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 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
"Under these circumstances our debt to the Grand Lodge has accumulated from the very date of our Charter. It has originated
58
principally from the non-payment of those who were unable to pay, while their characters were those of true and worthy Brothers. They were treated by the Lodge with the lenity of brotherly affection, and were not excluded from it-the Lodge-(except so far as an occasional visit as strangers is allowed to persons of this class, if we pursue the strictness of the Grand Lodge regulations), because, from a tender- ness which we believe is not inconsistent with Masonic integrity, they were unwilling to punish them for their poverty (which in no code is considered as a crime) by debarring them from the enjoyment of privileges which they so highly prized. This we believe has been the principal source from which our indebtedness has sprung.
"We will not undertake to decide whether all the exactions of the Grand Lodge are reasonable. It is not the object for which we were appointed. We present to you the actual state of things arising from such regulations as our superiors have thought proper to adopt.
"By the account current with the Grand Lodge, it seems that the tribute which this small Society has to pay for thirty-two years-the time since its foundation-amounts to about $1600. Towards this we have paid $610, and the balance has been reduced by different ways-the precise history of which we are unacquainted with, not having been able, in consequence of want of information, to ascertain it-to about $600, which is the amount of our present debt. The committee is authorized to state that the Grand Lodge is willing to compromise with us for this sum by the payment of $200 in addition to the Grand Lodge dues of last year.
"We would conclude by reminding our Brethren that Masonry is a moral tie, binding us to the performance of a duty beyond the reach of human labors. Masonry, like every other institution, must have a presiding power. From the head benefits should flow to the mem- bers, and a suitable return be made for this guardianship and assist- ance. Our ties bind us to none but reasonable obligations, and a just return for benefits received, and a due subordination founded on the nature and circumstances of such a Society as the Masonic.
" Trusting that you are willing to render, and our Brethren of the Grand Lodge are willing to accept, a reasonable return founded on our mutual rights and relations, we recommend an early adjustment of these affairs in such a manner as prudence and integrity may dic- tate to you."
On November 6th, 1826, Bro. John N. Conyngham * re- ported to the Lodge, that when in Philadelphia a few days
* Sce chapter V., post, for his biography.
59
before he had had an interview with the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, who stated that he had every reason to believe that the Grand Lodge would accept two hundred dollars in lieu of the dues and demands against LODGE 61 to St. John's Day then next; and that if the money were placed in his hands he would use every effort to effect such an arrangement.
It seemed at last as though this vexing and troublesome burden was in a fair way to be removed, and the Lodge im- mediately appointed a committee to assist the treasurer in collecting two hundred dollars to be forwarded to Philadel- phia.
On St. John's Day (December 27th), 1826, the following communication was received by the Lodge :
"GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA, Adjourned Quarterly Communication, PHILAD'A, Dec'r 18, 1826.
"On motion of the Committee of Finance, Resolved, That the offer now made in behalf of LODGE 61, to purchase with $200 the annuity of $40 which that Lodge is bound by special agreement to pay to the Grand Lodge until the debt thereto shall be wholly liquidated, be, and the same is, hereby accepted ; and that the Grand Secretary be directed to close the account of LODGE 61 on the books of the Grand Lodge to the 27th inst. inclusive; provided, however, that the sum of $200 shall be paid forthwith." "Extract from the minutes."
"SAMUEL H. THOMAS, G. Sec'y."
Accompanying this was a receipt from the Grand Secre- tary, for two hundred dollars.
During the year 1822, and the early portion of 1823, there was considerable agitation among the Lodges throughout Pennsylvania jurisdiction in regard to the Grand Lodge dues, which had been lately increased. There was also a very general complaint because of the failure of Grand Lodge officers to visit the various country Lodges. The Brethren of Lodge No. 43, at Lancaster, were the most active in stirring up matters, and in October, 1822, they
60
sent to the various subordinate Lodges in the jurisdiction a circular letter setting forth the grievances in question.
This circular was signed by five of the Brethren of Lodge 43-one of them being James Buchanan, afterwards Presi- dent of the United States, and another, George B. Porter, afterwards Governor of Michigan, both of them Past Masters of the Lodge.
On November 4th, 1822, the Grand Lodge
" Resolved, That the Warrant of Lodge 43, Lancaster, be called in; and that until Lodge 43 shall return to its Masonic faith and alle- giance, the different Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania are prohibited from holding with said Lodge any Ma- sonic fellowship or communion."
