USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 14
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The usages of various Grand Lodges have hitherto been different, some Grand Lodges restricting the degree only to those who had been elected to preside over a regular lodge, others authorizing and some requiring it to be conferred on Wardens-elect, while others permitted or perhaps authorized it to be conferred on any worthy Master Mason who wished it. Your committee deem it unnecessary to discuss the matter at present. The practice of conferring the degree on any but Masters- elect is giving way, and the usage of Grand Lodges is generally settling down upon the original doctrine that the degree belongs of right to none but such as have been elected to preside over a regular lodge, so far as the Grand Lodge is concerned. A Chapter has control of the degree only so far as to confer it on such as have been elected candidates for the Royal Arch Degree, and should not confer the degree upon any one as Master of a lodge subordinate to the Grand Lodge. Yet one who has received the degree in a Chapter may be elected and installed to preside over a regular lodge, and be entitled to all the privileges of Past Master of a lodge. Your committee concur in the opinion expressed by the Grand Lodge of Florida, that a Grand Lodge has not the right to confer the degree; and we also concur with the views of the Grand Lodge of Maryland endorsed by the Grand Lodge of New York, that the Master-elect must be qualified to preside by his predecessor or some other who has actually presided as Master.
The above quotation expresses the views held by our Grand Lodge until the law which read:
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No brother shall be installed Master of a Lodge until he shall have received the degree of Past Master at the hands of at least three actual Past Masters.
was declared unnecessary and repealed in 1880. The degree of Past Master had no standing as part of the official ritual of the three degrees. The ceremony was left to the inventive genius of those who had charge of the ceremony.
Chapter 13 THE CONSERVATORS' ASSOCIATION
Robert Morris, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, was the originator of the Conservators' Association. It was designed to institute a uni- form ritual in all the States. Morris was raised at the age of 26 and immediately became interested in the ritual. He determined to dis- cover the "pure and genuine work," and, to that end visited all over the United States, attending about 2,000 lodges in his effort to dis- cover the original Webb-Preston work. With the death of Webb suc- ceeding lecturers began to improve the work by adding expressions of their own. Consequently there came about great confusion and many variations of wording. This was helped by the Anti-Masonic excitement of 1826-36 which caused many to forget the exact wording that had been in use before that date.
Words meaning much the same thing were subjected to scientific scrutiny by Morris. He made use of the writings of Spencer, Bunyan and Shakespeare; the Bible; the oldest Masonic writings and the memory of aged and experienced Masons. For several years Morris travelled and lectured almost constantly in his search for the original ritual. He was a most prolific writer, being the first to publish an American Masonic Jurisprudence; Biographical sketches of prominent Masons; to establish Masonic Schools of Instruction. He was the author of the ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star and on two occa- sions visited the Holy Land to study localities having particular refer- ence to Masonry. In 1884 he was elected Poet-Laureate of Masonry.
The result of his study was the printing of what he called "Mne- monics." This book had letters on the left page and figures on the right page. It needed two keys to properly interpret it. Part was read from the top downwards, others from the bottom up and still others from left to right. All monitorial references were taken from Webb's monitor.
He wrote a secret ritual for a degree which was to be conferred upon all who accepted his leadership. Each state had a Vice-Chief Conservator with a deputy in each lodge that accepted his leadership.
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The fact that he printed a ritual in characters aroused violent oppo- sition in several states, notably Illinois. Harmon G. Reynolds was the leader in the fight to preserve the ritual adopted in 1845. Reynolds' activity caused the Grand Master to feel that his authority was set aside. The result was a bitter feud between the Grand Master and the Grand Secretary. Reynolds based his acts on the words of Section 32 which was adopted in 1858:
The delivery or teaching of any Masonic Lectures not author- ized or which have not received the sanction of the Grand Lodge or of its lawful authority, is forbidden. Nor shall any person be permitted to give lectures to the several Lodges of this State, but such as may be duly appointed by the Grand Master.
The conservator ritual was promulgated in secret and, therefore, illegal. In 1862 a resolution was adopted reading:
In relation to that part of the address, which refers to Work and Ritual your committee most cheerfully endorse the positions taken; and recommend that there be no further legislation upon this subject.
