USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 3
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21
Western Star Lodge
George Bullitt, all Master Masons, as proper characters to fill the offices aforesaid, agreeable to the prayer of the petition hereto annexed.
In testimony whereof we, as the W. Master and Wardens of the said Western Star Lodge No. 107, held under the jurisdiction of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at Kaskaskia aforesaid, have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year above written.
James Edgar W.M. [SEAL] Mich'l Jones S. W. [SEAL] Jas. Gilbreath J.W. [SEAL]
N.B. Nine of the foregoing petitioners are known to us as Master Masons
No seal being procured the Private Seal is substituted.
Attest. William Arundel, Secretary.
At the second election, June 24, the Wardens were installed in the Past Masters' lodge. At the next installation all officers were installed while the lodge was opened on the third degree, no Past Masters' lodge having been previously opened.
Notifying members to attend meetings was somewhat of a prob- lem. June 4, 1808: "Distant members" were ordered notified to attend on the 27th of June. The secretary's record shows that notification to four were sent "by Bro. Rector's son," June 13th and to six others were sent "under cover" to John Hays, Cahokia, by "Mr. Joseph Charless, printer, on his way to St. Louis to purchase material."
December 17, 1808: An invitation was received from Louisiana Lodge No. 109 inviting the members to participate in the St. John's Day celebration and installation of officers and was accepted. At the same meeting a petition was received from "Sundry brethren at Ca- hokia asking a recommendation for a new Lodge, laid over." The petition was signed by five brethren but no action was taken owing to some irregularity in the payment of dues.
June 16, 1809: Invitations were received from the lodges at St. Louis and St. Genevieve to attend their St. John's Day celebrations; the latter was accepted. At this meeting the "Tyler" appears for the first time. When the lodge at St. Louis was organized Western Star lost three members; Rufus Easton who lived in St. Louis and John Hay and John Hays, both residents of Cahokia.
June 24, 1810: Brother Andrew McCormick of Lodge No. 137, of Loughbrickland, Ireland, Orange Body, was introduced as a Fellow- craft.
June 15, 1811: 'Stated Lodge night dues" were reduced from 25c to 121/2c. Bills to the amount of $150.071/2 were allowed, with reason not stated except that $8 was for a sword.
22
Freemasonry in Illinois
March 6, 1812: An unusual incident prevented the meeting of the lodge:
The minutes of the last meeting being called for, it was found that no lodge was held - that the earthquakes, so frequent and alarming at the time, rendered an assemblage of the members almost impossible, and indeed unsafe. The stone house in which the lodge was held was considerably shattered by the frequent concussions, and was on that evening abandoned by its proprietor, Bro. Greenup, who from the hurry of the moment, in moving his family, forgot to make any arrangements. The books and furniture then became inaccessible to those who had met, and consequently the delinquency on the part of the Lodge in not meet- ing was unavoidable.
April 4, 1812: A record that has been generally misunderstood was entered: "Brother Aaron Burr, Master Mason, member of Union Lodge No. 40, Connecticut, visiting." This was not the ex-Vice-President as he was on a ship returning from Europe at that date.
February 5, 1813 is the first record of the examination of a candi- date:
The Lodge was opened in the first step in Masonry, according to ancient custom. When on examination of Bro. Conway, who prayed to take the step of a Fellowcraft, it was moved the said brother withdraw.
He was then passed.
June 24, 1813: A record showing the lax way in which members were examined is given:
Wharton Rector, a member of the Lodge, having been reported by the Grand Lodge of Virginia as suspended in December 1805 by Win- chester Lodge No. 14, Virginia, a committee was appointed to investigate the matter.
August 6, 1813: The record reads: "Wharton Rector was unani- mously expelled."
July 1, 1814: An account of $26 for aprons and sashes was allowed. A committee appointed at a previous meeting to procure a room, re- ported and was granted further time.
Jan. 6, 1815 A subscription was ordered to be taken, for the pur- pose of building a lodge-room.
June 24, 1815 Breth. Edgar, Walker and Swearingen were ap- pointed a committee to instruct the younger brethren.
July 7th Charges were preferred against a brother, alleging having in his possession, making, and altering forged bank notes, and associating with counterfeiters.
[The charges were referred to a committee to] collect testimony for and against the charges.
23
Western Star Lodge
Oct. 6th The lodge-room being occupied by a sick person, the Lodge moved to the house of Bro. Jones, by consent.
A candidate was raised and the lodge closed at 12 midnight. This was two hours later than provided in the by-laws for closing.
