USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 6
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The election for officers at the stated meeting in December resulted in the selection of the following brethren to serve for the ensuing year: Thomas Jeffries, W. M. ; Henry Keffer, S. W .; George B. Porter, J. W. ; Benj. Ober, Treasurer, and Thomas Yarrell, Secretary. On St. John's day, December 27th,
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the Brethren, in pursuance of the old custom, dined together. During the year five members were initiated, one was admitted, and nine withdrew.
The year 1819 found the Lodge ably officered, its meetings well attended, and marked interest manifested in its proceedings. Among its members were some of the foremost citizens of the time.
The Secretary, Bro. Thomas Yarrell, having removed from Lancaster, Bro. George Beckel was at the June meeting elected to that office for the unexpired term. In the early part of this year some repairs were made in the Lodge room, and the furni- ture, jewels, etc., were put in order.
This year is distinguished as witnessing the opening of differ- ences between the Lodge and the Grand Lodge, which ended in the vacating of the Charter of the Lodge. Ever since March, 1816, dissatisfaction had existed in the minds of the Brethren with the management of the Grand Lodge, and with their failure to receive from that body benefits to which they believed them- selves justly entitled.
One of the measures which was proposed to be adopted as a means of accomplishing their wishes was the election to office in the Grand Lodge of those in accord with their views, also the adoption of measures for the better dissemination of knowledge. Hence we find at the stated meeting of August 11, 1819, a com -. mittee, composed of Bros. P. M.'s N. Lightner, John Reynolds, and Bro. S. W. Henry Keffer, was appointed to correspond with the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania, requesting them to appoint commitees to attend at the election of officers of the Grand Lodge on the next St. John's day.
At an extra meeting held September 2 Ist, this committee pre- sented as their report a circular letter, which being read was unanimously approved, and the same committee was instructed to have one hundred and eighty copies of this circular letter printed, and when signed by the committee and Worshipful Master and Secretary, to be immediately forwarded to the dif- ferent Lodges in the State.
The following is a correct copy of the circular letter as pre-
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pared by the committee, which was printed and forwarded to every Lodge in the State :
Extract from the Minutes of Lodge No. 43.
At a special meeting held in the city of Lancaster, on Tues- day evening, September 21, 5819,
The committee appointed at the meeting of August rith last, to draft a circular to be sent to the different Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, reported the following circular, viz. :
LANCASTER, SEPTEMBER 21, 1819.
WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BROTHER,
The difference in the mode of working, directed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and that adopted and practiced by the Grand Lodges of the Eastern and Southern States, is a serious and lamentable evil, productive of the worst consequences to the craft in general ; but still it is an evil not so immediately affect- ing us, as the different modes of working practiced by the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
That there should be a uniform mode of working throughout the United States, is a matter generally admitted, and certainly cannot well be denied : and for the accomplishment of this ob- ject and the better government of the craft in general, we are decidedly in favor of the establishment of a general Grand Lodge, composed of all the Grand and Past Grand officers of the differ- ent Grand Lodges in the United States. To this body should be delegated such of the sovereign and independent powers now exercised by the different Grand Lodges, as would give it a com- plete control of the institution, and which would enable them to lay down general rules and principles, which the Subordinate Grand Lodges should be bound to carry into effect. In this manner the government of our Order would, in some degree, resemble the plan of government under which we live, and which is now in such happy and complete operation as to excite the admiration and wonder of the world.
But the subject that most immediately interests us, and to which we particularly wish to invite your attention, is the differ- ent modes of working practiced in the Lodges under the juris- diction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. This has not pro- ceeded from a disposition to degrade the character of the craft, as might be supposed, from seeing (as is frequently the case) men at the head of Lodges, who are utterly incapable of understand- ing the principles, nature, and objects of the institution ; and others, who, if they did understand, are altogether unable to explain them .- No, it has proceeded from a want of Masonic instruction, and so glaring has been the neglect of the Grand
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Lodge on this subject, that but few of the Lodges that meet in its hall work precisely in the same manner. But the country Lodges, after paying for and receiving their charter, are suffered to go on in their own way without instruction or examination, and the only matter required of them is the regular payment of their dues, and for which we have never received any equivalent.
