1823. JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. P. G. Williams having been previously recommended to membership, was then elected and admitted. The members present signed the Charter for the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. There being no further business, the Grand Committee adjourned. JOHN P. ENTWISLE, Grand Secretary. BALTIMORE, June 15, 1823. The Grand Committee met on the call of D. G. M. Welch, who presided. Application was laid before the Committee from Columbia Lodge, No. 1,* of New-York, holding a dispensation from the Loyal Beneficient Columbia Lodge, No. 1.-This lodge was organized in 1822, on the plan of self-institution, with the approbation of lodges in its vicinity, which had been previously instituted on the same principle; of which there had been a numerous train in New York. The first of these leaving a trace behind, is the "Shakspeare Grand Lodge," a self-instituted body, which was organized on 23d December, 1806, at the old Shakspeare tavern, (No. 135 Fulton-street,) by Solomon Chambers, John C. Chambers, William E. Chambers, William Westphall, and William Twaites. Of this number, John C. and William E. Chambers are the sole survivors, whose testimony of its early success is sustained by several persons who were in membership during the continuance of its meetings at that place; among whom privilege is allowed to use the names of William Dubois, No. 285 Broadway, James Chesterman, No. 710 Broadway, and John R. Thomas, No. 28 Marketfield street. For nearly six years the business and work of this lodge was conducted in the manner in which other lodges of the period managed such matters, and its location was frequently changed; first to the "Trafalgar House," Gold-street; then So feint was the impression made by the to the "Ring of Bells," Coffee House slip; and finally, to the house of Mr. Moore, corner of Cedar and Temple-streets, where it soon ceased from its labors. "Prince Regent's Lodge," said to have been instituted about 1816, that it is safest to say of it, if it really had birth, it expired in infancy. But the "Shakspeare Lodge" was not yet doomed; through the efforts of its late "Host," a resuscitation took place at its former location. William Moore, Hopkins Robertson and Thomas Hilson were among the number of those engaged in its revival, and it enjoyed The title page to the constitution of the lodge then adopted, and Re considerable prosperity for a season. yet preserved, gives the date of this action and utterance to all its pretensions, viz.: "Constitution and By-Laws of the Shakspeare Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. Instituted December 23d, 1806. vived December 23d, 1818. New York: Printed by G. Singleton. 1819." From which it will be perceived that at the time these laws were printed, no claim was made of connection with the IndeThe survivors claim for it a charpendent Order, which indeed had not declared itself independent of the Ancient and Union Order, until several years after the first institution of the "Shakspeare." ter, said to have been received from a Grand Lodge in Manchester, with full Grand Lodge powers. But it is more probable that it was asserted under an ancient usage, by which the senior lodge, within certain bounds, through its Committee of Past Grands, exercised limited superintendence. Its constitution and by-laws do not sustain the pretension, as they are simply such as would be suitable for a working lodge. The lodge, however, was not destined to become permanent; its claim of Grand Lodge was not recognized; and about 1822 it dissolved, while vainly endeavouring to exercise superintending powers over its contemporaries, into the bodies of which it finally merged. In the early part of 1821, a number of the members of "Shakspeare," among whom were Geo. P. Morris, George Singleton, James H. Beers, John P. Morenus, Manly B. Fowler, Robert C. May wood, Oliver T. Ball, and others, united in the formation of a lodge, designed to be an improvement on the former one, and instituted itself as of the Independent Order, in violation of the fundamental regulations of that branch of the Order, which required the issue of a warrant from a competent body to authorize the institution. The title page of its constitution was thus expressed, i. e." Constitution and By-Laws of Franklin Lodge, No. 2, of Independent Odd Fellows. Instituted January 27th, Do Fidem. New York: Printed for the Lodge. 1821." This lodge at first located with the "Shakspeare," at the corner of Cedar and Temple-streets, but changed its place of meeting several times in its brief career of two years and a half; during a portion of which time, it had the most cheering success-numbering while meeting at No. 160 Nassau-street, over one hundred and fifty members. When G. M. Wildey visited the Order in June of 1823, it had become very feeble, and was meeting in Grand near Eldridge street. During his stay it was effectually disbanded. 