A history of freemasonry in Indiana from 1806 to 1898, Part 23

Author: McDonald, Daniel, b. 1833
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Indianapolis : By authority of the Grand Lodge
Number of Pages: 614


USA > Indiana > A history of freemasonry in Indiana from 1806 to 1898 > Part 23


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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-


278


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


lar lodge, and not of any general duty to the lodge. The punishment, therefore, inflicted should, he said, be one af- fecting the relations of the delinquent with the particular lodge whose by-laws he had infringed, and not a general one affecting his relations with the whole Craft. He fa- vored the organization of a General Grand Lodge; the establishing of a Freemasons' Orphan Asylum; recommend- ed the propriety of deciding the number of miles for a day's travel for delegates going and returning from the meetings of the Grand Lodge.


John Barney, Grand Lecturer of Illinois, was introduced to the members.


A report was made favoring the purchase of a farm to be used for the benefit of the widows and orphans of Master Masons.


"Resolved, That thirty miles be considered a day's travel going to and returning from Grand Lodges."


There were no railroads in those days, and the usual mode of traveling was on foot or horseback!


It was decided that the Grand Lodge will elect by ballot, at the time of electing other Grand Officers, a Grand Lec- turer, who shall hold his office one year.


The committee presented a revised Constitution, which was ordered to lie over until the next meeting.


Accompanied by the Grand Chapter of Indiana, the Grand Lodge formed a procession and marched to Roberts Chapel, where a public installation of officers took place in an imposing manner in the presence of a large and respect- able audience. Brother Governor David Wallace then de- livered an eloquent and appropriate address, after which the procession moved to Washington Hall and partook of a dinner prepared by Brother Browning, and then returned to the hall.


It was "Resolved, That hereafter the subordinate lodges in the State shall have full power to expel and advertise all members and others who come under their jurisdiction."


A committee was appointed to act in conjunction with a like committee on behalf of the Grand Chapter to investi- gate the propriety of erecting a Masonic Hall.


279


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


Hugh Ferry, of Columbus, was appointed an agent on the part of the Grand Lodge to obtain subscriptions, receive donations in money, land, material or stock, for the pur- chasing and improving a farm, to be the property of this Grand Lodge. The object of which, when thus procured, improved and stocked, to be for a place of manual labor school, as well as a refuge to such widows and orphans of Masons as may wish to avail themselves of this benevolence.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 24, 1847 .- Forty-one chartered lodges and seven under dispensation were represented at this meeting.


The Grand Master, Johnson Watts, was absent. He sent a note stating that he had been suspended by the chapter to which he belonged on ex parte testimony. (At that time, by a rule of the Grand Lodge, a member suspended from a chapter worked suspension from the lodge.) He appealed from that decision to the Grand Lodge. The case was con- tinned until the next annual meeting. (A full account of this episode may be found in the sketch of Brother Watts, under the head of "Grand Masters.")


The Grand Chapter concurred with the Grand Lodge in the appointment of a joint committee to procure a site for a Grand Masonic Hall.


Subordinate lodges were authorized to receive and decide upon charges against sojourning brethren or others within their jurisdiction for unmasonic conduct committed previ- ously to the existence of such lodge, in like manner as though such conduct had occurred afterwards.


A public installation of officers was held in Roberts Chapel.


The whole amount received by Brother Ferry, agent for the manual labor school, was $207.62, of which he had paid out for traveling expenses $114, leaving in his hands $93.62, which amount was allowed him for services! This was a very expeditious way of closing the matter up!


The Grand Master issued a circular letter, and the Grand Lodge adjourned.


282


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


Lawrence, afterwards Grand Master, was placed in charge. The Grand Lodge confirmed this action. These traveling lodges were never heard of again.


Lodges were requested to take up collections on the fes- tivals of the St. John's and other public occasions for the purpose of establishing libraries of Masonic, scientific and moral works, for the improvement of the members of the Fraternity and their families. It was


"Resolved, That when the physical disability of a candi- date is not of such a character as to prevent him from being taught in the mysteries of the art, that his admission will not be a violation of the ancient landmarks."