The Warrants of other Lodges which had approved the course of Lodge 43 were subsequently called in.
Very general and earnest interest in the questions in- volved in the controversy was aroused among the Brethren of the Craft, and matters finally reached a climax at an adjourned quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge held at Philadelphia, December 16th, 1822, when the Grand Lodge resolved that "a Grand Committee," composed of three members from each subordinate Lodge, should meet in Philadelphia on February 25th, 1823, "to take into con- sideration the alleged grievances of the subordinate Lodges."
In pursuance of this resolution, LODGE 61 appointed Bros. Gen. Isaac Bowman, Judge David Scott, and Gould Phinney, Esq., a committee to represent the Lodge in the Grand Com- mittee. "SIXTY-ONE" had probably as much cause for complaint as any other Lodge in the jurisdiction, for we learn from a resolution offered at a Lodge meeting, December 16th, 1822, that "since the organization of the Lodge, in 1794, it has never been visited by any officer of the Grand Lodge, nor by any Brother duly authorized by the Grand Lodge for the purpose of giving Masonic light and instruction."
At this time there were one hundred and two subordinate
61
Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania. From the 25th to the 28th of February, 1823, the representatives of eighty-nine of these Lodges were convened at Philadelphia, "in Grand Committee."
A sub-committee, with R. W. Grand Master Josiah Ran- dall as chairman, was appointed "to inquire what griev- ances exist relating to Masonry under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania." Bro. David Scott* of "61 " was a member of this committee.
The report of the committee, which was adopted by the Grand Committee, set forth among other things :
I. "That the Grand Lodge has not taken efficient measures to in- struct and enlighten the subordinate Lodges, and therefore consider- able difference exists in the mode of work practiced by the Lodges in the jurisdiction. It does not appear that any systematic plan has been adopted to communicate to the Lodges one uniform system of work, and a complete knowledge of the rites and ceremonies of our ancient and venerable Order.
2. "That an entire and complete exhibit of the present state of the funds of the Grand Lodge should be communicated to the subordi- nate Lodges.
3. "That there is a want of a just and equitable representation in the Grand Lodge."
At a grand quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge, held March 3d, 1823, the report of the Grand Committee was read and adopted.
On the 21st, 22d and 24th of November, 1823, special meetings of LODGE 61 were held, and Bro. James W. Mur- ray, "Grand Visiting Lecturer from the Grand Lodge," 4 instructed the Lodge in the landmarks and work of the
Royal Craft. This was the first official visitation made to LODGE 61 by any one representing the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
On January 6th, 1823, a committee was appointed to raise funds for the erection of "a suitable hall in the Boro. of
* See chapter V., post, for his biography.
62
Wilkesbarré for the accommodation of the Lodge." This committee never made any report, so far as the Lodge records indicate.
At a meeting on St. John the Evangelist's Day, in 1826- the same meeting in fact at which was read the report announcing the settlement of the Grand Lodge dues con- troversy-Bros. Andrew Beaumont, David Scott, George Denison, George M. Hollenback, Pierce Butler, and Benja- min Reynolds were appointed a committee to devise ways and means to build a suitable house for the accommodation of the Lodge. The committee reported to the Lodge on the 5th of February, 1827, and committees were appointed to obtain subscriptions,-one to work in Wilkesbarré and one in Philadelphia. On April 2d, 1827, Brother Beau- mont, the chairman of the committee, reported that "forty- three shares at ten dollars each had been subscribed toward building a Lodge." The committees were continued, but there is no record of any further report from them. The project of erecting a Lodge building was evidently aban- doned, for we find in December, 1830, and January, 1831, that a committee was appointed to examine, as to the suita- bleness for a Lodge-room, an upper room in the hotel (the "Phoenix") then being erected by Bro. G. M. Hollenback, on River street ; and also a room on the third floor of the house belonging to Brothers Beaumont and Colt, and occu- pied by the former as a residence, at the south-west corner of Union and Franklin streets. The Lodge had been regu- larly held in the west wing of the Court House, from 1804 up to this time, when, on account of the opposition of the anti-Masons it became necessary to secure a new Lodge- room. The room in the Beaumont building was selected, and having been appropriately fitted up, the Lodge early in 1831 moved into it. Here, during the next fourteen years, the Brethren of Wilkesbarre held their regular and their informal meetings.
