USA > Illinois > The rise and progress of Freemasonry in Illinois, 1783-1952 > Part 9
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church. On June 4 the committee reported suitable arrangements with Brother Most to use his two story building on the square for $60.
Here ends the history of this lodge while under dispensation. The Grand Lodge of Illinois was organized in 1840 and No. 97 became No. 1.
Equality Lodge No. 102
Kaskaskia raised grain and stock; Equality made salt. We are told that as early as 1685 an expedition came to
establish a traffic in salt in order that the subjects of His Majesty King Louis XIV might have a regular supply of aforesaid commodity.
In 1810 the Post Office Department established a post office at Saline; in 1827 the name was changed to Equality from the French word "Égalité" meaning Equality. Ten years later the Grand Lodge of Kentucky issued a dispensation for Equality Lodge U.D. The first meeting was held on April 7, 1837. The date of the petition for the dispensation is unknown. The first meeting was in charge of James C. Weller, of Clinton Lodge No. 82, Kentucky, who acted as Master, assisted by the following officers: H. P. Williams, Senior Warden; Arnold B. Dake, Junior Warden; Absolom Ashby, Secretary; Willis Hargrave, Treasurer; Israel D. Towles, Senior Deacon; C. C. Lockett, Junior Deacon; Thomas Pruett, Steward; and Edward Jones, Tyler.
The lodge was opened on the third degree after which it moved in procession to the court house in Equality where the following officers were installed: Arnold B. Dake, Worshipful Master; William Siddall, Senior Warden; Edward Levell, Junior Warden; Absolom Ashby, Sec- retary; Willis Hargrave, Treasurer; Israel D. Towles, Senior Deacon; William Burnett, Junior Deacon; S. D. Hawke, Steward and Tyler.
The first business was to conduct the funeral of a brother. The record reads:
The Rev James Alexander, by previous appointment and request, proceeded to pronounce the funeral service of our departed and much lamented worthy brother, Tyler D. Hewitt, after which a procession was formed and proceeded to the grave, where the usual ceremonies observed on such occasions were performed by the Worshipful Master.
The Lodge from thence proceeded to Mr. Lane's to partake of a collation prepared for the occasion, and then proceeded to the lodge room.
The next meeting was held April 11th, at which time six petitions were read. June 24th with twenty-one members present the Lodge
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elected officers for a six months term. The officers were installed, lodge called from labor to refreshment and the brethren repaired to the house of Mr. S. R. Rowan where they were again called on and a procession formed according to ancient usage. The lodge then proceeded to the court house and heard a sermon by Rev. James Alexander and prayer by Rev. Benjamin Bruce, after which they proceeded to the house of Mr. Lewis Reed, joined by the clergy and ladies where they partook of an excellent collation prepared for the occasion.
The dispensation was returned to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky accompanied by the following letter:
Equality Lodge U.D.
Saturday, August 5, A.D. 1837, A.L. 5837.
Phillip Swigert, Gd. Secy. of Kentucky:
Sir: Accompanying this communication please receive the return of Equality Lodge U.D. held in Equality, Gallatin county, State of Illinois.
It will be perceived from the return that since the 7th of April last, the date of the installation of this Lodge, many new members have been made, and much business done, and that with almost unprecedented rapidity; but I am instructed to say that this appearance will not, it is hoped, prejudice the application of this Lodge to the G.L. of Kentucky for a charter.
The long suspension of almost all Lodges in the western country from labor, occasioned by a circumstance occuring several years since in one of the eastern States, and well known to Masons, has just so long left many friendly to Masonry without the means of becoming members until the opening of this Lodge; and it is believed that this will furnish sufficient apology, if any be needed, for the celerity with which work has been done here.
I am instructed also to state that in every instance of a deviation from the bye-laws, they have been formally and by unanimous vote dis- pensed with, and, also, that in all cases of new members, they have long been intimately acquainted with the elders; and, further, that in almost every instance, when the bye-laws have been dispensed with, it has appeared to be a case of some emergency.
Not knowing whether it be necessary to send with this return a copy of the bye-laws of this lodge, it is not sent; but this Lodge works under a literal copy of the byc-laws of Clinton Lodge No. 82, Kentucky.
Please also receive enclosed fifteen dollars for the dispensation, and balance remitted for charter of this Lodge.
I am also instructed to make direct application to the G.L. of Ken- tucky, in this mode, for a charter to this Lodge, by the name of Equality Lodge No .-
It is supposed that the sum remitted will be sufficient, if not, the remainder will be sent on the first notice.
