Pip^pf|ppfpil|fpppi?:ipj:^ft? hi;'; I'l '(> '' . ■ r/^f. ',/« ','y 'I ,<■< ,,' I K'./'V Jtitara. £?em {orb FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924030287977 DATE DUE ii^Ta^eeA*w- ttWfN _- CAYLORD fNINTED INU.S.« ORIGIN OP MASONRY STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AND THE ENTIEE PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE, Firft Organization, A. L. 5786. COMPILED PEOM AUTHEHTIC SOURCES BY JOSEPH H. HOUGH, GRAND SECRETARY. TKENTON, N. J: PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH H. HOUGH. MUBPHY * BBCHTEL, PBINTBRS. 1870. TO THE MEMBERS Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of New Jersey, §k ® orh rontatnfd in ih (ollomtng ^R^tz IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, WITH PRATEEKAL REGAKD, BY THE GRAND SECEETAEY. INTRODUCTION. The undersigned long had it in contemplation to preserve and give to the Craft the History of Masonry in New Jersey, and to print the trans- actions recorded from the organization of the Grand Lodge, in 1786, to this time. There being but one copy of the first fifty years, and that in manuscript, we should be remiss in our duty not to take the means to preserve the records of the past, and inform ourselves of what lias transpired within that period. Upon my coming into their possession in 1842, upon the decease of our lamented Grand Secretary, Brother John Mershon, I took this old minute book to a fire-proof vault for its better security, where it has been for several years, and having made some preliminary arrangements, collected what information of an authentic nature could be collected, leave was obtained to print the minutes at the last Communication, to wit: " The Grand Secretary asked leave to print the Minutes of the Grand Lodge from its commencement, in 1786, together with the History of Masonry in this State anterior thereto, at his expense, which was, on motion, granted." The Historical part of this volume has been kindly written by Past Grand Master William Silas Whitehead, to whom the Craft, and more especially myself, are under deep and lasting obligations for hi» zeal and labor employed in its compilation. The publication has been gotten up with but one idea, that is, its preservation, and not with a view of reaping any pecuniary reward for the labor bestowed, and will be disposed of at cost ; all the publisher expects will be a return of his actual outlay, from the liberal and intelli- gent Masons of the State of New Jersey. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Trenton, October 10, 1870. Grand Secretary AN HISTORICAL SKETCH Free Masonry in New Jersey, PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF THE GRAND LODGE, IN A. D. 1786. The early history of Free Masonry in New Jersey is inyolved in much obscurity. Prior to the institution of the Grand Lodge in this State, the Craft pursued their labors under authority derived, directly or indirectly, from the Grand Lodges of England, both of the Ancients and the Moderns, and had no central, local authority around which their interests were clustered. Being also at that time. Colonies, and, before the Declaration of Independence, politically dependent upon the mother country, the brethren were not actuated by that State pride which exercises so great an influence in preserving the local records of societies and communities. For these and other reasons, among which may be classed the sparseness of the population, the infrequency with which it may be presumed the Lodges were in the habit of meeting, and the general upturning of society occasioned by the War of the Revolution, the records of the early Masonic Lodges in this State have become dispersed and destroyed, and the materials, wliich have been collected, furnish but a narrow basis for a History of the Craft. This is greatly to be regretted, because there is perhaps no State in the Union whose early Masonic history, if it could be brought to light and written, would be more interesting than that of New Jersey. The records of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey from its institution in 1786, to the present day, are fortunately full and Tl HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY complete. The Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication authorized the publication of these records. The annexed sketch is intended to collate as far as possible the facts con- nected with Masonry and Masons in New Jersey, prior to 1786, which the investigations made by the Historical Committee have disclosed, and which have been derived from other sources, as a preface to that publication. While from the scantiness of the materials to which the compiler has had access, this sketch must necessarily be little more than a skeleton, yet it is hoped that it may prove interesting, and that its general perusal by the Craft will incite further enquiry and research, which may eventually result in filling up many gaps now remaining vacant. It had long been known to Masonic antiquarians in the United States, that in or about A. D. 1730, a deputation had been granted to a Provincial Grand Master of New Jersey. In Pres- ton's " Illustrated Masonry," the author speaks of the success of the Grand Lodge of England under the Grand Mastership of the Duke of Norfolk, during the reign of George II, and says that in 1730, " he established a Grand Lodge by deputation, at New Jersey, in America." In Calcott's " Disquisitions upon Masonry," is a list of Pro- vincial Grand Masters, with the date of the appointment of each. Daniel Cos is mentioned for New Jersey in 1730. An old " History of Masonry," printed in 1754, says that " a deputation was granted to Daniel Coxe, as Provincial Grand Master in New Jersey, in 1730." In the historical work compiled by Bro. J. W. S. Mitchell, he says that " Anderson, in his ' History of Masonry,' states that a warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of England, in 1729, for a Provincial Grand Lodge in New Jersey, America." It will be seen from the above extracts, that the information existing with reference to this subject was so shadowy and un- satisfactory as almost to amount to the vagueness of tradition. The researches, however, of the Historical Committee of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, have removed the obscurity with which this subject was shrouded, and have fixed definitely the date of the deputation, the name of the Provincial Grand Master, IN NEW JERSEY. Vll the extent of Us jurisdiction and the power and authority vested in him by the Grand Lodge of England. The investigations of the Historical Committee in the records of the Grand Lodge of England, furthered by the fraternal courtesy of R. W. Bro. William Gray Clarke, late Grand Secre- tary of the Grand Lodge of England, have resulted in finding the record of the original deputation. The copy was furnished by Bro. Clarke and is certified by him as a true copy. Below is a copy of this record : " Copy of ike Deputation to DANIEL COX, Esquire, to be Provincial Grand Master of the Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania, in America. " Sic Subscribiiur. [l. s.] " NORFOLK, (?.-. M.: " To all and every our Eight Worshipful, Worshipful and loving Brethren now residing or vpho may hereafter reside in the Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania, His Grace, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England, Earl of Arundel, Suirey, Norfolk and Norwich, Baron Mowbray, Howard Segrave, Brewse of Gower, Fitz Allan, Warren, Claa Oswald, estre Maltravers, Greystock, Furnival Verdon, Lovelot, Strango of Blackmere, and Howard of Castle Eising, after the Princes of the Eoyal Blood, first Duke Ear and Baron of England, Chief of the illustrious family of the Howards, Grand Master of the free and accepted Masons of England, sendetb Greeting : " Whereas application has been made unto us by our Et. Worshipful and well beloved Brother, Daniel Cox, of New Jersey, Esqr., and by several other Brethren, free and accepted Masons, residing and about to reside in the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania, that we would be pleased to nominate and appoint a Provincial Grand Master of the said Provinces : Now Know Ye, that we have nominated, ordained, constituted and appointed, and do by these Presents nominate ordain, constitute, and appoint, our Right Worshipful and well beloved Brother, the said Daniel Cox, Provincial Grand Master of the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania, with full Power and Authority to nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the space of two years from the feast of St. John the Baptist now next ensuing, after which time it is our Will and Pleasure and we do hereby ordain that the Brethren who do now reside, or who may hereafter reside, in all or any of the said Provinces shall and they are hereby empowered every other year on the feast of St. John the Baptist to elect a Provincial Grand Master, who shall have the power of Till HISTORICAL SKETCH OF -MASONRY nominating and appointing his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens. And we do hereby empower our said Provincial Grand Master, and the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the time being, for us and in our place and stead to constitute the Brethren (free and accepted Masons) now residing or who shall hereafter reside in those parts into one or more regular Lodge or Lodges, as he shall think fit, and as often as occasion shall require. He, the said Daniel Cox, and the Provincial Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the time being taking special care that all and every member of any Lodge or Lodges so to be constituted have or shall be made regular Masons, and that they do cause all and every the Eegulations contained in the printed Book of Constitutions, except so far as they have been altered by the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly Meetings, to be kept and observed, and also all such other Eules and Instructions as shall from time to time be transmitted to him or them by us, or Nath'l Blackerly, Esqr., our Deputy Grand Master, or the Grand Master or his Deputy for the time being, and that he, the said Daniel Cox, our Provincial Grand Master of the said Provinces, and the Provincial Grand Master for the time being, or his Deputy, do send to us or our Deputy Grand Master, and to the Grand Master of England or his Deputy for the time being, annually an account in writing of the number of Lodges so constituted, with the names of the sevei^ members of each particular Lodge, together with such other matters and things as he or they shall think fit to be communicated for the prosperity of the Craft, And lastly, we will and require that our said Provincial Grand Master, and the Grand Master for the time being or his deputy, do annually cause the Brethren to keep the feast of St. John the Evangelist, and dine together on that day, or (in case any accident should happen to prevent their dining together on that day) on any other day near that time, as the Provincial Grand Master for the time being shall judge most fit, as is done here, and at that time more particularly and at all Quarterly Communications he do recommend a General Charity to be established for the Belief of poor Brethren of the said Province. "Given under our hand and seal of ofiice at London, this fifth day of June, 1730, and of Masonry 5730. " True Copy: Wm. Grat Cl.\rke, G. S. " Free Masons' Hall, Londm, April 10, 1863." This deputation is said to have been cotemporaneous with the establishment of a Provincial Grand Lodge in Lovrer Saxonv, in Europe, and the granting of a warrant for one in Bengal, Asia. It will be seen that the jurisdiction of Daniel Coxe was not limited to New Jersey, as appears to have been the opinion IN NEW JERSEY. ix of the "writers -whoni we have quoted, but embraced also New York and Pennsylvania. The error probably arose from the fact that the residence of Brother Coxe was in New Jersey, as will hereafter appear. Diligent research in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of England, and thorough inquiry for letters and papers bearing upon the subject, among the decendants of Bro. Coxe, have failed to disclose any testimony whatever of the exercise by him, or any one acting under his authority, of the prerogatives con- tained in the deputation. Upon this subject Bro. Clarke, Grand Secretary of England, in a letter to our Historical Committee, " I cannot find any application from Bro. Coxe and others for the ap- pointment of Provincial Grand Master. Bro. Coxe did not make any report of the appointment of Deputy Grand Master or Grand Wardens ; neither did he report the congregating of Masons into Lodges. He did not transmit any account of having constituted Lodges, and does not, indeed, appear to have established an^'. " At the period when he was appointed, it was a rare thing/or any Reports to he made by the Provincial Grand Masters abroad of their doings. Brief details came in once or twice from Bengal, but I find none from any other foreign country. " The names of members belonging to Lodges abroad, I imagine, were never sent home until the year 1768, when the system of registration was established. This was done for the purpose of raising funds for the ordinary expenses of the Grand Lodge, Sea." The only other mention of Bro. Coxe to be found on the records of the Grand Lodge of England appears on the journal of the meeting of that Grand Lodge, January 29th, 1731. Upon that occasion, the record states that " Bro. Daniel Coxe, Pro- vincial Grand Master of ' North America,' was present and his health was drank." By the foregoing deputation, the fact is established that Daniel Coxe was the the first appointed Provincial Grand Master of Masons in the JSTew World. His authority antedates that of Henry Price, Provincial Grand Master of Massachusetts, by nearly three years, the deputation of the latter having been dated April 30th, A. D. 1733. From the fact that Bro. Coxe was referred to at the meeting of the Grand Lodge of England X HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY in 1731, as " Provincial Grand Master of Jforth America," we think it may reasonably be inferred that there was at that time no other Provincial Grand Master in any portion of North America. Although no returns were ever made to the Grand Lodge of England by Bro. Ooxe, of his transactions by virtue of his Depu- tation, it is by no means conceded that nothing was done by him under that authority. On the contrary, some known facts would seem to prove that the authority was brought into practical operation. It is a fact, gathered from the columns of the press of that day, that there existed a Lodge in Philadelphia in 1732, of which William Allen, the Recorder of the city, was Master- The source from which this Lodge derived its authority cannot be ascertained. If it was warranted by Provincial Masonic authority, it must have been the offspring of Bro. Coxe's depu- tation, as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts had no existence until 1733, and no record can be found of any Pro- vincial authority prior to Bro. Coxe's. It appears, also, that on the 24:th day of June, A. D. 1734, a warrant was granted by Henry Price, Provincial Grand Master of Massachusetts, to Benjamin Franklin, constituting him Master of a Lodge in Philadelphia. At that time Coxe's authority under the Depu- tation had expired by its own limitations, which will account for the fact that the application for Franklin's warrant was made to Price and not to Coxe. Franklin must have been made a Mason prior to this time. When and where that interesting event took place, is not known. We think, however, from such information as we possess, and in the absence of any positive evidence to the contrary, that it may be safely inferred from the circumstances of the case, that Benjamin Franklin was made a Mason under the authority contained in the deputation to Daniel Coxe, above recited. It will doubtless be interesting to the Craft, to know more of this Daniel Coxe, whose name has thus become so prominent in American Masonry. In the 3d volume of the collections of the New Jersey His- torical Society, (Field's Provincial Courts of New Jersey) we learn that he was an eminent lawyer, the son of Dr. Daniel Coxe, IN NEW JERSEY. XI known as " the great proprietor " in New Jersey, and that for many years, he was a member of the Council of the notorious Lord Cornbury, and Speaker of the House of Assembly, during a portion of the administration of Gov. Hunter. His name appears frequently from 1705 to 1735, in the "Analytical Index to the New Jersey Colonial Documents," New Jersey Historical So- city's collections. From this volume we learn that he went to England in 1716 or 1717. To an immense tract of land lying between the 31st and 36th degrees of north latitude, and ex- tending westward from the western boundary of Carolina, " so far forth as much as the continent extends itself," comprising the territory lying between the Gulf of Mexico and the southern boundary of Kentucky, Bro. Coxe claimed title through his father, Dr. Daniel Coxe, the assignee of a charter granted by King Charles I, to Sir Robert Heath in 1630, and his claim was fortified by charters from King Charles II, about thirty years after the aforementioned grant to Sir Robert Heath. In 1722, Bro. Coxe published in London " a description of the English Province of Carolina, by the Spaniards called Florida, and by the French La Louisiana, as also of the great and famous river Meschacebe or Mississippi, the five vast and navigable lakes of fresh water and the parts adjacent, together with an account of the commodities of the growth and production of the said Province, and a preface containing some considerations on the con- sequences of the French making settlements there." Judge Field says that this preface contained suggestions connected with the formation of our federal government, and that the celebrated " Albany plan of Union," recommended by Dr. Franklin in 1754, is little more than a transcript of the design sketched by Daniel Coxe many years before. He was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1734, and remained upon the bench until his death, which occurred in 1739. His early career was clouded by his connection with Lord Cornbury and his differences with Gov. Hunter, but he lived to enjoy the confidence and respect of the community, and his judicial duties appear to have been discharged with ability and integrity. In Smith's " History of New Jersey," we find frequent mention XU HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MASONRY of his name, and this Tolume gives a slight trace of his residence. He is mentioned as Col. Daniel Coxe of Gloucester county, in the list of members of the Assembly which convened in the spring of 1716, at which time he was elected speaker. From all that can be gathered from other sources, it is believed that he was a resident of Burlington. That he was there buried, there can be no doubt, as in the east transept of the old church of St. Anne's (now St. Mary's) Parish, there is a marble slab bearing this inscription : DANIEL COXE, Died April 25, 1739. ^TAT 65. The Masonic Annals of England furnish us with the names of Daniel Coxe, in 1730, by the Deputation above recited ; Richard Riggs, in 1737; and Francis Goelet, in 1751, as each having authority to congregate the brethren and establish Masonic Lodges in the province of New York. There is no recorded certainty that either of these, except Francis Goelet, acted on his commission, and the only record of his proceedings in his Provincial Grand Mastership, which has been met with, is an account found in a newspaper of that day, from which it appeai-s that upon the installation of George Harrison, as successor of Francis Goelet, on St. John the Evangelist's day (December 27th) 1753, in the City of New York, a Grand Lodge, which had previously existed in the Province, was convened. George Harrison presided as Provincial Grand Master for eighteen years, and, during that time, established Lodges in the City of New York, and at other places in the Province of New York, and one in the Province of New Jersey, of which we now come to speak. On the 13th day of May, A. D. 1761, a constitutional number of Master Masons residing in the town of Newark, made application for and received from the hands of M. W. George Harrison, Provincial Grand Master of the State of New York, a Warrant, empowering them to enter, pass, and raise candi- dates for the mysteries of Free Masonry, according to the Ancient Constitutions of the Order, the customs and usages of the Craft, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Master, as IN NEW JERSEY. Xlll set forth in his Warrant of Dispensation- William Tulcey, Esq. was appointed Master, David Jamison, Esq., Senior Warden ; James Banks, Esq., Junior Warden, and Lewis Ogden, Sec- retary. The place first selected for meeting was the Rising Sun Tavern, but it was finally changed to the private residences of the members ; the first change being to the house of John Robinson. The original minutes of the Lodge for three years from' its institution are still in existence in the Archives of St. John's Lodge. Prom 1764, until January 1768, and during a portion of 1769, the minutes were suspended. In 1769 they were re-opened, and continued until January, 1772. Prom that date until April, 1788, and during the darkness of the American Revolution, the lights were extinguished and the sound of the gavel was no longer heard, ' In the old minute bookunder date of December 24:th, 1779, a time when the Lodge had ceased labor, we find a memorandum, which is here appended, verbatim et literatim : " An acot of sundrie articles taken out of the Lodge Chest of Newark St. John's Lodge, No 1, by consent of Bro. John Robinson, Bro. Lewis Ogden, Brother Moses Ogd«u & Lent unto Brother Thomas Kinney & Bro. Jerry Brewin to carry as far as Morris Town, said Bro's Kinney & Brewiu promising on the word of Brothers to return the same articles as p'r Inventory below unto our Bro. John Robinson, present Secretary when called-for witness our hands Brothers as below — " 24 Aprons, besides one that was bound and fring'd which Bro. Kinney claims as his own. " 2 Ebony Truntchions tipt with silver, the other they are to get if to be found. " 3 Large Candlesticks. " 3 Large Candlemolds. " 1 Silk Pedestal Cloth Bound with Silver Lace. " 1 Damask Cutchion. " 1 Silver Key with a blue Ribbon striped with black. "1 " Levell "1 " Square " "1 " Plumb " " Newark, Dec'r 24, 1779. (Signed) Thomas Kinney Jerh. Bruen." XIV HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONET At the close of the year 1779, the head quarters of General George Washington were at Morristown, New Jersey. At this place various military Lodges which had been organized in the American army, were at work. On the llth of December, 1779, a festival meeting of the American Union Lodge was held at Morristown, to celebrate the festival of St. John the Evange- list. Further reference to this meeting will hereafter be made in the proper place. Bro. George Washington was present at this meeting. Prom the coincidence of dates, we have no doubt that the Masonic furniture and jewels above mentioned, were lent by St. John's Lodge for the purposes of this festival. This view is strengthened by the fact, that the minutes of this meeting of American Union Lodge, now in the possession of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, record the names of Brothers Kinney and Bruen (who became responsible to St. John's Lodge for the return of the articles loaned as above) among the visiting brethren on that occasion. It has always been a tradition in St. John's Lodge, that Bro. Lafayette was made a Mason at Morristown, with the assistance of the jewels and furniture, lent by St. John's Lodge as aforesaid. As there is no record, however, of the time and place of Bro. La- fayette's initiation, the truth of this tradition can not, at present, be verified. At the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, St. John's Lodge was represented by Moses Ogden. A warrant •^as granted to the Lodge and it was numbered No. 2, the Lodge at Bedminster in the county of Somerset, being No. 1. The Lodge at Bedminster having become extinct, St. John's Lodge was allowed to assume its number, (1) and it has ever since been so designated. St. John's Lodge, No. 1, is still in active operation, and is enjoying a high degree of prosperity. In 1861 the Lodge cele- brated its Centennial Anniversary with great eclat, the oration upon the occasion being delivered by the late Bro. George M. Giger, D. D., professor of the Greek language and Architecture, in the College of New Jersey. On the 30th day of April, A. D. 1733, a deputation was IN NEW JBESBT. XV granted by Lord Montacute (otherwise called Montague), Grand Master of England, to Henry Price, " in behalf of himself and several other brethren residing in New England," appointing him " Provincial Grand Master of New England aforesaid, and dominions and territories thereunto belonging." Upon the receipt of this commission, and on the 30th day of July in the same year, a Provincial Grand Lodge was formed in Boston, with Henry Price as Grand Master, by the title of " St. John's Grand Lodge." This Grand Lodge was sometimes called the " Grand Lodge of Modern Masons." Henry Price having resigned, R. W. Robert Tomlinson was appointed Provincial Grand Master, by John, Earl of Loudoun, Grand Master of England, and was duly installed and invested, April 20th, A. D. 1737. Upon the decease of Robert Tomlinson, R. W. Thomas Oxnard was commissioned as Provincial Grand Master, by John, Lord Ward, Baron of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick, &c.. Grand Master of England, and was duly installed, March 6, 1744. Upon his decease he was succeeded, on October 1, 1755, by R. W. Jeremy Gridley, who had received a deputation from James Brydges, Marquis of Caernarvon, Grand Master of Masons in England, appointing him " Provincial Grand Master of North America, where no Grand Master is appointed." At the celebration of the Anniversary of St. John ttie Baptist, June 24, 1762, by the St. John's Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, under the Grand Mastership of R. W. Jeremy Gridley, a Depu- tation was granted " to Jonathan Hampton, Esq., to constitute a Lodge by the name of Temple Lodge, No, 1," in Elizabeth- town, New Jersey. On the 27th day of December, 1763, at the celebration of the festival of St. John the Evangelist, a petition was granted by the same Grand Lodge, under the same Provincial Grand Mastership " for constituting a Lodge by the name of St. John's Lodge, at Princetown (now Princeton), in New Jersey." No record of the transaction of either of these Lodges has been discovered. By personal enquiry at the office of the Grand Secretary of Massachusetts, it has been ascertained that they were both duly organized and did Masonic work. The XVI HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY Archives of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts contained some documents in connection with them; but these, with other valuable Masonic papers, were unfortunately destroyed by the fire which consumed the Masonic Temple in Boston, a few years since. On the twentieth day of June, A. D. 1764, the Grand Lodge of London in Great Britain, of which the Right Worshipful and Right Honorable Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelley, Viscount Fenton, Lord Baron of Pitten Weem, &c., was Grand Master • William Osborne, Deputy Grand Master; William Dickey, Senior Grand Warden ; and James Gibson, Junior Grand War- den, by a Provincial Grand Warrant under the seal of that Grand Lodge, constituted and appointed R. W. William Ball, Esq., Grand Master of Masons for the Province of Pennsylvania and the territories thereunto belonging. This Grand Lodge of London was known in the nomenclature of the day, as the " Grand Lodge of Ancient Masons," in contradistinction to the Grand Lodge of England, from which Henry Price of Massa- chusetts, and George Harrison of New York, obtained their respective deputations, which was known as the " Grand Lodge of Modern Masons." This Warrant to R. W. William Ball, was the corner stone of the Temple of Pennsylvania Masonry, and by virtue of its authority, several Lodges were instituted in New Jersey. The original Deputation, together with an auto- graph letter of Lawrence Dermott, Grand Secretary, which accompanied it, is still in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in an excellent state of preservation. Both of these papers are of great interest to the Masonic antiquarian, as relics of the olden time. At some time in the year 1767, this Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, thus constituted, under the Grand Mastership of R. W. William Ball, granted a Warrant for a Lodge at Bas- kingridge, in New Jersey, which was known as No. 10, on the Pennsylvania Registry. The precise date when, and the names of the individuals to whom this Warrant was granted, cannot now be ascertained, as the records of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania prior to the Revolution, have been lost or destroyed. IN NEW JERSEY. XVll That such a Warrant was issued cannot be doubted, as the number is found on the Register of Pennsylvania, and it is there mentioned as a Lodge located in Baskingridge, New Jersey. It was represented at the Convention which formed the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and its members then claimed aflSliation with Lodge No. 10, of the Pennsylvania Registry. The only reference to this Lodge which can be found on the Journal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, occurs at the meeting held March 26th, 1781, at which is found the following entry : " Bro. Gray informed the Lodge, (Grand Lodge) that he had seen the Warrant of No. 10, in the possession of Dr. Blatchley. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be directed to write to him concerning it." No correspondence, as a consequence of this resolution, appears either in the files or upon the Journal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Dr. Blatchley referred to in the foregoing recited resolution, wasdoubtless, the samewhosenamewasappendedtotheagreement by which the Grand Lodge was constituted, and was there signed by him as " Ebenezer Blatchley, Junior Past Master of Lodge No. 10." The Journal and other papers of Lodge No. 10 cannot be found, and it is impossible to state with any certainty, what were its operations and what its success, prior to the institution of the Grand Lodge. At that date it appears to have been in successful operation, as the agreement by which the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was formed, was more numerously signed by the members of that Lodge than by those of any other. "We find appended to that agreement, the names of two Past Masters, the Worshipful Master, the Wardens, the Deacons, and sixteen of the floor members of Lodge No. 10. This Lodge is undoubtedly the same which is mentigned in the proceedings connected with the organization of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, • as the " Lodge at Bedminster," and to which, by general consent, the number " one " was assigned at the meeting of the Grand Lodge, held at Trenton, April 7th, 1787. The Lodge appears to have been first designated as ii XVm HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MASONET " Somerset Lodge, No. 1," and afterwards as " Solomon's Lodge, No. 1." It subsequently became extinct and its distinguishing number was assigned to St. John's Lodge. The Journal of the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania, held on the 20th day of December, A. D. 1779, contains the following entry : "A petition from Isaiah Wool and five other Brethren from Mon- mouth County in New Jersey, praying a Warrant for holding a new Lodge was read ; "And the Petition was Unanimously granted, and a Warrant will be made out when they shall have elected the proper officers." Upon the minutes of a meeting of the same Grand Lodge, held on the 29th day of the same month, is found the following record : " Agreeably to the unanimous resolution of this G-rand Lodge to grant a Warrant for a new Lodge to be held at Middleton (now Middletown), in Monmouth County, in New Jersey, Brother Wm. Bostwick, the Master elect received his Warrant, No. 23, and was accordingly install'd Master & saluted in proper form — he was instructed how to install Br Isaiah Wool, S. Warden & Br John Motte, Jr Warden of the said Lodge." The foregoing is the only record, and all the information, which have come to light in reference to Lodge No. 23. It does not appear to have been subsequently represented at any of the Communications of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, from which it received its Warrant ; and it is very probable that it never did any Masonic work. At the foundation of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey it was not represented ; neither do we iind the names of either of the brethren, to whom the Warrant was granted, in the list of the signers to the agreement by which the Grand Lodge was constituted. Jonathan Rhea, to whom the Grand Lodge of New Jersey granted a Dispensation for a Lodge in Monmouth county, January 30th, 1787, repre- sented' himself as a member of Lodge No. 19, of the Pennsyl- vania Registry, as also did Col. John JiToble Gumming, the first Grand Secretary. From these facts it may reasonably be inferred, that No. 23 had become extinct prior to 1786. Although not strictly connected with the History of New IN NEW JERSEY. XIX Jersey Masonry, yet as the interesting events about to be narrated took place on New Jersey soil and within the Masonic jurisdiction of New Jersey, it is deemed that a reference to them will not be inappropriate in this sketch. They are inserted in this place with reference to the date of their occurrence. As has before been stated, the head quarters of Washington, at the close of the year 1779, were at Morristowm, in this State. The " American Union Lodge," which was an army Lodge, whose Warrant had been granted, February 15, 1776, to certain brethren of the Connecticut line, by Colonel Richard Gridley Deputy Grand Master of Massachusetts, was at that time with the army under Washington, at Morristown. At the festival meeting of this Lodge, held to celebrate the festival of St. John the Evangelist, December 27, 1779, (being the same meeting to which reference has been made iu the sketch of St. John's Lodge, No. 1,) the record shows the presence of sixty-eight brethren, one of whom was George Washington. At this meet- ing " a petition was read, representing the present state of Free Masonry to the several Depulj- Grand Masters in the United States of America, desiring them to adopt some measures for appointing a Grand Master over such States." It was ordered that this petition be circulated through the different lines of the army ; and also, " that a Committee be appointed from the different Lodges of the Army, from each line, and from the staff of the army, to convene on the first Monday of February, next, at Morristown, to take the petition into consideration." This committee accordingly met at Morristown, February 7th 1780, with the following attendance, as appears by an extract from a record of their proceedings : " At a committee of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, met this 7th day of the second month in the year of Salvation, 1780, according to the recommendation of a Convention Lodge, held at the celebration of St. John the Evangelist. "Present, Brother John Pierce, M. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of Massachusetts Bay, and Washington Lodge, No. 10; Brother Jonathan Hart, M. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of Connecticut, and American Union Lodge ; Brother Charles Graham, F. C:, delegated XX HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of New York ; Brother John Santord, M. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of New Jersey ; Brother Gteorge Tijdor, M. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of Pennsylvania ; Brother Otho Holland Williams, M. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line of the State of Delaware ; Brother Mordecai Gist, P. W. M., delegated to represent the Masons in the military line in the State of Maryland ; Brother Prentice Brown, M. M., delegated to represent St. John's Regimental Lodge; Brother John Lawrence, P. W. M., delegated to represent the brothers in the staff of the American array ; Brother Thomas Machin, M. M., delegate to represent the Masons in the corps of artillery." Bro. Mordecai Gist was chosen President, and Bro. Otho Holland Williams was chosen Secretary of the Committee. The following address was presented by Bro. Williams : "TO THE EIGHT WORSHIPFUL, THE GRAND MASTERS OF THE SEVERAL LODGES IN THE RESPECTIVE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. UNION. FORCE. LOVE. "The suhscribers, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in convention, to you, as the patrons and protectors of the craft upon this continent* prefer their humble address. "Unhappily, the distinctions of interest, the political views, and national disputes subsisting between Great Britain and these United States have involved us, not only in the general calamities that disturb the tranquillity which used to prevail in this once happy country, but in a peculiar manner affects our society, by separating us from the Grand Mother Lodge in Europe, by disturbing our connection with each other, impeding the progress, and preventing the perfection of Masonry in America. " We deplore the miseries of our countrymen, and particularly lament the distresses which many of our poor brethren must suffer, as well from the want of temporal relief, as for want of a source of light to govern their pursuits and illuminate the path of happiness. And we ardently desire to restore, if possible, that fountain of charity, from which, to the mspeakable benefit of mankind, flows benevolence and love : considering vith anxiety these disputes, and the many irregularities and improprieties committed by weak or wicked brethren, which too manifestly show the present dissipated and almost abandoned condition of our lodges in gen- eral, as well as the relaxation of virtue amongst individuals. " We think it our duty Right Worshipful Brothers and Seniors in the Craft, to solicit your immediate interposition to save us from the im- IN NEW JERSEY. XXI pending dangers of schisms and apostasy. To obtain security from those fatal evils, with affectionate humility, we beg leave to recommend the adopting and pursuing the most necessary measures for establishing one Grand Lodge in America, to preside over and govern all other lodges Of whatsoever degree or denomination, licensed or to be licensed upon th% continent ; that the ancient principles and discipline of Masonry being restored, we may mutually and universally enjoy the advantages arising from frequent communion and social intercourse. To accomplish this beneficial and essential work, permit us to propose that you, the Right Worshipful Grand Masters, or a majority of your number, may- nominate as Most Worshipful Grand Master of said lodge, a brother whose merit and capacity may be adequate to a station so important and elevated, and transmitting the name and nomination of such brother, together with the name of the lodge to be established, to our Grand Mother Lodge in Europe for approbation and confirmation, and that you may adopt and execute any other ways or means most eligible for preventing impositions, correcting abuses, and for establishing the general principles of Masonry ; that the influence of the same in propagating morality and virtue may be far extended, and that the lives and conversation of all true Free and Accepted Masons may not only be the admiration of men on earth, but may receive the final approbation of the Gran'd Architect of the Universe, in the world wherein the elect enjoy eternal light and love. "Signed in convention, at Morristown, Morris County, this 7th day of the second month, in the year of our Saviour, 1780." This address having been read, it -was unanimously agreed that it should be signed and forwarded with an extra copy of the proceedings of the Committee, signed by the President and Secretary, to the respective Provincial Grand Masters ; and thereupon the Committee adjourned without day. Although the name of George Washington did not appear upon this address, yet it was formally signified to the Grand Lodge to which the address was sent, that he was the choice of the Com- mittee for the office of General Grand Master.* Cotemporaneous with these proceedings of Army Masons, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was also considering the propriety of appointing a General Grand Master over all the Grand Lodges formed or to be formed in the United States, and upon a ballot had at an emergent communication, convened at Phila- delphia, January 13th, 1790, it was unanimously determined that * Hajden's " Washington and his Masonic Compeers." XXll HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY a Grand Master of Masons should be nominated for the United States, and upon a ballot being had, George Washington was elected for that ofBce by the unanimous vote of the Grand I^odge.* It is well known however, to the Craft, that the project failed ; principally by reason of the disapproval of the proposition manifested by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Since that time, although frequent overtures have been made to establish a General Grand Lodge of the United States with a General Grand Master, the fear of the several State Grand Lodges, that the proposed Body might undertake to limit their prerogatives or infringe upon their exclusive jurisdiction, has caused all such attempts to meet with failure. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey, as early as July, 1790, put itself upon record in opposition to the scheme, by the adoption of the following resolution : " Resolved, That the constituting of a Federal or Supreme Grand Lodge, to have jurisdiction over the respective Grand and other Lodges throughout the continent, as proposed by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, is inexpedient, and, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, impracticable." The Grand Lodge, however, as will be seen, at the same time adopted resolutions favoring a Convention of Deputies from the several Grand Lodges within the United States, solely for the purpose of union and intercourse, and not for the purpose of legislation. The Eegistry of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania discloses the existence of two Lodges, warranted by that Grand Lodge, and designated by the number " 31." One of these Lodges was a local Lodge, situated at Norristown, in that state; the other is designated as a " Traveling Lodge." No. 31, at Norristown. was warranted in March, 1781, and the "Traveling Lodge" by the same number, was, doubtless, warranted about the same date. It is recorded in the Pennsylvania Eegistry immediately preceding the record of the Norristown Lodge. No minute of the issuing of this Warrant for a Traveling Lodge can be found in the Pennsylvania records or files, and we are left entirely in the dark as to its exact date, the names of its officers and its '* Haydon's " Washington and his Masonic Compeers.' IN NEW JEESET. XXlll precise location and authority. That it was an Army Lodge, connected with the New Jersey troops in the field, clearly appears from the following entry upon the journal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of the date of June 17, 1784: " The Graad Secretary has received £6, 10b from Brother Proctor, in full, for Traveling Warrant No. 31, of the Jersey line, and paid the same to Hall and Sellers, in part for printing 500 copies of Dr. McGaw's Sermon." The foregoing is the only reference to this Lodge which appears upon the Pennsylvania records. The next historic record to be found of Masonic Lodges in New Jersey, is the warranting of a Lodge at Burlington, by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which was designated as No. 32. The following entry appears upon the Journal of a meeting of that Grand Lodge, held March 27th, 1781 : " A petition was read from a number of Brethren in Burlington, pray- ing for a Warrant to hold a Lodge there. The petition v^as accompanied with a very warm recommendation from Bro. Blaithwaite Jones. The Grand Lodge taking the same into consideration, it was unanimously granted. Joseph Ellis was appointed Master, iSamuel Bullus, Senior Warden and Bethanath Hodgkinson, Junior Warden. The Depu'ty Grand Master and Senior Grand Warden are requested to go to Burlington and install the officers of the said new Lodge." It appears from the minutes of the Lodge, that on the 30th day of March, 1781, an Emergent Grand Lodge was held in Ample Form, at Burlington, for the purpose of constituting the new Lodge. The members of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, who were present, were R. W. Alexander Rutherford, D. G. M. in the chair; R. W. Blaithwaite Jones, late D. G. M., acting as such, p. t. ; R. W. Jacob Bankson, S. G. W. ; and R. W. John Clark, acting as J. G. W. The Lodge was duly constituted and Joseph Ellis, was duly installed Master by R. W. Blaithwaite Jones, and when seated in the chair, was presented by R. W. Alexander Rutherford, with the jewels of his office, the Book of Constitutions and the Warrant of his Lodge. Samuel Bullus as Senior Warden, and Bethanath Hodgkinson as Junior Warden, were then installed by the new Master and invested with the "jewels and accomplishments of their respective offices." XXIV HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY The following is a Copy of the Warrant issued to Burlington Lodge, No. 32, and delivered to the Master on this occasion ; WM. BALL, G. M. J- I ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD, D. G. M. ^^' ^■-' JACOB BANKSON, S. G. W. MATTHEW WHITEHEAD, J. G. W. To All Whoh it may Concekn : We the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, according to the Old Constitutions, held in the city of Philadelphia, for the Province of Pennsylvania, by virtue of a Provincial Grand Warrant from the Grand Lodge of London, in Great Britain, whereof then the Right Worshipful and Right Honorable Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelley, Viscount Fenton, Lord Baron of Pitten Weem, &c., in Great Britain, was Grand Master of Masons ; the Right Wor- shipful Mr. William Osborne, Deputy Grand Master ; the Right Wor- shipful Mr. William Dickey, Senior Grand Warden, and the Right Worshipful James Gibson, Esq., Junior Grand Warden, under their hands and the seal of their Grand Lodge, constituting and appointing the Right Worshipful William Ball, Esq., Grand Master of Masons for the Province of Pennsylvania and the Territories thereunto belonging, the Right Worshipful Captain Blaithwaite Jones, Deputy Grand Master, the Right Worshipful Mr. David Hall, Senior Grand Warden, and the Right Worshipful Mr. Hugh Lennox, Junior Grand Warden, authorizing and empowering them and their successors to grant Dispensations, Warrants or Constitutions for the forming, holding and governing Lodges within their jurisdiction, as by the the said Warrant, bearing date the twentieth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred gixty and four, and of Masonry, five thousand seven hundred sixty and four reference being thereunto had, may more at large appear. Now Know Ye, that we, William Ball, Grand Master ; Alexander Rutherford, Deputy Grand Master ; William Adcock, Senior Grand War- den, and Matthew Whitehead, Junior Grand Warden, present and legal successors to the above named Provincial Grand Officers, as by the Grand Lodge Books may appear, by virtue of the power to us granted by the above part recited Warrant, do hereby authorize and empower our trusty and well beloved brethren Joseph Ellis, Master; Samuel Bullus, Senior Warden, and Bethanath Hodgkinsoa, Junior Warden of a new Lodge, number thirty-two, to be held in the city of Burlington, in the state of New Jersey, or within five miles of the same, and we do further authorize and empower our said trusty and well beloved brethren Joseph Ellis, Master ; Samuel Bullus, Senior Warden, and Bethanath Hodgkinson, Junior Warden, to admit and make Free Masons according to the Most Ancient and Honorable custom of the Royal Craft in all ages and nations IN NEW JERSEY. XXV thro'out tbe known world and not contrariwise. And we do further em- power and appoint the said Joseph Ellis, Master ; Samuel Bullus, Senior Warden, and Bethanath Hodgkinson, Junior Warden, and their suc- cessors, to hear and determine all and singular matters and things re- lating to the Craft, within the jurisdiction of Lodge No. 32. And lastly, we do hereby authorize and empower our said trusty and well beloved brethren Joseph Ellis, Master; Samuel Bullus, Senior Warden, and Bethanath Hodgkinson, Junior Warden, to nominate, chuse and install their successors, to whom they shall deliver this Warrant and invest them with all their powers and dignities as Free Masons, and such successors shall in like manner nominate, chuse and install their successors, &c., &c., &c., such installation to be on or near St. John the Evangelist's day, during the continuance of this Lodge forever. Provided always, that the above named brethren and their successors pay due respect to the Right Worshipful Grand Ebdge from whom they have their authority. Other- wise this Warrant to be of no force or virtue. Given under our hands and the seal of the Grand Lodge at Philadelphia, this twenty-sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one, and of Masonry five thousand seven hundred and eighty-one. Wm. Smith, Grand Secretary. Upon the reverse of the minutes of the meeting, held March 30th, 1781, is endorsed the following receipt: " Received March 30th 1781 from the Worshipful Joseph Ellis New Install'd Master under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- vania Number Thirty & two, Two thousand one hundred and sixty dollars the dues to the Grand Lodge for granting their Warrant. " Jaco. Bankson. "2160 Doll'rs Con'l Curr'y." This seems to be an enormous sum to pay for a Lodge Warrant; but when it is remembered that the amount was calculated in Continental currency, and when it is ascertained, that at a subsequent period, when the Treasurer was directed to reimburse the members who had advanced the money for the Warrant, an appropriation of six pounds was only required for that purpose, the expense of the Warrant does not seem so disproportionate to the present rates. The fact is interesting to note, as shewing the extraordinary depreciation, at that time, of the Continental Currency. The minutes of No. 32', from March 30th, 1781, to December 18th, 1783, are still in existence. They show that, during that XXVI HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MASONRY period, monthly meetings were held with great regularity, and that the Lodge was so constantly occupied with Masonic Work, that emergent meetings were frequently rendered necessary. The following entries with respect to this Lodge, are found upon the minutes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Under date of December, 1781 is found the following : "No. 32 paid all dues to this day and the advance for nine Books, amounting in all to forty nine shillings & Bixpence to the Grand Trea- surer." On December 23d, 1782, the following minute appears : "No. 32 produced their proceedings and a return of the members with the dues to this day amt'g to ' £3 13 " Paid by Bro. Phillips to Bro. Young, G'd Treas 1 18 4 " Due this day from No. 32, £1 14 8 Prior to 1786, the Lodge must have become dormant; for we find upon the Journal of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of the date of June 12, 1786, the following entry: " It was reported to the Grand Lodge that the Warrant granted for holding a Lodge in the City of Burlington, No. 32, is in some persons hands in that place and is made no use of — Ordered, that the Secretary be requested to write to some Brother residing in that place and requesting him to use his endeavors to find the same and transmit it to the Grand Lodge.'' Burlington Lodge, No. 32, does not appear to have been represented at the New Brunswick Convention of 1786. The agreement, however, entered into and signed by such as were present at the Convention, was subsequently signed in behalf of No. 32, by Samuel Bullis, P. M., John How, Bethanath Hodg- kinson and James Craft. A Lodge is still in existence at Burlington which received a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and is one of the most successful and prosperous Lodges within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. It is known as No. 32, having retained upon the New Jersey Registry the number by which its pre- decessor was designated on the Registry of Pennsylvania. The pre-revolutionary Grand Lodge of New York, of which George Harrison was Grand Master, having become extinct IN NEW JERSEY. XXVll during the War of the Revolution, the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of London, on the 5th day of September, 1791, by their Warrant of that date established a Provincial Grand Lodge in the city of New York. This Warrant appointed the Rev. William Walter, Provincial Grand Master, John Stud- holme Brownrigg, Senior Grand Warden, and Rev. John Beardsley, Junior Grand Warden. The first recorded meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the cityof New York, on the 18th day of May, 1782. The record of this meeting contains the following minute : "The petition of Brother Samuel Pryers in behalf of himself and Bro's Abram Buskirk, Edward Earl, John Buskirk, Richard Cooper, Justus Earl, John Van Norden, William Lovell and John Hamwell, members of Lodge No. 169, and officers in the Third Battalion of Jersey Volunteers, praying for a Warrant to form and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, was granted." Lodge No. 169, of which the above named petitioners had formerly been members, was a local Lodge in the City of New York, working under a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons in London, before the Provincial Grand Warrant was granted to William Walter and his associates, in 1782. After the close of the War, this Lodge (No. 169) con- tinued its connection with the Grand Lodge of New York, and became " St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 7." It is now extinct. CJpon the minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge of New York, William Walter, Grand Master, under date of February 5th, 1783, is found the following entry: "Lodge No. 2, held in the 3d Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers having expressed a desire that it may be called St. George's, the same was granted." This was doubtless the same Lodge to which a Warrant was granted. May 18, 1782. At the time of the granting of this Warrant, the British troops were in possession of the City of New York ; and they remained in possession until November 25th, 1783. There can be no doubt that this Lodge was composed of Loyalists, and was connected with the British military line. Its records have been lost. It is probable that most of its members went to Nova XXYlll HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MASONBT Scotia or other British Provinces, upon the evacuation of New York. On the 2(i day of September, 1782, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (William Ball being as yet Grand Master) granted a Warrant to certain brethren of the New Jersey line in the Federal army for a Military Lodge, to be known as No. 36' The following is the minute of the action taken by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, at that date : " A petition signed by 20 Brethren Officers in the Jersey line, was read, praying for a Warrant to hold a travelling military Warrant, to be attached to the said line, "The same was unanimously granted. The proposed officers were, The Rev. Andrew Hunter for Master, Joseph J. Anderson S. W. & Capt. Aaron Ogden J. W. to be numbered No. 36." At a subsequent Communication ol the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, held December 11th, 1782, appears the following minute : "The Rev'd Andrew Ilunter was duly recommended in form to the E. W. Grand Master in the Chair, for Installation as Master of Lodge> No. 36, granted to the New Jersey Brigade, the 2d September last and was accordingly installed." The following is a copy of the Warrant granted to Brother Hunter and his associates, for the army Lodge, No. 36 : "WILLIAM BALL, Grand Master. "ALEX. RUTHERFORD, Dep. Grand Master, [l. s.] " WILLIAM ADCOCK, Sr. Grand Warden. "WILLIAM McILVAINE, Jr. Grand Warden. " To all whom it may concern " We the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons according to the Old Constitution held at Philadelphia for the Province of Pennsylvania by virtue of a Provincial Grand Warrant from the Grand Lodge of London in Great Britain, whereof then the Right Worshipful and Right Honorable Thomas Erskine Earl of Kelley, Viscount Fenton, Lord Baron of Pitten Weem &c., in Great Britain was Grand Master of Masons; The Right Wor- shipful Mr. William Osborne Deputy Grand Master ; The Right Wor- shipful Mr. William Dickey Senior Grand Warden and The Right Worshipful James Gibson Esqr. Junior Grand Warden, under their hands and the Seal of their Grand Lodge, constituting and appointing the Right Worshipful William Ball Esquire Grand Master of Masons for IN NEW JERSEY. XXIX the Province of Pennsylvania and the Territories thereunto belonging, The Right Worshipful Captain Blaithwait Jones Deputy Grand Master, ,The Eight Worshipful Mr. David Hall Senior Grand Warden and the Right Worshipful Mr. Hugh Lennox Junior Grand Warden authorizing and empowering them and their successors to grant Dispensations, Warrants, or Constitutions for the forming holding and governing Lodges within their jurisdiction, as by the said Warrant bearing date the twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred sixty and four, and of Masonry, Five thousand seven hundred sixty and four reference being thereunto had may more at large appear. " Now Know Ye, that we William Ball Grand Master, Alexander Ruth- erford Deputy Grand Master, William Adcock Senior Warden and Wil- liam Mcllvaine Junior Grand Warden present and legal successors to the above named Provincial Grand officers, as by the Grand Lodge Books may appear, by virtue of the power to us granted by the above in part recited Warrant, do hereby authorize and empower our trusty and well beloved Brethren, The Reverend Andrew Hunter (present Chaplain to the New Jersey Brigade) Master, Captain Joseph Insley Anderson Senior Warden, and Captain Aaron Ogden Junior Warden of anew traveling Lodge Number Thirty-six to be held in the respective Cantonments of the aforesaid New Jersey Brigade and not elsewhere, and we do further authorize and empower our said Brethren the Rev. Andrew Hunter, Master, Captain Joseph Insley Anderson Senior Warden and Captain Aaron Ogden Junior Warden to admit and make Free Masons according to the most Ancient and Honorable Custom of the Royal Craft in all ages and Nations thro'out the known world and not contrarywise (and this Grand Lodge doth by the Powers vested in them strictly enjoin and require that no citizens be initiated under the said traveling warrant Number thirty-six while in the vicinity of any Lodge of Ancient Free Masons within the United States of America excepted only when Special Dispensations shall be granted for the purpose aforesaid by the Grand Master, or in his absence by the Deputy Grand Master of such Grand Lodge wheresoever this Lodge may be convened,) and we do further empower and appoint our said Brethren and their successors to hear and determine all and singular matters and things relating to the Craft within the jurisdiction of Lodge No. 36, and lastly we do hereby authorize and empower our said trusty and well beloved Brethren, The Rev. Andrew Hunter, Captain Joseph Insley Anderson, Senior Warden, and Captain Aaron Ogden Junior Warden, to nominate choose and install their' successors to whom they shall deliver this warrant and invest them with all their powers and dignities as Free Masons, and such successors shall in like manner nominate chuse and install their successors &c. &c. &o. such installation to be upon or near St. John the Evangelist's day during the continuance of this Lodge, Provided always that the above named Brethren and their XXX HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONRY successors pay due respect to the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge from whom they have their authority otherwise this warrant to be of no force or virtue. " Given under our hands and the Seal of the Grand Lodge at Philadelphia this Second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two — And of Masonry Five thousand seven hundred and eighty-two. " Joseph Howell Jcn. Dep. Gd. Secretary. " Chas. Young, Gd. Treasurer." In 1784, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, by resolution, called in all the Army Warrants, ■which had been issued by that Grand Lodge. In consequence of this action of the Grand Lodge, the Warrant of No. 36 was duly surrendered, as appears by the following minute of the date of December 20th, 1784. " The Grand Secretary reported that he had received Travelling War- rant No. 29, of the Pennsylvania line and No. 36, of the Jersey line." No records of No. 36, are now known to be in existence. A careful search in the records and files of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania fails to disclose any reference to this Lodge except what is cited above. The Lodge does not appear to have been represented at the New Brunswick Convention, at which the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was formed. As No. 36, was the only Masonic Lodge in the New Jersey line of the Federal Army, of which there remains any tangible record, a brief biographical sketch of the brethren to whom the Warrant was granted, so far as the materials at hand for that purpose will permit, may not be uninteresting to the Craft. Diligent enquiry has failed to disclose any information with reference to Capt. Joseph Inslee Anderson, the Senior Warden. The Rev. Andrew Hunter, Chaplain in the American army and Master of Lodge No. 36, was a son of the Rev. Andrew Hunter, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, Cumberland county, New Jersey. He belonged to an influ- ential family, distinguished in the early annals of New Jersey. He married a daughter of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and one of his sons became Attorney General of New Jersey. Massachusetts is not the only State of the original thirteen which carried its opposition to the tax on tea so far as to IN NEW JERSEY. XXXI destroy the article taxed. New Jersey claims to divide that honor. When the excitement in the Colonies on this subject was rife, the captains of several tea ships destined for Philadel- phia, deeming it unsafe to attempt to land their cargoes at that port, put back and most of them returned to England. One of the ships, however, the Greyhound, ventured up the Cohansey, and discharged at Greenwich^ the birthplace and residence of Chaplain Hunter. The cargo was landed without resistance and deposited in the cellar of a house fronting on the market place. On the evening of the 22d day of November, 1744, a party of about forty men assembled and made a raid upon the tea. The chests and contents having been removed to an adjoining field, were piled together, and entirely consumed by fire. Some of the names of this adventurous company have been handed down to us. Among them we find the name of Chaplain Andrew Hunter, the subjeet of this sketch*- After the war. Brother Hunter became a Chaplain in the Navy, and died at Washihgtop, in February, 1823, at the age of seventy-five years. Captain Aaron Ogden, the Junior Warden, was born at Blizabethtown, on the 3d of December, 1756, and was graduated at Nassau Hall, Princeton, in 1773. He received a commission in the Spring of 1777, in the First New Jersey Regiment, and continued in that service till the close of the war. He took part in many of the prominent engagements of that conflict^ among which were the battles of Brandy wine and Monmouth, in 1778, and the battle of Springfield, New Jersey, in 1780. He enjoyed the confidence of General Washington, and was en- trusted by him with responsible and delicate commissions. He afterwards accompanied Lafayette in his campaign in Yirginia, and was present at the siege of Yorktown, where his gallant conduct won great commendatiou.t After the war. Captain Ogden devoted himself to the pro- fession of the law and acquired a high position at the Bar of his native state. He was the recipient of several honorable and * Field's Provincial Courts of New Jersey. f Hayden's " Washington and his Masonic Compeers." XXXll HISTORICAL SKETCH OP MASONET. responsible positions at the hands of his fellow citizens, and in 1812 he was elected Governor of New Jersey. He died in 1839, at the age of eighty-three years. There is no record, so far as known, of the time or place, when and where either Chaplain Hunter or Captain Ogden was made a Mason. Thus has heen collected, and is here presented, all the infor- mation which diligent research has been able to furnish, with reference to Masonry in New Jersey prior to 1786. The sketch has proved to be, as its compiler anticipated, little more than a skeleton. The leading facts herein stated are gathered from documentary records, and are, it is thought, reliable. The absence of the records and minutes of the subordinate Lodges, extracts from which would have added interest to the sketch, is greatly to be regretted. That many of such records, and es- pecially those of No. 10, are still in existence, in some old garret or in some forgotten nook or corner, the compiler has no doubt. It is hoped that the presentation 6f this sketch, and its manifest insuflSciency, may induce further research and eventuate in ad- ditional information. In closing this sketch, the compiler begs to acknowledge his obligations to Bro. Sidney Hayden, and to his " Washington and his Masonic Compeers," (a work of great research and interest) for valuable information ; and to the Grand Secretaries of Penn- sylvania, New York and Connecticut, for fraternal courtesies in connection herewith. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. New Brunswick, A. C. 1786, A, M. 5786. I'ursuaut to notice given for that purpose, a Convention of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey was this day holden, at the city of New Brunswick, for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lo«lge in the said State, when the follow- ing instrument was drawn up and unanimously agreed upon and signed by the members of the said Convention, to wit: STATE OP NEW JERSEY, IN AMERICA. Neiv Brunswick, December 18th, 5786. The underwritten, being Master Masons, as every of them find upon strict trial and due examination, and residing in the State of New Jersey, taking into consideration the propriety and necessity of forming a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, do hereby unanimously nominate and elect the following Master Masons to the several offices following, to wit: The Hon. DAVID BREARLEY, Esq., Chief Justice of New Jersey- Sight Worshipful Grand Master. The Hon. ROBERT LETTIS HOOPER, Vice President of New Jersey — Deputy Grand Master. WILLIAM LBDDLE, Esq., late High Sheriff of Morris— Senior Grand Warden. DANIEL MARSH, Esq., Representative in the Assembly of New Jersey — Junior Grand Warden. JOHN NOBLE CUMMING, Esq., late Colonel in the Army of the United States — Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Jun., Esq., Clerk of the General Assembly of New Jersey — Deputy Grand Secretary. JOSHUA CORSflON, Esq., High Sheriff of Hunterdon— Grand Treasurer. To continue in said several offices till the Anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, which will be in the year of Masonry, 5787, on which day the officers of the Grand Lodge shall be elected, or continue in office till ^ GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. others are elected, the said Grand Lodge and their successors to be a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be called and known by the name of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and to exercise the powers and duties of a Grand Lodge, in as full and ample a manner as any Grand Lodge in the world. And we the underwritten, do hereby solemnly promise and engage to support the said Grand Lodge to the utmost of our power, and also to deliver up and cause to be delivered up to the said Grand Lodge, upon their being installed, all warrants and dispensations for Lodges in our possession under other jurisdictions, hereby authorizing the said Grand Lodge and their successors to form as well, rules and regulations for the government of the said Grand Lodge, as the By-Laws for the Lodges constituted by the said Grand Lodge and their successors, with the assis- tance of the representatives of the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of the said Grand Lodge. The By-Laws of every Lodge to be in all things the same ; Provided always, that every Lodge shall have the privilege of appointing the time and place of their meeting. Subscribed, WILLIAM McKISSACK, Master of Lodge K o. 10, as by the warrant constituting said Lodge, and filed herewith, will appear. MEMBERS OF SAID LODGE. JOHl^ TAYLOR, Senior Warden, JOHN STEPHENSON, Junior Warden, SILAS STILES, Senior Deacon, ELISHA TAYLOE, Junior Deacon, WILLIAM LEDDELL, Past Master, J. Corshon, .John Armstrong, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Thomas Gardner, Robert Gaston, Thomas Bullman, Isaac Pierson, Stanton Latham, Peter Davis, Barnabas Murphy. The several persons who signed this association, were present at the Convention : James Hude, of Lodge 190, as by dispensation filed herewith. John Richmond, of the same Lodge. Patrick Dennis, of St. John's Lodge, No 2, of Philadelphia, as by cer- tificate produced. Moses Ogden, of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, N. J., as by examination. Daniel Marsh, " " " 2, N. Y., " J. N. Gumming, " " " 19, Penn'a, " Wm. Tuttle, " " " 8, N. Y., " Ephraim Martin, by examination. Joseph Bloomfield, P. M. of Lodge No. 25, Bristol, Pennsylvania, as by certificate. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 3 Maskell Ewing, of Lodge No. 25, Bristol, Pennsylvania, as by certifi- cate. The following persons came forward after the Convention and sub- ••ecribed their names: John How, of Lodge No. 32, Burlington, as by examination. Bethanath Hodgkinson, of Lodge No. 32, Burlington, as by examination. James Craft, " " 32, " " " Samuel Bullis, P. M. " " 32, " " " John Hollinshead, of Lodge 19, Pennsylvania, as by certificate. William Peter Sprague, P. M. of Duke of Athol's Lodge, No. 74, as by ■certificate. F. AVm. Shippen, of Lodge No. 9, Pennsylvania, as per examination. We the underwritten, do agree to the above. Witness our hands, this thirteenth day of January, 5787 : Ebenezer Blatchley, Junior Past Master of Lodge No. 10. Eichard Lloyd, of Lodge No. 1, City of Albany. James Taylor, of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. Jonathan Ehea, of Lodge No. 19, Thomas Proctor, Master. Benjamin Freeman, Jr., of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. John Dennis, of Lodge No. 1, N. Y. John Brittin, of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. Hezekiah Stites Woodruff, of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. John Da Van, of Lodge No. 1, N. Y. Thomas Reading. ■James Da Van, of Lodge No. 25, Liverpool, England. Daniel Pierson, of Lodge No. 5, Boston. Francis Hadley, of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. Oliver Barnet, of Lodge No. 10, Pennsylvania. Robert L. Hooper, of Lodge No. 2. Aaron Dickinson Woodruff', of Lodge No. 25, Bristol Pennsylvania, as bj certificate. JANUARY SESSION, 1787. New Brunswick, 30th Jan., A. C. 1787, A. M. 5787. Pursuant to notice given, by order of the Grand Master elect, .a Convention of Free and Accepted Masons this day met in the ■city of New Brunswick for the purpose of installing the Grand •Officers and opening of the Grand Lodge. 4: GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. PRESENT. The Ro^. DAVID BREARLEY, Grand Master. The Hon. ROBERT L. HOOPER, Deputy Grand Master.- Wil. LEDDELL, Esq., Senior Grand "Warden. ' DANIEL MARSH, Esq., Junior Grand >\^arden. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWIXG, Esq., Deputy Grand Sec'y. JOSHUA CORSHON, Esq., Grand Treasurer. William McKissack, Isaac Piereon, Francis Hadley, Thomas Gardner, Jonathan Rhea, Daniel Pierson, John Stephenson, James Hude, James Da Van, John Armstrong, John Da Van, Hezekiah S. Woodruff,. John Taylor, James Taylor, Elisha Taylor, John Brittin, Alex. Kirkpatrick, John Dennis, Thomas Bullman, Benj. Freeman, Patrick Dennis, Peter Davis, Richard Lloyd, Ebenezer Blachley, Oliver Barnel, William Tuttle, Moses Ogden, James Pitney, Thomas Reading, Ebenezer Drake, Barnabas Murphy, Tyler, all Master Masons. Whereupon a Master Masons' Lodge was opened in due form. The proceedings of the late Convention were read by the Secretary, after which the Grand Master elect, was in the usual manner, conducted into the Lodge, honorably seated in the chair, and regularly installed Grand Master of Masons for New Jersey. The Deputy Grand Master, the Senior Grand Warden, the- Junior Grand ^Varden, the Grand Secretary, the Deputy Grand Secretary and the Grand Treasurer, were all likewise regularly installed, and took their seats accordingly. An address was then delivered by the Grand Master. Agreeable to petition from sundry Master Masons in Newark,. Elizabethtown, Bedminster, Morristown and Monmouth, to the Grand Lodge, the Right Worshipful Grand Master was pleased to grant dispensations for the term of three months, at which term warrants will issue, to wit : To Brother Moses Ogden, for holding a Lodge in Newark; to Brother William McKissack,. for Bedminster, in the County of Somerset; the Honorable Brother Elias Dayton, for Elizabethtown ; to Brother John. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 5 ■Jacob Paesch, for Morristown; and Brother Joiiatlian Rhea, for Monmouth. It is ordered that in the Lodges under this jurisdiction, the -sum of twelve dollars be paid for initiation and one dollar to the Tyler, six dollars to be paid at the time of petitioning and the remainder, on being entered an apprentice. But if a special Lodge is called to initiate, then the applicant is also to pay the ■expenses of the night. The Grand Lodge adjourned to Monday, tlie second day of April, next, then to meet at Trenton. MASKELL EWING, B. G. S. APRIL SE3SI0X, 1787. Trenton, 2d April, A. 0. 1787, A. M. 5787. Agi-eeable to adjournment at the last sitting, deputies from the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge attended and a Master Masons' Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. The R. W. DAVID BREARLEY, Grand Master. DANIEL MARSH, Esq., Jun. Grand Warden. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Deputy Grand Sec'v. JOSHUA CORSHON, Esq., Treasurer. John Stevenson, J. W., Morristown. William McKiesack, M., James Henry, J. W., Bedminster. Jonathan Rhea, M., Richard Lloyd, S. W., Thomas Leland, J. W., Monmouth. Aaron D. Woodruff, Esq., Alexander Vass, Barnes H. Smock, Anthony Reckless, Simeon Bayley, Thomas Cullen. A motion was made that the sum of ten pounds should be paid by every Lodge to the Grand Lodge for a warrant. The ques- tion being put, it was carried in the affirmative. A motion was made that every member of a constituted Lodge «ader this Grand Lodge, shall pay one shilling quarterly to the -Charity Fund of the same, to which the Lodge agreed. b GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. A motion was made that every Lodge under the jurisdiction: of this Lodge, for every member initiated, pay to the Grand Lodge, at their next meeting thereafter, the sum of five shillings, and being put, it was carried in the affirmative. Agreed, that the Lodge at Bedminster, in the county of Som- erset, be Lodge No. 1, and that the other Lodges ballot for their numbers, which being done, Newark drew No. 2 ; Monmouth , No. 3; Morristown, No. 4; Elizabeth town, No. 5., whereupon. Ordered, That the Lodge at Bedminster be Lodge Ko. 1 ; Newark, No. 2; Monmouth, No. 3 ; Morristown, No. 4; and Elizabethtown, No. 5. Ordered, That the several dispensations issued 31st January last, to the Lodge at Elizabethtown, Bedminster and Morristown, Monmouth and Newaak, for three months, be enlarged to the further term of three months. The dispensation issued 31st January last, to the Lodge at Elizabethtown, Bedminster and Morristown, were returned. Ordered, That a dispensation be issued to Brother William McKissack, at Somerset, Brother John Da Van, for Master of the Lodge at Elizabeth- town, Brother "William Tuthill, at Morris. The Grand Lodge adjourned to meet at Trenton, the 3d day of July next. JULY SESSION, 1787. Trexton, July 3, A. C. 1787, A. M. 5787. Agreeable to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. The ^\. ROBERT LETTIS HOOPER, Deputy Grand Master, in the chair. Major RICHARD LLOYD, Sen. Grand Warden, p. t. DANIEL MARSH, Esq., Jun. Grand Warden. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Deputy Grand Sec'y^ JOSHUA CORSHON, Esq., Treasurer. