USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 11
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4. That each Subordinate Lodge shall have but one vote in the Grand Lodge, on all questions of taxation or right of juris- diction, claimed by the Grand Lodge over the Subordinate Lodges, and that each Lodge shall be entitled to vote in the Grand Lodge, either by personal representation of its officers, by proxy, or by a resolution of the Lodge, under its seal transmitted to the Grand Lodge.
5. That no question affecting the rights of a Subordinate Lodge, shall be decided in the Grand Lodge at any other meet- ing than a regular Grand Quarterly Communication, and not till all the Subordinate Lodges shall have had at least one previous Quarterly Communication's notice of such proceeding.
6. That as uniformity in the Masonic labors is essentially necessary to advance the interest of the craft, the Grand Lodge shall appoint one Grand Lecturer, yearly to inspect and correct the labors of the different Lodges, who shall be compensated out of the monies raised by dues, from the Subordinate Lodges, or out of their funds, as shall be hereafter settled between the Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodges.
7. That the Grand Lodge shall have no original jurisdiction as to suspension or expulsion, except over their own members, and that to extend no further than to their privileges in the Grand Lodge.
8. That the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has no Masonic jurisdiction over any degrees above a Master Mason.
9. That it shall be incumbent on the Grand Lodge of Penn-
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
sylvania, to open a correspondence with the other Grand Lodges of the United States, and endeavor to produce a uniformity in work, lectures and the manner of conferring degrees, that the craft of Pennsylvania may be entitled to equal privileges with the Brethren under the jurisdiction of the other most respectable and enlightened Grand Lodges.
IO. That it shall be the duty of the Grand Lodge, annually to furnish the Subordinate Lodges with detailed accounts of their receipts and expenditures.
II. That the foregoing resolutions be respectfully submitted to the Grand Lodge, and the Convention to meet at Philadel- phia, in the Grand Hall, on the 25th February next, for their approbation and adoption.
12. That if they should not be adopted as aforesaid, John De Pui, James Wright and N. B. Wood, be appointed a committee to present a copy thereof to each Subordinate Lodge under the present Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and when a majority shall have substantially adopted the same, to call a meeting of said Lodges at Harrisburg, for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge at Harrisburg, and that the foregoing resolutions, or such of them as shall be adopted by a majority of the said subordinate Lodges shall be inherent principles in the constitution of said Grand Lodge.
C. FORWARD, THOMAS T. HUSTON, N. B. WOOD, ETHAN BALDWIN, J. D. BILES.
And said report was read, and the resolutions thereto attached, were severally considered and adopted unanimously.
On motion, the following resolution was offered :
Resolved, That the committee named in the 12th resolution, be directed to have printed the proceedings of this Convention, and forward a copy to the Grand and each Subordinate Lodge in the State. On motion,
Resolved, That these proceedings be signed by the Chairman, and attested by the Secretary.
N. B. WOOD, Secretary. EDWARD HERRICK, Chairman.
HARRISBURG, JANUARY 7, A. L. 5823.
Sir and Brother-We are directed to transmit to you the fore- going proceedings, with a request that you will be pleased to lay them before the Lodge over which you preside, at as early a period as possible.
We are fraternally and respectfully yours, JOHN DE PUI, JAMES WRIGHT, N. B. WOOD,
Committee.
Worshipful Master of Lancaster Lodge No. 43.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
A printed circular of the proceedings of this Convention, held at Harrisburg, having been sent to every Lodge in the jurisdic- tion, a copy was received by Lodge No. 43, and was presented and read at the meeting held on February 12th.
No further action in this matter was taken by Lodge No. 43.
At the stated meeting March 12th, Worshipful Master elect, Bro. James Buchanan, was by special permission of the R. W. Grand Master duly installed.
The election for officers for the ensuing Masonic year, which was held December 10th, resulted in the selection of the follow- ing brethren : Ebenezer Wright, W. M .; Rudolph C. Nagle, S. W .; Jacob Albright, J. W .; Benj. Ober, Treas. ; and Geo. Beckel, Secretary.
The Right Worshipful Grand Master having notified the Lodge of his intention of paying them an official visitation, the follow- ing resolution was adopted at this meeting :
Resolved, That in consideration of the visitation of the Grand Lodge on the 19th inst., there shall be a procession of this Lodge on that day : and that a committee of seven be appointed to make the necessary arrangements.
