Page images
PDF
EPUB

Ordered, That an adjournment do now take place, and that this committee and the Past Grands do assemble in the city of New York, at the Masonic Hall, on Thursday evening next, at eight o'clock, for the purpose of presenting the Grand Charter, and installing the Grand Officers.

J. A. KENNEDY, Secretary.

NEW YORK, November 23d, 1837.

The committee convened: Present as at Newburgh. And immediately proceeded to install the Grand Officers, when the brothers elected on he 21st instant, were formally installed by P. G. Sire Wildey; the Grand Charter of the Grand Lodge of New York presented, and the Grand Lodge duly opened and constituted, and was so declared by the M. W. P. G. Sire.

The committtee having concluded their duties, then retired.

J. A. KENNEDY, Secretary of Committee.

ANDREW E. WARNER,
THOMAS WILDEY, P. G. Sire.

Rep. Neilson, of Maryland, moved the adoption of the report, which was concurred in, when it became a part of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge.

The reports of the several Grand and subordinate lodges and Encampments were presented, and on motion of Rep. Pearce, of Pennsylvania, were referred to the Committee on Reports.

The Grand Sire presented the following report, accompanied with two documents, from a committee of the brethren in Albany.

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

In compliance with Article IV. of our Constitution, and in conformity to the ancient usage of the Order, the Grand Sire would respectfully report:

That shortly after the last Annual Communication, he visited Trenton, in the state of New Jersey, in company with brother Hopkins, the Past Grand Master of that state, and brother Hubeli, the Grand Master of Pennsylvania, and opened an Encamtment, in ancient form, called "Trenton Encampment, No. 2," located at Trenton, New Jersey; a charter for which was granted at the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. He is happy to state, that he found the patriarchs zealous for the advancement of the Order, and determined to promote its purity and consequent prosperity by the exercise of proper caution in admitting none but the worthy.

The appointment of one of the oldest and most experienced members of this Grand Lodge as Travelling Agent, rendered it unnecessary for the Grand Sire to visit in person or by special deputation, the different state Grand Lodges under this jurisdiction. He has, however, omitted no opportunity, either by letter or verbally, to communicate instruction in the work; inculcate the principles, enforce the rules and regulations, and advance the prosperity of the Order. He has enjoyed personal interviews with the members of the state Grand Lodges of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the brothers of Indiana. The information obtained from many of them was of a highly gratifying character. The full and detailed reports of the acts and doings of the Travelling Agent, which is required to be made at the Annual Communication, will give all the necessary information respecting the south and west.

The difficulties between our brethren of New York and Albany appear not yet to be finally settled. Their feelings are so alienated, that a cordial union between them is not to be expected, at least for many years to come. Our brethren in Albany express much desire to continue in connection with the Grand Lodge of the United States; but candidly confess that they see not how it can be done, except by granting them a charter for a state Grand Lodge, to be located at Albany, and to have jurisdiction over the lodges that will now compose it, and such others as shall hereafter be formed north and west of some geographical lines. The Grand Sire finds nothing in our Constitution which directly forbids it. The expediency of the measure he submits to the R. W. Grand Lodge.

The Grand Sire would call the attention of the R. W. Grand Lodge to the state of our foreign correspondence. It is known that brothers visiting England find much difficulty, owing to some slight changes made in the work by the Manchester Moveable Committee of Great Britain. He has attempted to remedy the evil himself by a correspondence with the Manchester Moveable Committee; but failed, owing to the brother by whom he sent out not being able to remain a sufficient time.

Your Grand Sire is happy to announce to you, that he has received information of the existence and contemplated organization of our Order in the new and flourishing republic of Texas. The brethren in Houston have already taken the preliminary steps. When officially informed of their proceedings, it will be desirable to open with the brethren, a prompt and cordial correspondence, and to communicate all the information their new situation may require.

Very respectfully and fraternally,

SAMUEL H. PERKINS, Grand Sire. Whereupon, on motion of Rep. Sanderson, of Kentucky, the report was laid on the table.

Rep. Sanderson, of Kentucky, offered the following, which was concured in.

Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence be discharged from the further consideration of the alterations,* if any, that have been made in the Order in Great

* Consideration of the alterations.-This committee having been raised for a special object of communication, considered itself restrained from extending its epistle to any subject not intimately connected with the matter of reference. Hence the letter of inquiry to the A. M. C. of 1839, which we subjoin, does not take the general range usual in notes of intercommunication.

"To the A. M. C., Manchester Uuity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Great Britain.

