ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE RAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES, Held at the City of Philadelphia, October, 1839. MONDAY, October 7th, 9 o'clock, A. M. The R. W. Grand Lodge convened this day, at Odd Fellows' Hall, South Fifth street, city of Philadelphia, being the regular Annual Communica tion, when the following were present. SAMUEL H. PERKINS, JOHN PEARCE, ROBERT NEILSON, ANDREW E. WARNER, JOHN W. STOKES, P. G. Sire THOMAS WILDEY, and M. W. G. Sire. R. W. D. G. Sire, p. t. R. W. G. Secretary, p. t. W. G. Guardian, p. t. P. G. M. ZENAS B. GLAZIER, M. W. G. Sire, elect. The Grand Secretary presented the certificates of the Representatives of the several Grand Lodges, viz: P. G. M. RICHARD MARLEY, P. G. WILSON SMALL, P. G. M. JAMES ALCOCK, P. G. M. HOWELL HOPKINS, P. G. ANDREW C. HEWITT, G. Treas. ANDREW E. WARNER, P. G. GIDEON F. TINDALL, P. G. WILLIAM C. BRANIN, P. G. PETER W. GRUBBS, The D. Grand Sire was directed to examine the Representatives. The D. Grand Sire reported that the Representatives were duly qualified. Whereupon, the Grand Sire appointed D. G. Sire, Pearce and P. G. Sire Wildey, a committee to examine the credentials. D. G. Sire Pearce, from the committee to whom was referred the credentials of the Representatives from the several Grand Lodges, reported that they had examined the same, and find them correct, viz: Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia, which report was accepted. The Grand Sire stated that there were but seven Grand Lodges represented, and consequently not a constitutional quorum. Whereupon, on motion of Rep. Hopkins, the Grand Lodge adjourned until to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock. TUESDAY, October 8th, 10 o'clock, A. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the same Officers and Representatives as yesterday. There not being a quorum present for the transaction of business, the Grand Sire declared the Grand Lodge adjourned, to meet to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock. WEDNESDAY, October 9th, 10 o'clock, A. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the same Officers and Representatives as yesterday. There still not being a quorum present for the transaction of business, and no prospect of any other Grand Lodge being represented, the Grand Sire declared the Grand Lodge adjourned, to meet at the city of Baltimore, on the 21st day of April, 1840. This Session of the Grand Lodge was attended by the Grand Master of the state of New York, and the Grand Master and a number of the brethren of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. ROBERT NEILSON, Grand Secretary, pro tem. ADJOURNED ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE UNITED STATES, Held at the City of Baltimore, April, 1840. TUESDAY, April 21st, 9 o'clock, A. M. The R. W. Grand Lodge met this day, at Odd Fellows' Hall, city of Baltimore, pursuant to the order of the Grand Sire, when the following were present. SAMUEL H. PERKINS, E. C. ROBINSON, WILLIAM G. COOK, ROBERT NEILSON, P. G. M. HOWELL HOPKINS, M. W. G. Sire. W. G. Messenger. Reps. of Pennsylvania, and The Grand Secretary presented the following additional certificates of the Representatives of the several Grand Lodges, viz: P. G. M. WILLIAM W. MOORE, P. G. M. HENRY S. SANDERSON, Rep. of District of Columbia. It appearing that a constitutional quorum was present, the D. Grand Sire was directed to examine the Representatives. The D. Grand Sire reported, that the Representatives were duly quali fied; and then, by order of the Grand Sire, proclaimed the Grand Lodge duly opened for the transaction of business." After an address to the Throne of Grace by the Grand Chaplain, the Grand Sire appointed P. G. Sire Wildey; and Rep's Hewitt, of Pennsylvania; and Moore, of District of Columbia, a committee to examine the credentials. P. G. Sire Wildey, from the committee to whom was referred the credentials of the Representatives, presented the following report, which was accepted, and the Representatives acknowledged. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The committee to whom was referred the credentials of the Representatives present, respectfully report, that they find the following made out in due form, viz: for the Grand Lodges of New Jersey, District of Columbia, Mississippi, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Louisiana. The credentials of Virginia are informal, but recommend them to be accepted. All of which is respectfully submitted, THOMAS WILDEY, The Grand Sire announced the following standing committees. On Finance-Rep's Small, of New York; Marley, of Maryland; and Mathiot, of Illinois. On Petitions-Rep's McCulley, of New Jersey; Bain, of Virginia; and Moore, of District of Columbia. On the Work of the Order-Rep. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania; P. G. Sire Wildey; and Rep. Ridgely, of Ohio. On Correspondence-Rep's Ridgely, of Ohio; Sanderson, of Kentucky; and Lucas, of Louisiana. On Reports-P. G. Sire Wildey. The Grand Secretary presented the reports from the several Grand and Subordinate Lodges and Encampments, which were referred to the Committee on Reports. The proceedings of the Annual Communication of 1838, was in progress of reading, when, on motion of Rep. Bain, of Virginia, the further reading was dispensed with. N The Grand Secretary laid before the Grand Lodge the following report, which was read. To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: The committee appointed by resolution of your R. W. body, adopted October 1st, 1838, charged with the subject of the changes, &c., in Great Britain, respectfully report: That they have attended to the duty referred to them, and have the