USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. & A. M. : being the records of the first century of its existence > Part 7
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
79
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
should be made by the Grand Lodge to effect so desirable an object ; which they feel confident will be done, provided proper means are adopted to call their attention to the subject.
With regard to the difference existing between the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania there cannot be a doubt but that it is a "serious and lamentable evil" which has long required the interposition of the Grand Lodge to correct ; though the committee are of opinion that many of the objections stated under this head can in a great measure, be alleviated by a more strict attention on the part of the members of subordinate Lodges to their respective duties, and a more earnest desire in the officers of the Lodges, to obtain Masonick Light.
On the subject of the formation of a General Grand Lodge or another power superior to that under which our labors are at present conducted, the committee observe that they have no idea that such an arrangement would be attended with the advantages that appear to be contemplated by the Brethren of Lodge No. 43, but are of opinion that if such a body should be organized for the superintendence or guidance of Masons throughout the United States, as its power must be derived from the Grand Lodges, when the subject is under discussion before them will be the proper time for the subordinate Lodges to instruct their representatives as to the course it is their wish should be pursued.
The Committee approve of the call for the Past and present Officers to attend the meeting of the Grand Lodge on St. John's day next, whatever regulations may then be deemed necessary to preserve harmony, disseminate Masonick Knowledge and promote the Interest of the Subordinate Lodges will without · doubt be adopted.
It is with much regret the Committee are compelled to express their decided disapprobation of the indecorous and highly offen- sive manner in which the brethern of Lodge No. 43 have thought proper to express themselves relative to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with regard to their visitations and the appro- priations made by them for the erection of the Masonick Hall. It may be necessary here to remark, that at the time the erection of the building was under discussion, and when the vote was taken appropriating the necessary funds to carry into effect the object of the Grand Lodge, every Subordinate Lodge under their jurisdiction had it in their power to be fully represented in their meetings ; if the neglect of their duties has been productive of consequences now to be regretted, the fault rests entirely with themselves. The Committee are, however, fully of opinion that the Grand Lodge have in this instance been governed solely by a desire to advance the Interests and promote the respectability of the Craft.
80
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The appointment of Lecture Masters, the salaries &c. the Committee are of opinion is a subject altogether under the direction of the Grand Lodge, in which body some steps have already been taken with that view ; if the subject should appear to the Subordinate Lodges to have been neglected by the Grand Lodge, the representatives of the Lodges who feel the want of the aid required have it at all times in their power to call the attention of the Grand Lodge to the subject.
It is stated by our Lancaster Brethern that they "think that two Lecture Masters at a salary of eight or Ten hundred dollars per annum would have been sufficient to the completion of this object," admitting for a moment the right of our Lancaster Brethern to think for the Grand Lodge, they have evidently omitted to take into consideration the travelling expenses of the Lecturers which alone would amount to the sum appropriated : it would therefore in the opinion of the Committee be exceed- ingly difficult to obtain Lecturers who would be willing to give their services gratuitously.
Respectfully submitted by
(Signed) SAMI H. WETHERILL
J. W. MURRAY.
Committee.
Which report being read and heard on motion and seconded Resolved that the said Report be adopted. Resolved, That the W. Master communicate to Lodge No. 43 at Lancaster the above Report.
Extract from the minutes of said Lodge.
NATHANIEL R. POTTS, Secty of Industry Lodge No. 131.
This communication from Lodge No. 131 was presented and read at the stated meeting of Lodge No. 43, held on the evening of February 9th, when on motion the W. M. appointed Bros. E. Wright, Jasper Slaymaker and Jos. Ogilby a committee to draft an answer to said communication and report to the Lodge the following Tuesday evening. Accordingly at the extra meet- ing held February 15th, this committee presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted, and the Secretary was directed to transmit a copy of the same to Industry Lodge No. 131, Philadelphia.
