USA > Indiana > A history of freemasonry in Indiana from 1806 to 1898 > Part 22
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INDIANAPOLIS, OCTOBER 4, 1830 .- The Grand Lodge met with only three of the Grand Officers present, viz .: Abel C. Pepper, Grand Master; Harvey Gregg, Grand Treasurer, and James F. D. Lanier, Grand Secretary, and the repre- sentatives of only six lodges. The Grand Lodge then ad- journed to meet at Indianapolis, December 1, 1830.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 1, 1830 .- There were present at the opening of this session but two of the regular officers- John Morrison, Junior Grand Warden, and William M. Wick, Grand Orator, and the representatives of nine lodges.
On motion, "the Grand Lodge resolved that its members will dine together on to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock." Visiting brethren were invited to attend. The committee having the matter in charge reported that "they had made arrangements with Brother B. Brown, of this town, to pre- pare the dinner."
A resolution was offered and laid on the table that it was improper for subordinate lodges to receive notes from ap- plicants for initiating, passing or raising, for the admittance of members, or extending credit to such persons in any way.
A copy of the Constitution as revised up to that time was published as an appendix to the proceedings.
VINCENNES, OCTOBER 10, 1831 .- The Grand Lodge met with only two of the regular officers present-John B. Mar- tin, Junior Grand Warden, and Austin W. Morris, Grand Secretary, and seven lodge represented.
A committee to revise the Constitution of the Grand Lodge was appointed, to report at the next annual meeting.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported that "by these communications Masonry appears to be flourish-
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capacity whatever, except such cases as are already pro- vided for by the Grand Constitution," was adopted-ayes, 21; noes, 2.
A vote of thanks was presented to the Grand Chaplain for his "ingenious and appropriate discourse so appropri- ately delivered at the Methodist Church on the 27th inst."
It was decided "that each Grand Lodge is, and should be and remain, supreme within its own State."
The following was adopted:
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the several lodges. subordinate to this Grand Lodge that they use their utmost influence to suppress the use of ardent spirits by members. of the Fraternity and others."
It was decided by the committee that an officer elected and installed for a definite period could not secede, resign or demit, having been elected for a definite period; but the Grand Lodge decided otherwise.
It was decided that the fees for all the degrees must be paid in advance.
The Grand Treasurer was authorized to loan any surplus funds not otherwise appropriated to any number of Royal Arch Masons sufficient to form a chapter in Indianapolis,. not to exceed one hundred dollars.
A committee was appointed to confer with Center Lodge and the chapter, when one shall be established in Indianap- olis, for the purpose of procuring a lot in said town and making arrangements for erecting a Masonic Hall.
The Grand Secretary was ordered to procure a book and open it with reference to keeping the number of members,. initiations and other statistical matter.
INDIANAPOLIS, NOVEMBER 30, 1829 .- Grand Master John Tipton presented the following communication:
"The multifarious engagements of the undersigned will probably prevent his attendance at the next Grand Lodge; he therefore tenders his most sincere thanks for the par- tiality and friendship shown him by this Grand Lodge, and declines a re-election as Grand Master.
"JOHN TIPTON."
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It was decided to appoint a Grand Lecturer who shall not be entitled to salary, and thereupon Brother William Sheets was duly selected. The further appointments of district Deputies was discontinued.
Lengthy reports by the three district Deputies were made, which contained much valuable information. They were allowed for their services, respectively, $45, $25 and $60.
INDIANAPOLIS, OCTOBER 4, 1830 .- The Grand Lodge met with only three of the Grand Officers present, viz .: Abel C. Pepper, Grand Master; Harvey Gregg, Grand Treasurer, and James F. D. Lanier, Grand Secretary, and the repre- sentatives of only six lodges. The Grand Lodge then ad- journed to meet at Indianapolis, December 1, 1830.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 1, 1830 .- There were present at the opening of this session but two of the regular officers- John Morrison, Junior Grand Warden, and William M. Wick, Grand Orator, and the representatives of nine lodges.
