A history of freemasonry in Indiana from 1806 to 1898, Part 9

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 9


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The committee to whom this part of the Grand Master's address was referred reported as follows:


"The subject of history is always a matter of interest, and it is presumed that there are but few, if any, Masons in In- diana but would be glad to have a copy of a judicious and faithful history of the Craft within our beloved State. It is from the past that we draw lessons of instruction for the future. The men that have been actors in life's drama, and the part played by them as Masons, are fast passing away, and but few, and very few, are now living to tell the tale of those that have gone before us. The longer the work of getting up a Masonic History of Indiana is delayed the more difficult will be the task."


The committee then proposed the following resolution, which was adopted:


"Resolved, That the Grand Master of this Grand Lodge be and he is hereby authorized and required to procure a suitable and competent person that is willing to procure the proper information and write a history of the Craft in In- diana, and learn from him on what terms he will undertake such a work, and report his doings at the next annual com- munication of this Grand Lodge."


In conformity to this resolution, at the session of 1869 Grand Master Martin H. Rice stated that Brother F. M.


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Blair, editor of the "Masonic Home Advocate," had made arrangements to obtain a large amount of valuable informa- tion connected with the early history of the Craft in this State, and was intending to publish the same during the year, and being well satisfied that it would be impossible to obtain the services of anyone whose sources of information were more extended or was better qualified for the task, he had attempted no arrangement with any other party. He also stated that Brother Blair had made arrangements to obtain the Deming manuscripts, and had commenced the publication of the same in the December number of the "Advocate," and in each succeeding issue had devoted as much space to the subject as the columns of his paper would permit. The committee complimented Brother Blair and offered the following resolution, which was adopted:


"Resolved, That the sum of two hundred dollars be pre- sented to Past Grand Master Blair as complimentary of his valuable services in securing and publishing the History of Masonry in Indiana."


Not long after this action was taken Brother Blair died, and nothing further was done in regard to the history until Grand Master Daniel McDonald called attention to it in his address in 1876. He said:


"The old landmarks of the Grand Lodge are rapidly pass- ing away. The last twelve months have called four of them, and they have passed beyond the dark river. Al- most sixty years have passed since the Grand Lodge was organized, and although the attention of the Grand Lodge has been called to it a number of times, no steps have been taken to secure the completion of the History of Masonry in Indiana. This is the centennial year, and in it the his- tory of the past is being brought from darkness to light and placed upon record as a starting point for the historian that shall undertake the task in the future. Will the Grand Lodge let its noble history pass into oblivion for lack of energy and enthusiasm to carry the project to a successful consummation, or shall we fold our hands, let the dead past bury its dead, and the future take care of itself? It seems to me nothing could be more desirable than a history of Masonry in Indiana, comprising historical and biographical


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sketches, and a general resume of the work accomplished since its establishment in this State. Magnificent monu- ments may be reared, which for a time shall be the admira- tion of the careless observer, but the golden pages which shall recount the. services of those noble fraters who stood by the Institution through evil as well as good report shall live when these earthly temples and the present and future generations shall have passed away. Believing this to be a matter of great importance to the Grand Lodge, I have deemed it advisable to bring it to your attention and invite your careful consideration."


This was referred to a special committee of five, who made the following report by Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, chairman:


"The committee to whom so much of the Grand Master's address was referred as relates to the preparation of a his- tory of the Order in Indiana have carefully considered the same, and are fully impressed with the importance of the work. Preparation, at least, should be made, and statistics collected, with a view to the compilation of such a history, and especially is it appropriate in this centennial year of our national existence. To accomplish these objects they rec- ommend that the Grand Secretary prepare a circular to the several subordinate lodges, asking the following informa- tion: Name, number and location of lodge; date of dis- pensation and names of officers; date of charter and names of officers; names of officers and members on July 4, 1876. Said reports to be made on paper of uniform size for bind- ing, and, when bound, to be labeled 'Centennial History of Masonry, 1876,' and to be carefully preserved in the office of the Grand Secretary. That Brother T. H. Lynch be re- quested to collate such facts as may be obtained in regard to the organization and history of the Grand Lodge of In- diana, with appropriate notices of brethren conspicuous for their labors and zeal in behalf of Masonry, and that he re- port the same to the Grand Lodge at its next session."


