USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > Wilkes-Barre > A history of Lodge no. 61, F. and A. M., Wilkesbarr?, Pa. with a collection of masonic addresses > Part 4
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On this same evening admission to the Lodge was re- fused Brother M. R., a visiting Brother several times there- tofore, on the ground of improper conduct, " for that whereas in the night time he put his horse in his neighbor's pasture without first obtaining permission." Admission to the Lodge was refused for that evening, and until the accused should clear up "the aforementioned charges." At the next Lodge the Secretary reported that he had received from the said M. R. a letter addressed to the Lodge, but he enter- tained doubts of its fitness to be read in the Lodge. It was referred to Bro. Judge Gibson for examination, and “ he reported that the letter contained abusive, insulting and im- proper language towards the Lodge, and unfit to be read." A committee was then appointed to investigate the charges against M. R.
The following letter, which speaks for itself, was received early in 1815 by Brother Gibson, W. M. of the Lodge :
" WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER : When the Warrant of LODGE No. 61 was restored by the Grand Lodge, it was fully expected that the Returns of members would be immediately made out and trans- mitted to the Grand Lodge, but it has not yet been done! Let me en- treat you not to let them be delayed any longer, but rendered as soon as possible. They ought to be made annually, and they have not been made since 1800! If they are delayed much longer the Grand Lodge will most certainly not pass over the delinquency. Receive this as a friendly intimation from me.
" Yours fraternally,
" GEO. A. BAKER, Gd. Secy."
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The Wilkesbarre Gleaner of June 30th, 1815, contained the following :
"The 24th of June inst. was celebrated by LODGE No. 61 in this place according to Rule and Square. An address was delivered by Col. Eliphalet Bulkeley, P. C. G. K. T., in the Meeting House to a numerous assembly. The Carpet was also explained by him in a very clear and impressive manner, much to the general satisfaction. An excellent dinner was prepared by A. Colt, Esq., and the day closed in harmony."
On January 13, 1816, Bro. Colonel Eliphalet Bulkeley,* referred to above, who had been a Mason for over twenty- six years, and a member of LODGE 61 for nine years, was buried at Wilkesbarré with Masonic ceremonies, nearly every Mason in the vicinity attending the funeral.
The following account of the celebration by LODGE 61 of St. John the Baptist's Day, appeared in the Wilkesbarré Gleaner of June 30th, 1816:
" The Anniversary of St. John was celebrated by the Masonic So- ciety in Wilkesbarré with more than usual eclat. A procession was formed, and proceeded from the Court House to the Church, where a very appropriate and eloquent discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Finney, who was assisted in the service of the day by the Rev. Messrs. Hoyt and York. After the service ended the procession re- turned to the Court House, where an elegant dinner was prepared by Brother Hancock. The respectability of the company, the beauty of the weather, the universal demonstrations of friendship and good-will, and the order and harmony which prevailed throughout the day, all contributed to render the occasion truly interesting."
On June 26th, 1818, the members of the Lodge and visit- ing Brethren, to the number of forty and upwards, met to inter with Masonic rites "their esteemed Brother, Captain Samuel Bowman, who was gored to death by a ferocious bull on June 25th." Captain Bowman, t it will be remem- bered, was one of the original members of LODGE 61, and
* See Chapter V. for biography.
t See Chapter V. for his biography.
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he continued a member up till the day of his death, a period of over twenty-four years.
The following notice, in pursuance of a resolution of the Lodge, appeared in The Wyoming Herald, Wilkesbarré, De- cember 25th, 1818 :
" MASONIC."
" The anniversary of St. John the Evangelist will be celebrated by the members of LODGE No. 61 in Wilkesbarré, on Sunday, the 27th inst. A public discourse will be delivered at the Court House. The members of the Lodge, and other Brethren who can make it conve- nient, are invited to attend. The Brethren of the Lodge will meet at the Lodge-room at 10 o'clock A. M. Public service will commence at 12 o'clock at noon, at the ringing of the bell.
"E. BLACKMAN, Committee
" EZRA HOYT, "AND. BEAUMONT, Arrangements." of
In accordance with the above announcement, the Breth- ren assembled on Sunday at the Lodge-room, and marched thence to the " Meeting House," where an address was de- livered by Rev. Mr. Baker. Returning to the Lodge-room, the Lodge was closed, the installation of the officers elect being postponed.