On motion, "the Grand Lodge resolved that its members will dine together on to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock." Visiting brethren were invited to attend. The committee having the matter in charge reported that "they had made arrangements with Brother B. Brown, of this town, to pre- pare the dinner."
A resolution was offered and laid on the table that it was improper for subordinate lodges to receive notes from ap- plicants for initiating, passing or raising, for the admittance of members, or extending credit to such persons in any way.
A copy of the Constitution as revised up to that time was published as an appendix to the proceedings.
VINCENNES, OCTOBER 10, 1831 .- The Grand Lodge met with only two of the regular officers present-John B. Mar- tin, Junior Grand Warden, and Austin W. Morris, Grand Secretary, and seven lodge represented.
A committee to revise the Constitution of the Grand Lodge was appointed, to report at the next annual meeting.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported that "by these communications Masonry appears to be flourish-
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ing, notwithstanding the unjustifiable opposition set up against it, and confirms the belief of the committee that if Masons live up to the principles of the Order they have nothing to fear."
The Grand Lodge resolved to go in grand procession to a public dinner at high twelve on the following day.
The Grand Master was requested to cause all moneys to be deposited in the United States Branch Bank at Cincin- nati or Louisville.
A resolution looking to the purchase of a lot for a Grand Masonic Hall at Indianapolis was adopted.
It was resolved that "it is not proper for any lodge within this State to initiate a citizen of any other State within which there is a Grand Lodge, without first having pro- cured the consent of at least one of the Grand Officers of such Grand Lodge." It was also-
"Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be ten- dered to the young gentlemen of Vincennes who acted as musicians during the procession of this day."
SALEM, OCTOBER 1, 1832 .- There were present but two of the Grand Officers --- Woodbridge Parker, Junior Grand Warden, and Austin W. Morris, Grand Secretary, and the representatives of only seven lodges.
The unfinished business remaining over from previous years was indefinitely postponed.
It was resolved that representatives thereafter should be allowed one dollar per day for attendance upon the Grand Lodge, including the time occupied going and coming, to be paid out of the funds paid by the lodge as dues to the Grand Lodge.
INDIANAPOLIS, OCTORER 7, 1833 .- The Grand Secretary, Austin W. Morris, was the only Grand Officer present, and only five lodges-Madison, Lawrenceburg, Terre Haute, Richmond and Vevay-were represented.
A resolution was adopted adjourning the Grand Lodge until the 23d of December, and requesting the Grand Sec- retary to notify all lodges of said action.
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INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 23, 1833 .- Four of the Grand Officers and the representatives of five lodges were present at the opening of the session.
Philip Mason, chairman of the committee to revise the Constitution, made a lengthy report, which was adopted.
The following resolution was adopted :
"Resolved, That each and every lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge shall be absolved from the payment of any dues or loans owing to this Grand Lodge up to this date, and that the same are unconditionally remitted; and all lodges not represented at the next annual meeting shall be stricken from the roll of lodges."
There was a good deal of detail business transacted, and the future prospects seemed to be brightening, but such did not prove to be the case.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 8, 1834 .- Most of the Grand Officers were present, but only four lodges were repre- sented.
The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, in noting the proceedings of other Grand Lodges, said: "The com- mittee recommend the hearty thanks of all good Masons for the persevering manner in which the Grand Lodges in those States continue their labors in the midst of the most rancor- ous opposition."
After the transaction of some routine business the Grand Lodge adjourned.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 14, 1835 .- About half of the Grand Officers were present and the representatives of eleven lodges. The committee noticing the proceedings of other Grand Lodges were highly pleased to observe the sub- stantial evidence of the growing prosperity of our Institu- tion in those places. They said: "Masonry, the oldest and most elevated of moral institutions, has survived the wreck of empires and kingdoms, and ever will so long as one spark of moral light and fraternal feeling remains in the human heart: her institutions will flourish, her assemblies attended, and her benign influence be felt where the white lambskin is worthily worn. Although the ruthless tongue of slander has attempted to fix an indelible stain upon her
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causing an official notice to be published in the "Indiana Journal," with a request that the editors of papers friendly to the Institution give it an insertion gratuitously.
