1 3 8 1 15 7 14 4 19 1 2 1 7

...0 .,

8 6 2 6 1 10 8 8 22 2 10 1

3 2 3 1 4 3 2 4

1 3 5

6 2

5 23 1 3 8 1 13 8 3 7 18 1 1 1 7 1 7 3 1 2

5 2 5

1 1 1 4 2 1 2 8 3 3 1 1 3 3

3 4 1 5 1

1 1 1

~ 47

59 25 11 31 25 56

6 11

31 64 105 9 34 55 46 30 35 49 27 22 19 62 16 33 55 10 51

4 4 2

1 4 1 4 7 6 1 1 2 3

3 4

62 25

69 23

35 38 24 30 37 33 32 38 19 35

2 1 1

4 5 3 1

1 1

120

APPENDIX.

Continued.

.0'Il

No,

Names.

li '"c:l i=-<

.0Cl.l '" 'C;; P::

.'"~ 'Il

'" <1

-- -- -- --- ----------9 Mt. Vernon, 10 12 99 100 C"nton, lOt Greene, . 102 Bloomington, 103 Carth,'ge, 104 Heroine, • 105 Relief, 106 Miami, 107 Golden Sq'nare, lO8 New Madrid, 109 Montezuma, 110 Marcus, . 111 Trenton, ' 112 Ezel, . 113 Plattsburg, 114 Waverly, 115 "ibley, ' 116 Daviegs, ' 117 Versailles, 118 Hiram, 119 Foster, 120 Compass, · 121 Erwin, · Hermann, 123 · 125 Gentryville, · • 127 Athens" 128 Kirksville, 129 ('onstantine, 131 Potosi, 132 Farmington, 133 Star of the West, 134 Sarcoxie, " 135 Ridgely, . 136 Phcenix,

·· · · ·

· · · ·· ·

·· ·· · · · ·

. .

· '.

· · · · · · ·· ·

· ·

··

Total,

· ·· · ··

· · ·

3 10

5 1 1 3

3 12 8 1 1 14 2 8 4 6 5 7 10 9

3 10 5 3 1 12 3 6 5 5 8 7 7

3 1 11 4 6 3 7 5 7 6 6

9 2 5 16 2 7 15 1 7

5 2 6 13 2 7 17

4 2 5 9 1 7 13

4 4 1

12 3 13 8 3 6 2

6 14 9 3 6 3

4 12 6 3 6 1

· :-: 7871707 672

.0'Il ..... .-::: S <ll

'"Eo<"0 a -----4 4 6 2

13 2

3 1 4 1 2

10 1 3 1 2

1 2

3 1

'Il

1 4 4 3

....;

1 2

05 1 1

196 )281

2R 17 34 52 17 24

4 4

27 36 30 ~6 ~3

4 1 2 4 5

7 4 5 1

43 26 56 05 25 15 55 27 71 37

1 1

]6 13 39 27 43 24 24 46 27 33

---54 4014

]21

APPENDU.

Grand Lodge of Missouri for the Year 1855.

-d<I)

--I Missouri,

10 9 4 5 14 4

· · · · ·

· · ·

· ·

·· · ··· ·

· ·· ·· · · · · ·· · · · · · ·

-d

....

2 Meridian, 3 Beacon, 4 Howard, . 5 TayloT, 6 Ark, · 7 Grover, 8 Willinmsburg',. • • 9 George WashiDgtoD, • 11 Pauldingville, • . . 12 Tyro, . 13 Smith, · 14 Auburn, . · 15 Central, 16 Memphis, • 17IClarksville, • 18 Palmyra, 19 Paris Unioll, I Louis, . 20,St. 22 W l' llington•• 24 1Wyaconda, • 25 1Naph1ah, 26 1Mexico, • 28 1St. J OhD, · 29 Osage, . 30 Huntsville, 31 Liberty, • 3:2 Lafayette, 33 IbJls,. • 34 Troy,. • · 35 Mercer, . il6 r Cooper, • l 38Graham, • · 89 Tully,. . . • 40 Mount Moriah,. 41 Bolivar, 42 Middle Grove, . 43 Jefferson City, . 44 Rochester, . . · 4b Bonhornme,. . . 40 Martha Washington, 48,Fu1tOll, . . • •

.·

"ti

"ti <I)

<I)

.£ '"''"" 0(:1'"'" ·S .§ -d., "2"0 'S ~ E-l P::: ~ ...... -- - - -- --<- -- - - -2

Names.

No.

"'C

·· ·· ·· ·· , ·· .

6 11 3 15 7 14 3 2 4 9 12 6 23 1 5 4 10 1 2 3 18 15 10 5 1 7

9 6

6 7 1 4

1 8 5 10 4 12 4 12 1

2 4 6 8 2 14 6 10

1 18 13 8 3 1

6 10 7 5

8 11 6

1 9

5 3

1 6

2 12

2 4

2 5

4 4

2 5 1 1 2 2 6

7 4 2 10 5 1 9 2 1 16 11 12 3 1 8 8 4

8 8

13 8

13 4

13 3

9 8 8

3 6 4

2 5 4 1 3 12 ~

1 3 3 3 3 1 1 4 2

46 25 34 36 34 ~9

45 18 45 87

1 2

I 15

1 12 7

5 9 3 3

5 8

47 39 22

4 2 7

36 34 31 58 18 29 39

19 40 10 32 23 36 13 43 32 61 25 14 24 41 41 57

25 2 2

18 31

122

APPENDIX.