As to the visitations which are made by the Grand Lodge to the subordinate Lodges in the City and neighborhood of Phila- delphia, we believe them productive of but little good, being principally matter of Parade and Show.
A remedy for this evil has for many years past been within the power of the Grand Lodge-we mean the appointment of Lecture Masters, whose duty it should be to visit the Lodges throughout the State once in every year ; and we think two Lec- ture Masters at a salary of Soo or 1000 dollars per annum would have been sufficient to the completion of this object. This in- deed we have been promised but have looked in vain for its accomplishment. And here we cannot avoid observing, that the expenditure of a very large sum of money in the erection of a splendid Masonic Temple in the City of Philadelphia, while this deplorable state of Masonic Ignorance pervades the subor- dinate Lodges, was not the most judicious application of its funds. Had the erection of this edifice been delayed for a few years, and a few hundred dollars per annum expended in the dissemination of Masonic knowledge, what a different spectacle would the Masonic part of the great State of Pennsylvania have exhibited ! Then upon your entrance of a Lodge, instead of being disgusted by attempt at explanations of the principles and emblems of the Order, as incomprehensible as they are ridiculous, the heart would be cheered and the understanding enlightened by a judicious and apt illustration of the moral, religious and scientific principles of the Order .- For Masonry is a scientific as well as a moral and religious institution : And indeed there is much reason to believe that where the scientific principles of the order are not understood, the moral and religious are but little attended to.
In order to effect one or both of these objects if possible, it is proposed that as many of the Past Masters and Officers of the different Lodges, as can make it convenient, attend the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to be held on St. John's day next, in the City of Philadelphia.
Upon the receipt of this Communication you are respectfully requested to submit it to the Consideration of your Lodge, and to inform us of their determination respecting it.
JOHN REYNOLDS, NATHANIEL LIGHTNER, HENRY KEFFER.
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On motion, said report was adopted, and the circular ordered to be printed, and a copy of the same to be forwarded to the different Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Signed, THOMAS JEFFRIES, W. M.
ATTEST.
Signed, .GEO. BECKEL, Secretary.
Copies of this circular letter having been sent to every Lodge in the State, replies were received from the following Lodges: Nos. 51, 91, 130, and 139, Philadelphia; No. 61, Wilkesbarre ; No. 70, Tyoga Point; No. 83, Damascus, Wayne county ; No. 106, Williamsport; No. 120, Tioga; No. 123, York; No. 124, Erie; No. 141, Halifax, Dauphin county; No. 142, Sadsbury, Chester county ; No. 146, Meadville; No. 148, Northumberland ; No. 159, Danville, and No. 169, Columbia. All of these with the exception of the Philadelphia Lodges approved the circular and endorsed its contents.
Of the Philadelphia Lodges, No. 91 disapproved of the forma- tion of a General Grand Lodge, but approved of the appoint- ment of Lecture Masters at a more convenient time, when the Grand Lodge was in funds. No. 139 acknowledged the exis- tance of " differences and evils," but suggested that the remedy lay with the Lodges themselves. Lodge No. 51, after reviewing the contents of the circular letter, in their reply, proceed as fol- lows :
Your Committee having taken the above premises into con- sideration, are of opinion that the beauty and harmony of our Masonic Institutions, would be much improved could an effi- cient plan be projected and carried into execution, by which a uniform mode of working could be introduced in all the Lodges of our Fraternity. When however they consider, that much of the operations of Masonry are to be carried into effect by oral, and traditionary instruction, it cannot be expected that the same precision in working will be attainable, as if the same instruc- tion was presented in a written or printed form. It is certainly most lamentable to see persons fill the Master's chair-to see ignorant persons, elevated to the first honors of the Lodge, who are utterly incapable of understanding or explaining the mys- teries of our order. It is equally lamentable to view others qualified by nature, and education, endowed with high mental qualifications, who upon being elevated to the Chair, instead of
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
becoming a great and shining light, and irradiating the paths of Masonry, pay so little attention to the important duties incident to their station, and carry on their work in so careless and im- perfect a manner, that it is not to be wondered at that consider- able discontent is excited.
