USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 17
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Employ an efficient instructress, either the wife or daughter of a Master Mason; and let this, as the other, be opened for the reception of destitute orphan children of deceased Master Masons and of such others as may patronize it. A suitable building has already been gratui- tously offered, which will provide for its immediate organization; but in case the Grand Lodge should deem it preferable to build, the ex- pense would not exceed five hundred dollars. The annual expenditure of this school would be about as follows.
For salary of instructress
$300.
For fuel
25.
For stationery
50.
$375.
Against this we may calculate a regular income of
from paying scholars of $200.
Leaving to be defrayed by the Grand Lodge $175.
Your committee doubt not that an institution of this kind would be instrumental of much good in providing for the education of many, having just claims upon the Craft, who would otherwise pine in de- grading ignorance.
1850 brought forth another proposition for a school. Macomb Lodge No. 17 sent a resolution to the Grand Lodge:
Resolved, That if the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois at the next annual communication shall determine to establish an institution of learning in this State, and the institution is a college, then and in that case, Macomb Lodge will donate to said Grand Lodge, the College Building and grounds known as "McDonough College," on the conditions and terms proposed in the annexed printed circular.
The college was a two-story brick house, sixty feet in length and forty in width, located on four acres of ground on a high eminence near the town of Macomb. If the offer were accepted the lodge agreed to repair the building in a substantial manner and without delay.
Franklin Lodge No. 25 at Alton had a different idea. That lodge had been running a school for their own children and believed that every lodge should adopt the same plan.
We have an excellent school room in the first story of our Masonic Hall; finished off, and furnished in superior style, and is capable of accommodating nearly one hundred students, and in it we have had, for the last year a most flourishing female school, where has been taught all the requisite branches of a female English education.
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Education
We contemplate ere long, establishing a male school of the same order, and upon the same principles.
Piasa Lodge No. 27 concurred in the report and joined with Frank- lin Lodge in the communication to the Grand Lodge. These com- munications appear to have settled the question of Grand Lodge par- ticipating in educational matters. The Committee on Education re- ported:
That, in their opinion, it is inexpedient and impolitic in an emi- nent degree, for the Grand Lodge of Illinois, at this time, to hold, establish, endow, or support, any distinctive and specific literary insti- tution whatever - that to do so, would in a great measure, prevent the amiable object intended; and cannot be otherwise, than an unequal and inefficient distribution of the munificence of your most worshipful body.
However the question came up again in a communication from the Grand Chapter R.A.M. in 1852.
The Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois, at its late Annual Convocation, held at Jacksonville, ap- pointed Comps. M. J. Noyes; Wm. H. Turner and A. W. Blakesley a Committee on Education, and directed me, on behalf of said Grand Chapter, to request your Most Worshipful Body to appoint a suitable Committee to confer with the above named Brethren, with authority to mature and report some plan to raise an Educational Fund for the benefit of children of deceased and indigent Masons; and, in obedience to that order, I now most respectfully make that request, and would urge that one of the great ends and aims of Masonic Charity may be earnestly and zealously entered upon by your Grand Lodge.
The next year the committee reported being greatly interested in the welfare of the children but placed the responsibility of their ed- ucation upon the individual lodges and hoped that each would take necessary steps to provide for the children in its own vicinity.
This ended the educational questions until the Grand Lodge took over the Childrens' Home at La Grange, where, after a contest through to the Supreme Court, the children were declared residents of the city of La Grange and entitled to admission to the city schools.
The decision of the Supreme Court will be found on page 144, Grand Lodge Proceedings, 1916.
Education of Members
The Grand Lodge early recognized the need of education for the membership
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Freemasonry in Illinois
In 1843: - Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to purchase a Library of ancient authority, for the use of the R.W. Grand Lodge.
This was done and additions were made from time to time.
In 1852 - Resolved, That the sum of $30 be appropriated, to be used by the Grand Master and Grand Secretary in the purchase of standard Masonic works, for the use of the Grand Master and Com- mittee on Masonic Jurisprudence, and to form the commencement of a library.
Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to subscribe for three copies of Moore's Magazine, of Boston, three copies of the Signet and three of the Mirror and Keystone, for the use of the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Corre- spondence.