Accordingly the Lodge assembled in extra meeting on the morning of that date. The meeting was largely attended by the members of the Lodge and by representatives of other Lodges. Right Worshipful Grand Master Josiah Randall, Esq., accom- panied by his Grand Officers, honored the Lodge with his presence.
This was the first official visitation that had ever been made to Lodge No. 43. On December 19, 1803, Right Worshipful Grand Master Israel Israel honored the Lodge with his presence, but he came unattended and took no part in the proceedings. The Lodge closed its morning session at 1:30 o'clock, P. M. At 2:30 o'clock the brethren formed in procession and proceeded to the Lutheran Church, where they listened to an appropriate dis- course, delivered by Rev. Dr. Endress.
The brethren then returned to the Lodge Room, where the Right Worshipful Grand Master exemplified the Fellow Craft and Master Mason's degrees and lectured on the Entered Apprentice degree.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
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The expenses incurred by this first Grand Visitation amounted to $29.75, and consisted of the following items :
Rev. Dr. Endress,
$8 00
Sexton,
2 00
8 Suppers @ I160, 25
10 00
Tickets, .
2 00
Grand Chaplain (Rev. Clarkson ),
5 00
John Michael,
I
75
$29 75
This visitation was of material help to the brethren and to the Lodge, and was followed by a noticeable improvement in the pro- ceedings of the Lodge.
During the year 1823, four members were initiated, two with- drew, and four died.
Of the officers elected at the December meeting the W. M., J. W. and Secretary declined serving, and on application the Grand Lodge granted permission to the Lodge to hold a special election to fill the vacancies.
Accordingly on March 10, 1824, the following brethren were elected : George H. Whitaker, W. M .; John Landis, J. W .; and Daniel Fuller, Secretary, and they were duly installed at that meeting.
Up to this time it had been the custom for the brethren to rise on the entrance of Past Masters. This custom was discontinued by resolution at the stated meeting in April.
The Lodge had again become financially embarrassed. The Grand Lodge presented their account, amounting to $501.03, arrearage for Grand Lodge dues. There were no funds to meet this debt, and the matter was finally compromised with the Grand Lodge. The Lodge at this time was in need of aprons, but a report of the Treasurer at the September meeting showing a balance due the Treasurer by the Lodge of $61.94, the aprons could not be purchased. For the same reason an application from Lodge No. 143 for pecuniary assistance could not be granted. Efforts were made to collect outstanding dues, and brethren who were unable to pay the same were recommended to withdraw from the Lodge, in order that the Lodge might be re- lieved from the payment of their Grand Lodge dues.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
At the November meeting of this year it was resolved to exonerate the Treasurer from the payment of dues, as compensa- tion for his services, and this custom has prevailed to the present time.
The annual election for officers in December resulted as fol- lows: Bro. Jasper Słaymaker, W. M .; John Landis, S. W .; Washington Hopkins, J. W. ; Emanuel Shaeffer, Treasurer, and Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
During the year 1824 five members were initated and seven withdrew. All of the withdrawals were in pursuance of the reso- lution requesting them to do so by reason of their neglect of dues.
CHAPTER V.
1825-1835.
T' THE year 1825 opened with the affairs of the Lodge in a slightly improved condition. The Grand Lodge debt had been reduced until there was a balance of only $2. 16 due that body, while the Lodge was credited with $17.56 in the hands of the Treasurer.
The Right Worshipful Grand Master, John Banister Gibson, Esq., was pleased to appoint Bro. P. M. George B. Porter as Dis- trict Deputy Grand Master for the district comprising the counties of Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Dauphin, Berks and Schuylkill, and the townships of Sadsbury and Honeybrook in Chester county. Bro. Porter's commission was presented and read at the stated meeting on March 9th.
On the occasion of our distinguished brother General Lafa- yette's visit to Lancaster, in July of this year, a party was given him in Masonic Hall, on Thursday evening, July 28th, which was attended by many of the leading citizens and most respec- table and fashionable ladies of the town. This ball eclipsed everything which had up to that time been seen in this city. Of the eight citizens who composed the committee to receive General Lafayette, five were members of Lodge No. 43, and District Deputy Grand Master George B. Porter made the re- ception speech.
