USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 5
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This was laid on the table and the next day the question was taken up when it was:
Resolved, That as Libanus Lodge is working under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, this Grand Lodge can take no cognizance of said petition.
In 1887 the printed by-laws of this lodge, together with the treas- urer's book, the original account book, a number of receipts, etc. were found in the effects of Mrs. John Guy, a widow 87 years of age, living in Carlinville. She was a sister of Alexander Miller, Treasurer, 1823-24. The bills were signed by John Todd, Worshipful Master; James D. Henry, Senior Warden; D. Prickett, Junior Warden; Alexander Miller, Treasurer and I. G. A. McKinney, Secretary. The Treasurer's book is a home-made affair but splendidly executed, both as to penmanship and arrangement, and is excellently preserved. It contains the follow- ing entries :
CR.
1823, July 1, By one hundred and twenty-three dollars of the paper of the S.B. of Illinois, received from David Prickett, Secretary as per receipt bearing this date $123.00
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Freemasonry in Illinois
DR.
1823 July 1. To this sum paid to the W.M'S order in favor of Bro. John Diamond S.P. $5.00 July 5. To this sum paid am't of Bro. A. Prickett's acc't dated the 3rd inst, per order of W.M. S.P. $18 .-- Aug. 8, To this sum state paper paid Bro. Byron Patterson, the am't S.P. $18.00 dated the 3rd inst. per order of W.M.
Aug. 24, This sum state paper paid on acc't of the W.M'S order in favor of Charles Stoker for $15. it being all the money in the treasury. $40.00
$123.00
Alex'r Miller treas'r.
CR
1824, April 16. By eleven 50-100 dollars of Illinois State paper, from I. G. A. Mckinney, Secretary, as per cer't of the present date $11.50
The value of state paper in those days is shown by the tyler's bill, which was for $27.00 but it took $60.00 of state paper to settle it.
These papers were sent to Edwardsville Lodge No. 99 in whose possession they now are.
This lodge recommended the petitions of Olive Branch, Sangamo and Vandalia Lodges to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. It started the movement to organize the Grand Lodge by its letter to Western Star Lodge. It is not known how long it lasted. It sent six members to par- ticipate in the organization of the Grand Lodge and was represented at every session after its organization.
Temple Lodge No. 35
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 1820:
The Grand Secretary reported that on the 28th of June 1820, a dispensation was granted to Bros. David Blackwell of Solomon's lodge no. 5, Ky and others to open a new lodge in the town of Belleville, Illi- nois, by the name of Temple Lodge No. 35.
Aug. 5, 1820 Temple Lodge No. 35 was opened in form with eight brethren present, among them being Charles Marini of St. John's Lodge No. 7, Ancona, Italy, a visitor.
Oct. 1, 1821 The Grand Secretary reports, that Temple Lodge No. 35 surrendered its dispensation without working under it. Reason, not known.
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Other Early Lodges
Olive Branch Lodge No. 5
June 2, 1821 a number of brethren residing at Alton prepared a petition for a lodge at that town and submitted it to Libanus Lodge for its recommendation. The petition reads:
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri:
The petitioners hereof humbly show that they are Ancient, Free, and Accepted Master Masons. Having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, they are willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and cliffuse the genuine principles of Freemasonry.
For the convenience of their respective dwellings, and for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a new lodge in the town of Alton, county of Madison, and State of Illinois, to be named Olive Branch Lodge No. - , in consequence of this desire, and the good of the Craft, they pray for a dispensation empowering them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the duties of Freemasonry in the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the ancient forms of the Fraternity and the laws and regulations of your Grand Lodge.
That they have nominated and do recommend Erastus Brown to be the first Master, Hezekiah H. Gear to be the first Senior Warden; and Henry H. Snow to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge; that if the prayer of the petition should be granted, they promise a strict con- formity to all the constitutional laws, rules, and regulations of the Grand Lodge and that if the proceedings of their lodge shall meet the appro- bation of the said Grand Lodge, at the next regular meeting of that Most Worshipful body, they, your petitioners, will apply for a charter or warrant. And as in duty bound will ever pray.
State of Illinois, Madison County, June 2, 1821.
The petition was signed by Erastus Brown, Master Mason, Chad. Brown, Master Mason, Henry H. Snow, Master Mason, Nelson Aldrich, Master Mason, Joel Finch, Master Mason, Daniel Mauross, Master Mason, Hezekiah H. Gear.