In 1856 the library had increased until it became necessary to have a librarian to look after it. That year it was
Resolved, That a Librarian for this Grand Lodge shall be appointed annually by the Grand Master, whose duty it shall be to have charge of the Grand Lodge Library, and who shall have the library at each and every session of the Grand Lodge for the use of the same.
The next year the library committee suggested the Masonic Ashlar as a suitable magazine for the patronage of the brethren, and an effi- cient auxiliary for the diffusion of Masonic knowledge. This paper was published in Chicago.
Because the library was kept in the office of the Grand Secretary it was found more convenient to have that officer assume the duties of librarian. In 1859 the Grand Secretary valued the library at $752.
In 1855 Grand Lodge voted to purchase the Universal Masonic Library published by Robert Morris of Kentucky, consisting of thirty volumes. Two sets were ordered and it was recommended that every lodge purchase a set. The library was continued for several years but gradually it was neglected and the fire in the Grand Secretary's office damaged it.
On October 26, 1868, Grand Master Reynolds did, upon the recom- mendation of Oriental Lodge No. 33, Garden City No. 141, Waubansia No. 160, Germania No. 182, William B. Warren No. 209, Ashlar No. 308, Dearborn No. 310 and Blair No. 303, issue a dispensation, without fee,
to W. Bro. George W. Pettee, P.M. of W. B. Warren Lodge as W.M .; R.W. Gil W. Barnard P.M. of Garden City; as S.W. R.W. D. A.
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Education
Cashman, P.M. Thomas J. Turner as J.W. and to thirty other Worshipful brethren, Masters and Past Masters of various Lodges in Chicago, to form and open a Masters Lodge by the name of Masters, with author- ity to hold Lodges of Instruction, to deliberate on landmarks, laws, usages, ceremonies, etiquette and amenities; to confer the secrets of the Chair upon Masters-elect; to confer degrees for Lodges at request, and to elect Past Masters and Worshipful Masters to membership.
Again on July 26th he granted a similar dispensation to M.W. Brother William Lavely, Past Grand Master as W.M .; R.W. Bro. Charles Fisher, Past Deputy Grand Master, as S.W .; R.W. Orlin H. Miner, Grand Secretary, as J.W., and to fourteen other Worshipful Brethren, Masters and Past Masters of Lodges in Springfield, for a Past Master's Lodge, with powers and restrictions similar to those in the case of Master's Lodge.
There is no further information about these attempts to start what today are known as research lodges.
At times Grand Masters called attention to the need of educating brethren but nothing definite was done until 1948 when Grand Master Mills recommended the appointment of a committee to explore the possibilities of a definite plan of education of those who are not inter- ested in the routine ritual and business transactions.
In 1949 that committee made several recommendations. One was the publication of "The Enlightener," others were pamphlets of various kinds calling attention to history, charities of the Grand Lodge, and many other important activities, such as study clubs, and that each lodge should establish a library for the use of the members. It called attention to the library started by the committee and housed in the Evanston Masonic Temple with books to loan and sell. The com- mittee presented a very ambitious program which, if it can be carried out will prove of great benefit to the rank and file of the craft. However, the value of the study clubs will depend entirely upon the ability of the instructors. An active, well informed instructor can conduct a successful club but one who is indifferent and has only average infor- mation will not hold his club very long. The only thing that can be done at present is to wait for the future results.
Chapter 22 REGALIA AND PARAPHERNALIA
In 1844, when money was available the Grand Lodge authorized the purchase of a set of jewels and collars for the Grand Officers at a cost of not to exceed $100. In 1846 it was
Ordered, That a tin case be procured for the Master's carpet, re- cently presented to the Grand Lodge.
In 1856 the Grand Stewards were ordered to purchase
six appropriate aprons, collars and jewels for the use of the Past Grand Masters.
To improve the appearance of the Grand Lodge and make its deliberations more impressive the Grand Masters of 1866 and 1867 recommended:
That all Masters, Wardens and their proxies, be ordered to appear in Grand Lodge wearing the respective jewels of their office.