South-west corner of Union and Franklin streets, Wilkesbarré. THE OLD BEAUMONT HOUSE (1829-'92),
-
--
----
-
1
--
--
63
In May, 1823, Bro. Samuel D. Bettle reported that he had provided a seal for the Lodge, at a cost of five dollars.
September 24th, 1823, the Lodge adopted the following resolution :
" Whereas, Information has been furnished to this Lodge that a certain resolution has been passed by the General Methodist Confer- ence prohibiting young clergymen of the Methodist Order from join- ing the Masonic Society ; and
" Whereas, It does not appear to the Lodge that there has been any sufficient cause for such novel proceeding ; and
" Whereas, The character of a respectable clergyman and member of the Masonic Society has been implicated and assailed, and that a spirit of persecution seems to have been excited against him ; therefore,
" Resolved, That a committee be appointed to investigate the sub- ject and make report to the Lodge setting forth the facts in such man- ner as they may deem expedient."
Under this resolution the following Brothers were ap- pointed a committee : Isaac Bowman, Andrew Beaumont, Gould Phinney, Joseph Wright, Jonathan Bulkeley, Garrick Mallery, and Pierce Butler.
The investigations of the committee called forth the fol- lowing letter from Rev. George Lane, of Wilkesbarré, at that time Presiding Elder of the Wyoming District of the M. E. Church, and subsequently Manager of the Methodist "Book Concern," New York City :
"TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FREE MASON LODGE IN WILKES- BARRÉ : Gentlemen-It has been my aim for many years so to con- duct myself as to merit the esteem of all good men, and not willingly offend any one. But from what has lately come to my ears, I under- stand that the Members of the Masonic Lodge in this place, or at least some of them, are highly displeased with certain resolutions which were passed some time ago in one of the Annual Conferences, which resolutions are ascribed to me as the author.
"As these things go to affect my character and standing among men, I beg the privilege of an explanation.
"Permit me in the first place to assure you, and that most solemnly, that I feel in no wise opposed to Free Masonry, nor to Free Masons as such. To the system, so far as I understand it from the books which
64
they have published to the world, I have no objections, and have, I think, uniformly expressed a favorable opinion of it. That there are unworthy members in this as well as other societies, cannot be dis- puted, and if I have censured these at any time, I have censured the unworthy members of the Society to which I belong with still greater severity, and in this all good Masons, as well as all other good men, must unite with me, in order to be consistent with themselves.
"With respect to the resolutions alluded to, permit me to say : that in conference with the Presiding Elders our worthy Bishop expressed a fear that the preachers in Genesee Conference were not as devoted and useful as they had been, and besought them to search out the cause, that the evil might be remedied. In this conference many things were mentioned as probable hindrances to usefulness among us, and it was stated among other things that a number of our preach- ers had joined, and were in the habit of attending, Free Mason Lodges. That this, in the first place, occupied time which it was thought might be better improved, especially as most of our preachers have had but small opportunities for literary acquirements ; and in the second place it has greatly grieved and offended many of the members of our Church, insomuch that from a number of circuits peti- tions had been forwarded to the Presiding Elders and the Bishop that they might have no more Free Masons sent to labor with them.
"We did not, it is true, consider that these objections among our people had, in all respects, the most solid foundation ; yet, being abundantly taught in the Gospel of our Saviour, as well as in the Epistles of His Apostles, to respect the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves-and if that which is lawful in itself is a cause of offence to others, we ought to abstain from it-we considered their complaints not altogether unworthy of notice. Therefore, not with a view to oppose Free Masonry, or Free Masons, but to prevent our preach- ers from engaging in studies which we thought were not of equal im- portance to others which were sufficient to occupy all their time and talents at least for a season, and to restore harmony between preach- ers and people where it had been impaired, and to preserve it where it remained entire, we passed resolutions declaring it imprudent for our preachers to join, or attend, Free Mason Lodges.
"The part which I as an individual acted in this business, I will now state. I was one of the Presiding Elders with whom the Bishop conferred, as before stated. The Presiding Elders appointed a com- mittee of three to draft resolutions to be offered to the Conference, embracing the subject of preachers joining and attending Free Mason Lodges, and other things, and I was one of the committee. The res-
65
olutions being drafted and presented to the Presiding Elders were accepted, and I was requested to introduce them into the Conference, which I did with very few words. Others advocated the resolutions at considerable length, and they were passed by a large majority.