Grand Lodge of Missouri for the Year 1855. 0,:;

No.

Names.

'S .....

'.0

III

· ·

5 5

· · · · · · · · ·

· ·

· ·· ·· ·· · · · ·· ··· · ·· · ·· · ·

-d <l)

8 3 3 13

·· ··

<l)

· · ·· · · ·

49, Haynesville, 50 I Middleton, 51 \Livingston, . 52 Weston,. . M Dollglas,. . 55 1Arrow Rock, 56 PiaUI', 57 Richmond, 58 Montiel' Uo, . 59 Lancaster, 60 New Bloomfield. 62 M<lyesvilIe, . 63 St. Mary's, • 65 1Linn,. • 67 Rochl'port, · 70 1Roanoke, i · 71 iSavannah, 72 DanvilIe, 73!Eureka, • 74 ,Wllrren, • 75 Ashley, • . 76,lndependence, 77 ,Lebanon, . '. 79\Polar Star, 8°IBridgeton, 81 Neosho, • 82 Jackson, • 83lLaclede, • · 85 Johnson, • l 80 MitchelI,. 87 Washington, go Prairie, • . 91 Madi,on, • • 9 2 ,Perseverance, 931~t. Mark's, • 96i~t. Andrews, • 199' Mount Vernon,. 101 Greene, 102 Bloomington, 103 Carthuge, • 104 Heroine, • 105 Relief,

·· · ·· · ··

·· ·· · · · ·

· . ·· ·

· ·· · ·

··

· ·

···

8 19 3 9 6 13 14 6 6 11

.....oS

16 3 5 17 1 11 24 16 2 9

8 19 2 5 9 6 8 3 3 2 4 19 11

P-<

<l)

o-d O.l

p:::

..... ..... <l)

's 's "t:l

O.l

"tl ClJ

Eo<

--8 - 7- ---2 -- -33 2 2 2

15 6 3 11 14

3 9 6 16 15 2 6 9

17 2 6 16 1 7 18 15 1 10 3 12 2 3 10 6 6 2 2

2 2 17 12

2 4 13 7 2

11 11 2 14 4 15 15 2 5 9 17

5 15 1 6 14 13 1 8 3 18 3 1 11 4 7 3 1 2 3

15 8

1 2 6 3 1 1 1 4 1

3 17 1

2 1 1 7

17 34 1 100 18 1 32 1 61 2

1 5

1 2 4 1 2

9 4 13

1 1

7 5 7 1

36 33 32 27 30 3'2 24 23 63 16 35 68 9

48 53

2 4

3 4 2

8 2

3 2

4 2 1

6E 16 67 26 36

3 1 3 1

40 26 53 38 35

1 1 1 3 5 1 5

1 6

'"0

1 1 3 2

2 1 2

35 35 35 42 68 50

(28 16 41

4 13

123

APPENDIX.

Grand Lodge of .llfissouri for the Year 1855.

, I

N~!

]

Name_s_.

107Golden Square,. 108 New Madrid, • 109 Montezuma, 110 Marclls, • 111 Trenton, •• , 112Ezel, 113 Plats burg, '" • , 114 Waverly, 115Sibley,. " 117 Versailles, 118 Hiram, " 119Foster, .., 120'Compass, 121 Erwin, , • 122 Doycr, 123Hermann, '" 127 Athens, 129 Constantine, 132 Farmington, " 135Hidgely,. • 136Perenix, . • • • . ' 137 Warrenton,. • • "

I~ ~

~ ~ ~

·s

·a

17 8 10 6

18 4 5

12 4 8 4 15

6 4

5 3 2 2 1 2 2 1 15 14 1 1 3 2 8 6· ) 6 10 j 3 2 I' 4 I 4 5/ 4 I 3 ill

11 5 7 4 12 4 4

1 4 4

7 3

782 656 622

3 1 2

1 1 1

3 4 2 1 10 1 6 7 3 3 4 1

2 ) 2

6 4 2 1

3 2 2

1 1 3 5 1 5

I --,--------------;-----Total,

]

.~ 'a I"1;S ~ ~ ..:i I~~__~~ q ~

1 2 1 1 2 2

79 40 42 29 50 32 29 20 32 32 44 19 23 55 14 16 34 48 48 32 19 13

185 348 59 38-!8

124

APPENDIX.

J1mount Of Moneys Received by Grand Secretary after the publication of Proceedings of 1854.

i!="d.o .1 1:Ig,

Names.

No.

~ aD

o ! 3

..a d ~ 掳 p.~ ';;:.E! .. ~ .. Pip..

l:l

....