At this time, out of forty-two lodges that had been char- tered since the organization twenty years previous, but six- teen retained their charters, the other twenty-six having surrendered, owing to the Morgan excitement and other causes.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 3, 1840 .- Ten lodges were rep- resented.
A resolution was adopted instructing the Grand Treas- urer, from time to time, to invest the surplus in stock at the branch at Indianapolis of the State Bank of Indiana, and all dividends accruing from the same to be invested in the same manner.
"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge unite in the opinion expressed by the resolution of the Grand Lodge of Ala- bama, that it is of the utmost importance to the Craft that a uniform mode of work and system of regulations should pervade all the lodges throughout the Union, and that we will unite with the Fraternity generally in any suitable means to accomplish the object."
The following resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That the Grand Master address a circular letter to subordinate lodges on the subject of Masonry in general, and particularly enjoining on them: first, a more rigid scru- tiny into the character of applicants for the privileges of Ma- sonry; second, a more strict conformity to the constitution and by-laws of the Grand Lodge, and by-laws of subordi- nate lodges; third, more particular and supervisory control over the moral character and conduct of their members."
The following was read and laid on the table:
"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge concur in the opinion that no business, other than appropriate lectures, should be done in the Entered Apprentice or Fellow Crafts Lodge, and that subordinate lodges be instructed to hereafter con- form to this resolution."
The substance of this resolution was, however, some years later, adopted.
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It was decided that no subordinate lodge shall permit anyone of a lower degree than a Master Mason to vote on any subject coming before the lodge.
INDIANAPOLIS, DECEMBER 2, 1841 .- Resolutions were in- troduced requiring subordinate lodges to conform the labor and business exclusively to the Master Mason's degree. They were laid on the table.
Grand Lodge dues were fixed at fifty cents.
The fourth Monday in May was fixed as the date of the next meeting.
"Resolved, That, in view of the jealousy entertained against Masonry, and the fear that the object, however laudable, may be misunderstood by the world, we deem it impolitic to send a delegate to the proposed convention at Washington City in March next."
A committee was appointed to report to the next Grand Lodge the most suitable Masonic manual for the use of sub- ordinate lodges.
A committee was appointed to correspond with the sub- ordinate lodges in reference to holding a general meeting at the seat of government at the next annual meeting for the purpose of having a grand Masonic celebration, and that said committee make all necessary arrangements.
No further business being offered, the Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chaplain in behalf of the Grand Lodge for the spread of virtue, morality and relig- ion, and the Grand Lodge was closed.
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 23, 1842 .- A committee was appointed to make arrangements for refreshments for the approach- ing celebration. The members of Center Lodge were re- quested, if agreeable to them, to invite their wives, sisters, and daughters, and also the widows and daughters of de- ceased Masons, and the wives, sisters and daughters of visit- ing brethren.
It was "Resolved, That all labor or business not especially pertaining to conferring the degrees and the necessary in- structions of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Masons, in lodges below the degree of Master Mason is unmasonic
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and highly injurious to the advancement of the true inter- ests of Masonry; and that hereafter all subordinate lodges be directed to conform the labor of the respective degrees to matters especially pertaining thereto."
Strangers applying for aid were required to produce cer- tificates of good standing.
Except as to clergymen, lodges were expressly directed to require the fees for conferring the degrees to be invari- ably paid in advance.
It was deemed inexpedient to appoint a Grand Lecturer to meet with other Grand Lecturers at Washington City for the purpose of taking action in regard to the question of the uniformity of work.
It was decided that "when any member shall hereafter be suspended for any cause from the privileges of a sub- ordinate lodge of which he is a member, he shall be de- prived of all the privileges pertaining to a Mason until he is restored by the lodge suspending him."
The committee to obtain music for the coming celebra- tion was instructed to employ the Indianapolis Band, upon terms not to exceed $25.
The subordinate lodges were requested to give their views at the next meeting on the subject of attempting to establish a school on the manual labor system, and the best manner of obtaining a farm for that purpose, for the edu- cation of the orphan children of Masons, and that they pro- pose the best plan for such an establishment.
The Grand Lodge dues were fixed at seventy-five cents.