"Resolved, That unless in extreme cases, every subordi- nate lodge be and are hereby advised to close their labors by nine o'clock in winter and ten o'clock in summer."


"Resolved, That Bro. John B. Dillon, State Historian, be requested to use such efforts as may be found consistent with his business, to collect all the information on the sub- ject of Masonic history he can and report the result of his labors to the next meeting of the Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Secretary be directed to draw upon the treasury for an amount sufficient to defray the expenses of the same."


Total number of members in the State, 2,472; net in- crease for 1849, 621.


The following table, appended to the proceedings of this session, shows the progress of the Order in Indiana:


Year.


Lodges. Members.


Year.


Lodges.


Members.


1818


195


1844 .


36


608


1823


25 .


548


1845 .


43


907


1828 28


654


1846 .


51. 991


ยท 1838 .


15


513


1847 .


54. 1,477


1842


20


589


1848


75 .1,851


1843 . 30


596


1849 .


92 .2,472


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 27, 1850 .- The Grand Master again urged at considerable length the formation of a Supreme Grand Lodge.


Governor John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, then the in- vited guest of the State, was received into the Grand Lodge with the honors due to his exalted position.


The Committee on Dispensations reported on twenty- one lodges under dispensation.


283


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


A proposition to adjourn the Grand Lodge for two years was laid on the table.


"Resolved, That the ballot shall not be spread for an applicant to receive the degrees of Masonry in any lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge unless said applicant shall have resided under the jurisdiction of the lodge to which he applies six months next preceding his application, with- out the recommendation of the lodge under whose jurisdic- tion he last resided."


The Grand Lodge then marched in procession to the M. E. Church, Central Charge, where the Grand Lodge and a large audience of ladies and gentlemen were addressed ex- temporaneously in the defense of Masonry as a moral and benevolent institution by Rev. Brother William H. Raper, of Cincinnati, who, in great feebleness of health, was in at- tendance on the Grand Lodge.


This address was listened to with marked attention and with deep feeling by all present, coming, as it did, from one whose long life had been devoted to the church of the living God, and who during all that life openly defended Masonry when few were found who had the temerity to profess they ever knew her! It was felt by all to be, prob- ably, the last and almost dying declarations of a good man before the church and the world in favor of a cause that, through prejudice and misapprehension, still met with the opposition of many who should give it their hearty support.


The Grand Master appointed B. T. Kavanaugh, Hugh J. Bradley, Francis King and C. S. Ramsay, of Indianapolis, a committee on work and lectures, whose certificate of qual- ification was to be necessary to accompany all applications for appointment as lecturers.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1851 .- One hundred and seven chartered lodges, and twenty-two under dispensation were represented. The Grand Master announced that several lodges in Louisiana had surrendered their charters to that Grand Lodge and had received authority to work and had organized under the Supreme Council of 33d degree, Scot- tish Rite.


282


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


Lawrence, afterwards Grand Master, was placed in charge. The Grand Lodge confirmed this action. These traveling lodges were never heard of again.


Lodges were requested to take up collections on the fes- tivals of the St. John's and other public occasions for the purpose of establishing libraries of Masonic, scientific and moral works, for the improvement of the members of the Fraternity and their families. It was


"Resolved, That when the physical disability of a candi- date is not of such a character as to prevent him from being taught in the mysteries of the art, that his admission will not be a violation of the ancient landmarks."


"Resolved, That unless in extreme cases, every subordi- nate lodge be and are hereby advised to close their labors by nine o'clock in winter and ten o'clock in summer."


"Resolved, That Bro. John B. Dillon, State Historian, be requested to use such efforts as may be found consistent with his business, to collect all the information on the sub- ject of Masonic history he can and report the result of his labors to the next meeting of the Grand Lodge, and that the Grand Secretary be directed to draw upon the treasury for an amount sufficient to defray the expenses of the same."


Total number of members in the State, 2,472; net in- crease for 1849, 621.


The following table, appended to the proceedings of this session, shows the progress of the Order in Indiana:


Year


Lodges.


Members.


Year.


Lodges.


Members.