+3'

~ "'"

..cl

GIl

1:1

ci 0

4$3 . - . ~$";.\ 4$30cO' 22 Wellin/l:ton .. 30 lIuntaville. 7 50 15 00 22 50 35 Mercer............ 46 4 66 9 34 60 00 52 Wakanda 8 18 10 66 21 34 64 00 610"oeola............................ 4 18 4 16 8 341 29 00 67 Rocbeport......................... 18 4 50 9 00 31 50 82 J,lokson 18 4 33 8 67131 00 87 Washin!!ton....................... 1 18 '19 00 93 St. Mark's......................... 18 6 16 12 34 36 50 1 108 New Madrid....................... 9 6 16 12 34, 27 50 109 Montezuma.... 17 7 00 14 00 38 00 1160nis 路......... 6 2 83 5 67 15 00 ]22 Dover............................... 2 50 5 00 7 50 125 Gentryville........................ 17 4 33 8 67 30 00 127 A[hen~.......................... 14 6 16 12 34 32 50 133 Star of the West '" I) 18 2 16 4 34 29 50 Bermllon Lodge, for Cbarity, paid by Grand Treasurer.=- ~__ __ _ _ _ _ 30 00

--:1-------------$-

139

I 61 126 73 llU6 34546. (\()

125

APPENDIX•

.9.. O'Sullivan, Grand Secretary, in account with the Grand Lodge oJ Mi8souri-1855.

~~ ] :c~ ~t ·0 t~ ~ ~ :i

1855 No.

-;:~.~ s:i

8 :c

I~ ~

-~-$-$;~I$7I$";;

1 Missouri........................ 2 Meridian........................ 3 Beaoon.............. 4'Howarl1......................... 5 ,·raylor........................... 6 Ark.............................. 7:Grover. 8WiIIil\msbur~

1 4

6 12

9'Geo.Wasbington,c.25b.e. 2685 U!Pauldingville.................. 12,Tjrf)............................. 32 13 Smith 13 14:Auburn......................... 15 (]entral. 16iMempbis........................ Hplarksville..................... 4 18IPal~yrl\.:...................... 6 19iParlB UDlOn................... 13 20\'St. Louia. 22 Welliogton._.................. 24 Wyaconda 25 Nllphtali........................ 28 St. Johns................ ...... 16 30 Huntsville...................... 29 31 Liberty.......................... 1 32 La.fayette, b. c. $4 50.. 33 Ralls 6 35 Mercer. 39 36,Cooper.......................... 2 39 TUII Y, 21 40 Mount Moriah 41 Bolivar" b. o. $3 50......... 421Middle Grove.................. 43;Jetferson City.................. 45;Bl>nhomme.............. ...... 24 46)Ia.rlha Washington......... 41iFulton, $15, b. 49:Ha~nesville.................... 23 50iMiddleton. 7 51:Llvin~~toD 9 52 W.•kllDda....................... 53 We~ton, dues remitted .. 54 [)ollltll\~s • 55 Arrow Rook.................... 10 58 ~lonticel1o (\1) New Bloomfield............... 16 62 ~tl\jnit:e...................... 45

0..............

22 1 20 20

4 24 47

12 9 17 1 21

18 10 50 21 00 50 50 18 6 00 12 00: 40 00 17 85 5 66 11 34 34 85 18 5 16 10 34 33 00 18 9 33; 18 671 52 00 3 001 6 00' 21 00 4 83, 9 67114 50 1692 6 SOl' 13 OOi 58 42 775 1550 5410 18 4 16 8 34 31 50 5 66 1 11 341 49 00 5 83 11 67 30 50 18 5 66 11 34 55 00 18 4 831 !l 67 32 50 18 '1 50, 15 00 60 50 2 661 5 34 12 00 7 83 15 67 28 50 6 0°112 00 31 00 18 7 83 15 67 45 50 6 50 13 00 43 50 18 3 66 7 34 29 00 34 10 66 21 34113 00 6 16 13 34 36 00 5 33 10 67 45 00 3 66 .7 34 12 00 6 00 12 00 22 50 2 16 4 34 12 50 150 36361112°1 76 55 00 18 34 62 00 2 83 5 67 10 50 4 00: 8 00 33 00 18 7 831 15 67\50 50 18 6 ~3i 13 67 55 50 18 9 50, 19 00 47 50 3 00 6 00133 00 18 5 16' 11 34 54 SO 36 6 50, 13 00 jO SO 5 50' 11 OO! 39 50 2 83' 5 67i 15 50 5 66' 11 34/ 26 DO 18 \50 00 1

18 18

3 00' 5 33 5 66 5 33 450·

6 10 11 10 9

OOi 67i 34: 67; OOl

2i 26 35 32 58

00 00 00 00 50

~=..:::.=-:c-_-::::==============~

126

APPENDIX•

.11. O'Sullivan, Grand &cretary, in account with the Grand Lodge of .MisEOuri-1855.

1=1

1855

•

or-. s:>."

No·1

--,---I

63 St. M.a.rys....................... 67.Rocbeport...................... 70Roanoke........................ 71 Savanna........................ 72 Danville........................ 73IEureka.......................... 74 Warren......................... 75/Asbley .......................... 76 Independence................. 77 Lebanon ........................ 79 Polar Star...................... 80 Bridgeton ...................... 82 Jackson ........................ 86 Mitchell......................... 87 Wa~b!ngton· ................. 90 PraIrIe .......................... 91 Madison ........................ 92 Perseverance.................. 93 St. Marks ...................... 96 St. Andrews ................... 101 Oreene.......................... 102 Bloomington .................. 103 Carthage ....................... 104 Heroine, for 2 years ........ 105 Relief ........................... 108 New Madrid.................. 109 Montezuma, b. c. $16....... 110 Marcus.............•...••,...... III Trenton, $4 for last year.. 113 Plattsburg, $4 for last yr. 117 Versailles ...................... 118 Hiram........................... 119roster........................... 120 Compass ....................... 121 Erwin ........................... 152IDover ........................... 127IAtbens .......................... 129CODstantine.................... 136 !Phoonix.......................... 1371warrenton.....................

c di

o.~

.....