On November Ist, 1819, a donation of twenty-five dollars from the Lodge funds was made to "the Auxiliary Bible Society of Luzerne County," (now " the Luzerne Bible So- ciety.") This gift can probably be accounted for by the fact that on that very day the Society had been organized, and one of its Vice-Presidents, its Secretary, and its Treas- urer, were members of LODGE 61.
St. John the Baptist's Day, 1820, was celebrated by the Lodge in the usual manner. A public address was deliv- ered in the " Meeting House " by Rev. Bro. Marmaduke Pearce, and then the Brethren partook of a dinner provided by the Steward at the Lodge-room.
The minutes of the Lodge give the following information relative to the celebration of St. John the Evangelist's Day (27th December), 1820:
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"Agreeably to a resolution of last Lodge, a number of the members of this Lodge and visiting Brothers met at the house of Bro. Harris Jenkins, in Kingston [township], to celebrate the day, and adjourned to a neighboring school- house, where Bro. Hon. David Scott* delivered an excel- lent charge to the attending Brothers, well adapted to the occasion, and then returned to the House of Brother Jen- kins, and dined together on a well-provided dinner, prepared for the occasion by Brother Jenkins in Harmony and Broth- erly Love."
The minutes of January 13th, 1821, contain the following report :
"To W. M., OFFICERS AND BROTHERS OF LODGE: We, your Committee appointed to enquire in the character of Garrick Mallery, Esq.,t an applicant to become a member of the Masonic Society, do report that from a long acquaintance with the applicant, his known worth and high standing in society, we would most cheerfully recom- mend him to the Brethren as one who will add weight and respecta- bility to the Institution, and be an honor and ornament to the Frater- nity. Respectfully, etc.,
" JESSE FELL, " ISAAC BOWMAN, Committee."
"SAMUEL THOMAS, )
It is of course needless to remark that the applicant was forthwith balloted for, accepted, and initiated ; and at a spe- cial Lodge held March 12th, 1821, he was raised to the de- gree of a Master Mason.
The foregoing is the only instance, from the time of the institution of the Lodge up to the above date, and in fact until many years thereafter, where a committee of investiga- tion made its report to the Lodge in writing ; and down to the present time this is the only report of the sort recorded and written out in the minutes.
At a lecturing Lodge held December 18th, 1820, it was resolved "that Brothers Hoyt, Welles and Fell be a com- mittee to make search for a Masonick Constitution said to
* See Chapter V. for biography.
+ See Chapter V. for his biography.
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belong to President Boyer, and to make report at next monthly communication." At a lecturing Lodge held Feb- ruary 19th, 1821, "The committee appointed to enquire for President Boyer's Charter report that they understand that the Charter has lately been found, and is now in possession of Brother David Scott, who has furnished a communica- tion on that subject-which was read-and on motion, Resolved, That Brothers Judge David Scott, Hon. Andw. Beaumont, Genl. Isaac Bowman, Judge Jesse Fell, and Hon. Garrick Mallery, be a committee to collect such informa- tion on the subject of that Charter as they may be able to obtain, and pursue such course as to them shall appear to be advisable for the honor of the Lodge and Masonry generally, on the subject referred to them."*
In May, 1821, the evening dues were reduced from twen- ty-five to twelve and a-half cents; and in order to keep the income of the Lodge equal to what it then was, the follow- ing amendment to the By-Laws was made: "No spirituous liquors shall hereafter be introduced into the Lodge, unless by the special direction of the Worshipful Master."
Sunday, June 17th, 1821, the members of the Lodge and visiting Brethren attended a special Lodge at 8 o'clock, A. M., "with their horses and carriages, prepared to go in pro- cession from the Lodge-room to the late residence [Hano- ver] of our worthy Bro. Capt. Andrew Lee, to inter him . in Masonick Order."t
In December, 1821, the following officers were elected to serve the Lodge for the ensuing Masonic year :
Bro. Garrick Mallery, Esq., attorney at law, W. M.
Bro. Colonel Harris Jenkins, innkeeper, S. W.
Bro. Ranslaer Wells, blacksmith, J. W.
Bro. Jesse Fell, Esq., Associate Judge, Secretary.
Bro. Hezekiah Parsons, clothier, Treasurer.
* See sketch of Brother Jonathan Bulkeley, Chapter V., post, for ac- count of " Boyer's" Charter.
+ For sketch of Bro. Captain Lee see Chapter V., post.