To repair some of the damage done by the ravages of the war, in 1867 Grand Master Gorin reported:
In the early part of last winter I was informed by a Brother that a certain jeweller was in possession of a very valuable gold Masonic jewel, purchased by him of a soldier who became possessed of it while on duty in the South. This jewel is evidently a relic highly prized by the rightful owners. It was presented to R.W. Charles Jones Colcott by the R.W. Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as appears from the in- scription on one side of it. In behalf of the Grand Lodge of Illinois I purchased it at the price demanded by the possessor, $53.75, and im- mediately wrote to Bro. Mackey, giving him a full description of it, asking him to take some pains to ascertain if any of the family of the distinguished brother to whom it was presented were living, in order that I might return it to them. Bro. Mackey failing to reply a letter was di- rected to the office of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. He being absent the brother in charge of the office promptly replied saying, that the family of Bro. Colcott resided in Charleston. After procuring a photograph of the jewel, I sent it by express to the Grand Secretary.
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Regalia and Paraphernalia
In 1873 when Brother Cregier retired from the office of Grand Master he was presented with a solid gold, diamond studded jewel valued at $1,000. An account of this jewel appears in another chapter.
In 1875 a resolution was adopted
That the committee on Installation service be instructed to report to this Grand Lodge a suitable form of Masonic regalia and jewel for District Deputy Grand Masters.
However, there is nothing to show that these instructions were carried out in regard to purchasing the jewels.
In 1886 Past Grand Master Buck was unable to leave his home to attend Grand Lodge. He was the only Grand Master to serve three terms and was a very powerful member of the Grand Lodge. In recog- nition of his services and his inability to attend it was voted to present him with a Past Grand Master's jewel. He did not enjoy it because he passed away one week after the beginning of the session.
In 1896 the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge near the Grand Lodge of Arizona presented the Grand Lodge with a gavel. The handle was of Arizona ironwood and the head of onyx stone.
The Grand Master and Grand Treasurer were requested to procure a new regalia for the Grand Officers. The next year the Grand Officers appeared in new aprons and jewels. There were twenty jewels with hangers and an equal number of aprons.
In 1900 a resolution was adopted:
Whereas, This Grand Lodge having established a chart setting forth the symbols of Masonry, and upon which are portrayed characters repre- sented in the ritual, attired in costumes and ornaments appropriate to their rank, therefore be it:
Resolved, That such costumes and pharaphernalia as are symbolic of the dress of the characters represented in, and illustrative of the ritual, are appropriate in the exemplification of work, and are in accordance with the ancient traditions of the Craft.
Another set of resolutions was presented in which the writer de- clared that the Grand Lodge had never adopted any such chart and asked that the chart mentioned be presented so that the particular robes and paraphernalia named be designated so that uniformity in the work would be had by all lodges. This was sent to the Board of Grand Examiners but those gentlemen declined to commit themselves.
In 1909 a resolution to purchase jewels for all Past Grand Masters was adopted with a proviso that Brother Wright be given the sum of
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Freemasonry in Illinois
one hundred dollars in place of a jewel, he having purchased one at his own expense. The following year jewels were presented to twelve Past Grand Masters. Since that date every retiring Grand Master has received a jewel.
Presentation of Setting Maul by R. T. Spencer October 8, 1896
M.W. Grand Master and brethren:
During the past summer I had the pleasure of visiting some of the Masonic lodges in England, Ireland and Scotland, and at all of them was received in the most cordial manner. I was especially well pleased with my reception at Mother Kilwinning Lodge, situated at Kilwinning, Scotland. This lodge is unique in several particulars. It claims to be the oldest lodge in existence; it is the only constituent lodge in the world that has no number; and its presiding officer has the title of M.W. Grand Master.
The lodge room is built within the precincts of the ruined abbey of Kilwinning which was erected in 1140, and which was the handiwork of a body of operative Masons, from whom are descended some of the speculative Masons who now form Mother Kilwinning Lodge.
One of the officers kindly gave me this setting maul, an implement which in Scottish Lodges is used by the presiding officer instead of the common gavel. This maul is of historic interest. The oak of which it is made, grew centuries ago, upon the hills of sunny Spain. It formed part of one of the ships of the Spanish Armada, that ill-fated squadron which in 1588 sailed across the Bay of Biscay and up the English Channel for the purpose of attacking Great Britain. This ship was wrecked upon the coast and dashed to pieces, and its remains were afterwards used in part of the room of the lodge room of Mother Kilwinning. Two years ago, when their new hall was built, those ancient timbers were made into Masonic implements in order that they might be preserved as souvenirs of the oldest lodge room in the world.