Diplomas equal to the number of all the members of subordinate lodges were ordered to be prepared in time for the next meeting.
The Grand Master was requested to report to the next meeting a suitable insignia and banner for the Grand Lodge. He was also requested to make suitable arrange- ments for a public procession and oration on the occasion of the fourth day of the next session.
"The Grand Lodge was called to refreshment and marched to the M. E. Church, where an eloquent address
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was delivered by Grand Master Mason. After partaking of refreshments at the Palmer House, the procession re- turned to the hall and was called to labor."
There were at that time twenty-five lodges, with a total membership of 282. Only 27 had been initiated during the year.
The total means of the Grand Lodge was stated to be $1,690.
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 22, 1843 .- At the opening of this session Grand Master Philip Mason delivered an inaugural address, covering four printed pages of the proceedings. This was the first address of the kind ever delivered by any of the Grand Masters. It was so well received that the custom has been followed every year since that time.
The Grand Master recommended that when the Grand Lodge procures jewels expressly for its own use, that they be of silver, coated with gold, the forin to be such as are worn by the officers of subordinate lodges. The jewels to be suspended from a plain purple collar; a white apron, trimmed with gold fringe; a banner with purple ground, with an emblem of charity painted in the center; purple cushion on which to rest the Holy Bible, square and com- passes, and, while in the lodge, to be laid on the altar.
The plan of a manual labor school reported by the Grand Master was adopted, but for want of means all further ac- tion in the matter was indefinitely postponed.
The proposition to require members of lodges to procure certificates of good standing was deemed inexpedient, and was not adopted.
The various lodges were authorized and recommended to appoint lecturers from among their own members on the different arts and sciences, or that they from time to time in- vite competent brethren from neighboring lodges to lecture on these subjects.
A committee was authorized to purchase a suitable lot on which to erect a Masonic Hall at some future time.
Before going into the election of officers, Grand Master Mason delivered a valedictory address, in which he declined a re-election, but he was re-elected notwithstanding.
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The Grand Lodge marched to the M. E. Church, where the officers were installed in presence of a large and re- spectable audience, an address delivered by Grand Secre- tary A. W. Morris, at the conclusion of which Brother Richard M. Johnson made some very appropriate remarks upon the subject of Masonry, and thereupon took his leave of the brethren.
In the report of the Committee of Foreign Correspond- ence is found the following, which was adopted:
"That the use of distilled spirits in the lodge rooms, at the meetings of Lodges, is undoubtedly of evil example, and may be productive of pernicious effects; and it is urgently recommended that in this State the use of such liquors be expressly forbidden under any pretense whatever."
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 27, 1844 .- The Grand Master called the attention of the Grand Lodge to the propriety of pro- curing a sufficient number of Grand Lodge certificates as will supply as many of the brethren as might apply for them. These certificates, he said, could be sealed by the Grand Lodge and attested by the Secretary, delivered to the lodges, and by them, under proper restrictions, granted to those that might see proper to apply for them.
Samuel Reed, Grand Lecturer of Ohio, who had been in- vited to give a series of lectures during the session, was for- mally introduced and provided with a suitable seat among the members.
The dispensation of Western Star Lodge, at St. Joseph, Berien county, Michigan, was continued.
The proposition to send a delegate to Europe in the inter- est of a uniformity of work was indefinitely postponed.
It was decided that the officers of lodges under dispensa- tion should not be installed.
It was resolved that when any of the lodges shall erect a neat hall at a cost of not less than five hundred dollars, they shall be exempt from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for the year in which said hall might be erected.
It was decided that the Grand Master had the power to. issue dispensations; that officers of lodges under dispensa-
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tion are not eligible to installation, and that the first officers of a chartered lodge must be installed by the Grand Master or his Deputy.
The following resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That we recommend to the subordinate lodges throughout the State the propriety of discountenancing, both by precept and example, the use of spirituous liquors as a beverage among Masons." .
The plan of a Masonic manual labor school, prepared by Grand Master Philip Mason, was adopted, and is printed in full in the proceedings of this session.