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On St. John's Day the Lodge met, and the officers elect, with the exception of the W. M., were duly installed. "The Treasurer was directed to send to the Grand Lodge all the money collected and remaining in his hands. After enjoy- ing a good dinner, the Lodge closed in harmony and broth- erly love, after voting that the dues be dispensed with."
In January there came a communication from the Grand Master, stating objections to Brother Mallery serving as W. M., inasmuch as he had not previously served as Jr. or Sr. W., or W. M. The Lodge appointed a committee to me- morialize the Grand Lodge on the subject, and subsequently the Grand Master authorized Brother Mallery to act as W. M. until the matter should be laid before the Grand Lodge at the March communication.
Brother Mallery acted as Master during the Masonic year, and was re-elected for a second year; and on St. John the Evangelist's Day (1822) was installed in due and ancient form. On that day the Brethren proceeded to "the new Episcopal church, and listened to a discourse by Rev. Bro. J. D. Gilbert. Afterwards they dined together at Brother Parrish's." A committee was appointed "to present Brother Gilbert ten dollars, with the thanks of the Lodge for his attendance and discourse; also thanks of the Lodge to Mr. Lane and Mr. Hodge for their attendance with the Lodge; and also the thanks of the Lodge to the singers for their attention, and to Miss Catherine Welles, for her performance, five dollars and the thanks of the Lodge; also to Michael Kienzlee for his attention at the church, and ringing the bell, two dollars."
St. John the Baptist's Day, 1822, was celebrated in the usual manner. The Lodge met at 9 o'clock, A. M., when an address was delivered by Past Master Bro. Andrew Beau- mont (see Chapter VI., post.) The Brethren then proceeded to Bro. Archippus Parrish's "White Swan " hotel, and dined together.
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In March,' 1822, the report of the auditing committee showed that there was due to LODGE 61 from members, for Grand Lodge dues, the sum of $348.80! The committee stated their inability to report the amount of the debt owing by LODGE 61 to the Grand Lodge ("the only debt of any consequence owing"), because no copy of the yearly returns of Grand Lodge dues was on file in the Lodge. It will be remembered that in 1814 the Lodge had had trouble with the Grand Lodge concerning Grand Lodge dues, and that in June of that year a compromise was made with the Grand Lodge in reference to those dues. Eight years had nearly rolled by, and the Lodge was again in similar trouble. But at a meeting held on St. John's Day (24th June), 1822, which nearly every member attended, the matter was dis- posed of in the following manner: A committee appointed at a previous meeting reported, (1) That some members of the Lodge resided at a distance from Wilkesbarré, and were unable to attend the meetings of the Lodge; (2) that others were unable to make regular payments of Grand Lodge dues "without injury to themselves or their families;" (3) that the sum of $85.37 was due from seven Brethren de- ceased; (4) that the sum of $58.19 was due from nine Breth- ren who had been suspended and expelled. The committee recommended that twenty members of the Lodge (whose names were given), who owed in the aggregate $162.39 as dues, "be at liberty to give their notes to the Treasurer of the Lodge for the several sums annexed to their names,
Lodge !" * and that they have leave to withdraw from the
In conclusion, the committee recommended that "a memorial be forwarded to the Grand Lodge requesting an exoneration of the sums due from all who have been ex- pelled and suspended, and also from deceased Brothers, and those who shall give their notes in pursuance of this report, and shall be judged unable to pay the amount."
The recommendations of the committee were adopted and
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carried out, and Past Masters George Denison and Andrew Beaumont, and Pierce Butler, M. M., were appointed "to draft. the memorial. to the Grand Lodge." This memorial was drafted and forwarded to the Grand Lodge, and some correspondence between the two bodies ensued. At a com- munication of the Grand Lodge, March Ist, 1824, a resolu- tion was introduced directing "that the Warrant of LODGE 61 be vacated for delinquency of dues." The matter was laid on the table till the June communication, and at that time the following was adopted :
" Whereas, LODGE 61 has not accepted the liberal terms offered by the Grand Secretary for the payment of arrears due to this Grand Lodge; and Whereas the Grand Lodge cannot accede to the terms offered by LODGE 61; therefore Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to send LODGE 61 the same kind of notice which he has sent to all other Lodges who are two years in arrears to this Grand Lodge."