M.W. Grand Master, I take great pleasure in presenting you this maul for the use of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
The Most Worshipful Grand Master:
R.W. Brother Spencer, I am sure this Grand Lodge is greatly in- debted to you, not only for the presentation of this handiwork and souvenir but for the valuable information that you have given us con- cerning this matter, and on behalf of the Grand Lodge I accept this maul, and extend to you the thanks of this Grand Lodge for your thought- fulness in presenting it to us.
Chapter 23 THE CHICAGO FIRE
The Grand Lodge closed on October 5, 1871. The fire raged on October 8 and 9, night and day.
Blackened and bleeding, helpless, panting, prone,
On the charred fragments of her shattered throne, Lies she who stood but yesterday alone.
The fire covered 2,100 acres and destroyed more than 17,000 build- ings, including principal stores, many private residences, 32 hotels, 41 churches, 10 theaters and halls, and all the national banks but one. The fire was of unusual character; it melted the hardest building, stone considered fireproof. Iron, glass, granite were fused into a mass as if they had been put through a blast-furnace. Huge stone and brick structures melted before the fierceness of the flames as a snow-flake melts and disappears in water, and almost as quickly. Six story build- ings took fire and disappeared in five minutes.
The fire was accompanied by the fiercest tornado of wind ever known to blow here.
A gale which blew a perfect tornado, and in which no vessel could have lived on the lake.
In the yard of one of the largest implement factories was stacked some hundred tons of pig iron. This iron was 200 feet from any build- ing. Yet so great was the heat that this pile of iron melted and run, and is now in one large and nearly solid mass.
The above noted quotations were taken from the "History of the Great Fire."
Not only Chicago but 400 square miles in northern Wisconsin on the lake front and a large territory in eastern Michigan were destroyed at the same hour, 9:30 P.M., October 8. It is believed that the fire was caused by large amounts of inflammable gas from the tail of a comet. At the same time fire broke out in Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois. Also on the Alleghenies, the Sierras of the Pacific Coast, and the Rocky Mountains and in the region of the Red River of the North.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Fortunately Illinois had a Grand Master, Dewitt C. Cregier, wholly competent to look after the needs of the craft. His report for 1872 reads:
Ere many of you had reached your homes, Chicago was overtaken by one of the most appalling calamities in the history of mankind. More than 2,000 acres were burned and nearly 100,000 people left homeless, including many hundreds of your brethren. It destroyed more than 20,000 buildings.
The suffering on the part of the community owing to the well-nigh total destruction of the Water Works, was little less than that occasioned by the fire.
The turmoil and confusion which ensued immediately subsequent to the fire, can be better imagined than described.
Nearly all our brethren were more or less in distress, their families scattered, and their domestic and Masonic homes gone, nevertheless, within a few hours the brethren were engaged in the high and holy cause of charity. A few of them had something left, which they promptly shared with those less fortunate, and those Lodges that escaped the ravages of the fire, held meetings and appointed committees to relieve the distress in their immediate neighborhood. Thus passed the 9th, 10th and 11th of October.
Tidings of the great calamity were flashed throughout the land, and the mighty current - without the aid of which, what untold suffering would have been the lot of our people - unlocked the hearts of true humanity and returned to us laden with the glad tidings of the un- bounded charity and sympathy of a generous world.
Soon a little band of faithful Masons formed themselves into a relief committee and secured a room in the West Masonic Temple. They applied to and received supplies from the Louisville ( Kentucky ) Relief Committee, and also from the General Relief and Aid Society. However, aid from these sources was needed but a short time, as the fraternity of our own State and elsewhere, sent an abundance of sup- plies and money to meet the demand.
The Grand Master immediately appointed a Board of Relief, the members of which did valiant work and are entitled to have their names written upon the Roll of Honor. They were:
H. F. HOLCOMB, Vice-President,
W. M. EGAN, Treasurer, HARRY DUVALL, Recording Secretary, ED. J. HILL, Corresponding Secretary, JAMES MORISON, Superintendent.
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The Chicago Fire
The other members were:
T. T. GURNEY GEORGE R. MCCLELLEN
D. J. AVERY C. J. FRANKS
JOHN FELDCAMP
J. H. MILES
E. POWELL JOHN SUTTON
D. H. KILMORE
J. E. CHURCH
A. M. THOMPSON L. W. CONGDON
E. RUNAYNE
The Grand Master said:
Of this body I assumed the Presidency, and during eight months I was in daily attendance at the Relief rooms, with some of the above named brethren.