Nov. 4th Bro. Greenup ( secy) was allowed one dollar twelve and a half cents, postage on one communication from the Grand Lodge.
Dec. 2nd. [The election was held and a committee appointed to make arrangements for a] Masonic dinner and ball on St. John's Day and it was ordered that every brother who attended should pay two dollars.
Dec. 27th. The petition of Thomas C. Browne was received, referred, and reported on instanter, and the candidate initiated.
This was the brother that presided when the Grand Lodge was or- ganized in 1822.
January 23, 1816: In memory of a departed brother the treasurer was ordered to procure crape and blue ribbon for the members, the crape to be worn on the hats and the blue ribbon at the third button hole of the vest; to be worn thirty days.
March 2: The finance committee reported $535.65 delinquent dues. Phillip Rocheblave was granted a dimit. The text is inserted to show the curious wording:
Western Star Lodge No. 107.
To all Free and Accepted Masons, Union, Health and Happiness:
We the Master and Wardens of Western Star Lodge No. 107, held at Kaskaskia, in the county of Randolph, under the Grand Warrant of Pennsylvania, assembled in due form adorned with all our honors, do hereby declare and attest to all men enlightened on the face of the earth, that our beloved Bro. Phillip Rocheblave, who hath signed his name in the margin, hath been received as an entered apprentice, passed as a fellowcraft; and after having sustained with firmness, strength and courage, the most painful works and wonderful trials, we have given to him as a recompense, due to his zeal, diligence, and capacity, the sub- lime degree of Master, and have admitted and initiated him as such into our misteries and secret works in which he has helped us with his talents, skill and knowledge. In testimony whereof, we have granted to him this present certificate, signed by our Master and Wardens, and attested by our Secretary, with the private seal of the said Lodge, the twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of Masonry 5816 and of Salvation 1816,
S. Bond, W.M., P. Fouke, S.W., Samuel Walker, J.W.
Attest D. S. Swearingen, Secretary.
24
Freemasonry in Illinois
October 5: The lodge passed a resolution preventing the Worship- ful Master from drawing orders on the Treasurer until the next stated meeting. The reason for this action was that the Master and Secretary wished to pay the Grand Lodge dues amounting to $60. The objection was made that it would reduce the finances of the lodge to a danger- ously low position.
December 7: It was voted to have the notice of the installation "in the public newspaper at Kaskaskia." In the Western Intelligencer of December 19th appeared
NOTICE
The Members of the Western Star Lodge No. 107 are requested to meet on the 27th of this month at their lodge room in Kaskaskia for the purpose of celebrating the day, it being the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. All transient brethren are solicited to attend.
D. S. Swearingen, Secy.
Fourteen brethren were present for the installation. The lodge, after the installation, went to the house of Brother William Bennett and "partook of dinner and other refreshments provided by the com- mittee." There is no mention of what the "other refreshments" were but our olden time brethren were firm believers in "the glass that cheers."
Sep. 6, 1817 Resolved, That the members of this Lodge will, as a token of their grief for the death of their deceased brother N. G. R. Rhea, wear a piece of black ribbon through the second and third button holes of their coats for three months.
At a preceding funeral they wore blue ribbon and crape.
The installation of officers on June 24, 1819 found thirty-five breth- ren present, seventeen being from Louisiana Lodge No. 109 at St. Genevieve. This was a notable representation as they had to cross the Mississippi river.
Numbers present did not in any way interfere with necessary busi- ness.
December 27, 1819 the record reads:
At 8 o'clock in the morning brethren Bond, Fouke, and Walker, assembled, and Bro. Roberts, Master-elect, was installed in a Lodge of Past Masters, and that Lodge closed, and a Lodge of Master Masons opened, and called off until 10 o'clock, at which time ten brethren were present, and the remainder of the elective officers installed.
The record dated December 9, 1820 is the last minutes now
First return of Western Star Lodge No. 107 -- 1806.
Breturn of the members of the Western Star dodge no 107 ancient York trasons held in the · Village of Thaskaokia in the indiana Territory under the authority of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Cennoylvania and of their Institutions, admissions, Ballings, Raisingok From The commencement of the said Lodge, Bring the 11th December 1800 and of Masonry 5805 to dt John Day December 1806 ..
man borr.
Names
what Degree.
~ James Edgar.
14 Deer. 1805-
Rufus Easton
14 Decr. 1805
Michael Jones ..