1=1

•

\ ::::;c r:: '"

... -- --. - - --$- -$ c. $ c. $ o. $ c. $ o. ~.."

.<::I"

..,,<>

'iii'S ~~

cu cu

....l:i

8 6 31 3 17 25

5 2 20 33 13

.<::I

otlll

"; 0

E-4

5 00 10 00 59 00 4 00 8 00 30 00 3 83 7 67 11 50 49 15 30 10 50 21 00 95 80 2 66 5 34 26 00 18 5 83 11 67 4050 5 18 11 00 22 00 81 00 1 50 3 00 2250 18 7 66 15 34 47 00 6 18 8 83 7 67 82 50 18 38 10 83 21 67 76 50 36 8 2 66 5 34 26 00 18 3 83 7 67 3250 18 3 3 83 7 67 29 50 18 8 83 17 67 37 50 12 18 6 16 12 34 36 00 18 4 OLl 8 00 30 00 18 5 83 11 67 25 50 5 83 11 67 35 50 18 5 83 11 67 2350 11 33, 22 67 85 00 15 36 8 66 17 34 57 00 4 66 934 40 00 18 9 00 18 00 30 00 6 66 13 34 20 50 • 6 66 13 34 37 00 12 33 2467 62 00 4 83 9 671 40 00 7 50 18 II 66 19 34 7400 27 00 18 6 16 12 34,i 36 50 18 5 00 10 00133 00 18 1 20 16 80 7 33 1467 40 00 3 16 6 34i 1450 3 83 7 671 29 50 18 9 16 18 34; 66 50 3 36 2 33 4671 9 00 5 66 11 34 37 00 7 83 15 67) 56 50 300 6 00 22 00 2161 434 12 00 5 50 18

CIS

• For balance $19 see account of monles rec'<1 In 1854.

127

APPENDIX.

Monies Received after close of Communicatwn 1355. 'lr> l'l

l'ld

I'c,(j

• <cOO 0 " -

No.

..Cl l'l

,,-:>

Names.

29'OsBge 34 Troy "...................... 38 Graham....... 44 Rochester...... 153 Kansas, for Charter...

112IEzell................................ 26 Mexico..............................

$ 5

l'l

..; !Il 0>

...

;l;P::

c .....

ol·~

.~ ...

d ..Cl

c 0

3 0

E-c -- - -- - --$ $ $ c. $ c. $ c.

11 22 18

1 66 3 34 10 00 716 14 34 7350 4 Hi 8 34 23 50 3 83 7 67 33 50 3 33 6 67 10 00 5 33 10 67 34 00 3 16 6 34 27 50

----------------

128

APPENDIX.

Rfcapitulation. 1854. Amount received from all 80urces. on year 1854, after publioation of Proceeding6................................... A.mount received on year 1855, including amounts rcoe;ved since the cloae of Grand Lodge..................

Dr.

Cr.

$546 00 4,592 67

Credits. 1854.

By paid for Printing Proceedinlls of

1855. Feb. 6.

Gr. Lodge, all per reoeipt.... for Printin~ Returns for Lodges ............ . ............ Order of Gr. Master, favor S. F. Currie.. 路.................. Past Gr. 'freas., per reoeipt,

Expense of Ollice for past year ............................... Expen&e of Trip to Lexington and Columbus, order of Grand Ma;ter ............... Appropriation to Athens Lodge............................. Appropr'n to Smith Lodge, " " Widow of a M. Mason...... Gr. Tyler........................ " Aasistatlt Gr. S~crelary ...... Counterfeit Bill............................ IBy paid Gr. Secret",ry'e S'llnry and Appropriation .................. " Bro. Peebles, A~ent for E. F. Com........................... Gr. Treasurer, per receipt... on Account of P. P ........... E.E.

St. Louie, JUDe 25th, 1855.

$25400 35 00 120 00 31 00 20 00 46 19 40 55 69 50 81 50 50 40 30 20

00 00 00 00

50000 3,707 98 23 50 69 45

---$ 5,138 67; $ 5,138 67

129

APPENDIX.

Lodges U. D. ~

. be I"'~ ..s:;C '" I::>' = .: t路~

1855.

0 .... u E-4"0 ------------------------ -- -0

MILTON. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. . JOHN DADE. Dispensation, Degrees, . Charter. . ROUND PRAIRIE. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. KANSAS. Dispensation, Degrees,. . WINSOR CITY. Dis pensation, Dagrees, Charter. EDINA. Dispen~ation, see P. P. 1854, Degrees,. . . . PLEASANT GROVE. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. SMITHTON. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. CONCORD. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. SPRINGHILL. Dispensation, Degrees. LINN CREEK. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter.

20 39 10

20 ~8

20 35

15 20 10

. .

! 28

. I I 21 I I I

6 10

21 20 12 10 9

130

APPENDlX.

Lodges U. D.

.... A'8 .S ....l::

~rI)

c:: •

1855.