This left the whole question of teaching the ritual in the hands of the Grand Master. Reynolds persisted in teaching what he claimed was the original work of Illinois. This brought about several acts by the Grand Master which were extraordinary to say the least. He sent a set of charges to the lodge at Aurora against Past Grand Master Buck and ordered them received and Buck placed on trial. This the lodge refused to do. He did the same thing against Reynolds at Springfield; this lodge also refused to receive them. He then went to Springfield and presided in person over the lodge, ordered the charges read and again the lodge declined to receive them, although the Grand Master was presiding. He then suspended the Springfield Lodge until the Grand Lodge met. He also suspended Jackson Lodge No. 53 and deposed Bromwell as Master of the lodge at Charleston.
On July 4 he had notice served on Grand Secretary Reynolds to surrender his office. The text of his order is:
Office of the M.W.G.M. of the Gr. L. of Illinois, Chicago, July 4, 1863. Harmon G. Reynolds Esq., Grand Secretary of the G. L. F. and A. M. Springfield, Illinois.
Dear Sir:
For good and sufficient reasons, as I verily believe, and for the good of the Craft in this jurisdiction, I do, by the authority in me vested, remove you from the office of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, F. and A. Masons, and hereby direct and order you to deliver
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all the books, papers, vouchers, documents and all property belonging to the Grand Lodge of Illinois to Bro. George W. Deering, whom I have appointed to fill such vacancy, and who has filed his bond which has been approved by me. You will take due notice and govern yourself accordingly.
Fraternally F. M. Blair, Grand Master
[ATTEST SEAL]
Now Reynolds tells the story:
I at once said to Br. Deering, "I will surrender nothing." He then demanded the records, books, property of the Grand Lodge. Deering then made formal demand in the presence of W. E. Owen and B. F. Patrick who were with him. Deering then said he would take the seal, I seized it, and replied he could not have it. Deering seized the seal, I seized it, then Bros. Owen and Patrick seized it. I dragged them to the window and shouted "murder" when Deering said he had done all he wished, I had resisted, and that was all he wanted. Owen quit but Deering and Patrick held on. By this time Capt. Bailhache, Messers. Francis, Shepherd, Speillre and several others thronged the office. In another room I put the seal, closed the door and returned to my office. At this time the City Marshall appeared and at his suggestion I was inclined to have them arrested, but reflected a moment that I was in a close place, and sent for Bros. Lavely and Miner. I consulted with them and concluded not to make any complaint. The Marshall cleared the office.
In an attempt to vindicate his authority the Grand Master called a special meeting of the Grand Lodge at Chicago on August 12, be- lieving that would prevent many from attending from down state; however, 253 lodges outside of Chicago were represented by 370 delegates. Just before the day set for the meetings Reynolds and several others signed a petition for an injunction to prevent the meet- ing. This petition reads:
Harmon G. Reynolds, vs. F. M. Blair, John C. Baker, and the Grand Lodge of Illinois, Free and Accepted Masons.
Bill for Injunction.
The bill sets forth that the complainant was duly elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, with a salary of $1,000 and upwards. That the By-Laws require all "regular communications" to be held at the city of Springfield.
That such "Grand Lodge" was a corporation created by law. That F. M. Blair as Grand Master, had called a special meeting of the Grand Lodge at Chicago. That it would occasion additional and great expense to members in remote parts of the state, to attend there. That the Secre-
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tary is required by the By-Laws "to be present with the records and library at each session of the Grand Lodge." That they were voluminous and would require great expense to transport them. That he had no authority to appropriate money of the Grand Lodge for such a purpose. That the Grand Master had attempted to depose him from his office, and that by calling such meeting in Chicago a full attendance of members could not be had, and the right of complainant to his said office was in danger of being injured by an attempted recognition of the acts of the Grand Master by a part only of the members, acting as Grand Lodge. Praying the injunction etc.
Haines and Story for complainant.
From the facts, His Honor, Judge Williams granted an injunction, restraining said Blair and Baker from opening the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge from convening at any other place than Springfield.
As no Grand Lodge could be held a convention of Masons was called. After considerable discussion an agreement was reached and the trouble ended.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN BLAIR AND REYNOLDS AUG. 12, 1863.