1818


5


195


1844


36


608


1823


25


548


1845


43


907


1828


28


654


1846


51


991


-1838


15


513


1847


54 .1,477


1842


20


589


1848


75


.1,851


1843


30


596


1849


92


.2,472


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 27, 1850 .- The Grand Master again urged at considerable length the formation of a Supreme Grand Lodge.


Governor John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, then the in- vited guest of the State, was received into the Grand Lodge with the honors due to his exalted position.


The Committee on Dispensations reported on twenty- one lodges under dispensation.


283


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


A proposition to adjourn the Grand Lodge for two years was laid on the table.


"Resolved, That the ballot shall not be spread for an applicant to receive the degrees of Masonry in any lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge unless said applicant shall have resided under the jurisdiction of the lodge to which he applies six months next preceding his application, with- out the recommendation of the lodge under whose jurisdic- tion he last resided."


The Grand Lodge then marched in procession to the M. E. Church, Central Charge, where the Grand Lodge and a large audience of ladies and gentlemen were addressed ex- temporaneously in the defense of Masonry as a moral and benevolent institution by Rev. Brother William H. Raper, of Cincinnati, who, in great feebleness of health, was in at- tendance on the Grand Lodge.


This address was listened to with marked attention and with deep feeling by all present, coming, as it did, from one whose long life had been devoted to the church of the living God, and who during all that life openly defended Masonry when few were found who had the temerity to profess they ever knew her! It was felt by all to be, prob- ably, the last and almost dying declarations of a good man before the church and the world in favor of a cause that, through prejudice and misapprehension, still met with the opposition of many who should give it their hearty support.


The Grand Master appointed B. T. Kavanaugh, Hugh J. Bradley, Francis King and C. S. Ramsay, of Indianapolis, a committee on work and lectures, whose certificate of qual- ification was to be necessary to accompany all applications for appointment as lecturers.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1851 .- One hundred and seven chartered lodges, and twenty-two under dispensation were represented. The Grand Master announced that several lodges in Louisiana had surrendered their charters to that Grand Lodge and had received authority to work and had organized under the Supreme Council of 33d degree, Scot- tish Rite.


286


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


the devotion and admiration of the good and great. I could wish that there were none in our Fraternity who were in- temperate, or who contributed to the intemperance of othi- ers. I could wish that none of those who handle the square, level and plumb, were addicted to this deadly vice. May the time speedily come when we, as individuals, and as a Fraternity, may be able to wash our hands clean from the bloody stains of this iniquity."


Several reports were made concerning the Tippecanoe battle monument. (This is fully considered under the ap- propriate head.)


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 23, 1853 .- The Grand Master thought some action ought to be taken in regard to side degrees; also in regard to non-affiliated Masons, and urged action in regard to the Tippecanoe monument.


At this session the following resolutions were adopted:


"Resolved, That the use of profane language is, by this. Grand Lodge, declared to be grossly unmasonic and highly injurious to the character of Freemasonry.


"Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, it is highly unmasonic for any member of the Masonic Fra- ternity to engage in the manufacture or traffic of ardent spirits for a beverage.


"Resolved, That it is the duty of all subordinate lodges under this jurisdiction to correct the evils of intemperance in all their members as speedily as possible."


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 22, 1854 .- A resolution was adopted requiring every subordinate lodge by its by-laws to provide that every applicant for a higher degree shall, before being balloted for for such advancement, be examined in open lodge, and be thus found qualified by a knowledge, at least, of the work lecture of the degree or degrees by him then possessed.


It was also resolved that any lodge which should there- after permit any traveling lecturer to lecture on the several degrees of Masonry without producing a certificate of au- thority from the Grand Master shall thereby be liable to have its charter arrested. -


287


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


It was decided that lodges in an adjoining State have permission to receive and act upon petitions from applicants residing within this State when there is no lodge in the same convenient to the residence of said applicant, by the consent of the Grand Master of this State.


The resolutions adopted in 1853 relative to profanity and the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage were brought up on a motion to reconsider. The first, in regard to profanity, was unanimously adopted. The second, in re- gard to the use of liquors as a beverage, was voted upon by lodges and adopted by a vote of 79 to 51.