At a special Communication of Lodge No. 43, under the Jur- isdiction of the Grand Lodge of Penna, held at the City of Lan- caster on the 15th Feb. A. L. 5820, the Committee appointed on the 9th inst. and to whom was referred a communication from Industry Lodge No. 131, dated Philada Jany 13th A. L. 5820, Report as follows :
81
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
The object of the Circular letter of the 21st of September, from this to our Sister lodges, was to effect a reformation in the Masonic institution in Pennsylvania. The subordinate Lodges throughout the State, were requested to send representations to the Grand Lodge at their Communication on last St. John's day. In consequence of which request, a general representation took place. The plan submitted by this Lodge was received by the Grand Lodge in a manner which has almost insured success. The representatives of this Lodge, agreeable to their instructions, submitted to the Grand Lodge the plan which to them appeared the most likely to effect a uniform system throughout this State and the United States. The Grand Lodge took the same in consideration and adopted several Resolutions upon the subject. Your Committee are, therefore, of opinion, that that which originated in this Lodge, has now become the business of the Grand Lodge, and is actually progressing before that tribunal.
It is not, therefore, in the power of this Lodge, in any manner to interfere with it: and that the Communication now submitted to us from our brethren of No. 131, is immature and can have no effect upon the subject to which it refers. And hence the committee cannot but express their surprise that Lodge No. 131, should have deferred, to this late period, their answer to the Circular letter of this Lodge, which must have been received by them in September last.
Notwithstanding the communication now under consideration, is immature, and cannot effect the subject which is now before the Grand Lodge, yet the Committee are much gratified to find the brethren of No. 131 convinced of the important necessity of a uniform system of Masonry, to be established throughout the United States : and that they fully accord in Opinion with the brethern of this Lodge on this subject.
Nor are we surprized that a difference of opinion should exist, among Masons, as to the proper means to effect so desirable an object. This was anticipated.
A difference of opinion demonstrates its importance, and shews that it is worthy of the most serious and solemn delibera- tion ; such deliberation as it will undoubtedly receive in that August tribunal to which it is referred.
'T'he brethren of No. 131 in their communication now sub- mitted to us, have accused this Lodge with having expressed themselves in a manner " Indecorous and highly offensive " to the Grand Lodge, respecting their visitations, and the appro- priation made by that body for erecting the Masonic Hall.
Your Committee are surprised that such heavy charges should be made by a subordinate Lodge, which neither possesses the authority to investigate, or the power to punish ; and this sur- 6
82
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
prise is increased when we reflect that the Grand Lodge has held two communications since the publication of the Circular letter of this Lodge, at one of which, the subject of that circular let- ter was brought before the Grand Lodge and fully discussed. At that time no charge was made against, or censure cast upon this Lodge for that act. And if the Committee mistake not, the very Lodge which now complains of the indecorous and highly offensive conduct of this lodge, was then fully represented; and that those representatives not only acquiesced in what this lodge had done, but were amongst the foremost in applauding our zeal in the cause of Masonry.
If our brethren of No. 131 had thought that the conduct of this Lodge had been indecorous and highly offensive, why did they not complain to the Grand Lodge, and institute an enquiry wherein the conduct of this Lodge might have been vindicated and the disapprobation and censure of a sister Lodge, which now lies heavy upon us might have been removed? But as our brethren of No. 131 did not there complain, but have thus im- maturely expressed their disapprobation of the conduct of this Lodge, we think it our duty to vindicate our actions, although we protest against the power of a subordinate Lodge, in nothing · our superiors, to pass a vote of censure upon our conduct.
The committee cannot perceive that the course pursued by this Lodge has been either " Indecorous or offensive." To judge of our conduct it will be necessary briefly to consider the situa- tion of Masonry, as established in our country. It is a fact, which must be familiar to our enlightened brethren of the metropolis, that in all ages and among all nations the internal regulations of different associations of individuals, have always participated of the nature of the government under which they have been established.
The Church, which has existed under all the various forms of Government, which political ingenuity could invent during the last eighteen centuries, furnishes an incontrovertible proof of the position ; though religion is the same at all times and among people. Yet no one will pretend to say, that the rigid rules of ecclesiastical government, which prevailed in the third and fourth century, or which now prevail in some parts of despotic Europe, would suit the genius of our happy Republic.