The circulars were issued and many of them filled out and returned to the Grand Secretary, where they were bound and filed in the archives.


Brother Lynch at that time was quite old and feeble, and made no report at the next meeting, and probably made no


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effort to carry out the request; and so this effort, that prom- ised so much, like those that preceded it, resulted only in gathering a few lodge statistics, as above stated.


Here the matter dropped, and nothing more was done until the session of the Grand Lodge in 1895, when Grand Master Gavin called attention to it and recommended that steps be taken to keep fresh in the minds of succeeding gen- erations the recollection of the great work the fathers of Masonry performed in the early days of Masonry in In- diana. The subject was referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, who recommended that steps should at once be taken to secure and preserve the facts and incidents connected with the lives and times of the pioneer Masons of Indiana, and the history relating to the Grand Lodge, espe- cially during its earlier and formative period, and to that end recommended that the Grand Master appoint three per- sons as Historians of the Grand Lodge, who should pro- ceed to carry out the purposes therein expressed. The sug- gestion was adopted by the Grand Lodge, and thereupon Grand Master Gavin made the following appointments:


Past Grand Master DANIEL MCDONALD, Plymouth;


Past Grand Master THOMAS B. LONG, Terre Haute; Past Master WILL E. ENGLISH, Indianapolis.


The committee met in October of that year, and, after consultation, decided to divide the work and assign to each committeeman a portion, as follows:


Daniel McDonald, History of Ancient Craft Masonry.


Thomas B. Long, Royal Arch, High Priesthood, Royal and Select Masters.


Will E. English, Knights Templar and Scottish Rite.


They announced that the work, so far as it had pro- gressed, had been conducted on that line. The report was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, who recom- mended an appropriation "for expenses to prosecute the in- vestigations in various parts of the State" in the sum of $250, "to be apportioned among the members thereof as they themselves may determine." This report was adopted and was the adoption of the plan determined upon by the


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Committee on History. During the year Daniel McDon- ald had the History of Ancient Craft Masonry in the State well under way, having been for more than a year previous engaged in securing data, etc., for the purpose. As his por- tion of the appropriation would be only about $80 to prose- cute the work, and nothing for what he had done, he de- clined to accept it, as it would thereby entitle the Grand Lodge to his manuscript; and so, to relieve himself of this responsibility, he handed the Grand Master his resignation as chairman of the Committee on History.


At the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge in 1897 Grand Master Gillett, in his annual address, again brought the matter to the attention of the Grand Lodge, as follows:


"In the closing hour of the last session of the Grand Lodge the resignation of Past Grand Master Daniel Mc- Donald from the committee appointed to prepare a History of Freemasonry was, at my request, referred to me. I was firm in the belief that I could induce Brother McDonald to reconsider his determination and proceed with the work. With all the eloquence at my command, and all the arts of persuasion which I could bring to bear, I have failed in my efforts. Brother McDonald firmly but respectfully per- sisted in his resignation, stating so plainly and so fully his reasons for not being able, under the existing circumstances, to continue the work, that I was forced to regretfully ac- cept his withdrawal from the committee. Brother Mc- Donald has done much work, prepared a great amount of material, and in doing so has been at considerable expense as well as labor and loss of time; he should certainly be com- pensated for that which he has done. He had acquired much of the information wanted in the work and the knowl- edge of where more, valuable and indispensable, could be found; in fact, he was well qualified and fully equipped for the work, and this Grand Lodge will miss his services if he cannot, even vet, be induced to reconsider his action. The preparing and publishing this history will be more ex- pensive than the Grand Lodge at first supposed, and it must be prepared to meet it, if the object is to be accomplished. The question has arisen in my mind, what history did this Grand Lodge intend should be prepared and published?