If instead of accusing the Grand Lodge of want of proper attention, the Subordinate Lodges would be more particular in selecting their Officers, and those Officers attend to their duties faithfully, and diligently, your committee are of opinion, that the Craft instead of falling into disrepute, would exhibit a very different spectacle than that held up by Lodge No. 43; and here we cannot help remarking, and reprobating the language made use of by that Lodge in speaking of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, language in our opinion, reproachful, illiberal, and unjust, and which only can be excused by the zeal which no doubt actuated our Brethren on this occasion for the benefit of our Order; it would however have much better comported with the respect due the Grand Lodge to have tempered their zeal with becoming respect.
We concur with Lodge 43 in opinion that much benefit might be derived by well appointed Lecture Masters, and hope the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will take into their serious con- sideration the propriety of adopting such a measure.
With regard to the formation of a General Grand Lodge as recommended in the propositions before us, we are of opinion, that it is entirely beyond the power of the subordinate Lodges to originate, and carry into effect an innovation so great, and which if practicable, in the minds of your Committee would be of very dubious utility.
While the grand Land marks of our order are strongly and distinctly defined, although some dissimilarity in working may creep in, yet we do not view this evil with as much apprehen- sion, as the creation of a new superior and controlling power, such as alluded to in the letter referred to us. Under these im- pressions your Commmittee submit the following resolution.
Resolved, That Lodge No. 51 does not think it expedient to direct its Past Masters and Officers to comply with the request contained in the Communication of Lodge No. 43, at the meet- ing to be held on St. John's day next.
Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to forward to Lodge No. 43 a copy of the foregoing report & resolutions.
Signed, WILLIAM BOYD MICHAEL DRURY Committee.
JOHN BREBAN
Philadelphia November 19th 1819.
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This communication from Lodge No. 51 having been received by the Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 43, it was presented and read at the stated meeting of December 8th, whereupon on motion it was agreed that Bros. E. Wright, James Buchanan, and Wm. C. Frazer be appointed a committee to draft an an- swer to the same, reporting the same at a special meeting on December 17th.
Accordingly at said meeting the committee presented the fol- lowing report, which being read in open Lodge, the report and resolutions were unanimously adopted and forwarded to Lodge No. 51.
The committee to whom were referred the letter of Lodge No. 51, at last stated meeting, report as follows, viz .:
That we have seriously considered the communication from Lodge No. 51, and do regret the members of that Lodge have refused to cooperate with this Lodge in reforming those abuses, which at present exist in our Masonic jurisdiction, although they acknowledge that reformation has become necessary for the preservation of the beauties of Masonary.
Had our Brethren of No. 51, proposed any alteration or amendment in the plan of reformation adopted by this Lodge, in their circular letter, or had they proposed a plan entirely dif- ferent, the object of which would have been the same, your committee would have paid great deference and respect to their opinion, and we are confident that our Brethren of this Lodge would have acquiesced in any plan suggested by those more enlightened in Masonry, which world tend to promote the wel- fare of the Craft.
But, notwithstanding, we are deprived of the assistance of our Brethren of No. 51, your committee earnestly and sincerely hope that neither this Lodge, nor those Lodges which have ex- pressed their approbation of our undertaking, will tire or faint by the way, but will persevere in the work of reformation, until they have removed those heaps of Rubbish, which during the dark ages of the world were piled upon the Temple of Masonry.
And, while your committee deem it all-important to adhere to Ancient Land Marks, we cannot think it consistant with the present improved state of society to adhere to a jargon, which has neither sense nor meaning, and which originated in ignor- ance and has been nourished by superstition.
Notwithstanding therefore the disapprobation of a Lodge so conspicuous in the annals of Masonry as No. 51, your committee are of opinion that the plan adopted by this Lodge ought to be
-
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
pursued until that uniformity is acquired which is the greatest ornament of our Institution.