As our government is republican, our religious and Masonic institutions must partake of the same nature, or they cannot exist. If then, Masonic government be not a complete despot- ism, we cannot see the impropriety, much less the indecorum, of commenting upon the proceedings of the Grand Lodge; and when sad experience has shown that immense appropriations have been, in our opinion, injudiciously made, we have not
83
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
arrived at that state of unconditional submission, that we can silently pass over it, and by our acquiescence sanction that which reason says is unjustifiable.
Your committee are far from imputing improper motives to those members of the Grand Lodge, who voted for the building of a Masonic Hall in the City of Philada, but experience has fully proved that the appropriation was injudicious and that it is now the subject of regret to a large majority of the Craft in Pennsylvania.
Such a superb and magnificent building was certainly un- necessary for the Grand Lodge, which holds but four Com- munications in a year. And it might reasonably be expected that the subordinate Lodge or Lodges, in whatever place the Grand Lodge might think proper to hold their Communications, would furnish a suitable appartment for their reception. As to the visitations of the Grand Lodge, they have been such as was represented by this Lodge: and whatever advantages might have been received by other Lodges, No. 43 has received no benefit from them.
It is true, once within the last ten years, a visitation to this Lodge has been made; but no solid advantages were ever per- ceived to result from it.
Has then, the conduct of the Lodge been " Indecorous and Offensive" towards the Grand Lodge in disapprobating the in- judicious application of those funds, which are annually drawn from the subordinate Lodges; or in reminding the Grand Lodge of the obligation they are under to the Lodges under their Jurisdiction, and to communicate to them Masonic instruc- tions? If we cannot remedy the past, we hope to prevent the recurrence of transactions injurious to the Craft.
The committee further remark that had the conduct of this Lodge been as offensive to the Grand Lodge, as our brethren of No. 131 imagine, they certainly would not have approbated our conduct in the manner they have done. The committee cannot discover that the members of this Lodge have ever attempted to " dictate to or think for" the Grand Lodge; but to think for themselves, we hope and trust that not only this, but every other subordinate Lodge, has a right to do. It is also a right of which they are not yet, and we hope never will be divested.
It does not appear that this Lodge has attempted to fix un- alterably the compensation of those who might be employed in communicating Masonic instruction : they have intimated an opinion, what would be an adequate reward for the services of Lecturers :- and as to the travelling expenses, which appear to be an insurmountable objection to our brethren of No. 131, we are sure that the country Lodges, seeing the deplorable state of ignor-
84
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
ance in which they are now placed, and their eager desire to obtain light, would without hesitation defray those expenses out of their funds.
The committee cannot close their report without expressing their disapprobation of the course persued by our brethern of No. 131, in criminating the conduct of this Lodge towards the Grand Lodge. If we have transgressed against that body, to them alone are we accountable.
It would counteract the principles of religion and our order, to look with veneration bordering on Idolatry, upon those who are only our equals.
To the Grand Lodge, under whose Jurisdiction we are placed, we owe duty and allegiance.
When that August Tribunal shall say we have broken our allegiance, then, and not till then, will concessions be made.
Signed, E. WRIGHT Jos. OGILBY JASPER SLAYMAKER.
The charitable and liberal spirit of the members of the Lodge at this time is shown by the following act : The city of Savannah, Georgia, having been visited by a very destructive conflagration, which was attended with much suffering and distress, compelling the citizens to appeal for aid, at the meeting of February 9th, a committee was appointed " to examine the state of the funds of the Lodge and report if they believe it expedient to appropriate a certain sum for the relief of the sufferers by the late fire at Savan- nah ;" at the special meeting of February 15th, this committee reported the available funds in the hands of the Treasurer to be one hundred and thirty-two 7% dollars, and submitted the fol- lowing resolution, which was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the W. M. be hereby directed to draw on the Treasury for the sum of Fifty Dollars for the relief of the sufferers by the late fire at Savannah, and to take such steps as he may think proper for forwarding the same.