The recommendation of Libanus Lodge reads:
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri - Showeth:
That this petition has for a long time been under consideration of Mount Libanus Lodge, opened and held at Edwardsville, Illinois; that said Lodge have made all and every necessary inquiries respecting the qualifications and respectability of the petitioners, as also the locality of the place petitioned for; and, after calling a vote on the subject it was carried in favor of the petition being granted unanimously.
attest. Nicholas Hanson, Sec'y of s'd lodge.
Edwardsville 19th September, 1821.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
The dispensation reads:
SIT LUX ET LUX FUIT.
By the Most Worshipful Nathaniel B. Tucker, Grand Master.
To all and every our Right Worshipful and loving brethren greeting:
Know ye, that the Most Worshipful Nathaniel B. Tucker, Grand Master, at the humble petition of our Right Worshipful and well be- loved brothers, Erastus Brown, Hazekiah H. Gear, Henry H. Snow, and several other brethren residing at and near the town of Alton, Madison county, State of Illinois, of the Ancient and Honorable Frater- nity of York Masons, and for certain other reasons moving our Worship- ful Grand Master, do hereby constitute the said brethren into a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be opened in the Town of Alton, by the name of Olive Branch Lodge No. 5. At their said request and of the great trust and confidence reposed in every of the said brethren, the Most Worshipful Grand Master doth hereby appoint Bro. Erastus Brown, Worshipful Master, Bro. Hezekiah H. Gear, Senior Warden and Bro. Henry H. Snow, Junior Warden for opening - the said Lodge and gov- erning the same. It is required of our friend and brother the Worshipful Erastus Brown, to take special care that all and every of the said brethren of your Lodge, as well those hereafter to be admitted, into our body by your Lodge regularly made Masons; and that they do observe, perform, and keep all the rules and orders contained in our book of Constitutions, and the ancient landmarks be strictly attended to; and further, that you cause to be entered in a book kept for that purpose, an account of your proceedings; which, when done you are required to transmit herewith to the Grand - Master (with a list of those initiated, passed and raised, or otherwise managed ) at our next Grand Semi-Annual Communication.
Given at St. Louis under the hand seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, this 30th day of October, A.L. 5821 and A.D. 1821.
N. B. Tucker, G.M.
Wm Renshaw, G. Secy.
Resolved, That the act of the M.W. G. Master, in granting a letter of Dispensation to Olive Branch Lodge, No. 5, is approved by this Grand Lodge.
The record was received and referred to the committee on Pro- ceedings and Work of lodges under dispensation. The committee report reads:
That they have had under consideration the work and proceedings of Olive Branch No. 5, and after a careful examination of the same, your committee find that the records of said lodge have not been kept with the exact regularity and precision which is desirable in all lodges, but they do not find any essential error. or departure from the ancient usages of the order.
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Other Early Lodges
Resolved, That a Charter of Constitution be granted to the mem- bers of Olive Branch Lodge No. 5, according to the prayer of the petition,
The charter was issued accordingly.
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 8, 1822:
Brother Geo. H. C. Melody, who had been deputed to install the officers of Olive Branch Lodge No. 5, presented his report on that sub- ject, which was read and adopted.
Committees were appointed by the Grand Lodge to solicit sub- scriptions for the purpose of erecting a Masonic Hall in St. Louis. The report of the committee from Olive Branch Lodge reads:
The undersigned, who by a resolution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, adopted at the last Grand Semi-Annual Communication, was constituted a committee to procure subscriptions and donations for the purpose of erecting a Masonic Hall in the town of St. Louis, beg leave to report, that they have attended to the duty assigned them, as far as practieable, but have not been able to obtain anything for the contem- plated object; which is respectfully submitted.
H. H. Snow Nelson Aldrich.
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 9, 1822:
The committee to whom was referred the Proceedings of Olive Branch Lodge No. 5, beg leave to report, that they have carefully ex- amined the By-laws of said lodge, as well as proceedings, and find nothing therein contained contrary to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, or the ancient land-marks of Masonry. Your committee beg leave to offer the following resolutions, viz.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge approve of the Proceedings of Olive Branch Lodge No. 5.
The first meeting was held November 7, 1821. J. W. Whitney, a Fellowcraft petitioned to receive the third degree.