It would be acknowledged as a favor if you would inform the Secre- tary of this Lodge what would be the probable cost of jewels, well made and reasonably heavy, for a Master's Lodge.
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With sentiments of great respect, and due consideration, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant.
Wm. J. Gatewood, Sec. Equality Lodge U.D.
P.S. The Lodge was installed April 7th, 1837. by J. C. Weller, of Clinton Lodge No. 82, Kentucky.
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Kentucky, August 29, 1837: Brother Apperson, from the Committee on Lodges U.D., made the following report, which was read and concurred in, viz .:
The Committee on Lodges Under Dispensation, would beg leave to further report that Equality Lodge U. D., at the town of Equality, county of Gallatin, and state of Illinois, has forwarded a letter to the Grand Lodge accompanied by a letter from Brother J. C. Waller, who was the proxy of the Grand Master, in installing the officers of the said Lodge, and setting them to work, which communications are satisfactory. By the return of the said Lodge, it appears that there has been some irregularity in their works, and although their records have not been forwarded, yet one member of your committee has examined the records of the Lodge and found them generally correct, with some slight irregu- larities; but the officers of the Lodge had taken the pains to visit an older Lodge than theirs, to learn more perfectly how to work, and to inspect the proceeding thereof; the dispensation is returned, and a charter prayed for. Your committee would submit the following resolution:
Resolved, that the prayer of said Lodge, for a charter, is reason- able, and that it be designated by the name of Equality Lodge No. 102.
The committee on Lodges U.D. found the records satisfactory and
Resolved, that the prayer of said Lodge, for a charter, is reason- able, and that it be designated by the name Equality Lodge No. 102.
The return for the year 1839 reads:
Stated meetings-1st saturdays Officers
A. B. Dake, Master T. Dunn, S. Warden Thos H. Leavell, Jr. Warden E. Jones, Secretary
Robert T. Hopper, Treasurer Joseph E. Watkins, S. Dea. S. S. Scudder Jr. Dea. Thos. J. Lindsey, S., & Tyler
Past Masters
A. B. Dake
Master Masons
A. W. Pool
Lee Hargrave Willis Hargrave James W. Hamilton Israel D. Towle Hampton Weed
Wm. J. Gatewood Jos Choisser Abraham Irvin John M. Barnet B. C. Crow
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Lodges 1835-1840
E. H. Gatewood Wm. Liddale L. W. Hargrave
E. Dobbins E. Leavell Absolom Ashby Wm. Burnet
Wm. F. Hewitt Harrison Wilson B. R. Young Samuel Gairy James H. Bennet S. D. Hawke
Fellow Crafts
Jas. Williams Solomon Holt
S. R. Rowan B. Riee John Young
Thomas Pickering John Howard Wm. Chrisser
A. B. Dake, Master
Wm. F. Hewitt, M.M.
Expelled
Moses Thompson E.A.
7 initiations.
Dues $28 not paid.
In 1838 the lodge laid the cornerstone of the Public Works at Shawneetown, a full account of which will be found in another chap- ter. On July 20, 1839 a request was received from the "Bank of Illinois" at Shawneetown, asking the lodge to lay the cornerstone of their "New Banking House," which was done "according to ancient form." In a history written in 1887 the building was thus described:
A massive stone structure, four stories high, with five massive corru- gated Doric columns in front, built at a cost of $80,000.00
Aug. 31st, 1842:
Brother Secretary submitted to the Grand Lodge two communica- tions from a committee of Equality Lodge No. 102, praying a remission of their dues, and leave to surrender their Charter, with a view to attach themselves to the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, which com- munication being read :-
Brother Swigert offered the following preamble and resolution, which was read and adopted :-
Whereas, since the establishment of Equality Lodge, No. 102, in the State of Illinois, by this Grand Lodge, there has been formed, in that State, a Grand Lodge; and, whereas, the members composing said Lodge having expressed a desire (on account of convenience to them), to with- draw from under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, with a view to attach themselves to the Grand Lodge of Illinois-therefore,
Resolved, that this Grand Lodge will cheerfully surrender their jurisdiction over said Lodge, and accept the surrender of the Charter of the same, whenever tendered, and recommend to the said Lodge to remit the dues of its members so far as their situation will permit.
V. F. Evans Wm. Forrester
Entered Apprentices
Dead
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Thus was started the lodge that is now No. 2 on the Grand Lodge rolls. It has faithfully made returns and paid per capita tax with one notable exception, which was in 1847:
Whereas, This Grand Lodge has been satisfactorily informed that Equality Lodge No. 2, has been unable to enjoy Masonic privileges during the past year, from the absence of her officers and most of her members in Mexico and elsewhere, therefore,
Resolved, That the dues of Equality Lodge No. 2, be remitted for the past year.