RECEIPTS
The total amount received in cash was $83,089.06
The value of goods donated was. 7,545.44
Total $90,634.50
These contributions came from eight Grand Lodges
$16,385.25
696 lodges .
58,772.74
One Grand Council R. & S. M.
200.00
Two councils
118.75
36 Chapters R.A.M.
1,086.00
Craft of 28 cities
9,436.68
Two chapters O.E.S.
289.60
One Masonic quartette club
25.00
33 individuals .
1,778.30
Ten parties unknown
422.58
R. R. Companies, transportation
2,035.85
* $90,550.75
DISBURSEMENTS
For relief of brethren and their families $35,502.04
Divided among city lodges 25,412.00
For establishment of permanent Board of Relief 6,500.00
Returned to lodges which sent more than one donation. 2,205.89
" There is a mistake in the Grand Lodge report.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Returned to Grand Charity Fund of those jurisdictions which sent $400 and upwards . . 18,109.64 Returned to lodges which donated $400 and upwards. . . . . 1,510.36 Reserved for printing report and expense incident to mail-
ing and auditing commissions . 1,394.57
$90,634.50
Eighteen lodges were burned out; each was allowed $6 to $12 per their membership list. Thirteen were not burned out, these received half the amount given the others. These donations were conditional on each lodge creating a Charity Fund. This requirement was complied with in every instance.
Among the donors outside of the United States was the Grand Lodge of England and the brethren of British India, Panama, Quebec and Newfoundland.
The contributions from Illinois bodies were: 222 lodges, Craft of various cities 17, individuals 4, unknown 2, Royal Arch Chapters 3.
In order that all the acts and proceedings connected with relief matters might be investigated and reported upon by gentlemen from abroad, entirely free from partiality, I, with the concurrence of my associates, invited Most Worshipful Samuel C. Perkins, Grand Master of Pennsylvania, Most Worshipful Charles F. Stanbury, Grand Master of District of Columbia and Most Worshipful Ozias P. Waters, Grand Master of Iowa, to visit Chicago, and act as a commission for that purpose, and after a thorough and critical investigation gave to the world their opinion of the justice and correctness of the important and delicate work. The commission made a long report and ended by saying:
The undersigned find that a careful, exact and clear record has been kept of every transaction, that the money received and disbursed is ac- curately accounted for, and that the disbursements are supported by vouchers, which present, in minutest detail, the exact history of every charity bestowed, and allow every transaction to be reviewed in all its attendant circumstances. Every precaution which prudence could sug- gest has been taken to secure the faithful application of the fund to the beneficiaries for whom it was designed by the donors.
It would be impossible to speak too highly of the character of the record which has been preserved of transactions so multifarious and minute, and the undersigned would do injustice to the impression made upon them by the examination, should they fail to express their un-
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The Chicago Fire
qualified approbation of the manner in which the Board have adminis- tered the trust confided to them by the Fraternity.
Respectfully and Fraternally submitted Sam'l C. Perkins Grand Master of Penn.
Chas. F. Stanbury Grand Master District of Columbia
O. P. Waters Grand Master of Iowa.
Chas. P. Kingston Secretary to G. M. of Penn.
Grand Master Cregier said:
During the trials and afflictions which the brethren of Chicago were destined to endure, owing to the great fire, I am happy to say that Ma- sonry in our midst has not been permitted to languish; next to their families and homes, the welfare of their Lodges held the next place in the hearts of the brethren.
Many of the beautiful halls being destroyed, it was a matter of great difficulty to secure accommodations. Halls that escaped the rav- ages of the fire were freely tendered to the homeless Lodges. Some found shelter in the "West Masonic Temple," in rooms temporarily fitted for the purpose.
The progress made during the past year in re-building Chicago, created in the minds of those who are cognizant of the magnitude and character a wonder and admiration, equalled only by the extent of the shock and amazement produced by its destruction.
One year since you met in Metropolitan Hall, a few hours after adjournment so complete was the destruction that it was difficult to de- termine the spot whereon the building had stood. To-day its place is occupied by one of the finest structures in the city. Less than five months since a chaotic waste marked the area on which this magnificent build- ing is erected, in which we are today permitted to assemble through the fraternal kindness of its energetic and persevering owner, Bro. J. H. McVicker.
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