November 8. A committee on by-laws reported. One section was amended by striking out six as the hour of meeting and substituting "four of the clock." The first election was held in May and the by-laws provided that "forever after that, semi-annually, in the months of May and Sep." Visitors were required to pay twenty-five cents after the first visit "in any one year." The Tyler was paid fifty cents per meeting and he was permitted to collect twenty-five cents for his own use from every candidate initiated, passed or raised and from every brother who affiliates. Entered Apprentices had to wait three months
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Freemasonry in Illinois
before being passed, Fellowcrafts had to wait two months. Pro- vided, that
a brother who became thoroughly acquainted with all the informa- tion belonging to his degree, he might, at the discretion of the lodge, be advanced in less time.
Every candidate was presented with an apron and a copy of the by-laws.
On January 10, 1823 a resolution to prohibit smoking in the Lodge was introduced and laid over until the next regular meeting. On Feb- ruary 14 said resolution "was negatived."
Olive Branch Lodge No. 5, Upper Alton, for 1823, the officers were: Nelson Aldrich, Worshipful Master; Emmanuel J. West, Senior War- den; Southard Shaw, Junior Warden; Henry P. Rundle, Treasurer; Alexander Hart, Secretary; Benjamin Spencer, Senior Deacon; Ben- jamin Harwood, Junior Deacon; Culver Woodburn, Steward; William Heath, Tyler. In 1822 a contract for rent of hall was made at "twelve dollars per annum in specie, or thirty dollars in State paper."
The lodge sent three delegates to the convention that organized the Grand Lodge. In 1824 it was represented by David Coons. That year the return of the lodge showed twenty-five members, being the largest membership of any lodge shown.
On January 6, 1826 the committee on reports of subordinate lodges reported that the returns of Olive Branch Lodge had been received and appeared satisfactory so far as a disposition to conform to our regulations and the rules of Masonry were manifest. At the same meeting of the Grand Lodge we note the following:
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge disapproves of a resolution adopted in Olive Branch Lodge No. 5 on the day of their last election, allowing visiting brethren to vote in said election.
Nothing has been found to show when the lodge severed its con- nection with the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Neither is there anything to show when it ceased to exist. There are a few records of minor transactions as late as October 14, 1826.
To show the difficulties under which some lodges labored: Rev. J. M. Peck said that in 1828 there were 32 families with 132 members in "lower Alton." Six years later there were 2,500 inhabitants.
Hiram Lodge No. 8
The origin of this lodge is a mystery. Every Grand Lodge in exist- ence in 1824 has been contacted and none of them has any record of
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Other Early Lodges
such a lodge. Evidently the Grand Lodge issued that charter in 1823 but all records for that year were burned when the State House was destroyed December 9th. The first record of it is when Richard J. Ham- ilton, Worshipful Master was registered as a delegate to the Grand Lodge in 1824. That year the return showed twenty-four members. This is the only year that the lodge was officially represented. The com- mittee on returns of lodges in 1826 reported that the returns from Hiram Lodge No. S were satisfactory. January 1, 1827 Richard J. Hamilton was reported as a visitor. Hamilton was Master of Union Lodge No. 10 in 1822.
The only other known member of this lodge was Joseph Duncan, the father of the free school system and several years a member of the legislature. In 1834 he was elected governor and served four years. He was born in Paris, Kentucky, on August 31, 1795 and died at Spring- field on March 25, 1846.
The lodge was supposed to have been located at Brownsville, the first county seat of Jackson County. It was situated on the north bank of the Big Muddy river about five miles west of Murphysboro. In 1834 it was said to have a population of between four hundred and five hundred people. The court house burned on January 10, 1843 and because many people had settled around the immediate territory, there was a demand for a more centrally located county seat. Doctor Logan, father of General John A. Logan, offered twenty acres of his farm as a site for the court house. His offer was accepted and in a few years all trace of Brownsville was gone.
Albion Lodge No. 9
The first mention of this lodge reads:
Vincennes Lodge No. 1, March Ist, A.L. 5822, A.D. 1822.
This being a called Lodge by order of the W. Master, for the pur- pose of taking into consideration a petition from a number of brothers residing in and near Albion. in Edwards county, Illinois, and after having properly examined Brothers Jas. O. Wattles and A. B. Dake, who at- tended with said petition, and finding them well skilled, and they having vouched for the remainder of the signers;
On motion,
Resolved, That this Lodge do recommend the brothers named in the within petition to the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Indiana, agreeably to the prayer of the petition.