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1845 .- A resolution providing for a chairman of a Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to hold one year, whose duty it was made to examine the pro- ceedings and make a report at the annual communication following his appointment, was introduced and laid on the table.
Twenty-six lodges, and eight under dispensation, the largest number ever in attendance, were present at this meeting.
It was declared to be the unanimous sense of the Grand Lodge that a suspended member of a subordinate lodge is not chargeable with dues during the time of his suspension.
The Grand Lodge repaired to the M. E. Church, where the officers were installed in an imposing manner. Caleb B. Smith delivered an address on Masonry in a most thrill- ing and eloquent manner, in place of Governor Wallace, who was taken suddenly ill.
Alexander Downey presented a lengthy and very read- able report on correspondence-the first general report ever written for the Grand Lodge.
Resolutions were adopted looking to the raising of funds to build a Masonic Temple.
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1846 .- Twenty-eight chartered lodges and eight under dispensation were represented.
The Grand Master, in his address, held that the Grand Lodge only had the right to decree the penalty of expulsion; that suspension for the non-payment of dues was only a violation of a special and voluntary obligation to a particu-
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The Grand Lodge marched to the M. E. Church, where the officers were installed in presence of a large and re- spectable audience, an address delivered by Grand Secre- tary A. W. Morris, at the conclusion of which Brother Richard M. Johnson made some very appropriate remarks upon the subject of Masonry, and thereupon took his leave of the brethren.
In the report of the Committee of Foreign Correspond- ence is found the following, which was adopted:
"That the use of distilled spirits in the lodge rooms, at. the meetings of Lodges, is undoubtedly of evil example, and may be productive of pernicious effects; and it is urgently recommended that in this State the use of such liquors be expressly forbidden under any pretense whatever."
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 27, 1844 .- The Grand Master called the attention of the Grand Lodge to the propriety of pro- curing a sufficient number of Grand Lodge certificates as will supply as many of the brethren as might apply for them. These certificates, he said, could be sealed by the Grand Lodge and attested by the Secretary, delivered to the lodges, and by them, under proper restrictions, granted to those that might see proper to apply for them.
Samuel Reed, Grand Lecturer of Ohio, who had been in- vited to give a series of lectures during the session, was for- mally introduced and provided with a suitable seat among the members.
The dispensation of Western Star Lodge, at St. Joseph, Berien county, Michigan, was continued.
The proposition to send a delegate to Europe in the inter- est of a uniformity of work was indefinitely postponed.
It was decided that the officers of lodges under dispensa- tion should not be installed.
It was resolved that when any of the lodges shall erect a neat hall at a cost of not less than five hundred dollars, they shall be exempt from the payment of Grand Lodge dues for the year in which said hall might be erected.
It was decided that the Grand Master had the power to. issue dispensations; that officers of lodges under dispensa-
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tion are not eligible to installation, and that the first officers of a chartered lodge must be installed by the Grand Master or his Deputy.
The following resolution was adopted:
"Resolved, That we recommend to the subordinate lodges throughout the State the propriety of discountenancing, both by precept and example, the use of spirituous liquors as a beverage among Masons." .
The plan of a Masonic manual labor school, prepared by Grand Master Philip Mason, was adopted, and is printed in full in the proceedings of this session.
INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1845 .- A resolution providing for a chairman of a Committee on Foreign Correspondence, to hold one year, whose duty it was made to examine the pro- ceedings and make a report at the annual communication following his appointment, was introduced and laid on the table.
Twenty-six lodges, and eight under dispensation, the largest number ever in attendance, were present at this meeting.
It was declared to be the unanimous sense of the Grand Lodge that a suspended member of a subordinate lodge is not chargeable with dues during the time of his suspension.
The Grand Lodge repaired to the M. E. Church, where the officers were installed in an imposing manner. Caleb B. Smith delivered an address on Masonry in a most thrill- ing and eloquent manner, in place of Governor Wallace, who was taken suddenly ill.
Alexander Downey presented a lengthy and very read- able report on correspondence-the first general report ever written for the Grand Lodge.
Resolutions were adopted looking to the raising of funds to build a Masonic Temple.
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