~bIJ

j:l..::l

BUFFALO. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. McGEE. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. FLINT HILL. Dispensation, Degrees, Charter. . LEAVENWORTH. Dispensatioll, Degrees, CharIer. MIDDLEBURY. Dispensation, Degrees. . LEXINGTON. Dispensation. . . CORNWELL. Dispemation. . MELODY. Dispensation. . GIDDING. Dispensation. . YANCY. Dispensation, see P. P. 1854, Degrees, Charter. • • OREGON. DiSpensation, Degrees, Charter.

ca"0

Eo< - - - - -----$ $ $

21 10

20 12 10

8 10

20 10

20 22

2 20

12 20 135

10 165

APPENDIX.

131

Grand Officers present during the CommunicatIOn of the Grand Lodge. M. W. L. S. Cornwell, Grand Master. Rt. W. Oscar F. Potter, D. G. M. " "J. W. Chenoweth, G. S. W. " "Henry E. Van Osdell, G.. J. W. " "John D. Daggett, G. Treas. " "A. O'Sullivan, Grand Secretary. " Rev. J. F. ~ruslow, Grand Chaplain. " B. Goldsmith, G. S. D. " J. Hunter, G. J. D. " A. Stille, G. Tyler. Past Grand Offieers present du,路ring the Communication of the GrtlM Lodge. Rt. W. Hon. S. W. B. Carenegy, P. G. M. " " B. W. Grover, P. G. M. Joseph Foster, P. G. M., " George H. C. Melody, P. D. G. M. " lohn D. Dag-gett, "" " S. F. Currie, "" " Cl A. T. Douglas, P. G. W. John H. Turner, " II S. H. Saunders, " " " IUpruentativu of &ubortlinate Lodges in the Grand Lodge of Missouri. l Bro. John D. Daggett, p. W. M. 1, Missouri, S Wm. Burden, J. W. 2, Meridian, B. Goldsmith, W. M., A. Suss, S. W. 3, Beacon, Charles S. Hamilton, W. M. 8, Willliamsburg, William E. Dillard, W. M. and p. 1. W路 J. W. Crane, W. M. W. S. Swymmer, S. W. 9, Geo. Washington. J. H. McAlpin, J. W. 13, Smith, Dan Conway, W. M. William W. Reynolds, W. M. 14, Auburn, l T. K. Vaughan, W. M. 17, Clarksville, S J. W. Hemphill, 18, Palmyra, Robert Cannon, W. M. D. H. Moss, W. M., S.A. Rawling, S. W. 19, Paris Union, 20, St. Louis, W. Connor, W. M. p. S. and J. W.

132 25, Naphtali,

A.PPESDIX.

28, St. Johns, 31, Liberty, 32, Lafayette, 35, Mercer, 36, Cooper.

40, Mount Moriah,

43, Jefferson City,

45, Bonhomme, 46, Martha Washington,

48, Fulton,

J. W. Hanson, p. W. M. James H. McLane, S. W. James W. Barry, J. W. N. P. Kunkle, W. M. H. E. V nn OsdeH, p. W. M., S. and J. W. H. E. Peehles, W. M. and p. S. and J. W. J. R. Clark, W. M. S. Houck, p. W. M., D. De Haven, p.S. W. Alexander T. Douglass, W. M. and p.

S. W. L. W. Mitchell, J. W. Charles W. Stewart, W. M. D. J. Marquis, p. W. M" J. H. HalI, p. S. W. W. J. Brown, W. M., David McKenny, J. W. Thomas Curd, p. S. W.,J. W. Boulware,

J. W. 50, Middletown,

51, Livingstone, 52, Wakanda, 53, Weston, 55, Arrow Rock, 56, Platte, 60, New Bloomfield, 63, St. Marys, 71, Savannah, 72, Danville, 73, Eureka, 75, Ashley, 76, Independence, 77, Lebanon,

79, Polar Star, tlO, Bridgeton, 86, Mitchell,

John W. James, W. M. John H. Turner, M. J. F. Houston, p. W. M. James N. B,rnes, p. S. W. G. W. McLane p. J. W. Oscar F. Polter, p. W. M., S. and J. W. William Cristison, S. W. J. P. Howe, p. W. M., S. alld J. W. G. W. EUller, S. W. O. H. P. Craig, p. W. M. J. H. RoLinson, W. M. Stark Manzee, J. W. C. W. Pharr, W. M. Rev.J. F. Truslow, p. W. M. A. Metcalf, W. M. N. Wall, W. M. C. H. Brenan, S. W. T. E. Courtenay, p. J. W. James H. Garrett, S. W. M. W. L. S. Cornwell, G. M. p. W. M.

'V.

133

APPENDIX.

92, Perseverance, 93, St. Marks, 101, Greene,

105, Rclief, 106, Miami, 108, New Madrid, 113, Plattsburg, 117, Versailles, 119, Foster, 121, Erwin, 123, Herman, 127, .\.thens, 129, Constantin!!,

136, Phrenix,

B. W. Gorin, W. M. Thomas Betts, p. S. W. E. Lea, J. W. J. F. Schiefer, W. M. J. W. Chenoweth, p. W. M., T. W. Booth, p. S. and J. W. W. Kilburn, p. S. and J. W. D. Parsons, p. W. M., S. and J. W. R. H. Hatcher, p. W. M. S. and J. W. Jas. H. Birch, Jr. p. W. M., S. and J. W. James Livingstone, p. W. M. h.we Hunter, W. M. C. W. Horn, W. M. A. C. Erfort, S. W. F. W. Rosenthal,J. W. W. Vogel, S. W. W. M. Albin, S. W. A. M. Bedford, W. M., Wm. H. Goodin, J. W. William Bolton, p. W. M.