I, Elihu Stout, Secretary of Vincennes Lodge No. 1, do hereby certify the above to be a true copy of the proceedings of said Lodge on said petition.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Vineennes Lodge No. 1 this 2nd day of March, A.L. 5822, A.D. 1822.
E. Stout, Sec'y V. L.
The petition was endorsed "Albion Lodge, 12th March, 1822. Re- ceived $5.00 Lawrenceburgh paper," and was accompanied by the following letter:
Vincennes, 5th March, 1822.
Dear Sir :-
At the request of Judge Wattles, I forward you the petition of a number of the brethren residing in Albion, Illinois, and recommended by the Vineennes Lodge No. 1. They are desirous of having a letter of dispensation forwarded to me immediately, unless some business might induce you to visit this section of country. The officers mentioned in the petition are very expert workmen, and their prospects of success quite flattering. I was not properly aware of the amount of funds necessary to accompany the petition, but believing it to be five dollars, they left that sum in my hands, which I now enclose to you. Please forward the dispensation without delay, as they have a room prepared, and are very anxious to be installed as soon as possible.
James T. Moffatt.
P.S. Be so good as to advise me of any arrangements which are or may be made for the organization of a Grand Chapter in this state.
With respect, your fraternally, James T. Moffatt.
The dispensation was issued on March 12, 1822:
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Indiana:
A dispensation from the Most Worshipful John Sheets, Esq. Grand Master, was granted on March 12th, 1822, to a number of petitioners residing in Albion, Illinois, authorizing them to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons at Albion, to be known and designated by the name of Albion Lodge, and naming Bro. James O. Wattles, Master; John B. Johnson, Senior Warden; and Arnold B. Dake, Junior Warden, which being enclosed to me, with direction to organize the Lodge, I proceeded on the 13th of April to install the officers named in the dispensation, with the other subordinate officers which had been chosen for that purpose. The good effect produced by the solemnities of a public installation were so visible in the vicinity of Carlisle Lodge, (Ind. ) that the brethren of Albion were very desirous to have their's in public. As it was only a dispensation, I had some doubts as to propriety of the measure, but upon consulting with the brethren of this place, we concluded there would be no impropriety in it. Mr. Twigg, the brother appointed by the Albion Lodge to attend the Grand Lodge with the
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Other Early Lodges
dispensation and a copy of the proceedings of the Lodge, will be able to give any information that may be thought necessary as to the installation.
Respectfully, James T. Moffatt. Note-as these are the only returns I have ever made, you will please to excuse informality, and should they not be sufficiently explicit, you will give me notice of the same.
Vincennes, Sept. 30, 1822. Dear Sir-The bearer of this, Mr. Twigg, is a member of Albion Lodge, has a copy of proceedings, and wishes to get their dispensation renewed. Anything you can do for him will be reciprocated by your friend.
J. T. Moffatt.
Grand Lodge of Illinois committee report, 1824:
The committee to whom was referred the examination of credentials, report that the credentials of all the Lodges represented here are in form, with the exception of Albion Lodge, which has appointed dele- gates instead of their being appointed by the officers of the Lodge as proxies, your committee, therefore, beg leave to introduce the follow- ing resolution :
Resolved, That the delegates from Albion Lodge be allowed to take their seats in this Grand Lodge.
James O. Wattles was elected Grand Treasurer in 1824 and again in January 1826.
The lodge did not prosper during its latter days. On December 12, 1826 a statement regarding the lodge was presented by Brother George Webb, Senior Warden, which resulted in the following action:
Resolved, That Bro. Henry I. Mills take charge of the furniture of Albion Lodge; that the Secretary of said Lodge is required to deliver all records and papers into his hands, and he is hereby authorized to settle with the former Treasurer, and collect all moneys due said Lodge, and pay them over to the order of the M.W. G. Master.
Resolved, That the operations of Albion Lodge No. 9, be, and they are hereby suspended.
The return for 1822 shows the following officers:
James O. Wattles, M.
John B. Johnson S.W.
Jesse B. Brown J.W.
John M. Robinson Secy.
Henry I. Mills, Treas.
William A. Crowell S.D.
David Dundas J.D.
Henry Bowman Ty.