1 - All orders, decrees, edicts and commands contained in any of his circulars of addresses to the Brethren and Lodges in anywise re- lating to lecturers, lectures, work or usages, are hereby revoked, and the whole matter is referred to the Grand Lodge. No brother will be com- missioned, authorized or permitted to lecture the Craft upon the work and lectures during the remainder of this Masonic year.
2 - All orders, decrees, mandates and commands contained in any of his circulars or addresses to the Brethren and Lodges, and more par- ticularly in those of date June 23, July 4, July 18 and July 28th, 1863, deposing the Grand Secretary, deposing Masters of Lodges, arresting charters, and depriving brethren of their right of visit, are hereby re- voked and considered as never having been made.
3 - The charges now pending against Harmon G. Reynolds, in Tyrian Lodge No. 333 are hereby dismissed.
4 - All offensive expressions in regard to any brother made, either personally or in writing are withdrawn.
1 - It is now also agreed, on the part of Harmon G. Reynolds, and others acting with him, that all offensive expressions, of either a personal or private character, either in the Trowel, by circular or otherwise, in anywise relating to the Grand Master, are withdrawn and retracted.
2 - The said Reynolds and others acting with him, shall discon- tinue all suits in any of the courts, in this State, in anywise relating to the matters now in controversy.
And it is mutually agreed that this stipulation shall be signed by the Grand Master, Harmon G. Reynolds as Grand Secretary, be printed,
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and under the seal of the Grand Lodge be sent to every Master, Warden, and Secretary, in this jurisdiction, and that all concerned take due notice and govern themselves accordingly.
Wm. Lavely, P.G.M. T. J. Pickett, P.G.M. Jas. L. Anderson, P.G.M. Harrison Dills, P.G.M. Ira A. W. Buck, P.G.M. Allen C. Fuller, P.M., 60 H. W. Hubbard, G.S.D. W. A. Hacker, W.M., Ind. J. D. Park, W.M., 246 O. H. Miner, W.M., 333 Nichols F. Cook, S.W., 308 J. W. Smull, Sec., 111
We, the undersigned, hereby congratulate the Craft of Illinois, upon the happy adjustment of past difficulties, and recommend the same to the favorable endorsement of all good Masons.
Wm. Hacker, G.M., Ind. S. D. Bayless, P.G.M., Ind. E. A. Guilbert, G. M., Iowa J. Adams Zullen, P.G.M., Mich.
Another statement was printed and sent out to all lodges.
Chicago, August 12th, 1863.
To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and brethren of Free and Ac- cepted Masons in Illinois, we send fraternally love, greeting:
Whereas, there has, this day, been a settlement of all personal matters and disputes, of every kind between M.W. F. M. Blair, Grand Master, and R.W. H. G. Reynolds, Grand Secretary, We do therefore earnestly implore you, brethren, to let all partisan feeling cease between you and let us manifest to the world, that notwithstanding all the ebuli- tion of all feeling that has been manifested, yet, guided by the pure prin- ciples of our Order, we yet can and will harmonize and show to each other that no principle shall guide us but that emulation of who best can work and best agree. Therefore, we do recommend to you that from this time forth let all bickering cease, and all unkind feeling toward one another, and let us as in times past, regain that proud eminence as a Grand Lodge that we occupied before these unfortunate difficulties be- came manifest among us.
Fraternally yours,
F. M. Blair, G. M. Wm. Lavely, P.G.M. T. J. Pickett, P.G.M. James L. Anderson, P.G.M. Harrison Dills, P.G.M. Ira A. W. Buck, P.G.M. Wm. Hacker, G.M., Ind. S. D. Bayless, P.G.M., Ind. E. A. Guilbert, G.M., Iowa.
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The Grand Lodge met on October 6. The printed page is a cold, clear record of what came before the Grand Lodge and the resultant action but it does not show the intense feeling, anxiety, nervousness and worry; it does not show the bitter rivalry between the two fac- tions about the all-absorbing question of the hour-ritual. When Har- mon G. Reynolds presented his report on ritual there was careful attention and all were silent, determined not to miss a word of his report. He told how in 1859 at the meeting of the General Grand Chapter R.A.M. Morris held a "Lodge of Instruction" in Chicago in defiance of the edict of the Grand Lodge that only the original ritual brought from St. Louis in 1845 by Levi Lusk was permitted in Ill- inois. He quoted from a letter from Morris to him dated January 28, 1861:
One of my Illinois correspondents says you will oppose the Webb work. I hope not. I want you neutral. Your position would be dam- aged by taking sides against us, and we don't need you for us. In other words the battle is to be fought out non-officially - and on its merits.