G?)@.

-----,-,

-_.... _-_._-_._~---

Tabular Statement for .9. D. 1855, .11. L. 5855, a, per .I1Tlwle x,Section. 10, By-Laws oj Ihe Grand Lodge.

Grand Secretary"

Wh~re held. - ,St. LOUIS, • 2'Meridian, - South St. Louis, 3 B,~acon, - St. LOlli~, 4'Howard, - New Franklin, 5 Taylor, - !Springfield, 6 Ark, - 'Newark, 7 Grover, - Calhoun, 8 Williamsburg, - iWilliamsburg, g'Geo. Wa~hington, - ,St. Louis, 10 Clmpel Hill, • - Chapel Hill, 11 Paul~ingvi.JIe, - Paulding-ville, 12 Tyro, - Caledonia, 13 Smilh, • BaTlY, t4 Auburn, - 'Auburn, - Smithville, 15 Central, - 'Memphis, 16 Memphis, - Ciarks\'iJ]e, 17 Clarksville, - Pnlmyra, 18 Palmyra, - Paris, 19 Paris Union, - St. Louis, 20 51. Louis, • New London, 21 New London, - De Kalb, 2~ Wellington, - [Florida, 23 Florida, - Lagrange, 24 Wyaconda, -St. Louis, 25 Naphtali,

NO.1 Names .of Lodges. I 1Mi~soun,

I County. • iSt. Louis, do. do. - ,Howard, - :Greene, - ,Knox, • ;Henry, - :Callaway, -,St. LOllis, - 'Lafavette, - St. Charles, - Wllshington, Clay, Linco]n, • Clay, Scutland, Pike, Marion, - Monroe, • St. Louis, -Ralls, - Buchanan, - iMonrne, - 'LeWIS, - ; ~t. Louis,

-I

Time of meeting. Date of Charter. First and third Thursdays, Sept, 4th, 1821 Second and fourth Fridays, May, 1852 IFourth Thursday, 1849 " 'Raturday before full moon, 1852 " Thursday before full moon, 1852 " Saturday after the full moon, 1852 " Saturday preceding full moon, 1852 " Wednesday before full moon, 1852 " Stlcond and fourth Tuesdays, 1849 " Thursday before full moon, ]852 " Friday before full moon, 1852 " Second Saturday, 1825 Saturda~ before full moon, 1852 " Second atnrday in each month, " 1852 Saturday after full moon, ]852 " Friday before tull moon, 1852 " Saturday before full moon, 1830 "

}o'irst SaturdaY in each month, Firat and third Tuesdays, Saturday before full moon, Third Saturday in each month, Wednesday berore full moon, Second and lourth Thursdays,

" " " "

1831 1835 183fl 1837 1852 1852 1853 1839

,... o:l ~

26'Mexico, - Mexico, 2ilRinggold, • Camden Point, 2818t. Johns, • Hannibal, 29 Osage, • • Little OS3.ge, 30 ljHuntsville, Huntsville, 31iLiberty, • Liberty, 32'ILafay.ette, - Lexington, 33 Ralls, - Madisonville, 34 Troy, • l'roy, 35lMercer, - Princeton, 36 Cooper, • Boonville, 38 1Graham, • Pleasant Hill, 3!J Tully, • Tully, 40 Mt. Moriah, • Bremen, 41 Bolivar, • Bolivar, 42 Middle Grove, - Middle Grove, 43 J effersoll City, • J effcrson City, l 44 Bethany, - Bethany, 45 Bonhornme,. • Manchester, 1 46 Martha Washington, Washington, 47iFayette, - Fnyette, 48 Fu\ton, • Fulton, 49:Haynevi1le, - Hayneville, 50IMiehlletown, • Miej;lletown, 51ILivingston,. • Glasgow, 52lWakanda, • Carroll lon, 5:~ \Vestoll, • • Wes'on, • Marthawille, 54 l Douglass, • 55iArrow Rock, - Arrow Rock,

• • _ _ • -

Audrain, Platte,Marion, Rites, Randolph, Clay, L'1fayette, Ralls, Lincoln, Mercer, Cooper, Cass, Lewis, St. Louis, Polk, M<,nroe, Cole, Harrison, St. Louis, Franklin, Howard, Callaway, Clinton, Montgomery, Howard, Carroll, Platte, Warren, Saline,

- \Third Tuesday, - First and third Saturdays, - Second Monday, - Third Saturday, - Second Saturday, - First Monday & third Saturday, - Second Monday, - Second Saturday, Monday before lull moon,

1852 1852 1839

1852 1340

1840 1840 1853

1841 1853

- Fourth Friday, - Saturday after full moon, First and third Saturdays, - Saturday preceding full moon,

