and forward them addressed to me at New York, so that I could on my return from Boston discharge my obligation. On my return to New York, the charters were waiting for me, and I immediately opened the Columbia, and Grand Lodge of the state of New York, and received the English charter. The charter for the Pennsylvania Lodge had been prepared, likewise the charter for a Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and upon my arrival in Philadelphia, I opened the Pennsylvania Lodge, and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. At this period, it was found impracticable to adhere any longer to the system pursued, for it was incompatible to good sense, and the genius of our free institutions, for the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States to legislate, exclusively, for the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York. And to render the affairs of the Order advantageous and prosperous, it was proposed and sanctioned, that the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States deliver over their charters to the states of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York, to incorporate a Grand Lodge of the United States; to be composed of the states of Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York, with all other states, districts or territories within the Union, wherein a Grand Lodge may be legally established-each state, district, or territory having one vote. The constitution, by its provisions, empower the Grand Lodge of the United States to settle all disputes between subordinate and Grand Lodges, and, as the fountain head, to distribute to Grand Lodges whatever may be for the good of the Order. The constitution of our federal government, framed by the wisdom of the sages of the revolution-wherein twenty-four wheels revolve in one wheel, twenty-four empires in one empire, and twenty-four sovereignties in one sovereignty-acting together in one harmonious concert, the beauty of its symmetry and practical operation has commanded the gratitude of our countrymen and the applause of mankind. Upon this system has been reared the Government of Odd Fellowship; and by it, the Order has been advanced, its interest promoted, and its prosperity secured. This change of government produced a slight innovation upon the powers of the original charter, but the necessity was so evident, that it could not be avoided; and to remove all source of cavil, I crossed the Atlantic to obtain a grand charter for the Grand Lodge of the United States-confirming every act that had been performed, arising from events that human foresight could not control, and to receive such information conducive to the interest and benefit of the Order as they might be able to impart. By our brothers in England, I was received with the most welcome cordiality and marked testimonies of esteem, and received from the Moveable Committee of Manchester Unity, a grand charter, confirming every act that had been done in America, giving the Grand Lodge of the United States entire jurisdiction to act in its sovereign capacity, in whatsoever things that may be required, not inconsistent to the principles of the Order, and relinquishing on their part, their right to grant any charter in these states. Subsequently, there has been a Grand Lodge in the District of Columbia duly organized, which was opened by me; and two charters for lodges have been granted in the state of New Jersey, which as yet have not been opened. The introduction of Encampments has introduced a new era in the history of Odd Fellowship; it completes the representative system of the government we have adopted, which, by its construction, could not be embraced without infringing upon the rights of Grand Lodges; equality of privilege are by them secured, and the benefits of them can be every where dispensed. I feel an anxious desire to witness the existence of an Encampment in every state, yea, in every section of a state where there is established but one subordinate lodge, to render the sublime degrees accessible to all, that light and knowledge may be widely extended, and its effects universally acknowledged. The sublime degrees, without the aid of Encampments, can only be dispensed by a state Grand Lodge, and from its locality, the favored few of its vicinity almost exclusively enjoy the privilege it confers. A country like ours, extended as it is, every state having numerous cities and towns, with a large population within its confines, extending in territory to hundreds of miles, should of itself impress the necessity of providing the means wherewith all can participate in the advantages that the Order confers, and which can only be accomplished by annexing Encampments to the subordinate lodges. But ten years have elapsed since first Odd Fellowship planted its standard on this soil of freedom. Forty lodges are now enrolled under its banner, and more than five thousand have been initiated into its mysteries. Curiosity has been excited, and an enlarged investigation has been invited to the principles and conduct characterizing E Odd Fellowship. The result has been a great increase of numbers; the S. and G. may be exchanged in almost every town or city of the Union, and its genial influence is rapidly travelling throughout these states; where, ere long, regular lodges will be established, and must flourish, by the unremitting attention of