According to tradition Arnold B. Dake, the first Master, was a nephew of Benedict Arnold and reversed his first and middle names because of the stigma attached to his uncle's disgraceful act. He was described as a very retiring man and a "highly respected old gentle- man." He was Junior Deacon in Lawrence Lodge No. 34 in 1824; Junior Warden of Albion Lodge No. 9 in 1822; and Grand Marshall of the Grand Lodge in 1827.
In later years Equality Lodge recommended the formation of Eldorado Lodge No. 730, Ridgeway Lodge No. 816 and Iola Lodge No. 691.
Harmony Lodge No. 24
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 4, 1837:
A petition from sundry brethren Master Masons, praying for a dis- pensation to hold a Lodge at Jacksonville, Illinois, was read, and on motion, the prayer of the petitioners was granted; whereupon the Most Worshipful Grand Master ordered a dispensation to be issued.
The petition was signed by thirteen brethren and had been pre- sented to St. Louis Lodge No. 20 for recommendation, which was granted.
The signers were :- John T. Jones, late of Miami No. 45, Ohio; W. B. Warren, late of Mt Vernon No. 14, Ky .; A. Dunlap, late of Murray No. 35, Ky .; Wm. S. Vance, late of Murray No. 35, Ky .; P. Coffman, late of Davis No. 22, Lex., Ky .; James L. James, late of Brearly Lodge No. 9, New Jersey; Samuel M. Prosser late of Mt. Olivet, Va .; George Henry late of Lexington No. 1, Ky .; Mat. Stacy late of Hopkinsville, Ky .; George Hackett, Illion No. 12; Benj. Harvey, late of Lexington No. 1, Ky .; Richard Henry, late of Lexington No. 1, Ky .; Dennis Rockwell, Illion No. 12, Illinois.
John T. Jones was named Master, W. B. Warren, S.W. and Alex- ander Dunlap, J.W., Oct 2, 1838. (G.L. Mo. Pro).
The committee on work and credentials reported:
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Lodges 1835-1840
They have also examined the records of the Jacksonville Harmony Lodge, working under a dispensation, and find their work generally cor- rect. It appears, however, that on the 18th August, John Gregory, a candidate for the Master's degree was balloted for in a Lodge of Entered Apprentices, the candidate himself being present. They have also failed to send a copy of their By-Laws, or a transcript of their Proceedings, but have sent us the Secretary's books in which the committee find their By-Laws, which they have examined, and in which they find nothing inconsistent with the Constitution or the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge.
The committee recommended the following resolution:
Resolved, That a charter be granted to Jacksonville Harmony Lodge.
In 1839 the lodge paid dues in full-$14.25 to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Charity was early recognized by the lodge. February 4, 1839:
On motion, it was voted that twenty dollars be appropriated out of the funds of this Lodge for the relief of a Mr. Elder, a poor person, who has had the misfortune to have his legs broken.
At a private subscription ten more dollars were raised for his benefit.
This lodge took the leading part in organizing the Grand Lodge of Illinois but it did not inform the Grand Lodge of Missouri of that fact. At the 1840 communication of that Grand Lodge, Harmony Lodge No. 24 was not represented. However, Springfield Lodge No. 26 sent a communication announcing its withdrawal to join the Grand Lodge of Illinois. This caused the following resolution:
Resolved, That the communication from Springfield Lodge be re- ferred to the Grand Secretary, that he open a correspondence with said Lodge, for the purpose of ascertaining what Lodges working under Charters from this Grand Lodge, have united and formed themselves into a Grand Lodge, and designated the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Franklin Lodge No. 22
Proceedings of Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 3, 1837:
The Grand Secretary announced that a dispensation had been granted during recess of the Grand Lodge for Franklin Lodge No. 22 Alton, Illinois, Nov. 9, A.L. 5836. Twenty dollars was received with the petition for the dispensation. The charter was granted Oct. 5, 1838. (Hist. of M. in Ill. J.C.R.)
Franklin Lodge, Alton Illinois, April 18th, A.D. 1837, A.L. 5837.
In open Lodge working on the third degree of Masonry.
Brother Worshipful Alexander Hart tendered his resignation as
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Master of this Lodge, which was accepted, subject to the consent of the M.W.G. Lodge. Brother Benjamin Walker, Senior Warden, tendered his resignation, which was accepted, subject to the consent of the M.W.G. Lodge.
On motion:
Resolved, That the Lodge now proceed to the election of Worshipful Master and Senior Warden, to fill the vacancies occasioned by the resignation of Bros. Hart and Walker.