At the meeting of the Lodge held September 14th, it was resolved that a committee of three members be appointed to call upon Bro. Ebenezer Wright and request him to attend the October meeting of the Lodge, for the purpose of conferring the Mark Master's degree on such members as may be disposed to receive it. This does not seem to have been the correct method of proceeding, even in those times, to have the degree conferred ; at least there is no reason assigned why this excellent idea was not carried into effect.
(123)
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
At the stated meeting of December 14th, a communication from Bro. Ebenezer Wright was presented and read, in which he set forth that he applied " to be discharged from his membership in this Lodge on the 31st of December, 1823," and that he "now asks to withdraw that application and to be restored as a member of this fraternity." On motion, the following resolu- tions were adopted :
Resolved, In consideration of the high Masonic standing of Bro. Wright, his extensive information and well known zeal for the honor and interest of the fraternity, that he be permitted to withdraw his resignation as a member of Lodge No. 43.
Resolved, That Bro. Wright be reinstated as a member of this Lodge.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to wait on Bro. Wright and request him to take his seat in the Lodge this even- ing.
Bros. Keffer, Ober and Mathiot constituted that committee, and having conducted this highly esteemed brother to the meet- ing, the brethren further expressed their appreciation of him by at once electing him their Worshipful Master. The following brethren were elected to fill the remaining offices : John Landis, S. W .; Matthew McKelly, J. W .; Emanuel Shaeffer, Treas- urer, and Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
Ten members were initiated and one withdrew during the year. The year had been a prosperous one for the Lodge, and it closed with all the debts, including Grand Lodge dues, paid, and a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $148.62.
On January 5, 1824, the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania, with the sanction and consent of the Right Wor- shipful Grand Lodge, assumed exclusive control over the Subor- dinate Chapters of the State, issuing warrants and exacting dues from Chapters. This met with considerable opposition from some of the Lodges which had obtained authority from the Grand Lodge to confer the Chapter degrees, mainly on the ground that having paid for said authority and the annual dues of the Grand Lodge, they considered it burdensome to now have to take out charters from the Grand Chapter, and pay Grand Chapter dues in addition to Grand Lodge dues. Several communications had been received by the Lodge, from the Grand Lodge and from
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Perseverance Lodge No. 21, of Harrisburg, on this subject, all of which were referred to a committee to investigate and report. At the stated meeting of November 8, 1826, the committee pre- sented the following report, which was unanimously adopted :
The committee of Lodge No. 43, to whom were referred the communications of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of Septem- ber 5, 1825-June 19, 1826-and September, 1826; and of Per- severance Lodge, Harrisburg, of September 29, 1826.
REPORT,
That they have devoted to the subject that due consideration which its importance demands, and are of opinion that the forma- tion and establishment of a Grand Chapter, in the city of Phila- delphia, on the 5th of January, 1824, was not a violation of the compact between the Grand and Subordinate Lodges.
In examining this subject we have been led to inquire, whether the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ever had the legitimate power to grant warrants for holding Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, and Lodges of Most Excellent and Mark Masters; and after a full investigation, we are clearly of opinion that the Grand Lodge never had, and, agreeably to the land-marks of Masonry, never could have that power. The exercise of it in former times, was a usurpation of authority which even the plea of necessity can scarcely justify.
An inquiry naturally presents itself, why should not the Grand Lodge have jurisdiction over Royal Arch, Most Excellent, and Mark Master Masons? We answer, because the Grand Lodge, by the very nature of its constitution, is restricted to the three first degrees of Masonry, and the appendant degree of Past Mas- ter ; but as the three higher degrees are distinct and dissimilar in their nature, and depend on distinct and different principles, how, with any shadow of common sense, could the Grand Lodge, which, from its organization as a body, can know nothing of the rules, regulations, and land-marks of the higher orders, under- take to grant charters for conferring those degrees? "Suppose a difference arise between two Chapters, who shall decide them?" Shall the Grand Lodge? No: the Grand Lodge, as a body, know nothing of their constituent principles, and cannot, under any circumstances, regulate the matters in dispute .- "If un- worthy characters, who might gain admission for want of due caution, should attempt to open new Chapters for their own en- rolment, or for the purpose of conviviality, who could restrain them ?" Could the Grand Lodge ? No : according to the land- marks of Masonry they are not under its jurisdiction. But above all, "suppose the established regulations and ancient land-marks
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
of R. A. Masonry should be violated and broken down, where is the power sufficient to remedy the evil?" Not the Grand Lodge, because, as a body of Master Masons, it must be totally ignorant of those regulations and land-marks; and therefore if they are infringed in any particular, how can the Grand Lodge say what is correct, or what incorrect, or how could the matter be argued before a body, one-half of whom perhaps know nothing of R. A. Masonry? From the very nature of the case it is impossible. No man, or body of men, can propagate a science when totally ignorant of its first principles. The only possible way in which R. A. M. can be kept in that subordination and regularity which are indispensable in both higher and lower degrees, is by the organization of a Grand Chapter, and we think the Grand Lodge has acted with candour and prudence by consenting to its estab- lishment.