the faithful; and every difficulty which ignorance and prejudice may throw in its path will be overcome, and the sacred flames of friendship will burn upon the altar of the human heart, unquenched by the waters of adversity, ever fed by the oil of affection, and supported by the noble and unappalled front of truth and honor. SPECIAL SESSIONS. BALTIMORE, 1830. The R. W. Grand Lodge met pursuant to the call of the M. W. Grand Sire, and opened in regular form. THOMAS WILDEY, M. W. G. Sire, presiding. The Grand Sire informed the Representatives that the Special Meeting was convened for the purpose of considering a petition for a charter for a lodge, to be located at Providence, R. I. Whereupon, a petition was received from brothers Henry Hobson, Waller McFarlane, John Doran, Francis Chadburn, James Bury, and John Bowcock, praying for a charter for a lodge, to be located at the city of Providence, R. I., and hailed as "Friendly Union Lodge, No. 1.” The application was duly considered, when, on motion, the following was adopted: Resolved, That the petition be granted, as prayed for. AUGUSTUS MATHIOT, Grand Secretary. BALTIMORE, May 27th, 1830. The R. W. Grand Lodge convened pursuant to the call of the M. W. Grand Sire, and opened in regular form. THOMAS WILDEY, M. W. G. Sire, presiding. The Grand Sire announced that the Special Meeting was convened for the purpose of acting on a petition for a charter for a lodge, to be located at the borough of Wilmington, Delaware. Whereupon, a petition was presented from brothers, George McFarlane, James McNeale, Thomas Hill, Simon Robinson, John Scott, Joseph Smith, James Platt, Nelson Ball and L. Manchester, praying for a charter for a lodge, to be located at the borough of Wilmington, state of Delaware, and hailed as "Delaware Lodge, No. 1." The application having been duly considered, on motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That the charter be granted, as prayed for. AUGUSTUS MATHIOT, Grand Secretary. 1830. These minutes bear evidence of not having been written up at the time the meeting took place. They are without day or month, and the year is undoubtedly incorrect. The Moveable Com. mittee, as will be seen by their report, instituted the lodge during their visit to the Order in the eastern part of the jurisdiction. The Committee organized in Philadelphia, on 16th June, 1829, and immediately embarked on the duties in charge. The lodge was therefore opened near that period, and the special session must, of necessity, have been held between the time of the annual session in May and 16th June, 1829. The records of the lodge of this period are not accessible. ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES, Held at the City of Baltimore, September, 1830. MONDAY, September 6th, 1830. The R. W. Grand Lodge convened this day, at Odd Fellow's Hall, city of Baltimore, being the regular Annual Communication, when the following were present: THOMAS WILDEY, AUGUSTUS MATHIOT, ROBERT GOTT, G. M. SAMUEL LUCAS, P. D. G. M. CHARLES BRICE, P. D. G. M. RICHARD MARLEY, M. W. G. Sire. The credentials of the Representatives were then examined, and found correct. The Grand Lodge was then organized. The proceedings of the last Annual Communication, and of the Special Meetings, were read and approved. Communications were presented and read from the several Grand and Subordinate Lodges, and ordered on file. The D. Grand Sire read the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the United States. Rep. Lucas, of Maryland, presented the report of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, from which it appears there are now working under its jurisdiction, five subordinate lodges, containing 372 contributing members; and who have initiated during the past year 337 candidates. The receipts for the year are $2,427. Two members have been expelled, and one suspended. The Encampment contains 30 members. The Order is in a very flourishing condition in Maryland, and the Representative thinks he has every reason to believe it will so continue. They are now erecting a spacious hall, which they presume will be finished by the close of the year. Reps. Brice, of Massachusetts, and Marley, of New York, not having received the official report of the Grand Lodges of those states, were unable to state their precise condition. Rep. Campbell, of Pennsylvania, presented the report of the Grand Lodge of said state, which gave the gratifying intelligence, that they have working under their jurisdiction 33 subordinate lodges, containing 2,247 contributing, and 15 honorary members. Their receipts for the past year have been $12,905 20. Giving an increase in initiations over last year, of 409, and an increase of receipts over last year of $7,093 17, and an increase of members in the Grand Lodge of 79. They have likewise working under the Grand Lodge, a Grand Encampment, containing 10 members, an Encampment subordinate to it, containg 80 contributing members. Also, four degree lodges.