"Here I beg leave to state, that to all this we were encouraged by a number of our brethren-both ministers and members-who were themselves Masons; who, from a conviction of the impropriety of preachers uniting with the Lodge under existing circumstances, either directly or indirectly discouraged the practice among us. That the above statements are substantially correct, I pledge myself to prove, if necessary, by the most indubitable evidence.
"As great surprise has been expressed by some, that, after mani- festing so much opposition to Masonry, I should consent to meet with the Masons,* walk in procession with them, and dine with them, I will here take the liberty again to assert that I never intention- ally opposed Masonry. My reasons for dining with the members were as follows : first, my regard for the preacher who was to address them ; secondly, my respect for a great number of the members of the Lodge ; and thirdly, that I might, if possible, do away with the prejudice which had crept into the minds of some, from a report which had gotten into circulation, that I was an enemy to Masonry. These were the principal reasons why I attended and dined with the Free Masons in this place. Whether they are sufficient to justify my conduct, perhaps I am not the best judge.
" Here I close; and if, after all, it is thought I am worthy of cen- sure, let me be censured ! for I ask nothing further than the award of common justice.
"With sentiments of due respect, I remain, gentlemen,
" Yours, &c.,
[Signed.] "GEO. LANE."+
* See pages 41 and 51, ante.
GEORGE LANE was born in Ulster county, New York, April 13th, 1783. He began to preach the gospel, as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1805, and soon became conspicuous among the pioneer preachers as a man of superior Christian virtues and mental powers. In 1809 he was assigned to the Wyoming (Penn'a) circuit. From 1812 to 1818 he was engaged in the mercantile business in Ply- mouth and Wilkesbarré ; part of the time in partnership with his brother-in-law, Benjamin Harvey. Their store in Wilkesbarré stood
66
The officers elected to serve the Lodge for the year 1827 were:
BRO. GENERAL ISAAC BOWMAN, W. M.
BRO. JOHN N. CONYNGHAM, Att'y at Law, S. W.
BRO. CHAS. D. SHOEMAKER, Prothonotary, J. W. BRO. JESSE FELL, Associate Judge, Sec'y.
BRO. GEO. M. HOLLENBACK, Merchant, Treas'r.
In October, 1828, the Lodge received an invitation from Danville Lodge, No. 159, to attend at the laying of the cor- ner-stone of Christ Episcopal Church, Danville, Penn'a, on the 24th October. On that day LODGE 61 was represented by a number of its members. In the year 1881, on St. John the Baptist's Day, the same church-remodeled and renewed- was rededicated with Masonic ceremonies, and LODGE 61 was again represented by a number of its members.
In July, 1829, the Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania reported the condition of LODGE 61 as very flourishing. The membership of the Lodge was rather large, but there were only three accessions to it during this year.
on the north side of the Public Square, where now is the restaurant of J. R. Kennedy.
Mr. Lane was twice married. His first wife, whom he married in May, 1810, was Sarah, eldest child of Elisha and Rosanna (Jameson) Harvey, of Plymouth township, Wyoming Valley, Penn'a. She died in 1832, and several years afterwards Mr. Lane married Miss Lydia Bunting, of New York city.
He died at Wilkesbarré May 6th, 1859.
The only child of Mr. Lane now living is Prof. Harvey Bradburn Lane, who was born at Plymouth, Penn'a, January 10th, 1813. He was one of the first students to matriculate at the Wesleyan Univer- sity, organized at Middletown, Conn., in September, 1831, and he grad- uated therefrom in 1835. In 1839 he was made a member of the Uni- versity Faculty, and for many years thereafter taught in the institution, being for most of the time Professor of Greek language and literature.
Prof. Lane now resides in New York city, where he is well-known among literary men and book buyers.
67
During the year 1830 there were no accessions, and no matters of interest occurring.
At this period the evil spirit of anti-Masonry, which had been abroad in the country since 1826, was almost at the zenith of its power and strength, and its influence was be- ginning to be felt in North-eastern Pennsylvania, and especially in the Wyoming Valley, where, for thirty-six years, Free Masonry had been so highly esteemed and its honors and benefits gladly sought and enjoyed by the best citizens living in that portion of the Commonwealth.