Your committee deem it unnecessary and inexpedient at this time to attempt to obviate those objections which have been suggested by our Brethren of No. 51. A time and place will offer for that purpose, and we have no doubt but the zeal and abilities of your Representatives in the Grand Lodge will enable them to remove every difficulty which has been or may be sug- gested.
Happy would your committee be if we could dismiss the sub- ject refered to us, with the observation already made, but an imperious duty which we owe to this Lodge and to the members of the committee who penned the Circular letter of the 21st of September last, imposes upon us the disagreeable task of com- menting still further upon the subject referred to us. And while it shall be our endeavor to use such language as cannot offend the delicate ear, we cannot but express our surprise that the language contained in the letter now under consideration, does not partake of that candor which ought to characterize members of the same Fraternity.
In the communication from No. 51, when speaking of our Circular Letter of the 21st of September last, they say "And here we cannot help remarking and reprobating the language made use of by that Lodge (43) in speaking of the Grand Lodge of Penna. Language, in our opinion, reproachful, illiberal and unjust."
Your committee have examined and reexamined the circular letter alluded to in the foregoing extract, and we have not been able to discover in it, language either reproachful, illiberal, or unjust ; unless, indeed, to speak the truth in plain unvarnished style be considered reproachful, illiberal, and unjust.
The complaints contained in that circular are but too true. Is it not the duty of the Grand Lodge to send visitors and instructors to all the subordinate Lodges in the State to instruct them in the mysteries of the craft? Have they performed this duty? The situation of many of the Country Lodges will give an unequivocal answer to this question. For what purpose do the subordinate Lodges pay their respective dues to the Grand Lodge unless it be to receive Masonic instruction ? And to what purpose have those dues been appropriated ? Not in com- municating instruction to the subordinate Lodges in the remote parts of the State, but in erecting a splendid edifice for the accommodation of the Lodges in Philadelphia.
These are some of the grievances of which this Lodge has complained, and your committee are of the opinion that these complaints are founded in truth and expressed in language not
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HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
reproachful, illiberal and unjust, but firm and manly, becoming men who act upon the square.
But if the Circular letter before alluded to, had not been ex- pressed in language to suit the delicate ear of refinement, your committee are at a loss to know by what authority Lodge No. 51 undertakes to reprove and reprobate.
We humbly conceive that among subordinate Lodges, all are on a level and no one possesses the power to reprove, censure or dictate to another. Actuated by principles of equality we cannot tamely submit to reproof from an equal, and we are of the opin- ion that it would have been more agreeable to the principles of Masonry, if our Brethern of No. 51 had examined into the truth of our complaints, before they exercise a prerogative which be- longs exclusively to a superior tribunal. Whether the zeal mani- fested by the members of No. 51 to support the Parental au- thority of the Grand Lodge arises from filial affection, or from other considerations, we will not pretend to say, but certain it is, that it would have comported much better with the tenets of Masonry, if they had tempered their zeal with less animosity, and more of the principles of our order.
Your Committee willingly concede that it is becoming Masons to submit with meekness and humility to reproof and censure when it is deserved and comes from a proper source ; but when it is undeserved or comes from those who have not the power of controlling, it would war with the very feelings of our nature to submit.
In this case submission would be an acknowledgment of guilt. Submission to reproof from a Sister Lodge would admit their superiority and derogate from the dignity of the Grand Lodge, to which alone we are accountable. Your committee therefore deem it improper and unbecoming this Lodge tamely to submit to the reproof and reprobation so freely lavished upon us by our Brethren of Lodge No. 51.
And while we disapprove the conduct of their Lodge, we can- not but hope that the good sense which characterizes the mem- bers of it will induce them upon more mature reflection to retrace their steps, withdraw their reproof, and treat those as equals who are in no particular their inferiors.