1841 1853 1853 1841

1853 1841 1854 1841

- First Saturday, - Thursday before full moon, Saturday after full moon,

1853 1841

- First Thursday, - ;Saturday after full moon,

1842 1854 1854

• Saturday before full moon,

1842

- .First and Third Saturdays, Saturday before full moon, • Saturday before full moon,

1842 1842 1842

Grand &cretary's Tabular Statement for .fl. D. 1855, .fl. L. 5855, as per Article X, Sution 10, By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. No. I Names of Lodge~. I Where held. 56'IPlatte, - ,Platte City, 57 Richmond, - Richmond, 58lMonticello, - Monticello, • 59\Lancaster, Lancaster" 60 New Bloomfield, • New Bloomfield, l 61 Osceola, - Osceola, 62 Maysville, - Maysville, 63 Linn, • Linn, 64 St, Mary's, - Perryville, • 65 L'mdmark, - Warsaw, t)'. Rocheport, • Rochepurt, 68 Tebo, -IClinICln,69 Alexandria, - Alexandria, 70 ROlnoke, - Roanoke, 71 Savannah. • Savannah, 72 Dam·i\]e, . • Danville 73 Eureka, • Brunswick, 74 Warren, • Keytesville, 7.) Ashley, " Ashley, , 7H [n·lepl'lldence, • Independence, 77 Leb'lllOn, - Steelvl!lt', 78 St Joseph, "liSt • .Jnseph, 79 Polar Star, - ~t Louis, 80 Bridgetun, - /Brillgeloll,

County, Platte, Ray, Lewis, Schuyler, Callaway, St. Ch,ir, De Kelb, Osage, Perry, Benton, Boone, Hp.nry, Clark, Howard, • Andrew, - Montgomery, - iCharilon, -,iChariton, - Pike, - .Jacbon, • ICrawford, • 'Buchan:'\l, Luu:s, Luuis, • • • " • -

-1St. "1St.

Time of meetin~. Saturday before full muon, - Saturday after full moun, . • Saturday before full moon,

Date of Charter. 1842 1842 1842 1854 1854 No re!urns 1842 First Monday lind 2d Saturday, 1854 1854 Second Saturday, 1843 Fourth Friday, ]854 Second Thursday, 1843 Third Saturday, 1844 ]844 Friday before full moon, ]854 First Saturday H " 1844 Thursday before full moon, 1844 "

",First Saturday - Saturclay before full moon, - S.'cond Sa'urclay, - Ti it'd ~alllrdilY, - First ,m" lhird Sa'llrchys, • Secfll'd and !tHlrlh \Vedne,day~,! - Monday br{ote full mOOIl,

I I

) 846 1846 1846 Hl46 1846 1846

81 INeosho, 82 Jackson, 83 Laclede, 84 Potter, 8b .Johnson, 86 Mitchell, 87 Washington, 88 'Iolive Brarrch, 89 Friendship, 90 Iprairie, 91 Madison, • 92 Perseverance, 93 1St. Mark's, 941Boo. '. •

95 AC3C1. 96 ,St. Andrews, 991Mt. Vernon, 100 Canlon, l 101 iGreene, 102 iBloomington, lOa ICarthage, 104 ,Heroine, JOb ;Relief, 106 ,Miami, 107 iGolden Square, 108 ;New Madrid, 109 'Montezuma, 110 ;Marcus, 111 ITrenton,

• Neosho, Linneus, - Lcbalwn, Oak Grove, - Warrensburg, Columbus, _ - Greenfield, • Union, - Chilieothe, - Harrisonville, - Madison, - Louisiana, - Cape Girardeau, • Columbia, - Jackson, - Shelbyville, - Mt. Vernon, • Canton, - Springfield, Bloomington, Carthage, - Kansas, - Georgetown, • Miami, - Westport, - New Madrid, - Santa Fe, • Fredericktown, • Trenton,

- Newton, -,First Saturday, no returns, Linn, - First Saturday, • Laclede, • , Pettis,. . - Second Monday, - JrJhn§cJIl, - Johnson, -\"Friday before full moon, -/Dade, • " " " , " - Franklin, • jSaturday, - !Livingston, - iFirst Monday, - jCass, - Thursday before full moon, • Monrot', • Second Saturday, - Pike, Monday before full moon, - Cape Girardeau, - Tuesday before full moon, - Boone, - ~Fint Friday, - ICape Girardeau, -INo returns, - 'Shelby, • First Monday, .!Lawrence,. - Tuesday before full moon, • - Sllturday before full moon, - 'Lewis, -jGreene, • - Wednesday before full moon, - Macon, •.Friday before third Sunday, - IJ as per, - Third Thursday, • [Jackson, - 'ISaturday before full moon, -IPettis, - First Monday, - Saline, • ,Saturday before full moon, - ,Saturday after full moon, - Jackson, - ISaturday before full moon, - New Madrid, -!Santa Fe, N. Mexico, -IMadison, -IFourth Saturday, - Grundy, • Third Thursday,