1821. Another lodge was instituted on the same plan during the month of November, 1821, with the title of "Washington Lodge, No. 3," by James H. Beers, Adam C. Flanigan, George W. Bunce, George Somerby, James Matterson and others. It was located at No. 35 Bowery, and existed but a few months; very little more is known of it than that "it was and is not." The unpromising condition to which these lodges successively were reduced, early in the following year incited a number of the members, among whom the names of James Simister and James Claridge can alone be distinguished, to make the experiment of a new lodge under a warrant from a competent authority. The lodge was at first established as "Columbia Lodge, No. 4," at the house of James Claridge, No. 49 Main street, Brooklyn, and as well as Nos. 2 and 3, received a species of dispensation from the Committee of Past Grands, which had assumed to act as a Grand Lodge. In the early part of 1823, a full and perfect dispensation was received by the lodge from the Duke of Sussex Lodge, No. 2, of Liverpool, (now standing in the general enumeration as No. 704, Manchester Unity,) in the following form: Duke of Sussex Lodge, No. 2, Liverpool, and having five Past Grands, for a Dispensation for a Grand Lodge of the State of New-York. When, on motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That a Charter be granted as prayed, and that the Grand Lodge be located in the City of New-York. "This Dispensation, and these Presents, granted from the Loyal Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge, of Independent Odd Fellows, No. 2, of the Liverpool District, held at the house of brother James Whittaker, Regent Tavern, Scotland Place, in the town of Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, to five brothers of the said Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to enable them to open and establish a lodge under the title of the Columbia Lodge, No., to be held at the house of brother James Claridge, No. 49 Main street, Brooklyn, Long Island, New York, United States. This Dispensation, and these Presents, are not to be altered or amended without the consent of the officers and brothers of the Loyal Philanthropic Liverpool District Grand Lodge, No. 1, of Independent Odd Fellows, as well as of the officers and brothers of the above mentioned Loyal Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge, No. 2, of the Liverpool District, (the mother lodge of the Columbia.) It is hereby enjoined that the brothers of the Columbia Lodge meet at such times and on such conditions as are expressed in the by-laws of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and that they do upon oath see that this Dispensation and these Presents be not altered or destroyed; that they do not initiate a person into this our Order for a less sum than the laws (presented to them with this Dispensation by the said Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge,) express, so that the lodge and Order may be kept truly respectable; that they do not open any other lodge of this Order without the consent of the aforesaid Grand Lodge; and that they do appoint offi cers in the said lodge to execute these Presents. In consideration of the sum of two pounds and two shillings, to be remitted to the said Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge for this Dispensation. It is agreed that the officers and brothers of the Columbia Lodge shall not deviate from the principles of the Grand Lodge; and that should any dispute arise, so as to cause a matter in question in the said Columbia Lodge, which they cannot conveniently settle, they shall refer the same to a Committee of Past Grands to settle and do justice to the parties concerned in the said matter in question; and that the officers and brothers of the said Columbia Lodge shall comply with this Dispensation and these Presents, and observe and conform themselves strictly to the laws of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, according to the purport, principle, true intent and meaning thereof. It is also agreed that the brothers of the said Columbia Lodge, by and with the consent of the Liverpool District Grand Lodge, (hereby given,) shall elect, appoint and authorize, (from time to time,) fit and proper persons as officers, to put in execution and to enforce a due observance (as aforesaid) of the laws and regulations of the Independent Order; and should they (the brothers of the said) Columbia Lodge, hereafter wish to remove the lodge, they shall show sufficient cause for such removal. Lastly, it is agreed that f at any time hereafter it should happen that the said Columbia Lodge should be destroyed by fire or otherwise, the said Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge, or any other lodge of the Independent Order, shall relieve their