During the year 1831 meetings were held quite regularly, although not largely attended, and there were three initia- tions.
Only four meetings were held in 1832 (all previous to October Ist) and then-so far as can be learned now-no "labor " was done until April 3d, 1834. On that day a special meeting was held at the Lodge-room-twelve Brethren being present. The only business transacted was the appointing of a committee to settle with the Treasurer and report at the Lodge-room on April 19th at 4 P. M. " The Lodge then closed in Harmony and Love." There is no minute of the meeting held April 19th, if, indeed, one was held.
The Warrant, Jewels, and other Lodge property, re- mained in the possession of the Brethren, and the Lodge was considered by the Grand Lodge as still alive (although no regular stated meetings were held, and no minutes or records kept) until early in the year 1837. In that year, at an extra grand communication of the Grand Lodge, held at Philadelphia, February 6th, eighteen subordinate Lodges were represented. The subject of " delinquent Lodges," laid over from September 5th, 1836, was taken up, and the Warrants of fifty-five Lodges (including No. 61) were va- cated.
68
Notwithstanding the fact that the Warrant was delivered over to the Grand Lodge, the Brethren at Wilkesbarré con- tinued, for a number of years after 1834, to hold informal Masonic meetings-of course doing no "work," and keep- ing no records of their gatherings. When, during this period, any of the old members of the Lodge died-who, in life, had expressed a desire to be buried with Masonic rites -the Brethren of Wilkesbarre always came together in goodly numbers, and performed these rites in due and ancient form. October 27th, 1836, the Brethren, in large numbers, attended the funeral of their late Bro. Jean Fran- gois Dupuy,* who, for a period of thirty-seven and a-half years, had been Tyler of LODGE 61. Among those who
* JEAN FRANÇOIS DUPUY was born in Bordeaux, France, Septem- ber 30th, 1750. For many years he lived in the island of St. Domin- go, but in 1791, at the time of the negro insurrection in that unhappy country, he escaped and came to the United States. Most of his val- uables, hastily shipped on a vessel that landed at Baltimore, were either lost overboard, as claimed by the ship's officers, or stolen by them ; so that he was left with only those means he carried upon his person in his retreat. The bulk of his large estate had been necessa- rily left in St. Domingo, for which he and his family received some compensation through the French government, after the independence of Hayti was established.
Leaving Baltimore Mr. Dupuy went to Philadelphia, and from thence into what is now Nicholson township, Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania. There he resided until 1795, when he removed to Wilkesbarré and settled at the north-east corner of Franklin and Northampton streets, where he continued to reside until his death, October 25th, 1836.
In June, 1795, Mr. Dupuy purchased for fifteen shillings, of Wm. Moore Smith, of Philadelphia, three tracts of land in Luzerne county, Penn'a : "Plymouth," 317 acres ; " Brookfield," 406 acres ; " Hem- field," 406 acres. These tracts had been "warranted" to Mr. Smith by the Commonwealth.
Mr. Dupuy had four children : (1) Amelia M., born in St. Domin- go. Married, in 1811, to Anthony Lacoe, a native of France, to
69
were present was Rev. Bro. Marmaduke Pearce,* who had come up from Berwick, Columbia county. It had been the uniform custom, previous to 1830, for the Brethren, when attending the funeral of one of their number, to wear their Lodge aprons and jewels; but during the anti-Masonic cru- sade this custom was omitted.
Upon the occasion of Bro. Dupuy's funeral Bro. Pearce was the only Mason present who wore an apron.
One of the Brethren suggested that he should remove it.
" No, sir," he replied, "I shall wear it though I die for it."
During the ceremony of interment the following address was delivered by the officiating Worshipful Master:
"It having been the custom among Masons, at the request of a Brother made upon his death-bed, to consign his remains to the grave according to Masonic usages, we have considered it our bounden duty in the present instance not to neglect the wishes of our late worthy and respectable Brother.
JOHN FRANCIS DUPUY, whose body now lies in the grave before us, was born in France, but in early life became domiciled in the West Indies, and there resided, a man in affluent circumstances, and of honorable standing in society. Of mild, amiable, and unobtrusive
whom she bore one daughter and four sons-the youngest being. Ralph D. Lacoe, Esq., of Pittston, Luzerne county, Penn'a.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.