1847 1854 1854 1847 1850

1847 1847 1847 1848 1847 1847 1841

1848 1848 1849

J849 1848 1849

1849 1849 1849 1849

1849 1849 1851

1849

Grand Secretary's Tabular Statement for JJ.. D. 1855, .11. L. 5855, Grand Lodge. N0'1 Names of Lodges. I Where held. 112iEzell, • • 1St. Francisville, 113iPlatlsburg,. 'jPlattsburg, . 114lWaverly, • Waverly, 115ISibley, • • 'Sibley, 116 Daviss, • Gallatin, 117 Versailles, • Versailles, • 118 jHiram, • St. Charles, • 119 Foster, • Benton, 120 lCompasll, • Parkville, O!I!Erwin, • St. Louis, 122Dover, • • Dover, Herman, • Herman, 124 Cedar, • Fremont, 125\IGentryville, • Gentryville, 127 Athens, • Alhens, l 128.Kirksville,· • Kirksville, • • Charleston, • 129 'Constantine, • 131 Potosi, . ' • Potosi, 132 Farmington,. • Farmington,. 133 1Star of the West, • Arcadia, 134'Sarcoxie, • • Sarcoxie, 135 l Ridgely, • • Ridgely, 136 1'hrenix, • • Bowling Green, 137iWarrenton, • • Warrenton, • 138j Round Prairie, • Newark,

1231

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

County. Clark" Clinton, Lafayette, Jackson, Daviss, Morgan, • St. Charles, Scott, Platte, St. Louis, Lafayette, Gasconade, • Cedar, Gentry, Gentry, Adair, Mississippi" Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Jasper, Platte, Pike, Warren, Andrew,

• • • • • • • • •

per .I1riicle X, Section 10, By·Laws of the

Date of Charter. Time of meeting. 1850 Saturday before full moon, 1850 First Saturday, 1850 First Saturday before fun moon, 1850 Sat. bef. full moon, 1850 First Monday, 1850 Third Saturday, 1850 Monday before full moon, 1850 First Saturday, 1850 W etlne~day before full moon, 1850 Second and fourth FridaYll, 1850 Saturday before full moon, 1850 Third Monday, 1050 Thursday before full mOOD, 1851 No returns. 1850 Second and fourth Saturday,

• First Monday, Saturday before full moon,

•

" First Thursday,

Second and fourth Saturdays, • Thllrsdll.Y before full moon,

1851

1851 1851 1850 1851

1851 1851 1851 1855

139;Oregon, • 140 Smithton, HI Middlebury, 142jPleasant GroYe, 143 Flint Hill, • 144,John Dade, • 145 Windsor City, 146 McGee College, 147 Buffalo, 148lYancey, 149'Lexington, • 15f)ILeavenworth, 151 Milton, • 152 Linn Creek, '. 153 j Kansas, • 15 4lConcord, r

• Oregon, Smithfield, • Middlebury, Otterville, • Flint Hill, • Cas9ville, • Windsor City, McGee College, • Buffalo, • Rutlidge, Lexington, • Leavenworth, • Milton, • Linn Creek, • Wyandott, - Concord,

• • -

Holt, Kansas Ter. Mercer, Cooper, St. Charles, Barry, Carrol, Macon, Dallas, McDonald, Lafayette, Kansas Ter., Randolph, Camden, WJjandott Ter. C laway ~

1855 185s 1855 1805 1855 1855 1815 1855 1855 1855 1855 1855 1865 1855 1855 1855

APPlllNDIX.

SUSPENSIONS. Geo. Washington, No.9; Jno. Carlin, Henry Eads, P. C.lIovacker, A. P. Johmon, Chas. Miller, V. K. Rout, Chas. M. Scott. Lr.fayette, No.路32, Cary W. Lambeth. Weston, No. 52; Jno. Buchanan, Jamt's M. Estell, W. B. Graham, James F. Morton, Ward Thompson; non-payment of dues. Monticello, No. 58; Jas. B. Cravens; do. do. Maysville, " 62; Maron W. Fruzer, V'lalter Burriss. Polar Star, " 79; John W. Hawley, W. H. Hurst, Geo. A. Gannett. Bridgeton, " 80; S. F. Bonfils. Neosho, " 81; Jno. A. Q. Lewis, W. H. Hord. " 82; James W. Colgin, James Reid, non-pamyent of Jackson, dues. Mt. Vernon," 99; W m. H. Burns, for twelve months. "101; W. J; Cannefax, A. M. Julian. Greene. Plattsburg, " 113, F. C. Hughes, non-payment of dues. Erwin, " 121; John D. Voerster, time not defined.

EXPULSIONS. Central, No. 15; Wm. J. Oliphant; gross unmasonic conduct. " " " Cooper, "36;J.M.Edgar. Jefferson City, No. 43; William Stone (non路affiliated Mason), Wm. R. Vanover." Platte, No. 56; G. R. Weatherholt. Richmond, No. 57; Newton H. Jacobs (non'affiliated Mason). Neosho, No. 81; Jas. 8. Fowler, Jas. S. Rains. Jackson, " 82; David Jenkins; non-payment of dues and absence from Lodge. J ohnsoD, No. 85; William S. Crimmer. Greene, "101; T. J. Whitlock. Plattsburg, No. 113; Robert Greer; gross unmasonic conduct. Rid~ely, No. 13t; Benton H. Phelps." " ., Ezel, No. 112; John Davidson.

APPENDIX.

141

The undersigned would fraternally call the attention of the Lodges to the proposed Amendment to the By-Laws, on page 114. The Resolution requiring Subordinates to make up their returns to First of May, in every year, and forward them immediately thereafter to Grand Secretary.

A. O'SULLIVAN, G. Sec. G. L. of Mo.