The minutes of LODGE 61 make no mention whatever of anything relating to the subject, from July, 1822, until Oc- tober 4th, 1824. Then we learn that the report of the com- mittee, consisting of Brothers Mallery, Denison, Beaumont, Fell and Parsons, " appointed to take into consideration the several late communications from the Grand Lodge," was called up, considered, and agreed to, and a copy ordered to be transmitted to the Grand Lodge. The report was as follows :
" Your committee have examined with much attention and anxiety the embarrassed situation of LODGE No. 61, as connected with the Grand Lodge. It will be recollected that the Warrant of LODGE 61 bears date the 19th of February, 1794, and it is the oldest Lodge in this part of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge; and it has at all times maintained a respectable Masonic character from the commencement of its labors; and, without boasting, the present members may pay a just tribute to departed merit by saying that this Lodge has been the point of Masonry and the instructor of the Art in this part of the Com- monwealth. Our departed Brethren long struggled for the benefit of the Order and the happiness of mankind in the interior of a new coun- try, involved in more than the attendant difficulties of similar situa-
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tions. At many times they have labored under embarrassments which called for all the means of each one, aided by all the charity of his Brethren. The Grand Lodge dealt leniently with them, and did not require and enforce annual payment of their dues. The penalty of forfeiting their Charter of Masonic rights was not made the conse- quence of neglect of payment. The clemency of the Grand Lodge, and the situation of this Lodge with regard to its ability to pay in full, have no doubt been the origin of the present evil.
"LODGE 61 has evidently felt a reluctance to expel worthy and indigent members for non-payment of dues, and in that manner treat and punish their misfortunes as crimes and misconduct. This Lodge has considered relief and charity as the highest ornaments of the Order. It has never been convinced that it is the duty of Masons to exclude worthy objects of relief from the blessings of the Craft. It has been difficult, also, to convince such Brothers that they ought to withdraw from the intimate and immediate association with the Lodge, and be reduced to the cold characters of 'visitors and strangers.'
" ' To soothe the unhappy, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds,' has evidently been more the object of this Lodge than the rigorous exaction of Grand Lodge dues. By this course of conduct a balance in favor of the Grand Lodge has been gradually accumulating for years.
" It should also be remembered that some have for diverse causes been expelled ; and others have died, leaving considerable sums due to the Grand Lodge without any Masonic means remaining to enforce payment; for Masonry holds no control over the estate or the repre- sentatives of a deceased Brother.
" It must be admitted that in the hands of the present members of the Lodge great exertions have been made to discharge the debt of the Grand Lodge; but the accomplishment of this desirable object has been found to be beyond their reach. There has been recently paid to the Grand Lodge the sum of $450.
" It is not a legal but a moral obligation that binds this vast commu- nity of Masons together; and the strength and effect of this moral obligation has long been the wonder of the Craft and the admiration of the world at large. The Institution of Masonry is as much unknown to the law as its sacred mysteries are unknown to the world. It has no power to compel payment of debts beyond its present mem- bers-it has not the extensive power of legal associations in that par- ticular. The force of law may regulate the affairs of society and compel the advance of its mandates, while Masonry acts only upon the heart and feelings of the man while a member of the Lodge. But
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even in legal societies provisions are made to relieve the unfortunate, to liberate the insolvent, and even to pardon the guilty, and always to place to the account of each man the merits or demerits of his own deeds; and your committee long hoped that some relieving power could be found wisely lodged in this moral community. In legal associations and corporations individuals and their property are not liable to the corporate burthens, and the funds of the legal person can only be reached by demands against it.
" Your committee are fully aware of the obligation of every Mason to the Grand Lodge, but they have not been instructed in any direct obligation, rule or by-law of the Grand Lodge requiring one member to pay to the Grand Lodge the dues of an expelled, insolvent, or deceased Brother ; nor are they able to find any joint undertaking on the part of the Lodge to pay beyond its funds ; or that the present members, without funds of the Lodge, should pay the deficiencies of past years before they became Masons. No such obligation has been made known in the work of this Lodge, nor in any instruction from the Grand Lodge.
" It is true that this Lodge has been reminded from the Grand Lodge that ' it must be just before it is generous.' The duty of every subordinate Lodge to receive admonition with a submissive temper and a desire to improve, is most readily acknowledged ; but its appli- cation in this instance to this Lodge is not very easily discovered. It is a requirement of justice that every one should receive his due, and from him from whom it is due, but at this time is there due to the Grand Lodge any more than the funds of this Lodge, whether collect- ible or not ? Can Justice require that the present punctual members should discharge the deficiencies of those who have been expelled, are dead, or unable to pay, and from whom this Lodge has neither the moral or legal means of compelling payment ? Did Justice ever require of one the payment of another's debts ? And to be generous, this Lodge has no pretensions or desires ; and indeed it has very little ability to exercise relief and charity, without which our Order would 'be as sounding brass or tinkling cymbal'-a useless parade of unmeaning ceremonies.