pleasure to announce the renewal of correspondence with the A. M. C. Prior to the late session of that body at Birmingham, a communication was transmitted, reciting the disadvantages the Order lies under in both hemispheres, from want of uniformity in work, &c., and the necessity of reciprocal understanding. Your committee, also perceiving the great good that must result from an interchange of yearly passwords, suggested the propriety of permanently establishing a regulation for carrying it into effect. The committee also transmitted copies of the proceedings of your last Annual Communication, and the Covenant, and addressed to the Corresponding Secretary of the Order in England, (Wm. Ratcliffe,) a request to lay the documents before the A. M. C. at the earliest practicable moment. Other letters, in our individual capacities, were addressed to G. M. John Peiser, and other distinguished members of the A. M. C. The result of this exertion has been a perfect compliance in relation to so much of our suggestions as relates to the yearly password-which is transmitted accordingly-to go into operation 1st October, in each year; together with a number of copies of the votes and proceedings of the A. M. C. at its late and previous sessions, and other valuable printed docu ments. The committee however regret that it is not yet fully in their power to report on the changes. But it is evident, from the vote of the late A. M. C., that a correspondence being now open, it is only necessary to preserve it, in order speedily to obtain every information, and accomplish all arrangements requisite to a perfect adjustment of our differences. The committee would respectfully recommend the adoption of the accompanying resolutions. All of which is respectfully submitted. Philadelphia, Oct. 7th, 1839. JOHN A. KENNEDY, Chairman. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge fully reciprocates the feelings and wishes expressed by the A. M. C., held at Birmingham, 1839, in resolution No. 46; and assure the Order in Great Britain, that no means will be left unused, which will tend to accomplish the perfect good understanding between the Order in the two hemispheres, and which will insure a regular and certain communication of all important information. Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be authorized and instructed to communicate to the Grand Master and Board of Directors of the A. M. C., the travelling passwords, and the term of their duration. On motion, the report was accepted, and the proposed resolutions were adopted. On motion, the Grand Lodge adjourned until this afternoon, at three o'clock. TUESDAY, 3 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment: Present, the Officers, and a due representation. Rep. Bain, of Virginia, offered the following, which was adopted: Resolved, That the application from the Grand Lodge of Virginia, to have its charter so amended, that its Communications hereafter may be held in Petersburg, instead of the city of Richmond, be referred to the Committee on Petitions. The Grand Sire presented the following report: To the R. W. Grand Lodge of the United States: In presenting his annual report, the Grand Sire embraces the opportunity to congratulate the Grand Lodge upon the continued and increasing prosperity of the Order, not only in the United States, but especially in England. Since the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge in October, 1838, a letter has been received from the Grand Officers of the Manchester Unity, cordially reciprocating the fraternal feelings of this Grand Lodge, and inviting a more intimate union and frequent correspondence. The Manchester Unity now embraces nearly one hundred and twelve thousand individuals; of whom about twenty-two thousand had joined within a twelve month. The increase and prosperity of the Order has been scarcely less rapid and remarkable in this country. Since the installation of the present Grand Sire, charters have been granted for a Grand Lodge in each of the states of Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois; and for Grand Encampments in the states of New York, Ohio and Kentucky. Charters have also been granted to eleven subordinate lodges, and to seven Encampments of Patriarchs. All of which have been regularly instituted and organized. Since the last Annual Communication, the Grand Sire has been called upon to exercise the powers vested in him by the Constitution, to grant dispensations for the organization of new lodges and Encampments. He has thought it his duty to use it with great caution, and not until he had consulted with members of this Grand Lodge, and after being satisfied that all the necessary forms and regulations of the Order had been complied with. On the 2d of July last, he granted a special dispensation to brother G. M. John A. Kennedy, of New York, to open and constitute a new lodge in the city of New Haven, state of Connecticut, to be hailed and known by the title of "Quinnipiac Lodge, No. 1." This deputation and the return thereto, showing the able and satisfactory manner in which the duty was performed, will be submitted for your approval. The anticipations indulged by brother Kennedy, and expressed in his report, have been fully realized. The Order is spreading its benevolent influences over every part of the state. In February, a petition was received from the requisite number of brethren for a charter to open and constitute a lodge in the city of Hartford, to be hailed by the title of "Charter Oak Lodge, No. 2." And in March, a similar petition for a charter to open and constitute a new lodge, to be located at East Haddam, Middlesex county, to be known and hailed by the title of " Middlesex Lodge, No. 3." Dispensa |