Whereupon a ballot was taken and Brother Charles Howard was duly elected Worshipful Master, and brother Henry P. Rundle was duly elected Senior Warden.
Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to transmit to the officers of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge at St. Louis, respectfully soliciting their advice and consent to the appointment of Brother Charles Howard, Worshipful Master, Brother Henry P. Rundel, Senior Warden, and that Brother Jacob C. Brunner be continued Junior Warden of their Lodge.
I, Samuel C. Pierce, Secretary of Franklin Lodge, at Alton, Illinois, working under a dispensation from the M.W. Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri, do certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the proceed- ings of said Lodge.
Given under my hand and private seal, as Secretary, this 19th day of April, A.D. 1837, A.L. 5837.
S. C. Pierce. Secy.
Upon receipt of this letter a new dispensation, signed by S. W. B. Carnegy, Grand Master, and Richard B. Dallam, Grand Secretary, was issued bearing date of May 10, 1837, in which Charles Howard was named Master, Henry P. Rundel, Senior Warden and Jacob C. Bruner, Junior Warden. The lodge was represented at the Grand Lodge of Missouri in 1837 by S. C. Pierce. In 1838, at the October communication Henry P. Rundel represented the lodge. Brother Rundel was a member of the committee on "Communications from Grand and Foreign Lodges." Brother Melody, Grand Treasurer, reported that he had installed the officers of Franklin Lodge No. 22. The returns were so full of errors that the committee:
Resolved, That Franklin Lodge No. 22, have leave to withdraw their returns with instructions to send up to the Grand Secretary, with as little delay as possible, a more perfect transcript of their proceedings.
The lodge held no meetings during 1839-40. On September 1, a petition was forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Missouri:
To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Wardens and brethren of the G. L. of Missouri:
Brethren :- The undersigned the only remaining members of Frank- lin Lodge No. 22, now residing in Alton, beg leave to make a plain and
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Lodges 1835-1840
unvarnished statement of the facts in regard to our Lodge, which is now under the censure of the Grand Lodge:
We sent a delegate to the Grand Lodge, at its regular communica- tion in October, 1838, with a transcript of our work for the preceeding year. Also the amount of our Grand Lodge dues up to that time. That transcript was made out by an aged and paralytic (but very worthy) brother, hence its illegibility. The dues, it appears, were not paid. As our work was not received, we presume our delegate thought it best to retain the money.
We have done no work since Nov. 1838, owing to the death of sev- eral of our most efficient members, the removal of others, and the entire pecuniary prostration of all. We have nothing left to work upon. Nothing but zeal for the cause, and love for the fraternity. And we respectfully ask of the Grand Lodge that they will not hold the few who remain, and who are poor, accountable for the past dues of our Lodge. Brethren, in all frankness and sincerity, we say we are not able to pay you without serious injury to our families.
We therefore, besecch you brethren, by your bowels of-charity to forgive the past.
We are now ready to go to work again, and under favorable circum- stances and trust that hereafter no just cause of complaint will be found against us.
Charles Howard Robert McFarland Jabez Carter
J. C. Bruner William Lowe Jr. John A. Maxcy Harvey S. Summers William Stein Wesley Noland J. W. Collett.
Sep. 1st A.L. 5841, A.D. 1841
The lodge had been ordered to return a transcript of its proceed- ings for the years 1838 and 1839 and show cause why their charter should not be revoked, but, as no report was received it was
Resolved, That said lodge be required to transmit to the Grand Secretary, a full and complete transcript of her Proceedings for the years 1838, 1839, 1840; also her dues up to this time, by the first day of January, 1841, and in default thereof, that her charter be revoked and she be required to return her charter, together with the jewels, and furniture of her lodge, to the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge.
On September 7, 1842 the lodge moved to Upper Alton.
On October 7, 1843 a communication was sent to the Grand Lodge of Missouri reading:
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Freemasonry in Illinois
Resolved, That our delegation to the grand annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, to be holden on the second Monday in October next, are hereby instructed to apply to said Grand Lodge for permission for this Lodge to report to, and join the Grand Lodge of Illinois at its grand annual communication in A.L. 5844.
Resolved, That we feel grateful to the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of Missouri for the many acts of kindness which they have conferred upon us, and that we tender them our fraternal acknowledge- ments for the same.
In 1844 the committee on returns and work reported having ex- amined the records of Franklin Lodge No. 25 at Upper Alton, and finding said returns correct and the dues paid. This is the beginning of the record of this lodge under the Grand Lodge of Illinois and with this we close the record for this history.