Thus we conclude that the Grand Lodge never had a right to grant charters for the higher degrees, then how can it have violated the compact with the Subordinate Lodges? We are told by a circular of Perseverance Lodge No. 21, dated " Harrisburg, September 20, 1826," that they hold a charter from the Grand Lodge for conferring Mark, Most Excellent, and Royal Arch degrees, for which they paid seventy-five dollars. This we have no doubt is correct, but how is that a violation of the compact ? The 2d article of the constitution of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, guarantees to them a charter in unison with the land- marks of Royal Arch Masonry, without any charge. Then why should they complain ? They sustain no loss: They incur no additional expense for a new charter : They are subject to no in- convenience whatever in consequence of the change. They also exclaim against the payment of dues to the Grand Chapter ; but if that body is legally organized, it has a right to demand dues ; and as long as these dues are not exorbitant or oppressive, where Is the subject for complaint ?
We think we have now established that the Grand Chapter has a right to grant charters and receive dues, then to what compass are the complaints of the subordinate Lodges circumscribed ? Merely to this one point-shall the Grand Lodge, in consequence of the establishment of a Grand Chapter, reduce the fees for new warrants, and also the annual dues paid by members of the Sub- ordinate Lodges ? Were this the question under consideration, we would vote in the affirmative.
The Grand Lodge, previous to the 16th of July, 1824, under- took to grant charters for conferring the three higher degrees, and the fees were fixed in proportion ; but since the abandon- ment of that assumed authority, a proportional part of those fees ought, in justice and equity, to be relinquished. A reduction of
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
the annual dues we think ought to be demanded as a matter of right, and, if refused, then we would say the Grand Lodge has violated its compact with the Subordinate Lodges.
While on this subject we cannot but disapprove of the extra- vagant fees demanded by the Grand Lodge, from the Subordinate Lodges. We admit the Grand Lodge has incurred a very great debt in erecting the Masonic Hall, but this Hall is of no bene- fit to Mason's or Lodges without the city of Philadelphia ; and we cannot perceive any propriety in taxing them for its erection. The annual dues paid by Subordinate Lodges are oppressive, and prevent them from accumulating a competent fund for charitable purposes. The object of Masonry is thus in a great measure de- feated, and the reputation of the craft materially injured.
Your committee entertaining these impressions offer the follow- ing resolutions :
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43 sanction the establishment of a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter, believing it essential to the prosperity of Royal Arch Masonry in the state of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43, does not believe that the Grand Lodge violated the compact with the subordinate Lodges, by consenting to the establishment of a Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter.
Resolved, That Lodge No. 43 believes that a reduction of the annual dues demanded by the Grand Lodge, would essentially contribute to the advantage of masons and masonry in Pennsyl- vania.
Resolved, That the Secretary transmit a copy of this report to the Grand Lodge, and each subordinate Lodge in the common- wealth.
MATHEW M'KELLY, JOHN MATHIOT, JOHN B. MAYER.
In accordance with the last resolution the foregoing report was printed, and copies were sent to the Grand and subordinate Lodges. If it served no other good purpose it at least defined the loyal position of Lodge No. 43.
At the October meeting Bro. David Nathans, "Grand Lec- turer," paid an official visitation to the Lodge, lecturing upon the Master Mason's degree.
On November 2d, Bro. John Gillard was buried with Masonic honors, the Lodge being accompanied by a band of music, as was customary in those days.
