USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Lancaster > History of Lodge no. 43, F. and A.M., 1785-1910, with biographical sketches of charter members, past masters and present officers, together with a complete list of members of the lodge > Part 8
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Resolved, That Lodge No. 51 does not think it expedient to direct its Past Masters and Officers to comply with the request contained
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in the Communication of Lodge No. 43, at the meeting 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.
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 answer 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. 5I, 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 amend- ment in the plan of reformation adopted by this Lodge, in their circular letter, or had they proposed a plan entirely different, 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 would tend to promote the welfare 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 expressed 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.
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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 ignorance and has been nourished by superstition.
Notwithstanding therefore the disapprobation of a Lodge so con- spicuous in the annals of Masonry as No. 51, your committee are of opinion that the plan adopted by this Lodge ought to be 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 sug- gested 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 re- move every difficulty which has been or may be suggested.
Happy would your committee be if we could dismiss the subject referred to us, with the observation already made, but an imperious duty which we owe to this Lodge and to the members of the com- mittee who penned the Circular letter of the 21st of September last, imposes upon us the disagreeable task of commenting 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
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to receive Masonic instruction? And to what purpose have those dues been appropriated? Not in communicating 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 Phila- delphia.
These are some of the grievances of which this Lodge has com- plained, and your committee are of the opinion that these com- plaints are founded in truth and expressed in language not re- proachful, 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 the 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 opinion 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 com- plaints, before they exercise a prerogative which belongs exclusively to a superior tribunal. Whether the zeal manifested by the mem- bers of No. 51 to support the Parental authority 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 com- ported much better with the tenets of Masonry, if they had tem- pered 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 un- deserved 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 cannot but hope that the good sense which characterizes the members of it will induce them upon more mature reflection to retrace their 7
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steps, withdraw their reproof, and treat those as equals who are in no particular their inferiors.
Your Committee would therefore offer the following Resolutions:
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 Jurisdiction, and that this power cannot be exercised by any other Lodge without a direct and palpable usurpation of the power of the Grand Lodge.
Resolved, That this Lodge view with regret and surprise an at- tempt 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 con- tained 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 trans- mit a copy of the foregoing Report and Resolutions thereto 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 Communi- 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, having 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 Philadel- phia 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
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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 submitted to the Grand Lodge the following proposition, viz .:
Whereas it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that the establish- ment 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.
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 subordinate 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 according; to the rules of the Grand Lodge, laid on the table until the next meeting thereof.
That resolutions were then adopted authorizing the Right Wor- shipful Grand Master to appoint a Committee of seven persons, to open a correspondence with the several Lodges on the subject, and to make report at the Grand Quarterly Communication to be held in September next.
That when the said report shall have been made, it be forwarded 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. 1 Committee.
The report being read was unanimously approved, a vote of thanks was tendered the committee for the faithful manner im
4
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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 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 super- intendence 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 pro- mote 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 brethren of Lodge No. 43 have thought
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proper to express themselves relative to the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- vania, with regard to their visitations and the appropriations 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, how- ever, fully of the 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.
The appointment of Lecture Masters, the salaries &c. the Com- mittee 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 repre- sentatives 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 Brethren 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 exceedingly difficult to obtain Lecturers who would be willing to give their services gratuitously.
Respectfully sumbitted by
(Signed) SAM& 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
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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 fol- lowing Tuesday evening. Accordingly at the extra meeting 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, Phila- delphia.
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:
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 conse- quence 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
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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 deliberation; such deliberation as it will undoubtedly receive in that August tribunal to which it is referred.
The brethren of No. 131 in their communication now submitted 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 appropriation 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- 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 letter 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. 13I 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 disap- probation 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 immaturely 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 situation of
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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 posi- tion; 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 despotism, we can- not 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 arrived at that state of uncondi- tional 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 unneces- sary for the Grand Lodge, which holds but four Communications in a year. And it might reasonably be expected that the sub- ordinate 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 perceived to result from it.
Has then, the conduct of the Lodge been "Indecorous and Offen- sive" towards the Grand Lodge in disapprobating the injudicious application of those funds, which are annually drawn from the subordinate Lodges; or in reminding the Grand Lodge of the obli-
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