M. M.
14 Deck. 1805
Robert Robinson
14 Deer 1805
~ William Grundes 6: h.
14 Decr. 1805
14 Deck. 1805
24 march 180%
14 Dec. 1806
Charles Quincy.
M. M.
3 Real2 1806.
4 Feb 1806- 5 Feb200
Doct Walter Fenwick F. C.
17 Steal-1306 1 Inarch 9800
v George Bullitt
1) rick - 1806 19march 1806 6 Dec 1806
~ John Rays
h: h.
18 Feels - 1800
19 Feb. 180$ 10 # Thankles
~ John May
18 Fest- 1800 19 Feb. 1205 10 Branch /2016-
- Francois Valée.
16 march 1800-24 march/2
~ Louis LaSouza alias monde ~
M:M
Stephen Roster ..
M: M. march 1806. 10 Inancasos 17 march 1806
~ andrew Kenny
24 march1800 24 marchi86 24 march1806-
games hoore
1 hour 1806-
Henry Dodge
Ent. A 6 Decr-1806-
Thomas Oliver Ent, S. 6 Dect- 1806-
of James Edgar Worship ful Master of the Western Star Lodge no 107 Une cent york hason do hereby certify to the Right Worship ful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that the foregoing is a just and true Return of the members of the Western Star Lodge no 107 and of theinstructions admissions &- in the david Lodge, as above thated during the time above mentioned, In Testimony whereof Thave here un to let my hand and affixed my Private Jeal. there beingno fear of the said dorge, at Kaskadkia 27 Eday of Decemberists and in the year of Masonry 580g
Is Edgar
Attest William grunder
Worshipful master W: d Lodgetolo7 Revetary of W. f. Lodge 20 109-
Bif, On the 19 September 1806 This Lodge was Instituted and the Officers Tratatuin Conformity with Marrant and Dispensation Granted for that Purpose By The Right Worship far Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Dated 20 June 1806 and of Masonry 5806, as will appearby the Moon heretofore made
Je Pagan
-
When Basse, whenhaired,
When putina or asmitter
Remarks Дессард чек
when -
was Called to traHow Whip fel master afis tance ensmens
~ Alexander Anderson 6: Ar James Galbraith B: M.
1 March. 1200
1 march 1800-16 march 1806 24 mann1806-
25
Western Star Lodge
known until those of June 24, 1828, on which date the lodge was opened by Thomas Reynolds, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois; the lodge was consecrated and officers installed under a warrant from the Grand Lodge dated February 14, 1827. Thirteen brethren were present. The lodge was given the number ONE by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The oration was delivered by Richard M. Young, member of Union Lodge No. 6, later United States Senator and Supreme Court Judge.
Nine meetings were held after the consecration. The largest num- ber present at any meeting was eight; most of the time only four and once three were all that attended.
September 6, 1828 by-laws were adopted. These consisted of twenty-four sections and were similar to original ones adopted when the lodge was first organized. The record of this lodge up to 1820 is taken from the "History of Masonry in Illinois" by John C. Reynolds. Brother Reynolds copied from the minutes of each meeting and his work is a most valuable story of our first lodge. A perusal of that history will furnish the interested brother with a wealth of information about that lodge. The minutes of 1828 and the consecration meeting are from the original records. The Reynolds history was printed in 1869.
Financial Trouble
During the years when the lodge minutes are missing the lodge experienced much difficulty on account of financial trouble. In 1823 and the years following all banks were closed and there was very little money of any kind in the country, making it impossible for the mem- bers to pay dues. James Hall owned newspapers in Shawneetown and Vandalia. He received payment for advertising etc. "in bacon, tallow, beeswax and feathers." So the owner and editor managed a general store as an adjunct to his newspaper business. Here follows copies of the record of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
KASKASKIA LODGE No. 107
Under date of June 16, 1823 a communication was received from Kaskaskia Lodge No. 107
Containing a statement of the past and present situation of the Lodge, the pecuniary embarrasments under which it labors, their desire that the Grand Lodge would give them a credit for $192.21 dues of delinquent members which they have actually never received nor can expect, as appears by the above mentioned statement, their intention to close all accounts with the Grand Lodge up to St. John the Evangelist's Day last and to remit the same as early as possible. They also inform of
26
Freemasonry in Illinois
the establishment of a Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois and ask for permission to surrender their present Charter when they may deem it expedient to take a new one under the Grand Lodge of Illinois and to retain all their Jewels and Furniture for the use of the new Lodge.