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The history of Freemasonry, as appertaining to this Grand Lodge and its pioneer founders, or the history of Symbolic Masonry in Indiana and. concordant orders? From a care- ful reading of the recommendations of Grand Master Gavin, and the report of the Committee on Ways and Means, to which it was referred, I am constrained to think that it was intended that there should be prepared a full, careful and elaborate account of the facts and incidents con- nected with the lives and times of the pioneer Masons of In- diana, and the history of the Grand Lodge from its organ- ization, but especially of the circumstances and events at- tending its earlier formative period. I am led, therefore, to question the correctness of the opinion of the committee that the history proposed was to be inclusive of all the branches of Masonry now organized in the State. I am, therefore, after much thought on this subject, compelled to believe that the part of wisdom would be to place the prep- aration of this history in the hands of one thoroughly com- petent person. Believing this, I have not filled the va- cancy occasioned by the resignation of Brother McDonald, but refer the question to the Grand Lodge, calling attention to what, to me, is an absolute necessity-that the person or persons charged with this duty should be, or at least at some time should have been, a member of the Order the history of which he is to prepare, and thus personally acquainted with its workings, principles and teachings."


The committee to whom this part of the Grand Master's address was referred made the following report, which was concurred in and the recommendations adopted :


"To the Grand Lodge:


"The Committee on Ways and Means respectfully re- port that they have examined so much of the address of the Most Worshipful Grand Master as relates to a Historian, and that, after careful consideration of the matter, we recommend that Past Grand Master Daniel Mc- Donald be appointed as Historian and duly authorized to write a History of Freemasonry in Indiana, and the Grand Secretary is hereby authorized to draw warrants upon the Grand Treasurer for the amount of expenses incurred therein; and that said Daniel McDonald shall report such history at the next session of the Grand Lodge, together


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with a detailed report of all expenses and such compensa- tion for his labors as may be reasonable, and that upon the payment of the same, then the manuscript of such history to become the property of the Grand Lodge; but if said Grand Lodge shall not desire to purchase the same, it shall remain the property of said Daniel McDonald.


"MORTIMER NYE, "ISAAC P. LEYDEN, "LUCIEN A. FOOTE, "FRANK E. GAVIN, "GEORGE E. GRIMES, "Committee."


Immediately after the close of the session the Historian proceeded with the work as rapidly as possible. At the next meeting of the Grand Lodge, held in May, 1898, he made the following report:


"To the Masonic Grand Lodge of Indiana:


"At the last annual communication of the Grand Lodge, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Ways and Means, the undersigned was appointed Historian and duly authorized to write a history of Freemasonry in Indiana, and report such history at the present session of the Grand Lodge, with a detailed report of all expenses and such com- pensation for writing the same as might be reasonable, and that, upon the payment of the same, the manuscript of such history to become the property of the Grand Lodge, other- wise to remain the property of the undersigned. I had for two or three years previously been engaged in gathering data for the proposed History, and immediately after the close of the last Grand Lodge I began the work of complet- ing the History on the line indicated in the resolution ap- pointing me Historian. About the close of the year the History was practically completed, and, being desirous that the matter should not go over another year, at my sugges- tion Grand Master Niblack appointed Past Grand Masters Frank E. Gavin, Simeon P. Gillett and Mortimer Nye, who had taken an active interest in regard to the writing of a history, a committee to examine the manuscript, so that an intelligent report might be made at the present session. The manuscript was placed in their hands during the fall and winter, and each read it carefully, suggesting changes


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and modifications, which I have made to correspond there- with. They will make their report in due time, to which I ask the careful attention of the Grand Lodge.


"Under the resolution of my appointment I have drawn but $100, which has been expended in traveling expenses, postage, books, etc. The labor attending the preparation of the work has been very great. Much of the manuscript has been rewritten and revised several times, in order that as few mistakes as possible might be allowed to creep in. With the care taken by myself, and the careful scrutiny of the distinguished brethren composing the committee, I be- lieve the work is such as will meet with the approval of the Grand Lodge and the Craft throughout the State generally. I believe $700 would be a very reasonable compensation for the time, labor and money expended in the preparation of the manuscript, which I now present to the Grand Lodge, in accordance with the terms of my appointment as His- torian.