" Your committee therefore cannot find cause to reproach the pre- sent members of this Lodge for the arrears of past ages; and since there are no means within reach of the Lodge to satisfy the de- mands of the Grand Lodge, and no power exists in this moral body of granting relief and making those exonerations which have been by this Lodge considered just and reasonable - and which it is believed would conduce to the benefit of the Grand Lodge, to the
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increase of Masonry, and to the harmony of the Fraternity-they are reluctantly brought to the conclusion that this Lodge must, if the requisitions of the Grand Lodge are persisted in, surrender its War- rant, and with it all that the Lodge has, to the Grand Lodge; at the same time reminding the Grand Lodge that it is done with ex- treme regret, and with those feelings which attend a final separation from old and long-tried friends. It has been the chart of our labors and travels, the bond of our union, and with it we had hoped to finish our work here below. But its blessings have become too dear for us to purchase, and the requirements beyond our power to perform."
On the receipt of this document by the Grand Lodge, at a communication held January 17th, 1825, it was referred to a committee, who recommended "that forty dollars per year be accepted in settlement of the debt due from LODGE 61." This was communicated to the Lodge, and, at a meeting held February 21st, 1825, Bro. Andrew Beaumont, P. M., offered the following resolution :
"Whereas, The members of LODGE No. 61, at Wilkesbarré, convinced of their inability to comply with the requisitions of the Grand Lodge as contained in the communications of the Grand Secretary of the 18th ultimo, feel the painful necessity of surrendering a Warrant con- secrated by the lapse of thirty-one years, and to which they have cherished a sincere and affectionate attachment ; therefore, Resolved, That from and after the . . day of . next this Lodge do surrender its Warrant, with its funds, jewels, and fur- niture into the hands of the Grand Lodge."
The consideration of the resolution was postponed till the next monthly communication. At that time-Brother Beaumont being absent-Bro. Garrick Mallery, who was then District Deputy Grand Master, offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
" First, That this Lodge adopt a system of strict economy, and that no use shall be made of the funds of the Lodge for any purpose until their debts shall be paid. Second, That this Lodge do accept of the terms offered by the Grand Lodge to pay the balance due the Grand Lodge in installments of forty dollars per year until the sum due them shall be paid."
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(The records of the Grand Lodge show that LODGE 61 was not at this time entitled to representation in the Grand Lodge-in consequence, of course, of the non-payment of Grand Lodge dues).
Ten months thereafter, at a regular meeting of the Lodge, viz., January 2d, 1826, Rev. Bro. Enoch Huntington (at the time Rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Wilkes- barré) was appointed to inquire into the causes of discon- tent existing between the members of the Lodge and the Grand Lodge. The Rev. Brother took his own time in which to make up his report on the "causes of uneasiness," for it was not until July 3, 1826, that he presented to the Lodge the following report, which was adopted :
"REPORT."
"The committee, to whom was referred the subject of the state of our concerns with the Grand Lodge, beg leave to report to the Wor- shipful and Brethren that they have, according to the best of their abilities, endeavored to ascertain how our affairs stood at the present time, and now present the result of their investigation. The Charter of LODGE No. 61 is dated A. L. 5794, February 18th. It was ob- tained from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania by a number of our worthy Brethren (most of whom have now finished their work on earth), at a time when the country was laboring under peculiar disad- vantages-not only from the usual embarrassments which attend a new-settled country, but was depressed by disastrous events which had occurred under the Providence of God. Yet highly estimating Masonic privileges they determined to make an effort to have a broth- erhood established in this place. With this view they exerted them- selves to obtain a duly authenticated Instrument, from the proper source, to constitute themselves a Lodge. They succeeded in this attempt, and for some time kept up by their praiseworthy exertions the Society of which we are members.
"It has had, however, to struggle with poverty from its first institu- tion. The very Charter under which we act was for a long time unpaid for. The Grand Lodge dues were not paid, and Charity, the bright star in the Masonic character, was limited by necessity when the full heart was ready to supply every want.
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