On motion and seconded, the said Communication together with the statement of the delinquent members were referred to the Committee on Finance.
WESTERN STAR LODGE No. 107
Adjourned Stated meeting Western Star Lodge No. 107.
Kaskaskia Monday May 12th, A.D. 1823, A.L. 5823
The Secretary with the assistance of the Worshipful Master having in pursuance of an order of the Lodge made out and laid before the Lodge a return to the Grand Lodge, of the admissions, Enterings, pass- ings, raisings, Expulsions, demissions, deaths &c with a Statement of the annual dues of each member from the 27th December A.D. 1813 to the 27th Dec. A.D. 1822, Together with an account current with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, It appears to this Lodge proper to express freely its Sentiments to the Grand Lodge.
In submitting the report and account current to the Grand Lodge it will appear that a balance of $393.63 remains due from the Western Star Lodge. Whilst the Lodge has to regret that it is at the present time unable to pay the amount due to the Grand Lodge, it cannot reproach itself with having received and expended the funds which has come to their hands from its members. The only regret which is felt, is that of too liberal indulgence to its members, and to that Source alone is to be ascribed their present embarrassment. But few indeed of the members have discharged the amount of their accounts with the Lodge, and by continued indulgence many have removed so distantly from the Lodge that it is next to impossible to obtain their annual dues, in fact some have removed to places unknown to the Lodge without having paid their dues.
By a Statement accompanying this report it will be seen that a con- siderable amount has been actually paid by this Lodge to the Grand Lodge from its commencement up to the 27th December 1813, which in fact never was received by this Lodge nor never will. The same State- ment also shows the amount which has accrued from that time up to the 27th December 1822 which this Lodge conceives to be irrecoverably lost. This Lodge has a much greater account charged against these delin- quents. The Consequence of which has been that the funds of this Lodge has been advanced in making payments to the Grand Lodge of dues which never has nor never will be received by them. And it would, this Lodge conceives, be very hard indeed for it to incur not only the loss of that amount, but of their own demands which are of a much larger amount. It would in fact be throwing the burden of all these delinquents entirely on the more upright few.
The expenditure of the funds of this Lodge in completing the pay- ments heretofore made agreeably to the return of 1813 and the amount
27
Western Star Lodge
required for House rent and the sums lately required to meet the en- gagements entered into to finish a room for the Lodge has exhausted all the funds received, and in fact this Lodge is now somewhat in debt for the room it has now provided. It is therefore evidently out of the power of this Lodge until it can make collections, to make remittances to the Grand Lodge.
Some loss has been Sustained by this Lodge by the depreciation of the value of the paper of the State Bank of Illinois which has been re- ceived. The depreciation of the value of that paper has caused this Lodge to expend about double the sum it would otherwise have required in pay- ing off its expenses. In addition to this circumstance, it is a fact that its members are residing in almost every part of the State. Many have not been in the Lodge for the last seven years. To make collections is attended with much difficulty. Orders have been repeatedly made requesting payments, but no determinate effectual measures have been resorted to except in only two or three instances. Indulgence has been the general course pursued, and the result must be that of great loss to the Lodge. Measures however have lately been entered into which if effected, and we have every reason to believe they will, that must result in the close of this protracted business.
The remote situation of this Lodge from the Grand Lodge is at- tended with much inconvenience. The benefits derivable from a Grand Lodge Communication are not here enjoyed. We are sensible that irregu- larities in our workings exist, it must be expected to exist, differences are known to exist under different Grand Lodges, and the members of the Lodge are from various parts of the United States and differently in- structed. Consequently when called to officiate in our Lodge their methods must be different. Yet we are satisfied that no material devia- tion exists from the Substantial ancient Land Marks of the Order. But we need, greatly need, a regular System, which we cannot well obtain without a visit from the Grand Communication.
We pleasingly anticipate the organization shortly of a Grand Lodge in the State. The constitution of which is now before this Lodge for its approbation or rejection. Notwithstanding our high regard and attach- ment and our Conception of the liberality and justice of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that must always claim our regard and gratitude, yet we are persuaded that the vicinity of a Grand Lodge Communication must afford us a means of pursuing our work with more regularity and advance our instructions in Masonic lights and virtues.