M. W. Grand Master, Officers and Brethren

For a few years past, from unknown causes, the interchange of civilities between your M. W. body and the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, I. O. of O. F., having been unfortunately sus pended, we have mutually been prevented from being officially apprised of each others acts; the consequences resulting from which have been injurious to the benevolent objects of the institution, and in a great degree destructive of the social bonds by which the members under your jurisdiction are

united to those under ours.

From credible authority, we learn that members in good standing from our lodges have visited England, with cards in their hands, and on their return, report that they were not permitted to enter any lodge of the Unity, from the want of new signs, etc. etc. On the other hand, brothers from England, who call on us in large numbers, are excluded from entering our lodges, by reason of their not being correct in the signs, etc. etc., as known to us. And in many instances where relief has been necessary, the funds intended for such purposes could not, it was thought, be applied; and in some cases, suffering brethren have only been able to be assisted by the aid of private donations.

These, and other circumstances, assure us that great and important changes have been made in the secret language, signs, etc., of the Order under your jurisdiction, by the authority or sanction of your R. W. body. Such changes having been made, and not officially communicated to the Order in the United States, the two great branches of the brotherhood have been, effectually for the time, alienated from each other.

Britain, and that the same be referred to P. G. Kennedy, of New York; P. G. Sire Wildey; and P. G. M. Neilson, of Maryland.

Rep. Nei'son, of Maryland, called up the report of the Grand Sire, which was, on motion, referred to a committee of three.

The Grand Sire appointed as the committee, Rep's Pearce, of Pennsylvania; Towers, of Virginia; and Borrows, of District of Columbia.

On motion of Rep. Sanderson, of Kentucky, the Grand Lodge adjourned until four o'clock, this afternoon.

MONDAY, 4 o'clock, P. M.

The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers and a due representation.

Rep. Pearce, of Pennsylvania, moved that books be printed, which was concurred in.

number of Installation

Rep. Pearce, of Pennsylvania, moved that the sum of $30 be passed to the credit of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and the sum of $45 49 be passed to the credit of Monroe Lodge, No. 2, of Indiana, which motion. prevailed.

A communication was received from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, asking information relative to their account with this body, &c.

Whereupon, on motion, of Rep. Pearce, of Pennsylvania, the communication was referred to the Committee on Returns.

The following bills were presented, viz:

G. Sire Perkins, travelling expenses, 1837 and 1838,

D. G. Sire Leise,

[blocks in formation]

$50 00

35 25

On motion, the bills were referred to the Committee of Finance. Rep. Towers, of Virginia, presented a communication relating to the correspondence had between Virginius Lodge, No. 3, Virginia; and Travellers' Rest Lodge, No. 1, St. Louis, Missouri: in reference to the admission of Peter W. Kenaday, to membership in said Travellers' Rest Lodge, No. 1, Missouri; and moved that the same be referred to a special committee of five, which motion prevailed.

The Right Worthy, the Grand Lodge of the United States, at its Annual Session in October, 1838, held in the city of Baltimore, state of Maryland, had this subject under consideration, and unani. mously adopted the following, viz:

[The resolution on which we note is here recited.]

For which see page 126, accompanying printed proceedings of that Session.

In pursuance of the above cited resolution, the committee thereby appointed respectfully present the subject to your serious attention, as one worthy in importance of your first consideration, in the full hope that by timely and wise action, the brotherhood may be bound together more closely than at any former period.

It is expected that if changes have been made, full and complete intelligence will be communicated, as well in regard to the alterations themselves, as to the causes which have led you to adopt them. While addressing you on this important matter, permit this committee also to suggest the propriety and necessity of establishing a regular interchange of yearly passwords. The advantage of such an arrangement is so manifest, that it is not deemed requisite to offer evidence. And its practicability is easy by means of a concerted alphabetic key.

These highly important subjects are now submitted to you with entire confidence that you will so act on them as to ensure the advancement and prosperity of the best interests of the Order; that in future, uninterrupted fellowship may be maintained between the membership of the two supreme jurisdictions. By order of the committee, and in the bonds of F. L. and T. JOHN A. KENNEDY, Chairman of Committee, 211 Greenwich street, New York.

New York, April 12th, 1839.”

The Grand Sire appointed as the committee, Rep's Ridgely, of Ohio; Pearce, of Pennsylvania; Glazier, of Delaware; Lucas, of Louisiana; and Borrows, of District of Columbia.

P. G. Sire Wildey, Travelling Agent, presented the following report, which on motion of Rep. Pearce, of Pennsylvania, was laid on the table.