distress, in case of necessity. "Granted the fourteenth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, by the parties concerned in these Presents, who have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed the seal of the Liverpool District as witness. P. G. M. JOHN WILLIAMSON, [L. S.] P. G. WILLIAM SMITH. P. G. M. WILL'M SPENCER. [L. S.] N. G. JOHN DODGSON, S. JOHN ACKERS. P. V. G. JOSEPH WILKINSON, P. G. ISAAC WARBECK, pr. procuration of G. B. P. G. WILL. SPENCER, P. G. GEORGE BRADGATE, P. G. WILL. RENSHAW, This instrument was no sooner accepted and avowed, than a state of feeling ensued between the two remaining lodges, which entirely precluded amicable settlement. Columbia Lodge discarded self-institution, and very naturally asserted a superiority of position; while Franklin Lodge repudiated formal warrants, and especially that held by Columbia Lodge. Such was the state of feeling on the 4th of June, 1823, when G. M. Wildey presented himself at the door of the lodge, which had meanwhile changed its location from Brooklyn to No. 147 Grand street, New York. The proceedings that then took place are stated sufficiently at large in the address of the M. W. Grand Sire before the Grand Lodge of the United States at the session of 1829, to which the reader is referred, as to render it unnecessary to give them in this note. It is proper, however, to make record of another lodge having instituted itself under the title of "Friendship Lodge of Independent Odd Fellows," at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, New York, prior to the time at which we have arrived. This was the first lodge to unite with "Columbia," under the Grand Lodge of New York, and in the new made registry rated as "No. 2," but has been extinct for twelve or fourteen years past. The correspondence which took place during the pendency of the application is important, as showing how perfectly one portion of the Order was destitute of all knowledge of the condition of the rest. The minutes of Columbia Lodge, of June 5th, 1823, at an extra meeting, held the day after the arrangement was concluded with G. M. Wildey, furnish the following proceedings: On motion, made and seconded, that the books of this lodge be closed and sealed, and the seals not broke except for a reference. "On motion, made and seconded, that a committee be appointed to draw up a letter to the Grand Lodge of Maryland and United States, to-morrow morning, at eight o'clock. Committee-Bros. Watts, (chairman,) Barton, Robinson and Ball, (secretary.)" When, at the time appointed, the following letter was sent, viz: 1823. JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS. An application was then presented from Wm. Mathews, N. G., and other officers and members of Pennsylvania Lodge,* for a Charter for said lodge. When, on motion, it was unanimously "To the Grand Lodge of the State of Maryland, etc. etc. "New York, June 6th, 1823. Honored Brethren-Having been visited by G. M. Wildey, on his tour to Boston, he was polite enough to inform us of the method of forming a Grand Lodge of the State. Whereupon we make application to you, by G. M. Wildey's recommendation, for a dispensation for a Grand Lodge, so that he will have it in his power to install our officers on his return from Boston. Your immediate compliance with this will give us a great deal of pleasure. "We remain in the bonds of F. L. and T. To which the following reply was made: R. WATTS, M. N. G." "Baltimore, June 9th, 1823. "Dear Brother-Your esteemed letter of 6th inst. is received this morning, and I have lost no time in taking up the sense of a majority of the Grand Lodge, not indeed in formal committee, but meeting to give a degree with several, and visiting others, the opinion being unanimous, we must wait another communication from you before we can proceed further. In the first place, the rule of Odd Fellowship has been, from time immemorial, that there must be an application from five brothers for a dispensation for a lodge, and a grand charter can be given to five Past Grands. 2d. In the application signed by the W. N. G. Watts, there is no authority by the lodge he belongs to, and there is no mention made of the name of the lodge. As we have heard of the Shakspeare, No. 1, Franklin, No. 2, and Washington, No. 3, it is impossible we should know to which to grant the dispensation. The first subordinate which takes a charter will be denominated No. 1, but the grand charter will extend equally to the privilege of the Past Grands of the lodges now formed, or the numerous and respectable lodges "JOHN P. ENTWISLE, Grand Secretary." which we sincerely hope you will in future form. To this succeeded the application referred to in the journal, viz: "New York, June 12th, 1823. "Worthy and Respected Brothers-Your esteemed favor of the 9th inst. we received this morning, and lost no time in getting a committee together, and