"Fraternally submitted, " DANIEL MCDONALD, "Historian."


The committee to whom the manuscript had been re- ferred made the following report:


"The undersigned special committee, to whom was re- ferred the History of Masonry in Indiana prepared by Past Grand Master Daniel McDonald, would report that we have examined this History with much care. The work has been well and thoroughly done. It is a vast mine of Masonic information which it has required much labor and study to gather and arrange. With a thorough and com- plete index; which should be added, its publication and cir- culation will open to its Masonic readers a wide range of Masonic knowledge and information which is now wholly unavailable to the general reader, or even student of the literature of our Fraternity.


"We therefore commend the work to your approval, and recommend that Brother McDonald be allowed the sum of $700 in full of his expenses and labor in its preparation, and that he thereupon transfer to this Grand Lodge all rights in the manscript, including the copyright. We fur-


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ther recommend that the History be published and placed on sale by the Grand Lodge, giving to Brother McDonald upon its title page full credit for the work.


"Fraternally submitted, "FRANK E. GAVIN, "SIMEON P. GILLETT,


"MORTIMER NYE, "Committee."


The report was adopted and the History ordered pub- lished in accordance with the recommendation.


A detailed history of the action of the Grand Lodge has been given to show the continued interest the members have ever taken in the subject, and to show how little has been accomplished in carrying out the repeated declarations of the Grand Lodge in regard to it. The only systematic effort attempted to be made was by Past Grand Master Elizur Deming, of Lafayette. He gathered considerable data, and wrote and compiled several sketches, but, unfor- tunately, before the work was finished he died. The man- uscripts, so far as completed, were afterwards secured by Past Grand Master (Ill.) Blair, and by him published in his paper, the "Masonic Home Advocate," Indianapolis, in the early part of 1869. While some of the sketches contain much valuable information, they cover only brief biogra- phies of a few of the more prominent Masons of early times, with an epitome of the proceedings of the organization of the Grand Lodge from the records. Undoubtedly, had the distinguished brother lived, he would have produced a his- tory that would have supplied a long-felt want and would have made the present effort in that direction unnecessary, as he was an industrious, enthusiastic Mason and a smooth and scholarly writer.


GRAND LODGE HALL PROPERTY.


T "HE question of the purchase of suitable grounds, and the erection of a building or buildings for the use of the Grand Lodge, had been mooted as far back as the thir- ties, but no definite action was taken until the meeting in May, 1846, when the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Ma- sons presented to the Grand Lodge the following resolution for its consideration :


"Resolved, That a committee be appointed by this Grand Chapter, to act in conjunction with similar committees on behalf of the Grand Lodge, Indianapolis Council Royal and Select Masters, Royal Arch Chapter and Center Lodge, for the purpose of devising some suitable means for the erection of a Masonic Hall in the town of Indianapolis, to be occu- pied in common by the above-named bodies of the Fra- ternity, to report at the next session."


Thereupon the Grand Lodge unanimously adopted the following:


"Resolved, That this Grand Lodge fully reciprocates the foregoing resolution of the Grand Chapter, and on their part appoints Brothers Colestock, Foster and Donnellan as a committee in furtherance of the object."


The committee was afterwards enlarged, with Past Grand Master William Sheets as chairman, who, at the meeting in 1847, reported that the committee were of the opinion that the Grand Lodge ought not longer to delay the procuring of a site for the erection of a hall. After weighing the sub- ject in all its bearings, the committee came to the opinion that such site should be located on Washington street, as the only one that promised a fair interest on the investment in the way of rent, the opinion being that the spread of busi- ness would greatly preponderate in the direction west from the then center. The committee, therefore, directed their


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attention in the selection of a site in that part of the city to lots 7 and S, in square 67, fronting 63 feet on Washington street, running south on Tennessee street 350 feet to Ken- tucky avenue, thence 121 feet on said avenue. The prop- erty could then be had for $4,200-$1,000 down and the balance in four equal annual payments. The committee recommended the purchase of the lots, the erection of a hall at a cost of $10,000, and that the money be raised by stock subscriptions, and that three commissioners be appointed to carry out the wishes of the Grand Lodge. The recom- mendations of the committee were unanimously adopted, and three commissioners appointed, of which William Sheets was made chairman.