Your Committee would therefore offer the following Resolu- tions :
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Lodge, the Grand Lodge of this State alone possesses the power of reproving and censuring the conduct of the Subordinate Lodges within its Jur- isdiction, and that this power cannot be exercised by any other Lodge without a direct and palpable usurpation of the power of the Grand Lodge.
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Resolved, That this Lodge view with regret and surprise an attempt made by Lodge No. 51 to exercise this prerogative which belongs exclusively to the Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That it is unbecoming this Lodge to submit quietly to the reproof of a Lodge in nothing our superior, and that it would detract from the dignity of the Grand Lodge of Penna to admit such a power in a subordinate Lodge.
Resolved, That the Worshipful Master and Brethren of No. 51 be earnestly requested to withdraw the reproof and censure contained in their communication of the Ist inst. that mutual affection and brotherly love may be restored.
Resolved, That the Secretary of this Lodge be directed to transmit a copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions there- to anexed, to the W. M. and Brethren of Lodge No. 51 Philada.
During the year 1819, seven members were initiated, two ad- mitted, four withdrew and one died.
The election for officers at the December meeting resulted as follows : George B. Porter, W. M .; Henry Keffer, S. W .; Joseph Ogilby, J. W .; Benj. Ober, Treasurer, and Geo. Bickel, Secretary.
The committee appointed by the Lodge to attend the Comuni- cation of the Grand Lodge on St. John's day (December 27, 1819), for the purpose of advocating the subjects presented in the circular letter, issued by the Lodge on September 21st, hav- ing attended to that duty presented the following report to the Lodge at its meeting held February 9, 1820.
To the Worshipful Master and Brethren of Lodge No. 43, Lancaster :
The undersigned Committee appointed to attend the Grand Lodge of Penna. on St. John's day last past, beg leave to report.
That in pursuance of their appointment they visited Phila- delphia and attended the Grand Lodge of Penna on St. John's day last. That they were much pleased to find the propositions heretofore submitted by a committee of this Lodge to the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, approved of by many of the members present, and considered by all as well worthy of serious consideration. That your committee sub- mitted to the Grand Lodge the following proposition, viz .:
Whereas it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that the es- tablishment of a General Grand Lodge to be composed of the Grand and Past Grand Officers of the different Grand Lodges in the United States, would essentially promote the interests of Masonry and conduce to a uniformity in the mode of carrying on the labors of the Craft.
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Therefore, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to open and carry on a correspondence with the different Grand Lodges in the United States relative to the establishment of a General Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That the Right Worshipful Grand Master be, and he is hereby authorized and required to appoint Lecture Masters whose duty it shall be to visit and lecture in the subor- dinate Lodges under this jurisdiction.
Resolved, That all questions, as well as the election of officers of the Grand Lodge, be determined by a majority of votes, each Lodge having a vote.
That the said propositions were politely received and accord- ing to the rules of the Grand Lodge, laid on the table until the next meeting thereof.
That resolutions were then adopted authorizing the Right Worshipful Grand Master to appoint a Committee of seven per- sons, to open a correspondence with the several Lodges on the subject, and to make report at the Grand Quarterly Communi- cation to be held in September next.
That when the said report shall have been made, it be for- warded to the several Lodges under the jurisdiction, and that the 28th December next be assigned for the hearing of the same, together with the propositions submitted by your committee.
Your committee cannot conclude this Report without remark- ing, that they were treated with every possible attention by the Grand Lodge, and that the utmost harmony prevailed among all present.
Signed, JOHN REYNOLDS G. B. PORTER E. WRIGHT SAML HUMES JR.
Committee.
The report being read was unanimously approved, a vote of thanks was tendered the committee for the faithful manner in which they performed their duties, and their expenses were ordered paid by the Lodge.
The committee appointed by Industry Lodge No. 131, to answer the circular letter of Lodge No. 43, did not report until the meeting of January 13th, 1820, hence did not reach Lodge No. 43 until its stated meeting in February. The following is the report of said committee.
The committee accord in opinion with the Brethren of Lodge No. 43, that a uniform system should be adopted in the manner of working throughout the United States. That every exertion
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