Far West Lodge No. 29
On December 28, 1838, pursuant to a public notice, the following Master Masons met in the "Chamber of Commerce": Chas. Gear, H. H. Gear, S. McLean, A. T. Crow, M. Faucette, John Sherman, T. B. Farnsworth, E. W. Turner, John E. Smith, R. Pattison and Jas. A. Clark. A lodge was organized with the following officers: Chas. Gear, Worshipful Master; E. W. Turner, Senior Warden; S. McLean, Junior Warden; T. B. Farnsworth, Treasurer; John E. Smith, Secretary; A. T. Crow, Senior Deacon; H. H. Gear, Junior Deacon; and M. Faucette, Tyler.
A petition for a dispensation was drawn up and signed by all those named and three others-Daniel Wann, George M. Mitchell and Samuel Smoker. One well known citizen and member was prevented from signing on account of the following resolution:
Resolved, That owing to the atheistical opinions, as publicly ex- pressed by A.B. he is unworthy of being taken by the hand as a Mason. Which was unanimously adopted.
A committee reported on January 5, 1839 that a room had been secured and each member contributed five dollars towards fitting up the lodge.
A committee to look up the jewels of the old lodge reported that only the Senior and Junior Wardens' columns could be found.
The dispensation was received on March 23, 1839.
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Lodges 1835-1840
George M. Mitchell made the long journey from Galena to St. Louis to represent the lodge and get the charter. The committee on work reported:
Your committee on work have had submitted to them the work of Far West Lodge, held at Galena, Illinois, working under a dispensation, and respectfully report:
That their work conforms generally to the Constitution and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. They have, however, like many others of the sub- ordinate Lodges, fallen into the erroneous practice of doing most of their work in a lodge of Entered Apprentices.
Resolved, That the practice of working in a lodge of Entered Ap- prentices is an innovation on the ancient usage and practice of Masonry.
Resolved, That a Charter be granted to Far West Lodge, in accord- ance with their prayer.
The officers were installed on November 16, 1839 in the stone building on the east side of Main Street, opposite Diagonally, then used as a Court House, by Past Master William R. Smith of Pennsyl- vania. He delivered an oration on that occasion which was so highly appreciated that 500 copies were ordered printed.
The Secretary reported twenty-seven Master Masons and three Entered Apprentices; also cash received, $353.87; paid out $352.75; leaving a balance on hand of $1.12.
On May 16 the lodge recommended the petition of "certain Master Masons for a Lodge to be located at Mineral Point, Wisconsin."
On August 22 petitions were recommended for lodges at Dubuque, Iowa Territory, and Platteville, Wisconsin.
After meeting in the Court House for a year the lodge moved to
the commodious stone house on the east side of the river owned by Bro. John P. DeZoya, where they met in regular communication in the years 1843-4.
On March 21, 1840 the Secretary was instructed to inquire of the
Grand Secretary of Illinois on what terms a charter can be pro- curred.
On December 26, 1844 a resolution was adopted that
application be made to the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin for a Charter, and, if granted, that the name be Galena Lodge.
Action of Grand Lodge of Wisconsin:
Jan. 8, 1845-A communication was presented from Far West Lodge
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Freemasonry in Illinois
of Galena, Illinois, and a copy of a resolution making application for a charter from this Grand Lodge. This communication was read and re- ferred to a committee of three members of the Grand Lodge.
The report of the committee was:
Resolved, That a charter be issued to the Far West Lodge, at Galena, under and by the name of Galena Lodge, as prayed for; that the said Charter be issued with its date and number blank and kept by the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge until the said Far West Lodge shall place in his hands the proper legal evidence of its dimission from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, when he shall date, number and deliver said Charter to the said Lodge from and after which time, if accepted by Galena Lodge, it shall be taken to remain under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That no other fee shall be demanded for said Charter than the regular fees of the Grand Secretary.
At the third annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Wis- consin the Grand Secretary referred to the granting of a dispensation for the lodge at Galena, Illinois as follows:
I have, on the 23rd December last, by and under the order of R.W. G.M. Moses Meeker, made out and delivered a dispensation for a Lodge in Galena, Illinois. I was not certain at that time, neither am I now, that this Grand Lodge had the power or authority to do so; or that the R.W.G.M. had the authority to act in the premises. I submit to the G. Lodge the propriety of specifying plainly in whom this authority of M.W. Grand Master is vested, when that person or officer is absent; whether in the Deputy Grand Master or the Senior Grand Warden. There seems to have been some difference of opinion on this subject, which it would seem, proves that there is ambiguity in the constitution on that subject.
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