* Rep. Gettys, of the District of Columbia, presented the report of the Grand Lodge of said District, stating that they have working under their jurisdiction 4 subordinate lodges, two of which have been opened the present year. They have admitted since last report, 23 contributing, and 3 honorary members. Their number of contributing mumbers is 80, and their receipts amount to $395 28. They have also in contemplation the opening of an Encampment. The Grand Sire reported on the two lodges in New Jersey, and the one in Providence, Rhode Island; and although they are not so flourishing as he could have wished, yet considering the short date of their existence, he thinks there is no cause of complaint, but every reason to believe they will progress and flourish. The Representatives having concluded their reports, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That the several Grand Lodges instruct the officers of the subordinate lodges under their jurisdiction, to cause all travelling certificates to be endorsed in the proper hand writing of the brother applying for the same, for the purpose of identity. Resolved, That all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, relative to the late "Pensylvania Lodge, No. 1," and its several members, be approved, and the same is hereby confirmed. Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the United States, to hold and keep a direct correspondence by letter, with their several Proxies. Resolved, That the powers of the Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of the United States, are contained in the Constitution of the said Grand Lodge. On motion, the following preamble and resolution was adopted: Whereas, A Constitution and By-Laws has recently appeared, purporting to be the "Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, established by authority of the Grand Lodge of Ma • Degree Lodges.-This is the first institution, by regular organization, of a body in the Order for the exclusive purpose of conferring the degrees. Formerly it was a general practice for the members to assemble at their "lodge house" on the Sabbath day, and for the N. G. of the lodge, or such person as he might select for the purpose, "to deliver lecture," as it was termed. It was then changed to meeting on some convenient evening in the week, but without organization, or any certainty of being provided with competent assistance to perform the ceremony with proper effect. This practice obtains under many of the Grand Lodges at the present time. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was the first to discover the means by which the N. G's of the subordinate lodges could be relieved from duties ostensibly theirs, and to transfer the same to those who had gradually acquired experience, and whose attention would not necessarily be diverted from improving on their qualifications by the cares and responsibilities incident to the charge of the lodge while in session, and of the sick and distressed during its vacation. The example has been followed by other Grand Lodges, with signal advantage to the efficiency of the administration of the degrees, and to the uniformity of work. Late Pennsylvania Lodge, No. 1.-The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania expelled this lodge for contumacy in pertinaciously resisting the order of the Grand Lodge, on an appeal to extend the weekly benefits of the lodge to a sick member. The Grand Lodge, in this case, acted with proper decision and self-respect, and was thereby enabled to sustain itself and the Order in its jurisdiction, against the efforts of a combination of vindictiveness, jealousy and insubordination. A spurious organization took place, and an assumption of being possessed of the rightful powers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl vania was asserted. It remained a sufficient time in operation to deceive many well meaning mem bers of the community, by drawing them into their association; thereby furnishing itself with the means of a speedy dissolution. The Grand Lodge restored the charter to the minority, who had ineffectually sustained the decision in favor of rendering aid to the sick. ryland and of the United States, revised and adopted at their new hall, North Fifth street, Philadelphia, February 23d, 1830," which Constitution and By-Laws are calculated to mislead, inasmuch as the said Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States has dissolved, and became extinct on the 22d February, 1825, and no charter has ever been granted to the said self-styled Grand Lodge :-Therefore, Resolved, That said lodge claiming to be establised by authority above stated, is spurious, and unauthorised by any competent jurisdiction. The very able and elaborate report* of the Moveable Committee, detailing their operations minutely, in visiting the Grand and Subordinate • Report of the Moveable Committee.-The report on file is one of those documents which the Order feels interest in, as exhibiting its progress. And although not drawn up as circumstantially in relation to dates, as would be acceptable, not having been designed for publication, it is here inserted: "To the Right Worthy the Representatives of the Grand Lodge of the United States, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: "The Moveable Committee appointed by your R. W. body, beg leave to report, that they have discharged the duty assigned them, in part, and herewith present the result. "On the 15th June, the Grand Sire left his residence in Baltimore for Philadelphia. On his arrival, he was met by a committee of the Order and a number of brethren, who escorted him to Congress Hall, where apartments had been assigned for his accommodation. After his arrival, he associated himself with P. G. M. Small, in the discharge of the object of the