The Grand Master announced that in order to effect more uniformity in the work of lodges he had appointed William Hacker and Sol. D. Bayless to lecture such lodges as might desire their services.


Past Grand Master Deming had delivered a centennial address at Cincinnati in commemoration of the initiation of George Washington into Masonry. He was requested to furnish a copy for publication in the proceedings, but, as the address does not appear, it was probably not furnished.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 28, 1855 .- The Grand Master an- nounced the death of Past Grand Master Elizur Deming, which occurred February 23, 1855.


He reported having issued dispensations for the forma- tion of twenty-two new lodges.


William Sheets, chairman of the Grand Lodge Hall Building Committee, was presented with an elaborate serv- ice of silver in an earnest speech by Grand Master Law- rence, which was gratefully responded to by the recipient. The addresses are published in full.


Isaac Naylor, agent for the Grand Lodge, made a lengthy report in regard to the Tippecanoe monument.


Sol. D. Bayless submitted a report and plan looking to a uniform system of work. Nothing was done with it, how- ever.


The proceedings were mostly in relation to charters and dispensations, grievances and appeals, and matters of detail.


2SS


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1856 .- The per diem of members was increased to $2 per day.


The Grand Lodge of Canada was recognized.


The Universal Masonic Library, then in course of publi- cation by Rob Morris, was recommended to the lodges and Masons of Indiana.


Reports on the prerogatives of a Grand Master and the establishment of a Masonic school of learning were made, but no action taken.


A committee was appointed to prepare a uniform code of by-laws for the government of subordinate lodges.


The following resolution was taken up as unfinished busi- ness :


"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that a Master of a subordinate lodge cannot dimit during the term of his office."


The committee concluded that being a Master of a lodge ought not to deprive him of any of those rights which he enjoyed as a Mason, among which is the right to change his location, to move from the jurisdiction of one lodge to that of another, and with his change of location to change his membership, which can only be done by dimitting from the lodge of which he is a member. The committee think the right to resign or dimit is as well established by Masonic law as the right to die or be deposed, rights which it is appre- hended no one will deny them. The committee offered this resolution, which was adopted:


"Resolved, That the Master of a subordinate lodge has the right to resign or dimit."


Isaac Naylor, agent for the collection of funds for the Tippecanoe monument, reported that he had made no col- lections since the last annual communication. Without the co-operation of the subordinate lodges, he said, sufficient funds to accomplish this laudable object could never be col- lected. Nothing was done with the report.


The occupants of the Grand Lodge Hall property peti- tioned for a "well and good pump" at the most suitable


289


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


place near the building, which was granted. Among the signers were E. B. Collins, Secretary of State, and W. R. Strange, Deputy.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 25, 1857. - A committee to act in con- cert with a committee from the Grand Chapter and Council was appointed to unite in the publication of a book of the law and ceremonies, which should contain the Ancient Con- stitutions of Masonry, the Constitutions and By-Laws of the several Grand Bodies of this State, a suitable form of instal- lation ceremonies for the several Grand and subordinate bodies, a funeral service, and such other forms of public ceremonies as might be found expedient.


The Committee on History of Masonry in Indiana re- ported that they deemed it very desirable to collect and pre- serve the early history of the Order in this State, and be- lieved that such a volume, prepared by competent and judicious hands, would meet with a remunerating patron- age, but they thought it should be done by private enter- prise. The committee recommended that those having charge of the material collected by Brother Deming place them in the hands of some competent brother for publica- tion on private responsibility, and suggested Brother Cor- nelius Moore, editor of the "Masonic Review," Cincinnati. The suggestion was concurred in, but the publication was never made.


The Committee on Education reported that out of the ninety-nine lodges but eighteen had responded as to their wishes in regard to the establishment of a college or school. In view of this meager number, they deemed it best to aban- don the scheme, and offered a resolution to the effect that the Grand Lodge would hereafter distribute its unappropri- ated revenue, as it may accrue, among the subordinate lodges, to be appropriated by them respectively for the sole purpose of education among the children and orphans of Masons, in such just and equitable ratio as the Grand Lodge shall determine.