Shares of stock were fixed at $25 each. The lots above named were purchased on the terms stated. A circular was issued to all the lodges in the State, asking their co- operation, but only one lodge-Logansport-responded! Indianapolis Chapter subscribed $1,000. The commission- ers became disheartened at the lack of interest by outside lodges, but determined to make one more effort. In this they were successful. They succeeded in raising from the Indianapolis brethren $12,950. They expressed themselves as firm in the belief that the stock would yield an income of 10 per cent., and, although they needed $3,000 to carry out the plans they had decided upon, they recommended that the corner-stone be laid in October. An assessment of $1 per year on each member in the State for four years was made to increase the building fund.


The corner-stone was laid by the Grand Lodge, October 25, 1848, Grand Master Elizur Deming, of Lafayette, per- forming the ceremonies. The architect was Brother Joseph Willis, of Indianapolis: building committee, Brothers Wil- liam Sheets, James Whitcomb and Austin W. Morris.


An original ode was written for the occasion by Mrs. Sarah T. Bolton, one of Indiana's purest women and most noted poets. The poem is a fragrant poetic flower that should not be left to "blush unseen and waste its sweetness on the desert air." and hence it is inserted here as marking an important epoch in our Masonic history:


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Sons of a glorious Order anointed, To cherish for ages the Ark of the Lord, Wearing the mystical badges appointed, Come to the Temple with sweetest accord. Come, lay the corner-stone, Asking the Lord to own Labors that tend to His glory and praise; Long may the mercy seat, Where angel pinions meet, Rest in the beautiful temple ye raise. Brothers united, to you it is given To lighten the woes of a sin-blighted world; Far o'er the earth, on the free winds of heaven, Now let your banner of love be unfurled. Write those the blessed three, Faith, Hope and Charity- Names that shall live through the cycle of time; Write them on every heart, Make them your guide and chart, Over life's sea to the haven sublime.


Go forth, befriending the way-weary stranger, Brightening the pathway that sorrow has crossed, Strengthening the weak, in the dark hour of danger, Clothing the naked and seeking the lost; Opening the prison door, Feeding the starving poor, Chiding the evil, approving the just; Drying the widow's tears, Soothing the orphan's fears, Great is your mission-"'in God is your Trust."


Go, in the spirit of Him who is Holy, Gladden the wastes and the by-ways of earth;


Visit the homes of the wretched and lowly, Bringing relief to the desolate hearth. Bring up the broken heart, Joy to the sad impart. Stay the oppressor and strengthen the just; Freely do ye receive, Freely to others give, Great is your mission-"in God is your Trust."


Go forth with ardor and hope undiminished, Ever be zealous and faithful and true; Still, till the labor appointed is finished, Do with your might what your hands find to do. Narrow the way and straight Is heaven's guarded gate, Leading the soul to the regions of love; Then, with the spotless throng Swelling the triumph song, May you be found in the Grand Lodge above.


8


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At the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in October following it was unanimously re- solved, "as a token of the high regard which the members of the Grand Chapter entertain for the character of Mrs. Sarah T. Bolton, and to manifest their appreciation of her merits as a poetess, the Grand Chapter will present her for her acceptance a silver cup with an appropriate device and inscription." Later the cup was procured and presented at a special gathering convened for that purpose. The in- scription was as follows:


THE GRAND CHAPTER OF THE STATE OF INDIANA, TO MRS. SARAH T. BOLTON, AS A TOKEN OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR HER EXCELLENT MASONIC ODE, ON THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE OF THE GRAND MASONIC HALL, AT INDIANAPOLIS, OCTOBER 25, A. D. 1848; A. L. 5848.


Three lines from her poem were also added, as follows:


"Come, lay the corner-stone, Asking the Lord to own, Labors that tend to His glory and praise."




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