visit. The Committee visited the Grand Lodge, and were received with the highest honors. On that occasion, the Committee addressed the officers and members of the Grand Lodge, stating the objects and views of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and requesting such information as they had to impart on the condition of the Order under their government. The information communicated to your Committee was of a very gratifying character, and highly honorable to those associated in the cause of Odd Fellowship in the state of Pennsylvania. The landmarks of the Order are strictly adhered to, and the principles of our society every where enforced. Union and brotherly attachment exist among each other, and a noble emulation is kept up to advance the interest and honor of the Order, and to extend its influence over the whole state; and success has attended their exertions beyond their most sanguine expectations. Your Committee also visited most of the subordinate lodges, and found them in a very prosperous condition, conducting their business in a highly satisfactory manner. Your Committee also opened an Encampment of Patriarchs, which organization was received with the greatest approbation, and gave general satisfaction. "Your Committee then visited the state of New York, and were received with every demonstration of respect and attachment. They made every proper inquiry into the proceedings of that state, and report that they are conforming in every particular to the general usages of the Order. They are prosperous, and are extending the principles of Odd Fellowship, while there is every appearance of greatly augmenting their numbers. Your Committee also opened and installed an Encampment of Patriarchs in this state, which was received with the same enthusiasm as was manifested at Philadel phia. The Order in Albany is in a very flourishing condition. New York and Pleasant Valley are at a stand; but perhaps they are as prosperous as could be reasonably expected. Your Committee adjusted the difference existing between the Grand Lodge of the state and Strangers' Refuge Lodge, when the latter was re-instated and established in the full privileges of the Order. "Your Committee then visited Massachusetts, and on their arrival found the state in great confusion and disorganization. There was no Grand Master, and no meetings of the Grand Lodge, and apparently no person to give information. In this aspect of affairs, your Committee waited on P. G. Robinson, whom we ascertained had been elected Grand Master some months previous. The Grand Lodge was convened the next day, when your Committee informed them of the object of their mission, and spoke at large upon their condition; having discovered it to be of a nature that required the most urgent consideration. Every regulation of the Order had been neglected, and nothing enforced. There was no money in the treasury, nor in those of the subordinate lodges in the vicinity of Boston. A large sum remained due for rent, and almost every member appeared as treasurer, or having acted as such. Your Committee waited on as many as they could find, and discovered that some had given and paid away more money than they had received. Others were of opinion that they had money in their hands, but did not know how much, as no accounts had been kept, and the books could not be procured. Confusion existed in every department; and in sending to Taunton for the per centage, it appeared that the expenses of the person sent to collect it amounted to more than was due. No person was acting as head, or any willing to unite in enforcing the regulations of the Order. In this state of things, your Committee determined to place every member on an equality in station, and leave them to select such as would attend to the duties required. A resolution was adopted requiring those who had money in their possession to pay it over to the Grand Lodge, and that in future the per centage should be required to be remitted with the necessary report. It was requested that the Grand Master and members should zealously co-operate in advancing the interest of the Order. They promised your Committee to retain all moneys that should be received by the Grand Lodge, to be sent to the Grand Sire, to liquidate the debt due by them to the Grand Lodge of the United States. A bond for the amount of the debt was taken by your Committee, who received every assurance that it would be speedily paid. They pledged themselves to sustain the interest, and to secure the approbation of the Order at home and abroad. Your Committee opened an Encampment then, which was received with the highest satisfaction. They would give it as their opinion that no state presents a more ample field for the cultivation of Odd Fellowship than Massachusetts, and by proper exertions an abundant harvest might be gathered in. The evils existing are to be attributed entirely to neglect; no state having more excellent inembers or better men. Your Committee visited the lodge at Roxbury, and were received with unusual honor; and they are happy to report that this lodge is in a very prosperous condition, and its members worthy the honorable appellation of Odd Fellows. They were disposed to do every thing in their power to promote the interest of the Order. Your Committee visited the lodge at Taunton, and were received in a flattering and gratifying manner. They are happy |