A resident of the vicinity of Indianapolis who had in his possession the sword worn by Colonel Jo Daviess, Grand


288


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 26, 1856 .- The per diem of members was increased to $2 per day.


The Grand Lodge of Canada was recognized.


The Universal Masonic Library, then in course of publi- cation by Rob Morris, was recommended to the lodges and Masons of Indiana.


Reports on the prerogatives of a Grand Master and the establishment of a Masonic school of learning were made, but no action taken.


A committee was appointed to prepare a uniform code of by-laws for the government of subordinate lodges.


The following resolution was taken up as unfinished busi- ness:


"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that a Master of a subordinate lodge cannot dimit during the term of his office."


The committee concluded that being a Master of a lodge ought not to deprive him of any of those rights which he enjoyed as a Mason, among which is the right to change his location, to move from the jurisdiction of one lodge to that of another, and with his change of location to change his membership, which can only be done by dimitting from the lodge of which he is a member. The committee think the right to resign or dimit is as well established by Masonic law as the right to die or be deposed, rights which it is appre- hended no one will deny them. The committee offered this resolution, which was adopted:


"Resolved, That the Master of a subordinate lodge has the right to resign or dimit."


Isaac Naylor, agent for the collection of funds for the Tippecanoe monument, reported that he had made no col- lections since the last annual communication. Without the co-operation of the subordinate lodges, he said, sufficient funds to accomplish this laudable object could never be col- lected. Nothing was done with the report.


The occupants of the Grand Lodge Hall property peti- tioned for a "well and good pump" at the most suitable


289


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


place near the building, which was granted. Among the signers were E. B. Collins, Secretary of State, and W. R. Strange, Deputy.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 25, 1857 .- A committee to act in con- cert with a committee from the Grand Chapter and Council was appointed to unite in the publication of a book of the law and ceremonies, which should contain the Ancient Con- stitutions of Masonry, the Constitutions and By-Laws of the several Grand Bodies of this State, a suitable form of instal- lation ceremonies for the several Grand and subordinate bodies, a funeral service, and such other forms of public ceremonies as might be found expedient.


The Committee on History of Masonry in Indiana re- ported that they deemed it very desirable to collect and pre- serve the early history of the Order in this State, and be- lieved that such a volume, prepared by competent and judicious hands, would meet with a remunerating patron- age, but they thought it should be done by private enter- prise. The committee recommended that those having charge of the material collected by Brother Deming place them in the hands of some competent brother for publica- tion on private responsibility, and suggested Brother Cor- nelius Moore, editor of the "Masonic Review," Cincinnati. The suggestion was concurred in, but the publication was never made.


The Committee on Education reported that out of the ninety-nine lodges but eighteen had responded as to their wishes in regard to the establishment of a college or school. In view of this meager number, they deemed it best to aban- don the scheme, and offered a resolution to the effect that the Grand Lodge would hereafter distribute its unappropri- ated revenue, as it may accrue, among the subordinate lodges, to be appropriated by them respectively for the sole purpose of education among the children and orphans of Masons, in such just and equitable ratio as the Grand Lodge shall determine.


A resident of the vicinity of Indianapolis who had in his possession the sword worn by Colonel Jo Daviess, Grand


292


HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.


"Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, as a standing committee, to whom shall be referred all questions of Masonic jurisprudence submitted to the Grand Lodge."


The Grand Master thereupon appointed Brethren E. W. H. Ellis, of Goshen, A. C. Downey, of Rising Sun, and J. C. Applegate, of Delphi, as such committee-being the first committee of the kind ever appointed.


Brother Rob Morris, being present, addressed the breth- ren briefly, and closed by repeating the poem, "The Level and the Square." It is published in full on pages 91-2, proceedings 1858.


INDIANAPOLIS, MAY 23, 1859 .- It was resolved that such newspaper reporters as were Master Masons be permitted the privilege of reporting so much of the proceedings as may be proper.


Herman G. Reynolds, Grand Secretary of Illinois, and S. Blanchard, Grand Lecturer of Michigan, were present as visitors.




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