Here is an early adaptation of control by a minority of influential members who intended to force the adoption of the Conservators' ritual regardless of the rulings of the Grand Lodge. Brother Reynolds then followed the action of the Grand Lodge regarding ritual from 1845 to date. Afterwards he explained the organization and purpose of the Conservators' Association. He showed that what Morris claimed was the original Webb-Preston ritual had more than fifty mistakes. This was proved by letters from the living lecturers from whom Morris claimed to have received his ritual. His report was referred to a special committee composed of all the Past Grand Masters present. Their report wholly sustained Brother Reynolds. The report reads:
1 - Resolved, That the acts of Right Worshipful H. G. Reynolds in protecting the rights of the Grand Lodge, and his bold and fearless exposure of the conspiracy which endangered the very existence of this Grand Lodge, and the fundamental principles of Masonry, is en- titled to and will receive the thanks of every loyal Mason in this juris- diction.
2 - Resolved, That the acts of the so-called Conservators in this jurisdiction, by introducing discord and strife among us, and the mer- cenary motives which have governed their chiefs, merits the condem- nation of this Grand Lodge.
3 - Resolved, That the prerogatives, as claimed and exercised by our M.W. Grand Master, during the last Masonic year are not war-
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ranted by the Constitution of this Grand Lodge or the Ancient Consti- tutions of Masonry, and that a new regulation guarding against the usurpation of a Grand Master ought to be incorporated into our Consti- tution.
4 - Resolved, That the old established work of this Grand Lodge, as ordered to be taught by the Grand Lodge, and as taught by Grand Lec- turers John Barney, James H. Luce, Carding Jackson and William A. Dickey, be affirmed as the regularly established work of this Grand Lodge, and all other forms of work and lectures are hereby prohibited.
These resolutions were signed by seven Past Grand Masters. It must have been a great relief to Brother Reynolds to know that the Past Grand Masters were solidly behind him in his fight to protect the original ritual. Reynolds, in his anxiety to carry his objective had a bill presented to the legislature to curb the powers of the Grand Master. The bill was
that certain able, well-tried Past Grand Masters - men of character among the Craft - should constitute a certain Board of Review - that in case the Grand Master should be guilty of usurpation, oppression, corruption, or bad character, the said board might try and remove him, and that their expenses should be paid.
This was done in the heat of passion and being ill-advised was promptly condemned by cooler heads.
Past Grand Master Buck introduced a series of resolutions, the sum of which was that no Mason adhering to the Conservators' Asso- ciation be allowed to sit in any lodge until he had renounced his con- nection with said association and that every officer-elect, before in- stallation, should be required to take an obligation that he had no connection with the proscribed association.
The committee on that part of the Grand Secretary's report con- cerning his personal character said that
during the whole time he was with us, whether as a citizen or public officer, acted acceptably to us, that he faithfully performed his dutics as a citizen and officially we believe him to be an honest, upright man.
The report was signed by eighteen members from fifteen lodges.
The Conservators were an early adaptation of the principles of rule by a closely bound minority of influential members. The member- ship shows 228 names in Illinois. John C. Baker, the Chief Conserva- tor, was the Deputy Grand Master. Others were two Past Grand Mas- ters, two Past Junior Grand Wardens, some Grand Lecturers and
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several who were prominent in other Grand Bodies. Also four future Grand Masters.
At the election of officers Thomas J. Turner was elected Grand Master from the floor. His opponent was John C. Baker. The vote was Turner 644, Baker 253. For Grand Secretary Reynolds received 557 votes; Blakesley, a Conservator, 334.
The rout of the Conservators was complete. This was the most serious trouble that ever came before the Grand Lodge and most of those connected with the illegal ritual cheerfully abided by the de- cision of the Grand Lodge but there were two notable exceptions which are given under the heading "RITUAL."