This generosity is more noticeable because of the fact that at this time the country was suffering a period of financial depres- sion, the members of the Lodge found it necessary to reduce the monthly dues from fifty to twenty-five cents, and even found difficulty in collecting that sum.
The election for officers for the ensuing Masonic year, held at the December meeting, resulted as follows: Bro. George B. Por-
1
85
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
ter, W. M .; Bro. Joseph Ogilby, S. W .; Bro. James Buchanan, J. W .; Bro. Benjamin Ober, Treasurer ; and Bro. George Beckel, Secretary.
During the year 1820, six members were initiated, two ad- mitted, five withdrew, one died, and four were suspended or expelled.
The earnest endeavor to remedy existing evils in the Lodges of this jurisdiction, which had originated with Lodge No. 43, and had been made with the assistance of other Lodges through- out the State, was not barren of results, for in the early part of the year 1821, the Grand Lodge appointed experienced Brethren to visit the different Lodges throughout the State, for the pur- pose of inspecting the work of those Lodges and to lecture and instruct the Brethren in the same. Accordingly at the stated meeting of April 18th, a communication was received and read, from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, informing the Lodge that Bro. Tristian B. Freeman, Worshipful Master of Lodge No. 51, of Philadelphia, had been appointed to visit the Lodges of Lancaster and Dauphin counties, to examine, inspect and enquire into the state of said Lodges, and their proceedings, and to make report thereon.
Bro. Freeman was present at this same meeting and delivered a lecture on the three degrees of E. A., F. C., and M. M.
At the December meeting the following members were duly elected officers for the ensuing Masonic year: Henry Keffer, W. M .; Abner Thomas, S. W .; Emanuel Sheaffer, J. W .; Benj. Ober, Treasurer, and F. D. Hubley, Secretary.
The meetings of the Lodge during the year 1821 were well attended ; five members were initiated and one withdrew.
Previous to the year 1822 members were expelled for non-pay- ment of dues. In June of this year the By-laws were amended, substituting the word suspended for expelled. Of the eleven members of the Lodge who had been expelled at different times, one only was for unmasonic conduct, the other ten being for non-payment of dues.
The financial condition of the Lodge being still one of de- pression, the difficulty still continuing in the collection of dues, it was determined to appeal to the Grand Lodge for a reduction
86
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
of the Grand Lodge dues from one dollar, which then it was, to fifty cents. This appeal was made but not granted.
At the June meeting, a communication from Perseverance Lodge No. 21, at Harrisburg, was presented, requesting the Lodge to join them in a recommendation to the Grand Lodge for the relief of the widow of Bro. Past Master Robert McElwee, a former member of this Lodge. The Lodge complied with the request of No. 21, which applications were presented and read at the next quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge and were referred to a committee of three for investigation, etc. At an adjourned Communication held September 16th, the commit- tee submitted the following report :
The Committee appointed at the last Grand Quarterly Com- munication, September 2, 1822, to take into consideration the application made by Lodge No. 43, in conjunction with Lodge No. 21, relative to the case of the widow and children of Brother Robert McElwee, late of Lodge No. 21, deceased, and praying the Grand Lodge to grant relief to the widow and children of the said deceased Brother, Report,
That they have taken the said communication into their ser- ious consideration, and from information and personal knowl- edge, they are satisfied that the representations made by the two respectable Lodges are substantially correct.
Under such circumstances, it is with feelings of great mortifi- cation that your Committee do not feel themselves authorized to make a favorable report on this application for charity.
It is well known that the income of the Grand Lodge is spe- cifically pledged for the payment of the debt due for the erection of the splendid and expensive building which we now occupy ; and it is but too well known that the revenue of the Grand Lodge derived from all its sources, is barely sufficient to meet the debt with which it is encumbered and for the liquidation of which the Masonic faith is pledged.
It is true, a small charity fund has been established by the benevolence of some worthy Brethern, members of this Grand Lodge. As however this incipient charity fund has been al- together a voluntary subscription front individual Masons, and not originating from any dues or fees paid to the Grand Lodge from subordinate Lodges, your committee are of opinion that it would be improper and indelicate in this Grand Lodge to appro- priate any part of this small fund to objects of charity, unless at the particular request of those who have been instrumental in originating and establishing this well intended charity.