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Ten candidates were raised. In 1823 four were raised, four dimit- ted and one dismissed. The return for 1824 showed twenty-two mem- bers.
Sangamo Lodge No. 9
On April 4, 1822 the following petition was sent to Libanus Lodge No. 29:
To the Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and brethren of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma- sons of the State of Missouri:
Your petitioners respectfully beg leave to represent that they are Free and Accepted Master Masons, that they have been members of regular Lodges, and having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, are willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Masonry. That for the conveniency of their respective dwellings, and for other good reasons, are desirous of forming a new Lodge in the town of Springfield, county of Sangamon, and State of Illinois, to be called Sangamo Lodge No. -; and that in consequence of this desire, they pray for letters of dispensation from your honorable body (there being no Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois), to empower them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order, and the regulations of your Grand Lodge. That they have nominated Stephen Stillman to be the first Master; Gershom Jayne to be the first Senior Warden, and John Moore to be the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge. That if the prayer of your petitioners should be granted, they promise a strict conformity to all the constitutional laws and regula- tions of the Grand Lodge.
Jas. Latham Stephen Phelps Stephen Stillman Gershom Jayne Thos. Constant Charles Wright Oramel Clark John Moore.
Libanus Lodge No. 29, April 4th, 1822, A.L. 5822.
The within petition from sundry brother Masons of Sangamon County, praying to be recommended by this Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Missouri for letters of dispensation, was presented and read, and each petitioner being properly vouched for, it is ordered that this Lodge do recommend said petitioners as prayed for.
John Todd, Secretary
A true copy of record.
John Y. Sawyer, Master John Todd, Secretary.
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Other Early Lodges
On April 5 the following dispensation was issued:
SIT LUX ET LUX FUIT.
By the Most Worshipful Nathaniel B. Tucker, Grand Master.
To all and every, our right Worshipful and Loving Brethren - Greeting:
Know ye, that the Most Worshipful Nathaniel B. Tucker, Grand Master, at the humble petition of our Right Worshipful and well beloved brethren, Stephen Stillman, Gershom Jayne, John Moore and several others residing at and near the town of Springfield, county of Sangamon, State of Illinois, of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of York Masons, and for certain other reasons moving our Worshipful Grand Master do hereby constitute the said brothers into a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons to be opened in the town of Springfield, by the name of Sangamo No. 9. At their said request and of the great trust and confi- dence reposed in every of the said brethren, the Most Worshipful Grand Master doth hereby appoint Bro. Stephen Stillman Master, Bro. Gershom Jayne Senior Warden, and Bro. John Moore, Junior Warden, for opening the said Lodge and governing the same. It is required of our friend and brother, the Worshipful Stephen Stillman, to take special care that all and every of the said brethren of your Lodge, as well as those hereafter to be admitted into our body by your Lodge, be regularly made Masons, and that they do observe, perform, and keep all the rules and orders contained in the Book of Constitutions, and the ancient landmarks be attended to; and further, that you cause to be entered in a book kept for that purpose, an account of your proceedings, which when done, you are required to transmit herewith to the Grand Master ( with a list of those initiated, passed and raised, or otherwise managed), at our next Grand Annual Communication.
Given at St. Louis, under the hand and seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, this 5th day of April A.L. 5822, A.D. 1822.
Th Douglas D.G.M. and G.M. pro tem.
attest Wm. Renshaw, G. Sec'y.
The first meeting was held on August 31, A.L. 5822:
Lodge met pursuant to notice being given, at the lodge-room in Springfield.
Brethren present: Stephen Stillman, W.M .; Gershom Jayne, S.W .; John Moore, J.W .; Moses Broadwell, Treas .; James C. Stephenson, Secy .; Oramel Clark, S. D .; Thomas Constant, J.D.
Lodge opened on the first degree of Masonry in due form; no busi- ness before this. Lodge closed, and that of a fellow craft opened; no business being presented, the Lodge closed, and that of a Master Mason opened. A form of by-laws was presented, which were adopted and signed by the brethren.
Moved and seconded that Brother John Moore furnish three small
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Freemasonry in Illinois
stand tables, pedestals, rods, &c., for the use of the Lodge. No further business being before the Lodge, it was closed in harmony.
James C. Stephenson, Secretary.
Stephen Stillman, W.M.
These minutes were sent to the Grand Lodge accompanied by the following letter:
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