The annual election for officers at the December meeting re-
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
sulted as follows: Bro. Mathew McKelly, W. M .; Bro. John Mathiot, S. W .; Bro. Robert Moderwell, J. W .; Bro. Emanuel Shaeffer, Treasurer, and Bro. Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
During the year 1826, seven members were initiated, two were admitted, one suspended, and one died.
On February 24, 1827, the Lodge, accompanied by a band of music, attended the funeral of Bro. John Shaw, burying him with Masonic honors.
At the meeting in April a committee was appointed to inquire into the expediency of enlarging the Lodge room, and to inves- tigate the title which the Lodge has in its building. At the following stated meeting this committee reported at length on the sufficiency of the title, and further reported that, "owing to the present state of the funds, it was inexpedient at this time to take possession of the room adjoining the Lodge room, and rec- ommend it to be done on some future occasion." This report was adopted, when, on motion, it was resolved, " that a com- mittee consisting of Bros. Mathiot, Moderwell and Keffer be appointed, whose duty it shall be to procure the key of the room adjoining the Lodge ; to determine whether the Lodge room can be enlarged, to ascertain whether the funds will justify the en- larging of the room at this time, and if so, to superintend the doing of it." The partition between the two rooms was re- moved, adding very materially to the comfort and convenience of the Lodge. Up to this time the Lodge had been using wood for fuel ; the change was now made, the two wood stoves were sold and two coal stoves purchased.
Some idea may be formed of the struggles of our brethren in these days, to meet their obligations, as well as the expedients to which they were obliged to resort, by the following resolution, adopted at the June meeting :
On motion, Resolved, That a committee consisting of Bros. Wright, McLenegan and Danner, be appointed, to dispose of the demijohns, glasses, decanters, &c. which belong to the Lodge, and out of the proceeds, to pay a certain debt contracted by those, who attended lecturing in 1825 & 6 and the balance, if any, to pay into the treasury of Lodge No. 43.
On June 14th Bro. John Riddle, a member of the Lodge, was buried with Masonic honors.
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, 1. & A. M.
The election for officers in December resulted as follows : Bro. John Mathiot, W. M .; Bro. Robert Moderwell, S. W .; Bro. Elijah McLenegan, J. W. ; Bro. Emanuel Shaeffer, Treas- urer, and Bro. Daniel Fuller, Secretary.
During the year 1827 three members were initiated, one was admitted, five withdrew, and two died.
A large number of the brethren were in arrears with their dues, the Lodge was in arrears with their Grand Lodge dues, besides owing $113.5372 for sundry other accounts, at the close of this year. In the early part of the year 1828, the committee on col- Jection of outstanding dues, &c., made extra efforts to collect the same, the Lodge compromising with some and permitting them to withdraw and enforcing the by-laws on others by suspending them.
At the special meeting held June 19th, Bro. David Nathans presented his authority as Lecturer, duly appointed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Upon being introduced he presented his report of the examination of the minutes of Lodge No. 43, and lectured upon the degrees. It will be observed that his visit partook, very much, of the character of a grand visitation.
At the stated meeting held December roth, the following brethren were duly elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year : John Landis, W. M .; Elijah McLenegan, S. W .; Robert Rus- sel, J. W .; John Longenecker, Treasurer, and Daniel Fuller, Secretary. The meetings during the year were poorly attended, the interest in the fraternity had materially decreased, the anti- Masonic times had begun, and it was no longer prudent or safe to be known as a Mason. But one new member was added to the lodge during the year, while ten withdrew.
The meetings of the Lodge during the year 1829, were very small indeed; no meeting was held in August, and the other meetings were devoid of interest.
Two new members were initiated, four withdrew, and two died. At the December meeting the following brethren were elected officers for the ensuing year : Abner Thomas, W. M .; John Longenecker, S. W .; Ingam Wood, J. W .; Elijah McLenegan, Treasurer, and George B. Withers, Secretary.
At the stated meeting of January 13, 1830, a communication
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
from the Grand Lodge was received, notifying the Lodge of the appointment of Bro. P. M. Samuel Humes, M. D., as District Deputy Grand Master for the Third District, of which Lodge No. 43 was a part.
The anti-Masonic feeling was now on the rapid increase, but few members attended the meetings of the Lodge, the dues could not be collected, the Grand Lodge became importunate for the Grand Lodge dues, the few members who struggled on with the Lodge became disheartened, and at the meeting held May 12th, the following resolution was adopted :
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