Chapter 14 THE NEGRO QUESTION
In 1845 a report was circulated that negroes were being admitted to certain Chicago lodges. This caused great excitement and several lodges adopted resolutions on the subject. The first was printed and mailed to the other lodges by Harmony No. 3. The full text is:
Whereas, it has been represented to us by a worthy brother, in whom all confidence can be placed, that a negro is admitted to all the privileges of our Fraternity in the Lodges in Chicago; and
Whereas, We are also informed that the Lodge in Chicago over which the G. M. of the G. L. presides as Master, has now before it for action petitions from two or more negros; and
Whereas, We have learned that the M.W. G.M. of the G. L. of Illinois is urgent in favor of the admission of negros into our ancient and honorable Fraternity; therefore,
Resolved, That it is with deep and unfeigned regret that we have learned these facts, and that we deem it our imperative duty to remonstrate, in the strongest terms, against this innovation on the rules, regulations, and obligations of the Fraternity.
Resolved, That we cannot recognize any individual of the African race as being "free-born," as they are, by the constitution and laws of our country, denied the rights and privileges of citizens. Neither can we extend to them the hand of fellowship and brotherly love, believing that by so acting we would be trampling upon all of the landmarks of the institution.
Resolved, That the course pursued by the M.W. G.M. of the G. L. of this State, in this matter, is, in our opinion, unworthy of the high office to which he has been promoted, and, if persisted in, will inevitably lead to the destruction, not only of the harmony of the G. L. of this State, but will be destructive of the Institution itself; and that unless he desists from the effort to introduce negroes into the Institution, we must, as members of the G. L., solemnly protest against his conduct, as being de- rogatory to and unbecoming the presiding officer of any Lodge, much more so as G. M.
Resolved, That we deem it highly derogatory to the Institution for a blue Lodge even to receive a petition from an individual not recog- nized as a "free-man," much more so to entertain and act upon it, and if such course is persisted in, we shall deem it our imperative duty to
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disconnect our Lodge from said Lodge, as well as the Grand Lodge, which will permit one of its subordinate Lodges so to act.
Resolved, That if negros are admitted into the Lodge at Chicago, or other places under the jurisdiction of our G. L., we shall at the next regular meeting of our Lodge, after learning said fact, tender our char- ter to the G. L., and thus dissolve our connection with such un- masonic conduct.
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to each Lodge in this State, with the request that they take immediate action thereon, and inform us thereof, and that a copy be sent to the G.M., that he may see the estimation in which his efforts are held by a part of the Fraternity, and also a copy be forwarded to the G. Lodges of Missouri and Kentucky.
Bodley No. 1 appointed a committee to ascertain the facts on the subject and report.
Springfield No. 4 condemned the action of Harmony No. 3, saying:
We are most happy to state that the communication received is satisfactory in the highest degree, establishing beyond all doubt, that the charges preferred against him (G.M.) by our brethren of Harmony Lodge are false in fact, and should not for a moment disturb the peace and harmony of our Order, nor interfere to any extent with the private feeling of any individual brother, whatever may be his feeling of op- position to the admission of "negros" into our ancient and honorable Order. We beg leave to remark that we regret most deeply the course pursued in this matter, by our brethren of Harmony Lodge, as being calculated to produce much mischief - to interfere most seriously with that spirit of charity and Masonic confidence so indispenably necessary to our prosperity as an Order, as well as to our respect and esteem in public consideration.
The report closed with a few statements from the Grand Master;
The first charge is false, to-wit; "a negro is admitted to all the privileges of the Fraternity in the Lodges at Chicago: to which our G. M. replies:
This is false - for that no "negro" is a member of any Lodge in Chicago or is in the enjoyment of any such privileges now, nor ever has been.
2d charge: The Lodge in Chicago over which the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge presides as Master has now before it for action, petitions from two or more negroes.
Reply, - This is false - for that, first, I am not now Master of any Lodge in Chicago; and second, in that no Lodge over which I ever did preside as Master ever received, or had offered to it to be received, a petition from any negro or negroes.
3d charge: The M.W. G.M. of Illinois is urgent in favor of the ad- mission of negroes into our ancient and honorable Fraternity.
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Reply, - This is false - for that I have never in any Lodge what- ever either urged, recommended, or said one word in favor of the ad- mission of negroes into our ancient and honorable Order. Thus brethren, do I plead; is not this sufficient?
This report was adopted, ordered printed and distributed generally. St. Clair Lodge No. 24 accepted the statements in the Harmony resolution as being the facts, approved them and:
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