Having thus taken a brief view of the condition and affairs of this Lodge at the present time, we deem it proper to remark to the Grand Lodge that it is the sincere determination of this Lodge now to close all the accounts with its members up to the last St. John the Evangelists Day and endeavor as far as possible to effect the Collections by the next St. John the Baptist's Day and to remit to the Grand Lodge as early as may be thereafter. But we declare that we believe that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania should feel some little charity and forebearance for our situation and give us a credit in our accounts for the Sum of One
28
Freemasonry in Illinois
hundred ninety-two dollars and twenty-one cents, which sum we have actually never received nor can expect as will appear by the Statement herewith transmitted.
This Lodge deems it proper also to ask permission of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to surrender its present Charter when it may deem it expedient to take a new one under the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and that it may retain all its jewels and furniture for the use of the new Lodge.
A true copy from the Record
Attest
Wm. C. Greenup,
F. W. Owen, Secty. Master of Western Star Lodge No. 107
To the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania:
The Committee of Finance to whom was referred the petition of Lodge No. 107, considering the doubtful power of this Grand Lodge to enforce a coercive course against a Lodge situate within the jurisdiction of another Grand Lodge, beg leave to offer the following Resolutions:
Resolved that the Grand Treasurer be authorized and is hereby authorized and directed to close the account of Lodge No. 107 up to and including 27 Dec. 1822 on receiving the sum of Two hundred Dollars.
Resolved that on the payment together with such dues as shall have accrued subsequently to Dec. 1822 of the aforesaid Two hundred Dol- lars Lodge No. 107 may surrender its Warrant to the Grand Secretary whenever it shall deem it expedient.
Respectfully submitted.
Philada. 16 July 1823
Bernard Dahlgren, William Page, Wm. Mayweg.
12 May 1823
Communication from Lodge No. 107 read in G. L. 16th June 1823, and referred to the Committee on Finance. Report made thereon 2 August 1823 and adopted.
June 7, 1824. On motion and seconded:
Resolved, That the Warrant of Lodge No. 107 be vacated for delinquency and that the Grand Secretary be directed to communicate the same to them.
Dec. 20, 1824, On motion and seconded:
Resolved, that the Grand Secretary write the late master of late Lodge No. 107, requesting him to deliver the Jewels, Books, etc, of the
29
Western Star Lodge
Lodge and inform him that the members individually remain suspended from the benefits of this institution until the request be complicd with.
Kaskaskia, Illinois, Oct. 20, 1825.
Sir and Brother :- Your letter of the 22nd ult. is now before mc. The solicitude which I feel, to have the perplexing business of the late Western Star Lodge closed with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, prompt me to use every endeavor to felicitate its accomplishment. I am satisfied that the misunderstanding has not been sought or in- tended. The Western Star Lodge found itself much embarrased by circumstances which it could not well control. The deranged state of the currency of the Country, about the year 1823, arising from a mistaken policy of State legislation, based as was alleged, upon the general depres- sion of the country, paralyzed everything, the enforcement of contracts was suspended, and nothing but a depreciated paper system was transacted. The Lodge had previously made contracts, and payments from it became due, and in consequence of the general embarrasment, its means of collection were limited, and what was effected, was so far depreciated that it had to sacrifice considerable to meet the engagements. When the proposition was made to the Grand Lodge to close the ac- counts, it was calculated that it could be effected, but in that it was dis- appointed. Coercive measures were adopted (Which, although painful under the peculiar circumstances of the times) and put into a train of operation, which were arrested by the recall of the charter, leaving no means for their completion. A little before that time, The Grand Lodge of Illinois was constituted, and a general solicitude felt to become a branch of it, a resolution was adopted by that institution, to solicit the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to permit the Western Star Lodge to with- draw its funds and furniture, and work under the Illinois jurisdiction, but the unfortunate destruction of the books and archives of the Illinois Grand Lodge shortly after, by the conflagration of the capitol where they were deposited, prevented as I am informed, its being communicated to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. In reference to that proposal were based the remarks contained in communication from W.S.L., in April, 1824, and was not a proposition originating from the Western Star Lodge.
In my communication of 28th August last, I suggested the ex- pediancy of a special agency to close the business, it was the only method I could then devise, but since that time another expedient has occured to me. Let a resolution be adopted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to restore the warrant of W.S.L. until it can complete the collection of the outstanding dues from its members, and take measures against the delinquents by suspension or expulsion according to its bye-laws; and to make its remittances and returns to the Grand Lodge, and upon its being made satisfactory to appear to the R.W. G.M., that the same has been done as far as practicable, that he grant the privilege for the W.S. Lodge, to surrender its charter and retain its jewels, furniture, &c., and be at liberty to unite with such Grand Lodge as it may deem expedient.
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