To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States:

Agreeably to the instructions contained in the resolutions, under which he was appointed, your Travelling Agent would respectfully report: That he left Baltimore on the duties of his appointment in the latter part of March last, for Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; taking Brownsville in his route. The lodge at the latter place he learned was extinct. He remained at Pittsburg eight days, and visited all the lodges and Encampments located in that city, giving them such instructions and information as their circumstances required. Saw the D. D. Grand Master of Pennsylvania, for the counties of Allegany, Westmoreland and Fayette, brother John B. Sherriff. The brothers of Pittsburg complained of being neglected by their state Grand Lodge, stated that they never had received the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the United States, nor other information necessary to enable them to travel. Your Agent has since been informed, that most of the causes of complaint have been removed; the Grand Master of the state having visited them, and as far as possible remedied the evils under which they labored. Your Agent's duty there, as well as in all other places under the jurisdiction of state Grand Lodges, was confined to imparting instruction in the principles and Work of the Order; and communicating information. He endeavoured carefully to abstain from the exercise of any power which might seem to conflict with the authority of the state Grand Lodge, to which they owed direct obedience. He left Pittsburg with flattering hopes that the Order in Pennsylvania, will outlive all persecutions and surmount all difficulties.

From Pittsburg, your Agent went to Steubenville, Ohio:-attended a meeting of Jefferson Lodge, No. 6; found the brethren more perfect in the Order than could be expected; and desirous of advancement. Many of them applied for degrees, which your Agent conferred; and gave them all necessary information to enable them to go forward. So zealous were some of the members of the Encampment at Steubenville for information that they accompanied your Agent to Wheeling, Virginia. At Wheeling the Order is not as flourishing as was expected. After communicating the necessary instructions and correcting their errors, which had obtained both in the Lodge and in the Encampment, he departed for Cincinnati, Ohio. With characteristic hospitality the brethren had appointed a committee to receive the Agent of the Grand Lodge of the United States; and on all suitable occasions manifested their attatchment and respect to this Grand Lodge, by their attention to the Agent. The Grand Lodge of Ohio-the Encampment and subordinate lodges in Cincinnati, are well informed in the principles and Work of the Order, and required but few instructions. All that were necessary, were promptly communicated.

The members of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and several nembers of the subordinate lodges, with an excellant band of music, accompanied your Agent on his way to Louisville, Kentucky. At Louisville, he was met by

the M. W. Grand Master and Officers of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. At Louisville he remained a week, visiting the Grand Lodge, the Encampment, and the subordinate lodges, giving them information and instructions, much of which was new to them. The subordinate lodges were flourishing, and the members correct and perfect in the Work of the Order.

At Natchez, where your Agent arrived on the 25th of April, the brethren had appointed a committee to receive him; and although the late arrival of the boat deprived him of the honor of a public reception, the compliment intended for the Grand Lodge of the United States, was duly appreciated. On the next day there was a very handsome public procession of the brethren, which was conducted with great propriety, and according to the regulations of the Grand Lodge of the United States. By invitation from a committee of the brethren, your Agent joined in the procession. All who took part in it were clothed in full and handsome regalia. During his stay there, he visited Mississippi Lodge, No. 1, and established Washington Lodge, No. 2, and gave them all the instruction they required.

While at Natchez, your Agent received a proper and constitutional application from a number of Patriarchs, for a charter for an Encampment, to be called "Wildey Encampment, No. 1, I. O. O. F," and to be located at the city of Natchez. Believing himself clothed with all necessary authority under the appointment of the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States, your Agent granted the prayer of the petitioners-opened the Encampment in usual form, and installed the officers. Applications were immediately received from some of the most respectable citizens for initiation and membership, upon whom your Agent had the pleasure of conferring the Patriarchal degrees, before leaving Natchez.

Being detained a few days, he received a petition in due form from the requisite number of brethren for a charter for a Grand Lodge for the state of Mississippi, to be located in Natchez. Acting as he conceived within the legitimate scope of the power granted by this R. W. Grand Lodge, he granted the petition, and on the 4th of May, 1838, had the pleasure of installing their Officers. After remaining there two weeks, he left them with every prospect of great usefulness and success.

He arrived at New Orleans on the very evening of a public procession by the brethren; and by invitation of a committee, immediately joined in the ceremony. After remaining with the brethren a week, visiting the subordinate lodges, and communicating instructions, your Agent departed for Mobile.

At Mobile, after having visited and instructed the subordinate lodge, he received a regular petition from a sufficient number of duly qualified Pa triarchs for a charter for an Encampment to be held at Mobile, and to be called " Ararat Encampment, No. 1." He granted the petition-opened the Encampment-and installed their officers. After remaining with them two weeks, communicating the necessary instruction, he returned to New Orleans. While there, he received a petition in due form, from a number of brethren at Mobile, for a charter for a lodge to be located at Mobile, and to be called the "Mobile Lodge, No. 2." Believing that it would be for the good of the Order, he granted the petition on the 2d of of June, 1838.

« PreviousContinue »