agreed immediately to make application in a proper manner, which we should have done before, had we not have been given to understand by G. M. Wildey, that he would do the same, we having made a personal application to him, [on the 4th instant.] "To the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States-We, the undersigned, for and in behalf of Columbia Lodge, No. 1, of I. O. F., held at brother Lovett's, 147 Grand-street, having received a legal dispensation from the Loyal Beneficent Duke of Sussex Lodge, No. 2, Liverpool, for the subordinate lodge, do further petition for a dispensation from your lodge to form a Grand Lodge of the State of New York. We trust you will forward us the necessary documents early as possible, as G. M. Wildey intends installing our officers, on his return from Boston. Wishing the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States every prosperity, we remain yours in the bonds of F. L. and T. "P. G. JNO. B. ROBINSON, M. N. G. THOS. TURNBULL, "N. B. Since writing our last letter, a fresh quarter has commenced for officers " The charter for the Grand Lodge was duly received, and on the 24th June, 1823, G. M. Wildey instituted that body and installed the Grand Officers, as follows: John B. Robinson, M. W. G. M.; James Simister, R. W. D. G. M.: John Grant, G. W.; James Claridge, G. S. P. G's Russell Watts and Benjamin Downing, by the books, appear to have been present at the opening. · Pennsylvania Lodge.-This lodge instituted itself on the 26th December, 1821. P. G. John B. Robinson, of Franklin Lodge, New York, being in the city of Philadelphia, on business, invited an Croucher, Guar. organization through the public papers, which took place accordingly at the house of John Upton, at The following brothers constituted the lodge at its institution, i. e. John Pearce, No. 66 Dock-street. N. G.; James Day, V. G.; John B. Robinson, Sec'y; John Upton, Treas'r; The first member admitted was brother Thomas Hepworth, who immediately after entered into the office of Secretary, in place of brother Robinson. The prosperity of the lodge was very great, and in a short time was removed to Bread-street, and thence to the corner of Chesnut and Seventh-streets, when it had increased to over two hundred members. It was not alone in the prosperity of numbers at home to which the discerning brothers constituting this afterward important branch of the Order, directed attention; rational and just organization was to them an object worthy of enlarged effort. The earliest domestic correspondent of the Grand Lodge of Maryland and United States, recognized on the journal, is this lodge, while asserting its equality. For a season it preferred such existence as self-institution would render to the vitality of a chartered body, rather than submit to the authority of a Grand Lodge over which it could not reasonably expect to exercise an influence equal to its merits. Under such views, it had already made application to "Columbia Lodge" in New York, for a dispensation, with the design ultimately of uniting with that and other lodges in organizing a General Grand Lodge on equitable principles. It was during the pendency of this application in New York, that G. M. Wildey appeared at the lodge, offering from the Grand Lodge such terms for a general union as induced speedy concurrence. The following, which is addressed to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, is the official application of the lodge. "Philadelphia. June 6th, 1823. "Respected Brother-We have the pleasure to inform you G. M. Wildcy arrived in Philadelphia on Sunday, in good health. We assembled a few brothers by two o'clock; the information we received from our worthy brother was pleasing and instructive. This lodge had come to a determi nation to take a dispensation, charter and degrees; and we hearing that a lodge in New York received a dispensation from England, we had applied for one from them before the arrival of brother Wildey. C Resolved, That the Charter be granted as prayed, and the lodge rated as No. 1, of Pennsylvania. Resolved, That a Charter be granted to the Past Grands of Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1, when duly installed as a Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to be located at Philadelphia. Ordered, That the Charters be prepared immediately, and forwarded to New-York, to the address of G. M. Wildey. The Grand Committee then adjourned. JOHN P. ENTWISLE, Grand Secretary. BALTIMORE, July 20, 1823. The Grand Committee met pursuant to a call. THOMAS WILDEY, M. W. G. Master, presiding. D. G. M. Welch and P. G. Seeds were each fined 50 cents. A Dispensation was ordered, and signed for the Columbia Lodge, No. 1, in New-York. A letter was submitted for Boston, and ordered to be sent. The Grand Committee then adjourned. JOHN P. ENTWISLE, Grand Secretary. QUARTERLY SESSION. BALTIMORE, August 22, 1823. The R. W. Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment, and opened in regular form. Present: THOMAS WILDEY, THOMAS MITCHELL, THOMAS SCOTCHBURN, P. G.'s Nelson, McKormick, and Anstice. M. W. G. Master. R. W. G. Warden, R. W. G. Secretary, p. t. "Brother Wildey has wrote us from New York, which we received this morning. His letter gives us such information as to enable us to apply to the Grand Lodge of Maryland and the United States for a charter, etc.; and he says he will on his return prepare us with other documents. Wishing you every blessing this world can afford, we remain in the bonds of F. L. and T. "P. G. ENTWISLE, Esq." "WM. MATHEWS, N. G. This application was responded to, by not only granting the charter as prayed, but also a grand charter for a Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was voluntarily proffered. G. M. Wildey, on his return from Massachusetts and New York, presented the charter to "Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1," and instituted the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on the 27th of June, installing the Grand Officers, as follows, viz: Aaron Nichols, M. W. G. M.; Thomas Small, R. W. D. G. M.; Benjamin Richardson, R. W. G. W.; Benjamin Daffin, R. W. G. S.; Joseph Richardson, R. W. G. T. A discrepancy exists between the records of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the facts set forth in this note, relative to the date of institution. It is claimed to have occurred on the 13th of June. By reference to the several notes on "Columbia Lodge" and "Massachusetts Lodge," it will be seen that G. M. Wildey instituted the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on 11th June, and that of New York on 24th June, which, with the fact of the documents for opening it not having been forwarded to his address at New York until the 18th, precludes the possibility of the institution of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania until after the 24th of June. The charter, which was subsequently surrendered up, and a new one taken, was possibly dated on the 13th-from which, doubtless, has arisen the dif ference. ⚫ A Dispensation-This dispensation was granted to perfect the arrangement entered into between the Grand Master and Columbia Lodge, on the 4th June, from which time the charter bears date, by which the lodge was to surrender up to the Grand Lodge of Maryland and United States, the dispensation received from England. The proceedings of the several Grand Committee Meetings were read and approved. P. G's Fennell and Common presented their certificates, who were balloted for and admitted. P. G.'s Fennell and Common then applied for the fourth (G. R.,) and Remembrance degrees; and P. G. McKormick for the degree of Remembrance, who were elected and instructed. D. G. M. Welch and G. Sec'y Entwisle, were each fined 50 cents. On motion, the following were adopted: Resolved, That the Air to the Ode be dispensed with, and that it be read in lieu at the time of making. Resolved, That at the opening and closing of lodges, the two verses of the Song of "Hail Columbia," be sung. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge meet at the new Lodge Room on Friday evening, for visitation. Bro. Roach presented his bill of $81 75, for printing, stationary, &c., which was approved, to be paid as soon as possible after Franklin Lodge, No. 2, opens in Calvert street; the money, as Treasurer thereof, to be deducted from his bill, and paid by the Grand Lodge to the Franklin Lodge, No. 2, as passed to their credit on the balance due Bro. Roach, to be settled by the G. Secretary by an order on the G. Treasurer, which he is hereby authorised to pay, if there be sufficient funds in the Treasury. G. M. Wildey presented a bill for $2 81, which was ordered for pay ment. On motion, the following was adopted: Resolved, That P. G. William Larkam be suspended from this Grand Lodge, for the time of twelve months and one day, on account of conduct unworthy of our honorable Order. P. G. Anstice was appointed G. Conductor, in the place of P. G. Larkam, suspended. P. G. Anstice was charged with one apron, $4. Common, On motion of G. Guar. Boyd, the following were adopted: Resolved, That a medal be presented to G. Sec'y Entwisle, in respect of the service the Grand Lodge conceives he has rendered. Resolved, That P. G. Fennell be Assistant G. Secretary. The subject of the letter from Boston was considered, when, on motion, it was Resolved, That G. G. Boyd, G. Sec'y Entwisle, and Assistant G. Sec'y Fennell, be a committee to answer the same by to-morrow at 5 o'clock. Resolved, That fifty dollars be appropriated to G. M. Wildey, to defray his expenses to Boston, &c. Report of the Grand Treasurer. Balance in hands of G. Treasurer, Cash rec'd from P. G.'s Common, Fennell, and McKor $68 83 4 25 9.00 9 50 30 00 G. M. Wildey, charter fee for Massa- |