Si
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
Under these considerations your committee submit the follow - ing resolution :
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge regrets that it is out of its power at this time to grant relief as recommended by Lodges No. 43 and 21.
IVN BOYD, H. BENNER, D. H. MASON.
Philadelphia, September 14, 1822.
This report was adopted by the Grand Lodge and a copy for- warded to the Lodges interested.
At the stated meeting of July roth, Bro. E. Wright offered the following preamble and resolution, which were adopted :
Whereas, the present state of Masonry in this Common- wealth, the want of Masonic instruction, the partial Representa- tion of the Subordinate Lodges in the Grand Lodge, and the late rejection by the Grand Lodge of the proposition to establish a General Grand Lodge in the United States, are subjects which require the most serious attention of the members of the Frater- nity. To bring this subject fairly into discussion before this Lodge,
Resolved, that a committee be appointed to draft resolutions for the consideration of this Lodge, embracing the foregoing subject.
Brothers Wright, Buchanan, Lightner, Reynolds and Porter were appointed said committee.
This committee at the next stated meeting of the Lodge, held August 14th, presented the following report, which was unani- mously adopted, ordered printed and a copy sent to the Grand Lodge and to every Lodge in the State. The report was as follows :
The Committee appointed at last stated meeting to make re- port to this Lodge on the present state of Masonry in this Com- monwealth ; the want of Masonic instruction ; the partial rep- resentation of the subordinate Lodges in the Grand Lodge, and the late rejection by the Grand Lodge of the proposition made at a meeting of Masons, held in the City of Washington on the 9th of March, 1822, to establish a General Grand Lodge of the United States,
REPORT,
That they approach the subject referred to them with that sense of responsibility which its importance is calculated to pro-
88
HISTORY OF LODGE NO. 43, F. & A. M.
duce. Whilst they feel all the respect for the Grand Lodge which the high character of its members is so well calculated to inspire. they notwithstanding consider it their duty, with mod- eration but with firmness, to state their grievances .- They prize their Masonic rights too highly to suffer themselves to be deprived of them without a struggle .- In the opinion of your Committee these rights have been disregarded in several important particu- lars, a few of which will now be enumerated.
I. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is, in its most strict sense, a representative body. In that capacity it has the gov- ernment of all the Lodges in the State ; it should therefore shed its benign influence alike over all. Every Lodge throughout the Commonwealth, in proportion to the number of its members, pays the same dues to the Grand Lodge; every one should, therefore, as nearly as circumstances will admit, participate equally in the fostering care of that institution.
These principles we hold to be self-evident ; yet a sense of duty to ourselves, compels us to declare, that the Grand Lodge have not been governed by them in their conduct towards the Country Lodges. We receive little or no Masonic instruction from that institution, to which our duty teaches us to look for light. Our money enriches their treasury; we ask nothing in return for it but Masonic knowledge. We often made this re- quest, but always in vain. Our funds have been applied to other objects, in which, comparatively speaking, we have no interest.
2. Other evils which exist, and of which we have just cause of complaint, arise both from the location and organization of the Grand Lodge.
These subjects are so intimately blended that your Committee will consider them in connection. Conducted in the best and most equal manner, the place of the meeting of the Grand Lodge would be extremely inconvenient to the Country Lodges. This evil was not felt until the State became populous & subordinate Lodges were scattered over its whole surface. Many of these are now distant from two to four hundred miles from their repre- sentative body. The existence of the same causes in the State, which are now in full operation in the Masonic body, produced a change in the seat of government. The same effect must necessarily be produced in the masonic government, unless it shall be conducted hereafter with such moderation and fairness as to leave no just grounds for complaint. The organization of the Grand Lodge is, however, more ruinous in its consequences to the Country Lodges than its location. If each Lodge under its jurisdiction were entitled to one vote, still the Lodges in the city and county of Philadelphia would have a great preponder-
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.