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 7 Brother John Gumming, Newark Lodge, No. 2. Brother Jonathan Rhea and Brother Richard Lloyd, Monmouth Lodge, No. 3. Aaron D. Woodruft", Esq., Anthony Eecklees, ThomaR Bullman, John Hollinshead, Esq. , ' Application having been made by petition to this Grand Lodge by the members of a Lodge held under a dispensation in the county of Monmouth, for a warrant to be issued to Brother Jonathan Ehea Esq., Master, Major Richard Lloyd, S. W., and Mr. Thomas Leland, J. W. Ordered, That a warrant be issued agreeably to the above application, for a Lodge to be hereafter held in the county of Monmouth, to be dis- tinguished by the name of Trinity Lodge, No. 3; Brother Ehea having paid the Treasurer the sum of £10, Ss, Od, agreeable to the rule, for a war- rant and one member who has been initiated. Application having been made by petition to this Grand Lodge by the members of a Lodge held under a dispensation in Newark, in the county of Essex, for a warrant to be issued to Brother Moses Ogden, Master, James H. Maxwell, S. W., and Jeremiah Brewen, J. W., Ordered, That a warrant do issue, agreeably to the above application, for a Lodge to be hereafter held at Newark, in the county of Essex, to be distinguished by the name of St. John's Lodge, No. 2; Brother Gum- ming, in behalf of the said Lodge, having paid the Treasurer the sum of £10, 68, Od, for the warrant, one initiation, and one shilling to the Charity Fund, being his own dues. Brother Gumming returned the dispensation which was issued the 31st January last, to Brother Moses Ogden, of Newark, which was ordered to-be cancelled, and cancelled accordingly. Brother Rhea returned the dispensation which was issued to him the 2d April last, which was cancelled per order. The Worshipful Deputy Grand Master laid before the Lodge a letter to him from the Right Worshipful David Brearley, Grand Master, now in the Federal Convention at Philadelphia, apologizing for his non-attendance, which was read and filed. The D. G. M. laid before the Lodge a letter from Brother William McKissack, praying that a warrant may be sent to him agreeably to a petition formerly presented to the Grand Lodge ; his dispensation not being returned and no deputation attending. 8 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Ordered, That a warrant be made out agreeably to the said petition, and delivered to Brother Corshon ; that he deliver the same to Brother McKissack or his order, upon receipt of the dispensation and dues there- for, agreeably to the order and rule. The* Worshipful laid before the Lodge a letter from Brother William Leddell, S. W., apologizing for his non-attendance, ■whi_ch was deemed satisfactory. No representation having appeared from Lodge No. 4, and a petition having been presented for a warrant in April last, Ordered, That the warrant be made out and deposited with the Treasu- rer, to be delivered to Brother William Tuttle or his order, upon the re- ceipt of the dues and the dispensation heretofore granted. The Lodge adjourned until to-morrow morning. 8 of the clock. Trenton, July 4, A. C. 1787, A. M. 5787. The Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. Same brothers present as yesterday; also Brothers General David Forman, Jeremiah Brewen, Almarin Brooks, Joseph Bloomfield, Esq. A Master Masons' Lodge was opened in due form. A petition was presented signed by a number of Master Masons in the county of Bergen, and town of Hackensack, pray- ing that a warrant may be issued to Robert Neil as Master of a Lodge in said town, which was ordered to be filed and a com- mittee consisting of Brothers Marsh, Moses Ogden and Jeremiah Brewen, appointed to enquire into the character of the pe- titioners and report to the Grand Lodge at. their next sitting. The Lodge adjourned until 6 o'clock this evening. 6 O'CLOCK P. M. The Grand Lodge met. Present as in the morning. The Lodge proceeded to the installation of Brother Jonathan Rhea, Esq., as Master of Lodge No. 3, to be held in the county of Monmouth, which was performed with the usual solemnities. The Lodge was closed to meet on Thursday nest preceding St. John the Evangelist's day, which will be in December next, at the city of New Brunswick. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 9 DECEMBER SESSION, 1787. New Brunswick, Dec. 20, A. C. 1787, A. M. 5787. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. The Hon. W. ROBERT L. HOOPER, Deputy Grand Master in the chair. WILLIAM LEDDLE, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. Dr. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. John Porter, Somerset Lodge, No. 1. Moses Ogden, Jeremiah Brewen, James II. Maxwell, Newark Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Rhea, Esq., Gen. David Forman, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. William Tuthill, Morristown Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, Esq., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Walton White, Esq., Archibald Mercer, Esq., Mr. David Aird. Application having been made by petition to this Grand Lodge by the associated bretheren of New Barbadoes, in the county of Bergen, and the report of the committee of the last sitting recommending the same, Ordered, That a warrant be issued agreeably to the above application, for a Lodge to be hereafter held in the county of Bergen, to be distinguished and known by the name of the Union Lodge, No. 6, under the following officers, to wit: Brother Robert Neil, Esq., Master, William M. Bell, Senior Warden, Nehemiah Wade, Esq., Counsellor at Law, Junior War- den, and that the Grand Secretary deliver the said warrant to Brother Robert Neil upon receipt of the fees therefor, agreeably to the rules made for that purpose. Application having been made by petition to this Grand Lodge by the members of a Lodge held under a dispensation in Trenton, in the county of Hunterdon, for a warrant to be issued to Brother Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, Esq,, Master, Thomas Bullman, Senior Warden and Anthony Reckless, Junior Warden, ^he dispensation being cancelled. 10 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Ordered, That a warrant do issue agreeably to the above application, for a Lodge to be hereafter held in Trenton, in the county of Hunterdon, to be distinguished by the name of Trentan Lodge, No. 5, and that a warrant be delivered to Brother Corshon, to be delivered to Brother Woodruff or his order, upon receipt of the fees, agreeably to order and rule. A petition signed by Brother David Aird and others, praying that a warrant may be granted to David Aird and others men- tioned in said petition, Ordered, That Brothers John Taylor, Joshua Corshon and Richard Lloyd Esq., or any two of them, be a committee to enquire into the char- acter of the persons mentioned in said petition and to enquire whether the warrant under which Captain Bray and others mentioned in the petition were made, be a regular warranted Lodge. Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the committee, and also a copy to Brother Aird. The Grand Lodge proceeded agreeably to the Constitution, to elect Grand OflBicers for the ensuing year, when the following Grand Officers were chosen : The Hox. DAVID BREARLEY, Grand Master. The Hon. ROBERT L. HOOPER, Deputy Grand Master. WILLIAM LEDDLE, Esq., Sen. Grand Warden. CoL. JOHN TAYLOR, Jun. Grand Warden. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Deputy Grand Secretary. ARCHIBALD MERCER, Esq., Grand Treasurer. Ordefed, That Joshua Corshon, Esq., our late worthy Grand Treasurer, deliver up on the 23d day of June next, at I^ew Brunswick, the vouchers and money that may then remain in his hands, to Archibald Mercer, Esq., Grand Treasurer. Ordered, That a grand procession of the Lodges of New Jersey in Grand Lodge, do assemble at New Brunswick, on the 24th of June next, and that Brother Joseph Bloomfield and Maskell Ewing, Esqrs., do invite our worthy and Eeverend Brother Hunter to give us a sermon on that day, and if he cannot attend, that they request the same from Mr. Monteath, and if he declines, they invite Dr. Smith, of Princeton, and if he declines, that they may invite who they may think proper. Ordered, That a copy of this resolulion with an urgent request, be trans- mitted to the Masters of the different Lodges and that the procession be^ GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 11 advertised in the public papers of New Jersey, at least one month previous to the 24th of June, being John the Baptist's day. The Lodge was closed to meet on Monday, the 24th of June next, at White Hall, in the city of New Brunswick. JUNE SESSION, 1788. New Brunswick, June 23, A. C. 1788, A. M. 5788. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met and was opened in due form. PRESENT. The W. Hon. DAVID BREARLBY, Grand Master. The Hon. ROBERT L. HOOPER, Deputy Grand Master. WILLIAM LBDDLE, Esq., Sen. Grand Warden. CoL. JOHN TAYLOR, Jun. Grand Warden. JOHN N. GUMMING, Esq., Grand Secretary. JOSHUA CORSHON, Esq., G. Treasurer, p. t. William McKissack, Master, Somerset Lodge, No. 1. Moses Ogden, Master, Newark Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Ehea, Esq., Master, Monmouth Lodge, No. 3. John Stephenson, Morristown Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, Esq., Master, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Eobert Neil, Esq., Master, Haokensack Lodge, No. 6. David Aird, Master, Kingwood Lodge, No. 7. BEETHREN ADMITTED AS VISITORS. John Armstrong, William Linn, Esq., James H. Maxwell, John Reading, Richard Lloyd, Esq., Elisha Lawrence, Thomas Barber, fiBenjamin Rogers, SOMERSET LODGE. Elisha Taylor, Joseph Henry, NEWARK LODGE. Jeremiah Brewen, William Kearsey, MONMOUTH LODGE. Barnes Smock, David Ehea, Benajah Osman, William Lloyd, Oliver Barnet, Esq., John Porter. William Burnet, Esq. Kemble, Tyler. James English, Gen. David Forman, James Eogers, Esq., A. Lane, Tyler. 12 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. TRENTON LODGE. ReT. William Frazier, Aaron Dunham, Esq., Antliony EecVdese, Tliomas Bullman, Ponteus Delnre Stelle, William Tindall. HACKENSACK LODGE. Nehemiali Wade, Esq., John Van Buren, Samuel Beading, Francis Robeneau. KINGWOOD LODGE. Archibald Campbell, Elijah Eittenhouse, John Devan, James Giles, Esq., Samuel Hay, John Richmond, Garret Sickles, John Dennis, Esq., Blakeley, John Watt, Hon. John C. Symmes, Jonathan Woolverton, Daniel Bray, John Snyder. TISITIXG BRETHTEN". James Heede, Esq., Samuel Seeley, Daniel Marsh, Esq., Hardenbrook, Robert Tingley. Applications being made by two petitions, one signed Da^id Aird, Jonathan "Woolverton and David Bray, and one signed by Thomas Anderson, Samuel Kennedy, John Holmes, &c., praying that warrants do issue to them for holding Lodges, Ordered, That a warrant do issue to David Aird, Master, Jonathan Woolverton, Senior Warden, and Daniel Bray, Junior Warden, for a Lodge to be hereafter held in the township of Kingwood and county of Hunterdon, to be known and distinguished by the name of Unity Lodge, Ko. 7, and according to order the warrant was delivered to Brother Aird, and the dues received, agreeably to order and rule. Ordered, That a warrant do issue agreeably to petition, for a Lodge to be hereafter held in N^ewtown, in the county of Susse.x, to Thomas Ander- son, Esq., Master, Samuel Kennedy, Senior Warden, and John Holmes, Junior Warden, which Lodge is to be known and distinguished by the name of Harmony Lodge, Ne. 8. Xo blank warrants being on hand, a dispensation was given until the warrant be made out. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge a letter from Brother Maskell Ewing, Esq., Deputy Grand Secretary of this Lodge, apologizing for his non-attendance, which was read and deemed satisfactory. Ordered, That a committee, consisting of Brothers Devan, Woodruff and Gumming, meet to-morrow morning, at 7 o'clock, and make out tha order of procession. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 13 Ordered, That the daes from the different Lodges be paid on to-morrow morning, at 7 o'clock to Brother Corshon, and to be accounted for by him to the Grand Treasurer. The Lodge adjourned till to-morrow morning, at 9 o'clock. June 24, 5788. The Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. A letter from the Committee of Correspondence appointed by the Grand Lodge of the state of Virginia, desiring a friendly communication, from time to time, of such matters as may be for the general good of the Craft, was read. Ordered, That Maskell Ewing, Esq., Deputy Grrand Secretary of this Lodge, Brothers Aaron Dickinson Woodruff and Aaron Dunham, Esq., be a Committee of Correspondence, and that they write to the several Grand Lodges of the United States of America, recommending a friendly communication, from time to time, of such matters as may be conducive to the honor and prosperity of the Craft. Ordered, That the said letter be filed, and that the said Committee of Correspondence answer the same. Ordered, That the procession recommended by the committee, and now before the Lodge, be adopted, and commence at 12 o'clock. The Lodge adjourned until 8 o'clock, P. M. The Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. Ordered, That a committee, consisting of Brothers John Dennis, Wil- liam Leddle and John Taylor, do wait on the Eev. Mr. Monteath, and return him the thanks of this Lodge for his very excellent sermon, preached this day, at the particular request of the Grand Lodge, and that a copy of the sermon be requested for publication. A Stewards' Lodge being ordered, the Lodge closed in due form to meet at Newark, in the county of Essex, on Tuesday, the 30th of December next. DECEMBER SESSION, 1788. Newark, Dec. 30, A. C. 1788, A. M. 5788. Areeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons' Lodge was opened in due form. 14 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. PRESENT. Hox. & R. W. DAYID BSEARLEY, Esq., G. Master. WM. LEDDELL Esq., Sen. G. Warden. JAS. H. MAXWELL, Esq., Jun. G. Warden, p. t. JOHN X. GUMMING. Esq., G. Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Deputy G. Secretary. JOSHUA CORSHON, Esq., Past G. Treasurer. STANTON LATHERN, Senior Deacon. FRANCIS ROBINOE, Junior Deacon. No representation from Somerset Lodge, No. 1. Moses Ogden, Master, Dr. William Burnet, Jr., Junior Warden, James H. Maxwell, John GifFord, Newark Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Ehea, Esq., Master, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. Joseph Morgan, Master, Thomas Kinny, Senior Warden, Morristown Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dickinson "U'oodruff, Esq., Master, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Dr. John Van Bueren, Master, Capt. William Bell, Senior Warden, Nehemiah Wade, Esq., Junior Warden, Union Lodge, No. 6. Capt. Daniel Bray, Senior Warden, Kingwood Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Past MiSTERS — Daniel Marsh, Esq., Kobert Niel, Esq., John Davan, Esq., Daniel Pierson. Hon. Jona. Dayton, Esq., Capt. Aaron Ogden, Mr. Ezekiel Ball, Mr. Joseph King, Mr. Joshua Seeley. The Honorable and Right Worshipful David Brearley, Esq.. Chief Justice of New Jersey, was re-appointed, unanimously. Grand Master. The Honorable Robert L. Hooper, Esq., was appointed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master. Brother William Leddell, Esq., begged that some other person might be appointed to take the seat as Senior Warden. There- upon, John Noble Cumming, Esq. was unanimously apppointed Senior Grand Warden. John Beatty, Esq. was unanimously appointed Junior Grand Warden. Joshua Corshon, Esq. was unanimously appointed Treasurer to the Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 15 Maskell Ewing, Esq. was unanimously appointed Secretary to this Lodge. The Right Worshipful Grand Master laid before the Lodge a report from Hiram Lodge, No. 4, stating : A complaint against Dr. William Leddell, for assaulting Joseph King, a member of that Lodge, in the house where the Lodge sat, upon which charge the said Lodge proceeded to hear the allegations of the parties, and after considering impartially thereon, it was agreed that the said William Leddell be suspended the said Lodge ; which charge being read, the said William Leddell attended and informed the Lodge that he desired to appeal and be heard, to justify himself against the said order of Lodge No. 4. Whereupon, The Lodge proceeded to hear the parties, and thereupon, Besolved, That the proceedings of the said Lodge No. 4, are approved by this Lodge, and that the said Lodge be requested to continue the said suspension until the said Dr. Leddell shall appear to them to be worthy of membership. Daniel Pierson, formerly a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 4, presented his appeal to this Lodge from the sentence of expul- sion made in the said Lodge No. 4, but it appearing that the said Lodge had no notice of the appeal, therefore, Ordered, That it be referred to the next meeting of this Lodge, and that, ia the meantime, he serve the said Hiram Lodge, No. 4, with due notice. Mesolved, That no person be admitted to vote as a representive from any Lodge in this state until the dues of the Lodge of which he is a member, be fully paid; neither shall any person be admitted to vote as a repre- sentative from any Lodge, unless he produce a copy of the minutes of hia appointment, taken from the minutes of the Lodge of which he is a mem- ber, and certified by the Secretary. On motion. Ordered, That Brothers John Beatty, Maskell Ewing and Aaron Dick- inson Woodruff, be appointed a committee of this Lodge, to make out and report at the next meeting a Code of By-Laws for the same. On motion, Ordered, That the officers of all private Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall, at each half yearly meeting, deliver an exact list of the names, titles and occupations of the officers and members, to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge, and the representatives of each Lodge, together with the usual times and places of meeting. 16 GRAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. A motion was made and seconded, that no Mason be admitted to vote in Grand Lodge, unless he be a representative from a Lodge, a Past Master, or one who was a Master Mason, and who was present at the Convention for constituting and establishing this Grand Lodge, to which the Lodge Agreed. The Worshipful Grand Master, in his place, delivered an ad- dress to the Lodge, a copy of which was reqested to be furnished the Grand Secretary, to which he agreed. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary employ a clerk to make a fair copy of the said address, to be forwarded by him to the Master of each Lodge under this jurisdiction, and lay the expense thereof before the Lodge, for payment. The Lodge closed in due form to meet at Trenton, on Friday, the third day of July next. JCLY" SESSION, 1789. Trexton, July 3, 5789. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Lodge met and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. Hon. & R. W. DAA'ID BREARLEY, Esq., G. Master. Dr. Wil. McKISSACK, Esq., Sen. G. Warden, p. t. JAMES H. MAXWELL, Jun. G. Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWIXG, G. Secretary. SAMUEL W. STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Deacon. AARON DUNHAM, Esq., Junior Deacon. William McKisaack, Master, Solomon Lodge, No. 1. James H. Maxwell, Master, Jeremiah Brewen, Senior Warden, John N. Gumming, St. John's Lodge, Xo. 2. Jonathan Ehea, Master, David Forman, Junior Warden, James E. English, Treasurer, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. Thomas Kinney, Senior Warden, Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron D. Woodruff, Master, Thomas Bullman, Senior Warden, Isaac DeCou, Junior Warden, Trenton Lodge, No 5. Jacob Snyder, Secretary, Unity Lodge, No. 7. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 17 Thomas Anderson, Master, John Holmes, Junior Warden, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Past Master— Joseph Bloomfield, Esq. William Lowrey, Esq., Sheriff Hunterdon Co., Dr. Nicholas Belleville, Charles Tompkins, Richard Howell, Maj. Benjamin Ledger. The Worshipful Robert Lettice Hooper, Esq., who was ap- pointed Deputy Grand Master at the last meeting, now attended and was installed and in due form conducted to and placed in the chair as Deputy Grand Master of Masons in New Jersey. John Noble Gumming, appointed at the last meeting. Senior Grand Warden, now attended, was installed in due form, con- ducted to and placed in the chair as Senior Grand Warden of this Lodge. Dr. John Beatty, who was appointed at the last meeting Junior Grand Warden, now attended, was installed in due form, conducted to and placed in the chair as Junior Grand Warden of this Lodge. William McKissick, Master of Lodge No. 1, made an apology for that Lodge not being represented at the last Communication, which was deemed satisfactory. Thomas Anderson, Master of Lodge No. 8, made the like apology for the Lodge over which he presides, which was also deemed satisfactory. Ordered, That the Secretary make a note in the margin of the minutes, where the original Association is recorded, showing who were present at the original formation of this Grand Lodge. On motion, Ordered, That Brothers Jonathan Ehea, Aaron D. Woodruff and Gen. David Forman, be appointed a committee of this Lodge to inspect the Treasurer's accounts, settle the same and make report this afternoon. Brother Aaron D. WoodrufT, from the Committee of Cor- respondence appointed at New Brunswick, June 23, 5788, reported that the Committee had written letters to several of the Grand Lodges in the United States and had received an answer thereto from the Grand Lodge of Georgia, which he read and laid before the Lodge. Ordered, That the same be filed. The Lodge adjourned 'till 3 o'clock, P. M. 2 18 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Lodge met. Brother Aaron D. Woodruff, of the committee appointed in the forenoon, reported that they had examined the accounts of the Treasurer, and that he had stated to them that for want of returns from the Lodges, he had not been enabled to state the accounts with the individual Lodges, whereupon. On motion, Ordered, That each and every Lodge under the juriadiction of this Grand Lodge, do within forty days, make an exact and particular return of the members of their respective Lodges since the 30th of January, 5787, to the Secretary and Treasurer of this Lodge, noting those who had been entered and the time of their initiation, those that have joined the Lodge that were Ancient Masons, the time of their admission, and such as have since- declined or are not now atttending, that the Treasurer may thereby be en abled to open an account against each individual Lodge and thereby ascer' tain the dues from them, and that the Secretary may be enabled to make a like account to check the accounts of the Treasurer, and that the said Lodges do make a like return half-yearly. On motion, Ordered, That the words Code of By-Laws in the 4th line of the 18th page, be expunged, and the words General Regulations inserted in their place. The Eight Worshipful Grand Master laid before the Lodge an extract from the minutes of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, setting forth that they had appointed a committee to prepare a room for the accommodation of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the thanks of this Lodge be returned to Lodge K^o. 5, for their polite attention to the Grand Lodge. The Lodge closed to meet at Freehold, in the county of Mon- mouth, on the first Tuesday in January next. JAXCARY SESSIOX, 1790. Freehold, January 5, 5790. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 19 PRESENT. Hon. & W. JOHN BEATTY, J. G. W., who presided as Grand Master, p. t. Dr. WILLIAM McKISSiCK, Grand Senior War- den, p. t. JONATHAN RHEA, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. AARON DUNHAM, Grand Treasurer, p. t. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Grand Secretary, p. t. DAVID RHEA, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. RICHARD LLOYD, Grand Junior Deacon, p. t. Dr. William McKissick, Col. John Taylor, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. No deputies attended from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Ehea, Master, David Forman, Senior Warden, Elisha Law- rence, Junior Warden, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. No deputies attended from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. A. D. Woodruff, Master, Eichard Howell, Senior Warden, Aaron Dun- ham, Junior Warden, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No deputies attended from Union Lodge, No. 6. William Lowrey, Dr. Aaron Furman, Jonathan Doan, Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Master, John Holmes, Senior Warden, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Past Masters — Thomas Bullman, Thomas Leland, John Dennis. James English, Shelly Arnett, Anthony Tayler, Bond. A letter from Maskell Ewing, Grand Secretary, was read, apologizing for his non-attendance, which was accepted accord- ingly. The Secretary reported to the Grand Lodge that returns had been received only from Lodges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8. Whereupon, on motion. Ordered, That the Secretary be instructed to write to the Lodges who have neglected to send in their returns, agreeably to the rule of the last sitting, and request them to do the same without delay. Brother Woodruff, from the committee appointed to report the General Regulations of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, re- ported the same, which were read. Whereupon, on motion. Ordered, That the same be re-committed to the said committee, to make report at the next Grand Lodge, and that, in the meantime, each Jjodge 20 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. be, on their request, furnished with a copy of the same, as reported, pay- ing the expense of such copy. The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and the Honorable and Worshipful David Brearley iras unanimously re-appointed Grand Master ; and not being present, was duly installed by proxy — Brother Thomas Bullman being deputed for that purpose, and honorably -Seated in the chair. The appointment of Deputy Grand Master was not made, being submitted to the Grand Master. Col. John Noble Gumming was re-appointed Senior Grand "Warden. The Honorable Dr. John Beatty was unanimously re-appointed Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing was unanimously re-appointed Grand Secre- tary. Aaron Dunham was appointed Grand Treasurer, in the place of Joshua Corshon, who resigned. A letter from Brother Richard Lloyd, of Trinity Lodge, No. 3, was presented and read, praying a hearing on the decision of Harmony Lodge, Xo. 8, respecting a dispute between him and Brother Jonathan Willis, a member of said Lodge, and from which decision he had appealed to this Grand Lodge ; where- upon. Ordered, That the appeal be entered, and the hearing of the same be postponed till the next Grand Lodge ; and that, in the meantime, Brother Willis be enjoined to suspend all proceedings in the suit at law com- menced against Brother Lloyd. On motion. Ordered, That a fcoraniittee of three be appointed to examine the ac- counts of the late Grand Treasurer, and settle the same; and that the said Grand Treasurer pay forward the balance in his hands to the present Grand Treasurer. And Brothers Bullman, Woodruff and Howell were accord- ingly appointed for that purpose. On motion. Ordered, That the Tyler be allowed the sum of ten dollars for tyling at this Grand Lodge, and that the Treasurer be directed to pay the same. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, 21 The Grand Lodge closed to meet at Trenton, on Tuesday, the sixth day of July next. JULY SESSION, 1790. Trenton, July 6, 5790. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Mason's Lodge was opened in due form. present. Hon. & W. JOHN BEATTY, J. G. W., who took the chair as Grand Master, p. t. JONATHAN RHEA, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Junior G. Warden, p.t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. AARON DUNHAM, Grand Treasurer. Dr. NIOH. BELLE ^^ILLE, Senior G. Deacon, p. t. CHARLES TOMKINS, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Brother John N. Gumming being present, and having been appointed at the last meeting Senior Grand Warden, was now installed in due form, and placed in his chair. Whereupon, as Senior Grand Warden, the Grand Master being absent, he took the place of the Grand Master. Hon. JOHN BEATTY, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. JONATHAN RHEA, Esq., Junior G. Warden, p. t. No representative from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Jonathan Ehea, Esq., Anthony F. Taylor, Esq., James Rogers, Esq., Trinity Lodge, No. 3. No representative appearing from Hiram Lodge, No. 4, with proper credentials, and Brother Morgan attending as a Past Master of that Lodge, took his seat in the Lodge as Past Master. Aaron D. Woodruff, Master, Eichard Hovpell, Senior Warden, Samuel W. Stockton, Junior Warden, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representative from Union Lodge, No. 6. Dr. Aaron Furman, John Snyder, Kingwood Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Master, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Past Masters — Joseph Bloorafield, Esq., Attorney General, Isaac De Cou, Anthony Reckless, Capt. John Douglass. 22 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. A letter was laid before the Lodge by Brother Beatty, from Brother Richard Lloyd, of Trinity Lodge, No. 3, informing the Lodge that he is desirous to have the appeal from the decision of Lodge No. 8 withdrawn, the matter in dispute between him and Brother Willis having been amicably settled; which re- quest was allowed accordingly. Brother Woodruff, from the committee to whom was recom-. mitted the General Regulations of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, reported the same, with sundry amendments; which regulations were read, with the amendments, and being again read by paragraphs, and some time spent thereon. Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. Whereupon the Lodge was called off from labor to refresh- ment, and agreed to meet at 3 o'clock P. M. 3 O'CLOCK, P. M. The Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. Whereupon they resumed the consideration of the report of the committee appointed to report Rules and Regulations, &c. ; and having proceeded and agreed to the same by paragraphs, as far as Chap. 6, Sec. 1, A motion was made by Brother Beatty, and seconded by Brother Ewing, that the blank for the place of meeting for the half-yearly Communication be now left blank, and filled up at the next Communication ; and that, in the meantime, the Secre- tary be directed to write to each and every Lodge, and acquaint them that the said blank will then be filled up by the Grand Lodge. The whole having been read by paragraphs, Resolved, That the same be passed. (See Regulations, page 25.) Ordered, That the Secretary be directed to furnish a fair copy to the printer, and that the same be printed under the direction of the Commit- tee of Correspondence ; that 300 copies thereof be struck off, and that he furnish the Master of each Lodge with one copy for the use of the Lodge for each member returned ; also one copy to the Grand Lodge. GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 23 Ordered, That the Secretary write to Lodges Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, to send forward to Aaron Dunham, Esq., Grand Treasurer, a list of all their members, from the formation of their Lodge to St. John's Day, June 24th, 5790, with the particular date of the initiation, the time of admission into the Lodge of an ancient Mason, the departure of any, and by the first day of October next ensuing, &o., and that the Secretary furnish a form to each Lodge for that purpose. _ The Secretary laid before the Grand Lodge the papers as marked and numbered in the following list : No. 1. 28th December, 5789. Resolve of the Grand Lodge of Georgia: That there ought to be a Federal or Supreme Grand Lodge constituted, to have jurisdiction over the respective Grand and other Lodges throughout the continent, and proposing a Masonic Convention for that purpose ; also a resolution of the said Grand Lodge, appointing a Committee of Cor- respondence, to correspond with the several Lodges in the United States on that subject. No. 2. May 1, 5790. A letter from the said Committee of Correspond- ence, signed, on behalf of the committee, by James Jackson, P. G. M., endorsing the above. No. 3. June 7, 5790. Minute of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania, disapproving, as inexpedient and impracticable, the pro- posal made by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, and proposing, instead thereof, a Convention of Deputies from the several Grand Lodges within the United States, for the purpose of forming a more intimate union, and establishing a regular and permanent intercourse between the several Grand Lodges in the United States ; also, a resolution of the said Grand Lodge, appointing a committee to correspond with the several Grand Lodges in the United States on that subject. No. 4. June 29, 5790. Letter from the Corresponding Committee of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on the said subject. No. 5. June 24, 5790. Minute of the Trenton Lodge, No. 5, offering their Lodge-room, furniture and Tyler, for the use of the Grand Lodge during their present sitting. Which said several papers were read. Whereupon the papers No. 1 and No. 2 were considered, and thereupon, Hesolved, That the constituting of a Federal or Supreme Grand Lodge, to have jurisdiction over the respective Grand and other Lodges through- out the continent, " as proposed by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia," is inexpedient, and, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, im- practicable. 24 GRAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On motion, and seconded, Resolved, That instead thereof, this Grand Lodge do agree that a Con- vention of Deputies from the several Grand Lodges within the United States of America be held, for the purpose of forming a more particular and intimate union, and also to establish a regular and permanent inter- course between them ; that this Grand Lodge conceive such a convention would be highly advantageous to the fraternity, and will appoint deputies for the aforesaid purposes. Ordered, That the Eight Worshipful Grand Master be requested to ' write to the Right Worshipful Brother James Jackson and enclose him a copy of the determination of this Lodge. Ordered, That the Committee of Correspondence do write to the several Grand Lodges of the United States of America, including a copy of the de- termination of this Grand Lodge and desiring their concurrence in the appointment of Deputies to meet in Convention for the purposes. The papers marked Xo. 3 and 4 in the preceding list, were read, considered, and directed to be filed. A motion was made by Brother Richard Howell and seconded, that the Committee of Correspondence also communicate with the other Grand Lodges of the United States about the most proper measures for adopting regular foreign bretheren as well as to restrain the censures excluding ilodern Masons, to their proper objects, and also, that the Committee report the result of their Correspondence at the next Communication, to which the Lodge agreed. Ordered, That Brothers Maskell Ewing, Esq., Grand Secretary, Aaron Dunham, Esq., Grand Treasurer, and Brothers Aaron D. Woodruff and Richard Howell, Esqrs., be appointed the Committee of Correspondence for the ensuing year. Ordered, That the thanks of this Lodge be communicated to Lodge Xo. 5, for their polite offer of their Lodge room for the use of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the Treasurer pay to David Wrighter, Tyler of the Grand Lodge, the sum of four dollars for his attendance this sitting. The Lodge closed in harmony to meet at this place again, on the second Tuesday in January next, unless, &c. GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 25 GENERAL EEGULATIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. CHAPTER I. OF THE GRAND LODGE IN GENERAL. Sec. 1. Tlie Grand Lodge consists of and is formed by the Masters and Wardens of all the regular Lodges on record, with the Grand Master at their head, the Deputy Grand Master on his left and the Grand Wardens in their proper places, attended also by the Grand Secretary, Grand Trea- surer, Tyler, Pursuivant and other necessary officers. All Past Grand offi- cers, also the Past Masters of warranted Lodges on record, whilst they continue members of any regular Lodge, are likewise by courtesy as well as custom, considered as members of and admitted to vote in all Grand Lodges ; also those members who were present at and signed the instru- ment drawn up and unanimously agreed upon at the Convention on the formation of this Grand Lodge, are considered as members of and ad- mitted to vote in the same whilst they continue members of or pay dues to any regular Lodge on record. No other brother shall be admitted into the Grand Lodge except one who is a petitioner complaining or a witness in some case, or one called in bj motion, or when the officer of any par- ticular Lodge from such urgent necessity as may regularly plead his excuse, cannot personally attend, he may nominate and send a brother of his Lodge, with his jewel and clothing, to supply his room and support the honor of his Lodge, provided such brother hath heretofore been in the same office with the brother who deputes him or in some higher office, producing a written deputation under the hand and seal of the brother de- puting; and if a single brother is deputed to represent all the officers of any particular Lodge, he ought not to be under the rank of Past Master and member of the Lodge he is chosen to represent, and his commission as proxy must be under the seal of the Lodge that appoints him, signed by the Master and countersigned by the Secretary. Sec. 2. No new Lodge is owned, nor can their officers be admitted into the Grand Lodge, until such new Lodge be first regularly constituted by the authority of the Grand Lodge and registered in the same. Sec. 3. No officer of the Grand Lodge is to attend the same without his jewel, nor any Master or Warden or representative of a particular Lodge, without the jewels which he ought to wear in his own Lodge, ex- cept for some sufficient reason, to be allowed of in the Grand Lodge. Past Masters are also to wear theirs. Sec. 4. The main business of the Grand Lodge, whether at half-yearly Communications or other meetings, is seriously to discuss of and 26 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. sedately to consider, transact and settle all matters that concern the prosperity of the Craft and the Fraternity in general or private Lodges and single brothers in particular. Here, therefore, all differences that cannot be made up and accommodated privately or by a particular Lodge, are to be considered and decided on. And if any brother thinks himself aggrieved by such decision, he may by lodging an application with the Grand Sec- retary, have the matter reheard and finally determined upon at the next ensuing Communication. And in general, whatever business cannot be transacted or finished at any one meeting of the Grand Lodge, may be either adjourned to the next meeting, or in the meanwhile, be referred to a com- mittee to be by them maturely heard, considered and reported upon to the said next meeting. The Grand Lodge shall likewise consider of the most prudent and effectual means of collecting and managing what money may accrue to the general Charity Fund. Sec. 5. It is the prerogative of the Grand Lodge, and the Bight Wor- shipful Grand Master has full power and authority, when the Grand Lodge is duly assembled, to make, or cause to be made in his Worship's presence. Masons at sight, and such making is good ; but they cannot be made out of his presence without his written dispensation for that purpose ; nor is any warranted Lodge obliged to receive any of the persons so made as members, except by vote and with the full consent of the Body of such Lodge. But the Right Worshipful Grand Master, with the authority of the Grand Lodge, may grant them a warrant and form them into a new Lodge. Sec. 6. Old Grand Officers may again be chosen officers of a private Lodge, and this does not deprive them of any of the privileges to which, as old Grand Officers, they are entitled in the Grand Lodge, except that, being officers of a private Lodge, they might depute a Past Officer of their par- ticular Lodge to act for them, pro tempore, in the Grand Lodge wherf they ascend their former rank in the same. And it is incompatible with the laws of this Society for any brother to hold more than one office in the Grand Lodge at the same time. CHAPTER IL OF GRAND TISITATIONS. Sec. L The Grand Master, with hia Deputy, the Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary, shall, if possible, annually go at least once round, and visit all the Lodges under his jurisdiction, or, when this laudable duty becomes impracticable, from either the distance or large number of Lodges under his jurisdiction, he shall appoint visitors composed of his Grand Officers, and such other assistants as he may think proper, who shall, at least once in every year, visit and make faithful report of their proceedings to the Grand Lodge, according to the instructions given them, GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 27 Sec. 2. When both the Grand Master and Deputy are absent, the Senior or Junior Wardens may preside as Deputy in visiting Lodges or constituting any new Lodge ; neither of which can be done without at least one of the Grand Officers being present, or some faithful brother who has passed the Chair, &c., having a proper dispensation for this pur- pose, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, if the order be made in the ab- sence of the Grand Master or his Deputy, or under their private seals, if present and sign the same; and in either case it must be countersigned and attested by the Grand Secretary, to have the full authority of the Grand Lodge. The brother so appointed shall act as Grand Master pro tempore, in visiting old Lodges or in constituting new ones. CHAPTER III. THE ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS. Only those who are members of the Grand Lodge must be within doors during the election of Grand Officers. Sec. 1. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Secretary, Deputy Grand Secretary, Grand Treas- urer, respectively, shall be chosen by ballot, at the Communication on or near the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, in every year, previously to the celebration of the Annual Feast and other important business of the season ; and if any two or more shall have an equal number of votes in their favour, for any of the offices assigned, by which the choice shall not be determined on the first ballot, then a second ballot shall be taken, which shall be confined to the persons who, on the first ballot, shall have had an equal number; and if the ballots should again be equal between two or more persons, then the election for said office shall be determined by lot, between those who shall have equal numbers. Sec. 2. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, so chosen, shall be installed in their respective offices, if present, on the said day, (except in the case of the Grand Master alone, who, on signifying his acceptance of the office, may be installed by proxy, if he cannot attend the Grand Lodge, but such proxy must be either the last or a former Grand Master, or a Past Master of a very ancient and reputable standing;) and after such installment, the Grand Master may appoint his Grand Deacons, Grand Chaplain, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Pursuivant and Grand Tyler; but no brother shall be appointed to any of the before mentioned offices, (except Grand Pursuivant and Grand Tyler) who has not passed the chair of some regular Lodge under this, or some other ancient jurisdiction. 28 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Sec. 3. The Grand Secretary, by virtue of his office, is a member of the Grand Lodge ; he shall have the care of the archives ; he shall keep fair records of all the transactions of the Grand Lodge ; he shall keep a register, for the particular purpose of entering all warrants, dispensations, certificates, the names of every member of each Lodge, and the return from the several Lodges ; he shall furnish the first named person on every committee, as soon as possible, with a copy of the minutes and papers which respect the business of such committee, for which he shall take a receipt ; and the person so first named shall call the committee together, and be answerable for the papers, which he shall return with the report. All petitions, applications and appeals are to pass through his hands ; no warrant, certificate or instrument of writing from the Grand Lodge is authentic without his attestation and signature, and under the Grand Seal, as the laws require. The general correspondence with Lodges and brethren over the whole world is to be managed by him, agreeably to the voice of the Grand Lodge and directions of the Grand Master or his Deputy, whom he must therefore be always ready to attend, with his Deputy and the books of the Lodge, in order to give the general state of matters, and what is proper to be done on any emergency. Sec. 4. The Grand Treasurer is, by virtue of his oflSce, a member of the Grand Lodge, and hath a right to appoint a Deputy ; to him is committed the care of all money raised for the general charity and other uses of the Grand Lodge, an account of which he is regularly to enter in a book, with the respective uses for which the several sums are intended; he is likewise to pay out, expend or disburse the same, on such orders signed as the rules of the Grand Lodge in this respect shall allow to be voted; he or his Deputy shall always be present in the Grand Lodge, and ready to attend the Grand Master and other Grand Officers, with his books, for their inspection, when required, and likewise any Grand Committee that may be appointed for adjudging and examining his accounts. Sec. 5. The Grand Deacons are always members of the Grand Lodge, and may be either nominated occasionally, on every Communication of the Grand Lodge, or appointed annually by the Grand Master or pre- siding officer. Sec. 6. The Grand Tyler and Grand Pursuivant must be Master Masons, but are not members of the Grand Lodge, nor allowed to speak without orders. The Tyler's duty is to look after the door on the outward side, to see that none but members enter in, and to summon the members on special occasions and emergencies, by order of the Grand Master or his Deputy, signified to him under the hand of the Grand Secretary or his Deputy. The business of the Pursuivant is to stand at the inward door, and to report the names and titles of all that want admittance, as reported to him by the Tyler; he is also to go upon messages, and perform sundry other services known only in the Lodge. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 29 CHAPTER IV. nULES rOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY OF THE GRAND OFFICERS. Sec. 1. If the Grand Master be absent at any meeting of the Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, the Deputy is to supply his place ; if the Deputy be likewise absent, the Senior Grand Warden takes the chair, and, in his absence, the Junior Grand Warden. All Grand OfEcers, present or past, take place of every Master of a Lodge, and the present Grand Officers take place of all past Grand Officers, yet they may waive this privilege ; and if neither any of the present or past Grand Officers attend at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, being duly summoned, the Master of the senior private Lodge is to take the chair, except in the case of a special commission from the Grand Master, under his hand and seal of office, countersigned by the Grand Secretary, to any particular brother. When neither the present or past Deputy Grand Masters or Grand Wardens are present, the Grand Master or he that legally presides in his stead, calls forth whom he pleases to act as Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens pro tempore ; also, that of a Secretary or any other Grand Officer ^ro tempore, if neither the stated officers or the deputies of such of them as have a right to nominate a Deputy be present, for the business of the Grand Lodge must never stand still for want of officers. Sec. 2. In case of the death of the Grand Master or other Grand Officer, the same order of succession and precedency takes place, till a new Grand Master or other Grand Officer is duly chosen and installed. CHAPTER V. RULES IN GRAND LODGE DURING THE TIME OF PUBLIC BUSINESS. Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge, as soon as a representative from at least three Lodges on record be present, may proceed to business, and when the Grand Master or other presiding officer has taken the chair and given due notice, the brethren shall take their seats and observe a strict silence, under the penalty of a public reprimand, for breaking the same without leave, or such further punishment as the Grand Lodge may inflict. Sec. 2. The representatives of each Lodge shall be seated together agreeably to their seniority, No. 1 taking the left hand of the Grand Master ; No. 2 taking the left of No. 1, and so on till all the Lodges present are seated ; and they are to keep their seats according to the number of the Lodge, during the Communication, under the like penalties. Sec. 3. The jewels to be worn by the Grand Officers shall be of gold or gilt, pendent to a collar of blue ribbon, and the aprons shall be edged and fringed with blue silk. No brother shall be permitted to enter into the 30 GRAND LODGE OF XEW JERSEY. Lodge after it is opened, unles3 he be properly clothed and until his name and quality be announced and leave given, and shall enter with due forms. Sec. 4. Every one that speaks shall rise and address the chair in due form ; nor shall any presume to interrupt him, under the penalty by the first section of this chapter provided, unless the Grand Master or presiding officer find him wandering from the point in hand and shall think fit to reduce him to order, for then the said speaker shall sit down and after he has been set right, he may proceed. Sec. 5. No brother is to speak but twice to the same affair, unless by permission, or to explain himself. Sec. 6. Whenever the Grand Master or presiding officer rises from his chair or calls to order, all debates shall cease and there shall be a strict silence, under the above penalties. Sec. 7. If in the Grand Lodge, any member be twice called to order at any one Communication, for transgressing these rules and is guilty of a third offence of the same nature, the chair shall peremptorally order him to quit the Lodge Eoom tor that meeting. Sec. 8. Whoever shall be so rude as to ridicule a brother on what an- other has said, he shall be forthwith solemnly excluded the Communication and declared incapable of being a member of the Grand Lodge for the future, till at another time he publicly owns his fault and his grace be granted. Sec. 9. No motion for a new regulation or for the alteration of an old one, shall be made until it be first handed up in writing to the chair, and after it has been perused be by the Grand Master or presiding officer, the matter may be moved publicly and then it shall be audibly read by the Sec- retary, and if it be seconded, it must be referred to the next Communication, and then committed to the consideration of the whole assembly, that their sense may be fully heard about it, after which the question shall be put thereupon. But no vote shall be reconsidered by a smaller number of Lodges than were present when the vote passed nor on the same day, the motion to reconsider is made, unless they refuse or neglect to attend after due notice of such motion to reconsider. Sec. 10. All matters in the Grand Lodge are determined by a majority of votes, each member having one vote and the Grand Master the casting vote, unless the Grand Lodge leave anything to the Grand Master for expedition. The opinion and votes are to be signified by holding up the right hand, which uplifted hands the Grand Wardens are to count, unless the number of hands be so unequal as to render the counting of them un- necessary. But in order to preserve harmony, it is necessary to use coun- ters and a balloting box, when occasion requires. Sec. 11. All questions of order shall be decided by the chair and without debate. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 31 CHAPTER Vr. PARTICULAR RULES IN THE GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Every Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make local ordinances and new regulations as well as to amend and explain the old ones for their own particular benefit and the good of Masonry in general ; provided always, that such regulations be first duly proposed in writing for the consideration of the members, and be at last duly enacted with the consent of the majority, and provided also, that the Grand Masonic Con- stititution be never violated nor any of the land marks removed. This has never been disputed, for the members of every Grand Lodge are the true representatives of all the fraternity in Communication and are an ab- solute and independent body with legislative authority. "My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments, and remove not the ancient land marks which thy fathers have set." — Solomon. Upon these principles the following particular Rules have been made or adopted in the Grand Lodge of New Jersey: Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge must meet twice a year, statedly, for half- yearly Communications of all the Lodges, and also have occasional meet- ings and adjournments quarterly or otherwise, as business may require and at such places as the Grand Master may appoint for such special meeting. The half-yearly Communication shall be held at* on or near the Festival Days of St. John the Baptist and Evangelist; and the different Lodges are to attend the stated and occasional meetings by their proper officers or deputies. Sec. 2. Every member of a constituted Lodge under this Grand Lodge, shall pay one shilling quarterly to the Charity Fund of the same. Sec. 3. Every Lodge shall also pay to the Grand Lodge the sum of five shillings for every person who obtains the benefit of Masonry under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lod^e, all which dues shall be paid at each half-yearly Communication ; and the Master and Wardens or represen. tatives from any Lodge, shall not take their seats until their dues be paid and the Treasurer's receipt produced therefor, and in case of neglect or refusal to pay the same at the next Communication and no reasonable ex- cuse offered, such Lodge shall be struck off the books of the Grand Lodge and their warrant considered as null and void. Sec. 4. Ko new warrant shall be granted but on the petition of at least five, three of whom to be known and approved Master Masons, and the sura of ten pounds shall be paid for the same, before delivery; and in case the same be obtained before payment, it shall be considered as null and void until payment for the same be made. Sec. 5. For every member made under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge shall be paid the sum of thirty shillings, and applied to the * The blank left open till the next Communication. 32 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Charity Fund; that the same be granted to continue for one month, and may be renewed for one month more, and no longer. Sec. 6. For every certificate shall also be paid the sum of seventeen shillings and six pence, to be applied to like purposes ; nor shall any be granted by the Grand Lodge to any brother without a previous certificate from the Lodge of vi^hich he is a member, setting forth his regular be- haviour, and that he has discharged all his dues to the Lodge. Sec. 7. Every person initiated into any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall pay to the Charity Fund of that Lodge the sum of four pounds ten shillings, and if made by dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy, the further sum of 20s to the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge ; and every member of a constituted Lodge shall pay one shilling monthly to the funds of that Lodge, while he continues a member. Sec. 8. No Lodge shall make more than five brethren at one time, nor shall any person be made or admitted a member of a Lodge without being proposed one month before, that due notice may be given to all the mem- bers to make the necessary inquiries into the candidate's character, unless by dispensation from the Grand Master, or Deputy, in his absence. Sec. 9. There shall be no processions but with the consent of two- thirds of the members present at the meeting next preceding the Feast of St, John, when the same is to take place ; and no funeral procession shall be had without notice given to the highest Grand Oflicer present, or to the Grand Lodge, if sitting, by the Lodge to which the deceased brother belonged, and leave granted; and in case no such Grand Officer be present, or Grand Lodge held at tlie time of such decease, the Lodge to whom the deceased belonged, or, if a stranger, to whom application shall be made, shall be authorized to proceed in the usual and accustomed manner. Sec. 10. Any person made a Mason in a clandestine manner, contrary to the rules of the Grand Lodge, shall not become a member, or sit in any regular Lodge, until such Lodge who is about to admit him shall have him first entered and passed through the usual courses. Sec. 11. No member of any Lodge under this jurisdiction shall be ad- mitted a member of any other, without first producing a certificate of his good behaviour, and his having paid all his dues to that Lodge. Sec. 12. The majority of every particular Lodge, when duly congre- gated, shall have the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and "Wardens, or representatives, before the meeting of the Grand Chapter. Sec. 13. The brethren of all the regular Lodges under this jurisdiction, if within any reasonable distance, shall meet in some convenient place, on every St. John's Day, unless the same shall happen on a Sunday, and in this case on the day following; and when business is over, they may re- pair to their festival dinners, either in their own or any other regular Lodge, as they may think most convenient ; and any brethren around the GRAXD LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 33 globe, who are found true and faithful members of the Ancient Craft, may be admitted as sojourners. Sec. 14. Every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge shall, at the Communication on or near St. John the Evangelist's Day, in every year, deliver to the Grand Secretary and Treasurer, and to the representa- tive of each Lodge, an exact list of the names, titles and occupations of the officers and members of their Lodge, signed by the present officers, and also the times of their initiations, admissions, deaths, removal, sus- pension or expulsion of members, and rejections of candidates ; and their usual time and place of meeting ; and if any Lodge shall neglect to send a representation for three successive Communications, such Lodge shall be struck off the list, and their warrant considered as null and void. Sec. 15. At the Communication on or near St. John the Baptist's Day, of every year, there shall be a committee appointed to examine and settle the Grand Treasurer's and Grand Secretary's accounts, who shall report at the next Communication. Sec. 16. All appeals from any private Lodge shall be in writing, and left with the Grand Secretary ; and the appellant shall give the other party one month's notice thereof, otherwise the Grand Lodge shall not proceed ; and all appeals, letters, &c., shall be read in Grand Lodge, but first handed to the chair. Sec. 17. There shall be a Committee of Correspondence, of whom the Grand Secretary shall always be one, chosen at the Communication on or near St. John the Evangelist's Day, in every year, whose duties and powers shall be ascertained at the time of their appointment. Sec. 18. Any brother who shall render himself amenable to the rules, orders and regulations of the Grand Lodge, shall be excluded the Grand Communication, and also every Lodge under their jurisdiction, until restored by the Grand Lodge ; of this the Grand Secretary shall notify every Lodge; and when any brother is excluded any particular Lodge, for malpractices, information thereof shall be sent to the Grand Lodge, and all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, as soon as convenient. A true extract from the minutes, the same having been agreed to in Grand Lodge, July 6th, 5790. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. LIST OF WARRANTS ISSUED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. NO. PLACES or MEETING. DAYS OF MEETING. 1. Bedrainster, Somerset County, 1st Thursday in every month. { 2d and 4th Wednesday in every I month from the Fall to the Spring 2. Newark, Essex County, - \ Equinox, and the first Wednesday I next after every full moon, from the 3 t Spring to the Fall Equinox. 34 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. NO. PLACES OP MEETING. DATS OF MEETIKG. 3. Freehold Monmouth County, Ist llonJay in every month. 4. Morristown, Morris County, f Ist Monday before the full moon, ex- 5. Trenton, Hunterdon County, - i cept the moon fulls on Monday, and [then on that day. 6. Hackensack, Bergen County, 7. Kingwood, Hunterdon ( 8. ISTewton, .Sussex County 1st Thursday before the full moon, Kingwood, Hunterdon Co., -l except the moon fulls on Thursday, and then on that day. JAXUAEY SESSION, 1791. Trenton, January 11, 5791. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. PRESENT. R. W. JOHN BEATTY. Esq., J. G. Warden and G. Master, p. t. EGBERT L. HOOPER, Esq., Deputy Grand Master. JAMES LIXX. Senior Warden, p. t. ISAAC DE COU, Esq., Senior Deacon. CHARLES TOMPKINS, Junior Deacon. MASKELL EWIXG, Secretary. James Linn, Esq., Master, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Jeremiah Brewen, Senior Warden, St. John's Lodge, Xo. 2. Jonathan Rhea, Master, Hon. Elisha Lawrence, Esq., Trinity Lodge, Xo. 3. No representation from Hiram Lodge, Xo. 4. Aaron D. WoodruflF, Esq., Master, Richard Howell, Senior Warden, Samuel W. Stockton, Junior Warden, Trenton Lodge, Xo. 5. Nehemiah Wade, Master, Samuel Reading, Union Lodge, Xo. 6. Daniel Bray, Master, Jonathan Woolverton, Past ilaster. Elijah Rit- tenhouse. Senior Warden, Jonathan Doan, Junior Warden, L'nity Lodge, Xo. 7. Joseph J. Hendrie, Junior Warden, Harmony Lodge, Xo. f . Past Masters — Anthony Reckless, Pontius Delare Stelle, Thomas Bull- man. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 35 The credentials of the above named deputies, having been severally read and approved of, and ordered to be filed, where- upon they severally took their places in the Grand Lodge. A Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. The Secretary reported that he had written to Lodges No. 1 , 2, 3, 4 and 6, agreeably to the order of the Grand Lodge at the last sitting, and read in his place a copy of the letter forwarded. A letter from John N. Gumming, Esq., Senior Grand Warden, was read, apologizing for his non-attendance, and desiring that some other person may be appointed a Warden in his place, as it is inconvenient for him to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, and The Honorable and Worshipful John Beatty, Esq., was chosen Grand Master. The Honorable Robert L. Hooper was unanimously appointed Deputy Grand Master. Samuel Witham Stockton, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. Jonathan Rhea, Esq., Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing, Esq., Grand Secretary. Who severally attended, were duly installed, and took their places in the Lodge. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 4 o'clock, P. M. 4 O'CLOCK, P. M. The Lodge was again called to labor. William Tindall was duly appointed Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas BuUman was duly appointed Grand Treasurer. Brother Woodruff, from the committee appointed to settle the accounts of the late Grand Treasurer, Joshua Corshou, Esq., re- ported a state of the same, in the following words : 36 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Dr. Joshua Corshon, Esq., late Grand Treasurer, in acc'i with Grand Lodge. 5789. Sept. 7. To am't of re- ceipts from the several Lodges, &c., to this day... £127 18 4 5788. June 24, By cash paid OD orders and receipts pro- duced and en- tered to this day £68 4 Dec. 31. By cash p'd G'd Tyler at New- ark, for which no voucher produced 1 10 5789. Sept. 7. By cash p'd M. Ewing, Grand Sec'y 5 6 9 July 9. By cash p'd D. Wrighter, G. Tyler 1 Bal. due Grand Lodge.. 51 10 7 7 £127 18 4 £127 18 4 The committee appointed to examine the accounts of Joshua Corshon, Esq., late Treasurer, beg leave to report the above statement, by which it appears that there is due to the Grand Lodge, in the hands of the late Grand Treasurer, the sum of fifty-one pounds, seven shillings and seven pence. An. Dn. Woodroef, Rd. Howell, Thomas Bullmax. Resolved, That the Lodge agree to the said settlement, and Brother Woodruff informed that the money was ready to be paid forward to the present Grand Treasurer, which was ordered to be paid to him accord- ingly. Ordered, That Brothers Woodruff, Tompkins and DeCou, be appointed a committee to settle the late Treasurer's (Aaron Dunham, Esq.,) ac- counts, and to report thereon to the Lodge, at their next meeting. The Lodge took into consideration the blank in Chap. VI, Sec. 1, of the Rules and Regulations. A motion was made that one place should be named for the half-yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge ; whereupon, (A motion was made to postpone the question until the next meeting, which was negatived.) And the votes being taken, the blank was directed to be filled up with Trenton. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 37 A petition from the Masons of Cumberland county, praying that a warrant may be granted to Brothers James Giles, Esq., Master, Almarine Brooks, Senior Warden, and Benjamin Peck, Esq., Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge in Cumberland, to be called Brearley Lodge, No. 9, which was agreed to, and a warrant ordered. The Secretary laid before the Lodge communications from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, received July 9, 5790, which were read and ordered to be filed. The Grand Master laid before the Lodge a minute of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, offering their room, furniture, &c. Ordered, That the thanks of this Lodge be communicated to No. 5, for their polite and obliging offer. Information was communicated from No. 2, that they had unanimously agreed to suspend John Reading from membership in that Lodge, for knowingly defrauding his brother. A petition from the officers of No. 7, that by accident they had mislaid or lost their warrant, and praying that the same may be replaced, which was agreed to ; and the same extend to Amwell, as well as Kingwood. A motion was made by Brother Wade for an amendment to the Rules and Regulations, in the following words : " To Sec. 8, Chap. 6. To be added : " N. B. This section is not to eSctend to foreigners or natives whose particular business obliges them immediately to go abroad, but if the Master thinks proper to make and raise any such person on the same night, he must give the first convenient notice to the Grand Secretary of his having so done. Nehemiah Wade." Ordered, That the Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Robert L. Hooper, Esq., the Worshipful Maskell Ewing, Esq., the Grand Secretary of this Lodge, and the Worshipful Brother Aaron D. Woodruff, Esq., Master of No. 5, or any one or more of them, do attend at Bridgeton, in the county of Cumberland, at such time as will be convenient to them, and then and there install the Master appointed in a warrant granted by the Lodge to Brearley Lodge, No. 9, to be held in the county of Cumberland, and that they, or any one or more of them, report their proceedings to this Lodge, at their next meeting. The Lodge adjourned to meet at Trenton on the 24:th of June next, being St. John's Day. 38 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JUNE SESSION, 1791. Trenton, June 24, 5791. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. PRESENT. E. W. JOHN BEATTY, Esq., Grand Master. SAMUEL W. STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. WILLIAM LOWREy, Esq., Senior Deacon. AARON HOWELL, Junior Deacon. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. THOMAS BULLMAN, Grand Treasurer. William McKissack, Past Master, John Taylor, Esq., Solomon Lodge, No.l. Xo representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Hon. Elisha Lawrence, Esq., William Lloyd, Trinity Lodge, ISTo. 3. Joseph Scott, David Coobran, Hiram Lodge, Xo. 4. Isaac DeCou, Esq., Eev. William Frazer, Aaron Dunham, Esq., Trenton Lodge, Ko, 5. Xo representation from Union Lodge, No. 6. William Lowrey, Esq., Unity Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. James Giles, Esq., Master, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Past Master — Pontius Delare Stelle. Brother Maskell Ewing reported that he had attended at Bridgeton and installed the Master of Lodge No. 9, agreeably to his appointment at the last meeting. Brother DeCou, appointed to settle the accounts of Aaron Dunham, Esq., late Grand Treasurer, prayed longer time to make report. Ordered, That the committee be continued and that they report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. The amendment proposed to Sec. 8, Chapter 6, of the Rules and Regulations of this Grand Lodge for consideration at this meeting, was taken into consideration and after some time spent therein, was postponed for consideration at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. A petition from Thomas Paterson, William Piatt, Lewis Bond, John Lowrey and Zebulon Pike, Ancient Masons, praying to be endulged with a warrant to hold a Traveling Lodge in the GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 39 armies of the United States, was read and the consideration thereof postponed until the afternoon. On application for charity of Barnabas Murphy, Ordered, That Brothers Lawrence, DeCou, Bullman, Dunham and Ewing, be a committee to examine into his particular necessity and report to the Lodge whether he be allowed anything from the fund, and what. Brother Dunham from the Committee of Charity, reported that the Committee had ordered five dollars paid to Barnabas Murphy, and which he had paid accordingly. On motion, Ordered, That Brothers Aaron D. Woodruff, Richard Howell, Esq. and the Rev. William Frazier, be a committee to draft, and report general rules respecting charity, at the next meeting. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 5 o'clock, P. M. 5 O'CLOCK, P. M. The Lodge was again called to labor. A petition was presented from John Eeading, appealing to the Lodge from a vote of suspension of Lodge No. 2, presented at the last Communication, was read, praying to be heard against the said information and suspension. Ordered, That the said petitioner be heard at the next Communication, in his defence, and that the Secretary inform Lodge No. 2 of this appeal and they attend by their deputies to support their minute. The petition from Brother Thomas Paterson and other officers, of the levies, &c., of New Jersey, was taken up again, read and considered. On the question, whether the Lodge agree to issue a warrant agreeably to the prayer of the said petition, it was negatived. The Hon. Elisha Lawrence, Esq., having been appointed Master of Trinity Lodge, No. 3, was installed in due form. A minute of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, offering their room, jewels, &c., for the use of the Grand Lodge, was read and the thanks of this Lodge ordered to be communicated, by the Secretary, to Trenton Lodge for their polite offer. Ordered, That Brother DeCou be requested to wait on Brother Frazier and desire him to preach a sermon before the Grand Lodge, at their next Communication . 40 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Lodge closed in good harmony to meet again in Trenton, on St. John's Day, which will be the 27th of December next, unless, (fee. SEPTEMBER SESSION, 1791. Trenton, September 8, 5791. By virtue of a summons for a meeting of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Lodge met this day, at 3 o'clock, P. M. PRESENT. R. W. JOHN BEATTY, Esq., Grand Master. SAM'L W. STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Warden. JONATHAN RHEA, Esq., Junior Warden. MASKELL EWIXG, Esq., Grand Secretary. WILLIAM TINDALL, Deputy Grand Secretary. THOMAS BULLMAN, Treasurer. Lames Linn, Esq., .John Taylor, Esq., James Taylor, Solomon Lodge, Kg. 1. John N. Gumming, Esq., David A. Ogden, Esq., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Trinity Lodge, No. 3. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron D. Woodruff, Richard Howell, Isaac DeCou, Esqrs., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Nehemiah Wade, Esq., Uniou Lodge, No. 6. Daniel Bray, Master, John Snyder, Esq., Unity Lodge, No. 7. Edward Dunlop, Past Master, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. No representation from Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Attending Brethren entitled to vote, as having been present at the formation of the Grand Lodge : Joseph Bloomfield, Esq., Attorney General of N. J., Joshua Corshon, Esq. Visiting Brethren admitted on motion : Joseph Eeed, Esq , Franklin Davenport, Dr. William Burnet, Francis Bullis. A petition from Gen. Arthur St. Clair, Gen. Harmer and others from Cincinnati, Hamilton county. Territory of the United States, northwest of the river Ohio, praying that a warrant to GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 41 hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, may be issued to Brothers Dr. William Burnett, Master, John Ludlow, Senior Warden, and Dr. Calvin Morrell, Junior Warden, was read. On the question, whether the Grand Lodge agree to comply with the prayer of the said petition, it was carried in the affir- mative unanimously ; whereupon. Ordered, That a warrant do issue to Dr. William Burnett as Master, John Ludlow as Senior Warden, and Dr. Calvin Morrell as Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge in Hamilton county, in the Territory northwest of the river Ohio, to be distinguished by the name of Nova CfBsarea Lodge, No. 10. Ordered, That the Treasurer pay the Tyler fifteen shillings for attending this meeting. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet agreeably to for- mer adjournment. DECEMBER SESSION, 1791. Trenton, December 27, A. 0. 1791, A. M. 5791. Agreeably to adjournment at the last sitting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. Hon. & W. JOHN BEATTY, Grand Master. SAMUEL WITHAM STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. JONATHAN RHEA, Junior Grand Warden. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. THOMAS BULLMAN, Grand Treasurer. GERSHOM CRAFT, Esq., Senior Grand Deacon. WILLIAM JACKSON, Junior Grand Deacon. John Taylor, Esq., Past Master, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Israel Hedden, Esq., Junior Warden, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Hon. Elisha Lawrence, Master, William Lloyd, Junior Warden, Elisha Newell, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron D. Woodruff, Esq., Master, Isaac De Cou, Esq., Junior Warden, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. 42 GRAXD LODGE OP XEW JERSEY. Major Samuel Eeading, Union Lodge, Xo. 6. Daniel Bray, Master, Elijah Rittenhouse, Senior "Warden, William Lowrey, Junior Warden, Unity Lodge, Ko. 7. John Holmes, Master elect. Harmony Lodge, Xo. 8. David Seeley, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. P. G. Tkeasurer and Past Master — Aaron Dunham, Esq. Richard Lloyd, Joseph Eeed, Esq., Rev. William Frazier, Henry Piercey, Dr. Charles Smith, Gibbs, Benj. Eodgers, John McElroy, P. M., No. 25, Penn., Alex. Calhoun, John Dougherty, John Snyder, Esq., Schenck, Dr. Winecoop, Capt. Bernard Hanlon. The credentials of the deputies being read, were approved, and directed to be filed. The Grand Lodge retired to the Episcopal Church, in Tren- ton, where a discourse was delivered to the brethren bv the Rev. Brother Frazier. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 4 o'clock, P. M. 4 OCLOCK, P. M. The Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Lodge proceeded to the appointment of their officers for the ensuing year : whereupon, The Honorable and Worshipful John Beattv, Esq., was re- appointed, by a unanimous vote, Grand Master for the ensuing year. The Worshipful Eobert L. Hooper, Deputy Grand Master. Samuel W. Stockton, Senior Grand Warden. Jonathan Rhea, Junior Grand Warden, having desired to withdraw his name from the list of candidates, The Honorable and Worshipfiil Elisha Lawrence, Esq., was unanimously elected Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing, Grand Secretary. William Tindall, Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas Bullman, Grand Treasurer. Which several officers having been duly installed, took their places in the Lodge. Brother Isaac De Cou, who was appointed, with Brothers Aaron D. Woodruff and Charles Tompkins, to settle the late GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 43 Treasurer, Aaron Dunham's account, per order of the 11th January last, prayed longer time to make report. Ordered, That the said committee be continued, and that they report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. On motion. Ordered, That Brothers Woodruff, Dunham and Stelle, be a committee to examine and settle the accounts of Brother Thomas Bullman, the Grand Treasurer for the last year, and report a statement and settlement of the same at the next meeting of this Lodge. The amendment proposed by Brother Wade, the 11th January last, to Sec. 8, Chap. 6, of the Eules and Regulations of this Lodge, for consideration at this meeting, was taken up and read, and, after some time spent thereon. On the question whether the Lodge agree to the said amend- ment, it was carried in the negative. Brothers A. D. Woodruff, R. Howell and Frazier, having been appointed a committee, at the last meeting, to draught and re- port general rules respecting charity, and not being ready to report, prayed longer time. Ordered, That the said committee be continued, and that they be re- quested to report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. The appeal entered by John Reading, on the 24:th June last, to the decision of Lodge No. 2, was postponed for a hearing until the next meeting. On motion. Ordered, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be given to the Reverend Brother Frazier, for his attention in preparing and preaching a sermon well adapted to the occasion, before the Grand Lodge this day, in his church, and that he be requested to deliver to the Grand Secretary, to be deposited among the archives of the Lodge, a fair copy of the same, and that the Treasurer be directed to pay unto Brother Frazier, for so doing, the sum of four pounds, ten shillings. Ordered, That the Treasurer pay unto the clerk of the Episcopal Church, three dollars, to the sexton of ditto, seven shillings, six pence, and to the Tyler of the Lodge, four dollars, for vphich he is to have credit in the settlement of his accounts. Brother Reading, from Union Lodge, No. 6, presented a min- ute of that Lodge .setting forth that the said Lodge, No. 6, had 44 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. expelled James Hardie, an entered apprentice from that Lodge, for imposing on a brother, non-attendance, and not paying his dues, was iiled and ordered to be communicated. On motion. Ordered, That any expense which the Grand OflScers may be put to in visiting Lodges, shall hereafter be defrayed from the funds of the Grand Lodge, on an account produced to the Grand Treasurer under the hand of such oiEcer. On motion, Resolved, That the Grand Secretary procure at the expense of the Grand Lodge, a sufficient quantity of blank printed returns of every kind neces- sary for the private Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge^ and that he furnish each Lodge with at least four quires of each sort, he charging the Lodge so furnished with only the prime cost of the same, and that he also furnish each Lodge with twenty blank forms of cer- tificates of the representation of the several Lodges to attend the Grand Lodge. On motion of Brother Woodruff, seconded by Brother Hedden, Ordered, That it be considered and determined at the next Com- munication, whether it is necessary for all Masters elect, prior to their entering on the duties of their office, shall be installed. The Lodge closed in good harmony to meet again on the third day of July next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. JULY SESSION, 1792. Trenton, July 3, A. C. 1792, A. M. 5792. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. present. R. W. JOHN BBATTY, Esq., Grand Master. SAM'L W. STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. Hon. ELISHA LAWRENCE, Junior Grand Warden. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Grand Secretary. ISAAC DECOU, Esq., Treasurer, p. t. JAMES R. ENGLISH, Senior Deacon. Dr. BENJAMIN PECK, Junior Deacon. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 45 Dr. "William McKissack, Master, Col. John Taylor, George McDonald, Esq., Solomon Lodge, No. 1. John N. Gumming, Esq., Master, Dr. William Burnett, Senior Warden, Israel Hedden, Esq., Junior Warden, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Ehea, Esq., Master, James E. English, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. No representative from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Isaac DeCou, Esq., Aaron Dunham, Dr. Nicholas Bellville, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No represetative from Hackensack Lodge, No. 6. No representative from Unity Lodge, No. 7. John Holmes, Master, Abraham Baily, Junior Warden, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Benjamin Peck, Esq., Junior Warden, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representative from Nova Caasarea Lodge, No. 10. Past Masters — Joseph Bloomfield, Esq., Franklin Davenport, Esq., John Cochran. Brother DeCou, from the committee appointed to examine and settle the accounts of Aaron Dunham, Esq., the late Grand Trea- surer, brought in a report as follows : That it appears that he received during his continuance in office, from the 27th December, 5789, to 27th December, 5790, the sum of £35, Ss, 4d. That he has expended of the same during the same time, the sum of £21, 7s, 6d. Leaving a balance in his hand, of - £13, 17s, lOd. Which is submitted. ISAAC DECOU, AAEON D. WOODEUFF, Which report being read, the same was agreed to. Ordered, That Brother Dunham pay the balance unto the present Grand Treasurer and take his receipt therefor. Brothers Aaron D. Woodruff, Richard Howell and William Frazier, the committee appointed to draft general Rules of Charity, not being ready to report, prayed longer time. Ordered, That the said committee be continued, and that they be di- rected to report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. Brother Dunham, from the committee to examine and settle the accounts of the present Grand Treasurer, reported that they had made some progress in the business referred to them and desired time to complete the business, when they would make further report. 46 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Ordered, That they take time and report at the next Communication. The Lodge took into consideration the question, " whether it is necessary that all Masters elect, prior to their entering on the duties of their office, shall be installed," and after some time spent thereon. Resolved, That it is necessary that all Masters elect, piior to their enter- ing on the duties of their office, shall be installed. A petition from the Masons of Woodbury, in the county of Gloucester, was read, praying that a warrant may be granted to Brothers Franklin Davenport, Master, John Blackwood, Senior Warden, and Champion Wood, Junior Warden, to be called Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, which was granted, and the warrant issued accordingly. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary, Aaron D. Woodruff, Richard Howell and A. Dunham, be appointed a Committee of Correspondence. The Worshipful informed the Lodge that he had received a , minute from Trenton Lodge, No. 5, offering their room, furni- ture and jewels to the Grand Lodge ; whereupon, Ordered, That the thanks of this Lodge be communicated to Trenton Lodge, No. 5, for their polite offer. The Right Worshipful Grand Master brought in the following report : That agreeably to the directions contained in the 1st Section of the 2d Chapter of the General Regulations, he did, on the 5th, 10th and 12th of last April, visit the several Lodges of Solomon's, No. 1, Harmony, No. 8, and Hiram, No. 4 ; that in the two latter of these Lodges he was re- ceived with every mark of polite attention and brotherly aflfection by the officers and members, who were very generally convened for that occa- sion ; that in Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, thro' what casualily he is not ye' made acquainted, the Master and five members only attended, altho' a month's previous notice was given of his intended visitation ; that in each of the three Lodges considerable business was done, and the said Master was happy to observe that particular regard was paid to the landmarks of Masonry, and no material variation in their several modes of working, and he mentions with particular pleasure the satisfaction he received in, his communication with Hiram Lodge, the Master of which discovered that degree of information and zeal, and executed the duties of his office with that promptitude and accuracy, that does honor to the institution. John Beattt, 3d July, 1792. GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 47 Ordered, That the said report be filed. The Lodge was called off from labor to refreshment during pleasure. 6 O'CLOCK, The Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. Brothers Davenport, of No. 11, and Rhea, the Master elect of No. 3, were installed in due form. The appeal of John Reading to this Lodge not having been pursued. Ordered, That the same be dismissed, unless Mr. Reading come for- ward at the next Communication, and shew cause why he did not prose- cute his appeal at this meeting, and that the Secretary give him notice of this order. Ordered, That the Tyler receive thirty shillings from the Treasurer, for his attendance this day. Ordered, That the Secretary provide ribbons, and have the jewels of this Lodge hung therewith, to be of a light blue color, and that he do also provide aprons for the officers of the Grand Lodge, to be edged round with blue fringe, and otherwise decorated in a Masonic manner, and that the Treasurer be directed, on an order from the Grand Master, to defray the expence thereof. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again on Mon- day, the 31st day of December next, unless, &c. DECEMBER SESSION, 1792. Trenton, December 31, 5792. Agreeably to adjournment the Grand Lodge met, and a Mas- ter Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. R. W. JOHN BEATTY, Grand Master. Hon. BLISHA LAWRENCE, Senior Warden, p. t. FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Junior Warden, p. t. MASKBLL EWING, Esq., Grand Secretary. THOMAS BULLMAN, Grand Treasurer. JONATHAN DOAN, Senior Deacon. ALMARINE BROOKS, Junior Deacon. 48 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. No representation from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. No representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Trinity Lodge, No. 3. John Howell, Senior Warden, John Stotesburg, Junior "Warden, Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Eichard Howell, Senior Warden, Isaac DeCou, Junior Warden, Tren- ton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Union Lodge, No. 6. Elisha Rittenhouse, Master, Daniel Bray, Past Master, Jonathan Doan, Unity Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Almarine Brooks, Senior Warden, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova C'EBsarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Master, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Past Masters — Dr. Nicholas Bellville, Joseph Eead, Esq., Anthony Reckless. Julian Secard, Nicholas Wyncoop, Reading Beatty, James Rapgee. A motion -was made and seconded, that the 3d Section of the 5th Chapter of the Rules and Regulations be exacted against Hiram Lodge, No. 4, for not being heretofore represented, as was required by that rule. Whereupon an excuse was set forth by their deputies why they were not represented, which was deemed satisfactory. A minute of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, was read, offering the use of their Lodge-room, jewels, &c., to the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master reports : That since the last Communication, viz: on the 17th and 19th of Oc- tober, he visited St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and Union Lodge, No. 6 ; that the Junior Grand Warden was notified to attend him, but was prevented by the interposition of business that could not be avoided; that he found the brethren of St. John's Lodge numerous and respectable, its officers intelligent and active, and the members zealously attached to the princi- ples of Masonry. He mentions with particular pleasure the growing state, good order and symmetry of this Lodge. The officers and brethren of Union Lodge, tho' few in number, merit much commendation for their exertions in supporting the reputation and dignity of the Craft, under several adverse circumstances, and the Grand Master flatters himself, that in their perseverance to cultivate those noble and benevolent principles GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 49 which have ever adorned the Masonic character, this Lodge will rise to more eminence and usefulness. The mode of working in both of these Lodges appear to be strictly consonant to the usages of Ancient Masons. John Beattt. Which report was read, and ordered to be filed. Brother Samuel W. Stockton, Senior Grand Warden, being absent from the Lodge, the Grand Master presented a letter from him, apologizing for his absence, being in Philadelphia on public business, which was satisfactory to the Lodge. A letter of Brother A. G. Traunces, St. Louis Lodge, No, 53, Pennsylvania, oifering to present, for the acceptance of this Lodge, a canopy formerly belonging to a Grand Lodge, was read, and referred for consideration this afternoon. The Lodge proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year ; whereupon. The Honorable Eight Worshipful John Beatty, Grand Master. The Worshipful Robert L. Hooper, Deputy Grand Master. Samuel W. Stockton, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. The Honorable Blisha Lawrence, Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing, Esq., Secretary. William Tindall, Deputy Secretary. Joseph Read, Esq., Treasurer. The several officers having been duly installed, took their places in the Lodge. Brother Elijah Rittenhouse, the Master elect of Unity Lodge, Xo. 6, attending, was installed in due form. Brother Richard Howell, from the Committee appointed to draught general Rules of Charity, brought in a report, as follows: The committee appointed to report rules and regulations for the Charity- Fund of the Grand Lodge, beg leave to submit the following report : 1. That there shall be a standing Committee of Charity, which shall consist of the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasu- rer, and the Master of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, a majority of whom shall be authorized to do business. 2. The duty of this committee shall be to meet in the city of Trenton as often as shall be necessary, to receive such applications as may be pre- sented from distressed brethren, on notice given by the brother to whom such application shall be made ; and if the application shall be found de- 4 50 GUAN0 LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. serving, shall afford them such relief as, in the opinion of the committee, may be proper, according to the circumstances of the fund and situation of the applicants ; provided, the sum do not exceed five pounds to any one applicant. 3. That the Grand Treasurer shall pay the orders of the said commit- tee, signed by the presiding officer, or by the Grand Secretary, by order of said committee, charging the Charity Fund therewith. 4. That the said committee shall keep minutes of their proceedings, which shall be read before the Grand Lodge at every Communication. By order, Aaron D. Woodruff, EicnAP.D Howell, William Frazer. Which report being read, was agreed to.' The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 6 o'clock, P. M. 6 O'CLOCK, P. M., The Lodge was called to labor. Present as before, except Brother Belleville. Ordered, That unless John Reading, who appealed from the decision of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, come forward at the next Communication, and shew cause why he did not prosecute his appeal at this Communication, that the same be dismissed. Ordered, That the Secretary of this Lodge procure aprons for the offi- cers thereof, of white leather edged with blue silk fringe, and otherwise adorned in a Masonic manner. The letter of Brother Francis was taken into consideration. Ordered, That the present of Brother Francis be accepted; that the Secretary receive the same, and that he return him the unanimous thanks of the Lodge. A minute of Trenton ijodge, No. 5, offering the room, furni- ture and jewels for the use of the Grand Lodge, was read, and the thanks of this Lodge ordered to be communicated by the Secretary to Trenton Lodge, for their obliging offer. Ordered, That Brother, the Grand Secretary, Aaron D. Woodruff, Eichard Howell and Aaron Dunham, be appointed a Committee of Cor- respondence. Ordered, That Brother Dunham, Woodrutf and Stelle, who were ap- pointed to settle the late Treasurer, Brother BuUman'a accounts, be con- GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 51 tinued, and that they make a final settlement of Brother Bullman's accounts, and that the late Treasurer pay to the present Grand Treasurer the balance of his accounts. On motion, Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey be directed to subscribe the sum of two hundred dollars to the subscrip- tion already begun for building a Lodge in the city of Trenton, by No. 5, to and for the exclusive use of the Grand Lodge, whenever they shall see proper to convene therein. A motion was made that tlie returns from the several Lodges represented, and not delivered, be left with the Grand Secre- tary, and that he require like returns from the several Lodges, agreeably to rule. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again on St. John's Day, which will be the 24th of June next. JUNE SESSION, 1793. Trenton, June 24, 5793. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. present. Hon. & R. W. JOHN BEATTY, Grand Master. SAMUEL W. STOCKTON, Esq., Senior Grand Warden. Hon. ELISHA LAWRENCE, Junior Grand Warden. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Secretary. JOSEPH READ, Esq., Treasurer. AARON HOWELL, Senior Grand Deacon. JONATHAN RHEA, Esq., Junior Grand Deacon. • Dr. William McKissack, Master, Dr. Richard Crusen, Solomon Lodge, No. 1. No deputies attended from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Jonathan Rhea, Esq., Master, John Freeman, Trinity Lodge, No. 3. John Stotesburg, Junior "Warden, Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dunham, Esq., Dr. Nicholas Belleville, Aaron Howell, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. 52 GRAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. No deputies attended from Union Lodge, Ko. 6. No " " " Unity Lodge, No. 7. No " " " Harmony Lodge, No. 8. No " " " Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No " " " Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10. No " " " Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Visiting Brother — James Griffeth. Brother Jonatlian Ehea, Esq., presented the warrant of Trin- ity Lodge, No. 3, which he informed he had orders to return to this Lodge, and prayed the indulgence of the Lodge for time to make up their accounts, and assured the Lodge that all monies due the Lodge should be honorably and punctually paid. Ordered, ThaX the warrant be accepted and that the Lodge be endulged agreeably to their request. The Secretary informed the Lodge that he had written to Brother Fraunces respecting the canopy offered to be presented to the Lodge at the last meeting, but Brother Fraunces having removed from Philadelphia to Xew York, he could not call on him, and that he had not received the same. • Ordered, That Brother John N. Gumming be requested to call on Brother Fraunces for the receipt thereof, and that he communicate to Brother Fraunces the unanimous thanks of this Lodge for the same. Brothers Dunham, 'Woodruff and Stelle, appointed to settle Brother Bullman's accounts as late Grand Treasurer, is continued with like powers, and they are desired to examine Brother Bull- man's accounts and report thereon at the next Communication. A petition from a number of Master Masons in the town of Paterson, praying that a warrant may be issued to Joseph Wallis, Master, Joseph Scott, Senior Warden, and William Matthews, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge there, to be called Paterson Orange Lodge. A motion was made and seconded, that Brothers John N. Gumming, John Stotesburg and Nehemiah Wade, be appointed* a committee to enquire into and report the expediency of com- plying with their request. The appeal of John Eeading to this Lodge, not having been pursued. Ordered, That the same be dismissed. GRAND LODCxB OF NEW JEESEV. 53 A motion was made and seconded, that an address be pre- pared and sent to our Brother Richard Howell, who has lately been preferred to the appointment of Governor of this state, and a committee was appointed to draw one accordingly. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Worshipful, from a committee appointed to di-aw an address to Brother Howell, presented a draught, which was agreed to, in the following words : To our worthy Brother Sichard Howell, Governor of New Jersey: The Grand Lodge of New Jersey now met, with respect and fraternal affection, claim the Beasonable opportunity of testifying tlieir approbation of your late appointment to the government. When they do this justice to your merit, they at the same time flatter themselves that it will not be the least welcome congratulation. It comes from the representatives of all the Lodges of Ancient York Masons of this state. It comes from the hearts of your brethren, who re- gard you not so much for your present station as first magistrate, but as being one of the brightest stars in the Masonic Constellation. Continue to enlighten our paths and to shed that harmonious influence over our works and Communications, which we have the most perfect confidence you have not more in your power than inclination. We anticipate that in the course of your administration, justice and rectitude will be con- spicuous, that your light will so shine before men and your conduct be so acceptable, as loBg to ensure you the public suffrage. Signed in and by order of the Lodge. John Beatty, G. M. Samuel W. Stockton, S. G. W. June 24, 5793. Elisha Lawrence, J. G. W. Which was agreed to and presented. The answer of Brother Richard Howell to the address of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey : Bighi Worshipful Grand Master and the rest of the Brethren of the Right Worshipful Gfrand Lodge of New Jersey : The interest you take in my late appointment, and the brotherly affec- tion with which you are pleased to approve of the honorable distinction I have received from our fellow citizens, for a moment reconciles me to the hazards I encounter., Arduous is the task to hold the balance even, when subject to the brass of passion or affection, but all the powers I 54: GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, have are consecrated to our common country. Thus honored by the racollection of the worthy representatives of all the Lodges of this state, strange it would be if your congratulations could be less than the most welcome ! To be upon the level with such Masons, exalts me beyond the reach of common dignities; but to be connected as I am — that I am not a stranger to your hearts, enlivens every prospect now before me. The ancient and honorable order which I am happy to belong to, in common with the very respectable members of the Grand Lodge, has long em- ployed my reflection as well as my regard, and from the true spirit of our principles, even stripped of every ceremonial, I find it embraces the purest morality, accompanied by every social virtue : Wisdom in deed, contrived to veil from profane eyes, under impenetrable forms, true and substantial good, pure faith, bright hope and balmy charity. Upon the first we found the broad structure of human happiness ; the second is the cape-stone which crowns the edifice, and eradiates the tempests of adver- sity ; the last, the greatest of the three, embraces all the virtuous of man- kind, heavep-born charity. True parent of Masonic love, the fairest oflf- spring of Mesourania, pervade my soul ! If I have felt Masonic princi- ples, and can be bound by them, I know my obligations to you all, and shall carry an impression of your favor along with my existence. I will try to poise the plummet with a steady hand, to make the square set easy, and circumscribe my conduct with due bounds; but if I fail, 'tis human, and my heart shall never be to blame. Enlightened Sire and Brethren, may your collective virtues distil on our societies as the dews of Hermon ; may prejudice vanish before you, and the bright path you pursue reflect Masonic splendor on us all. June 24, 1794. Eichard Howell. The Grand Master informed the Lodge that ho had received a minute from Trenton Lodge, Xo. 5, offering their room, jewels, &c., for the use of the Grand Lodge, which was read. Ordered, That the thanks of the Lodge be communicated to Lodge Is'o. 5, for the use of the same. The Grand Master reports : That since the last Communication he has visited Unity Lodge, No. 7, and Solomon's Lodge, No. 1 ; that he found both those Lodges nu- merous and respectable, their oflScers zealous and attentive, and the members in general emulous and intelligent. The Grand Master having experienced such reciprocal pleasure in his communications with the Lodges he has had occasion to visit, and observing the animation it has excited in the individual members to appear worthy of the vocation with which they are called, he is solicitous that the Injunction contained in the 1st Sec. of the 2d Chap, be in future more strictly attended to. John Beattt, 24th June, 5793. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 55 if Ordered, That the Grand Secretary write a Circular Letter to the several Lodges desiring a more punctual attendance of Reprgsentatives from the several Lodges in the Grand Lodge, and greater care in making returns. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at this place on Monday, the 6th day of January next. JANUARY SESSION, 1794. Trenton, January 6, 5794. Agreeably to adjournment at the last meeting the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. W. SAMUEL W. STOCKTON, S. G. W., in the chair as Master, p. t. Dr. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. A. D. WOODRUFF, Esq., Junior Grand Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Esq., Grand Secretary. PONTEAS DELAREE STKLLE, Grand Treasurer, p. t. ELIJAH RITTENHOUSE, Senior Deacon. JAMES HOPKINS, Junior Deacon. Br. William McKissack, Master, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Dr. William Burnet, Dr. Thomas Griffith, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron D. Woodruff, Esq., Master, Jonathan Rhea, Esq., Junior Warden, Ponteas Delaree Stelle, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Union Lodge, No. 6. Elijah Rittenhouse, John Midrum, Jacob Snyder, Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Armstrong, Senior Warden, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. No representation from Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Esq., Master, James Hopkins, Junior Warden, Champion Wood, Woodbury Lodge, No. IL General Anthony W. White, Master, from Dispensation granted to hold a Lodge at Nevr Brunswick. Past Masters.— His Excellency Richard Howell, Governor of New Jersey, John Holmes. John Snyder, Esq., Jonathan Willis, Aaron Dunham, Esq. 56 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Brother Woodruff, from the committee appointed to settle the accounts of Brother Thomas Builman, late Treasurer, brought in a report in the following words . The Grand Lodge of New Jersey in account with Thomas Builman, Grand Treasurer : Dr. 5791. Jan. 11. To cash rec'd of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1 £3 St. John's Lodge, No. 2 3 " " Trenton Lodge, No. 5 6 8 " " Unity Lodge, No. 7 2 18 " " Harmony Lodge, No. 8 2 11 " " Brother E. Howell, for a Warrant of Brearley Lodge, No. 9, Cum- berland 10 Trenton Lodge, No. 5 5 10 No. 1 2 2 No. 4 No. 7 2 No. 9 No. 3 2 Brother Burnett, for a Warrant of Nova Cassarea Lodge June 24. Sept 8. 3 19 2 5 15 Cr. 10 5791. Jan. 11. By Cash paid the Tyler, by order of the Eight Wor- shipful Grand Master £1 10 " " Brother Isaac De Cou 11 3 June 24. " " Barnabas Murphy, per order of the Grand Secretary 1 17 6 " " D. Wrighter, for tyling the Grand Lodge, No. 3 1 10 Sept. S. " " D. Wrighter, for tyling the Grand Lodge, No. 4 15 Dec. 27. " " D. Wrighter, for tyling Grand Lodge, No. 5, as per bill 12 8 " " D. Wrighter, for tyling Grand Lodge, No. 6 1 10 " " M. Ewing, Grand Secretary 1 13 6 " " Wm. E. Bellamy, per order 12 " " Brother Frazier, per order of the Right Worshipful Grand Master 4 10 " " for paper, &c , 2 6 GRAND IjODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 57 * Ordered, That Brothers Woodruff, Stelle, and Dunham be appointed to complete the settlement of that part of Brother BuUman's ■account as mentioned to be unsettled in the hands of Brother De Cou. The Grand Secretary reports that he has sent forward a Circular Letter to the several Lodges, agreeably to the order of the Grand Lodge at their last meeting, a copy of which remains on the files, and which he pi-oduced and read in his place. A petition was presented to the Lodge from the Masons of New Brunswick and its vicinity, praying that a warrant may be issued to Brother Anthony Walton White, Master, Joseph Morgan, Senior Warden, Shelley Arnet, Junior Warden, to be called Washington Lodge, No. 12, whereupon A motion was made and seconded that the prayer of that petition be granted, which was unanimously agreed to. A minute of Lodge No. 2 was presented, suspending Henry Duplessis from the benefit of Masonry, which was ordered to be communicated. The lodge was called from labor to refreshment during pleasure. The Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Lodge proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, whereupon Samuel W. Stockton, Esq., was appointed Grand Master. John N. Gumming was appointed Deputy Grand Master. Aaron Dunham, Senior Grand Warden. Joseph Read, Esq., Junior Grand Warden. . Maskell Ewing, Secretary. Gershom Craft, Deputy Grand Secretary. Pontius D. Stelle, Treasurer. The Lodge proceeded to the installation of Anthony Walton White, as Master of Washington Lodge, No. 12. William McKissack, as Master of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. An. Dn. Woodrufi", as Master of Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Franklin Davenport, as Master of Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. A certificate from the Secretary of Unity Lodge, No. 7, was presented, certifying that they had expelled Aaron Furman from that Lodge. 58 GRAND LODGE OP XEW JERSEY. Ordered, That the same be communicated. The Lodge proceeded to the installation of the Grand Master, which was done in due form. Ordered, That Brothers Woodruff, De Cou, and Dunham be a commit- tee to inspect and settle the accounts of Brother Eead, the late Grand Treasurer, and that Brother Read pay over the balance in his hands to the Grand Treasurer this day appointed. An appeal by Brother John Holmes, of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, from the decision of Harmony Lodge, on application of Brother Willis, was laid before the Lodge, with the minutes respecting that business. It appearing to the Lodge that no judgment of censure or otherwise of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, had been passed against Brother Holmes so as to give cognizance to the Grand Lodge, and the parties having proceeded at common law, Ordered, That the appeal be dismissed. Ordered, That the committee respecting the petition from Paterson be continued, and that Brother Burnett be added to the committee. A motion was made and seconded, that the meeting of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey be held at the city of New Bruns- wick, which motion was referred for consideration at the next communication. A motion was made and seconded. That a part of the charity fund be appropriated for the disposal of each Lodge, which was referred for consideration at the next communication. The Lodge was closed in good harmony, to meet again at this place on the 3d day of July next. JULY SESSION, 1794. Trextox, July 3, 5794. Agreeably to adjournment at the last meeting, the Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form GRAND LODGK OF NEW JERSEY. 59 PRESENT. W. AARON DUNHAM, Esq., S. G. W., the Grand Master being absent, in the Chair as G. M. p. t. JOSEPH READ, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. BERNARD HANLON, Senior Deacon. JOHN DOUGHERTY, Junior Deacon. MASKELL EWING, Secretary. PONTIUS D. STELLE, Treasurer. Doctor Wm. MoKissack, George McDonald, Esq., Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 1. No representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. John Stotesbury, Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dn. Woodruff, Esq., Master, Jonathan Rhea, Esq., Senior Warden, Rev. Win. Frazer, from Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Union Lodge, No. 6. John Meldrum, Unity Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. General James Giles, Master, Almarine Brooks, Senior Warden, Zecha- riah Lawrence, Junior Warden, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Cassaria Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Esq., Elisha Clark, Esq., Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Aaron Hassart, Christian De Wint, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Entitled to a seat in the Grand Lodge, as having been present at the first Convention : General Joseph Bloomfield, P. M. Gen. John Beatty, P. G. M. James Hopkins, P. M. His Excellency Gov. Ed. Howell, P.G. M. Anthony Reckless, P. M. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge a letter from the Right Worshipful Grand Master, apologising for his non-attend- ance, which was satisfactory. Brother Woodruff from the Committee appointed to settle the accounts of Brother Joseph Read, late Grand Treasurer, brought in a report as follows : 60 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESEY. Grand Lodge of Xew Jersey in account with Joseph Read, Grand Treasurer. 5793. Dr. jersey paper. June 24. To Cash paid Grand Master Beatty, per receipt £2 5 paid Bro. D. Wrighter, Grand Tjler, per order G. M 1 12 Sept. 5. " paid Bro. A. D. Woodruff, on account of the subacription towards building the new Lodge in Trenton 75 Deo. 28. '" paid F. K., a poor distressed brother, by order of the Char- 5794. ity Committee of the G. L 15 Jan. 8. " paid Pontius Delaree Stelle, present Grand Treasurer 58 18 7 £138 10 7 5793. Cr. JERSEY PAPER. June 24. By Cash of Bro. Wra. McKissack, of Solomon's Lodge, in part of dues £7 16 " " of Bro. An. Dunham, for dues of No. 5 3 18 " " ,of Bro. An. Dunham, for bal. in his hands as late G. T 13 17 10 " " of Bro. John Stotesbury, dues of Hiram Lodge 2 6 Sept. 5. " of Bro. A. "Woodruff. 45 8 3 " " of P. D. Stelle, in part of mo- nies received by him from 5794. Bro. Bullman, late G. T 29 11 9 Jan. G. " of Bro. Stelle the residue of do. 35 12 9 £138 10 7 We the Committee appointed by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey for the purpose of settling the account of Brother Sead, late Grand Treasurer, do report that they have examined the same, and do find a balance in his hands of the sum of fifty-eight pounds eighteen shillings and seven pence, as above stated, January 8, 5794. Aaron Dickinson Woodruff, Isaac De Con, Aaron Donham. Which report was read and ordered to lie on the table. A minute of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, setting forth that the said Lodge had proceeded to expel Brother John Holmes from GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 61 that Lodge, was presented and read, in which minute is set forth that the said John Holmes did at the meeting of the said Lodge on the 30th of May last, declare that he appealed from the decision of the said Lodge, that in consequence thereof the Secretary was ordered to furnish him and Brother Jonathan Willis, who was present, with a copy of the minutes and all the proceedings thereon, a copy of which, the Grand Secretary assured the Lodge, was forwarded to him immediately there- after. Ordered, Tiiat the said appeal and the hearing thereon be postponed. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. 1 O'CLOCK, P. M. The Lodge was again called to labor. Brother Woodruff, from the committee appointed to settle that part of Brother BuUman's accounts which remained un- settled in the hands of Brother De Cou, reported that for many reasons the committee had not been able to profeed. Ordered, That they be continued. The committee respecting the petition from Paterson not having reported,. Ordered, That they be continued. The motion made and seconded that the meeting of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey should hereafter be ^held at the city of New Brunswick, and left open to be determined at the last meeting, was taken into consideration. On the question, whether the house agree to have the Grand Lodge remoTed to New Brunswick agreeably to the said motion ? It was carried in the negative. The Lodge again resumed the consideration of the minute from Harmony Lodge, read this morning, whereupon, It appearing from the face of the proceedings of Harmony Lodge at a meeting held the 14th of April, 5794, as produced to the Grand Communication, that none of the officers and but six of the members of that Lodge were present when they pro- ceeded to expel Brother Holmes, 62 GEAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Besolved, That the proceedings of the said Lodge at that meeting be reconsidered by the said Lodge at some future stated meeting, and that for this purpose all the members have due notice to attend. Resolved, That in case the Lodge upon a reconsideration of the said proceedings should not be of opinion to rescind them, that the appeal of Brother Holmes be considered as pending before and will be heard bv the next half yearly communication. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge "The Report of Samuel W- Stockton, Grand Master," as follows : The Grand Master begs leave to report, that since the last communica- tion, to wit, on the evening the third Wednesday in April last, he, together with the Deputy Grand Master, visited St. John's Lodge, No. 2. It was not a stated night, but the Worshipful Master of that Lodge with great politeness and promptitude called a Lodge of Emergency, and we bad every reason to believe that the brethren who could get notice attended very generally. We were well satisfied with the brightness, skill, and ability of the Worshipful, apparent in his examinations and directions, and also of the great readiness and harmony of the brethren in conducting the several parts of their Work. After the Lodge was called off from labor to refreshment we remarked with peculiar pleasure that temperance and discretion miied with sociable intercourse which serves as well to expand and ameliorate the heart as to keep us within due bounds. The Grand Master further reports that on the 24th instant he visited Unity Lodge, No. 7, and was happy to find order and regularity, the manner of working agreeable to ancient usage, and a zeal to improve apparent among the brethren. On this day there was a procession which had been some time ago agreed on by that Lodge, and was attended by its members as well as a number of visiting brothers, principally from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. The procession was conducted with regularity and good order, and an excellent sermon, well adapted to the occasion, was preached by our Kev. Brother Frazer, for which the thanks of the brethren were voted. The Grand Master would beg leave to suggest one remark with respect to processions in general: — That they ought not to be frequent, but when two-thirds of any Lodge determine on having one agreeably to our rules and regulations, the brethren of other Lodges who can attend with convenience should make a point of visiting on such occasions, that the processions may be as numerous and respectable as possible, and the public mind thereby favorably impressed towards Masonry. Samuel W. Stocktox. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 63 The Worshipful Brother Beatty, Past Grand Master, re- ported That in conformity witli his duty he had visited in August last, Solo- mon's Lodge, No. 1, and Hiram Lodge, No. 4, and should have reported this transaction at the last communication, but was absent from the State on public business. He is now happy to observe to the Grand Lodge that he had much satisfaction in his intercourse with these Lodges and found them in a state of order, harmony and improvement. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge a report of Brother B,ead, as follows: To the Grand Lodge of New Jersey : I beg leave to report that in pursuance of the directions contained in the 1st Section of the 2d Chapter of the General Regulations, I did on the sixteenth day of June last past, visit the Lodge at Woodbury, No. 11; that I was received with every mark of polite attention and brotherly aflfection by the officers and members of the said Lodge, who were generally convened on that occasion ; that considerable business was done therein, and I am happy to observe that particular regard was paid to the landmarks of Masonry, and the Master discovered that degree of information and zeal, and executed the duties of his office with that promptitude and accuracy which does honor to the Institution. Joseph Read, J. G. W. On motion, Besolved, That Brothers Bloomfield, Woodruff and Rhea be a com- mittee to examine the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary's accounts and report thereon at the next communication. On motion, Resolved, That the Masters of Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be hereafter installed in their own Lodges, a resolution heretofore passed to the contrary notwithstanding. The Grand Secretary reported that no representation from Union Lodge, No. 6, having appeared for three successive communications, Ordered, That he be directed to consider the said Lodge as struck off the list of Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and to send a copy of this minute to the late Master of said Lodge. The Lodge closed in due harmony, to meet again at Trenton, on Tuesday, the 30th of December next. 64 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. DECEMBER SESSION, 1794. Trenton, December 30, 5794. The Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. R. W. SAMUEL W. STOCKTON, Esq-, Grand Master. Gen. JOHN N. GUMMING, Deputy Grand Master. AARON Dn. WOODRLPP, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. DANIEL BRAY, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. PONTIUS DELAREE STELLE, Grand Treasurer. JONATHAN RHEA, Esq., Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. ELIJAH RITTENHOUSE, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. No representation from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Gen. J. L. Gumming, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dn. Woodruff, Esq., Master, Eev. Wm. Frazer, Eobt. L. Hooper, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Daniel Bray, Master, Elijah Bittenhouse, Junior Warden, Unity Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Robert Rockhill, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Csesaria Lodge, No. 10. No representation from Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Walter Kerr Gole, Esq., Washington Lodge, No. 12. Visiting Brother — George Walker. Ordered, That the Treasurer be instructed to receive the dues to the Grand Lodge in specie at the rate of 8j. the dollar, until the further order of the Lodge. The account of Brother Read, reported at the last communi- cation, was agreed to. Ordered, That he pay the balance in his hands to the present Grand Treasurer. The Lodge proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, whereupon The Worshipful Samuel W. Stockton was appointed Grand Master. Gen. John N. Gumming, Deputy Grand Master. Aaron Dunham, Senior Grand Warden. GRIND LODGE OP NEW JEESBY. 65 Joseph Read, Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing, Grand Secretary. Gershom Craft, Esq., Deputy Grand Secretary. Pontius Delaree Stelle, Grand Treasurer. The petition of the Masons of Paterson was read and referred to the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary do write to the late Master to return the dispensation issued to them and inform him that the Grand Lodge directs that no other dispensation be issued or warrant granted until the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the appeal of Brother Holmes be continued to the next meeting. Ordered, That the committee appointed to settle the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer's accounts be continued to the next meeting. On motion of Brother Cole, seconded by Brother Cumming, it is proposed that the Grand Lodge do alternately meet at the city of New Brunswick and Trenton. Brother Cumming made the following motion, viz. : That in future all payments made to the Grand Lodge be in specie or the value thereof, and that the accounts of the Treasurer be kept in dollars and cents, and that the quarterly dues be 12|- cents, the warrant 25 dollars, and all other dues in the same proportion. On motion made and seconded, Ordered, That a correct statement of the accounts of the Grand Lodge be made out for the inspection of the representatives who may attend at the next communication. Brothers Bray and Woodruff were installed in due form as Masters of their respective Lodges. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again on Wednesday, the 1st day of July next. 66 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JULY SESSION, 1795. Trenton, July 1, 5795. The Grand Lodge met, and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. present. W. AAEON DUNHAM, Esq., S. G. W., Grand Master, p. t. JOSEPH READ, Esq., J. G. W., Senior Grand Warden, p. t. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. PONTIUS D. STELLE, Grand Treasurer FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Esq., Senior Deacon. THOMAS ARMSTRONG, Junior Deacon. William McKissaok, Master, Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 1. Kg representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron Dn. Woodruff, Master, Jonathan Rhea, Junior Warden, William Frazer, Secretary, Aaron Howell, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Esq., Master, Thomas Armstrong, Senior Warden, Hiram Lodge, No. 8. Robert Rockhill, Secretary, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Ciesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Esq., Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Joseph Morgan, Senior Warden, Christian T). Wint, Esq., Andrew Lyle, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Yisiting Past Masters and persons entitled to vote, having been present at the Convention at New Brunswick : General Joseph Bloomfield, John Beatty, Esq., Past Grand Master. Past Masters— Dr. Nicholas Belleville, Anthony Reckless, General William Maxwell. It appearing on the information of Brother Anderson of Har- mony Lodge, No. 8, that the order of this Lodge on the appeal of Brother Holmes, of the 3d of July, 5794, had not been de- livered to that Lodge, Ordered, That the Grand Secretary do make out an extract of the min- utes made at that time, and transmit the same to the Master of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, and that the appeal be considered as pending and will be heard before the Grand Lodge at the next Communication. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEBSEY. 67 The motion of Brother CummiDg was taken up and agreed to as follows: "That in future, all payments made to the Grand Lodge be in specie or the value thereof, and that the accounts of the Treasurer be kept in dollars and cents, and that the quar- terly dues be 12| cents, the warrant 25 dollars, and all other dues in the same proportion." The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Lodge was again called from refreshment to labor. A statement from the Treasurer, agreeably to order, was laid before the Lodge, by which it appears that there was, previous to this day, £114, Is, 3d, in his hands. The petition from Paterson, praying a warrant may issue to the brethren there to hold a Lodge, was again, agreeably to order, taken up, whereupon. Ordered, That the former committee be discharged and that Brother Cumming, Brother Burnet and Brother David Ogden, be appointed a committee to report the expediency of granting a warrant agreeably to the application from Paterson, and that the Secretary inform Brother Wallace of this order, and that it is expected the above named committee will report at the next Communication and that the application will then be heard and decided on. The Lodge took into consideration the motion of Brother Cole, seconded by Cummings, respecting the alternate meeting of the Lodge, and the question being put, it was carried in the negative. The Grand Treasurer, having reported that the sum of £114, Is, .3d, remains in his hands unappropriated. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge will, at the next Communication, dis- pose of this money, either by loan or otherwise, and that the Secretary be requested to give information to the Lodges not at present represented, of this their extended disposition. On motion, Ordered, That Brothers R. Howell, A. D. Woodruff, Dunham and M. Ewing, be a Committee of Correspondence. The communication from Edward Day, Master of Nova Ca3- sarea Lodge, No. 10, was read and referred to Brothers R. Howell, A. D. Woodruff, Dunham and M. Swing, the Committee 68 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. of Correspondence and with directions particularly to declare in answer to the said communications, the approbation of the Grand Lodge of their conduct, and that the Grand Secretary make out a general abstract of the returns of Masons under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge and forward the same, and that the Lodge will provide for defraying the expense thereof. Cincinnati, loth March, S. L. 5795. Right Worshipful Brelhrtn : It appears from statements made to me since my arrival, that in the beginning of the year 5791, your Eight Worshipful Body was solicited for a warrant to constitute a Lodge in this place. It further appears that this favor was granted by you, at Trenton, the 8th of September, 5791, in which you have been pleased to nominate Dr. William Burnet, Master, John Ludlow, Senior Warden, and Calvin Morrel, Junior Warden. This charter, for reasons known to all of us, has been detained until December last, and then without the presence of our Brother Dr. Burnet. It further appears that our Brother John Ludlow, from some domestic considerations of a very peculiar nature, refused to give aid in organizing this Chapter. In this situation was things at the arrival of your warrant. The Masons of this place, after various consultations, determined to do what appeared to be their duty. They were poor, affectionate and honest in their intentions. They wanted aid in many things; they knew of no Lodge, at that time, nearer than Pittsburgh, say 500 miles, tho' they have since discovered one at the distance of 300 miles and one other, the nearest, at 100 miles. From none of these could help be reasonably expected, besides report whispered they were irregular. Our Constitution tells us " The Craft shall not be injured for want of officers, however valuable, when impossible to give their attendance." Resolutions were made to choose officers in the room of the absentees. The circumstances were imperious. A unanimous voice placed me as President of this little Society, and Brother John S. Gano, Senior Warden. The installation was a difficulty only to be obviated by Brothers Wallen and Allen, who were Past Masters and Royal Arch Masons, and well knew their duty on this occasion. Brother Isaac Guion, the present Master of the Army Lodge, happened here and promoted their work by uniting his labors. This essential ceremony was well known to myself, who have been ini- tiated into the sublime degrees of Masonry as far as that of a Knight of Malta, and have been, since the year 5780, duly received in the different degrees and offices, and have been specially appointed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Junior Warden of No. 35, Joppa, in Maryland; was in- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEr. 69 Stalled by special deputation, served with satisfaction my full term ; have in possession the certificate of the Grand Lodge in ample form, signed by Brother Joseph Howell, Jr., and dated the 20th of September, 5784, and which the bearer. Brother Gano, will certify. Since that time, in different states of the Union, I have been honored with further advancements in Masonry, and now fill the chair in No. 10, under your jurisdiction. Our proceedings and By-Laws are copied from our commencement, and with due reverence and submission, will be laid before you by the Senior Warden, who will pay all dues claimed from us by your Eight Worshipful Grand Lodge, whose countenance, support and protection we earnestly solicit, begging that we may receive your instructions and half-yearly Communications, and be enrolled with other Lodges under your govern- ment. This establishment has been attended with considerable pains and ex- pense considering the poverty of the members, and our perilous situation in an enemy's country. Nevertheless we presume that so far, we are honest in heart, regular in action, harmonious in living, we humbly hope for your approbation. It is already anticipated; should rigid discipline require more, severe ex- actions will cast a gloom on every brow and happiness banished from this little band of social brothers. In future our proceedings will be regularly forwarded for your inspection with an unquestionable punctuality, together with our dues, and on your justice and mercy we rest our cause, believing you to be our Eight Wor- shipful Grand Lodge, our guardians and our brethren, with all reverence and submission. I am with affection, your friend and brother. Edward Day, Master of Lodge No. 10. Moved and seconded, That the expense of the officers of the Grand Lodge in attending the Lodge, be paid out of the funds of the Grand Lodge. Left open for consideration at the next Communication. The Grand Lodge closed in good harmony to meet here again on the second Tuesday in January next. JANUARY SESSION, 1796. Trenton, January 12, 5796. The Grand Lodge met and a Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. 70 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. PRESENT. W. JOHN X. GUMMING, D. G. M., Grand Master, p. t. AARON DUNHAM, Esq., Senior Warden. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Esq., Junior Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary. PONTIUS D. STELLE, Grand Treasurer. PETER KEEN ON, Senior Grand Deacon, ISRAEL HEDDEN, Junior Grand Deacon. No reprssentation from Solomon's Lodge, iso. 1. Israel Hedden, Esq., Past Master, James Hedden, Senior Warden, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. No representation from Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Aaron D. Woodruff, Esq., Master, Jonathan Rhea, Senior AV'arden, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Daniel Bray, Master, Elijah Eittenhouse, Senior Warden, Cornelius Coolbough, Junior Warden, Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Master, John Johnson, Senior Warden, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Capt. Enos Johnson, Senior Warden, Maj. George Howell, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Ctesarea Lodge, No. 10. No representation from Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. John Parker, Esq., Peter Keenon, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Past Master — Daniel McElheren, Joseph Willis. David Boss, Reading Beatty, Jona. Johnson, Zadoc Hedden, Dr. Wynekoop, Jona. Doan, William Grant, John D. Murry, Esq., Jona. Willis. The Secretary informed the Lodge that he had, agreeably to the order of the Lodge at the last meeting, served Harmony Lodge, No. 8, vrith an extract of the minutes made on the 3d of July, 5794 ; whereupon Brother Anderson presented a minute of Harmony Lodge, of the 28th of September, 5795. A letter from Brother Holmes was read, dated New York, 8th of January, 5796, praying that the decision on the appeal brought forward by him may be postponed until the next meeting, whereupon, The Lodge agreed to proceed to hear the testimony and de termine the appeal. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 71 On the question, whether the Lodge will confirm the decision of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, it was carried unanimously, in the affirmative. Brother Gumming, from the committee to whom was referred the application from Masons in the town of Paterson for a war- rant, reported favorably, whereupon, The petition from Paterson, praying a warrant, was read. Ordered, That a warrant do issue agreeably to the prayer of the said petition, by the name of Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, whereupon, The Worshipful John N. Cumming was unanimously appointed Grand Master. General Joseph Bloomfield, Deputy Grand Master. Joseph Read, Esq., Senior Grand "Warden. Israel Hedden, Junior Grand Warden. P. D. Stelle, Grand Treasurer. Jacob Benjamin, Esq., Grand Secretary. William Tindall, Deputy Grand Secretary. A motion was made and seconded, that the Grand Lodge hereafter shall meet once a year, statedly, for yearly Commu- nications of all the Lodges. A motion was made and seconded, that the Grand Lodge in future shall sit alternately at Trenton and Newark. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be hereafter allowed such reason- able compensation for his services and expenses, as to the G-rand Lodge may appear reasonable. Ordered, That Brothers Howell, A. J). Woodruff, Dunham and Ewing, be the Committee of Correspondence. Ordered, That Brother Cumming, Brother Rhea and the G-rand Trea- surer, be a committee to let out the funds of the Grand Lodge, either on loan for lawful interest of New Jersey, on good security, or to vest the same in the public funds, or otherwise, in such way as to them may seem best. The motion made and seconded, that the expenses of the officers of the Grand Lodge, in attending the Lodge, be paid out of the funds of the Grand Lodge, at the last Communication, was taken into consideration and agreed to so far as to extend to all officers who do not reside within 20 miles of the place where the Grand Lodge shall hold its sitting. 72 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On the application of Brother Andrew Gr. Frannces for charity, Ordered, That the sum of £5 be paid by the Grand Treasurer out of the funds of this Lodge, unto Brother Israel Hedden, to be applied at his dis- cretion for the use of the said Andrew Gr. Fraunces. A motion was made and seconded, that the Grand Lodge meet alternately at Trenton and at A'ewark or New Brunswick, left over for consideration at the next meeting. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge an account of Brother Ewing for services in bringing up the minutes of the Lodge and cash expended for the Lodge, amounting to eleven pounds, seven shillings and one penny half-penny, which was allowed and the Treasurer directed to pay the same. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet at Trenton, on the 5 th day of July next. JULY SESSIOX, 1796. Trenton, July 5, 5796. The Grand Lodge met. A Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. PRESENT. R. W. JOIIX N. GUMMING, Grand Master. JOSEPH BLOOMPIELD, Deputy Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Senior Grand Warden. ISRAEL HEDDEN, Junior Grand Warden. WILLIAM HALSEY, Senior Deacon, p. t. DANIEL McILHAREN, Junior Deacon, p. t. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. P. D. STELLE, Grand Treasurer. William McKissack, James Linn, John Stevenson, Solomon's Lod^e, No. 1. Samuel Hays, William Halsey, Daniel Mcllharen, Alpheus Freeman, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Jona. Rhea, B. Hanlon, Aaron Dunham, N. Belle- ville, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Thomas Anderson, Harmonv Lodje, No. S. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 73 James Giles, Almarin Brooks, James D. VVestoott, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Franklin Davenport, Champon Wood, Elislia Clark, Amos Pearce, L. H. Stockton, Woodbury Lodge, No. IL Anthony W. White, Christian D. Wint, Peter Keenon, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Erother Thomas Anderson, having presented a petition to the Grand Lodge from the county of Sussex, praying a warrant may be granted and directed to Thomas Armstrong, Master, Frederick Delano, Senior Warden, and Ebenezer Mead, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge in the township of Wantage, in the said county of Sussex, which being read, the same was ordered to be granted, and which was accordingly issued by the name of Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. Brother Gumming, from the committee to whom was referred the disposition of the funds of the Grand Lodge, made a report. The committee to whom was referred the disposition of the funds of the Grand Lodge, Report, That they have agreed with Trenton Lodge, No. 5, to loan unto them the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, at an interest of seven per cent., payable quarter yearly, from the first day of March last, they entering into such security as your committee may approve. By order of the committee. Dated 5th July, 1796. J. N. Gumming. Ordered, That the said report be entered and that the said Committee, after they take the security, lodge the same with the Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the Deputy Grand Master Bloomfield, Past Grand Master Beatty and Aaron D. Woodruff, Master of Lodge No. 5, be a committee to draught amendments to Chap. 1, of the General Eegulations of this Grand Lodge, so as to include as members of the Grand Lodge, such brethren who are Master Masons and deputed under the seal of the respective Lodges, to represent their several Lodges, and such other amendments as may be necessary, respecting who shall be members of the Grand Lodge, and shall be admitted as visiting brethren. It having been communicated to the Grand Lodge, that two candidates who have been balloted for and rejected, in Wood- bury Lodge, No. 11, some time past, had been admitted in some of the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 74 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary, from time to time, as lie shall re- ceive the same, give written information to the Grand Secretaries of Penn- sylvania and New York, of the names and places of abode of all such persons aa shall have been voted for and rejected in the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The Lodge in the county of Morris, having neglected for three successive Communications or more, to send a representation to the Grand Lodge, It is Ordered, That the said Lodge be struck off the list and that their warrant be considered as null and void. The Lodge took into consideration a motion made at the last Communication, that the Grand Lodge meet alternately at Trenton and at Xewark or New Brunswick. On the question, whether the Lodge agree to the said motion ? it was carried in the negative. The Lodge took into consideration a motion made at the last Communication, viz : That the Grand Lodge shall hereafter meet once a year, statedly, for Communications of all the Lodges. On the question, whether the Lodge agree to the said motion ? it was carried in the affirmative. Ordered, That a special meeting of the Grand Lodge be held at Newark, on the 5th of January next, for the purpose of appointing Grand Officers and fixing the day for the first meeting of the Grand Lodge, to be continued annually thereafter, and as the said meeting is for the special purposes aforesaid, it is the sense of the Lodge that at the said meeting, no motion of a general nature, such as may in any manner, involve the question of the place where the Grand Lodge is to be held in future, shall be made or decided upon, or other motion ihat may affect the General Regulations of the Lodge other than above is expressed. On motion, the following resolutions were proposed for con- sideration : Mesolved, That at every annual Communication an oration on the sub- ject of Masonry, be delivered by a brother appointed for the purpose, either in the hall of the Grand Lodge or such other place adjacent to the Lodge, as may be directed. Resolved, That every Master elect may be installed in a Lodge of Past Masters, any rule or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding. Resolved, That such of the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, which shall make donations to poor and distressed Masons, their widows or orphans, shall have credit for the monies so given out of their GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 75 dues to the Grand Lodge, provided the donations do not exceed the one- half of the dues of the Lodge. Resolved, That no members but the legal representatives of Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall have the privilege of voting in the Grand Lodge, excepting those who attended the convention on the formation of the Grand Lodge. ^ The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at Newark, on the 5th day of January next. JANUARY SESSION, 1797. Newark, January 5, 5797. The Grand Lodge met. PRESENT. R. W. JOHN N. GUMMING, Grand blaster. JOSEPH READ, Senior Grand Warden. ISRAEL HEDDEN, Junior Grand Warden. THOMAS GRIFFITH, Senior Grand Deacon. MATTHIAS B. HIGGINS, Junior Grand Deacon. P. D. STELLB, Grand Treasurer. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Grand Secretary, p. t. No representation from Solomon's Lodge, No. L Uzal Johnson, Master, Thomas Bibby, Senior Warden, James Hedden, Junior Warden, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Master, Jonathan Rhea, Senior Warden, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. John Johnson, Senior Warden, Jonathan Willis, Harmony Lodge^ No. 8. No representation from Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova tesarea Lodge, No. 10. Amos Pearce for Treasurer, Davenport, Master, Thomas Wilkina, Junior Warden, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Peter Keenon, Treasurer, Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Paterson Lodge, No. 13. No representation from Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. 76 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESEY. VISITING BRETHREN FROM «T. JOHn's LODGE, NO. 2. John Pintard, P. M., Jolin Gifford, Thomas Gautier, Wm. Burnet, P. M., Jabez Pankhurst, John Bagget, William Halaey, David Boss, Jacob Burnet. Matthias B. Higgins, Thomas Griffith, Harmony Lodge, No. 8 — Robert Thompson. Washington Lodge, No. 12 — John Parker, Past Master. A letter was received from the Grand Lodge of the state of Massachusetts, addressed to this Lodge, and transmitted there- with a Book of the Constitutions of the said Grand Lodge, for acceptance of this Lodge, was read. A letter was also received from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, declaring that certain persons therein named had been expelled from their Lodges. The committee appointed to loan the funds of the Grand Lodge, not being ready to report. Ordered, That the said committee be continued and desired to proceed thereon. The Lodge proceeded to the election of officers of the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year, when The Right Worshipful John N. Gumming, was unanimously re-appointed Grand Master. Joseph Bloomfield Deputy Grand Master. Joseph Read, Senior Grand Warden. Israel Hedden, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Pontius Delare Stelle, Grand Treasurer. William Tindall, Deputy Grand Secretary, Brothers Richard Howell, Jonathan Rhea and John Beatty, are appointed a Committee of Correspondence with the usual powers. Ordered, That Brothers Jonathan Ehea and Aaron Dickinson Wood- ruff, be a committee to examine the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer of the Grand Lodge. On motion. Resolved, That this Lodge do meet on the second Wednesday of January , annually, and that the election of Grand Officers, be in future had at the said meeting. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JBKSEY. 77 Resolved, That the committee appointed to report on certain sections of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge do further report at the next meeting such further amendments as they may think necessary by reason of the vote of this Grand Lodge to meet but once a year. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again on the second Wednesday of January next. JANUARY SESSION, 1798. Trenton, January — , 5798. At a Stated meeting of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, held at Trenton on the second Wednesday in January, in the year of light 5798 : PRESENT. R. ^V. JOHN N. GUMMING, Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Senior Grand Warden. AARON DUNHAM, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. WM. TINDALL, Deputy Grand Secretary. P. D. STELLE, Grand Treasurer. JONA DOAN, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. ELISHA CLARK, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. John Beatty, P. G. M. Maskell Ewing. Burrowes Smith. An Entered Apprentices Lodge was opened in due form. IS'o representation from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Thomas Bibby, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Jona Rhea, Bernard Hanlon, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Daniel Bray, Joshua Anderson, Cornelius Ooolbaugh, Unity Lodge No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Clarence Mulford, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Joshua Howell, Elisha Clark, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. No representation from Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Paterson Lodge, No. 13. No representation from Farmers Lodge, No. 14. 78 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The committee to whom was referred the disposition of the funds of the Grand Lodge, made a report which was deemed satisfactory, and ordered to be filed. The committee appointed to draught amendments to Chap 1 of the General Eegulations of this Grand Lodge, and other purposes mentioned in said app6intment, made a report, which was ordered to remain for further consideration. The Grand Secretary reported that no communications had been made to him since the last meeting of persons voted for and rejected in any of the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. It is ordered, That the Giand Secretary examine whether the deed for the lot on -which Trenton Lodge, No. 5 stands, and which lot is mortgaged to the Grand Lodge, is recorded, and if not that he have it done. The Grand Lodge having resumed the consideration of the report of the committee appointed to draught amendments to Chap. V, Sec. 1, &c., of the General Regulations ot the Grand Lodge, the same was agreed to as follows, to wit : Chap. VI, S. 1. Hele the whole section, and insert " The Grand Lodge must meet once a year statedly, for the yearly communications of all the Lodges, and shall also have occasional meetings and adjournments as business may require, at such times and places as the Grand Master may appoint (or such special meeting. The yearly communication shall be held at Trenton on the 2d Wednesday in January, and the different Lodges are to attend the stated and occasional meetings by their proper officers or deputies." § 3, lines, dele "half." § 14, line 3, dele " on or near St. John the Evangelist's day." § 15, line L dele "on or near St. John the Evangelist's day of" and insert "in." ? 17, line 3 and 4, dele " on or near St. John the Evangelist's day." The Grand Lodge resumed the consideration of the proposed resolution, " That at every annual communication an oration be delivered on the subject of Masonry, by a brother appointed for that purpose, either in the hall of the Grand Lodge, or such other place adjacent to the Lodge as may be directed," and after some time spent thereon. Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 79 The Grand Lodge resumed the consideration of the resolution proposed, " That every Master elect may be installed in a Lodge of Past Masters, any rule or regulation to the contrary notwith- standing," and after some time spent thereon, Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed. The Grand Lodge having also resumed the consideration of the resolution proposed, that such of the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, which shall make donations to poor and distressed Masons, their widows or orphans, shall have credit for the monies so given out of the dues to the Grand Lodge, provided the donations (on receipts to be produced) does not exceed the one-half of the dues of the said Lodge, and after some time spent thereon. Ordered, Tliat the further consideration thereof be postponed. The Grand Lodge having resumed the consideration of the motion " that no member but the legal representatives of Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall have the privi- lege of voting in the Grand Lodge, excepting those who at- tended the Convention on the formation of the Grand Lodge." On the question whether the Lodge agree to the said motion ? it was carried in the negative. Brother Burrowes Smith having presented a petition sigaed by five brethren, praying a warrant may be granted, and directed to Ezekiel Blue, Master, John Taylor, Senior Warden, and Burrowes Smith, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge in the township of Amwell or Hopewell, in the county of Hunterdon, which being read, the same was ordered to be granted, and a warrant was accordingly issued by the name of Federal Lodge, No. 15. Ordered, That the committee appointed to settle the accounts of the late Treasurer be continued, and if on settlement there should appear to be any balance due from him, that the said late Treasurer pay into the hands of his successors in office the said balance. The Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nominated, were appointed : 80 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Worshipful John X. Gumming was re-appointed Grand Master. Joseph Bloomfield, Deputy Grand Master. Joseph Read, Senior Grand Warden. Israel Hedden, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. Elisha Clark, D. G. Secretary. Ordered, That Brothers Jona. Ehea and Aaron D. Woodruff be con- tinued a committee to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and Secretary. Ordered, That Brothers Richard Howell and Jonathan Rhea be con- tinued a Committee of Correspondence with the usual powers, and that Brother John Beatty be added to the committee. The Lodge closed in good harmony. .-^FECIAL SESSIOX. Trenton, January 11, 5798. At a special meeting of the Grand Lodge held at Trenton, this 11th day of January, 5798 : PRESENT. R. W- JOHX N. CCMMIXG, Master. JOSEPH READ, Senior Warden. F. DAVENPORT, Junior Warden, p. t. JACOB BEXJAMIX, Secretary. John Beatty, Daniel Bray, Ellett Howell, Thomas Bibby, Joshua Anderson, Burrowes Smith, Jona. Ehea, Joshua L. Howell, P.'D. Stelle, Cornelius Coolbaugh, JTicholas Cox, A. Dunham, A Master Masons Lodge was opened in due form. John E. Spencer, Esq., a Fellow Craft, being in waiting, and wishing to be raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, he was accordingly raised. The Lodge closed in good harmony. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 81 JANUARY SESSION, 1799. Trenton, January 9, 5799. The Grand Lodge met. PRESENT. W. JOHN N. GUMMING, Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Senior Grand Warden. THOMAS BULLMAN, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Secretary, p. t. PONTIUS DELAREB STELLE, Senior G. Deacon, p. t. ISAAC ANDRESS, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Isaac AndresB, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. A. Dn. Woodruff, Aaron Dunham, P. D. Stelle, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. Anthony Squires, Thomas Paul, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. David Seeley, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. James B. Caldwell, Isaac Kay, Woodbury Lodge, No. IL Alpheus Freeman, Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Farmers Lodge, No. 14. Benj. Price, Joseph Palmer, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to get the deed from Mark Thompson to Trenton Lodge, No. 5, proved and recorded. The Grand Lodge resumed the consideration of the proposed resolution, " That at every annual communication an oration be delivered on the subject of Masonry by a brother appointed for that purpose, either in the hall, or in such other place adjacent to the Lodge as may be directed." On the question, Whether the Lodge agree thereto ? it was carried in the affirmative. The Lodge resumed the consideration of the resolution pro- posed, " That every Master elect may be installed in a Lodge of Past Masters, any rule or regulation to the contrary notwith- standing." On the question, Whether the Lodge agree thereto ? It was carried in the affirmative. 6 82 GRAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. OriJereJ. That Brothers Bullman, Freeniao and Danham be a com- mittee to examine the present Treasurer's accounts for the last year and report thereon. The Lodsre ■was called from labor to refreshment. The ijodge ■n-as again called to labor. The Grand Lodge resumed the consideration of the resolution proposed. •• That such of the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge which shall make donations to poor and distressed Masons, their widows or orphans, shall have credit for the monies so given out of their dues to the Grand Lodge, pro- vided the donations (on receipts to be produced) do not exceed the one-half of the dues of the said Lodge." On the question, "Whether the Lodge agree thereto ? it was carried in the affirmative. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge a statement of the Treasurer's accounts signed bv the committee appointed to settle the same, by which there appears to be a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of one hundred and fourteen dollars and seventeen cents. The Worshipful laid before the Lodge the following resolu- tion, which was moved and seconded for consideration at the next meeting. Itrso!:eJ, That the Grand Secretary, as soon as possible after every meeting of the Grand Lodge, do furnish the Committee of Correspondence and forward to every Loige at the e.xpense of the Grand Lodge, attested copies of the proceedicgs of the Grand Lo Ige, or so much thereof and of the communications as the Committee of Correspondence shall direct. The Deputy Grand Master reported that he had visited Breai-lev Lodge. Xo. 0. and was pleased to find them well in- formed in their Work, and that they have erected a convenient Lodge for their accommodation. A petition from S brethren of the county of Sussex, praying that a warrant may be granted to Brother Thomas Bullman. Master, Samuel Showers. Senior Warden, and Ezekiel Holmes. Junior Warden, to be called Olive Branch Lodge. Xo. 16. was read, and a warrant ordered; which warrant was issued accord- inslv. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 83 Ordered, That Brothers Rhea and Woodruff be continued a committee to examine the accounts of P. D. Stelle, late Grand Treasurer, and also the accounts of the Secretary. Ordered, That Brothers Richard Howell, John Beatty, and Jonathan Rhea, be the Committee of Correspondence for the next year, with the usual powers. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary, as soon as possible, furnish the Committee of Correspondence, and forward to every Lodge at the expense •of the Grand Lodge, copies of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the Treasurer be directed to cause 2,000 copies of the blank returns to be struck off, and that the Secretary be directed to distribute 50 copies to each Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer procure a number of warrants to be struck off for the use of the Grand Lodge, and that the Lodge will provide for the expense. The Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nom- inated, were appointed : The Right Worshipful Joseph Bloomfield, Grand Master. Joseph Read, Deputy Grand Master. Dr. Wm. McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. Elisha Clark, Deputy Grand Secretary. Ordered, That Brother Giles be appointed to deliver an oration at the next communication. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at Trenton, on the second Wednesday of January next. 84 GRAND I.ODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JANUARY SESSION, 1800. Trenton, January 8, 5800. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. PRESENT. R. W. JOSEPH BLOOMFIELD, Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Deputy Grand Master, Dr. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Senior G. Warden, p. t JOHX X. GUMMING, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. SAMUEL J. READ, Senior Grand Deacon. JOHN TANDERGRIFP, Junior Grand Deacon. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. Dr. AVilliam MoKissaok, Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 1. John N. Gumming, John Pintard, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Trinity Lodge, No. 3, formerly of Monmouth county, struck off. Hiram Lodge, No. 4, formerly of Morris county, struck off. Aaron Dn. Woodruff, Jona. Rhea, Aaron Dunham, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Union Lodge, No. 6, formerly of Bergen County, struck off. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7, of Kingwood, in the county of Hunterdon. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8, of Newton, in the county of Sussex. Jedediah Davis, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Cresarea Lodge, in the Western Territory. James B. Caldwell, Joseph Hillraan, Samuel Chatham, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Andrevr Lyle, Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Paterson Lodge, No. 13. Ebenezer Mead, Farmers Lodge, No. 14. Benjamin Price, Joseph Palmer, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. A blaster Masons Lodge was opened in due form. The Right "Worshipful Grand Master announced to the brethren the death of our deceased brother, General GEORGE WASHINGTON, in the following address, to wit: " I announce to you, brethren, that it hath pleased the Divine Creator, on the 14th of December, 5799, to remove our great and good brother, eorge Washington, in the 68th year of his age, from the cares and GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 85 troubles of this transitory existence TO A STATE OF ETERNAL DURATION. May his death remind us of our approaching fate, and incline us to be more strongly cemented in the ties of union and friend- ship, that by regulating our conduct here agreeably to the dictates of truth, wisdom and discretion, we may prosecute our journey without dread or apprehension, to that far distant country from whose bourne no traveller returns — and that we may enjoy in our last moments that serene tran- quility of mind which ever flows from a good conscience void of offence towards God and man." An excuse was offered for the oration not being delivered at this time, agreeably to the order of the last meeting. Ordered, That the excuse be deemed satisfactory, and that the Orator be continued. Ordered, That Brothers Rhea, Caldwell and Mead, be a committe to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Ordered, That Brothers Richard Howell, John Beatty, and Jonathan Rhea be continued the Committee of Correspondence for the ensuing year. The Grand Treasurer reported that he had procured the 2,000 blank returns and 31 warrants, agreeably to the orders of the Grand Lodge. On motion, Eesohed, That the Grand Treasurer procure for the Grand Lodge a seal, as nearly resembling the former seal (which is lost) as possible. Brothers Jonathan Rhea and A. D. Woodruff, the committee appointed to examine and report the accounts of Pontius D. Stelle, late Treasurer, reported that they had examined the books of the said Pontius D. Stelle, and find there is a balance due from him of one pound five shillings and five pence. Resolved, That the Lodge do approve of the said report. Brother William McKissack having presented a petition from several members of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, praying that the dues of those that are dead or removed may be remitted, which was read and the further consideration of the same postponed. Brother John N. Gumming proposed the following motion ; That any of the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, may make such funeral processions in honor of the late deceased brother. General George Washington, as to them may 86 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. seem proper, they preserving established rules ; and that the day of the first procession be on the 22d of February next, and ever after on the 14th of December, and that the several Lodges be hung in black and the members wear mourning for our deceased brother until the festival of next St. John's day, which being seconded and the question being taken, whether the Lodge agree thereto, it was carried unanimously in the aflErmative. Brother John N. Gumming presented a communication stating that Joseph Wallace, of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, had been sus- pended in said Lodge, Ordered, That the said communication be filed. Brother John X. Gumming presented an extract from the minutes of St. John's Lodge, Xo. 2, respecting the honoi-s paid to the memory of our late illustrious brother, General George Washington, as follows : December 25th, A. L. 5799. On motion — Resolved, That the funeral obsequies of our late illustrious brother General George Washington, be attended by this Lodge, on Friday next, in conjunction with the military and citizens of this town. Resolved, That an escutcheon with a suitable device, be prepared and placed over the W. Master's chair, to perpetuate the virtues of our highly respected departed brother G. Washington. Resolved, That the altar, with the desks of the W. Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, be veiled with mourning, and that the officers' jewels and the badges of the brethren be trimmed with black crape during the space of six months. Resolved, That the festival usually observed on the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist, be suspended on this mournful occasion. Friday, 27th December, A. L. 5799. The Lodge assembled at 10 o'clock A. M., and walked in funeral pro- cession with the citizens of Newark, and attended Divine service per- formed in the Presbyterian church, by the Rev. Dr. Macwhorter. An elegant obelisk, e.xecuted by Brother Matthias Higgins, with a striking likeness of the late general, and suitable emblems and inscriptions, was borne by the two eldest brethren in the procession. Resolved, That the thanks of the Lodge be returned to the Rev. Dr. Macwhorter, for his discourse delivered in honor of General Washington. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 87 Resolved, That thanks be returned to Brother Secretary Higgins, for his services on this occasion. Saturday, January 4, A. L. 5800. Resolved, That a brother be selected from this Lodge to deliver an eulogy, on the 22d of February next, in conformity with the Eesolution of Congress to the memory of our late illustrious brother General George Washington, and that a Committee of Arrangements be appointed to superintend the ceremonies of the evening. It was recommended that the doors of the Lodge be opened to a select audience on the occasion. M. W. Higgins, Secretary. Ordered, That the same be filed. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Lodge was called again to labor. The committee appointed for that purpose reported that they had examined the books and vouchers of Brother Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer, and find a balance remaining in his hands of two hundred and seventy-one dollars and eleven cents. Which report was agreed to and ordered filed. The Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand OiScers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nom- inated, were appointed, to wit : The Right Worshipful Joseph Bloomfield, Grand Master. Joseph Read, Deputy Grand Master. Dr. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Treasurer. Samuel J. Read, Deputy Grand Secretary. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet at Trenton, on the 2d Wednesday of January next. 88 GRAXD LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. JANUARY SESSION, 1801. Trextox, January 4, 5801. PRESEXT. R. W. JOSEPH READ, Deputy Grand Master. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Senior Warden. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Junior Warden, p t. JONATHAN DOAN, Senior Deacon, p. t. JAMES ALEXANDER, Junior Deacon, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. John Meldrum, Andrew Howell, Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 1. Xo representation fronn St. John's Lodge, Xo. 2. Aaron D. WoodrufF, Aaron Dunham, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Lucius W. Stockton, John Cherry, Joshua Anderson, Unity Lodge, Xo. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, Xo. S. Dr. William Belford Ewinj;, Brearley Lodge, Xo. 9. Xo representation from Xova C.Tsarea Lodge, Xo. 10. Samuel Chatham, Thomas West, Woodbury Lodge, Xo. 11. Andrew Lyle, William Dunham, Washington Lodge, Xo. 12. Xo representation from Paterson Lodge, Xo. 13. Xo representation from Farmers Lodg?, Xo. 14. Burrowes Smith, John Sa.\ton, Federal Lodge, Xo. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, Xo. IG. Past Grand Master — John Beatfy. A Master ^lasons Lodge was opened in due form. The Grand Treasurer presented to the Lodge a seal pro- cured agreeably to the order of the last meeting. Resolved, That the same be approved. A letter from the Worshipful Brother William Ellison, Master of Paterson Lodge, No. 13, craving time till the next communi- cation of the Grand Lodge, to pay off their dues and to be received into communication; whereupon, Mesolved, That indulgence be given to the said Lodge agreeably to the said request, and that unless that Lodge be duly represented at the next communication, and their dues paid, they shall be struck off the list o*^ Lodges agreeably to rule, and that the Secretary send Brother Ellison a copy of this resolution. . GEANP LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 89 Brother BuUman reported that in obedience to a dispensa- tion for that purpose, he had visited Farmers Lodge, No. 14, and found the Craft in good harmony, &e. Ordered, That the report be filed. Brother Woodruff also reported that in obedience to a dis- pensation he had visited Unity Lodge, No 7, and Federal Lodge, No. 15, and found good order and regularity to prevail. Ordered, That the report be filed. Brother William McKissack also reported that in obedience to a dispensation he had visited St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and Washington Lodge, No. 12, and found them skillful, -n-ell- informed, and attentive. Ordered, That the report be filed. Brother Ewing, Grand Treasurer, reported that on last St. John's day he visited Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, and altho' the Lodge was not engaged in any particular business, he found them congregated in Masonic order, and was happy to find that the business of the Lodge was conducted by enlightened Masons in the most approved Masonic form. Ordered, That the said report be filed. Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10, not having communicated their proceedings to this Lodge on the warrant granted to them. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary write to the Master and officers of that Lodge, or some of them, and inform them that the rules of this Lodge require that they communicate annually the state of the Lodge under their care, and that they forward their dues and a return of their members to this Lodge, or that otherwise they be struck off the list of Lodges and the warrant considered as null and void. Ordered, That Brothers Woodruff and Lucius W. Stockton, be a com. mittee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Ordered, That the Committee of Correspondence for the last year be continued, and that Brother Aaron D. Woodruff be added thereto. Brother James Giles having forwarded an excuse to this Lodge for not delivering an oration at this time agreeably to his appointment. Resolved, That the same be deemed satisfactory. 90 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Brother Dr. William Belford Ewing having suggested to the Lodge that Brother Giles is desirous of being excused from the delivery of an oration on account of his indisposition, Resolved, That the reason is sufficient, and that he be excused accord- ingly. On motion, Resolved, That it is inexpedient to appoint an orator at the present communication. A petition from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, praying that former dues from that Lodge to the Grand Lodge which have not been collected might be remitted, having been laid before the Lodge at the last communication, was now taken into consideration and the prayer in the said petition granted. The following resolution was proposed to the Grand Lodge for their consideration at the next communication, to wit : Resolved, That the yearly communications of the Grand Lodge be hereafter holden at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday in No- vember in each and every year. On motion of Brother Bullman, seconded by Brother William Belford Ewing, The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Lodge was again called to labor. The Committee appointed for that purpose reported that they had examined the books and vouchers of Brother Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer, and find a balance remaining in his hands of three hundred and eighty-two dollars and ninety-two cents, which report was approved and ordered to be filed. A petition from Brother John Reading, praying to be heard on his former appeal, was read, whereupon, On motion. Resolved, That the petition be filed, that u, copy thereof be forthwith served on Lodge No. 2, and that the said Lodge No. 2 and Brother Heading be notified to attend at the next Grand Lodge to be heard thereon. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 91 The Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nom- inated, were unanimously appointed, to wit: The Right Worshipful John Beatty, Grand Master. Joseph Read, Deputy Grand Master. Dr. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Samuel J. Read, Deputy Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. The Right Worshipful Grand Master and the other Grand Officers elect, who were present, were severally installed, ac- cording to ancient usage, into their respective offices, and being duly proclaimed, received the salutations of the brethren present. The Jjodge closed in good harmony, to meet again in the city of Trenton, on the second Wednesday in January next. JANUARY SESSION, 1802. Trenton, January 13, 5802. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. The following Deputies attended, to wit : George McDonald, Andrew Howell, Solomon's Ljdge, No. 1. John N. Cumnaing, Isaac Andruss, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Jonathan Rhea, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Joshua Anderson, Thomas Gordon, Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Kobert C. Thomson, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Dr. Belford Ewing, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Ctesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, Joshua Ladd Howell, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Alpheus Freeman, Aaron Hazzard, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Abraham Godwin, Paterson Lodge, No. 13. No representation from Farmers Lodge, No. 14. Burrowes Smith, William Smith, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 10. Visiting Brethren — Dr. Andrew Hunter, Thomas Paul, James Linn. 92 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Paterson Lodge, No. 13, being duly represented, and having paid their dues agreeably to the order of the last meeting, Resolved, That they be continued. On motion made and seconded. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary write to the officers of Nova Ciesarea Lodge, No. 10, in answer to their letter received in consequence of a communication of the resolution of the Grand Lodge at their last meeting ; and that the said Secretary forward to the officers of said Lodge a blank form of return to be made, and a copy of the fiegulations of the Grand Lodge. The following is the letter referred to and also a copy of the reply: Nova Cj^sarea Lodge, No. 10, CiN'ciNNATi, Hamilton County, N. W. TERRiTOKr, Dec. 8th, A. L. 5801. Sir: — We received a letter from your Grand Lodge dated Trenton Nov. 16, 5801, wherein was stated our neglect in not sending forward a proper statement of our Lodge, together with our dues and a return of our members, annually, to your Grand Lodge. Our Lodge have called a meeting for the express purpose of answering your letter. "We beg leave to inform the Grand Lodge that the distance from here there renders the conveyance difficult, the proof of which we have experienced. Sometime ago we sent on money and a report of the state of the Lodge by Brother Doctor John Henry, and have not received an answer ; we therefore beg it as a favor of the Grand Lodge to inform us whether this money has been paid, and how much, and also what our annual dues are. We do assure the Grand Lodge that we will then immediately make use of the earliest opportunity to render every satisfaction in our power to the Grand Lodge to which we belong. In behalf and by order of our Lodge, 1 am. Worshipful Brother, Your very humble servant, W. GoroRTH, Jr., Sec'y. To the Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand \ Lodge, Trenton, New Jersey. \ Trenton, State of New Jersey, July — , 1802. Sir: — By direction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of ths 8th of December last, and in answer thereto have to inform you that your letter contained the first and only information the G. Lodge has received of the money sent by " Bro- ther Dr. John Henry," who we find (upon enquiry since) has removed to GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 93 some remote part of the State of New York, and in all probability the remittance made by him may be accounted as lost. With regard to the enquiry contained in your letter "what ar^ the annual dues of your Lodge?" I must refer the answer to yourselves, after stating the following information : — By the General Kegulations of the Grand Lodge (a copy of which I am directed to inclose you) you will find that the G. Lodge are entitled to receive "five shillings for every person who obtains tlie benefit of Masonry under its jurisdiction" unless made under a dispensation, in which case " twenty shillings (additional) is to be paid to the charity funds of the Grand Lodge," and further, " that every member of a constituted Lodge under this Grand Lodge shall pay one shilling quarterly to the charity fund of the same." These then constitute what are called your annual dues, and are to be paid at t^ie yearly communication (new) held at this place on the 2d Tuesday in November. You are also to accompany these dues with " an exact list of the names, titles, and occupations of the officers and members of your Lodge, &c." (a form of which I inclose you). It will therefore be ex- pected that the list you shall {Jirst) forward will contain the names of all the members made or admitted since the warrant has been obtained, and not for the last year only, and that the whole of the dues accrued, for each and every preceding year will be forwarded on or before the next communication in Nov., and in like manner that an annual return accompanied with its dues, will be made every year in future. I am, &c., J. Benjamin, Sec'y. G. Lodge. P. S.— See Sections 2d, 3d, 7th, and 14th, Chap. VI, of the General Regulations. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That Brothers Andruss, Rhea and Belford Ewing be a com- mittee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer for the last year. Brother Woodruff, from the Committee of Correspondence, reported that communications have been received from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodges of South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire, respecting the proposition of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, for forming a Superintending or Grand Lodge for the United States, which having been read, On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the resolutions entered into by this Grand Lodge On the sixth day of July, 5790, be adhered to, and that copies thereof be again sent by the Committee of Correspondence to the several Grand Lodges of the United States. 94 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On motion made and seconded, Hesolved, That the Committee of Correspondence be at liberty to talte such extracts from the minutes of this Lodge as they may deem necessary, and have the same printed, to be forwarded in answer to such communi- cations as have or may be made to this Grand Lodge, and tliat the Grand Treasurer pay the expense thereof. Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence for the last year be continued. On motion made and seconded. Resolved, That the consideration of the application of Brother John Eeading be laid over till the next communication, and that the Grand Secretary give the necessary information of this postponement to Brother Eeading. A petition signed by James Burras and others, members of regular Lodges, praying a warrant to establish a Lodge at Pequanock, to be called Cincinnato, being presented and read. Resolved, That Brothers Cummins, Ellison, and Godwin be a committee to enquire into the expediency of granting said warrant, and of appointing the officers named in said petition, and that they report to the Grand Master for the time being; and that in case the report of the committee be favorable, that the Grand Master be authorized to grant a dispensation, to be renewed agreeably to the General Regulations of this Grand Lodge. A petition from the officers of Solomon's Lodge, Xo. 1, praying charity for the relief of Martha Murphy, widow of Bar- nabas Murphy, deceased, late an ancient and worthy brother, being read. Resolved, That the said petition be referred to the committee appointed to dispose of the charity funds. An application being made for charity for the relief of Agnes Adams, Resolved, That the said application be referred to the same committee. The Right Worshipful Grand Master reported : That in virtue of the powers, and in conformity with the duties on him enjoined as Grand Master, by the first sectioi\ of the second chapter of the General Regulations, he has, since the last communication, visited all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, save that of Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13. That in all the Lodges except one, (which in tenderness he omits to designate) he was received with that cordiality, affection, and true politeness which ought ever to characterize GRAND LODGE OF NEW JBESEY. 95 brethren. That he inspected their several bye-laws and proceedings, and remarked with peculiar pleasure that they were founded on and conducted conformably with the ancient landmarks and usages of Masonry. That in the course of his communication he was happy to observe the greatest harmony subsisting among the brethren of the respective Lodges; and that their work was carried on with great correctness and readiness and ■with a degree of information which does credit to the officers conducting them, and he indulges sanguine expectations that from the present temper and character of the brethren and their rulers, the Grand Lodge will find cause for felicitation that our Masonic institution, which in this State pre- sented rather a gloomy perspective, is likely to be much brightened, and to shine forth in acts and examples which shall prove the intrinsic excellence of the principles of our Art. The Grand Master caused the lectures usual in the three different grades to be gone through with by the pre" siding Masters, and with pleasure noticed that great uniformity prevailed in their mode of working. In the conclusion of his communication he delivered a charge to the Brethren, in which he inculcated most strongly the caution which was necessary to be observed in the admission of new members, whereby the bright Gem of Masonry that had been handed down to them from time immemorial, should not be tarnished in their hands; but that with a becoming and noble spirit of emulation they should exert themselves to transmit it to future generations, not only with unsullied, but, if possible, with additional lustre. The Grand Master cannot close his report without remarking that from the apparent satisfaction and pleasure manifested by the brethren at this mark of attention paid them by the Grand Lodge, he flatters himself his visit will be attended with beneficial effects, and recommends the punctual observ- ance of this duty. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary do write to Brother Neheraiah Wade, of the county of Bergen, requesting information relative to the warrant of Union Lodge, No. 6, lately holden at flackensack, in that county, and inform him that it is the order of this Grand Lodge that the said warrant be returned without delay, to the Grand Secretary, to be by him deposited in the archives of the Grand Lodge, until it may be again called for. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary also write to Brother William Leddell and communicate to him the same resolution with respect to Hiram Lodge, No. 4. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer procure a jewel for the Senior Grand Warden and cause the other jewels of this Lodge to be new mounted with ribbands proper for the occasion. The following resolutions were proposed for consideration, to wit: liesolved. That every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge 96 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. shall, at every yearly Communication, deliver to the Grand Secretary, to be by him filed, the amount of the sums, and to whom disbursed, by such Lodge, in charitable dispensations since the last Grand Communication. Mesolved, That no member of any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall be entitled to ask or receive a certificate of his mem- bership and good behaviour, unless it be v^ith a view either of removing from one I^odge and joining another, as expressed in Sec. 11, Chap. 6, ot the General Regulations, or that he is about to leave this state and to travel or reside in some foreign state or country. Resolved, That the 5th Sec. of Chap. 6, be amended, by adding thereto, that the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master be authorized to grant dis- pensations for the congregating of brethren and making of Masons, and that the same be renewed for the term of four months, or longer, if it should be deemed expedient so to do upon the special circumstances of the case. The Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Lodge was again called to labor. The Lodge, having taken into consideration the resolutions proposed at the last Communication respecting a change in the time of holding the 3early Communications, Resolved, That the same be hereafter holden at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday in November, in each and every year. The committee appointed for that purpose, reported that they have examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, together with the vouchers in support of the same, and find in his hands a balance of five hundred and twelve dollars and twenty-three cents, which report was approved and ordered to be filed. On motion, made and seconded, Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer loan the sum of four hundred dol- lars, part of the funds of this Grand Lodge, on proper security, at the legal interest, or vest the same in the)funds of the United States, if he should deem it more advisable. The Lodge then proceeded to the appointment of Grand offi- cers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nomi- nated, were unanimously appointed, to wit : The Eight "Worshipful John Beatty, Grand Master. Joseph Read, Deputy Grand Master. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 97 Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Samuel J. Eead, Deputy Grand Secretary. The Eight Worshipful Grand Master and the other Grand Officers elect, were severally installed according to ancient usage, into their respective offices, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. The Right Worshipful Grand Master, in virtue of his pre- rogative, appointed the Eev. Brother Andrew Hunter, Grand Chaplain for the ensuing year. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday in November next. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1802. Trenton, November 9, 5802. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. present. R. W. JOHN BEATTY, Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Deputy Grand Master. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Secretary. No representation from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. No representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. A. D. Woodruff, Trenton . Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. "William B. Ewing, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10. 7 98 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Franklin Davenport, Joshua L. Howell, James B. Caldwell, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Alpheus Freeman, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Abraham Godwin, Patersou Lodge, No. 13. William Elston, Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. Burrowes Smith, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. IC. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, &c. Agreeably to a resolve of the Grand Lodge at their last Com- munication, Brother Godwin, of Paterson Lodge, appeared and paid the dues of that Lodge to the Grand Treasurer. Resolved, That Brothers Woodruff and , be a committee to settle the account of the Grand Treasurer. Brother Woodruff reported to the Grand Lodge, that the committee appointed for that purpose have sent copies of the resolution of this Grand Lodge to the Committees of Corres- pondence of the several Grand Lodges of the United States. On motion made and seconded, Sesolved, That the Committee of Correspondence for the last year be continued, with the same powers, &c. Brother Eeading having died since the last Communication, further proceedings on his petition are unnecessary. Brother Godwin informed this Grand Lodge that the com- mittee appointed at the last Communication to enquire into the expediency of granting a warrant for a Lodge at Pequanock, were not ready to report, Hesolved, That the committee be continued. Sec. Hesolved, That the Grand Treasurer procure a jewel for the Senior Grand Warden and jewels for the Senior and Junior Deacons of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Treasurer reported, that in obedience to the order of this Grand Lodge, he had loaned, on interest, to Joseph Vandegrift, on ample security, the sum of four hundred dollars. The committee appointed to settle the account of the Grand Treasurer, reported that they have examined the same, compared it with the vouchers, and find a balance in his hands of one hundred and forty-seven dollars and seventy-three cents, which report is approved and ordered filed. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 99 On motion, Resolved, That Brother A. D. Woodruflf, Master of Lodge No. 5, Brother Swing, Grand Treasurer, and Brother Benjamin, Grand Secretary, be a committee to revise the General Regulations for the government of this Grand Lodge, incorporating therein such new or amended Eules, Resolu- tions and Regulations which have been adopted by the said Grand Lodge and which may be proper to be so selected, together with a list of all the warranted Lodges and the times and places of meeting ; that two hundred copies thereof be printed for the use of the Grand Lodge and the Lodges under its jurisdiction, to be distributed' under the direction of the Eight Worshipful Grand Master ; also. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to pay the expense thereof. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That at the next Communication of this Grand Lodge, all the Lodges which have paid to the Treasurer of this Grand Lodge the dues for their Tyler, shall have a credit for the amount thereof. The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nominated, were unanimously appointed, to wit : John Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Master. Joseph Read, Deputy Grand Master. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Samuel J. Read, Deputy Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. The Rev. Brother Andrew Hunter was then appointed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Chaplain for the ensuing year. Visiting Brothers — George Bergin and A. Pearson. The Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday in November next. 100 GEAMD LODGE OP NEW JEESEY. NOVEMBEE SESSION, 1803. At a yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of the state of New Jersey, holden at the city of Trenton, on the 8th day of November, A. L. 5803. PEESEXT. R. W. JOHN BEATTY, Grand Master. JOSEPH READ, Deputy Grand Master. THOMAS ANDERSON, Senior Grand Warden. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Junior Grand Warden. JAMES M. WHITALL, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. JONATHAN DOAN, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. George McDonald, Solomon's iiodge, No. 1. No representation from St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Jonathan Rhea, Nicholas Belleville, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Anderson, John Johnson, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. George Burgin, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Caesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, James M. Whitall, Woodbury Lodge, No. IL Alpheus Freeman, Aaron Haesert, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Abraham Godwin, Paterson Lodge, No. 13. William Elston, Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. No representation from Federal Lodge, No. 15. No representation from Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. The Grand Lodg;e was opened in ample form. The Grand Treasurer presented a letter from Brother William Halsey, of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, with which was forwarded certain monies, in part of the dues of that Lodge, and stating that the residue has been appropriated for charitable purposes, and containing an^ apology for their non-attendance at this time. Resolved, That the money be credited and that the apology be accepted. A letter from Brother Nehemiah Wade, containing the war- rant of I'nion Lodge, No. 6, with assurances that no improper use had been made of the same, was presented and read, where- upon, GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 101 Resolved, That the warrant be received and lodged in the pedestal. Besohed, That Brothers Davenport and McDonald be a committee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer for the preceding year. Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence for the last year be continued with the same powers, &c. Brother Burras presented a petition signed by seven Master Masons, praying a warrant may be granted to Brothers James Burras, Master, William Bailey, Senior Warden, and John Stur- devant, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge at Montville, in the county of Morris, which was read ; whereupon, Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be allowed, and that a warrant be granted to hold a Lodge accordingly, by the name of Cincin- nati, No. 17. Brother Woodruff, Master of Lodge No. 5, from the commit- tee appointed to revise the General Regulations of the Grand Lodge, stated that the said committee were not ready to report; whereupon, Resolved, That the said committee be continued, with their former powers, &c. Brother Davenport presented a petition signed by a number of brethren, three of whom were Master Masons well known to this Lodge, praying a warrant may be granted to Brother Joseph Read, Master, Charles Ellis, Senior Warden, and Samuel J. Read, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge at Mount Holly, in the county of Burlington, which was read ; whereupon. Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be allowed, and that a warrant be granted to hold a Lodge accordingly, by the name of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. Resolutions proposed for consideration — by Brother Daven- port : Resolved, That from and after the meeting of this Grand Lodge, the Orand OfEoers, and the several delegates from the different Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, who may attend the Grand Lodge, be paid their expenses in coming and going from their several Lodges, by the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge. 102 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. By Brother Freeman : Resolved, That the above be limited to the payment of the expenses o one member or delegate only from each Lodge. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, and after some time spent, was again called to labor. The committee appointed for that purpose reported that they have examined the account of the Grand Treasurer for the pre- ceding year, compared it with the vouchers, and find in his hands on this day a balance of two hundred and fifty dollars and forty-nine cents, due to the Grand Lodge, which report was read; whereupon. Resolved, That the same be approved and filed. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being- nominated, were unanimously appointed, viz : John Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Master. Aaron D. Woodruff, Deputy Grand Master. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Samuel J. Read, Deputy Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. The Right Worshipful Grand Master and the other Grand Officers elect were severally installed into their respective offices, according to ancient usage, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. Resolved, That the Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, and the other Masters of Lodges present, be appointed to install Brothers Burras and Bead as Masters of the Lodges No. 17 and 18. The Grand Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday of November next. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 103 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1804. At a yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, laolden at the city of Trenton, on the 13th day of November, A. L. 5804. PRESENT. R. W. JOHN BE ATT Y, Grand Master. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Deputy Grand Master. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Senior Grand Warden. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. William McKissack, George McDonald, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Isaac Andress, David Canfleld, John Gifford, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Aaron D. Woodruff, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. John Johnson, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. George Burgin, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Ccesarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, James M. Whitall, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Alpheus Freeman, Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Paterson Lodge, No. 13. No representation from Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. Benjamin Price, Burrowes Smith, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. James Burras, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Joseph Bead, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Resolved, That Brothers Freeman and Johnson be appointed a commit- tee to examine and settle the accounts of the Gran J Treasurer, and re- port thereon. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, and after some time was again called to labor. It appearing that Unity Lodge, No. 7, has not been repre- sented in the Grand Lodge for the two last communications, nor have any dues been paid ; it is therefore Ordered, That they be struck off the list of Lodges agreeably to rule, and that the vearrant be called in by the Grand Secretary. A letter from Brother William McFarland, Secretary of Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10, stating the names of the members of 104 GRAXD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. their Lodge, and that they had forwarded money for their dues by John Henry, was presented and read ; whereupon, Ordered, That as the said money has not been received, that the Grand Secretarv advise them thereof, and desire them as soon as possible to forward to the Grand Treasurer sucli money as may be due and received by them ; and that hereafter they make their communications and pay their dues annually to the Treasurer of this Lodge. Ordered, That the dues of St. John's Lodge, Xo. 2, of SIT. 71, charged November 8, 5803, be paid to the Grand Treasurer, unless receipts are produced by the next communication that the same have been disbursed . in charities. Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence be discharged, and that the Grand Secretary have printed under the direction of the E. AV. Grand Master, a copy of the proceedings of the last communication and of such other things as may be proper to be communicated, and that the expense thereof be defrayed out of the funds of the Grand Lodge. Brother Burras reported that the officers of Cincinnati Lodge, Xo. 17, have been installed and proceeded to business. Ordered, That the Committee appointed to revise the General Regula- tions of the Grand Lodge be continued with their former powers. Brother Read reported that the officers of Mount Holly Lodge, Xo. IS. have been installed and proceeded to business. The resolutions proposed for consideration at the last com- munication by Brothers Davenport and Freeman, were taken up and discussed, and on the question, whether the Lodge will agree thereto ? it was carried in the negative. Brother Johnson from the committee appointed for that pur- pose reported that the said committee have examined the account of the Grand Treasurer for the preceding year, com- pared it with the vouchers, and find a balance in his hands of three hundred and forty-six dollars and thirteen cents due to the Lodge, which report was read; whereupon, Sesoived, That the same be approved and filed. The Deputy Grand Master reported that Since the last communication he has attended and assisted in the installation of the officers of Mount Holly Lodge, and has the pleasure to observe, that from the past attention and information of the brethren who are appointed to preside over the Lodge, he has no doubt thev will become useful members, and distinguished among the Sons of Light in spreading the beneficial influence ot our beloved institution. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 105 The Deputy Grand Master has the satisfaction also to report that on the 18th of June last, he visited Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, and was very much gratified v^ith the orderly conduct and deportment of the officers and members of the Lodge— testifying their high veneration of the prin. ciples of our benevolent institution, and the improvement they have made in the knowledge necessary to become worthy members of it. Joseph Wallace having been formerly suspended from Lodge No. 2, Brother Andruss now reported that the said Joseph Wallace has been reinstated in the said Lodge. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That this Lodge agree to establish a Royal Arch Chapter for the higher order of Masonry, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge ; and that the Worshipful Deputy Grand Master and Brothers Davenport and BuUman be a committee to report measures to-morrow evening at five o'clock, to carry into effect the said resolution. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being nominated, were unanimously appointed, to wit : John Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Master. Aaron D. Woodruff, Deputy Grand Master. William McKissack, Senior Grand Warden. Thomas Anderson, Junior Grand Warden. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. Samuel J. Read, Deputy Grand Secretary. Maskell Ewing, Grand Treasurer. The Right Worshipful Grand Master and the other Grand Officers elect, (except Brothers Anderson and Benjamin who were absent) were severally installed into their respective offices according to ancient usage, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. Adjourned till to-morrow evening at 5 o'clock. November 14, 5804. The Lodge met according to adjournment. The Worshipful Deputy Grand Master from the committee appointed to report measures to carry into effect the resolution 106 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. adopted by the present Communication to establish a Royal Arch Chapter under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, reported that The said Committee have considered the subject referred to them, under full impressions of the great importance attached to it, and are of opinion that as well from the small number of the brethren now present who ha7e attained that degree, as their want of experience, and also the shortness of the time to obtain information relative thereto, they cannot at this time devise such a plan as they can feel perfect freedom and satis- faction in reporting to be adopted. Notwithstanding, they would submit, that if a sufficient number of brethren of that degree will congregate themselves and undertake to open a Chapter under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, that they have liberty so to do, at such time and place as they may think proper, giving notice thereof to, and having permission therefor from, the Right Worshipful Grand Master. Which report was read and adopted. The Grand Lodge closed in good harmony, to meet again at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday of November next. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1805. At a yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, holden at the city of Trenton, this twelfth day of November, A. L. 5804. PRESEN'T. R. W. JOHN B BATTY, Grand Master. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Deputy Grand Master. THOMAS BULLMAN, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Junior G. Warden, p. t. JAMES B. CALDWELL, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. DAYTON LUMMIS, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. JACOB BENJAMIN, Grand Secretary. MASKELL EWING, Grand Treasurer. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Secretary. George McDonald, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Isaac Andress, St. John's Lodge. Xo. 2. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 107 Aaron D. Woodruff, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. George Burgin, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Cmsarea Lodge, No. 10. Franklin Davenport, James B. Caldwell, Dayton Lummis, Woodbury Lodge, No. IL Alpheus Freeman, Washington Lodge, No. 12. No representation from Paterson Lodge, No. 13. George Baxter, Farmers Lodge, No. 14. Benjamin Price, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Bullman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. John T. Bentley, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Samuel J. Read, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. The Grand Lodge was then opened in ample form. Resolved, That Brothers Andrews and Burgin be a committee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer for the preceding year. Brother Baxter presented a petition signed bj Christopher Longstreet and eleven others, three of whom were Master Masons, praying a warrant to be granted to Brothers Christo- pher Longstreet, Master, Simon Cortrite, Senior Warden, Jesse Runnels, Junior Warden, to hold a Lodge in the township of Montage, in the county of Sussex ; which being read, Resolved, That the same be reported to the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master and Brother Bullman, and that they report thereon this afternoon. The Committee appointed for that purpose reported that they had examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, and that they find a balance in his hands of two hundred and thirty-two dollars and seventy-two and a half cents; which report was read and approved. The Grand Secretary reported that he had forwarded a copy of the order of this Lodge at their last Communication respect- ing Unity Lodge, No. 7, to Lucius W. Stockton, once Master of that Lodge, with instructions to forward the same to the last Master of that Lodge, and having received no communication in answer, Resolved, That the Grand Secretary continue his exertions to obtain the warrant of Unity Lodge, No. 7. The Grand Secretary reported that copies of the proceedings of this Lodge have been printed agreeably to the order of the Grand Lodge at their last Communication, and have been 108 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. forwarded to the different Grand Lodges in the United States and elsewhere from whom communications have been received. It appearing to the Grand Lodge that the sum of seventeen dollars and seventy-one cents charged to St. John's Lodge, under date of November 8th, 5803, hath been duly appropriated by the said Lodge in charities, altho' the same hath not been actually paid ; therefore, Resolved, Tliat St. John's Lodge, No. 2, be permitted to apply the said sum agreeably to the resolve of the said Lodge, and that upon the pro. duction of the receipt for the same at the next Grand Communication, the said Lodge shall have credit for the same in the books of this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the committee appointed to revise the General Regula- tions of the Grand Lodge be continued with their former powers. Resolved, That the further consideration of the memorial presented by Brother Baxter for granting a warrant for a new Lodge in Sussex, be postponed until the next Communication of this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the blank in the Grand Secretary's account be filled up with sixty dollars for his services, and that the said account amounting to sixty dollars and seventy-six cents in the whole, be paid by the Grand Treasurer. The Grand Lodge proceeded to the appointment of Grand OflScers for the ensuing year, when the following persons being duly nominated and balloted for, were unanimously chosen, to wit : Aaron D. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Master. William McKissack, Deputy Grand Master. Thomas Bullman, Senior Grand Warden. Franklin Davenport, Junior Grand Warden. Jonathan Rhea, Grand Treasurer. Jacob Benjamin, Grand Secretary. George McDonald, Deputy Grand Secretary. The Right Worshipful Grand Master, Aaron D. Woodruff and the Deputy Grand Master, Dr. McKissack, being absent were severally installed by proxies, according to the ancient forms and ceremonies, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. The other Grand Officers present were severally installed into their respective offices, according to ancient usage, and being duly GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 109 proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. The warrant from Union Lodge, No. 6, is received, and ordered to be deposited in the pedestal of the Grand Lodge. Resolved, That Brother Bentley be directed to call upon Brother Ben- jamin Freeman for the warrant of Hiram Lodge, No. 4, and return it to the next Grand Lodge, to be deposited in the pedestal of this Grand Lodge. Mesohed, That Brothers Davenport, Bullman, and McDonald be a committee to draft suitable addresses to the late Eight Worshipful Grand Master, and the Deputy Grand Secretary, on their retiring from their respective offices vfhich they have filled to the entire satisfaction of this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to pay to Brother Andrew Howell the sum of ten dollars out of the funds of the Grand Lodge for the use of the Widow Murphy. The Right Worshipful Grand Master reported that since the last Communication he had granted a dispensation to Washing- ton Lodge, No. 12, to hold a Royal Arch Chapter. The Grand Lodge then closed in good harmony, to meet again at the city of Trenton, on the second Tuesday in Novem- ber next. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1806. At a yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, holden at the city of Trenton, on the 11th day of November, A. L. 5806. PRESENT. R. W. AARON D. WOODRUFF, Grand Master. WILLIAM McKISSACK, Deputy Grand Master. THOMAS BULLMAN, Senior Grand Warden. FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Junior Grand Warden. THOMAS ARMSTRONG, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. SAMUEL J. READ, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. GEORGE McDonald, Deputy Grand Secretary. Aaron Baylan, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Hugh McDonald, Moses Smith, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. 110 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. No representation from Trenton Lodge, Xo. 5. No representation from Unity Lodge, No. 7. No representation from Harmony Lodge, No. 8. Benjamin Champneys, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. No representation from Nova Csesarea Lodge, No. 10. Joshua S. Howell, James M. Whitall, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. John Outcalt, Alpheus Freeman, Washington Lodge, No. 12. Abraham Godwin, Paterson Lodge, No. 13. No representation from Farmers' Lodge, No. 14. Benjamin Price, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Thomas Stuart, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. John T. Bentley, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Samuel J. Eead, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. Hendrie, Samuel L. James, Isaac W. Crane. E. W. John Beatty, John Gifford, The Grand Lodge vas opened in ample form, f, Nov. 3, 5817. Committee. Which report was read, -n-hereupon, jRcsohed, That the sentence of expulsion passed by Hope Lodge against Brother Jacob Kerr, be confirmed. The Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master made the folio-w- ing report, viz : The Deputy Grand Master most respectfully reports that since the last Grand Communication, he visited Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 27, and was gratified with the zeal displayed by the brethren while performing the Work or Labors of the Lodge. He also examined their Lodge book and found the entries regular and apparently very correct. He also reports that he received a communication from the Eight Worshipful Franklin Davenport, Master of Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, stating the heavy loss sustained by fire, having lost almost their all as a Lodge; the warrant was also consumed, and having several respectable applications, they requested that some means might be devised by which they might work as a Lodge. The Deputy Grand Master on due con- sideration, granted dispensation to continue in form until the present meeting of this Grand Lodge and no longer. The Deputy Grand Master further reports that he received a com- munication from Brother Anderson, stating the almost ruined state of Independence Lodge, No. 29, in consequence of which he repaired to Hackettstown, in the county of Sussex, and having convened the Lodge, encouraged them to work and persevere in their labors until the present meeting of the Grand Lodge, when on a proper statement of their situa- tion, the Grand Lodge would direct them what measures to pursue. All which is respectfully submitted. Nov. 11, 5817. Wm. MoKissack, D. 0. M. The Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden made tho fol- lowing report, viz : The Junior Grand Warden most respectfully reports that on the 29th day of January last, in pursuance of written instructions, under the hand GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 169 and seal of the late Most Worshipful Grand Master Aaron D. Woodruff, he attended at Pittstown, in the county of Salem, where, assisted by a number of the brethren of Brearley Lodge, No. 9, Salem Lodge, No. 19, Sharptown Lodge, No. 32, and Cedarville Lodge, No. 35, and more es- pecially by his much respected and Eeverend Brothers Holmes Parvin, Chaplain of Brearley Lodge, and Richard Q. Kendall, Chaplain of Sharp- town Lodge, he proceeded to the consecration of the new Lodge, called Pittstown Lodge, No. 38, and to the installation of its officers, in due form, according to the ancient usages of the Craft ; and he has great satisfaction in affording his testimony to the good order and harmony which prevailed on the solemn occasion. Nov. 11, 5817. James Giles. The Worshipful James D. "VVestcott, from the committee ap- pointed for that purpose, reported the following testimonials of respect to the memory of the Most Worshipful Aaron D. Wood- ruff, which was read, unanimously agreed to, and ordered to be entered on the records of the Society : The annunciation by the Deputy Grand Master, of the decease of their late Most Worshipful Grand Master Aaron D. Wooodruff, Esq., since the last Communication, is heard by the Grand Lodge, with emotions of the most sincere regret and the deepest sorrow for so afflicting a dispensation of Divine Providence. It has pleased the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe to extinguish his light in the East, to vacate his seat in our Ancient Temple and to deprive us of the advantage of his laboi-s and the benefit of his example. We bow with submission to the decrees of in- finite wisdom, but the most perfect resignation to the will of Almighty Power forbids not a tear to the memory of a departed friend, nor a tribute of respect to his exalted merit. The public virtues, the private worth, the intelligence and the various valuable and estimable qualities of the deceased, it would be superfluous to eulogize. The high confidence reposed in him by his native state, which he so l^ng enjoyed, had rendered them generally known and pro- perly appreciated, had endeared him to his intimate friends and caused him to be universally esteemed, respected and beloved. His name will long live in the memory of his fellow citizens. As a Mason we all knew him. His death has spread gloom throughout the Lodges in this state, which cannot soon be dissipated, and he has created a chasm in the Grand Lodge which cannot easily be filled. In his ofiScial capacity he was courteous but dignified, placid and conciliating but inflexibly just, ever cherishing and inculcating the pure and benevolent principles of the Order, tenaciously adhering to its ancient landmarks ; and his Masonic informa- tion, aided by his intellectual endowments and lucid eloquence, enabling 170 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. him continually to diffuse a blaze of light, imparting knowledge to all around him. In the rites and mysteries of the Craft, it is unnecessary to say he was well skilled, and in the practice of the virtues inculcated by its precepts, few exceeded him. In the exercise of charity he was liberal but unostentatious, dispensing its benefits to the helpless, the widow and the orphan, with a peculiar delicacy of manner, the characteristic evidence of a benevolent and feeling heart. While they deplore the loss of their late Grand Master, they derive consolation from the hope and belief that having terminated his labors on earth and entered into the world of spirits, he has passed and received the approbatory welcome of " Well done, thou good and faithful servant," from his Divine Master, and has been raised by him to a seat in the holy temple above, " not made with hands eternal in the heavens." And while they venerate the character and revere the memory of their much respected and lamented brother, they endulge the hope that who- ever may be selected his successor in performing the duties of Grand Master of New Jersey, may equal him in Masonic knowledge and zeal for the welfare of the Craft, that the great light in the golden candlestick in the East may shine with undiminished lustre. A petition was presented from Brother Zacccheus Ray and ten others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge in AEowaystown, in the county of Salem, to be called AUowaystown Lodge, No. 39, which petition was read ; whereupon on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother Zaccheus Ray, be the first Master, Stacy Lloyd, first Senior Warden, and Jesse Fithian, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. A petition was presented from Brother John Allen and six others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge, in the township of West- field in the county of Esses, to be called Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother John Allen be the first Master, Elias Runyon, first Senior Warden, and W. D. Sherwood, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. On motion, Ordered, That the surrender of the warrant of Independence Lodge, be accepted, and that the said warrant be deposited in the pedestal. Brothers John Beatty, Jr., Hedge Thompson, and Canfieldi GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 171 ■were appointed a committee to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts. On motion of Brother Robeson, Ordered, That the sum of five dollars he paid to Mansfield Lodge, No. 31, it being for expense incurred by said Lodge in communicating the death of our Most Worshipful Grand Master to the Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. A memorial was received from Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, stating the loss of their Lodge room, together with their jewels, furniture, records, &c., by fire ; whereupon. Ordered, That a new warrant doissue to Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, and also that they be exonerated from the payment of any fees for the same> as well as their charity due for the last year. Ordered, That the sum of one hundred dollars be paid to Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, to assist them in rebuilding their Lodge room, &c. Ordered, That the sum of thirteen dollars twelve and one-half cents be paid to Trenton Lodge, No. 5, it being for sundry expenses incurred by said Lodge in furnishing crape, &c., for the brethren who attended the funeral of the late Most Worshipful Grand Master. Brother John Beatty, Jr., from the committee appointed on the subject, made the following report, viz. : That they have examined the accounts of the Eight Worshipful Grand Treasurer, and find them correctly stated, and that there is a balance in his hands of five hundred and four dollars and twenty-nine cents. Which report was read and accepted. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler, for his services in attending this Grand Lodge. Brother Andruss presented an account amounting to fifty-five dollars and six cents, for his^'own services and expenses as well as those of Brother Baldwin, in attending on the committee relative to the dispute between Brother Jacob Kerr and Hope Lodge. Ordered, That the same be allowed, and that the Grand Treasurer pay the same to Brother Andruss. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. 172 GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSET. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, yiz: James Giles, Most Worshipful Grand Master. Wm. McKissack, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Jepthah B. Munn, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. Franklin Davenport, Right Worshipful Junior G. Warden. Richard L. Beatty, Right Worghipful Grand Secretary. George McDonald, Right Worshipful Deputy G. Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. All the officers being present, were severally invested and installed according to ancient forms and ceremonies, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Holmes Parvin, Woi-shipful Grand Chaplain. Joseph I. Thompson, Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon. Charles Burroughs, Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon. David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. Who being present, (except the Worshipful Grand Chaplain) were severally invested and installed. The Grand Lodge closed in good harmony, &c. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 173 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1818. At a yearly Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, at the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 10th day of November, A. L. 5818. PRESENT. M. W. JAMBS GILES, Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM McKISSAOK, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. JEPTHAH B. MUNN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. FRANKLIN DAVENPORT, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. RICHARD L. BEATTY, Grand Secretary. R. W. GEORGE McDONALD, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOS. L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. WM. N. JEFFERS, Grand Marshal. ISAAC H. HAMPTON, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. CHARLES- BURROUGHS, Junior Grand Deacon. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. Representatives from the following Lodges attended, viz : Wm. McKissack, Geo. McDonald, Peter Vandoren, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Isaac Andruss, Samuel McChesney, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Daniel Phillips, Eeuben D. Tucker, John Pearce, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Josiah Parvin, Isaac H. Hampton, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Franklin Davenport, James B. Caldwell, John Zane, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Abraham Williamson, John Sexton, Federal Lodge, No. 15. Samuel J. Eead, Charles F. Lott, John N. Offley, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. Hedge Thompson, Wm. N. Jeffers, Salem Lodge, No. 19. Stephen D. Day, Stephen Condit, Union Lodge, No. 21. Lewis Mulford, Friendship Lodge, No. 22. Thomas Gordon, Hiram Lodge, No. 25. Joseph Dilkes, Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 29. Jepthah B. Munn, Chatham Lodge, No. 33. John P. Lewis, Shrewsbury Washington Lodge, No. 34. Robert iflderman, Cedarville Lodge, No. 35. Isaac Johnson, Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. Richard Lott, Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. John Allen, Wm. D. Sherwood, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. John Mershon, Thomas J. Kinney, Zachariah Rossell. John J. Voorhees, Enoch M. Forman, 174 GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, The Grand Lodge opened in ample form, and proceeded to business. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, from the committee on that subject, reported a constitution, together with sundry rules and regulations for the government of the Grand Lodge; which report was read, and ordered to lie on the table. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following report, viz. : The Grand Master most respectfully reports, that on the 6th day of January last he attended at Allowaystown, in the county of Salem, where, assisted by a number of the brethren of Brearley Lodge, No. 9 ; Salem Lodge, No. 19; Sharptown Lodge, No. 32, and Pittstown Lodge, No. 38, he consecrated the new Lodge, called " Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39," and installed oflBcers in due form, according to the ancient usages of the Craft. Nov. 9, 1818. James Giles. The committee heretofore appointed to procure a jewel, and clothing for a Past Grand Master, not being ready to reporti were ordered to be continued, with instructions to procure one or more jewels and clothing at their discretion. On motion of the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, seconded by the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, it was Ordered That the Charity Fund dues for the last year, from Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, be remitted. Brother James C. Canfield, from the committee on that sub- ject, reported, that They had appropriated the donation made at the last Communication for the support of the orphan children of Brother Bently, agreeably to the directions of the Grand Lodge. Which report was read and accepted. Brothers Caldwell, Thompson and Canfield were appointed to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master made the following report, viz. : GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 175 The Deputy Grand Master most respectfully reports, that in pursuance of written instructions under the hand and seal of the Most Worshipful James Giles, Esq., Grand Master, and under the sanction of a warrant from this Lodge, he repaired to the village of Plainfield, in the county of Essex, and with the assistance of a number of brethren from Solomon's Lodge and the adjoining Lodges, he did then open a Grand Lodge in due form, and proceeded to constitute a Lodge, under the name and title of "Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40." under the jurisdiction of and acknowledging allegiance to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and did install the several oflBcers therein nominated, according to the most ancient forms and usages; and further, that he visited said Lodge on the 12th of October last, and found the officers well-informed, and the members anxious of acquiring Masonic information. The Deputy Grand Master would further state, that he visited since the last Grand Communication, Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 27, at the city of New Brunswick, and found the Lodge entries very correct, the officers well-informed, and the members performing the labor assigned them with cheerfulness, and within the bounds of the ancient landmarks and Masonic customs; all of which is respectfully submitted. Nov. 10, 5818. Wm. MoKissack, D. G. M. A communication was received from the Right Worshipful Isaac Barnes, Jr., late Grand Treasurer, enclosing a statement of his accounts and praying for further time to pay the balance due from him, also offering to give security for the payment of the same ; which communication and statement were read ; When, on motion, it was Ordered, That the communication and statement be referred to Wor- shipful Jos. 1. Thompson, Senior Grand Deacon, Charles Burroughs, Junior Grand Deacon, and Brother Phillips, Senior Warden of Trenton Lodge, and that they allow to the Right Worshipful Brother Barnes such further time for the payment of the balance due the Grand Lodge as they may deem reasonable, and that they also receive from him such security as they may think sufficient. A petition was received from Mrs. Sarah Burnsides, widow of a deceased brother, praying for a donation from the Charity Fund, which petition was read ; whereupon, Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be appropriated and paid to Brother Stephen D. Day, for her relief. On motion of Brother Andruss, seconded by Brother Canfield, Ordered, That the sum of fifty dollars be paid to Brother James B. Canfield, to be by him appropriated for the use of the orphan children of Brother John T. Bentley, at his discretion. 176 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. A petition was presented from Brother Oliver Hatfield and nine others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to form a new Lodge, in the borough of Elizabeth town, to be called " Washington Lodge, No. 41," which petition was read; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother Oliver Hatfield be the first Master, Brother Alfred Stone, the first Senior Warden, and Brother Thomas P. Walworth, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. Brother Gordon presented the warrant of Federal Lodge, No. 15, and asking permission for the Lodge to surrender the same. On motion, Ordered, That the surrender of the warrant be accepted. A petition was presented from Brother Enoch M. Forman and eight others, for a warrant to form a Lodge at Camden, Gloucester county, which petition was read and summitted to Brother Past Grand Secretary Read, and Brothers Jeffers and Andruss. On motion of the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, seconded by the Right Woi-shipful Junior Grand Warden, the constitution of the Grand Lodge was read, and unanimously agreed to. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. On motion of the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, seconded by the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, the rules and regulations were read and agreed to, and the Most Worshipful Grand Master was requested to have a sufficient number of copies of the constitution, rules and regulations printed for the use of the Grand Lodge. On motion of the Worshipful Brother Jeffers, it was Resolved, That the Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary be requested to forward five copies of the constitution, rules and regulations, together with the extract of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, to each of the subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 177 A communication was received from Mrs. Isabella Simpson, widow of Charles Simpson, asting for a donation from the Charity Fund; which communication was read and ordered to lie on the table. A petition was presented from Brother Hosea Snethen and six others, praying for a warrant to form a Lodge in Deerfield, Cumberland county ; which petition was read and disagreed to, and the applicants had leave to withdraw their petition. Brother Eead, from the committee on the application for a warrant for a Lodge at Camden, reported that it was inex- pedient at this time to grant the prayer of the petitioners; which report was read and agreed to, and the petitioners had leave to withdraw the petition. Brother Thompson, from the committee on the Grand Trea- surer's accounts, reported a general statement of the funds of the Grand Lodge, and also that they had examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, and found them correctly stated, and that there is a balance remaining in his hands of sixty-eight dol- lars and fifty-five cents ; which report was read and agreed to. On motion. Ordered, That the Right Worshipful George McDonald be exonerated from the payment of a note of hand given to the Grand Lodge by Brother Ephraim T. Ogden and the said Brother McDonald, for one hundred dol- lars, on the 15th day of November, 1810. 'On motion. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler for his services in attending this Grand Lodge. On motion of Brother Day, Ordered, That the Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer proceed imme- diately to use such measures for the collection of all moneys due the Grand Lodge, (except the principal due on the bond given by Trenton Lodge, No. 5) as he may deem proper, and that he invest the same in stock of the United States or bank stock, at his discretion. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the business before them, proceeded to the election of the Grand Ofiicers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were appointed, viz: 12 178 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. James Giles, Most Worshipful Grand Master. William McKissack, R. W. Deputy Grand Master. Jepthah B. Munn, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. Hedge Thompson, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Richard L. Beatty, Right AVorshipful Grand Secretary. George McDonald, R. W. Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipfiil Grand Treasurer. All the Grand Officers elect (except the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary) being present, were seyerally invested and installed according to ancient forms and ceremonies, and being duly proclaimed, received the accustomed salutations of the brethren present. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Rev. Holmes Parvin, Worshipful Grand Chaplain. Joseph I. Thompson, Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon. Charles Burroughs, Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon. David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, deceased. Brother Andrnss, from the committee on that subject, re- ported : That they had inquired into the situation of Mrs. Catherine Ramage, widow of a deceased brother, and found her in indigent circumstances, and paid her the donations of the Grand Lodge, at their last Communica- tion, which was very thankfully received. The Grand Secretary reported : That he had written to the late officers of the several Lodges that were ordered to be stricken from the list of Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, and demanded their warrants, &c., and that he had not received an answer thereto. The committee appointed to examine the documents relative to the expulsion of Jacob Kerr from Hope Lodge, No, 26, made the following report : That after a careful perusal of his communication, and an examination of the vouchers accompanying it, they are clearly of opinion that the course pursued by the members of his Lodge in regard to him, was harsh and unfeeling, and their sentence of expulsion as greatly exceeding the bounds of justice. They therefore respectfully offer the following reso- lution : Hesolved, That the sentence of expulsion passed by Hope Lodge, No. 26, against Jacob Kerr, be reversed, set aside, made void, for nothing holden, and that he be reinstated in all the rights and benefits of Masonry. Zac. Rossell, Thomas L. Woodruff, DaUd Mv. 12, 5822. Richard L. Beattt. The Grand Secretary reported : That he had procured the sashes and collars for Past Grand Officers, and that he had forwarded the resolution of the Grand Lodge to the widow of Past Grand Master Cummings, deceased. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 203 The report of the committee respecting Jacob Kerr was read, and after some discussion was disagreed to. On motion, Ordered, That Jacob Kerr have leave to withdraw his documents. The Grand Treasurer reported : That he could not invest the moneys of the Grand Lodge agreeably to the resolution of the last Grand Communication, Whereupon, Resolved, That he be authoriiaed to invest the sum of three hundred dollars on bond and mortgage upon real estate, provided that stock cannot be procured at a reasonable price. Brothers Haywood, Lewis, and Scott were appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Brothers Hampton, Tucker, and Eossell were appointed to examine the correspondence. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. Brother Hampton, from the committee on that subject, made the following report, viz. : The committee appointed to investigate and examine the foreign cor- respondence of the Grand Lodge beg leave to report, that they have examined the communications of the respective Grand Lodges of the United States, and a communication from a number of Masonic brethren assembled at Washington, on the 9th of March last, relative to the establishment of a General Grand Lodge for the United States; that as it respects the latter communication, they see no good reason for departing from the resolution of this Grand Lodge on the same subject, expressed in the years 5807-8, disapproving of the same. They do not find any other matters to*be acted upon by this Grand Lodge. Which report was read and agreed to. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary forward a copy of the foregoing resolution to William W. Seaton, Esq., at the city of Washington. Brother Rossell offered the following resolution, which was read and agreed to. Whereas, A perfect acquaintance with the signatures of the Grand Officers of the several Grand Lodges holding correspondence with each 204 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. other, is of vital importance in testing the authenticity of papers pro- 'iessedly issuing from under the hands and by the authority of any of them ; therefore, Mesolved, That the Grand Secretary, when communicating to the re- spective Grand Lodges with whom a correspondence is preserved, the result of any electioa of officers of this Grand Lodge, wherein a change ma^ have been made, shall accompany the same with the signatures of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, writtea with their own proper hands and duly authenticated under his hand, together with a request to each and every such Grand Lodge, that they will forthwith, and as often hereafter as by any change of Grand Officers it may be rendered important, to furnish to this Grand Lodge a similar document. On motion of Brother John E. Jeffei-s, and seconded bv Brother Hampton, it -sras Resolved, That the Grand Lodge recommend to the subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction the adoption of a uniform mode of working, agree- ably to the principles of Illustrative Masonry, as laid down by Brother Cross, in his Lectures and Monitor. Brother Haywood, from the committee on that subject, re- ported : That they had examined the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, and found them correctly stated, and that there remains a balance in his hands of five hundred and fifty-six dollars and ninety-nine cents. Which report 'vras read and agreed to. Jtesolved, That the sum of seventeen dollars and twenty-five cents be received in full for all small sums of money due from Farmers Lodge, No. 14, to the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the sum of $15 be paid to Brother Baldwin, to be appropriated for the benefit of Mrs. Catherine Eamage. Ordered, That the sum of $15 be paid to Brother Wilson, to be appro- priated for the relief of the eldest sou of Brother Bently, deceased. Ordered, That the sum of $15 be paid to Brother Hjdge Thompson> to be appropriated for the relief of the child belonging to Brother John Stretch, of Salem. Ordered, That the sum of $15 be paid to Brother S. J. Bead, to be appropriated to the relief of the children of Brother Jacob Myers, deceased. Brother Eossell offered the following resolation, which was read and agreed to, viz. : Whereas, We are of opinion, that a union and communion of the GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEE8BT. 205 different Grand Lodges of the United States, will have a tendency to promote good will and harmony among them; therefore, Resolved, That when as many as seven Grand Lodges shall unite in sending delegates to a convention of Grand Lodges, to be held in either the cities of New York or Philadelphia, for the promotion and benefit of Masonry, that then the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, and the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden for the time being, be and they are hereby appointed delegates on the part of this Grand Lodge to attend the same. Ordered, That the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary communicate the foregoing resolution to the different Grand Lodges in the United States. Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be authorized to loan upon bond and mortgage at his discretion the sum of three hundred dollars of the funds of the Grand Lodge. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler for his services in attending this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were appointed, viz: Jephthah B. Munn, Most Worshipful Grand Master. Samuel J. Read, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Hedge Thompson, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. John S. Darcy, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Richard L. Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. Zac. Rossell, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. All the Grand Officers being present, were severally invested and installed, according to the ancient forms and ceremonies, &c. The Most . Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz. : Rev. Thomas Pitts, Worshipful Grand Chaplain. Charles Burroughs, Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon. John Mershon, Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon, John E. Jeffers, Worshipful Grand Marshal. Charles F. Lott, Worshipful Grand Pursuivant. David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. 206 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1823. At the annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, held at the hall in the city of Trenton, Nov. 11, A. L. 5823, A. D. 1823. PRESENT. M. W. JEPTHAH B. MUNN, Grand Master. R. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. HEDGE THOMPSON, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN S. DAROY, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. RICHARD L. BEATTY, Grand Secretary. R. W. ZACHARIAH ROSSELL, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. W. JOHN E. JEPFERS, Grand Marshal. W. CHARLES BURROUGHS, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN MERSHON, Junior Grand Deacon. W. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. Representatives from the following Lodges attended, viz. : William McKissack, w. m., John Cox, j. w., Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Prudden Allen, w. m., Isaac Andruss, p. w., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Daniel Phillips, treas., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Isaac H. Hampton, w. m., Brearley Lodge, No. 9. John E. Jeffers, w. K., Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. Aaron Hassett, w. a., T. S. Vanarsdalen, sec. Union Lodge, No. 12. Andrew Parson, w. M., Ph. Dickerson, p. M., Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13. Eoyal Hopkins, w. M., James Quimby, s. w., Cincinnatti Lodge, No. 17. Joseph Sleeper, s. w., George Haywood, sec, Strange N. Palmer, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. Richard Craven, s. w., Wm. Plummer, j. w. Salem Lodge, No. 19. Thomas Armstrong, p. m., Augusta Lodge, No. 23. Samuel Humphreys, w. m., Sharptown Lodge, No. 32. Luther Little, w. m., Chatham Lodge, No. 33. James D. Westcott, Jr., Cedarville Lodge, No. 35. Jacob Wick, w. u., Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. Zaccheus Pay, s. w., Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. John Allen, s. w., Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Benjamin W. Tucker, w. m., Washington Lodge, No. 41. Ebenezer Tucker, p. si., Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43. Past Grand Officers.— R. W. Wm McKissack, P. D. G. Master, R. W. Isaac Andruss, P. S. G. Warden, R. W. Franklin Davenport, P. J. G. Warden. GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 207 TISITING BRETHREN. James Cushman, Banter Sayre, Elias J. Thompson, James Eodgers, Martin C. Howe, Levi Disbourough. Wm. B. Kinney, Ephraim Beach, The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, and proceeded to business. Brother Wilson reported : That he had appropriated the donation of the Grand Lodge at their last Communication, for the relief of the eldest son of Brother Bently, deceased. Brother H. Thompson reported : That he had appropriated the donation of the Grand Lodge at their Communication, for the relief of the child of Brother John Stretch, of Salem. Brother S. J. Eead reported : That he had appropriated the donotion of the Grand Lodge at their last Communicatien for the relief of the children of Jacob Myers, deceased. The Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary reported : That he had communicated to the several Grand Lodges in the United States the resolution adopted at the last Grand Communication, relating to the appointment of delegates to attend a convention of the Grand Lodges. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following report, viz. : Brethren : Among the Masonic occurrences of the past year I have first to report : That a number of brethren having associated together for the formation of a Lodge at Berkshire Valley, town of Jefferson, and county of Morris their application being also supported by the recommendation of Cin. cinnati Lodge, No. 17, and other respectable brethren, I granted them a dispensation to form themselves into a Lodge, and work as such under the name of Euclid Lodge, and subsequently installed their officers, under the expectation that they will at this time solicit this Grand Lodge to grant them a warrant. In the course of the past year also, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, sent me a written communication by way of complaint, against St. John's Lodge, No. %, for refusing charitable aid to the widow of a deceased brother, because said brother formerly belonged to some Lodge in New York, and referring the applicant back to New York for relief. 208 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The Grand Master aforesaid, in this letter deprecates the principle that the mere boundary line of a State shall be considered by St. John's Lodge aforesaid, as limiting Masonic charity, estimating Masons as he does> wheresoever located, as all of one family, alike meriting aid if worthy and distressed, no matter where they hail from. I presume it will not be questioned that the sentiments of this Grand Lodge, as a matter of duty as well as courtesy, should be freely expressed on this- subject, and conveyed to the Grand Lodge of New York. By particular request I attended the celebration of St. John's day, the 24th June past, with Union Lodge, No. 21, at Orange, in Essex county. The procession on that occasion was numerous, orderly, and splendid ; harmony and friendship appeared to cheer the Craft, and well might it be said, " how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The address, pronounced by the Rev. B. Johnson, Deputy Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Nsw York, on the history and virtues of holy St. John, was not only highly satisfactory to the brethren assembled, but greatly admired by a large audience of spectators. The ceremonies of the day having ended in the usual harmony and order, the Grand Secretary and Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, who also attended on that occasion, solicited my attendance in the most obliging terras to install the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of said State. Accordingly, on the 7th July ensuing, accompanied by the Junior Grand Warden, Brother Darcy ; the Most Excellent High Priest, Brother Ruckle, and Brother Parsons, the Worshipful Master of Paterson Lodge, No. 13, I repaired to New York, and installed the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of said State. The assemblage of brethren at the ceremony was numerous and respect, able ; the distinguished courtesy, respect, and attention shown us was not only gratifying, but such as to leave an impression of grateful feelings and brotherly aflFection, a sure pledge of future good will on our part, and high coneideration toward the Grand Lodge who honored us by this distinction. A communication lately received, is herewith presented from the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, proposing the formation of a General Grand Lodge for the United States, and inviting our co-operation in such measures as shall conduce to this subject. This subject, although it has once received the consideration of this Grand Lodge, owing nevertheless, to the respectable source from whence the communication emanates, claims our attention, and I would accord- ingly recommend the appointment of a committee to give it a deliberate reflection and make report thereon. Since our last Grand Communication, the pressure of professional business has been such that it has not been in my power to attend to the duty of visiting Lodges to much extent. As far as has been convenient, GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 209 however, I have devoted attention to this duty ; but despairing of being able to visit all the Lodges even in the Eastern section of the State, as I long have done, and considering that it is highly probable that your Grand Masters in future may be so much engaged in the necessary pursuits of business as to preclude their being able to devote their time, and comply with the Grand Lodge regulations as it respects their duty in visiting, lecturing, and reporting upon the state of the Lodges within our jurisdiction, I would once more beg leave to suggest to this Grand Lodge, whether it will not be for the good of the Order, if said Grand Lodge will divide the State into convenient districts, and appoint a Grand Officer or Grand Visitor (as the case may require) in each district, to superintend the Lodges, so far only as to correct irregularities in their Work (if any exist), to lecture or otherwise instruct them, and report as to the condition of Lodges annually, to the Grand Master for the time being, or to the Grand Lodge. If it shall be objected that this system may prove too expensive to the Grand Lodge, let the Lodges bear such a proportion of the expense as may be reasonable and just. I should not again introduce this subject for the consideration of the Grand Lodge, was it not that I have so often heard a wish expressed in many Lodges to be visited and lectured by their Grand OfGcers ; and it may be within reason to say, that we have but few Lodges in the State that would not be essentially benefitted by an investigation of their affairs, the friendly advice, direction and instruction of a Grand Officer or Grand Visitor, deputed by the Grand Lodge to make them at least an annual visit, if no more. ,Do we not sometimes hear of iiregularities practised in some Lodges? — of the frequent abuse of the principles of our Order, in introducing unworthy and immoral candidates? Is there not much inexpertness in the Work ; inexperience, or rather ignorance of Masonic definition, in the Lodges ? — a want of that knowledge which experience and scientific investigation only will give of the real principles of our institutions? — a want of harmony, of friendship, of conformation to ancient landmarks, to ties which should ever bind? I presume to say my much respected brethren around me will say there is. Will a judicious system of visitation, lecturing, instruction, advice and friendly precept, from Grand Officers or Grand Visitors, correct these evils? If they exist, what better remedy have we ? What else is to dispel the mists of ignorance, to instruct inexperience, to correct error, to restore harmony to our edifice, to display the beauties of moral and mystic science, but light from the East ? Shall we not then raise the curtain, 14 210 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. that Masonic light with her splendid effulgence shall beautify and adorn our Temples? Will not this Grand Lodge, then, comprising at this day for the greater part the embodied intelligence of Masonry in this State, at least endeavor to give a new impulse to the Lodges under their paternal care ? Will they not by instruction stimulate their zeal and intention, excite a new spirit of emulation among the Craft to excel in knowledge, in virtue, in harmony, friendship, and especially in brotherly love ? If I am not for the moment greatly misled by fancy or ill-judged zeal, I hope these suggestions will not be considered visionary. If I err in my conclusion, I shall, notwithstanding, confidently repose in safety upon the ever known indulgence and candour of my brethren, to duly appreciate my motives. J. B. Mfnn, Nov., A. L. 5823, G. M. of the G. L. of New Jersey. The Right Worshipful Isaac H. Hampton, made the following report, viz. : Most Worshipful Grand Master : The subscriber begs leave to make the following report: That conformably to a certificate received from the Grand Secretary, dated Oct. 8th, 1822, appointing him Grand Visitor to the different Lodges in the county of Cumberland, and requesting that he should inspect the proceedings thereof, and also deliver a course of lectures on Masonry to the officers and brethren, he has in part executed the task assigned him, having visited once within the last year, Friendship Lodge, No. 22, and Deerfield Lodge, No. 42, and twice Cedarville, No. 35, and ia thereby able to inform the Grand Lodge that the proceedings of those Lodges appear to be conducted agreeably to general principles and usages of the ancient Order ; the officers are prompt and zealous in executing the duties of their stations, the brethren intelligent, but anxious for further light in Masonry. Being himself a member of Brearley Lodge, No. 9, and thereby having a knowledge of its proceedings, he has the satisfaction to inform the Grand Lodge that he believes this Lodge still continues to enjoy pro- gressive improvement in the Ancient Craft. Franklin, No. 37, from the best information that can be obtained has not been in operation for more than a year past, and there appears to be no disposition in its members to attempt to resuscitate it. He begs leave further to observe, that the time of his visit to Friendship Lodge was employed in the installation of officers of the Lodge, and in giving general instruction in the four first degrees; but in Cedarville, and Deerfield Lodges, a course of lectures have commenced and regularly progressed through the first degree, and general instructions given^in the second and third. The brethren appeared to be highly gratified, ex- GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 211 pressing a desire that opportunities of improvement might be frequently afforded. His professional pursuits and also the general unhealthy state of our country, has prevented further attention to this subject, so interesting, and the accomplishment of vrhich is so desirable to every lover of Masonry. Isaac H. Hampton. Nov. \2th, 5822. The communication from the Grand Lodge of New York, relating to the application of Patty De Witt, widow of a deceased brother, to St. John's Lodge, No. 2, praying aid from the Charity Fund of said Lodge, was read, and referred to Brothers B. Tucker, W. N. Jeffers, and Ph. Dickerson. Brothers Hampton, John B. Jeffers, and James D. Westcott, Jr., were appointed to examine the correspondence from other Grand Lodges. Brothers Palmer, Scott, and Little, were appointed to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts. A petition was presented from Brother Joseph Dickerson, Jr., and eleven others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge in Berkshire Yalley, Jefferson township, Morris county, to be called " Buclid Lodge, No. 46," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother John Sherman be the first Master, John H. Stanborough, first Senior Warden, and David Allen, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. On motion of Brother I. H. Hampton, Mesolved, That the communication from the Most Worshipful Grand Master to the Grand Lodge be referred to a committee, with instructions to report on such parts thereof as have not been referred to any committee. And Brothers Wm. N. Jeffers, Isaac H. Hampton, and Isaac Andruss were appointed a committee for that purpose. Brother Tucker, from the committee on that subject made the following report, which was read and agreed to, viz. : The undersigned committee, to whom was referred the communications from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, relative to the Widow De Witt, respectfully beg leave to report, that they have had the subject 212 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. under consideration, and have been attended by the oflioers and one of the members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2. From the statements made by those respectable brethren, the committee are of opinion that no censure should be passed on St. John's Lodge, No. 2, for having refused charity to the said De Witt — that charity was not refused upon the principles alleged, as she has often been relieved by that Lodge. But from the pressure of business before the Grand Lodge, and the few moments allowed the committee to investigate the subject, they are not prepared to make a full report at this time, and therefore ask leave to submit the following resolution : JResolved, That the committee to whom was referred the communication from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, be continued, and make their full report at the next Grand Communication. Eben. Tucker, Wir. N. Jeffers, Ph. Dickerson. Brother Palmer, from the committee to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts, reported : That they had examined the same, and found them correctly stated, and that there is a balance remaining in his hands of one hundred and seventy-nine dollars and twenty-four cents. Which report was read and agreed to. Brother I. H. Hampton, from the committee upon that subject, made the following report, tIz. : The undersigned committee, to whom was referred the foreign corres- pondence of the Most "Worshipful Grand Lodge, have examined the voluminous documents handed to them by the Grand Secretary, and are of opinion that they cannot give the important subjects embraced in those papers such satisfactory consideration as to be enabled to make prope^" report thereon at this Grand Communication, and they therefore respect- fully submit the following resolution : JResolved, That the committee to whom was referred the foreign cor- respondence, have until the next Grand Communication to make report in relation to the same. Isaac H. Hampton, Jonx E. Jeffers, James D. Westcott, Jr. Which was read and agreed to. Brother Wm. N. JeflFers, from the committee on that subject, made the following report, viz. : GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 213 The undersigned committee to whom was referred the communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, have had the same under con- sideration, and from the high importance of the subjects recommended by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the committee, deeply impressed with the duty assigned them, respectfully submit the following resolution : Resolved, That the committee to whom was referred the communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Master have until the n^t Grand Commu- nication to report upon the various and important subjects submitted to their consideration. Wm. N. Jeffers, Isaac H. Hampton, Isaac Andeuss. Ordered, That the sum of seventy-five dollars be paid to Brother I. H. Hampton, to be appropriated for the relief of Brother Jonathan Brooks, of Cumberland county. Ordered, That the sum of ten dollars be paid to Brother John E. Jeflfers, to be appropriated for the relief of Brother William Newburn. Ordered, That the sum of ten dollars be paid to Brother Benjamin W. Tucker, for the relief of Brother Smith Baldwin. Ordered, That the sum of five dollars be paid to Brother B. W. Tucker, to be appropriated for the relief of the widow of Brother Swift. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were appointed, viz. : Jepthah B. Munn, Most Worshipful Grand Master. Samuel J. Eead, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Hedge Thompson, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. John S. Darcy, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Richard L. Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. John Scott, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. All the Grand Officers elect being present, were severally invested and installed, according to the ancient forms and cere- monies, &c. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz. : 214: GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Eev. Thomas Pitts, Worshipful Grand Chaplain. Charles Burroughs, Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon. John E. Jeflfers, Worshipful Grand Marshal. Stacey M. Palmer, Worshipful Grand Pursuivant. Daniel Philips, Worshipful Grand Steward. Thomas Grant, Worshipful Grand Steward. David Wrig*ter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. Attest : RICHD. L. BEATTY, mv. nth, A. L. 5823. Grand Secretary. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1824. Extract of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the] Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at their Hall, in the city of Trenton, on the 9th day of November, A. L. 5824.* PRESENT. M. W. JEPTHAH B. MUNN, Grand Master. R. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. HEDGE THOMPSON, Senior Grand Warden, R. W. JOHN S. DAROY, Junior Grand Warden. -R. W. RICHARD L. BEATTY, Grand Secretary. E. W. JOHN SCOTT, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. W. REV". THOMAS PITTS, Grand Chaplain. W. JOHN E. JEFFERS, Grand Marshal. W. STRANGE N. PALMER, Grand Pursuivant. W. CHARLES BURROUGHS, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN MERSHON, Junior Grand Deacon. W. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. Tast Grand Officers. — Haskell Ewing, I. H. Hampton, Isaac Andruss- Past Masters. — Simeon Baldwin, James Cook. * The proceedings of this year were not published at the usual time, in consequence of the indisposition of the late Grand Secretary. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 215 Representatives from the following Lodges attended viz : John Cox, M., Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Pruden Ailing, m., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. John Pearce, m., Zachariah Eosell, j, w., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Joseph Y. Miller, m., Eph Green, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. I. H. Hampton, p. m., W. B. Ewing, p. m., Brearley Lodge, No. 9. J. J. Foster, s. w., Woodbury Lodge, N<5. 11. Joseph Dilks, is., Haley Fish, Union Lodge, No. 12. Andrew Parsons, v., John Vail, s. w., C. S. Blauvelt, j. w., Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13. William Gray, s. w., Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. Royal Hopkins, m., James Quimby, s. w., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. J. I. Sleeper, m., John Roberta, j. w.. Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. William Plummer, m., Salem Lodge, No. 19. Daniel Babbitt, m,, Amos A. Harrison, s. w., Union Lodge, No. 21. John Gustin, m., Augusta Lodge, No. 23. Luther Little, m., Chatham Lodge, No. 33. J. P. Lewis, M., Shrewsbury Washington Lodge, No. 34. Jacob Wick, m., Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. Zaccheus Ray, m., Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. E. A. Darsey, m., J. Allen, J. W. Scott, p. m., Jerusalem Lodge, No. 41. George Sowders, tkeas., Deerfield Lodge, No. 42. I. Beach, m., Essex Lodge, No. 44. Perry C. Neil, m., Peter E. Walker, s. w., Camden Lodge, No. 45. John Sherman, m., Joseph Dickinson, Jr., treas., Euclid Lodge, No. 46. VISITING BRETHREN. Jeremiah Stull, No. 38, Richard Bentley, No. 12, Joseph Munn, A. Bradford, from France, Daniel K.ilburn, Josiah B. Howell, No. 2, Samuel Camp, J.B.McCombDelaplain,No.91,N.Y. William Hunt, No. 16, J. P. Garniss, No. 91, New York, Zephaniah Drake, No. 17. Amzi Dodd, No. 48, Samuel Disborough, No. 3, Robert C. Thompson, No. 31, X. J. Maynard, No. 5, • Daniel Swayze, No. 26, Jacob Wilson, P. B. Shafer, No. 8, Seth W.Washburn, No. 31, Vermont, J. R. Stewart, Phcsnix Lodge, N. Y. James Cushman, No. 18, Martin M. Howe, No. 27. G. D. Wall, No. 5, Grand Lodge opened in ample form and proceeded to busi- ness. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following report, viz : 216 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Brethren : In reporting to you the Masonic occurrences of the past year within my observation, I shall first notice the dedication and consecration of a new Masonic Hall in the town of Paterson. Pursuant to an invitation from Brother Parsons, the Worshipful Master of Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13, I attended, on the 27th of last Decem- ber, with the Right Worshipful Brother Darcy, Junior Grand Warden, the Right Worshipful Brother Feltus, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of New York, and many brethren from adjacent Lodges. The oflScers of the Lodge being first installed, a numerous and well ordered procession was formed and proceeded to the new hall, where the solemn ceremonies of consecration and dedication were performed, after which the procession was resumed and marched to the church, where an appro- priate and very learned address was pronounced by Eight Worshipful Brother Feltus. The other exercises of the day were conducted in much harmony and social aflfection and it is presumed, greatly to the satisfac" tion of all concerned. The Festival of St. John, on the 24th of last June, was celebrated by the Essex Lodge, in Caldwell. The meeting of the Fraternity assembled, was one of much good fellowship, friendship, order and brotherly affec- tion. On this occasion the aid of the Junior Grand Warden Brother Darcy, the Past Grand Junior Warden Brother Andruss, C, the Most Eminent Brother Ruckle, Past Master, Brothers Ellison, Goodwin, the Worshipful Master Brother Hopkins, and many other respectable breth- ren who assisted on this day, is thankfully acknowledged. Since the last Grand Communication, the officers of a new Lodge in Berkshire Valley, Morris county, have been installed by virtue of a warrant granted last year, and their Lodge denominated "Euclid Lodge, No. 46," has been constituted. A dispensation has been granted for the formation of a Lodge in Bloomfield, Essex county, and the officers selected in their pe- tition have been installed agreeably to ancient forms and ceremonied. Also a dispensatiou has been granted for the formation of a Lodge in Eahway, Essex county, with authority to work as such. In the course of the past year, an evident increase ol Craftsmen have been added to the dmerent Lodges in some sections of the state. A reno- vated spirit seems to be enkindled and new energies awakened to aid the cause of Masonry ; but especially, I have much pleasure in announcing that an event of high importance has recently added an additional weight of testimony in favor of our philanthropic Institution and exhibited to the open face of the world another patron, friend and advocate of our order in the person of the Nation's Guest, the illustrious General De La Fayette. The attending circumstances connected with meeting General La Fayette, are in themselves, I presume to hope, so far intereeting and honorable to our Fraternity that I may venture to crave your GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 217 indulgence while I introduce them in detail as the closing part of my communication, and the more so as I indulge the expectation that this Grand Lodge will esteem the circumstances to be detailed, worthy to be recorded with their annual transactions. On the 23d day of September last past, pursuant to an invitation from Washington Lodge, Ko. 41, at Elizabethtown, I repaired to that place in order with them and the breth- ren invited for the occasion, to meet our illustrious Brother La Fayette. On this event I have much pleasure in acknowledging the support and aid received by the presence of the Past Grand Master Brother Giles, also the Junior Grand Warden Brother Darcy, the Most Eminent C. Brother Ruckle, the Worshipful Master, Brothers Tucker, Parsons, Little, Babbit, and Ailing of the Essex Lodge and the members present. Brother La Fayette and his escort alighted at the end of a lengthy procession of different Lodges ready formed to receive him whenever he arrived. When accompanied by the Governor of this state. Brothers General Jonathan Dayton and Colonel T. T. Kinney, they walked through the opened ranks of the procession to an elevated platform arranged for the occasion, where he was received by the municipal authority of the town ; after which, on a signal being given, attended by the Past Grand Master Brother Giles, the Junior Grand Warden Brother Darcy, and Brother Ruckle, we proceeded through the line of the procession to the platform, where, on meeting our distinguished brother, the following address was pronounced to him : Brother La Fayette : It is my fortunate lot at this time, to have the pleasure to meet and ad- dress you in behalf of my Masonic brethren of New Jersey. With sentiments of ardent gratitude for illustrious services you have rendered us toward achieving our National Independence, and particularly impressed with feelings of Fraternal affection, we tender you a sincere welcome to our country. Whilst the offerings of real respect and applause, the spontaneous effusion of a delighted people, greet you wheresoever you advance among us, we presume to offer you the deep veneration, the warm affec- tion and friendship of your Masonic brethren, inferior to none in ardor and sincerity. This happy meeting is to us an event of great importance. It is a day which we, our children, remote prosterity, and more especially the Masonic Fraternity, will hereafter delight to call up in pleasing recollection. We hail it as auspicious to our Order, for although superstition, preju- dice, and persecution, have frequently spent their whole powers upon us, nevertheless it is our consolation to know that many of the truly great and good in every age have been our supporters. In times past, particularly in the American Revolution among a host of worthies devoted to the cause of liberty, long since " gone to that bourne 218 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. from whence no traveler returns,'' and who so gloriously and successfully contributed to establish the freedom of millions, we hail as brothers and illustrious ornaments in our Temple, the incomparable Washington, Warren, the Martyr of liberty, and Franklin, the benefactor of mankind. La Fayette, a living monument of greatness, virtue and faithfulness still exists. A second Washington is now among us. Let us celebrate the event with heartfelt joy. Among the Archieves of Masonry let the transaction of this day be recorded and deposited, that a surviving hero of our Revolution has now met with ua on the level of true affection and on the square of just equality ; that it is our highest happiness not only to greet him as the undeviating advocate for the liberties of mankind, but also by the endearing tie of friend and brother. In addition to this address, I had the honor of stating to our incom- parable brother that by the particular request of Washington Lodge, No. 41, I was desired to offer for his acceptance, a Masonic jewel prepared for the occasion, "as a small token of their respect and brotherly affection' soliciting him to receive it as such;" whereupon, receiving a cheerful assent thereto, I had the additional satisfaction of publicly investing our revered Brother La Fayette with this offered tribute, a memento of Masonic regard. After which our highly esteemed brother returned an answer recipro- cating the sentiments addressed to him, acknowledging the great satisfac- tion he felt in meeting his brethren on this occasion, and adverted to the persecution which Masons and friends of human rights and liberty had ever e.tperienced from the hand of intolerance, usurped power and oppression ; then advancing to the front of the platform, he made his acknowledgment of thanks and friendly attachment to his Masonic breth- ren before him and the large concourse of citizens assembled to honor his arrival among us, receiving their spontaneous cheerings of animated gratitude. The Masonic procession were individually received by a cordial tender of the hand from the General, then resumed their order of procession and marched to their table of refreshment prepared in much taste for this memorable event. Anxious to preserve the smallest incident connected in our proceed" ings with this truly great man, our endeared friend and brother, I have further to mention that near tne close of our time of refreshment, Brothers Past Master Ph. Dickinson, the Junior Grand Warden Darcey, and the Most Eminent C. Ruckle, were appointed a committee to bear a communication to the General at his quarters, and also this sentiment of our meeting, viz: Our illustrious Brother La Fayette, the friend and companion in arms of our Grand Master, Washington. "Need I add, it was duly appreciated and met the loud plaudits of a highly respectable assemblage." At the hour of evening retirement, in conformity to the GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 219 offer (thankfully received) of escorting our guest, the Masonic procession resumed their order of march at an appointed time, and proceded to the hotel of reception, where they received our Brother La Fayette and waited upon him to his lodgings. The fellowship of good feelings, of gratitude, of deep felt intellectual enjoyment, of sincere and ardent Fraternal affection, distinguished the transactions and terminated happily the events of a day greatly interesting to those concerned and which I trust will hereafter be deemed highly important in the annals of Masonry. J. B. MUNN, Chatham, Nov. A. L. 5824. G. M. of the Grand Lodge of N. J. Brother Hampton, from the committee to whom was referred so much of the Most Worshipful Grand Master's communication of last year which had not been acted upon, made report, which was read and ordered to lie on the table. Brother Baldwin reported, That he had appropriated the donation of the Grand Lodge granted for the relief of Catharine Eamage, widow of a deceased brother. Brother Hampton, from the committee appointed at the last Annual Communication to examine the foreign correspondence of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the previous year, made the following report, which was read, and the considera- tion thereof postponed to the next Grand Annual Communica- tion: That the documents referred to them, consisting of the minutes of the proceedings of most of the Grand Lodges of the several States of the Union, and of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and also of Lower Canada, in the years 1822 and 23, and likewise of various commu- nications from several of those Lodges, have been carefully and attentively considered. The committee have received with pleasure the evidences which those papers afford of the general flourishing condition of the Masonic Institution in the various parts of the country. It appears most of them are in a prosperous situation, and but few schisms or disputes have arisen to disturb the peace and harmony of the Craft. It is believed no period of time can be referred to, when, in this country the character of Masonry was respected or stood higher than at present. These cir- cumstances are strongly calculated to awaken the pride of every Masonic bosom ; but it should not be forgotten, that they ought also to call forth feelings of the deepest gratitude to that Great Being under whose kind and protecting Providence this result has been effected. The following subjects arisen out of the correspondence examined, have presented them- selves to the committee, as calling for the particular attention of the 220 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Grand Lodge; and it is to these subjects the committee had reference in their report made at the last Annual Communication. I. The formation of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, to be located at Washington City, D. C. The Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, at a Communication held on the 6th of May, A. L. 5823, passed resolution inviting the renewed attention of the different Grand Lodges of the United States to this subject, and also appointed a committee to draft and transmit an address to each, in favor of the plan. This address is found with the papers referred to the committee. It was proposed that those Grand Lodges who should receive the address and resolutions in time to act upon them, and who should be in favor of the plan, should appoint delegates to meet in convention at "Washington City, on the third Wednesday of February last, and those who should not receive them in time to act upon them, as requested, should choose delegates, to meet on the first Monday of March next, at the same place, in order to devise measures to carry into effect the proposed object. This subject has been discussed with great ability in several of the Grand Lodges of the United States, within the last two years. The plan was first proposed by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, in 1790, but not conceded to but by a very few of the other Grand Lodges. It has been agitated at several different periods since that time by different Grand Lodges, but with no better success. A meeting, composed of several persons distinguished as Masons and as gentlemen of high character and station, was held in the Senate Chamber of the United States, on the 9th of March, 1822, by which the subject was again brought up for the consideration of the different Grand Lodges. This Grand Lodge, after considering the subject upon the address and resolution forwarded to them by the distinguished committee of tliat meeting, passed a resolution at their Annual Communication, A. L. 5822, against acceding to the proposition, but agreeing to another plan, pro- posed by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of holding a General Convo" cation, whenever it should appear to be the wish of the different Grand Lodges, at either of the cities of Philadelphia, New York, or Baltimore, and at such time as might be chosen for the purpose. Several of the Grand Lodges of the United States, it appears by the papers referred to the committee, adopted a similar course; but nothing definite was done in relation to the latter proposal. The first subject is, however, "renewed" by the address of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, above mentioned. In that address, and the address of the committee of the meeting at Washington, in March, 1822, may be found the principal arguments used in favor, and in the reports of the different committees appointed upon the subject by the Grand Lodges of Pennsyl- vania, Maryland, and Kentucky, the reasons urged against the plan. Your committee, after a diligent investigation of the subject, and maturely GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 221 weighing the various arguments used upon both sides, are deeply im- pressed with the belief that the adoption of the plan is unadvisable and inexpedient. They can see no certain good which will result from its being carried into operation, and it may be fraught with imminent danger to the Institution of Masonry. Speaking for themselves, they are un- willing, to run the venture. To adopt the eloquent language of the select committee of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, "the social charities of Masonic life are too dear to risk upon the trackless ocean of experiment." The committee therefore recommend to the Grand Lodge to adhere to their former resolution passed upon this subject. II. It appears by the papers submitted to the committee that it has been the practice of the different Grand Lodges to report to each other printed lists of rejections, expulsions, and suspensions under their re- spective jurisdictions. The committee are constrained, after serious deliberation, to recommend to the Grand Lodge the abolition of this practice, as a general rule, as productive of no good consequences, and being in many instances of injurious tendency. It is not of any benefit to the institution, nor does it appear to us to be congenial with its principles, that all the frailties, the imperfections, or the vices of an unworthy, or perhaps thoughtles brother, should be registered in a catalogue and deposited in our archives for the in- spection of the members of the Fraternity of future ages, or that the tale of bis dishonor should be spread through all parts of the country and told to all his fellow brethren. Is it not more congenial to the' principles of our Order, to endeavor to soften down, to forgive and forget those frailties and imperfections, to cast over them the veil of charity, to endeavor by gentle means to bring back the deluded victim .of vice to the path of duty, of honor, and of rectitude, than by exposing his follies or his infamy to destroy not only the incentive to repentance, but even the opportunity ? We believe these are the genuine principles of Masonry, and they are at war with that uncharitable and unfeeling, that vindictive disposition, which is exercised in the practice above alluded to. We affirm the practice does no good. As it respects rejections, no Lodge should ever admit a stranger without testimonials of his character from the Lodges of the places where he had formerly resided; and one who, by a continued course of good conduct for the length of time which would justify a Lodge in neglecting to require this testimony, should not be prejudiced by a former rejection. In some flagrant oases of gross unmasonio conduct, and where there is no hope of reformation, it may perhaps be correct to publish the expulsion of the unworthy member, not only in the manner now done, but to the world, to avoid the reproach which would otherwise be attached to us as long as he was supposed to be a member; but we deprecate the practice as a general rule, to be exercised in every kind and grade of offence. The only benefit possibly derived from the present 222 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. practice is the aid afforded in detecting unworthy characters where they are not known ; and this is comparatively slight, for if such a person applies for any of the privileges of Masonry, the same depravity which caused his expulsion would induce him to disregard those solemn obliga- tions which would be called to his mind upon such an occasion, and he is then easily enabled to elude the check given by this practice by passing under a fictitious name. We believe if the ancient checks and restraints are insufficient to ■ prevent the imposition of unworthy characters upon us, it is useless to confide in modern inventions for that purpose. The same reasoning applies to suspensions. We would also observe upon this subject, that under the existing practice of this Grand Lodge, the benefit which might perhaps be derived in the manner above alluded to is not received by the Lodges of this State. In some of the States, the custom is to report the rejections, expulsions, and suspensions in every State, at the end of their minutes, and distribute them among the different Lodges ; this Grand Lodge, however, only reports those cases which occur under their own jurisdiction, and those in other States can only be known by application to the files of the Grand Lodge. III. The committee have been struck with the importance of having the minutes, communications, and other documents of the Grand Lodge, which are usually printed, all being done in the same manner and size. It would be advisable (if it could be effected) that a similar rule prevail in all the Grand Lodges in the United States, as the documents would be much more convenient to examine, when it is necessary, and also they could be bound in volumes, which is impossible in the manner they now are printed. The committee in conclusion, beg leave to submit the following resolu- tions, in accordance with the opinions expressed in the above report : 1. jResohed, That this Grand Lodge adhere to their former resolution, passed at their Annual Communication, in 1822, against acceding to the plan of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, to be held at the City of Washington, D. C. 2. Besolved, That the present practice of reporting rejections, expul- sions, and suspensions, in all cases, by the different Grand Lodges to each other, is unnecessary, and should be abolished; and this Grand Lodge will hereafter report no such rejection, expulsion, or suspension, until it has been decided in the Grand Lodge that the flagrancy of the particular case demands it. 3. Besolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to have the minutes of this Grand Lodge, and all printed communications hereafter made by this Grand Lodge printed in the same manner and size. A petition was presented from Redford Jobs and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. - 223 to form a new Lodge, in the town of Cranbury, in the county of Middlesex, to be called "Cranbury Lodge, No. 47," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother Bedford Jobs be the first Master, S. Disborough, first Senior Warden, and R. T. Purdy, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. • Brothers P. Ailing, Bwing, and Cox were appointed a committee to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts. A petition was presented from E. P. Stiles and eleven others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge in the town of Bloomfield, in the county of Middlesex, to be called " Bloomiield Lodge, No. 48," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother Simeon Baldwin be the first Master, Daniel D. Beach, first Senior Warden, and Joshua Smith, Junior Warden of said Lbdge. Brothers John Scott, Hopkins, and Palmer were appointed a Committee on Correspondence. A petition was presented from Brother Robert Dennis and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge at Rahway, in the county of Essex, to be called " La Fayette Lodge, No. 49," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Brother Robert Dennis be the first Master, D. Albertson, first Senior Warden, and Noah Silvers, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. Brother Gustin presented the warrant of Augusta Lodge, praying leave to surrender the same, which was agreed to. Brother Little presented the Warrant of Chatham Lodge, No. 33, together with the jewels, with the request that the same be accepted, which was agreed to. The committee appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, made their report, which was agreed to. Brother Rossell offered the following resolution, which was read and laid over to the next Grand Communication, viz : Resolved, That so much of the tenth Section of the first Article of the Bye-Laws of this Grand Lodge as requires the payment of twenty-five 224 - GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. cents annually to tlie general Charity Fund by every member of a con- stituted Lodge under this jurisdiction be repealed, and that the sum of fifty cents annually be substituted therefor. Resolved, That the Charity Dues of Paterson Lodge be remitted. Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid to Brother Joseph Y. Miller, for the use of Jackson Bassett, eon of Isaac Baesett, of Sussex county, deceased. Brother Isaac H. Hampton offers the following resolution, which was read and agreed to, viz : Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to our Past Grand Master, J. B. Muun, for his able and zealous attention to the interests of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey during the time he has pre- sided as Grand Master. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of the Grand Ofiicers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Samuel J. Read, Most Worshipful Grand Master. John S. Darcy, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Hedge Thompson, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. John Scott, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Richard L. Beatty, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. A. Parsons, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. All the Grand Officers elect being present, were severally in- vested and installed, according to ancient forms and ceremonies. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Rev. Thomas Pitts, Worshipful Grand Chaplain. James Cushman, Worshipful Grand Lecturer. John Mershon, Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon. John Pierce, Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon. Strange N. Palmer, Worshipful Grand Marshal. Richard Bayre, Worshipful Grand Pursuivant. Daniel Philips, Thomas Grant, Worshipful Grand Stewards. David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. Attest: RICHARD L. BEATTY, J^ov. Wi, A. L. 5824. Grand Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 225 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1825. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of New Jersey, held at their hall in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 8th day of November, A. L. 5825. PRESENT. M. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Grand Master. R. W. JOHN S. DAROY, Deputy Grand Master. R. W, HEDGE THOMPSON, Senior Grand Warden, R. W. JOHN SCOTT, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. RICHARD L. BEATTY, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOHN E. JEFPERS, Deputy Grand Secretary, p. t. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. STRANGE N. PALMER, Grand Marshal. RICHARD EAYRE, Grand Pursuivant. JOHN MERSHON, Senior Grand Deacon. JOHN PIERCE, Junior Grand Deacon. DANIEL PHILLIPS, THOS. GRANT, G. Stewards. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. PAST GBiND OFFICERS. J. B. Munn, William N. Jeffers, Isaac Andruss, William McKissack, I. H. Hampton, John E. Jeffers^ F. Davenport, Zachariab Bossel, PAST MASTERS. Joseph W. Scott, John Ailing. Representatives from the following Lodges attended, viz : John Cox, M., Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Joseph Camp, m., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Thomas Cadwalader, G. D. Wall, J. Chambers, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. W. Beach, m., Harmony Lodge, No. 8. William B. Fithien, m., J. B. Potter, s. w., Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Elias I. Thompson, Joseph Dilks, Union Lodge, No. 12. James Quimby, m., Stephen Fairchild, s. w., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. J. J. Sleeper, m., James Cushman, s. w., George Haywood, j. w., Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. William Plummer, m., Salem Lodge, No. 19. Amos Harrison, m., Union Lodge, No. 21. Gideon Leeds, m., Hope Lodge, No. 26. 15 226 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Imley Drake, m., A.bDer Park, s. w., David Park, trbas., Mansfield Lodge, No. 31. James Lloyd, Henry D. Polhemiis, Shrewsbury Washington Lodge, No. 34. Isaac Johnson, M., Jeremiah Stull, s. w., Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. John Groslin, m., Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. Edward A. Darcey, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. James Price, s. w., Washington Lodge, No. 41. George W. Tucker, m., Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43. Peter E. Walker, m., Camden Lodge, No. 45. Joseph Dickinson, Jr., treas., Euclid Lodge, No. 46. Eedford Jobs, ii., Samuel Disboroughs, s. w., Elijah Davis, Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. Simeon Baldwin, M., Amzi Dodd, Bloomfleld Lodge, No. 48. Robert Dennis, M., La Fayette Lodge, No. 49. VISITING BRETHREN. Samuel F. Bradford, p. o. m. of Penn., John Dickinson, P. G-. Glentworth, Trenton, No. 5, C. H. Valentine, Independence, No. 27, Daniel Swayze, David Green, Edward Smith, Salem, No. 19, H. Hunt, Cincinnati, No. 17, A. Reynolds, D. Kilburn, Union, No. 21, Samuel S. Doty, Cincinnati, No. 17, Jacob Wilson, Thomas Emerson, John J. McChesney, Washing- ton, No. 34, William Newburn, Woodbury, No. 11, J. S. Nevius. The Grand Lodge opened in ample form and proceeded to business. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following re- port, viz : Brethren of the Grand Lodge : Shortly after the closing of Grand Lodge in November, 5824, I received a communication from the Most AVorshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, inclosing certain resolution of that General Grand Lodge, relative to the erection of a monument at Mount Vernon, over the remains and to the memory of our illustrious Brother Washing- ton, and requesting the co-operation and exertions of the several Grand Lodges and of the Masonic brethren throughout the United States, in the undertaking. In the month of July last, I received another communication from the same Grand Lodge, enclosing certain other resolutions relative to the same subject and appointing trustees to join such other trustees as may be chosen by other Grand Lodges throughout the Union, who shall be directed to meet at the Western Masonic Hall, in the city of Washington, on the third Wednesday in Februay, A. D. 1827, at 6 o'clock, P. M., which trustees shall then and there form themselves into an association, GBAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 227 under the name of " The Trustees of the Masonic Fund for the erecting a Monument over the remains of Washington at Mount Vernon, and TaStke such arrangements as they may deem expedient for erecting the same,'' and to report their proceedings to the different Grand Lodges who may have contributed to the object proposed. I take great pleasure in laying before the Grand Lodge of New Jersey those communications and in expressing a hope that this Grand Lodge will cheerfully unite in so laudable an undertaking, and thereby assist in handing down to the latest posterity the many virtues that adorn the mind of our illustrious brother, the great and good Washington. In consequence of the indisposition of our brother the Grand Secretary or from some other cause, the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, at their last meeting, have not been printed and sent to the subordinate Lodges. It will therefore be proper, if the Grand Lodge at this time should bestow some attention to this subject, that the subordinate Lodges may know what business has been transacted in the Grand Lodge, and that our correspondence with our sister Grand Lodges may be regularly kept up. In the recess of the Grand Lodge, I issued a dispensation to our worthy Brother Joseph Warren Scott for the purpose of constituting and install- ing the new Lodge at Cranbury and the Lodge at Eahway, both in the county of Middlesex. Brother Scott has reported to me that he has per- formed that service and is happy to say, that from the orderly conduct and from the very respectable character of the officers and brethren of those new Lodges he has no doubt they will add lustre to the Masonic Institution. Upon the application of a suflBcient number of brethren, a dispensation was granted for the purpose of forming a new Lodge at Walpack, in the county of Sussex, and Brother Joseph Y. Miller, Worshipful Master of Harmony Lodge, was appointed to install the ofScers of this new Lodge, and he has reported that he has performed that service. This dispensa- tion will expire at the present time, when it is expected the brethren of this new Lodge will apply to this Grand Lodge for a charter, agreeably to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. The Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master has reported to me, that on St. John's day, the 27th of December last, with the assistance of a number of brethren in the vicinity of West Bloomfield, in the county of Essex, he attended at West Bloomfield and did constitute and install the officers of a new Lodge called Bloomfield Lodge, No, 48, to whom a warrant for that purpose was granted by this Grand Lodge at their last Communication. Brother Darcy has great pleasure in stating to the Grand Lodge that the exemplary conduct of the officers and brethren of this new Lodge is such that they will do credit to the Society to which they belong. 228 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The correspondence of the several Grand Lodges which have been received by the Grand Secretary since the last Communication, v^ill be laid before the Grand Lodge. Samdel J. Eead, November Sih, A. L. 5825. Grand Master. Brothers William N. Jeffers, Joseph W. Scott and I. H, Hampton, were appointed a committee to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts. Brothers Andruss, Davenport and Rossel, were appointed a committee of Correspondence. A petition was presented by Charles Hoffman and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge in the township of Walpack, in the county of Sussex, to be called " Dove Lodge, No. 50," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that Brother Charles Hoffman be the first Master, Daniel Depue first Senior Warden, and Andrew VanCampen first Junior Warden of said Lodge. Application was made by a number of the brethren of Inde- pendence Lodge, No. 29, established at Hackettstown, to hare their warrant returned to them, and they restored to their former rank and privileges ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was granted, and Brother Caleb H. Valentine be the Worshipful Master, Charles F. Lineback, the Senior Warden, and George Heberton, the Junior Warden of said Lodge. A petition was presented from John Moore and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted to them to form a new Lodge, in the town of Johnsonburgh, in the county of Warren, to be called "Corinthian Lodge, No. 51," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that John Moore be the first Master, George Mushbacli, first Senior Warden, and Daniel Camp, first Junior Warden of said Lodge. Application was made by a number of the members of Hope Lodge, No. 26, praying to be restored to their former rank and privileges, on the payment of dues, and making due returns ; which, on due consideration, was granted, and dues paid and returns made, to the satisfaction of the Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 229 Bro&er Rossell offered the following resolution, viz. : Resolved, That the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge take place for the future on the fourth day of October, in each and every year. Which was received, and ordered to lie on the table for consideration at the next Grand Communication. Brother Scott, from the committee on that subject, made the following report, which was read and agreed to, and the annexed resolutions severally adopted, viz. : The committee to whom was referred so much of the communication of the Most "Worshipful Grand Master as relates to the proposal from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, to erect a monument over the grave of our distinguished brother, George "Washington, first President of the "United States, beg leave to report : That they most cordially approve of the contemplated measure, and do recommend to this Grand Lodge to appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars to aid in that object, to be paid when the sum of ten tliousand dollars shall be made up, the sum presumed to be necessary to accomplish this desirable object. The committee, in further performance of the duties assigned them, offer to the Grand Lodge the following resolutions : Resolved, That three trustees be nominated by the Most "Worshipful the Grand Master, to be approved by the Grand Lodge, which trustees shall join with such others as shall be appointed by the respective Grand Lodges of the United States, and shall be directed to meet at the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia, on the third "Wednesday of February, 5827, at six o'clock P. M., and then and there form themselves into an association, under the name of " The Trustees of the Masonic Fund for erecting a monument over the remains of Washington, at Mount Vernon." And the said trustees shall be authorized to make such arrangements as they may deem expedient for erecting the same ; and they shall report their plan and proceedings to the different Grand Lodges respectively appointing them ; and if a majority of those Lodges approve their plan, the before mentioned trustees are hereby authorized by this Grand Lodge, and empowered to erect the same. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do hereby appropriate the sum of two hundred dollars to the object aforesaid. Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this Grand Lodge be requested to transmit circular letters to the Grand Lodges of the "United States, containing a copy of these resolutions, and the names of the trustees appointed on the part of this Grand Lodge. 230 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this Grand Lodge be requested to transmit circular letters to the subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction, requesting their co-operation and pecuniary aid in the objects before mentioned. All which is respectfully submitted. J. W. Scott, Trenton, November 8iA, A. L. 5825. Chairman of the CommUiee. The Most Worsbipful Grand Master, in compliance with the above, appointed Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, Past Master Jos. W. Scott, and Past Master 1. H. Hampton, a Committee of Correspondence on this subject, and trustees to control the above appropriation; which appointment was approved of by the Grand Lodge. The committee appointed to examine the correspondence of this Grand Lodge during the last year, beg leave to make the following report : That they have carefully examined the various communications made to this Grand Lodge within the last year, and do not find any subject which requires the immediate attention of the Grand Lodge, except the proposition submitted by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, to erect a monument at the grave of Washington, at Mount Vernon, by the Masonic Fraternity, which subject has been submitted to a special committee. Your committee would call the attention of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, to a communication from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, under date of March 23d, 1825, respecting the conduct of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and their intercourse with Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Isaac Andrdss, Zachariah Eossell. Which report was read and agreed to, and ordered to be printed. Intelligence having been received respecting the death of our late Most Worshipful Grand Master Giles, it was unanimously Resolved, That a committee be appointed by the present Most Worships ful Grand Master, to inquire in what manner this Grand Lodge shall express their sorrow at the death of their illustrious Past Grand Master. Whereupon, Brothers Wm. N. Jeffers, J. W. Scott, and G. D. Wall, were appointed a committee for that purpose. The officers and brethren of Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, pre- sented sundry specifications and charges against Solomon's GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 231 Lodge, No. 1, for un-masonic conduct (pro-ut the charges) which were ordered to be committed to Brothers Munn, Andruss, and Wm. Scott, with powers to examine witnesses and investigate the complaint with all possible dispatch, and report a statement of facts and the proceedings by them had, to the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master, who is hereby authorized and required to suspend their operations if he shall think proper, or in his opinion the good of Masonry requires it to be done, and also to make report to the next Grand Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. The committee appointed to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts, made their report, which was read and agreed to. Brother William N. Jeffers, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported the following testimonial of respect to the memory of the Most Worshipful General James Giles, Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, which was read, and unani- mously agreed to, and ordered to be entered in the Record of the Society : The annunciation of the decease of their late Most Worshipful Grand Master Giles, since the last Grand Communication, is heard by the Grand Lodge, with emotions of the most sincere regret, and the deepest sorrow for so afflicting a dispensation of Divine Providence. It has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to extinguish his light, and to deprive us of the advantage of his labors and example here on earth. We bow with submission to the decrees of infinite Wisdom ; but the most perfect recognition of the will of Almighty Power forbids not a tear to the memory of a departed friend, nor a tribute of respect to his exalted merit. The public virtues, the private worth, the intelligence, and the various valuable estimable qualities of the deceased, it would be superfluous to eulogise. His name will long live in the memory of his fellow citizens as a good man and a Mason. We all knew him — his death has spread a gloom throughout the Lodges in this State which cannot soon be dissi- pated, and has created a chasm in this Grand Lodge which cannot easily be forgotten. In his official capacity he Was courteous but dignified, placid and conciliating, but inilexibly just; ever cherishing and incul- cating the pure and benevolent principles of the Order, tenacious of adhering to its ancient landmarks ; and his Masonic information, aided by his intellectual endowments and eloquence, enabling him continually to diflfuse a blaze of light, imparting knowledge to all around him. In the rites and mysteries of the Craft it is unnecessary to say he was well 232 GBAND LODGE 0^ NEW JERSEY. skilled, and in the practice of the virtues inculcated by its precepts few- exceeded him. In the exercise of charity he was liberal but unostenta^ tious, dispensing its beneflfts to the helpless widow and orphan with a peculiar delicacy of manner the characteristic evidence of a benevolent and feeling heart. When they deplore the loss of their late Grand Master, they derive consolation from the hope and belief thai, having terminated hie labors here on earth and entered into a world of spirits, he has passed and received the approbating welcome of " well done, thou good and faithful servant," from his Divine Master, and has been received by him to a seat in the Holy Temple above, "not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." William N. Jeffers, Chairman of the Commiitee , Brother Jeffers moved the consideration of the report of the Committee of Correspondence of the last year, and, after some time consumed in debate thereon, the further consideration of said report was postponed. Brother Woodruff, Rossell, and Cadwalader were appointed a committee to settle the accounts of the late Grand Secretary. Resolved, That all Past Masters be hereafter permitted to vote as Past Masters, unless when representing a Lodge, then as such representatives only. The following resolution wa.s offered by Brother George W. Tucker (of Tuckerton Lodge, No. 46,) and unanimously adopted : Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, to modify their several Constitutions and Bye-Laws, so far as to admit licensed or ordained clergymen, of all denominations, without payment of any initiation or other dues. The following resolution was also offered by Brother Tucker, and laid upon the table until the next Grand Communication : Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will in future dispense with the pay- ment of any initiation or other dues from the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for the initiation of clergymen of any denomination. Which resolutions were ordered to be printed. Brother Rossell's resolution, offered at the last Grand Annual Communication, to repeal so much of the tenth Section of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge as requires the payment of twenty-five cents annually to the General Charity Fund, by GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 233 every member of a Constituted Lodge under this jurisdiction, and substituting the sum of fifty cents therefor, to be paid annually, was postponed to the next Grand Communication for consideration. Brother J. Y. Miller presented an account of disbursement for Jackson Bassett, amounting.to $15.03| ; which was received and ordered to be filed. Brother Hampton presented a receipt from Brother Jonathan Brooks, for twenty-five dollars charity of last year ; which was received and ordered to be filed, and, on motion duly made and seconded, Resolved, That whereas the annual sum of twenty-five dollars having been appropriated to and for the use and benefit of Brother Jonathan Brooks, at the last Grand Communication, until he should have received one hundred dollars (being twenty-five dollars per year for four years) > and the late Grand Secretary having neglected to enter the same, Ordered, That the amount of twenty-five dollars be paid annuatly, until the purport of that resolution and appropriation be fulfilled, and that this be entered nunc pro tunc. Ordered, That the sum of thirty dollars be paid by the Grand Treasurer to Brother William Newbern, as charity, for his relief. Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be patd to Brother Baldwin, to be appropriated for the relief of Brother John McDonald. Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid to Brother Harrison, to be appropriated for the relief of Mrs. Catherine Ramage. Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid to Brother Dilks, to be appropriated for the relief of Mrs. Elizabeth Simson. Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid to Brother Beach, to be appropriated for the relief and use of Brother Jackson Bassett. Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid to Brother Cadwalader, to be appropriated for the relief of the Widow Drew. On motion of Brother John E. Jeffers, it was Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be required to correct the minutes of the two last years, and to have them fairly transcribed and recorded, and to have an extract of the minutes and proceedings of last year, together with an extract of the proceedings of the present year, published in one pamphlet. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business 234: GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz: Samuel J. Read, Most Worshipful Grand Master. John S. Darcy, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Hedge Thompson, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. John Scott, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Zachariah Rossel, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. John E. Jeffers, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Secretary. Thomas L. Woodruff, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. All the Grand OfiBcers elect being present, were severally in- vested and installed, according to the ancient forms and cere- monies, &c. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz. : Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Worshipful Grand Chaplain, Strange N. Palmer, Worshipful Grand Marshal. James Cushman, Worshipful Grand Lecturer. Richard Eayre, Worshipful Grand Pursuivant. John Mershon, Worshipful Grand Senior Deacon. John Pierce, Worshipful Grand Junior Deacon. Daniel Phillips, Thomas Grant, Worshipful Grand Stewards. David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. Attest: ZACHARIAH ROSSEL, Nov. Sth, A. L. 5825. Grand Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 235 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1826. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of New Jersey, held at their hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 14th day of November, A. L. 5826. PRESENT. M. W. JOHN S. DARCY, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. HEDGE THOMPSON, Deputy Grand Master, p. t. R. W. ISAAC H. HAMPTON, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. WM. N. JEPFERS, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN E. JEFPERS, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. JAMES CUSHMAN, Grand Lecturer. STRANGE N. PALMER, Grand Marshal. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Senior Deacon- WM. HAYWOOD, Grand Junior Deacon, p. t. DAN'L PHILIPS, G. P. GLEN T WORTH, G. Stewards. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. Past Grand Officers. — Wm. McKissack, Isaac H. Hampton, William N. Jeffers. Past Masters. — Joseph W. Scott, John Ailing, Daniel Babbitt. Representatives from the following Lodges attended, viz. : John Cox, Daniel Sargeant, Joseph Doty, Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. Andrew Graddis, Samuel McChesney, Hugh Cammack, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Charles Burroughs, John Mershon, Charles M. Wells, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. William Beach, Hiram Munsoi), Harmony Lodge, No. 8. James B. Potter, Bnos F. Eandolph, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. James S. Nevius, F. S. Vanarsdallen, Union Lodge, No. 12. Andrew Parsons, Patersou Orange Lodge, No. 13. Charles Sitgreaves, Parmenis Sherman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. James Quimby, Stephen Fairchilds, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. James Cushman, George Haywood, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. William Plummer, Ward Willson, Salem Lodge, No. 19. Amos A. Harrison, Union Lodge, No. 21. John Ogden, Jr., Friendship Lodge, No. 22. Gideon Leeds, Edward B. Swayze, Hope Lodge, No. 26. 236 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. C. H. Valentine, C. F. Lineback, Independence Lodge, No. 29. Abner Parke, Lambert Bowman, Mansfield Lodge, No. 3L James D. Westcott, Cedarville Lodge, No. 35. Isaac Johnson, Jeremiah Stull, Jacob Wick, William Loper, Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. John Gosling, Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. Freeman Cole, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Benjamin W. Tucker, Washington Lodge, No. 41. Ebenezer Tucker, Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43. Timothy C. Ward, Peter Speer, Essex Lodge, No. 44. Hugh C. Heyl, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Joseph Dickerson, Jr., Euclid Lodge, No. 46. Charles Carson, Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. Daniel D. Beach, Amzi Dodd, Aaron E. Ballard, Bloomfleld Lodge, No. 48. James Smith, La Fayette Lodge, No. 49. John Moore, Jacob Armstrong, Corinthian Lodge, No. 51. TISITING BRETHBEX. J. E. Ruckle, Daniel C. Croxall, Benjamin Archer, Joseph Moore, John T. Gray, William Newburn, William McFarlin, Elijah Booth, Jonathan B. Dunham, John Torbett, Israel L. Coriell, Arrowsmith, Eev. George Patterson, Norfolk Lodge, No. 1, Virginia, James Webster, No. 2, Phila., I. E. Moore, No. 51, Philadelphia, Xenophon J.Maynard, D. Hutchinson, F. Whitlack, Galway, No. 263, N. Y. L W. Nicklin. The Grand Lodge opened in ample form and proceeded to business. The following communication and report of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master was read, viz : MoHNT HoLLT, November 13th, 1826. My Dear Sir : In consequence of some recent occurrence which have taken place in my family, I shall be deprived of the pleasure of meeting at this time with my Masonic brethren in Grand Lodge. You of course will take the chair, and I wish you in your communication to the Grand Lodge, to observe that in accordance with their resolution at the last Communication, I have transmitted to the several Grand Lodges in the United States, copies of the resolutions of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey relative to the erection of a monument at Mount Vernon, over the remains GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 237 of the illustrious Washington. And have also transmitted copies of the same resolutions to the subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, requesting their aid in the contemplated undertaking. I also addressed a letter to the Worshipful Master of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16, on the certain resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, complaining of the conduct of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16 ; but in the hurry of sending my communications to the several Lodges, this letter I find by opening my Masonic papers this day, has not been sent. I regret it should have so happened, as the subject is of great impor- tance to the Craft. It is probable that the Master of this Lodge will be with you and I would suggest for your better judgment, whether it would not be proper to submit the communication of the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania to the consideration of this Grand Lodge. It will be an admoni- tion to all the representatives of the subordinate Lodges, and the conduct of Olive Branch Lodge may be enquired into and explained in such manner as to satisfy this Grand Lodge and that of Pennsylvania that they have acted with propriety. I merely suggest this and leave it for your better judgment. I enclose the resolutions of Penneylvania. It has always been my opinion that it would be advantageous to the Grand Lodge, that there should be frequent changes in the officers. This would tend to create a laudable emulation among the Craft to fit and qualify themselves for the discharge of the various duties as well in as out of the Lodge. Under this impression you will be pleased when the election of officers takes place, to present to the brethren my sincere thanks for the honor they have conferred on me in electing and re-electing me to the chair of the Grand Lodge, and assuring them that the recollection of this honor and their favorable opinion of me will ever be to me a source of pleasure to be destroyed only by time, and that I beg leave to decline being considered a candidate for re-election. With my best wishes for your health and happiness, and that of the whole Masonic family, I am, my dear brother. Truly and sincerely yours, &c.. Gen. JoH>f S. Darct, Samuel J. Ebad. Deputy G. Master of the G. Lodge ofN. J. The Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master made the fol- lowing report, viz : Most WoRSHipruL : I most respectfully beg leave to report, that early in January last, I repaired to Johneonsburgh, in the county of Warren, and with the assis- tance of the Eight Worshipful Junior Grand Warden and other brothers, publicly installed the officers of the new Lodge in that place, by the name of Corinthian Lodge, No. 51. I also installed the officers of Dove Lodge, No. 50, a new Lodge at Walpaok, in the county of Sussex, both of which 238 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Lodges were authorized at the last Grand Communication. I also m- etalled the officers of Independence Lodge, No. 29, at Hackettstown, and Hope Lodge, No. 26, at Hope, in the county of Warren, hoth of which Lodges had their warrants returned at the last Grand Communication. Upon the application of a sufficient number of brethren who were suit- ably recommended, a dispensation was granted for the purpose of forming a new Lodge at Belvidere, in the county of Warren, by the name of Warren Lodge, and thfe officers were duly installed. In March last, an application was made by a sufficient number of brethren, for a dispensation, for the purpose of forming a new Lodge at Camptown, in the county of Essex, by the name of Franklin Lodge, which application was granted upon the recommendation of St. John's Lodge, No. 2. The Lodges working by dispensation, will no doubt apply for warrants at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. On the fifteenth day of April last, I attended at Camptown and installed the officers of Franklin Lodge. The ceremonies were performed in public, and we were favored with a very able and appropriate address from ou^. worthy Past Grand Master, Brother Munn. In closing the above communication, I am happy to say that the several Lodges mentioned appear to have commenced under very favorable aus- pices, and have no doubt they will add lustre to the Order of Masonry. Most respectfully yours, &c., M. W. Samuel J. Bead. John S. Dakcy. Brothers Palmer, Smith and Allen, were appointed a com- mittee to settle the Grand Treasurers's accounts. Brothers Dodd, Beach and Westcott, were appointed a com- mittee to examine correspondence and make report thereon. The communication from the Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania to this Grand Lodge, respecting Olive Branch Lodge, was re- ferred to Joseph W. Scott, Andrew Parsons and George Green. The resolution of Brother Rossell respecting the time of meet- ing of the Grand Lodge, was taken up and, after some debate, was indefinitely postponed. The resolution offered by Brother G. "W. Tucker at the last Grand Communication, to dispense with the payment of the initiatiation dues from the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge for the initiation of clergymen of any de nomination, was unanimously agreed to. The resolution of Brother Rossell, offered at the last Grand Communication, respecting the Charity Fund dues, was disagreed to. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEBSBT. 239 The committee appointed at the last Grand Communication to settle the accounts of the late Grand Secretary, prayed further time, which was granted. The committee appointed to investigate the specifications and charges presented by Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, against Solo- mon's Lodge, No. 1, reported, That the specifications and charges were not in anywise supported, and requested to be discharged. The Grand Lodge granted their request and hereby order and declare that Solonaon'e Lodge, No. 1, be restored and Ib hereby reinstated and restored to their former rank and privilege, to all intents and purposes, as though no charges or specifications had been made. A petition was presented by George Green, John Hutchings, Jacob Somers and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted to them to form a new Lodge in the town of Belvidere, in the county of Warren, to be called " Warren- Lodge, No. 52," which petition was read; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that George Green be the first Master, John Hutchings the first Senior Warden, and Jacob Somera the first Junior Warden of the said Lodge. A petition was presented by Joseph W. Camp and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted to them to form a new Lodge in the village of Camp town, in the county of Essex, to be called " Franklin Lodge, No. 53," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that Joseph W. Camp be the first Master, Allen Osborn the first Senior Warden, and Lyman S. Averill the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. A petition was presented by Imlay Drake and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted to them to form a new Lodge in the village of New Hampton, in the county of Hunterdon, to be called " Lebanon Lodge, No. 54," which petition was read ; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that Imlay Drake be the first Master, Abner Parke the first Senior Warden, and Joseph W. Dissen- berry the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. The committee appointed to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts made their report, which was read and agreed to. 240 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Brother Isaac fl. Hampton presented a receipt from Jonathan Brooks, for twenty-five dollars for charity, which was received and ordered to be filed. Brother Amos A. Harrison presented a receipt from Catherine Ramage, for fifteen dollars for charity, which was ordered to be filed. DONATIONS. Ordered, That the sum of thirty dollars be paid by the Grand Treasurer to Brother »Wm. Newburn, as charity, for his relief. Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be paid to Brother Palmer, to be appropriated to the relief of Ann Myers. Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be paid to Brother J, S. Darcy, to be appropriated to the relief of the Widow Burroughs. Ordered, That the sum of thirty dollars be paid to the Grand Secretary, for correcting the minutes and proceedings of this Grand Lodge for the years 5823 and 5824, and for transcribing and recording the same. Ordered, That the expenses of the Rev. J. Brooks, Grand Chaplain, for attending the Grand Lodge at the present Grand Communication, be paid by the Grand Treasurer. Brother Joseph Y. Miller presented an account of disburse- ments for Jackson Bassett, amounting to seventeen dollars and twenty-five cents, which was read, examined, and disagreed to. Resolved, That Brothers Enos F. Randolph, John E. Jeffere, and James D. Westcott, Jr., be a committee to inquire into the condition of Dennis Creek Lodge, No. — , and Franklin Lodge, No. 37, and see that the by-laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge respecting the same be enforced, and to procure from the said Lodges their warrants, together with their books of minutes, jewels and papers, and all else appertaining thereto, and make report and return of the same to this Grand Lodge, at the next Grand Communication; and the said Lodges are herehy ordered to render up the same unto them or any of them when demanded. Resolved, That Brothers Burroughs, J. W. Scott, and Hunt, be a committee to inquire into the condition of Hkram Lodge, No. 25, and see that the by-laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge respecting the same be enforced, and to procure from said Lodge their warrant, books of minutes, jewels and papers, and all else appertaining thereto, and make report and return of the same to this Grand Lodge, at their next Grand Communication ; and the said Lodge is hereby ordered to render up the same to them or any of them when demanded. A petition was presented by the members of La Fayette Lodge, No. 49, praying leave to have their meetings in Rahway, GKAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 241 Essex county, or at Woodbridge, Middlesex county ; whick upon due consideration, was granted. The committee appointed to examine the correspondence off the Grand Lodge, made the following report, which was read and agreed to : The committee appointed to examine the correspondence of the Granii Lodge for the past year, respectfully report ; — that they have given the papers submitted to them all the consideration whicli the short time allowed them would enable them to do. Those documents consist principally of the printed journals of the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of the several United States and of the Canadas. The committee notice with pleasure that most of the Grand Lodges of the United States have adopted resolutions in favor of the erection of a monument at Mount Vernon, over the remains of our illustrious country- man and brother, Washington, similar to those passed by this Grand Lodge. The only Grand Lodges they have discovered which have positively refused to join in this measure, are those of the States o£ Delaware and Maryland. The refusal of these Grand Lodges, it seems from, their proceedings, is not predicated upon any opinion of impropriety in the plan itself, but upon the impression that the Congress of the United States are pledged to erect such or a similar monument at the expense of the nation, by their resolutions of of , 1799, and the expectation that they will soon redeem such pledge. The force of this argument as absolving the Masons of the United States from the duty of erecting such testimonial of respect to the distinguished virtues and talents of our illustrious brother, is not felt by this committee. The committee would respectfully invite the renewed attention of this Grand Lodge to the report of the Committee of Correspondence* of 1824, which it appears has not as yet been definitely acted upon by this Grand Lodge, and would also respectfully recommend to the Grand Lodge the adoption of the several resolutions reported by that Committee, annexed to that report, viz : 1. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge adhere to its former resolution, passed at the Annual Communication of 1822, against acceding to the plan of a General Grand Lodge of the United States, to be held at the city of "Washington, D. C. 2. Resolved, That the present practice of reporting rejections, expulsions and suspensions, in all cases, by the different Grand Lodges to each other, is unnecessary, and should be abolished, and that this Grand Lodge will hereafter report no such rejection, expulsion or suspension until it has been decided in Grand Lodge that the flagrancy of the case demands it, 16 242 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be directed to have the minutes of this Grand Lodge, and all printed communications hereafter made by this Grand Lodge, printed in the same manner and size. The committee have not discovered any other matters in the papers submitted to their inspection which appeared to call for the particular attention of the Grand Lodge at this time. Nov. 14, 5826. Amzi Dodd, James D. Westcott, Je., Daniel D. Beach. Brother Parsons, of the committee to whom was referred the communication from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to this Grand Lodge, made the following report, which was read and unanimously agreed to : The committee to whom the communication from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania was referred, beg leave to report, that from an examination of the complaint set forth in said communication, which is, that a person who was a resident in the State of Pennsylvania, was admitted into the Olive Branch Lodge, Xo. 16, situate at Phillipsburgh, in the State of New Jersey, and that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania object to any such admission. Also that the said Grand Lodge make complaint as to the course pursued by Lodges in the State of Maryland, in preferring the degrees of Past Masters without reference to recommendation or payment of fees. Your committee are of opinion that as Masonry is universal, and is not confined within the nar- row limits of a town, county, or State, that it would be departing from the well known principles of the Order to make any alteration at this time, and that the same rules can only be observed in reference to the admission of candidates residing in one State into Lodges within the bounds of another State, as is observed with neighboring Lodges in the same State, and is the casein this instance. The committee are not in possesaion of any information as to the application or rejection of Geo. W. Deshler, by the Easton Lodge, they see no reason of complaint by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, except that his character may not have been such as to have entitled him to admission. The committee would remark upon the subject, that Lodges in Philadelphia, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, have heretofore upon several occasions, admitted as members persons who resided in this State, in the vicinity of respect- able Lodges, and when well apprised of such circumstance. If it is improper, the restriction from so doing should be by convention between the two Grand Lodges, and they would recommend the adoption of measures calculated to result in such arrangement. Your committee fully agree with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, that it is improper for the Lodges within the jurisdiction of the State of GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 243 Maryland to confer any degrees different from what has been generally adopted by Lodges in other States, and the conamittee recommend that the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this Lodge be authorized to confer with the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania on the subject, and make such arrangement as he may judge most proper to counteract the evil complained of. All of which is respectfully submitted. A. Parsons, J. W. Scott, George Green, CcAmitiee. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the business before them proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, ■when the following brethren were elected, viz : Most Worshipful John S. Darcy, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Hedge Thompson, Deputy Grand Master. " " Isaac H. Hampton, Senior Grand Warden. " " Andrew Parsons, Junior Grand Warden. " " Zachariah Rossell, Grand Secretary. " " John B. Jefifers, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Thomas L. Woodruff, Grand Treasurer. All the Grand Officers being present were severally invested and installed according to the ancient forms and ceremonies, &c. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, to wit : Worshipful John Mershon, Senior Grand Deacon. Strange N. Palmer, Junior Grand Deacon. Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. James Cushman, Grand Lecturer. Joseph Warren Scott, Grand Visitor. Daniel Babbitt, Grand Marshal. William Hunt, Grand Pursuivant. Daniel Phillips, Grand Steward. George P. Glentworth, Grand Steward. Brother David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. Attest: ZACHARIAH ROSSELL, JVovember, Ji. L. 5826. Grand Secretary, 244 ' GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1827. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of New Jersey, held at their Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the thirteentli day of November, A. L. 5827. PRESENT. M. W. JOHN 3. DAROY, Grand Master. E. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Master, p. t. K. W. ISAAC H. HAMPTON, Grand Senior Warden. R. W. ANDREW PARSONS, Grand Junior Warden. R. W. ZAC. ROSSELL, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOHN E. JEFFERS, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. JOSEPH W. SCOTT, Grand Visitor. W. JAMES CUSHMAN, Grand Lecturer. W. DANIEL BABBITT, Grand Marshal. W. WILLIAM HUNT, Grand Pursuivant. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Senior Deacon. W. ED. H. SWAIZE, Grand Junior Deacon, p. t. W. DANIEL PHILLIPS, Grand Steward. W. GEORGE P. GLENT WORTH, Grand Steward. Be. DAVID WRIGHTER, Grand Tyler. Past Grand Officers.— Samuel J. Read, ^\m. N. Jeffers. Past Masters.— Wm. Scott, E J. A. Darcy, Joseph Y. Miller, J. D. Westcott, Jr. Representatives from the following Lodges attended viz : Joseph Doty, s. w., Solomon's Lodge, No. 1. P. Ailing, w. M., p. t., Jas. P. Thompson, s. w., p. t., Asa Tory, j. w., p. t., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Samuel McClurg, P. Dickinson, C. M. Wells, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Lyman Edwards, w. ji., Harmony Lodge, No. 8. James B. Potter, w. m., E. F. Randolph, s. w., Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Jas. S. Nevius, w. it., F. S. Vanarsdallen, s. w., Union Lodge, No. 12. Edward P. Banks, tt. m., Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. "Wm. McFarlan, w. ii., p. t., James Clark, s. w., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. James Cushman, w. m.. Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 245 Edward Smith, w. m., Richard S. Field, s. w., p. t., R. P. Thompson, J. w., p. t., Salem Lodge, No. 19. Amos A, Harrison, w. m.. Union Lodge, No. 21. Samuel Humphrey, w. m., Sharptown Lodge, No. 32. Jeremiah Stull, w. m., Pittstown Lodge, No. 35. Zaccheus Ray, "w. m., Allowaystown Lodge, No. 39. Jona. R. Dunham, s. w., p. t., Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. James Price, w. m., Washington Lodge, No. 41. John W. Mickle, w. m., Camden Lodge, No. 45. Alexander Dickerson, w. m., Joseph Dickerson, Euclid Lodge, No. 46. Redford Job, w. m., Samuel Disbrow, s. w., Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. Daniel D. Beach, w. m., John Shann, Bloomfield Lodge, No. 48. George Mushback, w. m., Corinthian Lodge, No. 51. Ephraim Camp, w. m., p. t., Warren Lodge, No. 52. Jos. W. Camp, w. m., Franklin Lodge, No. 53. VISITING BRETHREN. William L. Johnson, Andrew Snowhill, Wm. Newburn, Samuel S. Doty, J. E. Ruckle, X. J. Maynard, Daniel Hutchinson, William Kerwood, Charles Sitgreaves, John Dickinson, Joseph E. Moore, Daniel C. Croxall. Thomas Cadwalader, The Grand Lodge opened in ample form, and proceeded to business. The following communication and report of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master was read, viz : Brethren of the Grand Lodge ; While attending the last Grand Communication, I solicited and received proposals from our Grand Lecturer (Brother Cushman) on the subject of his visiting the several Lodges under this jurisdiction, and endeavoring to establish a uniform and most approved mode of Work. I very soon thereafter communicated to them his proposals, and that the expense attending the undertaking must necessarily be borne by the Lodges electing to receive his services. A large proportion of the Lodges have thought proper to employ Brother Cushman, and I am happy to state advisedly on the subject, that his lectures have been eminently useful. In November last. Worshipful Brother John E. Ruckle (being duly authorized) attended at Camptown, in the county of Essex, and installed the oflScers of the new Lodge in that place, called Franklin Lodge, No. 53. I regret to state that in a few days thereafter, the Academy in that place, the upper room of which had, by the members of Franklin Lodge^ at a very considerable expense, been fitted up as a Lodge room, was accidentally.destroyed by fire, together with their warrant and all their 246 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. furniture and clothing except the officers' jewels. The brethren of said Lodge having resolved to rebuild their Lodge room, and resume their labors, and having no warrant, at their request, a dispensation was granted, and with the consent of St. .John's Lodge, they were authorized to hold their meetings in the town of Newark, in the room occupied by St. John's Lodge, until their building was completed, or until the meeting of the Grand Lodge. I would beg leave to recommend to this Grand Lodge a renewal of the charter of Franklin Lodge, free of expense, and that they be released from any expense on account of the dispensation granted them in December last, also that an appropriation from the funds of this Grand Lodge be made in their favor. Upon the application of twenty-one brethren, duly recommended by St. John's Lodge, No. 2, in the town of Newark, a dispensation was granted for the purpose of forming a new Lodge, in the town of Newark, to be called the Newark Lodge. The officers there were installed in due form. Also upon the application of a sufficient number of brethren, duly recommended by Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17, a dispensation was granted for forming a new Lodge at Basking Ridge, in the county of Somerset. The officers thereof were duly installed. The dispensations to the brethren of Newark and Basking Ridge were granted under the expectation that they would apply to this Grand Lodge for charters, agreeably to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge. At the request of the members of the Union Lodge, No. 21, I attended on the last St. John's Day, at Orange, in the county of Essex, and with the assistance of Brother Munn, Past Grand Master, Brother Andru8S> Past Junior Grand Warden, Brother Parsons, Junior Grand Warden, and other Brethren, publicly laid the corner stone of a new Masonic edifice now completed by the enterprising members of Union Lodge. On this occasion a very able and appropriate address was delivered by Brother Amzi Dodd, Esquire. In April last, 1 received a communication from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, relative to one he had received from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The deputation from the Grand Lodge of New York was received in due form by officers of this Grand Lodge at New Brunswick. John S. Darcy, G. M. Nov. \Zth, 1827. The committee appointed at the last Grand Annual Commu- cation to inquire into the state of Dennis Creek Lodge, No. 36, and Franklin Lodge, No. 37, and to procure the warrants, papers, &c., of said Lodges, respectfully report: That as to Franklin Lodge, it appears by the minutes of said Lodge, that on the twenty-fifth day of July, 1820, it was resolved by a majority of GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 247 the members then present, to forthwith surrender their warrant lo the Grand Lodge, and that Franklin Lodge has not been opened since that day. The warrant, book of minutes, and most of the papers of the Lodge, have however remained in the custody of the persons living in the house in which the Lodge was held at the time. The committee have procured the warrant, By-Laws, book of Minutes, and a number of papers relative to the accounts of the Lodge, and have deposited them with the Grand Secretary. They are in a very confused state. The Treasurer's book, jewels, aprons, bible, and other Masonic books formerly owned by the Lodge, and the seal of the Lodge, could not be procured by the committee. A letter from David Reed, Esq., formerly a member of the Lodge and to whom we applied for information on the subject (annexed hereto) will explain the causes thereof. The committee find by the record of the Grand Lodge, that no return from Franklin Lodge has been made since . 181 — . It appears that a considerable amount which cannot be exactly ascertained by the committee, was due the Grand Lodge at the time the resolution of the Franklin to surrender the charter was adopted. The committee find that Dennis Creek Lodge, No. 36, surrendered their warrant on the 9th of November, 5819, through the hands of Grand Master Giles. They have, however, procured sundry papers, a book of minutes, the Treasurer's book of said Lodge, and the seal of said Lodge, (which they fonnd in the possession of an individual in Cape May) and which they have aFso deposited with the Grand Secretary. The jewels, apron, &c., could not be procured. A letter from Samuel Matthews, Esq., formerly a member of that Lodge, and to whom we applied for aid, will show the causes. It appears the last return of the said Lodge was made in 1819. The committee recommend that the warrant of Franklin Lodge be accepted, and inasmuch as it will be attended with much difficulty to procure payment of the arrears due the Grand Lodge from said LoSge, that the same be remitted: but that the said committee be continued or another appointed with power to procure the seal of the said Lodge and other papers and books which they apprehend have not yet been received. The committee recommend that the claim of the Grand Lodge to the jewels, aprons, &c., of Dennis Creek Lodge be transferred to the new Lodge about to be constituted in Cape May, and in case said Lodge is not con- stituted, that the same be received by a committee for the Grand Lodge. The course to be pursued with respect to the jewels, aprons, &c., of Franklin Lodge, they submit to the consideration of the Grand Lodge. Enos F. Randolph, John E. Jepfers, James D. Westcott, Jr. Committee. 248 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEESEY. Dennis Creek, October 25th, 1827. Dear Sir: I have made inquiries as you requested as to the papers, &c., ©f Dennis Creek Lodge, No. 36. I now send you all that I can find with the seal of said Lodge. The Jewels and aprons used by the Lodge uever Belonged to it, but were procured by one or two persons who loaned them to that Lodge, and who never having received payment from them, now retain them as their own with the consent of the former members of the liodge. It is understood that they will give the said jewels to the new liOdge about to be established in the county in a short time. It is believed ihe warrant was surrendered to the Grand Lodge through General Giles, the former Grand Master of the state, in 1818 or '19. If not so and if found, the same with all other papers, &c., shall be sent to the Grand Lodge. If anything else is wanting I shall be happy to render any services in my power. Yours, &c., Samuel Matthews. J. D. Westcott, Jr., John E. Jeffers ] and Enos F. Randolph. \ To Enos F. Randolph, John E. Jeffers, and James D. Westcoii, Jr. Dear Sirs. — As you requested I have made inquiries respecting Mill- ■sille Lodge and have procured and now send you the book of minutes, warrant and o(her papers of tlie said Lodge. The jewels of the said Lodge were sold by the said Lodge before the vote was taken to surrender the warrant in order to pay their debts, being rent, &o., and of course sannot be sent to the Grand Lodge. If any other papers, &c. are found, they shall be forwarded and I will lender any other services in my power in the matter. * Respectfully, David Reed. Which was read together with the letters annexed, and report agreed to, and Brothers William R. Pithians, David Whitecar, and Jeremiah S. Nixon, appointed a committee to carry into effect so much of said report as relates to Dennis Creek Lod^e No.- 36, and investigate the right of property to the jewels, aprons, &c., of Franklin Lodge, No. 37, and if found to belong to this Grand Lodge, to procure the same of Brother Reed and make seport and return thereof to this Grand Lodge at the next ©rand Communication. Brothers Westcott, Babbitt and Mushbach, were appointed a eommittee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 249 Brother Read offered the following resolution, which was read and agreed to, viz : Resolved, That a committee of three members of this Grand Lodge be apppointed at their annual Coramuinoation, to be designated a Standing Committee of Correspondence, whose duty it shall be to inspect and ex- amine the communications addressed to this Grand Lodge by the Grand Lodges of our sister states, and to report to this Grand Lodge at their next Communication, such matters as in their opinion require to be acted upon at the sitting of the Grand Lodge, and it shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary to put into the hands of this committee such communi- cations by him received. Whereupon Brothers Eossell, Woodruff, and Cushman were appointed. A petition was presented by James Hedden and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted them to form a new Lodge in the town of Newark, in the county of Essex, to be called Newark Lodge, No. 55, which petition was read, as also a remonstrance containing certain specifications and charges from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, against granting the same; whereupon, on due investigation and consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that James Hedden be the first Master, Moses Smith the first Senior Warden, and James Black the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. Brother Halsey offered the following resolution, viz : Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine into the matters of difference between St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and Newark Lodge, and that they make report to the next annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, and that the said committee do also inquire into and report to the Grand Lodge aforesaid, as to the situation of the right of property, of the room, and property claimed by St. John's Lodge, in the town of Newark, and the terms and means by which the same was built, and that the said committee' be authorized to require inspection of the minutes and resolutions of St. John's Lodge in relation to the building of said Lodge room, and that the expense of the committee, &c., be mutually paid between St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and the Newark Lodge, and that the remonstrance of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and all other papers relative thereto, be referred to such committee : Which resolution was agreed to and Past Grand Master S. J. Reed, John W. Mickle, Joseph Y. Miller, were duly appointed said committee. Brothers Hampton and Scott, trustees of the Masonic fund for 250 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. erecting a monument over the remains of Washington at Mount Vernon, made a verbal report in part of their proceedings, and prayed farther time to complete the same ; whereupon it was jResolved, That they have until the next annual Grand Communication, and that the Grand Secretary, Deputy Grand Secretary and Grand Trea- surer, be appointed a committee to investigate and settle their bill of expenses, and that the Grand Treasurer pay the same. A petition was presented by E. A. Darcy and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted to them to form a new Lodge at Baskingridge, in the county of Somerset, to be called Baskingridge Lodge, No. 56, which petition was read; whereupon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue and that E. A. Darcy be the first Master, Cornelius Ludlow the first Senior Warden, and Samuel S. Doty the first Junior Warden of said Lodge. A petition was presented by the members of Independence Lodge, No. 29, praying leave to change their place of meeting, so as to hold them in future at the house of Brother William Hodges, in Springtown, Morris county, which upon due con- sideration, was granted. The committee appointed at the last Grand Annual Commu- nication to settle the accounts of the late Grand Secretary, prayed further time, which was granted. Brothers Darcy, Palmer, and Wick, each reported that they had paid the several donations intrusted to their care at the last Grand Communication. There appearing to be an error in the entry of an account of disbursements of Joseph Y. Miller, for Jackson Bassett, pre- sented at the last Grand Communication, it was on motion, Ordered, That the Grand Secretary correct and amend said minutes, so as to read, " Brother Joseph Y. Miller presented an account of disburse- ments for Jackson Bassett, amounting to §17.25, which was received and ordered to be filed." The committee (consisting of Brothers Burroughs, J. W. Scott and Hunt,) appointed to inquire into the condition of Hiram Lodge, No. 25, and see that the By-Laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge respecting the same be enforced, &c., prayed further time, which was granted. Brother Palmer presented a bill for printing the proceedings GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 251 of the Grand Lodge for the year 5825, amounting to twenty-two dollars and twenty-four cents, which was passed and ordered to be paid. Brother Kerwood presented a bill for ten dollars for repairs of Grand Lodge, which was passed and ordered to be paid. The committee appointed to settle the Grand Treasurer's accounts, made their report, which was read and agreed to. On motion, it was unanimously Hesolved, That the Grand Treasurer make a correct statement of the funds of the Grand Lodge, and of what it consists, defining the same par- ticularly, and lay the same before the Grand Lodge in due time for their inspection, &c., at their next Grand Annual Communication. DONATIONS. Ordered, on application of Franklin Lodge, jSfo. 53, that a new warrant be granted to said Lodge free of expense, the original warrant having been destroyed by fire, and that the Grand Treasurer pay to J. W. Camp the sum of twenty-five dollars, to be appropriated to the use and relief of said Lodge. Orderid, That the sum of nineteen dollars and forty-nine cents be paid to Brother Amos A. Harrison, for the use and relief of Union Lodge, Xo. 2L Ordered, That the expenses of the Reverend Jonathan Brooks be paid by the Grand Treasurer, for his attendance a^ Grand Chaplain, at the present Grand Communication. Ordered, That the sum of thirty dollars be paid to Brother William Xewburn, as charity, for his relief. Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be paid to Brother Stull, to be appropriated to the relief of Hannah Ramsay. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand OfiBcers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Most Worshipful John S. Darcy, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Hedge Thompson, Deputy Grand Master. " Isaac H. Hampton Grand Senior Warden. " Andrew Parsons, Grand Junior Warden. " Zac. Rossell, Grand Secretary. ■' " John C. Chambers, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Thomas L. Woodruff, Grand Treasurer. • All the Grand Officers elect being present, were severally in- vested and installed, according to the ancient forms and cere- monies. 252 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The Most "Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Worshipful John Mershon, Grand Senior Deacon. " Edward Swayze, Grand Junior Deacon. Eev. W. L. Johnson, Grand Chaplain. " James Cushman, Grand Lecturer. " Joseph W. Scott, Grand Visitor. " Daniel Babbitt, Grand Marshal. " Wra. Hunt, Grand Pursuivant. " Daniel Phillips, Grand Steward. " Geo. P. Glentworth, Grand Steward. Brother David Wrighter, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed, &c. Attest: ZACHARIAH ROSSELL, JVovember, A. L. 5827. Grand Secretary. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1828. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at their Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 11th day of November, A. L. 5828. PRESENT. M. W. ISAAC H. HAMPTON, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Master, p. t.. R. W. GEORGE GREEN, Grand Senior Warden, p. t. R. W. JAMES B. POTTER, Grand Junior Warden, p. t. R. W. RACHARIAH ROSSELL, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOHN C. CHAMBERS, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. THOMAS L. WOODRUFF, Grand Treasurer. W. & Rev. WM. L. JOHNSON, Grand Chaplain. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Senior Deacon. W. JAMES CUSHMAN, Grand Junior Deacon, p. t. W. JAMES CUSHMAN, Grand Lecturer. W. GEO. P. GLENTWORTH, Grand Steward. Bro. MARTIN C. HOW, Grand Tyler. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 253 Past Grand Ofmcers. — Samnel J. Read, Franklin Davenport, Wm. N. Jeffers. Eepresentatives from the following Lodges attended, viz : Charles M. Wella, Wra. Kerwood, Thomas Cadwalader, Jr., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Thomas A. Dildine, Peter Merkle, Harmony Lodge, No. 8. James B. Pottei-, Enos F. Randolph, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Isaac Hinchman, Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. F. S. Vanarsdalen, Peter P. Vanderhoof, Union Lodge, No. 12. George Haywood, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. Richard P. Thompson, Wm. N. Jeffers, Salem Lodge, No. 19. Lewis Mulford, Friendship Lodge, No. 22. Daniel Ulp, Mansfield Lodge, No. 31. Joseph Barclay, James Lloyd, Washington Shrewsbury Lodge, No. 34. Edward Shepherd, Cedarville Lodge, No, 35. Jeremiah Stull, Pittatown Lodge, No. 38. John Allen, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Peter Duncan, David K. Schenck, Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. George Green, Warren Lodge, No. 52. Lewis Atterbury, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Jeremiah A. Craig, Baskingridge Lodge, No. 56. VISITING BRETHREN. Wm. Newman, James S. Nevius, Alexander Wurts, Joseph W. Moore. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form and proceeded to business. The minutes of the last Grand Communication were read and agreed to. The Grand Master, through illness, having been prevented from attending this Grand Communication, the following extract of a letter addressed by him to Brother Hampton, Grand Senior Warden, was read, and ordered to be inserted in the minutes : The duties of the Chair will of course devolve on you, and I will thank you to communicate to this Grand Lodge the very unpleasant intelligence we have received of the decease of the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, the Hon. Hedge Thompson, so as that measures may be adopted to pay a proper respect to the memory of that very worthy and respected friend and brother. On application of a sufficient number of Master Masons, residing in the vicinity of Vernon, in the county of Sussex, for a dispensation to form a new Lodge at that place, to be called Mount Vernon Lodge, and with 254 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESET. the recommendation of Harmony Lodge, No. 8, and St. John's Lodge, No. 18, at Warwick, in the State of New York, I granted them a dispen- sation accordingly, on the 13th March last, and authorized Brother Joseph Y. Miller, of Harmony Lodge, to attend to their installation. I will thank you to tender to the brethren composing the Grand Lodge of New Jersey my most grateful acknowledgments for their numerous and distinguished evidences of respect and esteem — but in compliance with my own wishes and the plan adopted by my worthy predecessor, I must decline being " a third time elected to preside over their deliberations." The Committee of Correspondence report that nothing has been received necessary to communicate to the Grand Lodge. Brother Read, from the committee appointed to examine the matters in difference between St. John's Lodge, No. 2, and Newark Lodge, made the following report : Most Worshipful Grand Master : In accordance with the resolution of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, at their last Communication, appointing Brothers Mickle, Miller, and myself a, committee to investigate the charges exhibited by St. John's Lodge, No. 2. against Newark Lodge, No. 55, I beg leave to state that Brother Mickle and myself repaired to Newark, on the 2d day of January last, where we expected Brother Miller; but owing to some unforeseen occurrenoe, as we presume, we were not favored with his company. We were politely met by a committee of the brethren of Newark Lodge, and after some time spent in in%'estigatiug the matters of difference between the Lodges, I am happy to state that the brethren of those Lodges amicably agreed between themselves to adjust their differences, and that St. John's Lodge offered to Newark Lodge the use of the Masonic Hall, in Newark, which was accepted, and they now occupy the same in harmony, as I have since been informed. The committee therefore deemed it unnecessary to proceed further in their inquiries of the matters submitted to them. Brother Mickle not being present to join me in a formal report, I beg leave to make the above communication for the information of the Grand Lodge. Nov. nth, 1828. Samuel J. Read. Which was read, agreed to, and ordered to be inserted in the minutes. The committee appointed to se1:tle the accounts of the Grand Secretary, report that it was out of their power to make any settlement, and beg leave to be discharged, which was granted. On motion, GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 255 Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Whereupon, Brothers Chas. M. Wells, Lewis Mulford, and Edward Shepherd were appointed. Inasmuch as the donation at the last Communication to Brother Stull, appropriated to the relief of Hannah Ramsey, was not received from the Grand Treasurer, and it not being considered now necessary, on motion, Ordered, That the same donation be countermanded. A petition of Deerfield Lodge was presented for remoying their place of meeting from Deerfield to Centreville, which was granted. The committee appointed to examine into and report on the proceedings of Dennis Creek Lodge, was ordered to be con- tinued, and Brothers James B. Potter, and Bnos P. Randolph, be added to the committee. The committee, Trustees of the Masonic Fund for erecting a monument over the remains of Washington, at Mount Vernon, beg leave to report: that they repaired to Washington City, for the purpose of meeting the several delegations of the State Grand Lodges, as by previous consent was arranged ; and there being representations from only four Grand Lodges, the convention adjourned, after passing a resolution to refer the further con- sideration of the subject to the several Grand Lodges of the United States. I. H. Hampton, one of the committee, No member of the committee appointed to enquire into the condition of Hiram Lodge, No. 25, at the last Communication, being present, Mesolved,, That the same committee be continued, and requested to report to the next Annual Communication. The committee appointed to settle the Treasurer's accounts, report : That they have examined the same, and find the amount of disposable funds now in his hands to be two hundred dollars and ninety-five cents, exclusive of stock, debts, and other funds. Charles M. Wells, Lewis Muleokd, Committee. A petition was presented by Wm. R. Winans and others, all 256 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Master Masons, praying that a wan-ant may be granted to them to form a new Lodge, at Vernon, in Sussex county, to be called Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 57 ; which petition was read, where- upon, on due consideration, it was Ordered, That a warrant do issue, and that Wm. E. Winans be first Master, Robert Rutan the first Senior Warden, and Tobias Van Gilder first Junior Warden. On the application of Salem Lodge, the dues of said Lodge to the Grand Lodge for the year 5827, were remitted. On motion. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to write to all the Lodges of this state who have neglected to make returns for the last two years to this Grand Lodge, and inform them that unless their dues are paid or some reasonable excuse offered for their neglect by the next Grand Annual Communication, they will be stricken from the list of Lodges. On motion, Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler for his services at this Grand Annual Communication. On motion, Ordered, That Joseph Justice's bill for printing be paid. Amount 26 dollars. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz - Most "Worshipful Isaac H. Hampton, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Andrew Parsons, Deputy Grand Master. " " Thos. L. Woodruff, Senior Grand Warden. " " George Green, Junior Grand W'arden. " " John C. Chambers, Grand Secretary. " " Charles M. Wells, Grand Treasurer. " " Geo. P. Glentworth, Deputy Grand Secretary. The Grand Officers elect were severally invested and installed according to the ancient forms and ceremonies. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 257 Worshipful John Mershon, Grand Senior Deacon. " Joseph W. Moore, Grand Junior Deacon. •' and Rev. William L. Johnson, Grand Chaplain. •' James Cushman, Grand Lecturer. " James Cushman, Grand Visitor. " John B. Jeffcrs, Grand Marshal. " Richard P. Thompson, Grand Pursuivant. " Dan'l Phillips, Philemon Dickinson, G. Stewards. Brother Martin C. Howe, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge then closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, the 10th of November, A. L. 5829. JOHN C. CHAMBERS. JVov. 11^/j, A. L. 5828. Grand Secretary. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1829. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at their hall in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the tenth day of November, A. L. 5829. PRESENT. M. W. I. H. HAMPTON, Grand Master. R. W. SAM'L J. READ, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. THO'S L. WOODRUFF, Grand Senior Warden. R. W. E. F. RANDOLPH, Grand Junior Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN C. CHAMBERS, Grand Secretary. R. W. CHAS. M. WELLS, Grand Treasurer. R. W. G. P. GLENTWORTH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Deputy Grand Treasurer. GEORGE EYRES, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. JOS. W. MOORE, Grand Junior Deacon. RICHARD P. THOMPSON, Grand Pursuivant. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Grand Steward, p. t. BRO. MARTIN C. HOWE, Grand Tyler. 17 258 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Past Grand Gfficers. — J. W. Scott, Wm. N. Jeffere. Past Masters. — Charles Burroughs, William Scott. Representatives from che following Lodges attended, viz : Z. Eossell, w. M., Thomas Cadwallader, s. w., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. E. F. Randolph, George Ayres, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. John Dunham, w. m., Jesse Price, s. w., Woodbury Lodge, No. 11. William Jones, Union Lodge, No. 12. W. Gray, w. m., Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. James Clark, w. sr.. Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Eichard Eayre, w. M., Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18. A. A. Harrison, w. m., Union Lodge, No. 21. L. Mulford, TT. H., Friendship Lodge, No. 22. G. Kibble, w. m., Hope Lodge, No. 26. J. P. Kibble, Mansfield Lodge, No. 31. J. 0. Harris, Cedarville Lodge, No. 35. J. Johnson, w. ii., Pittstown Lodge, No. 38. John Allen, w. m., Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. James Fetters, w. m., Camden Lodge, No. 45. A. Dickinson, w. M., Joseph Moore, j. w., Euclid Lodge, No. 46. Charles Carson, w. ii., David K. Schenck, s. w., Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. Benjamin Egbert, w. M., Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. S. S. Doty, TV. M., J. A. Craig, s. vr., Saskingridge Lodge, No. 56. VISITING BRETHREN. Brothers Samuel Kay, L. Little, Isaac Hinchman. Ambrose Howell, John W. Mickle, The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form and proceeded to business. The minutes of the last Grand Communication were read and agreed to. The committee on Dennis Creek Lodge, not being ready to report, was continued. The committee appointed to enquire into the condition of Hiram Lodge, No. 25, not being ready to report, was discharged, and on motion, Brother Benjamin Egbert was appointed in their stead, and to report at the next Grand Communication. The petition from Essex Lodge, No. 44, to continue their charter, was granted. A communication from Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, was read, stating their wish to resign their warrant, reserving the privilege GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 259 of " retaining its number and of being taken up at some other period of time," whereupon it was Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be inBtructed to inform Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, that this Grand Lodge cannot receive their warrant with a reservation, but if it is the wish of said Lodge to surrender their warrant in the usual manner, it will be accepted. On motion, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the condition of Dover Lodge, No. 50, and report at the next Grand Communication, and that Brother George Ribble be said conamittee. Ordered, That Brothers Thompson, Glentworth and Cadwallader, be a committee to examine and report on the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. The report of the committee on Mansfield Lodge, was read, accepted and the subject dismissed. A petition was presented by Brother John E. 'Sickler and others, all Master Masons, praying that a warrant be granted them to form a new Lodge at Chew's Landing, in the county of Gloucester. After due consideration, on motion, permission was given to withdraw their petition. The committee to settle the Treasurer's accounts, report That they have examined them and find the amount of disposal fund now in hands, to be one hundred and eighty-two dollars and twenty-two cents, exclusive of stock, debts and other funds. Signed : Thos. Cadwallader, ] ^i Geo. p. Glentwoeih, [ (^"mrmUee. Which report was accepted. A petition from Baskingridge Lodge, to remove their place of meeting from Baskingridge to " Little Cross Roads," was read and the privilege granted. Resolved, That Brothers Eead and Eossell be a committee to examine the correspondence and make report. Brother Rossell offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That no visitor ought to be admitted without examination, in any Lodge within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, unless vouched for by some member of the Lodge who shall have sat with the visitor in some Lodge in this state. The following resolution was offered : Resolved, Thet no examination of any Mason belonging to any Lodge -260 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. under tlie jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, should be gone to in any case, unless the visitor shall have sent into the Lodge, his name, written by himself, accompanied by a Grand Lodge certificate from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; which was negatived as un-masonic, but ordered to be placed on the minutes. Ordered, That a certificate of this Grand Lodge be granted to Brother Pearce. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to settle the funeral expenses of our late Brother Wrighter, Grand Tyler, to the amount not exceeding twenty dollars, and that Brothers Burroughs and Glentworth, be the com- mittee and draw on the Grand Treasurer for the amount. The Committee on the Correspondence report That nothing has been received necessary to communicate to this Grand Lodge. Ordered, That four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler for his services this Grand Communication. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected : Most Worshipful Isaac H. Hampton, Grand Master. Eight Worshipful Joseph W. Scott, Deputy Grand Master. Thos. L. Woodruff, Grand Senior Warden. " " William Scott, Grand Junior Warden. " " John C. Chambers, Grand Secretary. Chas. M. Wells, Grand Treasurer. Geo. P. Glentworth, Deputy Grand Secretary. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments : Worshipful Joseph W. Moore, Grand Senior Deacon. " Daniel Hutchinson, Grand Junior Deacon. " and Eev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. James Cushman, Grand Lecturer. " James Cushman, Grand Visitor. " John E. Jeffers, Grand Marshal. " Richard P. Thompson, Grand Pursuivant. Dan'l Phillips, P. Dickinson, Grand Stewards. Brother Martin C. Howe, Grand Tyler. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 261 The Deputy G-rand Master and Grand Junior Warden elect, were regularly installed and received the salutations of their brethren. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on the second Tuesday in November, A. L. 5830, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Attest: JOHN C. CHAMBERS, Nov. 10th, Ji. L. 5829. Grand Secretary. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1830. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 9th day of November, A. L. 5830, A. D. 1830. present. M. W. THOS. L. WOODRUFF, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH W. SCOTT, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM SCOTT, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. PRUDEN ALLING, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. E. VANARSDALE, Jr., Grand Secretary, p. t. R. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Treasurer. WM. KBRWOOD, Senior Grand Deacon. DAN'L HUTCHINSON, Junior Grand Deacon, P. DICKINSON, Grand Steward. Rev. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. M. C. HOWE, Grand Tyler. Past Grand Officers. — Samuel J. Bead, William N. Jeffers. Past Masters. — Joseph W. Camp. The following Lodges were represented : Pruden Ailing, E. Vanarsdale, Jr., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. T. Cadwalader, Jr., William Kerwood, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Enos V. Eandolph, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. William Grey, Charles Sitgraves, P. Sherman, Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16. John D. Jackson, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Eichard Eyre, Mouqt Holly Lodge, No. 18. 262 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. No representation from Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Ebenezer Toole, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Joseph Dickerson, John Hardy, Euclid Lodge, No. 46. David K. Schanck, Cranbury Lodge, No. 47. Amzi Dodd, Bloomfield Lodge, No. 48. George W. Campbell, Newark Lodge, No. 55. The Grand Lodge opened in ample form and proceeded to business. A communication was received from the Most Worshipful Isaac H. Hampton, Grand Master, which was read and ordered to lie on the table. The minutes of the last Grand Annual Communication were read and approved of. The committee appointed at the last Communication to enquire into the condition of Dove Lodge, No. 50, not being ready to report, it was Ordered, That further time be allowed said committee to report, until the next Communication. A petition was presented on behalf of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18, for leave to surrender their warrant, with liberty to take back the same at some future time (with such number as the Grand Lodge may direct). After some time spent in dis- cussing the prayer of the petitioners, the further consideration thereof was ordered to be postponed, and the petition referred to Brothers Read, Woodruff, and J. W. Scott, as a committee to report at the present meeting. Before the committee made any report upon the matter, leave was granted to withdraw the petition, and the committee ordered to be discharged from all further consideration thereof. Ordered, That Brothers Ailing, Dickinson, and Sitgreaves be a com- mittee to examine and report upon the Grand Treasurer's accounts. On petition of Brother William Newburn, a member of Woodbury Lodge, No. 11, it was Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Grand Lodge do pay out of the funds of the Grand Lodge in his hands, five dollars to said brother, who has been rendered unable to assist himself in consequence of a paralytic stroke. On motion, Resolved, That the sum of five dollars be given to Martha Wrighter, ■widow of Brother David Wrighter, late Grand Tyler of this Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 263 Oa motion, Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer pay to Brother Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain, twenty dollars, as a remuneration for his services as Grand Chaplain. The committee appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported A balance in his hands at present, available funds, one hundred and seventy-flve dollars and thirty-seven cents, of which ninety-two dollars and ninety-five cents are in the hands of the present Treasurer, and eighty-six dollars and forty-six cents in the hands of Brother Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer. Which report was ordered to be accepted. On motion, Resolved, That Euclid Lodge, No. 46, be allowed to move their place of meeting to Dover, Morris county, provided they deem the removal necessary. Ordered, That Basking Eidge Lodge, No. 56, have liberty to remove the place of holding their meetings from Little Cross Eoads to Peapack. Ordered, That Bloomfield Lodge, No. 48, have liberty to surrender their warrant and jewels. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be allowed to the Grand Tyler, for his services at this Communication. The Grand Lodge having gone through all other business before them, proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected : Most Worshipful Joseph Warren Scott, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Thomas L. Woodruff, Deputy Grand Master. " " William Scott, Senior Grand Warden. " " William Gray, Junior Grand Warden. " " Charles Burroughs, Grand Treasurer. " " E. Vanarsdale, Jr., Grand Secretary. " P. Dickinson, Deputy Grand Secretary. All the Grand Officers being present, were severally invested and installed according to the ancient forms and ceremonies of the Order. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments : 264 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Worshipful & Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. " Wm. Kerwood, Grand Senior Deacon. " Daniel Hutchinson, Grand Junior Deacon. " E. J. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " John Cox, Grand Marshal. " Jona. K. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. '' Daniel Phillips, H. Y. Lowe, Grand Stewards. M. C. Howe, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on the second Tuesday in November, 5831, at 10 o'clock, A. M. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1831. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 8th day of November, A. L. 5831. PRESENT. M. W. JOSEPH WARREN SCOTT, Grand Master. R. W. THOS. L. WOODRUFF, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. WM. GRAY, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN P. LEWIS, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. E. VANARSDALE, Grand Secretary. R. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Treasurer. W. WM. KBRWOOD, Senior Grand Deacon. W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Junior Grand Deacon. MARTIN C. HOWE, Grand Tyler. W. & Ret. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. VISITING BRETHREN. Samuel J. Read, p. g. m., Geo. W. Tucker, p. m, Amzi Dodd, Benjamin Laird, William Snowhill, E. J. Thompson, Hamilton Hornor. Representatives from the following Lodges attended, viz : E. Vanarsdale, Jr., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. John Merahon, Robert C. Buzby, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 265 Azariah P. Davis, Jonathan Brooke, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. John P. Lewis, Joseph Barclay, James Lloyd, Shrewsbury Washington Lodge, No. 34. John Allen, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Joseph Taylor, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Hugh Eunyon, Basking Eidge Lodge, No. 56. The Grand Lodge opened in ample forna and proceeded to business. Prayer by the Rev. Brother Brooks. The Most Worshipful Grand Master delivered an excellent and truly Masonic address, which was highly pleasing to all who heard it. The Grand Lodge then adjourned until 2 o'clock, P. M. Tuesday, November 8th, 5831, 2 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment. The minutes of the last Grand Communication were read and approved of. Brothers Jonathan Brooks, A. D. Davis, and John Allen, were appointed a committee to settle with the Grand Treasurer. Brothers T. L. Woodruif, Deputy Grand Master, E. Yanars- dale, Jr., Grand Secretary, and Robert C. Buzby, were appointed committee to examine the correspondence. A return being handed in from St. John's Lodge, No. 2 ; on motion of Brother E. Vanarsdale, Jr., it was Ordered, That the dues from said Lodge to the Grand Lodge for the past year, be remitted. A return being handed in from Newark Lodge, No. 55 ; on motion of Brother E. Vanarsdale, Jr., it was Ordered, That the dues from that Lodge to the Grand Lodge for the past year, be remitted. The committee appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported A balance in his hands of available funds, of seventy dollars four and a half cents. That he has received during the last year the sum of eighty dollars and twelve cents, which, together with the balance of ninety-two dollars and ninety-five cents, remaining in the treasury at the last settlement, makes the sum of one hundred and seventy-three dollars seven and a half cents. And that he has paid the sum of one hundred 266 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. and three dollars two and a half cents, which leaves a balance of avail- able funds in his hands of seventy dollars four and a half cents. The balance in the hands of the late Grand Treasurer remains the same as at the last Annual Communication. The bank stock, &c., remain the same as at the above mentioned time. The committee appointed to examine the correspondence, reported that nothing has been received since the last Annual Communication necessary to lay before the Grand Lodge. On motion made and seconded, it was Ordered, That Basking Eidge Lodge, No. 56, have liberty to remove their place of meeting to Chester, Morris county, and to change their name to that of Clinton Lodge, No. 56. On motion made and seconded, Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pay to Brother Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain, the sum of twenty dollars, for his services as Grand Chaplain. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be allowed the Grand Tyler for his services at this Communication. The Grand Lodge having gone through all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz: Most Worshipful Joseph Warren Scott, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Thomas L. Woodruff, Deputy Grand Master. " William Gray, Senior Grand Warden. " , " E. Vanarsdale, Jr., Junior Grand Warden. " " John Mershon, Grand Secretary. " Phil. Dickinson, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Ohas. Burroughs, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz : Worshipful & Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. " William Kerwood, Senior Grand Deacon. " Daniel Hutchinson, Junior Grand Deacon. E. J. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " John Cox, Grand Marshal. " Jonathan K. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. Daniel Phillips, John Dickinson, Grand Stewards. " Martin C. Howe, Grand Tyler. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 267 All the Grand Officers elect (except the Grand Treasurer and Deputy Grand Secretary) being present, were severally installed in due form, and an appropriate charge given to each one by the Most Worshipful Grand Master. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to our Most Worshipful Grand Master, J. W. Scott, Esq., for his able and feeling address delivered this day before this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again in this place, on the second Tuesday in November, A. L. 5832, A. D. 1832. NOYEMBER SESSION, 1832. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the . State of New Jersey, at their Annual Communication, held in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 13th, 1832. PRESENT. M. W. J. W. SCOTT, Grand Master. R. W. THOS. L. WOODRUFF, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. JOHN ALLEN, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. E. VANARSDALB, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R, W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Treasurer. W. & Rev. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. WM. KERWOOD, Grand Senior Deacon W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Grand Junior Deacon. W. M. C. HOWE, Grand Tyler. VISITING BRETHREN. Jazer Sickler, Richard S. Field. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Daniel Hutchinson, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. John Allen, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40. Benjamin Burroughs, Camden Lodge, No. 45. 268 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, and proceeded to business. Brothers Allen and Kerwood were appointed a committee to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, and Brothers Allen, Kerwood and Brooks, on Foreign Correspondence. The Grand Lodge then adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, P. M., the Grand Lodge met agreeably to adjournment, present as in the morning. The Most Worshipful Grand Master delivered an eloquent address, in which he took a general view of the principles of our Ancient and Honorable Institution, setting forth and endeavoring to impress upon the minds of the brethren the duties they are bound to fuMl to their Masonic brethren and also to the rest of mankind ; recommending to every Mason to adhere to the prin- ciples of our Order, and to persevere in their good work and labor of love. A petition was presented from Jesse Price, Jazer Sickler, Chester Chatten and seven others, all Master Masons, for a warrant to form a new Lodge at Chew's Landing, in the county Gloucester, to be called Hiram Lodge, No. 58; and after due consideration, it was unanimously Resolved, To grant the prayer of the petitioners. Whereupon the warrant was filled up, signed by the Grand Officers, and delivered to Brother Jazer Sickler. The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported A balance in his hands of twenty-five dollars and fourteen cents, also four shares of stock in the Trenton Bank, and that the balance in the hands of the late Grand Treasurer remains the same as at the last Annual Communication. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported : That the communications received from the different Grand Lodges during the last year, consist of extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges, and also the signatures of the Grand Officers, and do not require the atteution of this Grand Lodge. They recommend that the GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 269 Grand Secretary shall transmit to eaeh Grand Lodge iu the United States, such part of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published. An account was presented from George Sherman, the balance on which was four dollars and seventy-five cents, which was ordered to be paid. An account was presented from prother Joseph Justice, amounting to twenty-two dollars, which was ordered to be paid. Brother John Mershon, Grand Secretary, presented an account amounting to thirty-two dollars and twenty-nine cents, which was ordered to be paid. On motion made and seconded, it was Ordered, That the sum of ten dollars be paid to Brother Brooks, Grand Chaplain. Our worthy brother. Dr. Thomas L. Woodruff, Deputy Grand Master, gave notice to the Grand Lodge, that ha declined standing as a candidate for any office in the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all the business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Most Worshipful Joseph W. Scott, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., Deputy Grand Master. " " John Allen, Senior Grand Warden. " " William Kerwood, Junior Grand Warden. " " John Mershon, Grand Secretary. '• " Charles Burroughs, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz : Worshipful & Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. " E. J. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " John Cox, Grand Marshal. " Jona. R. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. Joseph Justice, Senior Grand Deacon. " Samuel McOlurg, Junior Grand Deacon. " Daniel Phillips, John Dickinson, Grand Stewards. " Martin C. Howe, Grand Tyler. 270 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. All the Grand OfBcers being present, were severally invested and installed, according to our ancient rites and ceremonies. The Grand Lodge then closed to meet again on the 12th day of November, A. L. 5833, unless, &c. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1833. At the annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, held at the Masonic hall in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 12th, A. D. 1833, A. L. 5833. PRESENT. M. W. JOSEPH W. SCOTT, Grand Master. R. W. E. VANARSDALE, Jr., Deputy Grand Master. R. W. W"._ IMLA DRAKE, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Treasurer. Rev. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. Visiting Brother. — Brother James Herring, Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of New York. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : Charles Burroughs, William Kerwood, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Jonathan Brooks, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. William Jones, Union Lodge, No. 12. Imla Drake, David Parke, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. Jonathan Ball, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Moses Craig, Stephen Rush, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form and proceeded to business. The minutes of the last Grand Annual Communication were read and approved of. The Grand Secretary reported That since the last Grand Annual Communication he had received communications from the following Grand Lodges, viz: Nova Scotia, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Ehode Island, New York, Louisiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, District of Columbia, South Carolina, and Florida. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESET. 271 Brother Deputy Grand Master Vanarsdale, Brothers Kerwood and Mershon, were appointed a committee to examine the foreign correspondence, and Brothers Jones, Dralie and Craig, to ex- amine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment until 2 o'clock, P. M. Two o'clock, P. M. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor- Present as in the morning. The Most Worshipful Grand Master delivered the annual address, which, as on former occasions, was listened to with deep interest by all who had the pleasure of hearing it. Our worthy brother, the Right Worshipful James Herring, also addressed the Grand Lodge at considerable length, which address was highly interesting to all present. The committee appointed to examine the foreign correspon- dence, reported The communications received consist of extracts of the proceedings of the different Grand Lodges and the signatures of the Grand Officers, and do not require the particular attention of this Grand Lodge. The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported That they had examined the accounts with the vouchers, find them correctly stated, and find a balance due the Grand Treasurer amounting to ten dollars and fifty cents, and that the Grand Treasurer holds four shares of the capital stock of the Trenton Banking Company, as the property of this Grand Lodge. An account was presented from Brother Joseph Justice amounting to eight dollars and seventy-five cents, which was ordered to be paid. On motion made and seconded, it was Resolved, That a committee be appointed with full power to settle an account with our late Grand Treasurer, Brother Thomas L. Woodrufi', who is supposed to have in his hands the sum of about four hundred dollars belonging to this Grand Lodge. The committee to settle the accounts on the best terms they can. Whereupon Righ Worshipful Brother J. B. Munn, Past 272 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother John S. Darcy, Past Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Brother Elias Vanars- dale, Jr., Deputy Grand Mastery were duly appointed. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary inform the committee of their ap- pointment. Resolved, That three years' dues be remitted Lebanon Lodge. Resolved, That two years' dues be remitted Union Lodge. Resolved, That one year's dues be remitted Newark Lodge. Resolved, That two years' dues be remitted Clinton Lodge. On motion made and seconded, it was Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be authorized to sell two shares of the Trenton Bank stock on the best terms he can, and pay the amount over to the Grand Treasurer. Resolved, That the sum of fifteen dollars be paid Brother Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain, for his attendance at this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all the other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Most Worshipful Joseph W. Scott, Grand Master. Right Worshipful Elias Vanarsdale, Deputy Grand Master. " " Imla Drake, Senior Grand Warden. " " William Kerwood, Junior Grand Warden. '■' " John Mershon, Grand Secretary. " " Daniel Hutchinson, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Charles Burroughs, Graad Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Worshipful & Rev. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. " E. J. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " John Cox, Grand Marshal. " Jonathan R. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. " Horatio Chittenden, Senior Grand Deacon. " William H. Earl, Junior Grand Deacon. " Benj. Young, Jonathan Ball, Grand Stewards. Brother John Green, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, Nov. 11th, A. L. 5834, unless &c. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 273 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1834. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New- Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 11th, A. D. 1834, A. L. 5834. PRESENT. M. W. JOSEPH W. SOOTT, Grand Master. R. W. SAMUEL J. READ, Deputy Grand Master, p. t. R. W. I. H. HAMPTON, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. E. W. JAZER SICKLER, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. E. W. JOHN MBRSHON, Grand Secretary. E. W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. CHARLES BURROUGHS, Grand Treasurer. Ret. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. JACOB STONE, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. GABRIEL DAVIS, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. S. B. SCATTERGOOD, Grand Tyler, p. t. Visiting Brother. — S. T>. Wessell. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : X. J. Maynard, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. John M. Johnson, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Jazer Sickler, Hiram Lodge, No. 58. E. F. Eandolph, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form in the third degree of Masonry. The minutes of the last Annual Communication were read and approved. The Grand Secretary made the following report : Since the last Grand Annual Communication I have received commu- nications from the following Grand Lodges, viz: Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Washington, D. C, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida and South Carolina. And that in accordance with a resolution of the Grand Lodge, at their last Annual Communication, I have sold two shares of the stock held by this Grand Lodge, in Trenton Bank, for the sum of forty dollars per share, making the sum of eighty dollars, and placed the same in the hands of the Grand Treasurer. 18 274 GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The Grand Secretary further reports, that in obedience to an order of the Grand Lodge, at the last Annual Communication, he notified our worthy brothers. Past Grand Master Jepthah B. Munn, Past Grand Master J. S. Darcy, and our present Deputy Grand Master, Elias Vanars- dale, Jr., that they had been appointed a committee by the Grand Lodge, to examine the accounts of, and to settle with our late Grand Treasurer, Brother Thomas L. WoodruiF, and that on the 5th day of March last Brothers Munn and Darcy attended in this city, and had an interview with Brother Woodruff, and, as your Grand Secretary understood, were to have had a meeting on the following day, which meeting was not had. The committee, however, proceeded in the investigation, and found a balance due from Brother Woodruff, amounting to four hundred and eighty dollars and twenty-five cents up to that time. The Grand Secretary further reports, that on or about the 17th May last, he received a notice from Brother Woodruff, that he had made application for the benefit of the acts for the relief of insolvent debtors, according to acts and supplements thereto, made by the Legislature of this State, since which time nothing has been done in the premises. Brother Woodruff, however, obtained his request of the Court. Doled Nov. Wth, A. L. 5834. Jonrr Mershon, G. Sec. Brother J. Mershon, Grand Secretary, and X. J. Maynard, Grand Treasurer, were appointed a committee to settle with Brother Woodruff, and endeavor to obtain his bond or note for the amount due from him on the best terms they can, and report to the Grand Lodge at their next Annual Communication. Brothers S. J. Read, J. Mershon, and X. J. Maynard were appointed a Committee on Foreign Correspondence, and Brothers S. D. "VVessell, J. M. Johnson, and Jazer Sickler, a committee to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the follow- ing report, which was unanimously agreed to : The Committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence, beg leave to report, that they have attended to that duty,' and find the com. munications received to consist of extracts of the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Washington {D. C), Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, and the signatures of the Grand OiBcers, and find nothing that requires the immediate attention of this Grand Lodge. They are pleased to find that in many parts of our country Masonry appears to be reviving, notwithstanding the opposition GEAND LODGE OP NEW JEESEY. 275 that was raised against the Institution some time ago. They recommend that ;,the Grand Secretary transmit to the several Grand Lodges in the United States such extracts of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published. Bated Nov. l\th, A. L. 5834. Samuel J. Kead, ] (Signed.) John Mershon, |- Committee. X. J. Matnakd, J The committee appointed to ezamine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, reported That they had attended to that duty, and found the accounts correctly stated, and accompanied by the proper vouchers, and that they found a balance in his hands amounting to the sum of thirty-six dollars and ninety-eight cents, and two shares of stock in Trenton Bank. J. D. Wessell, 1 (Signed.) J. M. Johnson, [• Committee. Jazeb Sickler, ) On motion made and seconded, Ordered, That the sum of ten dollars be paid our Grand Chaplain, the Bev. and Worshipful Jonathan Brooks. Ordered, That the sum of two dollars and sixteen cents be paid the Grand Secretary for cash paid by him for postage during the last year. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid the Grand Tyler for his attendance on this Grand Lodge. On motion made and seconded, it was Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer sell one share of the stock held by this Grand Lodge in Trenton Bank, and apply the proceeds to the use of this Grand Lodge. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, in delivering his annual address, in his peculiar style of eloquence, set forth the beauties of our Order in language that we seldom hear equalled, was listened to with the greatest attention by all who heard him. In conclusion he notified the Grand Lodge that it was his intention at this time to retire from the oflQce which he then held, which was much regretted by all the brethren. The following resolution was then offered, which was unani- mously adopted : The Most Worshipful Grand Master having announced to this Grand Lodge his intention to retire from the office he now holds ; Resolved, That 276 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to our worthy brother, J. W. Scott, Most Worshipful Grand Master, for the able and faithful manner in which he has discharged hie duties for the last four years. To wMch the Most Worshipful Grand Master made a suitable and interesting reply. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz: Most Worshipful Elias Yanarsdale, Jr., Grand Master. Eight Worshipful Chas. Burroughs, Deputy Grand Master. " William Kerwood, Senior Grand Warden. " Jazer Sickler, Junior Grand Warden. " John Mershon, Grand Secretary. " Daniel Hutchinson, Deputy Grand Secretary. " X. J. Maynard, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointments, viz : Worshipful & Eev. Jonathan BrooJjs, Grand Chaplain. " E. I. Thompson, Grand Visitor. Samuel Disbrow, Grand Marshal. " Jona. R. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. " Horatio Chittenden, Senior Grand Deacon. " William Earl, Junior Grand Deacon. " Benj. Young, Grand Steward. " Jona. C. Ball, Grand Steward. Brother Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, November 10th, A. D. 1835, A. L. 5835, unless, &c. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 277 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1835. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 10th, A. D. 1835, A. L. 5835. PRESENT. R. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master, p. t, R. "W. WM. KERWOOD, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JAZER SICKLBR, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. HENRY C. BOS WELL, Grand Treasurer, p. t. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. SOLOMON S. CHESTER, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. STEPHEN RUSH, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. SAMUEL B. SCATTERGOOD, Grand Tyler. VISITING BRETHREN". W. M. John S. Darcy, P. G. M., Thoa. L. Woodruff, John W. Mitchell, Samuel Humphrey, Samuel Heuston, Gabriel Davis, Jas. T. Thompson, Godwin, Zac. Eossell. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : Henry C. Boswell, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Jonathan Brooks, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Andrew Parsons, Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13. Stephen Push, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. S. R. Sickler, S. S. Chester, Hiram Lodge, No. 58. A communication was read by the Grand Secretary, from the Most Worshipful Blias Vanarsdale, Jr., Grand Master, in which he stated that it would be out of his power to attend this Com- munication of the Grand Lodge ; whereupon the Right Wor- shipful Deputy Grand Master, Charles Burroughs, took the Chair, and opened the Grand Lodge in due form in Third Degree in Masonry. 278 GRAND LODGE OP KEW JERSEY. The minutes of the last Annual Communication were read and approved. The committee on the claim of the Grand Lodge against Brother Thomas L. Woodruff, former Grand Treasurer, made the following report : Tlie committee appointed at the last Annual Communication to settle an account on the books of the Grand Lodge against Brother Thomas L. Woodruff, former Grand Treasurer, which account, together with interest, amounts to the sum of about five hundred dollars, beg leave to report: That your committee have had two or three interviews with Brother Woodruff, and finally offered to settle with him on his own terms, offering to take his note payable at such time as would be convenient to himself, and payable in such instalments as would be most convenient for him, but are sorry to say he declines making any settlement. Believing your committee have done all they can do in the business, they submit it to the Grand Lodge, and beg to be discharged. Dated Nov. \Oih, A. L. 6835. .John Mershon, 1 p •., X. J. Matnard, J On motion made and seconded. Resolved, That the committee be now discharged. The Grand Secretary read the following letter from Brother Thomas L. Woodruff: ■" To the Right Worshipful Muster, Wardens, and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey : "Brethren: — I regret sincerely my inability to liquidate the balance remaining in my hands as late Grand Treasurer. " A favorable termination to a litigation for some property in which I have a considerable claim may enable me to arrange it previous to the next Annual Grand Communication. A termination unfavorable, I beg that such terms may be proposed, having regard to time and easy pay- ments, as may ultimately produce this much desired settlement. " Ifcave the honor to be Fraternally yours, (Signed.) T. L. WooDRurr." After reading the above letter, it was, on motion made and seconded, Resolved, That Brother John S. Darcy, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, and Brother John Mershon, Grand Secretary, be appointed a committee to settle with Brother Woodruff, and report at the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 279 The Grand Secretary reported, that Since the last Annual Meeting of the Grand Lodge, he had received communications from the following Grand Lodges, viz: New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Loui- siana, District of Columbia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Brothers John S. Darcy, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, James T. Thompson, and Henry C. Boswell, were appointed a Committee on Foreign Correspondence. Brothers John W. Mickell, Daniel Hutchinson, Deputy Grand Secretary, and Gabriel Davis, were appointed a committee to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the follow- ing report : The Committee to whom was referred the Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report, that having examined the same, find them to consist of extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges, and the signa- tures of their Grand Officers, but find nothing that requires the attention of this Grand Lodge. They recommend that the Grand Secretary be directed to transmit to each Grand Lodge in correspondence with this such extracts of the proceedings as shall be published. Dated Nov. Wih, A. L. 5835. JouN S. Darct, ] (Signed.) James T. Thompson, >■ Committee. H. C. Boswell, J The committee appointed to settle the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer, report, that they have examined the accounts with the vouchers, and find them exactly stated, and find a balance in his hands of thirty-eight dollars, and one share of Bank stock valued at forty dollars, making in all seventy-five dollars. Dated Nov. 10th, 5835. J. W. Mickell, ] (Signed.) Dan'l Hutchinson, > Committee. Gabriel Davis, ) A letter, of which the following is a copy, was presented and read to the Grand Lodge by Brother Andrew Parsons : Brother A. Parsons: Sib : — I am ordered by the " Pateraon Orange Lodge, No. 13," to inform you of the appointment of yourself, Brother Charles Kinsey, and 280 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEESET. Brother Philemon Dickerson as delegates to represent this Lodge in the Grand Lodge at the Annual Meeting on the 10th November, inst., sincerely hoping that you will each accept the appointment and act accordingly. We wish you to request of the Grand Lodge a remission of all former dues, as owing to the anii Masonic excitement so long prevalent, we have not had any meetings until recently, and we are now prepared to reorganize, and will remit all dues hereafter accruing with punctuality. We have also to request that you will endeavor to have the name of the Lodge altered from "Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13," to Passaic Lodge, No. 13, inasmuch as the former title is a cause of offence to many, and induces others to believe it is a political association, similar to the Orange Lodges of Ireland, and those held in the army of Great Britain. Kot doubting in your zeal and perseverance, permit me on behalf of the Lodge to subscribe myself fraternally, Paterson, Xov. 1th, 1835. (Signed.) J. M. Cbisjioxd. P. S. — Our Lodge meets on the 18th, and will expect a report. Yours, &c., J. M. C. After reading the above letter, it was, on motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the request of " Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 13," be granted. An account was presented from Brother Joseph Justice, for printing done for the Grand Lodge, amounting to the sum of three dollars, which was ordered to be paid. The Grand Secretary presented an account for cash paid for postage, amounting to the sum of one dollar and twenty-eight cents, which was ordered to be paid. An account was presented by Brother Jazer Sickler, Junior Grand Warden, amounting to the sum of three dollars, for attending this Communication of the Grand Lodge, which was not allowed. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to pay to Brother Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain, the sum of ten dollars, for his attend- ance at this Communication of the Grand Lod^e. Resolved, That the Grand Tyler be allowed the sum of four dollars for his attendance on this Grand Lodge. GEAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 281 The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, and after a short time spent at refreshment, was again called to labor, and proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Most "Worshipful Elias Vanarsdale, Grand Master. Eight Worshipful Charles Burroughs, Deputy Grand Master. " " William Kerwood, Senior Grand Warden. " " Jesse Price, Junior Grand Warden. John Mershon, Grand Secretary. " " Daniel Hutchinson, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " X. J. Maynard, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz : Rev. & Worshipful Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. WorshipfulElias I. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " Samuel Disbrow, Grand Marshal. " Jonathan R. Dunham, Grand Pursuivant. " Solomon S. Chester, Senior Grand Deacon. Gabriel Davis, Junior Grand Deacon. " Benjamin Young, Grand Steward. " Jonathan 0. Ball, Grand Steward. Brother Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Tyler. On motion made and seconded, Resolved That the Grand Treasurer be directed to sell the remaining share of stock held by the Grand Lodge in Trenton Bank, and apply the proceeds to the use of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, November 8th, A. D. 1836, A. L. 5836, unless, &c. 282 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. NOVBMBEE, SESSION, 1836. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 8th, A. D. 1836, A. L. 5836, there being present : M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Grand Senior Warden, p. t. R. W. P. P. VANDBRHOOP, Grand Junior Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & R. W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. ABNER PARKE, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. W. RICHARD ROUNSAVILLB, G. Junior Deacon, p. t. Bro. SAMUEL B. SCATTBRGOOD, Grand Tyler. VISITING BRETHREN. Alexander Diokerson, Jeremiah Stull, M. W. J. W. Scott, p. g. m. And Representatives from the following Lodges, viz : Henry C. Boswell, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Wra. S. Bowen, George Ayars, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. P. P. Vanderhoof, Union Lodge, No. 12. George Vail, Silaa C. Cutler, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Josiah Shivers, Samuel D. Wessell, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Abner Parke, Richard Eounsaville, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. Jazer Sickler, Hiram Lodge, No. 58. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form in the Third Degree of Masonry. The Throne of Grace was addressed by Brother Brooks, Grand Chaplain, when the Grand Lodge pro- ceeded to business. Brothers Boswell and Ayars were appointed a committee to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Brothers Bowers and Parke were appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Correspondence. The Grand Secretary reported. Since the last Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, he had received communications from the following Grand Lodges, viz : Louisi- ana, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 283 The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, until 2 o'clock, P. M. At 2 o'clock, P. M., the Grand Lodge was called from re- freshment to labor. PRESENT. M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. WM. KERWOOD, Grand Senior Warden. R. W. GEO. VAIL, Grand Junior Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. ABNER PARKE, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. W. RICH'D ROUNSAVILLE, Grand Junior Deacon, p.t. Bro. SAMUEL B. SCATTERGOOD, Grand Tyler. Visiting Brethren. — M. W. J. W. Scott, p. g. m., and others. The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts, report that they have attended to that duty, find them correctly stated, with a balance in his hands of fifty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents. All of which is respectfully submitted. (Signed.) George Atars, | (j^^^m^,^ Henry C. Boswell, j The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Corres- pondence, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence, beg leave to report, that they have attended to that duty, and find the com- munications received by the Grand Secretary from the different Grand Lodges in the United States, to consist of extracts of the proceedings of the different Grand Lodges and the signatures of the Grand Officers. They find nothing contained in them that requires the attention of this Grand Lodge. They are pleased to find that the cause of Masonry is steadily advancing in our country, and the opposition to the Society rapidly subsiding. They recommend that the Grand Secretary be directed to transmit such extracts of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published, to the several Grand Lodges of the United States. (Signed.) Abner Parke, \ CommitUe. Wm. S. Bowen, J 284 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Brother John Mershon, one of the committee appointed at the last Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge to settle an account due from Brother Thomas L. Woodruff, former Grand Treasurer, to this Grand Lodge, made the following report : The committee appointed to settle au account due from Brother Thomas L. Woodrufif, beg leave to report, that on examination they find the account to be as follows : Cash invested in 1822 $300 00 Amount of dividends received 10 80 Cash received of Mr. Chas. M. Wells 75 62 14 years' interest on $300, at 6 per cent 252 00 14 years' interest on §10.80 8 40 6 years, 8 mo. and 3 days interest on $75.62 30 23 $677 05 Cr. By 1 year's interest on $300 21 00 Balance due $656 05 The committee were instructed to make a settlement on the best terms they could, and after several conferences with Brother Woodruff, he proposed giving his three notes, payable' in one, two, and three years, without interest, for one hundred and fifty dollars each, which payments he says he will be able to meet. The committee believing those to be the best terms they could obtain, have taken the notes as above mentioned, subject, however, to the opinion of the Grand Lodge, whether those terms shall be agreed to. (Signed.) John Mershon, one of the committee. On motion made and seconded, the report of the committee, and terms of settlement were agreed to, and the notes handed to the Grand Treasurer. The Grand Treasurer reported, That, agreeably to an order of the Grand Lodge, at the last Annual Communication, he had sold the remaining share of stock in the Trenton Bank for the sum of forty dollars, and .applied the proceeds to the use of the Grand Lodge. Ou application made for that purpose, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17, was allowed to resume its labors, on the payment of their dues for the last year. It was recommended to the Lodges under the jurisdiction of GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 285 this Grand Lodge, -which have not been represented in Grand Lodge for the last four or five years, to resume their Work, and send delegates to the next Annual Communication. The Grand Secretary presented an account for postage^ amounting to one dollar and twenty-seven cents, which was ordered to be paid. On motion made and seconded. Resolved, That the sum of ten dollars be paid to Brother Jona. Brooks, Grand Chaplain. Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid to the Grand Tyler for services this day. • The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, and after a short time was again called to labor. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : Bro. Charles Burroughs, Most "Worshipful Grand Master. Wm. S. Bowen, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. Abner Parke, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. George Vail, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. John Mershon, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. Daniel Hutchinson, Right Worshipful Deputy G. Secretary. X. J. Maynard, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz : Rev. & Worshipful Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. Worshipful E. I. Thompson, Grand Visitor. Richard Rounsaville, Grand Marshal. " George Ayars, Grand Pursuivant. " Henry 0. Boswell, Senior Grand Deacon. James Hoy, Jr., Junior Grand Deacon. Jona. C. Ball, Richard Campbell, Grand Stewards. Brother Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Tyler. The Grand Officers were then installed in their respective offices by our worthy Past Grand Master, Jos. W. Scott, Esq. Grand Lodge closed, &c. 286 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1837. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 14th, A. D. 1837, A. L. 5837. PRESENT. M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master R. W. ENOS P. RANDOLPH, Senior Grand "Warden, p. t. R. W. DANIEL D. BRUEN, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. W. HUGH KUNYON, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. DANIEL H. COMBS, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Ret. & W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. Visiting Brother. — Wm. Newburn. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : Daniel H. Combs, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Enos F. Randolph, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. James Price, Union Lodge, No. 12. Silas C. Cutler, Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17. Jesse Hall, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Daniel D. Bruen, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Hugh Eunj'on, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form in the Third Degree in Masonry; the Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. Grand Chaplain ; the minutes of the last Grand Annua] Communication were read and approved. On motion made and seconded. Resolved, The dues of Newark Lodge, No. 55, for the years 1834 and 1835, be remitted on the payment of their dues for the years 1836 and 1837. Brothers Randolph and Bruen were appointed a committee on the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 287 Brothers Maynard and Mershon were appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Correspondence. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment, until 2 o'clock, P. M. Two o'clock, P. M., the Grand Lodge met. PRESENT. M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master. R. W. E. F. RANDOLPH, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. DANIEL D. BRUEN, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. DANIEL HUTCHINSON, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. H. C. BOSWELL, Senior Grand Deacon. W. HUGH RUNYON, Junior Grand Deacon. SILAS C. CUTLER. JESSE HALL. WILLIAM KERWOOD. Visiting Brother. — "Wm. Newburn. The committee on the Grand Treasurer's accounts, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts, report that they have attended to that duty, and find his accounts cor- rectly stated, and supported by the proper vouchers. They find a balance in his hands amounting to th'irty-nine dollars'and thirteen cents ($39.13). The committee further report, that they find in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, three notes of hand drawn by Thomas L. Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, for one hundred and fifty dollars each, dated November 8th, 1836, payable in one, two, and three years from the date, and made payable to X. J. Maynard, Grand Treasurer, or to his successor or successors in office. (Signed.) Daniel B. Bruen, Enos F. Eandolpb Which report was agreed to, and the committee discharged. Enos F. Eandolph, } Committee. 288 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the fol- lowing report : The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report, that they have attended to the duties assigned them, and find that communi- cations have been received from the Grand Lodges of New York, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, and the Grand Lodge of Ireland. We find nothing in these communications that requires the action of the Grand Lodge at this time, except the one received from the Grand Lodge of New York. Your committee regret to find that difficulties have arisen among the brethren in the city, which originated with York Lodge, No. 367. It appears that that Lodge had resolved to have a procession, and celebrate the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, on the 26th June last. As this was contrary to the custom of the Grand Lodge, the Deputy Grand Master, in the absence of the Grand Master, and in the exercise of his duty, issued his proclamation forbidding such procession, and also went in person to the place of meeting on the morning of the said 26th June, and requested that the procession should not be formed ; both of which were disregarded, and we regret to find that the Deputy Grand Master was treated in a disrespectful and unmasonic manner. In con- sequence of these proceedings of York Lodge, No. 367, the Grand Lodge, at their meeting on the 12th July last, expelled several of the brethren who had been most active in forming the procession and joining in the celebration. The expelled brethren then proceeded to form what they term a Grand Lodge, contrary to the Rules and Regulations of Masonry, and we regret to hear that their officers have been installed. Your com- mittee are of opinion that this Grand Lodge should be sustained in their proceedings, and would recommend that no intercourse be held with the expelled Masons, or with what they call their Grand Lodge. Your committee would recommend that the Grand Secretary be re. quested to forward such extracts of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published, to the several Grand Lodges in the Uuited States. (Signed.) X. J. Matnard, 1 ^ ^ ' John Mebshon. | «""™««^- The report was agreed to and the committee discharged. On motion made and seconded, it was Resolved, That the dues of Union Lodge, No. 12, for the years 1834 and 1835, be remitted, on the payment of their dues for 1836 and 1837. An account was presented from James T. Sherman, amounting to three dollars, which was ordered to be paid. An account was presented from Brother Joseph Justice, amounting to six dollars, which was ordered to be paid, and GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 289 also one from Brother Joseph Justice & Son, amounting to fourteen dollars and fifty cents, which was also ordered to be paid. The Grand Secretary presented an account for cash expended by him for postage, &c., amounting to one dollar and fifteen cents, which was ordered to be paid. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the Grand Chaplaia be allowed the sum of ten dollara for hie attendance on this Grand Lodge. The Grand Tyler was allowed the sum of four dollars. Brothers Maynard and Mershon were appointed a committee to endeaTor to collect the amount of the note now due from Thomas__L.jWoodruff,Uate Grand Treasurer. The Grand Lodge having gone through all other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : M. W. Chas.JBurroughs, of Trenton, Grand Master. R. W. Wm. S. Bowen, of Bridgeton, Deputy Grand Master. " Daniol^D.^Bruen, of Newark, Senior Grand Warden. " George Vail, of Morristown, Junior Grand Warden. " John Mershon, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. " Dan'l Hutchinson, do. Deputy Grand Secretary. " X. J. Maynard, do. Grand Treasurer. The IMostj Worshipful Grand Master made the following ap- pointment3,''viz : Rcv.'& W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. W. Blias ^Thompson, Grand Visitor. " Richard Rounsaville, Grand Marshal. " George Ayres, Grand Pursuivant. " Henry C. Boswcll, Senior Grand Deacon. " James Hoy, Jr., Junior Grand Deacon. " Jonathan 0. Ball, Richard Campbell, Grand Stewards. Bro. Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Tyler. The Throne^^of Grace was then addressed, and a benediction pronounced by^the Rev. Grand Chaplain, after which the Grand Lodge was closed in duo form. 19 290 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1838. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 13th, A. D. 1838, A. L. 5838. PRESENT. M. W. CHARLES BURROUGHS, Grand Master. R. W. DANIEL D. BRUEN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JAZER SICKLER, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. J. B. DAVIS, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. . Bro. SAMUEL B. SCATTERGOOD, Grand Tyler. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz : Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Halsey Canfield, Joseph H. Hough, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Enos F. Randolph, J. B. Davis, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. Daniel D. Bruen, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Jazer Sickler, Hiram Lodge, No. 58. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form, the Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chaplain. The minutes of the last Grand Annual Communication were read and approved. The committee appointed at the last Annual Grand Commu- nication on the claims held by this Grand Lodge against Thomas L. Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, reported verbally, that they had not collected anything from him, but were assured by him that he would be able at no distant day to pay at least a part of the claim. The report was agreed to and Committee ordered to be continued. Brothers Randolph and Davis were appointed a committee to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 291 Brotherg Merahon and Maynard -w-ere appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Correspondence. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refreshment until half-past two o'clock, P. M. Half-past two o'clock, P. M., the Grand Lodge met. PRESENT. M. W. CHARLES BURROUGHS, Grand Master. R. W. DANIEL D. BRUBN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. E. P. RANDOLPH, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. J. B. DAVIS, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. HALSEY OANPIBLD, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. SAMUEL B. SOATTERGOOD, Grand Tyler. ELIAS VANARSDALE, Jr. JOSEPH H. HOUGH. The committee appointed on the Grand Treasurer's accounts this morning, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts report, that they have examined the same and find them correctly stated, and a balance due to the Grand Treasurer of four dollars and forty-five cents (14.45). The committee further report, that they .find in the hands of the Grand Treasurer three notes of one hundred and fifty dollars each, bearing date November 8th, 1836, payable at one, two, and three years after date, given by Thomas L. Woodrufi' to the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, payable to his order or to his sucessor in office. Mv. ISih, A. L. 5838. Enos F. Randolph, \ „ u, . JekemiahB. DAyIs|^'""™«^^• The report was agreed to and the committee discharged. The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Corres- pondence, made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report that they have attended to the duties assigned them, and 292 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESET. find that communications have been received during the last year from the following Grand Lodges, viz : the Grand Lodge of Ireland, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, and Alabama. They also find communications from a body of Masons, who call themselves St. John's Grand Lodge, of New York. Among the communications received they find one from the Grand Lodge of New York, dated December 7th, 1837, in which is given the names of several clandestine Lodges in the city of New York, viz: Benevolent Lodge, No. 142, Silentia Lodge, York Lodge, Munn Lodge, reported to be held somewhere in the city of New York, Fidelity Lodge, Mount Libars Lodge, at Port au Prince, Hayti. All the warrants of the above mentioned Lodges in the city of New York, have been annulled by the Grand Lodge, but retained by expelled Masons, except Munn Lodge, and that we presume has been granted by the self-styled St. John's Grand Lodge. The following were the only legal Lodges in the city at the above- mentioned date, viz : St. John's, No. 1 ; Independent Eoyal Arch Chapter, No. 2 ; Holland, No. 13 ; Trinity, No. 19 ; La Union Francaise, No. 71 ; Abrams, No. 83 ; Washington, No. 84; Adelphi, No. 91; Albion, No. 107 ; Mount Moriah^ No. 132; Benevolent, No. 142. Under the new warrant granted by the Grand Lodge, December 6th, 1837 : Mechanic's, No. 153 ; Concord, No. 304; German Union, No. 322; La Fayette, No. 373; Mariners' No. 385; Montgomery, No. 387 ; Naval, 391 ; Ancient, No. 507. We also find a letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York, to the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge, calling his attention to a recommendation of his to that Grand Lodge, which was that of the propriety of recognizing as legitimate Masons, sojourning brethren who had been made in Lodges practising the French and Scottish Eites. The Grand iodge of New York appointed a committee on the subject, who requested one year to make their report, and re- quested that the Grand Secretary should procure all the information he could, and correspond with other Grand Lodges on the subject. There was also a recommendation by the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York, to that Grand Lodge, that in every Grand Lodge in correspondence with them, some well known and respectable brother of the rank of Past Master, be appointed as a representative of that Grand Lodge, at the discretion and on the warrant of the Grand Master ; said representative to be a resident of the State or kingdom in which the Grand Lodge to which he is commissioned holds Masonic jurisdiction, and his duties to be pr-escribed by the Grand Lodge. And also that all foreign Grand Lodges in correspondence with them be allowed a resident representative, to be always clothed in the peculiar costume of the Grand GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 293 Lodges they severally represent, and to be allowed tLe privilege of speaking in Grand Lodge on all subjects of general interest to the Craft or the Grand Lodge they represent in particular, but without a vote. The committee on the above mentioned subject would recommend that the same be referred to the Grand Officers, with power to correspond and ascertain where suitable brethren could be found to represent that Grand Lodge, in other Grand Lodges, and to receive. the names of such persona as other Grand Lodges may be disposed to offer as representatives to that Grand Lodge, granting them the privileges set forth in the Grand Secretary's recommendation. As respects the receiving and acknowledging brethren initiated into the secrets of Masonry according to the French and Scottish Eites, your committee would recommend that they be received, provided the ancient rites, ceremonies and landmarks of the Order have been adhered to in those ceremonies. In regard to appointing brethren to reside near and represent this in other Grand Lodges in correspondence with us, and also allowing other Grand Lodges to appoint representatives to this Grand Lodge, your committee would heartily recommend, but inasmuch as the committee of the Grand Lodge recommended that the subject be referred to the Grand Officers of that Grand Lodge, your committee would recommend the same course to this Grand Lodge. The Grand Secretary has taken no notice of the communication re- ceived from St. John's Grand Lodge, and has not sent them an extract of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, which course we trust will be approved by this Grand Lodge. They find nothing further among the communications that requires the action of this Grand Lodge. They recommend that the Grand Secretary be requested to forward such extracts of the proceedings of' this Grand Lodge as shall be published to all Grand Lodges in correspondence with this. ' ■ Trenm, Nov. 13(A, 1838. (Signed.) John Mershon, | Q^^^^^^^_ A. J. Matnard, J The report was agreed to and the committee discharged. Brother Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., offered the following resolution, which was unanimously agreed to : Besolved. That St. John's Lodge, No. 2, be allowed and permitted to resume its labors on the payment of their dues for the last year, or four dollars and twenty-five cents in lieu thereof, and that all other dues from said Lodge be remitted. A certificate of the above resolution was given Brother Vanarsdale by the Grand Secretary. 294 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JEESEY. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pay the Grand Secretary the sum of one dollar and flfty-three cents ($1.53), for money expended by him for postage, &c. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pay the Grand Tyler the sum of four dollars ($4.00) (when in funds), for his services this day. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz : M. "W. Charles Burroughs, of Trenton, Grand Master. R. W. William S. Bowen, of Bridgeton, Deputy Grand Master. " Daniel B. Bruen, of Newark, Senior Grand Warden. " George Vail, of Morristown, Junior Grand Warden. " John Mershon, of Trenton, Grand Secretary " Joseph H. Hough, do. Deputy Grand Secretary. " X. J. Maynard, do. Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz: Rev. & W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. W. Elias I. Thompson, Grand Visitor. " Richard RounsaviUe, Grand Marshal. " George Ayres, Grand Pursuivant. " Henry C. Boswell, Senior Grand Deacon. " Halsey Canfield, Junior Grand Deacon. " Jona. C. Ball, Richard Campbell, Grand Stewards. Bro. Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Tyler. The Throne of Grace was then addressed by the Grand Chaplain, after which the Grand Lodge was closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, November 12th, A. L. 5839, A. D. 1839. / GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 295 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1839. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 12th, A. L. 5839, A. D. 1839. PRESENT. M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM S. BOWEN, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. GEORGE AYRES, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. ABNER PARKE, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. Bro. S. YANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz. : William Kerwood, Alvan Sanford, John J. frisbee, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. George Ayres, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. John W. Mickle, Camden Lodge, No. 45. Abner Parke, David Parke, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. William H. Earl, Newark Lodge, No. 55. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form ; the minutes of the last Annual Communication were read and approved. Brothers Mickle and Frisbee were appointed a committee to examine the accounts of the Grand Treasurer. Brothers Maynard and Mershon were appointed a committee to ex- amine the Foreign Correspondence. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment until 3 o'clock, P. M. 1 296 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Three o'clock, P- M., the Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. PRESENT. M. W. CHAS. BURROUGHS, Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM S. BOWEX, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. ABNER PARKE, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN" MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. ^Y. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. Bro. S. VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. JOHN J. FRISBEE. WILLIAM H. EARL. JOHN W. MICKLE. ELIAS VANARSDALE, Jr., p. g. m. GEORGE AYRES. YisiTixG Brethren — J. S. Darcy, p. g. m., Joseph Munn. Brother Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., appeared as a representative from St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, and took his seat. The committee on the Grand Treasurer's Accounts made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's Accounts, report — that the)' have examined the same and find them correctly stated and a balance remaining in his hands of twenty-four dollars and sixty- four cents ; and the notes mentioned in report of last year still remaining unpaid. (Signed) John W. Mickle, 1 „ John J. Frisbee, I ^'"'"'«^^- November 12th, 5839. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following report: The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report — that they have attended to the duties assigned them, and find that communications have been received from the Grand Lodges of GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 29T Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Alabama, Missouri, Louisiana and the Territory of Texas. They find nothing contained therein that requires the action of the Grand Lodge at this time. It gives them pleasure to find that a Grand Lodge has been established in Texas, and have no doubt it will be equally pleasing to each member of this Grand Lodge. They would recommend that the Grand Secretary be requested to for- ward a copy of such of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published, to each Grand Lodge in correspondence with this Grand Lodge. (Signed) John MeEshon, 1 Oommittee X. J. Maynard, I ">"""'«««■ November 12th, 5839. Brother Mickle stated that some difficulties had arisen ia Camdeu Lodge, No. 45, in consequence of R. V. M. Cooper being made a Mason, (by Dispensation from the Grand Master,) in that Lodge, which difficulty arose in consequence of the seal of the Grand Lodge not being affixed to the Dis- pensation. After a free interchange of opinion on the subject by the members present, it was thought a matter of indifference whether the seal be attached to a Dispensation or not, and it was unanimously Resolved, That that being the only objection, the making was good, and the members of the Lodge who acted on the occasion, be sustained by this Grand Lodge in their proceedings. The following accounts were presented, which were ordered to be paid : Joseph Justice, for printing $6 00 Justice & Mills, " 5 00 Jos. Justice & Son " 16 50 John Mershon, Grand Secretary, to postage, &c., 1 85 An account was presented from McCreedy & Steel, for advertising, amounting to two dollars, which was referred to the Grand Secretary. Brother John S. Darcy, on behalf of St. John's Grand Lodge in the State of New York, made application to re- consider all former proceedings of this Grand Lodge in 298 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. relation to St. John's Grand Lodge aforesaid. Whereupon it was Resolved, That Brothers Elias Vanaradale, jr., Daniel Babbitt and Simeon Baldwin, be appointed a committee to investigate all matters of difference between the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and St. John's Grand Lodge aforesaid, wbicb may be submitted to their consid- eration, and that they report to this Grand Lodge the result of their inquiries, and their opinions relative to the matters in controversy ; and that they furnish each of the parties with copies of their report for their consideration. Ordered, That the Grand Tyler be allowed the sum of four dollars for his attention this day. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment, and after a short time spent at refreshment, was again called to labor. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other busi- ness before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz. : Most "Worshipful William S. Bowen, Grand Master. Eight Worshipful Daniel B. Brucn, Deputy Grand Master. " " Henry A. Ford, Senior Grand Warden. " " Abner Parke, Junior Grand Warden. " " John Mershon, Grand Secretary. " " Jos. H. Hough, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " X. J. Maynard, Grand Treasurer. The Grand Officers elect were then severally installed by Past Grand Master Brother John S. Darcy. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz. : Eev. & Worshipful Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. Worshipful Elias I. Thompson, Grand "Visitor. " Richard Eounsaville, Grand Marshal. " George Ayres, Grand Pursuivant. " Henry C. Boswell, Grand Senior Deacon. " Halsey Canfield, Grand Junior Deacon. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 299 Worshipful Jonathan Ball, Grand Steward. " Eichard Campbell, " Bro. Sylvester Vansickle, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on Tuesday, November 10th, A. L. 5840, unless sooner con- vened by the proper authority. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1840. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 10th, A. D. 1840, A. L. 5840. PRESENT. M. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN, Dep. Grand Master, as Grand Master. R. W. ABNER PARKE, Junior Grand Warden, as Senior Grand Warden. R. W. SAMUEL B. SCATTERGOOD, Junior Grand War- den, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. HENRY C. BOSWELL, Senior Grand Deacon. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. W. RICHARD ROUNSAYILLE, Grand Marshal. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. "Visiting Brethren. — William Kerwood, representative of the Grand Lodge of New York ; John Moore, of Corinthian Lodge, No. — ; Caleb H. Valentine, Daniel Parke. 300 GRAND LODUE OF NEW JERSEY. Eepresentatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz. : John J. Frisbee, Alvan Sanford, Samuel B. Scattergood, Trenton Lodge, No. 5 ; George Ayres, Brearley Lodge, No. 9 ; Richard Rouneaville, Leb- anon Lodge, No. 54 ; Moses Craig, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form, and the Throne of Grace addressed by the Kev. Grand Chaplain. The min- utes of the last Annual Grand Communication were read and approved. Bros. Henry C. Boswell and Samuel B. Scattergood were appointed a committee to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts. Bros. X. J. Maynard, John J. Frisbee and Abner Parke, were appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Cor- respondence. The Grand Secretary made the following report: Since our last Annual Communication, I have received printed extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges with which we are in cor- respondence The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Corres- pondence, will find in the communication received from the Grand Lodge of New York, the correspondence between the committee appointed by this Grand Lodge at the last Annual Communication, and the Grand Lodge of New York, relative to St. John's Grand Lodge, which, I pre- sume, will be fully reported by that committee. In recording the proceedings of the last Annual Communication, I unin- tentionally omitted to mention that the Grand Lodge refused to reconsider their former proceeding in relation to St. John's Grand Lodge, as moved by Bro. John S. Darcy, but I have no doubt it will be remembered by each member who was then present, that this committee was appointed after the Grand Lodge had refused to reconsider their proceedings in rela- tion to the said St. John's Grand Lodge, in 1837 and 1838, and then not with any intention of calling in question, or censuring any act of the Grand Lodge of New York, but merely to endeavor to bring about a recon- ciliation between the parties, and restore harmony among our brethren. Since our last Annual Communication, Brother William Kerwood, a Past Master of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, has been appointed by the Grand Lodge of New York their representative in this. I have received from Bro. James D. Westcott, Jr., of Florida, a copy, neatly bound, of an oration delivered by him at the Masonic Funeral o-f Col. Abraham Bellamy, at Monticello, Jefferson county, Florida, Septem- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 301 ber 23d, 5839. Also, from Bro. James Herring, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York, a copy of an oration delivered by him on the origin, design and duties of Free Masonry, in the city of Troy, on the 24th June, 5840. On the 23d of March last, our Most Worshipful Grand Master appointed Bro. Sylvester Spencer, of New Yorli, to represent this Grand Lodge in the Grand Lodge of New York. Bro. Spencer's commission will expire at this meeting of the Grand Lodge ; I would recommend his re-appoint- ment. The account presented by McCreedy & Steel, whicli was presented at our last Annual Communication, and which was referred to me, I find, on inquiry, was paid to Bro. Joseph Justice, and by him paid to them. John" Mershon, Grand Secretary. November 10th, A. L. 5840. The report was agreed to. On motion made and seconded, Hesolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to open a correspond- ence with all foreign Grand Lodges, who have resident representatives in any Grand Lodge in the United States or Territories, The following accounts were presented and ordered to be paid, viz. : Justice & Mills $10 00 Charles Scott 4 00 John Mershon, Giand Secretary, for postage and paper 2 00 The Grand Secretary presented an account for three years' salary, at thirty dollars per annum, amounting to ninety dollars, on which he had received the sum of ten dollars, leaving a balance of eighty dollars due him. He stated that in consequence of the low state of the funds, he knew the Grand Lodge could not pay it at this time, but wished to call the attention of the Grand Lodge to his claim. On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously Hesolved, That the account be acknowledged, and that the Grand Treas- urer be instructed to pay the same when in funds, to him or his legal rep- resentatives. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment until 2 o'clock, P. M. 302 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. At 2 o'clock, P. M. the Graud Lodge was called from re- freshment to labor. PRESENT. M. W. DANIEL B. BRUElSr, Deputy Grand Master, as Grand Master. R. W. ELIAS VANARSDALE, Jr., Senior Grand War- den, p. t. R. W. SAMUEL B. SCATTERGOOD, Junior Grand War- den, p. t. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOIJGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. H. C. BOSWELL, Senior Grand Deacon. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. W. RICHARD ROUNSAVILLE, Grand Marshal. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. " JOHN S. DARCY, Past Grand Master. " CHARLES BURROUGHS, Past Grand Master. " ABNER PARKE, Junior Grand Warden. Visiting Brethken. — William Kerwood, representative of the Grand Lodge of New York ; Caleb H. Valentine, J. T. Thompson, M. Ryerson, David Parke. And representatives from the following Lodges, viz. : Elias Vanarsdale, Jr., Thomas Mandeville, James S. Gamble, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. John J. Frisbee, Alvan Sanford, Samuel B. Scattergood, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. George Ayres, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. William H. Earl, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Richard Rounsaville, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. Moses Craig, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Corres- pondence made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence, beg leave to report — that they find communications from the following Grand Lodges : New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 303 Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri, «,nd that they find nothing therein contained which requires the action of this Grand Lodge, except that from the Grand Lodge of New York, which has been included in the Grand Secretary's report, this day presented and accepted. Your committee would recommend that the Grand Secretary be directed to forward such extracts of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published, to each of the Grand Lodges in correspondence with this. November lOtb, A. D. 1840, A. L. 5840. X. J. Matnakd, ] John J. I'risbee, >■ CommitUe. Abner Parke, ] The report was agreed to and the committee discharged. The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treas- urer's accounts made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts respectfully report — that they have attended to that duty, find his vouch- ers and accounts correctly stated, with a balance in his hands of three -dollars and fifty-four cents. (Signed) Henry CBoswELL, \ q^^^^^.^ Sam L B. Scattekgood, J Trenton, November 10th, A. D. 1840, A. L. 5840. The report was agreed to and the committee discharged. The committee appointed at the last Annual Coramuni- •cation to "investigate all matters of difference between the Grand Lodge of New York and St. John's Grand Lodge in the city of New York, which might be submitted to their ■consideration," made the following report, accompanied by .sundry documents, marked No's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. To the Most Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey : The committee appointed at the last Annual Communication of said Xodge to investigate all matters of difference between the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and St. John's Grand Lodge of said State, which might be submitted to their consideration, respectfully report — that on ■the 18th day of February last, your committee, through their chairman, addressed a communication (marked No. 1, hereto annexed,) to the Grand Secretaries of each of the aforesaid Grand Lodges, respectively, enclosing the resolution of your Grand Lodge, (marked No. 2,) of the 12th of No- vember last ; and also, an extract of the proceedings of your Grand Lodge (marked No. 3,) of 14th November, 1837 ; that on the 20th of March last 304 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. your committee received from the Grand Secretary of St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York, an extract of the proceedings of said Lodge, (marked No. 4,) in relation to said communication; that on or about the Ist of May last, your committee received from the Grand Secre- tary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, a letter, (marked No. 5,) conveying the views of the Grand Officers of said Lodge, (marked No. 6,) in answer to aaid communication ; that on the 4th day of November instant, your committee received from the Grand Officers of St. John's Grand Lodge aforesaid, a communication signed by them (marked No. 7,) and also a certificate (marked No. 8,) relating to the matters in differ- ence between the aforesaid Grand Lodges, with a request that your com- mittee would lay the same before this Grand Lodge ; that the officers of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York having declined meeting your committee, as requested by them, your committee have been unable to carry into eflfect the resolution under which they were appointed. The Grand Lodge will perceive that while St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and its officers, have beea willing and desirous to afford your committee every facility in their power to aid them in the discharge of their duties, the officers of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York have taken the responsibility upon themselves of refusing to meet your committee without submitting to said Lodge the communication sent their Secretary as aforesaid, as therein requested, and have moreover affected to consider the resolution of your Grand Lodge appointing your committee, as an insulting proposition to them. Your committee cannot therefore, under existing circumstances, close this report without recommending that so much of the proceedings of your Grand Lodge as agreed to the report of the committee made on the 14th November, 1837, He recon- sidered. (Signed) Elias Van.irsdale, ] D. Babbitt, I Committee. t>iMEON Baldwin, j Dated 6th November, 1840. The report, and also the accompanying documents, were read, disagreed to, and the committee discharged. Brother Kerwood offered the following preamble and res- olutions, which were ordered to lie on the table : Whereas, This Grand Lodge was officially notified in the year A. L- 5837, by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, that certain persons under that jurisdiction had been expelled, and the warrants of certain- Jjodges under that jurisdiction had been annulled, and was afterwards further notified that the expelled Masons had formed, in the city of New- York, a clandestine body, called "St. John's Grand Lodge;" and whereas,. this Grand Lodge, at their Annual Communication in November, A. L. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 305 5837, did unanimously agree to sustain the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and recommend that •' no intercourse be held with the said expelled Masons,, or what they call their Grand Lodge ;" which sentiments were repeated in November, A. L. 5838, in accordance with the decisions of all the Grand Lodges of the Union in which the subject had been examined; and whereas, this Grand Lodge, in November, A. L. 5839, refused to reconsider their former proceedings, yet did, at the earnest entreaty of the Most Worshipful John S. Darcy, appoint a committee for purposes entirely beyond the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York having " declined to submit their lawful acts to the revisions of any committee," therefore Be it resolved. That this committee be discharged. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of New Jersey regards the Grand Lodges of the several States and Territories of this Union, which have been heretofore recognized as holding exclusive jurisdiction within the limits of those States and Territories, and will regard any attempt to violate this principle in this or any other State or Territory, as an innovation in the established regulations of the fraternity, tending to its destruction. Resolved, That the attempt which has been made in the city of New York by certain expelled Masons and their associates, to establish a Masonic Jurisdiction there, has the unqualified reprobation of this Grand Lodge. Resolved, Th&t aW intercourse between the Lodges or Masons of New Jersey, and the clandestine association called "St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York," or any of its members, be and is hereby strictly forbidden. The Grand Secretary offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will adhere to the report of the Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence, and to the recommendation as respects St. John's Grand Lodge in the city of New York, and adopted by this Grand Lodge in the years 1837 and 1838. On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Right Worshipful Sylvester Spencer, of the city of New York, be re-appointed to represent this Grand Lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Ordered, That the Grand Tyler be allowed the sum of four dollars for his attendance this day. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment, and after a short time was again called to labor, Brother Kerwood offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted : S06 GKAND LODGE 0¥ NEW JERSEY. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge -of New Jersey regards the Grand Lodges of the several States and Territories of this Union, which have been heretofore recognized as holding exclusive jurisdiction 'within the Wmits ■of those States and Territories ; and will regard any attempt to violate this principle, in this or any other State or Territory, as an innovation in the established regulations of the fraternity. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the Dispensation granted by the Eight Worshipful Dep- uty Grand Master to Newark Lodge, No. 55, to hold their meetings out ■of the bounds of the city of Newark, be and the same is hereby continued until the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. On motion of Brother Abner Parke, it was unanimously Resolved, That Mansfield Lodge, No. 31, be restored to their former number and standing; provided, they send representatives at the next Annual Communication and pay their dues for the ensuing year. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other 'business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand ■Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected : M. W. William S. Bowen, of Bridgeton, Grand Master. R. W. Daniel B. Bruen, of Newark, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. Abner Parke, of New Hampton, Grand Warden. R. W. William A. Earl, of Newark, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. John Mershon, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. ■R. W. Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Deputy Grand Secre- tary. R. W. X. J. Maynard, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments : Rev. & W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. W. Elias I. Thompson, Grand Visitor. W. Richard Rounsaville, Grand Marshal. W. George Ayres, Grand Pursuivant. W. Henry C. Boswell, Senior Grand Deacon. W. Halsey Canfield, Junior Grand Deacon. W. Richard Campbell, Grand Steward. W. Henry Parke, " Bro. Sylvester Vansickle, Grand Tyler. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 307 The Graud Officers elect were then installed into their- respective offices, after which the Throne of Grace was ad- dressed and a benediction pronounced by the Rev. Grand Chaplain, and the Grand Lodge closed in harmony to meet: again on Tuesday, November the 9th, A. D. 1841, A. L.. 5841, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. Trenton, November 10th, A. D. 1840, A. L. 5840. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1841. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of' the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 9th, A. D. 1841, A. L. '5841. PRESENT. M. W. ABNER PARKE, Senior Grand Warden, as Grand Master. R. W. JOHN VANTILBURGH, Senior Grand Warden, p. t... R. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNAliD, Grand Treasurer. Kev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. DAVID PARKE, Senior Grand Deacon p. t. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. W. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. Rt. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of thcv Grand Lodge of New York. VisiTii^G Brother — Joseph W. Lee. And representatives from the following Lodges, viz. : John Vantilburgh, David Witherup, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Jeremiah B. Davis, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. David Parke, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. 308 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form, and the Throne of Grace addressed by the Grand Chaplain. The minutes of the last Annual Communication were read and approved. Brothers David Parke and Halsey Canfield were appointed a committee to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts. Brothers Jeremiah B. Davis and John Vantilburgh were appointed a committee to examine the Foreign Correspond- ence. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- mest until 2 o'clock P. M. At two o'clock P. M. the Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. PRESENT. M. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN", Deputy Grand Master, as Grand Master. E. W. ABNER PARKE, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. DAVID PARKE, Senior Grand Deacon p. t. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Junior Grand Deacon. W. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. Rt. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Visiting Brethren. — J. B. Munn, Past Grand Master; J. S. Darcy, Past Grand Master ; E. Vanarsdale, Past Grand Master ; Charles Bur- roughs, Past Grand Master ; L. Goble, J. R.Crockett, P. Ailing, J. C. Little, Joseph W. Lees. Representatives from the following Lodj^es appeared and took their seats, viz. : GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 309 John Vantilburgh, David Withenip, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Jacob Alyea, S. Smith, J. HoUingworth, St. John's Lodge, No. 2. Jeremiah B. Davis, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. David Parke, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. The Grand Secretary made the following report, which was accepted : The Grand Secretary, in making his annual report, would beg leave to begin with the reception of our representative, the Worshipful Sylvester Spencer, in the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York. At a meeting of that Grand Lodge on the 3d of March last, the Right Worshipful James Herring, Grand Secretary, informed the Grand Lodge that the Grand Lodge of New Jersey had appointed the Worshipful Syl- vester Spencer their representative, and that the Worshipful Brother was now in waitiig for reception. The Grand Master requested the Grand Secretary to introduce the Worshipful Brother. M'orshipful Brother Spencer being clothed in the peculiar costume of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, was conducted to the East, through the dense ranks of the Fraternity assembled, who remained standing through the ceremony of reception. The Grand Secretary addressed the Most Worshipful Grand Master as follows : Most Worshipful Brother : — I have the honor to present our Worthy and Worshipful Brother, Sylvester Spencer, Past Master of Manhattan Lodge, No. 62, who, at the Annual Communication of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of New Jersey, in November last, was appointed to repre- sent that body in this Grand Lodge, of which official information has been received. I am confident this appointment will prove highly satis- factory to the members of both Grand Lodges, as his appointment and reception, as well as the appointment and reception of Worshipful Brother Kerwood, our representative in the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, affords the surest evidence that the two Grand Lodges are determined to stand, not only geographically, but masonically, side by side in support of each other's integrity, honor and independence. The Grand Master then greeted the representative of New Jersey in the following words : Worshipful Brother Spencer: — The firm and decided stand which the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey has taken in support of the rights and honor of this Grand Lodge, has secured our warmest welcome to their representative. Between two Masonic governments, so contiguous as those of New Jersey and New York, the utmost harmony and friendship ought to be cultivated and cherished, as well for the honor and repose of our noble institution as for the prosperity and happiness of 310 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. the Fraternity under the jurisdiction of each. Whatever occurs within the territory of either Grand Body, for good or for ill, must affect the other equally. A common interest, tlierefore, would seem to require a more intimate correspondence than has hitherto existed, and I fervently hope that the measures which have been adopted may secure the union of both Grand Lodges in friendship and brotherly love. I present the right hand of fellowship on behalf of the Grand Lodge of the State of New- York, to the representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. To which Worshipful Brother Spencer made the following reply : Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master: — The right hand of fel- lowship so feelingly tendered, I most gratefully receive as a symbol of the union of the Masonic governments which we respectively represent. The allusions you have been pleased to make relative to the course taken by the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, through the trying season of rebellion with which this Grand Lodge has had to contend, call on me to return you my sincere thanks on their behalf, and to express the feelings of pleasure which animate my breast, at the proud position of this Grand Lodge in having maintained a stand which has proved so signally triumphant, and which has elicited not only the approvals, but the admiration of the Grand Body, as the representative of which I now address you. I shall deem it a pleasing duty at all times to be the medium of communication between the two Grand Bodies, and beg leave. Eight Worshipful, in behalf of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, to wish you a long career of undisturbed repose, and pledge you the aid and co-op- eration of my constituents in all your trials, whether present or to come, so long as you pursue the same firm and incorruptible course that has heretofore marked your career. The representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was then seated in the East, in front of the Grand Officers. On the 1st of August last, I received from Brother Spencer a letter addressed to him by Brother Joseph Persson, Worshipful Master of Hibernia Lodge, No. 57, and Eepresentative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, on the subject of the members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, visit- ing St. John's Grand Lodge in the city of New York, and the Lodges warranted by it, and also admitting the members of those Clandestine Lodges to visit their Lodge; to which subject I wish to call the attention of the Grand Lodge. COPT or BRO. PERSSONS' LETTER. New York, April 21st, 1841. To the Worshipful Sylvester Spencer, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the Stale of New Jersey : Worshipful Brother : — In compliance with the official request made on behalf of the Grand Lodge which you represent, I proceed to give you GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 311 such particulars as came within my observation, of the conduct of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, New Jersey, on the occasion of a visit which I made them in the latter part of the summer or early in the- autumn of last year. I was invited on that occasion by a brother of that Lodge to visit them on the evening in question ; and also informed, that Brother Pruden Ailing, who was officiating as Master, would be pleased if I would confer some degrees for them that evening. I felt flattered by the request and very readily accepted the invitation, and visited the Lodge accordingly. Shortly after the Lodge was opened, however, an applica- tion was made for admission by a brother hailing from " St. Simon and St. Judes Lodge, New York." I immediately turned to Brother Ailing, who was in the chair, and informed him there was no such Lodge as St. Simon and St. Judes in New York. He replied, " Yes, there is," and I stoutly maintained the negative, at the same time observing that there were a number of clandestine Lodges in New York, made up of expelled Masons and their associates, who had constituted what they called a Grand Lodge, and called it St. John's Grand Lodge, and that probably the person desiring admission might hail from a Lodge under that jurisdiction. Worshipful Brother Ailing replied, that he considered St. John's Grand Lodge as legitimate a Lodge as any other Grand Lodge, and that if the parson applying for admission did hail from that jurisdiction, he should admit him as freely as he would from any other body whatever, or words to- a similar purport. And he added, "that he not only would admit any person hailing from the (so called) St. John's Grand Lodge, or any of its Subordinates, but that he, and the Lodge over which he was then pre- siding, had uniformly done so." He contended that the said clandestine body was regularly installed by a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, and he intimated that they were an abused and persecuted body, and that the legitimate Grand Lodge of this State were in fault. The name of Henry C. Atwood was mentioned, and Brother Ailing admitted that the said Atwood was a favored visitor of his Lodge, and prided himself in having so distinguished a Mason to come and work among them, which Brother Ailing said he had frequently done, and he should do again whenever his services could be obtained. This Mr. Henry C. Atwood, be it known, is the Deputy Grand Master of this St. John's Grand Lodge, and was the master spirit of the fallen Masons and their great leader. That a person so obnoxious to all genuine Masons should be lauded and held forth by the presiding officer of a legitimate Lodge as an estimable Mason, and one who he and they not only did, but would continue to countenance and support, with a full knowledge of his acts, and of the Masonic interdict under which he labored, excited in me feelings of indignation against Brother Ailing, which I could ill repress,, even in the midst of the body of which I was then a visitor. I denounced 2 312 GRAND LODGE 01? NEW JERSKT. tLe conduct of St. John's Lodge at Newark, and told them at once that I would not sit with a body that associated with clandestine Masons, and thereupon withdrew from the Lodge. I took care, however, before leaving the Lodge, that I had nothing to do with Mr. Atwood's character as a man ; that I had known that gentleman for a number of years, and that I only referred to his Masonic character when his name was eulogized among them. On retiring from the Lodge several of the brethren followed me, whose names I do not recollect, with the exception of my own brother, Mr. Alexander T. Persson, who is a member of that Lodge, and who fol- lowed me out with the others. I walked with my brother to his store, where the other retiring brethren soon followed us, and informed me that I was mistaken in supposing that the brother applying for admission hailed from the clandestine body in isew York before named. This St. Simon and St. Judes Lodge, it appears, was one of the country Lodges in the State of New York, and the brother applying a member in good standing. With the explanation I was invited to return to the Lodge, which I did, for the purpose of ascertaining how far the brethren invidu- ally sustained Brother Ailing, and also of remonstrating with them further on the course they were pursuing, but on arriving at the Lodge room I found the Lodge was just closed, a few of the brethren still in the room. One of the brethren who was at the outer door of the Lodge room on my return, accosted me rather roughly ; this brother was either the Tyler or the Junior Deacon of the Lodge. He said that he had received his de- grees at the hands of Mr. (Brother) Atwood, who hadjconferred them on him in that very Lodge, (St. John's Lodge, Newark.) He went on fur- ther to say, that he believed Mr. Atwood was as good, if not a better Mason, than I was ; that Mr. Atwood was a particular friend of his ; h^ had known him for years, and that he was a gentleman, &c. I told this illegitimate brother, that with Mr. Atwood's goodness or gentility I had nothing to do ; that it was only with Mr. Atwood as a Mason I was any way concerned, and that I regretted much that the bonds of Masonic fellowship which had heretofore existed between Mr. Atwood and myself were severed. I also told this benighted brother that I would not recog- nize him as a Mason, he having received his degrees from Mr. Atwood. I am. Worshipful Brother, Yours, Fraternally, (Signed) Jos. P. Persson, Worshipful Master of Hibemia Lodge, No. 57, New York ; Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge, and Representative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia; P. G. C. of Morion's Encampment. I would also call the attention of the Grand Lodge to a resolution of the Grand Lodge of Alabama, at their Annual Communication in 1839, which is as follows: GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 313 Resolved, That all Grand Lodges ia correspondence with the Grand Lodge of Alabama, be requested to elect one delegate to meet in general convention on the first Monday in March, 1842, in the city of Washing- ton, for the-purposeof determining upon a uniform mode of work through- out all the Lodges in the United States, and to make other lawful regula- tions for the interest and security of the Craft. On the 14th of July last I received a letter from the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of that Grand Lodge on the subject, which answered and promised to bring the subject before this Grand Lodge. I find by a cir- cular received from the Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, that they have appointed a delegate, and request other Grand Lodges to do the same. Our worthy Brother James Herring, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, has issued proposals for publishing a Masonic work, which promises to be highly useful and interesting to the Craft. A copy of the prospectus is on my table for the inspection and signatures of the brethren present. Soon after the extracts of proceedings of our last Annual Communication were published, I for- warded to our representative in New York, the Worshipful Brother Spencer, two copies for each of the representatives of foreign Grand Lodges resident of the city of New York ; one copy for their own use, the other to be transmitted to their respective Grand Lodges. Brother Spencer informed me soon after that he had attended to my request. Together with the Lodges which formed this Grand Lodge, there has been fifty-eight warranted in this State. Washington Lodge, No. 12, and Mount Moriah Lodge, !No. 27, both in the city of New Brunswick, united, a few years ago, under the name of Union Lodge, retaining No. 12, which leave the number 57. Of this number but eight can be called working Lodges, viz.: St. John's Lodge, No. 2; Trenton Lodge, No. 5; Brearley Lodge, No. 9 ; Camden Lodge, No. 45 ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 54; Newark Lodge, No. 55 ; Clinton Lodge, No. 56 ; and Hiram Lodge, No. 58. Seven Lodges have been stricken off, viz. ; Hiram, No. 4; Union, No. 6; Unity, No. 7; Trinity, No. 20; Sandystown, No. 24; Hiram, No. 25; and Princeton, No. 30. Nine Lodges have surrendered their warrants, viz. ; Trinity, No. 3 ; Nova Ceesarea, No. 10; Federal, No. 15; Augusta, No. 23; St. Tam- many, No. 28 ; Chatham, No. 33 ; Dennis Creek, No. 36 ; Franklin, No. 37 ; and Bloomfield, No. 48. Thirty-three have ceased working, but retain their warrants, viz. ; Sol- omon's Lodge, No. 1; Harmony, No. 8; Woodbury, No. 11; Union, No. 12; Passaic, No. 13; Farmers, No. 14; Olive Branch, No. 16; Cincin- nati, No. 17; Mount Holly, No. 18; Salem, No. 19; Union, No. 21; Friendship, No. 22 ; Hope, No. 26 ; Independence, No. 29 ; Mansfield, 314 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. No. 31; Sharptown, No. 32; Shrewsbury Washington, No. 34; Cedar- ville, No. 35; Pittetown, No. 38; Allowaystown, No. 39; Jerusalem, No. 40; "Washington, No. 41; Deerfield, No. 42; Tuckerton, No. 43; Essex, No. 44 ; Euclid, No. 46 ; Cranbury, No. 47 ; Lafayette, No. 49 ; Dove. No. 50; Corinthian, No. 51 ; Warren, No. 52; Franklin, No. 53; Mount Vernon, No. 57. I would recommend that the Grand Secretary be directed, when he ad- vertises for the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, to give notice that all Lodges that are not there represented, or have not been, for the three years preceding, be stricken from the list of Lodges, and that the remaining Lodges be then renumbered. John Mershon, (?. Secretary. November 9th, 1841. The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treas- urer's account, made the following report : The committee to examine the Grand Treasurer's account respectfully report — that they have attended to that duty, find his account and vouch- ers correctly stated, with a balance in his hands of nineteen dollars and sixteen cents. (Signed) David Parke, r r^ HaLSEY CANpiELD, ^ ^'"™"^^- Trenton, November 9th, 1861. The committee appointefl to examine the Foreign Corres- pondence, beg leave to report : That they have attended to the duties assigned them, and find commu- nications have been received from the Grand Lodges of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vir- ginia, North Carolina. Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Mis- souri, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Those communications consist, principally, of extracts of proceedings of the several Grand Lodges ; they find nothing, however, that requires the action of this Grand Lodge, except what has been referred to in the Grand Secretary's report. It affords your committee great pleasure to find that the prejudice which existed against our fraternity a few years ago has subsided, and that within the last year many have been added to the Lodges in almost all parts of the United States. Your committee would recommend that the Grand, Secretary forward to each Grand Lodge in correspondence with this, such extracts of proceedings as shall be published. Jeremiah B. Davis, 1 y-, John Vantilbueqh, \ November 9th, 1841. GRAND lODQE OF NEW JERSEY. 315 The committee on the claims of the Grand Lodge against Thdmas L. Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, made the fol- lowing report: The committee appointed on the claims of the Grand Lodge against Thomas L. "Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, beg leave to report — that they have attended to the duties assigned them, but not been able to col- lect any part of the demand. They have, however, got the notes re- newed and the interest added thereto. The notes are dated the 8th of the present month (November), payable in one, two and three years ; they are for $186, $177 and $168, making together the sum of $531. John Mershow, 1 /^ X.J.Maynard;!^'""'"'"^''- Trenton, November 9th, 1861. There being no evidence before the Grand Lodge that St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, had admitted members from St. John's Grand Lodge, New York, or its Subordi- nates, to visit their Lodge, or that any of their members had visited those clandestine bodies during the last year, Brother Perssons' letter to Brother Spencer, on that subject, was ordered to lie on the table. The communication from the Grand Lodge of Alabama, on the subject of appointing delegates to meet at the city of Washington on the first Monday in March, 1842, for the purpose of agreeing upon a uniform mode of work, and making other lawful regulations for the interest and. benefit of the'Craft, was ordered to lie on the table. On motion made and seconded, it was Reaolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to give information to all dormant Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, that if they send representatives at the next Annual Communication, and pay one year's dues, they shall be restored to their former standing. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That Mansfield Lodge, No. 31, retain their warrant and jewels, and have until the next Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge to reorganize, send representatives and make their return. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment, and after a short time was again called to labor, when 316 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. they proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz. : M. W. Daniel B. Bruen, of Kewark, Grand Master. K. "W. Abner Parke, of New Hampton, Deputy Grand Master. E. "W. "William H. Earl, of Newark, Senior Grand "Warden. R. "W. Jeremiah B. Davis, of Bridgton, Junior Grand "Warden. R. ^V. John Mershon, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. R. "W. Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Deputy Grand Secre- tary. R. "W. X. J. Maynard, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. Tke Most "Worshipful Grand Master made the following . appointments : Rev. & "W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaiplain. W. Elias 1. Thompson, Grand Visitor. "W. Rounsaville, Grand Pursuivant. W. Haleey Canfield, Senior Grand Deacon. "W. John Vantilburgh^ Junior Grand Deacon. "W. Eliaa PhiHips, Grand Steward. "W. Harvey Parke, " Bro. Sylvester Vansyckel, Grand Tyler. The Grand Officers were then duly installed in their re^ spective offices. On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer pass to the credit of the Grand Secretary the sum of thirty dollars, for salary for the past year. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pay the Grand Tyler the sum of four dollars for his attendance this day. The Throne of Grace was then addressed, and a benedic- tion pronounced ^y the Rev. Grand Chaplain, when the Grand Lodge closed in harmony, to meet again on the second Tuesday in November, A. D. 1842, A. L. 5842, which will be on the 8th day of the month, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 317 The following aocounts were ordered to be paid previous to the eiection of Grand Officers, viz, : Joseph Justice, for printing, &c $12 50 Justice & Mills, " 3 00 John Mershon, Grand Secretary, for postage, &c , 3 34 $18 84 NOVEMBER SESSION, 1842. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Eree and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 8th, A. L. 5842, A. D. 1842. PRESENT. M. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN, Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JEREMIAH B. DAVIS, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN MERSHON, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOSEPH IL HOUGH, Depuljy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MATNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. HALSET CANFIELD, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN VANTILBURGH, Junior Grand Deacon. W. GEORGE AYRES, Grand Marshal. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Steward. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKEL, Grand Tyler. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, representative of the Right AVorshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Visiting Brethren — Isaac Barnes and Aaron S. Longstreet. Representatives from the following Lodges appeared and took their seats, viz. : John J. Frisbee, S. B. Scattergood and Alvan Sanford, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. 318 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Enos F. Randolph, George Ayres, Brearley Lodge, No. 9. William Mason, William French, Tuokerton Lodge, No. 43. William H. Parke, Isaac Smith and William P. Sanno, Lebanon Lodge, No. 54. B. West, Newark Lodge, No. 55. Moses Craig, Clinton Lodge, No. 56. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form, the Throne ■of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chaplain, the minutes of the last Annual Grand Communication were read and approved, after which the Grand Lodge proceeded to bus- iness. Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17, made application to be restored to their former standing in this Grand Lodge, and on motion mad» and seconded, it was Hesolved, That tliey hi restored, provided they pay one year's dues, and remake or heal two members which they have lately made, which making this Grand Lodge declares to be illegal. Brothers Jeremiah B. Davis* and John Vantilburgh were appointed a Committee on Foreign Correspondence. Brothers Halsey Canfield and Elias Phillips were appointed a Committee to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts. On motion made and seconded. Resolved, That Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43, be restored to their former standing in this Grand Lodge, on the payment of one year's dues, which condition was complied with. The Grand Secretary made the following report, which was accepted : Agreeably to a resolution of the Grand Lodge at the last Annual Com- munication, that any dormant Lodges under its jurisdiction that should Bend representatives at this Communication and pay one year's dues should be restored to their former standing, I transmitted to each of the said dormant Lodges under its jurisdiction copies of said resolution. Some I mailed on the 3lBt January last, and others I sent by brethren residing near said Lodges. I have received communications from Cincinnati lodge, No. 17, and Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43, both of which inform me they will make an effort to have their Lodges represented at this Commu- 'cication. On the 14th September last I received from Brother Pruden Ailing, Secretary pro tem. of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, a letter, covering GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 319' the following report, which was accepted and the committee discharged : The committee appointed to examine the Grand Treasurer's accounts, respectfully report — that they have attended to that duty, find his accounta and vouchers correctly stated, with a balance in his hands of twenty-six dollars and seven cents. (Signed) Halset Canfield, 1 Committee Elias Phillips, | ^'""'«*«««- The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the following report : The committee appointed to examine the Foreign Correspondence beg leave to report — that they have attended to the duties assigned them, and find that communications have been received from the following Grand Lodges, viz. ; Connecticut, New Hampshire, Ehode Island, Maine, New York, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Ten- nessee, Indiana, Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas and Michigan. These communications are extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges, and your committee find nothing therein that requires the immediate action of this Grand Lodge, except what is embraced in the Grand Secretary's report. They would recommend that the Grand Sec- retary transmit to the several Grand Lodges in the United States such extract of proceedings of this Grand Lodge as shall be published. (Signed) srvr.^iL^BrH, } ^— • • Grand Lodge Eoom, Trenton, November 8th, A. L. 5842, A. D. 1842. The following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted : Whereas, the charges and specifications brought by Brother James T. Thomson against Past Grand Masters Jeptha B, Munn and John S. Darcy^ before St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark, and which charges he pledged himself to bring before this Grand Lodge at the present Communication, and he having failed so to do, and this Grand Lodge having decided that the said charges and specifications have not come duly attested before them, therefore be it Resolved, That the said charges and specifications be dismissed by this Grand Lodge. On motion made and seconded, Resolved, That the dues of Newark Lodge, No. 55, be remitted, and their ■ return of members be accepted. 324 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Brother Prisbee offered the following resolution : Resolved, That so much of the Constitution and General Eegnlations of this Grand Lodge as requires the subordinate officers thereof to be filled bj Past Masters, be rescinded. Which resolution was ordered to lie over until the next Annual Communication, and the Grand Secretary directed to give notice of said resolution to all working Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted with only dissenting voice, (Brother Elias Vanars- dale, of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark.) Whereas, The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York did, in the year A. L. 5837, expel certain Lodges and individuals from all the rights and privileges of Free Masonry, which said Lodges and indi- viduals formed themselves into a body within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and called themselves St. John's Grand Lodge, and went on and held clandestine Masonic meetings, and assumed the right to perform all the rites and ceremonies of the ancient fraternity without any warrant, dispensation or authority from any legal Masonic Body to exercise the same. And whereas. This Grand Lodge did, at their Grand Communication A. L. 5837, pass certain resolutions supporting the authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and recommending to the Lodges and Masons under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, that no intercourse should be held with the expelled Masons, or with what they term St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and this Grand Lodge supposing that an expression of their feelings (without a prohibitory reso- lution,) when communicated to the Lodges and their brethren under its jurisdiction, would be sufficient for a strict observance of its recommenda- tion. This Grand Lodge feels pained to say that St. John's Lodge, No. 2, under its jurisdiction, has paid no heed to its wishes, but in violation of its recommendation has continued to hold Masonic intercourse with the said St. John's Grand Lodge and its members, notwithstanding the re- peated solicitations of the officers of this Grand Lodge to the members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, that they should respect and sustain the Grand Lodge of New York, and were bound strictly to observe the recommen- dation of this Grand Lodge. This Grand Lodge therefore, in pursuance of their rights and priviliges to censure, restrict, suspend or expel Lodges or individuals under its jurisdiction for violation of its rules and regula- tions, do Resolve, That St. John's Lodge, No. 2, under its jurisdiction, is highly GEAND LODGE OF NEW JKBSEY. 325 censurable as a body for receiving into their Lodge expelled Masons of the city of New York, hailing froai under the jurisdiction of St. John's Grand Lodge, New York, and that all Masons who have individually held Masonic intercourse with said expelled Masons of the city of New York, are not only highly censurable, but deserve to be strictly disci- plined. And this Grand Lodge do further Bemhe, That all Lodges and Masons under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, are hereby strictly interdicted, prohibited and forbidden to receive into any of their Lodges under its jurisdiction, any member or members belonging to, or hailing from any Lodge or Lodges under the jurisdiction of a clandestine body in the State of New York, calling themselves St. John's Grand Lodge, or to hold any Masonic intercourse or communication with them whatever, or to visit said clandestine St. John's Grand Lodge, or any Lodge under its jurisdic- tion. And this Grand Lodge doth further Resolve, That a violation of the pre- ceding resolution, in any of its parts or points, by any Lodge or Mason under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall be considered as a defi- ance of its authority ; and the Lodge or Mason so offending shall be struck from the rolls of this Grand Lodge, and be considered as suspended from all the rights and privileges of the fraternity, and the name or names published. On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously Resolved, That Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and John S. Darcy, for the part they took in the year 1837, in installing the Grand Officers of the self-styled St. John's Grand Lodge, in the city of New York, deserve the censure of this Grand Lodge. That'part of the report of the Grand Secretary in relation to the appointment of a Grand Lecturer to attend the Con- vention at Baltimore was ordered to lie on the table. That part of the report of the Grand Secretary in relation to the Grand Lodge of Michigan, was approved of. The Grand Secretary reported that he had lately had a conversation with Dr. Thomas L. Woodruff, former Grand Treasurer, on the subject of the payment of the whole or part of hia note due this day, and received for answer that he could do nothing, except that it might be in the way of interest. He promised however to see him again on the subject previous to this day, which he failed to do. "Where- upon it was 326 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JBRSBT. Betolved, That Brothers X. J. Maynard and William Kerwood be ap- pointed a committee to confer with liira on the subject, and that unless he pay the note now due within sixty days, they commence a suit against him. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pass to the credit of the Grand Sec- retary, on the books of this Grand Lodge, the sum of thirty dollars, being the amount of his salary for the last year, which will make the amount now due him the sum of one hundred and forty dollars, which the Grand Treasurer is directed to pay when in funds. The following accounts were presented and ordered to b& paid, viz. : Justice & Mills, for printing... $15 50 John Mershon, Grand Secretary, for postage, &c 3 48 Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be paid the Grand Tyler for his- attendance this day. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment, and after a short time spent at refreshment was again called to labor. Resolved, That all Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this- Grand Lodge, that have lain dormant for three or more years, be stricken from the list of Lodges. But that on application to the Most Worshipful Grand Master for a Dispensation until the next Annual Communication,, they may resume their labors, and on proper application at that time- their warrant may be restored. It was further Resolved and Ordered, That the Grand Secretary re-num- ber the Lodges that are working, and that all Lodges that may hereafter be restored or warranted, shall take number in the order in which they are restored or warranted. Lodges Stricken Off. — Solomon's Lodge, No. 1; Harmony, Jvo. 8 ; Woodbury, No. 11; Union, No. 12; Passaic, No. 13 ; Farmers, No. 14-; Olive Branch, No. 16 ; Mount Holly, No. 18 ; Salem, No. 19 ; Union, No. 21; Friendship, No. 22; Hope, No. 26; Independence, No. 29 ;. Mansfield, No. 31; Sharptown, No. 32; Shrewsbury Washington, No. 34 ; Cedarville, No. 35 ; Pittstown, No. 38 ; Allowaystown, No. 39 ; Je- rusalem, No. 40; Washington, No. 41; Deerfield, No. 42; Essex, Nov 44 ; Camden, No. 45 ; Euclid, No. 46 ; Cranbury, No. 47 ; LaFayette, No. 49 ; Dove, No. 50 ; Corinthian^ No. 51 ; Warren, No. 52; Franklin,. No. 53; Mount Vernon, No. 57; Hiram, No. 58. The following Lodges were stricken from the roll some years ago, viz. : GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 327 Hiram Lodge, No. 4 ; Union, No. G ; Unity, No. 7 ; Trinity, No. 20 ; SandystOD, No. 24; Hiram, No. 25; Princeton, No. 30. The following Lodges surrendered their warrants some years ago, viz. : Trinity Lodge, No. 3 ; Nova Ces^rea, No. 10 ; Federal, No. 15 ; Au- gusta, No. 23; St. Tammany, No. 28; Chatham, No. 33; Dennis Creek, No. 36; Franklin, No. 37; Bloomfield, No. 48. List of Lodges working at this time, (November 8th, 1842.) St. John's Lodge, No. 2 ; Trenton Lodge, No. 5 ; Brearley Lodge, No. 9 ; Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17 ; Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43 ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 54 ; Newark Lodge, No. 55 ; Clinton Lodge, No. 56. In re-numbei'ing, the Lodges will take rank as follows: St. John's Lodge, No. 2, will take No. 1 ; Brearley Lodge, No. 9, will take No. 2 ; Cincinnati Lodge, No. 17, will take No. 3; Tuckerton Lodge, No. 43, will take No. 4 ; Trenton Lodge, No. 5, will retain her number. No. 5 ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 54, will take No. 6 ; Newark Lodge, No. 55, will take No. 7 ; Clinton Lodge, No. 56, will take No. 8; Washington Lodge, No. 34, Shrewsbury, No. 9 ; Franklin Lodge, No. 10. The Grand Lodge having gone through with all other business before them, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were duly elected, viz. : M. W. Daniel B. Bruen, of Newark, Grand Master. R. "W. Abner Parke, of New Hampton, Deputy G. Master. " " William H. Earl, of Newark, Senior Grand "Warden. " " Jeremiah B. Davis, of Bridgeton, Junior G. Warden. " " John Mershon, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. " " Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Deputy G. Secretarj\ " " X. J. Maynard, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. The Most Worshipful Grand Master made the following appointments, viz. : Rev. & W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. " Elias L Thompson, Grand Visitor. " Richard Rounsaville, Grand Pursuivant. " George Ayres, Grand Marshal. " Halsey Canfield^ Senior Grand Deacon. 3 328 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. W. John Vantilburgh, Junior Grand Deacon. " Elias Phillips, Grand Steward. " Samuel B. Scattergood, Grand Steward. Bro. Sylvester Vansickle, Grand Tyler. The Grand Officers were then severally installed into their respective offices and took their stations. The Throne of Grace was then addressed and a benedic- tion pronounced by the Grand Chaplain, when the Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Tuesday in November, A. D. 1843, A. L. 5843, which will be on the 14th day of the month, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOHN" MERSnOISr, G. Secretary. l^ovember 8th, A. L. 5842, A. D. 1842. NOVEMBER SESSION, 1848. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 14th ef November, A. L. 5843, there were PRESENT, M. W. DAJSriEL B. BRUEN, Graud Master. R. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. PRUDDEN A.LLING, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MATNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN VANTILBURGH, Junior Grand Deacon. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. K. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEESBY. 329 Visiting Brethren. — Samuel A. Sutton, of Trenton Lodge, No. 5 ; John R. Crockett, of St. John's Lodge, No. 1. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : Joseph HoUingsworth, S. W., St. John's Lodge, No. L John J. Frisbee, W. M., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Bartholomew West, W. M., Newark Lodge, No. 7. Allen Osborne, W. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form ; the Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chaplain ; the minutes of the last Grand Annual Communication were read and approved, after which the Grand Lodge proceeded to busi- ness. The Worshipful Grand Master read the following report : Brethren: — Another Masonic year has passed away with us, and while I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon our meeting in the full enjoyment of the blessing of Divine Providence, it becomes my painful duty to announce to you, that during the recess of this body, it has pleased the great Disposer of events to remove from among us our worthy and beloved brother, John Mershon, the E. W. G. Secretary of this Grand Lodge. It is unnecessary, brethren, for me at this time to attempt to recapitulate his distinguished services (for many years) as a member of this body, or to remind you of his zeal as a member of the Masonic . Fraternity, or of his virtues as a christian, a citizen and a Mason. You all knew him, and I will leave it to those better acquainted, and more competent, to detail to you the traits of his character which endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. I would respect- fully recommend to the Grand Lodge that they take such order in the matter as they deem proper, in paying that respect to the memory of our departed brother, John Mershon, esquire, late Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, as his Masonic character and christian virtues merit. We have again assembled, brethren, for the purpose of transacting the business necessary for the better government of the Lodges which are subordinate to this Grand Lodge. In order to expedite the business that may come before you, I herewith lay before you such information as has come to my knowledge since our last Grand Communication, with such suggestions for your consideration as seem to nie proper and necessary for the better government of the Craft. It will be unnecessary for me to particularize the diflBculties which the Grand Lodge has had to contend with for several years past; sufBce it to say, they have in a great measure been overcome, and the sound of the gavel is again heard in a number of 330 GRAND LODGE Ojf NEW JERSEY. Lodges (which are subordinate to this Grand Lodge) which have laid dormant for many years. I received an application {in the month of February last) from the Worshipful John P. Lewis, P. M. of Shrewsbury Washington Lodge, No. 41, and fourteen others (members of said Lodge), stating that they had not held any regular meetings since the year 1835 ; and that their Lodge- room had been entered by thieves, and their warrant and jewels stolen ; and that they wished to re-open and resuscitate their Lodge, and asked for a dispensation for that purpose, which I granted to them, to remain in force until this present Grand Communication. I also received an application from Allen Osborne and eight others (members of Franklin Lodge, No. 53,) praying for a dispensation to re-open and resuscitate said Lodge. I accordingly granted them a dispensation for that purpose (sub- ject to the regulations of the Grand Lodge), and, on the 24th May, A. L. 5843, I repaired to Camptown, and, with the assistance of the S. G. Warden and other brethren, I installed the officers of that Lodge, and I am happy to state that they are prosperously pursuing their labors. I would respectfully suggest to the Grand Lodge that a vote be taken upon the publishing of each subject that may come before it. I am induced to make this suggestion, from the fact that some matters which were brought before this body have reached the public ear, which should never have gone beyond its walls. The defalcation of the late Grand Treasurer of this Grand Lodge, together with the inaction of so great a proportion of the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, has so reduced its finances that it has been deprived of the means, not only of affording the necessary expenses of its officers, but also of the ability of bestowing charities on such worthy objects as have claims on its bounty; I would therefore recommend for your consideration, that every member of a constituted Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, pay fifty cents, annu- ally, into its funds, in addition to the dues now paid into the General Charity Fund, and that a decided stand be taken against the remission of dues from Subordinate Lodges, except in case of actual misfortune, and then only upon satisfactory evidence that the interests of the Craft will be promoted by it. As ours is confessedly a benevolent institution, its design to administer to the wants of the destitute and forlorn, its great end the promotion of human happiness, and from its professions of charity, unworthy objects often impose upon the benevolent sympathies of their brethren, I would therefore recommend for your consideration the plan which has been adopted by several Grand Lodges in Europe, and in this country also, viz. : " That no Mason be admitted by any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, or receive the charities of any Lodge, unless he shall, on such application, exhibit a Grand Lodge certificate, duly attested by the GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 331 proper authority." I would further recommend, that this Grand Lodge procure a plate, with a suitable device upon it, for the purpose of striking ofT certificates under its authority, and that each member of a Subordi- nate Lodge under its jurisdiction be required to provide himself with one. It has often been charged upon us by the enemies of our Fraternity, that we assembled for the purpose of having bacchanalian revels, and that from the entrance into our Lodges can be traced the degraded path trod by the drunkard. From such a charge let us shield ourselves, by adopt- ing such regulations as will prohibit the use of all intoxicating drinks in any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. There is, perhaps, no subject which has caused more just and general complaints than the want of uniformity that now exists in the work of the different Lodges in the several States. This defect, it is hoped, has been remedied by the convention held in the city of Baltimore in May last, t have never heard what the result of their labors was, conse- quently I cannot give you any information on the subject. As the regu- lations of this Grand Lodge do not recognize the office of Grand Lecturer, I would suggest the propriety of creating such an officer, to whom shall be assigned such duties and such compensation for performing them, as the Grand Lodge may think proper. For several years past this Grand Lodge has had little else before it than the ordinary business of returns from Subordinate Lodges and reports on Foreign Correspondence. Its members generally from a distance, and on their own expenses, its sittings were consequently short, seldom if ever longer than one day ; and as a number of suggestions have been made for your consideration, which will necessarily occupy more time than formerly, I would suggest the propriety of holding an extra meeting, for the purpose of receiving reports of committees and attending to such other business as may come properly before it; at which time, also, an eulogium be pronounced on our departed brother, John Mershon, by a brother who may be designated by this Grand Lodge. In closing this communication, brethren, I must say that this is pro- bably the last time that I shall preside over your deliberations. For your kindness and courtesy, extended to me on all occasions, I feel myself much indebted, and at the close of this meeting I shall take my leave of you as an officer of this body, hoping that in my successor you will find those qualifications necessary to fill that station, which I always felt myself more honored by, than qualified for. Daniel B. Briten. On motion of Bro. John J. Frisbee, that a committee be appointed on the foregoing report, the chair appointed John J. Frisbee, John P. Lewis and Halsey Canfield. Committee on Treasurer's Accounts — John J. Frisbee and Allen Os- 332 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. borne. Committee on Foreign Correspondence — X. J. Maynard and William Kerwood. The committee to whom wa.s referred the claim against Thomas L. Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, reported the following : The committee to whom was referred the claim against Thomas L. Woodruff, late Grand Treasurer, of three promissory notes, amounting to five hundred and thirty-one dollars, would beg leave to report — That soon after their appointment they applied to one of the best lawyers in the State, who had some knowledge of Bro. Woodruff's situa- tion as to property. After due consideration, this gentleman gave his decided opinion that it would be useless to commence a suit for the recovery of the money. Your committee took his advice, and have done nothing, except that before consulting with counsel they wrote to Bro. Woodruff, who did not even answer their letter. Believing nothing can be obtained on these notes, your committee ask to be discharged. Wii. Kerwood, X. J. MAYNiRD. Trenton, November 14, A. L. 5843. The report was accepted and the committee discharged. Bro. John J. Frisbee called up the amendment offered by him at the previous meeting, in relation to the elective and appointed officers being Past Masters. Laid over until afternoon. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, until 21 o'clock. GRAND LODGE OF NKW JERSEY. 333 At half-past two o'clock the Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. PRESENT. M. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN, Grand Master. R. W. WILLIAM H. EAEL, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. PRUDDEN ALLING, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH II. nOUGH, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. X. J. MAYNARD, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONATHAN" BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN VANTILBURGH, Junior Grand Deacon. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Steward. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKEL, Grand Tyler. R. W. AVILLIAM KERWOOD, representative of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York. VisiTixG Brethren — John R. Crockett, Kdward Stewart, Joseph W. Scott, P. G. M. LODGES EEPRESEMED AS FOLLOWS: Joseph Hollingsworth, S. W., St. John's Lodge, No. 1. John J. Frisbee, W. M., Trenton Lodge, N 5. Bartholomew West, W. M., Newark Lodge, No. 7. John P. Lewis, W. M., Washington Lodge, No. 9. Allen Osborne, W. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. Bro. Prudden Ailing asked for remission of the dues of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for the past two years; that said Lodge had expended over one hundred dollars in charity, and put a new roof on their hall. On motion, Resolved, That St. John's Lodge, No. 1, be exempt from dues for the past two years. While under consideration, Bro. William Kerwood moved that the dues of the first year be remitted. Agreed to. Bro. Joseph Hollingsworth ofl'ered the following : Resolved, That the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, censnring St. John's Lodge, No. 1, be rescinded. Agreed to. 334 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The committee on the Treasurer's Accounts, reported as fo Hows : * The committee appointed to examine tlie Treasurer's Accounts respect- fully report — That they have attended to that duty, find his accounts cor- rectly stated, accompanied with the proper vouchers, which show a balance in hia hands of twenty-seven dollars and fifty-nine cents. John J. Frisbee, Allen Osborne. November 14th, A. L. 5843. On motion, the report was received and committee dis- charged. An application to revive Washington Shrewsbury Lodge, at Eatontown, was read ; and on motion that a new warrant he granted, it was agreed to. Bro. John E. Crockett asked of this Grand Lodge a cer- tificate, St. John's Lodge having refused his application. Laid over for the present. The committee on the Grand Master's report submitted the following : Your committee respectfully recommend that the annual dues from members under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be raised to fifty cents. And to that part respecting the remission of dues to Lodges, your com- mittee would recommend a strict adherence to the Constitution and Gen- eral Regulations of this Grand Lodge. Your committee would adopt the language of the communication be- fore them on the subject of Grand Lodge certificates, and would recom- mend that be a committee to superintend procuring the same, and establishing the price to be charged individual members. Your com- mittee recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge are hereby expressly forbidden the introduction within the walls of their Lodges, of any spirituous liquors, wine or beer, under any pretence what- ever. Under the present situation of the finances of the Grand Lodge, your committee would recommend the postponement of the appointment of a Grand Lecturer for the present. Your committee would respectfully recommend that a meeting of this Grand Lodge be held at Newark, on some day in May next, to be named by the Most Worshipful Grand Master ; and that be re- GRAND LODaE OP NEW JERSEY. 335 quested to deliver an eulogium on the virtues and character of our late lamented Grand Secretary at that meeting. John J. Frisbee, John P. Lewis, H. CANriELD. Oa motion, that the foregoing report be adopted, with the exception of the third recommendation or resolution, agreed to. The subject of Grand Lodge certificates was referred to Joseph H. Hough and William Kerwood. The time and place of meeting at Newark was fixed for the first Tuesday in May, at St. John's Hall. The Grand Master was requested to procure some suita- ble person to deliver the eulogium. The Committee on Correspondence reported as follows : The committee appointed on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to re- port — that they have attended to the duties assigned them, and find that communications have been received, during the last year, from the fol- lowing Grand Lodges, viz. : Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vir- ginia, Maryland, New York, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Texas. They are extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges, and your committee do not find anything therein that requires the immediate attention of this Grand Lodge, except a communication from Bro. Syl- vester Spencer, our representative near the Grand Lodge of New York, relative to Grand Lodge certificates, which are referred to in the report of the Grand Master. X. J. Matnard, William Kerwood. Trenton, November 14th, A. L. 5843. On motion, the report was adopted. The application of Allen Osborne, Matthias W. Eoss, Lyman S. Averill and others, for the restoration of the war- rant of Franklin Lodge, No. 63, of Camptown. Bequest granted, and to take No. 10. The petition of Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, was read. On motion, 336 GRAND LODUE OF NEW JERSEY. Ordered, That the Grand Treasurer pay over to the widow of the late Grand Secretary the balance in his hands, after paying the following bills : J. H. Hough, postage, $3.86, and Joseph Justice's bill for printing, $21.50. The resolution oifered by Bro. John J. Frisbee, which requires subordinate offices to be filled by Past Masters, was agreed to. On motion, that Bro. John R. Crockett have an honora- ble discharge from St. John's Lodge, Xo. 1, while under consideration, the subject was postponed till the adjourned meeting in May next. The Grand Lodge was called off for a short space of time to make nominations; thence called to labor. An election was held, which resulted as follows : M. \Y. Daniel B. Bruen, of Newark, Grand Master. R. W. William H. Earl, of Newark, Deputy Grand Master. " " John P. Lewis, of Eatontown, Senior Grand Warden. " " Bartholomew West, of Newark, Junior G. Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. " " John J. Frisbee, of Trenton, Deputy G. Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. No subordinate officers were appointed. The above officers were duly installed, except the Senior Grand Warden, who was installed by proxy. The Throne of Grace was then addressed, and a benedic- tion pronounced by the Grand Chaplain, when the Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet in St. John's Hall, at Newark, on Tuesday, the 7th day of May next, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, November 14th, A. L. 5843. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 337 ADJOURNED SESSION, 1844. An adjourned meeting of the Grand Lodge was held at St. John's Hall, Newark, May 7th. PRESENT. R. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. IRA MERCHANT, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. ALLEN OSBORNE, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. EZRA DURAND, Grand Treasurer, p. t. R. W. JAMES J. CARTER, Senior Grand Deacon. R. W. JOHN C. LITTELL, Junior Grand Deacon. Bro. ISRAEL 0. LOSEY, Grand Tyler, p. t. R. W". WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of New York. Visitor — David Naar. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : James J. Carter, W. M., J. C. Littell, J. W., St. John's Lodge, No. 1. Samuel B. Scattergeod, (proxy), Trenton Lodge, No. 5. Ira Merchant, W". M., E. Stewart, J. W., Newark Lodge, No. 7. Allen Osborne, W. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. The minutes were read. The matter of Bro. John R. Crockett's discharge from St. John's Lodge, No. 1, was laid over for the present, On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee be appointed to examine the books of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and ascertain what amount has been paid in charity for the past year. Committee — James Hewson, Ezra Durand and Thomas Belcher, The Secretary read a communication from the Right Wor- shipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, recommending Bro. R. L. Roddy, of Fcrsythe, aa our representative near said Grand Lodge. On motion, it was accepted and ordered filed. 338 GRAND LODSE OF NEW JERSEY. Charges were preferred against Past Master Pruddeii Ailing, of St. John's Lodge, 'No. 1, which were read and referred to a committee. Charges against Joseph Hollingsworth were read and re- ferred to a committee. It was Ordered, That both charges be referred to tlie same committee, to report at the next Annual Communication. On motion, adjourned to meet in Newark Lodge-room at 3 o'clock, P. M. Newark Lodge-room, 3 o'clock, p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to order — officers as before. The committee to whom was referred the subject of what sum St. John's Lodge, No. 1, had paid in charity the past year, reported as follows : The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, during its session at Newark, May 7th, 5844, to examine the books of iSt. John's Lodge, No. 1, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount paid in charities by that Lodge during the year ending November 14th, 1843, respectfully submit the following report — that having examined the minutes of the regular and extra meet- ings of St. John's Lodge, from the meeting of November 23d, 1842, to November 22d, 1843, inclusive, as recorded in the minute book of said Lodge, we find the amount of ten dollars, bestowed as a donation or charity, recorded at the regular meeting of said Lodge on the 8th day cf March, 1843. On behalf of the committee. James Hewson, Thomas Belcher. Newark, May 7th, A. L. 5844. On motion, the report was accepted and the committee discharged. The Grand Master read his report and opinion, delivered before St. John's Lodge, No. 1, which was ordered to be re- corded. ****** On motion, it was Ordered, That St. John's Lodge, No. 1, be requested to give Bro. John B. Crockett an honorable disebarge. Agreed to. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 339 The chair, appointed Bro's John Garside, Ezra Durand and John R. Crockett to try the charges against Past Master Prudden Ailing and Joseph HoUingsworth. The publication of the proceedings was deferred till the next annual meeting:. The following appointments were made : W. Samuel B. Scattergood, Senior Grand Deacon. Rev. W. Jonathan Brooks, Grand Chaplain. W. Thomas Belcher, Grand Steward. Bro. Sylvester Vansickle, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge then closed in harmony. NOVEMBER SESSION", 1844. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Ma- sonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, November 12th, A. L. 5844, there were PRESENT, M. W. DANIEL B. BRUEN, Grand Master. R. W". WILLIAM H. EARL, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. BARTHOLOMEW WEST, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. R. W. HALSEY CANFIELD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. IRA MERCHANT, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKLE, Grand Tyler. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of New York. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : Samuel B. Scattergood, W. M., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. E. Stewart, W. M., J. Garside, S. W., Newark Lodge, No. 7. Allen Osborne, W. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. 340 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Chaplain. The minutes of the last annual and adjourned meetings were read and approved. The following committees were rppointed : On Foreign Correspondence — Bro's Ira Merchant and William H. Earl. On Treasurer's Accounts — Bro's William Kervfood and Bartholomew West. The Grand Lodge was then called off from labor to re- freshment, until half past two o'clock. At half past 2 o'clock, P. M. the Grand Lodge was called to order. Officers same as before. The Grand Master read his report, as follows : Brethren: — Another Masonic year has convened us together, for the purpose of performing the duties required of us by the Constitution and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge. In performing the duties necessarily required of me, I shall be as brief as possible in laying before you such matters as I may deem proper to call your attention to. The duties, rights and privileges of the officers and members of the Grand Lodge, as well as of the officers and members of Subordinate Lodges, is a subject which, if well understood, seems to be but little observed. The Ancient Constitutions, as well as the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, make it a sovereign, independent body. From its decision there is no appeal ; but, in the exercise of its prerogative, the rights and privileges of its officers and members, as well as of Lodges that are subordinate thereto, are guarded by the Ancient Constitutions and usages of the Fraternity. During the recess of the Grand Lodge, all its powers of government over Subordinate Lodges devolve on the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden and Junior Grand Warden, as the case may be; but in the exercise of those powers they are answerable to the Grand Lodge. The rights, privileges and duties of Subordinate Lodges, as well as of the officers and members, are all clearly laid down in the Ancient Constitutions and By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, the protection of which can be claimed by any member of the Fraternity. I wish to bring the subject of discipline to the attention of the Grand Lodge without going GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 341 into any detail. The rights, privileges, duties and powers of ofBcers and members of the Grand Lodges, as well as Subordinate ones, are within the reach of every member of the Fraternity ; and if well understood, and put in practice, would bind us together (as we profess to be) in the holy bond of brotherhood, united in one common interest, to do to each other agreeably to the requirements of our obligations. At the extra meeting of this Grand Lodge, held in the city of Newark in May last, I made a communication to you; since that time nothing has transpired to which I think it necessary to call your attention. The proceedings at that meeting, however, and some papers which were pre- sented for its consideration, were so extraordinary in their nature, that I felt it to be my duty to call your attention for your prompt and decisive action. It is well known to you, brethren, that there has long existed (within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge) a feud among the brethren and sister Lodges in the city of Newark, toward which the Grand Lodge and its officers have exercised that lenity and forbearance, and to individuals in particular, which has emboldened them not only to insult the Grand Lodge, in the person of its officers, but to assume to themselves rights and privileges to which none are entitled but members of this body. Out of these circumstances have grown charges against several individuals, which have been presented by the Junior Grand Warden. These charges were acted upon at the extra meeting held in the city of Newark in May last; two of them were referred to a committee, to be reported on at this meeting, the other was dismissed, which finally disposes of it, unless again called up, and presented by a member of this body. Immediately following the filing of the charges referred to, charges were presented by Samuel Smith, Past Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, (who was disqual- ified at that time to exercise any right or privilege of membership of this Grand Lodge, by charges then lying on the files against him) against me as Grand Master, for expressing and stating facts in open Lodge, when called upon by St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for my official action as Grand Master of this State. Charges were also presented to this Grand Lodge by Bro. Shultz, (a private member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1,) against Bro. Luther Goble, (a Past Master of said Lodge), for violating his obli- gations as master of a Lodge. Charges were also preferred in this Grand Lodge by Bro. J. T. Baldwin, (a private member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1,) against the Eight Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge. To these charges, and the assumption of the individuals bring- ing them, I wish to call your attention. In doing so, I ask nothing as an humble individual, neither do I wish to arrogate to myself, as Grand Master of the State of New Jersey, any more than the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge and the Ancient Constitutions and land- marks of the Fraternity entitle me to ; that I ask, and that I demand of 342 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. you as a right and a protection to me in ray official capacity, as the exec- utive officer of this body. In acting in that capacity, I have never been, nor do I intend to be, intimidated or awed into silence by delicacy or the presence of any person, to withhold any opinion or censure which a sense of duty prompts me to utter. The station that I have filled in this Grand Lodge (for the last four years) is one that I accepted with diffidence and unwillingness, well knowing my inexperience, and consequent inability to perform its important duties. Having accepted it, I have endeavored to discharge the trust reposed in me to the best of my abilities, for the pros- perity, honor and dignity of the Craft. In the discharge of those duties, I have been called upon to decide on questions in Masonic jurisprudence which are altogether new. In giving such opinions I have been governed (so far as I understand them) by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, and the Ancient Constitutions and landmarks of the Fraternity. When acting officially, and it became necessary to administer disci- pline to a Lodge, or an individual, I have done it without favor or aflfec- tion, and fearless of any consequence but a violation of duty. For the faithful discharge of that duty I have incurred the displeasure of some individuals, among whom are those who have been honored by their brethren with high and honorable stations, who have descended from their dignity, not only to insult me personally, but to offer insult to this Eight Worshipful Grand Lodge in the person of its officers, when called upon to act officially, and then having the audacity (when laboring under charges filed against them in this Lodge, and consequently disfranchised from any right or privilege in its proceedings,) to bring charges against its officers for facts stated by them in the discharge of their duties, and by these means endeavoring to throw dust in the eyes of the Fraternity, and obstacles and difficulties in the way of this body, in disposing of the charges filed against them. Brethren, there are rights and privileges in the government of all de- liberative bodies, which every member has a right to exercise, agreeably to the rules, regulations and established usages of such body ; a violation of its laws makes the violator subject to its penalties, and, until justice is satisfied, suspends him from participating in its deliberations, govern- ment and privileges. In the army and navy, an officer under charges is deprived of his sword and all authority under his commission, the judge is deprived of his seat on the bench, the divine of his surplice, the legis- lator of deliberating in the affairs of government, the member of the christian church in partaking of the holy symbols of the sacrament or participating in the government of the church ; and will this Grand Lodge tolerate a member in the exercise of the rights and privileges of membership, when grave and serious charges are lying on your files against him ? if so, what would be its effects? A member may be guilty GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 34B" of the most outrageous violations of law and order ; charges are made out and filed against him ; all he has to do is to turn around and trump up- charges against the officers of the Grand Lodge or of a Subordinate Lodge, (as the case may be) and so make an off-set of his crimes by false accu- sations against his accusers, and, if necessary, he could carry that prin- ciple out by making charges against every member; and where could b& any organization or authority to enforce discipline? There is no necessity, brethren, for me to consume time in endeavoring^ to show to you that this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge has been insulted- and treated with indignity by some of its members ; on you rests the re- sponsibility to maintain your dignity and protect your ofiBcers from insult. Enough has already been before you, and will be shown by the most' indisputable evidence, to call for your prompt action. And to the disor- ganizing principle (if tolerated) would I ask the attention of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, that a private member of a Subordinate Lodge should assume to himself the right (which the Grand Lodge never gave, nor does the ancient landmarks of the Fraternity justify,) to bring in this ■ Grand Lodge grave and serious charges against one of its members r which charges he cannot be present to sustain, and the threshold he cannot pass without special invitation, and when admitted he is not allowed to vote, or even to speak on any question without leave. I refer to the cliarges brought by Bro. Jabez P. Baldwin (a private member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1,) against Bro. Bartholomew West, the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge ; his- as- sumption to exercise rights belonging to members of this body, and tO' embarrass its proceedings, by laying illegal and irregular papers before- it for its action, is an indignity offered to it, and a trifling of privilege,, which should not be tolerated nor pass without the severest censure; The assumption of Bro. Shultz (in his charges against Past Master Luther Goble) of his knowledge of the obligations and duties of the Oriental chair, are of the most offensive kind. He charges Past Master Goble with violating his obligations as Master of a Lodge. How brother Shultz (who is only a Master Mason) should be in possession of the- knowledge of the obligations and duties of the Master of a Lodge, is best known to himself; he certainly assumes that knowledge. If he has- come into possession of it illegally, he has not acquired by that possession a right to a seat in the Grand Lodge, or in the East of a Subordinate- one ; he has either been made a dupe of, or else deserves the most severe censure of this Grand Lodge. Circumstances have imposed a duty on me to call individuals and things by their proper names. In the discharge of that duty, I have been necessarily compelled to speak of myself in my official capacity; the subject is a delicate one. Since I have had the honor.of presiding over 4 344 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEK8EY. this body, I have had, perhaps, more difficulties to contend with than has ever taken place since its first organization. It is well known to you, brethren, that expelled and clandestine Masons have been adnoitted into a Lodge under your jurisdiction. Your officers have interposed their advice, which has been treated with contempt ; your recommendations, prohibiting all intercourse with clandestine and expelled Masons, were treated with as little respect as was the advice of your officers. With this revolutionary and discordant spirit I have had to contend during the whole time that I have presided over you. I now earnestly recommend that you take that decided action which will for ever put at rest that spirit of insubordination which has marred and destroyed, in a great measure, our fraternal intercourse. I trust, brethren, that I shall be able to retire from this chair, after your deliberations are closed, gratified with the feelings that I leave it in more competent hands to perform its duties. If I have discharged my duty to your satisfaction and the honor of the Fraternity, I shall feel richly paid. I have enjoyed my full share of the honors and pleasures that flow from a connection with the Masonic Fraternity. The circum- stances under which I have been placed, and the faithful discharge of my duty under them, has drawn down upon me a greater share of vindictive feeling than I should wish to fall to the lot of any brother who may suc- ceed me. Wishing to retire from any further action, in this body as an officer, I hope that in the selection you may make for your officers, you will pay particular attention to their qualifications for the stations for which they may be chosen, and their location in exercising a supervision and care over Subordinate Lodges. Hoping that our proceedings may be conducted in harmony, I now call the attention of the Grand Lodge to the discharge of its duties. Daniel B. Bruen. The above address was unanimously accepted. The Grand Secretary reported as follows : Trenton, November 11th, A. L. 5844. The Grand Secretary, in presenting his annual report, would simply state, that there is nothing of much importance that has come to his knowledge of such a character as to go into detail. The subject of raising the dues from members to fifty cents, (as now the Grand Lodge only requires one-half that sum) which was brought to your notice by Most Worshipful Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, at the last Grand Annual Communication, and, as per minutes, deferred till the adjourned meeting at Newark in May last, not acted upon, but postponed until this Grand Annual Communication, I sincerely hope will be viewed in its right light, and the Grand Lodge will adopt the regulation, so as to eaable it to remove some of the debt, which now increases at every sesKion. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 345 Such a small sum, as it will be from every Lodge, cannot be any detri- ment to the Lodges, but will be of vital importance to this Grand Lodge. There are a few Lodges which have made no return for two years, (ending at this meeting) which I call your attention to. The correspondence is but limited, showing nothing but the printed extracts of the proceedings of the several Grand Lodges in correspond- ence with this, which contain valuable instruction, but not deemed of suflBcient importance to present. In reference to printing the proceedings, I would recommend no more than a printed circular, giving a list of the officers, so as to save an expense of probably thirty dollars, which I think this body is unable to bear in its present embarrassed condition. J. H. Hough. Oq motion, the foregoing report was received. The foregoing address and report were referred to a com- mittee consisting of Past Masters Ira Merchant, William Kerwood and William II. Earl. The following report was presented by Bro. John Gar- side, relative to the charges brought by Bro. Bartholomew West against Past Master Prudden Ailing and Joseph Hol- lingsworth, as follows : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey : The subscribers, a committee appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey, May 7th, 1844, to try charges preferred by Bro. Bartholomew West against Bro's Prudden Ailing and Joseph Hollings- worth, beg leave to report — That the duties assigned them have been attended to, as far a practica- ble. Wishing to afford every facility to the parties, and have a fair and impartial investigation of the matters referred to them, five meetings of the said committee were appointed, two at St. John's, No. 1, Lodge-room, the first of which was adjourned on account of the inclemency of the weather. At the second, the committee could not obtain entrance into the room, the key of t.he same, for some reason unknown to them, not being produced, whereupon they adjourned to the Newark Lodge-room, and there proceeded to investigate the case. The committee find, upon evidence of Bro's Allen Osborne, Alexander Dickerson, Luther Goble, William Ross, Daniel B. Bruen and Henry K. Ingraham, some certifying as to some points, and others to others, that Bro. Ailing did make the representations in the Grand Lodge, as con. tained in charge 1, specification 1, and that Bro. Joseph Hollings- worth was present, and countenanced the statements then made, that St. 346 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. John's Lodge, Xo. 1, had contributed, or paid over, one hundred dollars in charities within the year preceding that time, and asked the said Grand Lodge, on that plea, to remit the dues of said Lodge for two years, and that the dues of one year were remitted. They find that Bro. Ailing admitted to one of the witnesses, on the evening specified in charge 2, specifications 1 and 2, he had the warrant of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, in his pocljet on said evening; and that the said warrant was not produced in the said Lodge that evening ; and that he also said, on that occasion, that said Lodge could not hold their elec- tion, or do anything without said warrant. They also find that the Secretary's desk was locked, as specified in charge 3, specification 1, and that Bro. Ailing was at the said desk before the Lodge was opened, but left previous thereto, and that the record of minutes and book of dues were missing on the said evening. They find specification 2, of charge 3 true, as charged, and specification 3, of same charge, true, as to Bro. AUing's not doing his duty as Secre- tary, on evening specified, and that refreshments were provided in the room adjoining the Lodge-room without an order of the Lodge ; but by whom provided, is not proved. They find that a demand was made of Bro. Ailing for the books and seal of St. John's Lodge on several occasions ; but that the books and seal, as mentioned in charge 3, specifications 4 and 5, have never been returned to the Lodge, and that, for want of the seal, several documents necessary to have been made out, have not been done. Bro. Ailing denied having any other books than what he gave up. They find that Bro. Ailing signed a paper, which is referred to in charge 4, specifications 1, 2 and 3, which paper is marked Exhibit No. 1, and produced as part of this report ; and that, at the time of presenting said paper to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, he, the said Prudden Ailing, was not a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ; also, that the warrant of St. John's Lodge was in Bro. AUing's possession on the evening of December 13th, 1843, and he knew where it was ; and that Bro. Samuel Smith was not confined to his bed, as alleged in the said paper, but was in the room adjoining the Lodge-room on the evening specified, though in ill health. They find that Bro. Ailing, as charged in charge 5, specifications 1 and 2, did interrupt the Most Worshipful Grand Master on the evening therein specified, and did charge that what the Most Worshipful Grand Master said on that occasion was false. And they find that Bro. Ailing, as charged in charge 6, specifications 1, 2 and 3, is guilty of uncourteous and ungentlemanly conduct towards his brethren who difi'er from him in opinion, and has been known to be intoxicated and to be profane in his conversation. In the case of Bro. Joseph HoUingsworth, the committee find, under GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 347 charge 1, specifications 1 and 2f that he was present at the Grand Com- munication of the Grand Lodge, did hear the statements made as charged, and made no objection thereto, but acquiesced therein. As charged in charge 2, specification 1, he neglected to come to the Lodge on the evening specified ; btit was present before the Lodge was opened, and was in the room adjoining after the Lodge was closed. They find that, as charged in charge 3, specifications 1, 2 and 3, Bro- Hollingsworth did sign a paper, which is marked No. 1, and here pro- duced as a part of this report, and that he was seen in the room adjoin- ing the Lodge-room on the evening of December 13th, 1843, to which the paper refers, and on which evening he was asked by one of the brothers if he was " not coming up to the Lodge to open it," and replied thereto, " we have no warrant." But there is no evidence that Bro. Hollingsworth knew that Bro. Smith was in the Lodge-room, or room adjoining the Lodge-room, on the evening of December 13th, 1843, or to the contrary, but that Bro. Smith was sick, and had the warrant, as mentioned in said paper. They find that, as charged in charge 4, specifications 1 and 2, and charge 5, specification 2, Bro. Hollingsworth did interrupt the Most Worshipful Grand Master on the evening therein specified in an uncour- teous manner, and pronounced what the Most Worshipful Grand Master said to be false, and used loud and improper conversation, as charged. The committee ivould here state, that Bro's Ailing and Hollingsworth appeared before them on three several occasions, but did not remain or were present during the taking of the testimony which has produced this report. On no occasion did they object to the action of this committee, except on the last evening of meeting of your committee. In the course of the said last meeting they both presented themselves, and objected to proceeding in the trial or having anything to do with it. Bro. Ailing objected, for the reason that he had not been served with a copy of the charges, knew not of what he was charged, and could make no defence for that reason. Bro. Hollingsworth objected that the trial was not as provided for by Masonic Constitution and usage ; that, not being a member of any Lodge, he could be tried by no other Lodge than the nearest Blue Lodge to where he resided. Both brethren engaged to furnish your committee with their objections in writing. Your committee felt that they could not entertain these objections, as their duties were specifically pointed out, and therefore proceeded on with the investigation; and in the absence of rebutting testimony, are led to the conclusion, from the evidence before them, that the charges and spe- cifications preferred against Bro's Ailing and Hollingsworth are and have been sustained, to such a degree as to warrant the committee in reporting them guilty. John Garsidb, John R. Crockett. 348 GRAND LODUE OP NEW JERSEY. On motion, that the report of the committee be received, and the communications from Past Master Prudden Ailing and Joseph Hollingsworth, be laid on the table. Agreed to. On motion, that Past Master Prudden Ailing be expelled, and Bro. Joseph Hollingsworth be suspended from all the benefits and privileges of Masonry for the space of one year. Unanimously agreed to. On motion, that the expulsion of Past Master Prudden Allem be communicated to all the Grand Lodges in the United States. Unanimously agreed to. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported as follows : The Committee on Foreign CorreBpondence beg leave to report — That they have examined printed communications from the following States, viz. : Maine, Maryland, Florida, Arkansas, New York, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Iowa, Kentucky, Connecticut, Tennessee, Vir- ginia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, also the proceedings of the Grand Chapters of Connecticut and Kentucky, in which only are communicated the printed proceedings of their different Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, and find nothing in said communications which requires the action of the Grand Lodge at the present time. Wm. H. Earl, Ira Merchant. On motion, the report was accepted. The Committee on the Treasurer's Accounts, reported as follows : The Committee on the Treasurer's Accounts beg leave to make the following report — That they have examined his books, and that, after paying the current expenses of the Grand Lodge, there remained in his hands, last year, the sum of thirteen dollars and thirteen cents, which he paid over to the executors of the late Grand Secretary ; and has received at the present Communication thirty-two dollars, as follows : Brearley Lodge, No. 2 $2 50 Newark, " " 7 18 00 Trenton, " " 5 7 50 Franklin, " " 10 4 00 $32 00 All which is respectfully submitted. B. West, Wm. Kerwood. GRAND LODGE OF NHW JERSEY. 349 On motion, the report was accepted. The committee to whom was referred the Grand Master's address and the Grand Secretary's report, presented the fol- lowing : The committee to whom was referred the communications of the Most Worshipful Grand Master and the Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary, would beg leave respectfully to report — That so much of the Most Worshipful Grand Master's report, relating to certain charges preferred by Bro's Jabez T. Baldwin and Benjamin S- Shultz, against Bro's Luther Goble and Bartholomew West, in this Grand Lodge, that Bro's Baldwin and Shultz deserve a Severe censure from this Grand Lodge. Your committee would also call the attention of this Grand Lodge to the consideration of that part of the Grand Secretary's report relative to raising the Grand Lodge dues to the sum of fifty cents, in lieu of twenty- five cents, which your committee would respectfully recommend. Ira Merchant, Wm. Kerwood, Wm. H. Earl. On motion, the report was accepted. It was Ordered, That the Grand Lodge dues hereafter be fifty cents. It was Ordered, That a vote of censure be passed upon Jabez T. Bald- win and Benjamin S. Shultz, members of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for bringing charges against members of this Grand Lodge without authority. It was Ordered, That the Grand Secretary notify the Subordinate Lodges who have not made report for the last two years, to be represented at the next Grand Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge. A communication was read from Cincinnati Lodge, for permission to remove their Lodge to Morristown. It was Ordered, That the communication be referred to the Grand Master, for him to take such action as he may deem expedient. A communication, in the nature of a report of a commit- tee from Newark Lodge, Fo. 7, was read, as follows : The committee to whom was referred the allegations made by George A. Backus to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of this Stale, that the Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master was intoxicated while presiding as Worshipful Master of this Lodge, beg leave to report — That they have made diligent inquiries of Bro's Bruen, West, and others, in relation to the allegations of George A. Backus, and that they cannot find the least shadow of evidence to sustain his foul, slanderous ^50 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. a.nd calumniating charges ; that, on the contrary, the Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master has always sustained a fair and unsullied reputa- tion as a Mason and a citizen; and your committee would recommend the following resolutions, viz. -. Ist. That the communication of George A. Backus, addressed to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of this State, is false and slanderous on the individual charged in it. 2d. That the charge of intoxication against the Kight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, William H. Earl, while presiding as Master of Newark Lodge, No. 7, is a slander on this Lodge in the person of its presiding officer, and a stigma on his personal character which this Lodge ieels bound to repel. 3d. That this Lodge instruct the Standing Committee to prefer charges against George A. Backus in this Lodge. 4th. That a certified copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be -gent to the Grand Lodge at its next Annual Communication. S. S. Morris, Wm. S. B. Clark, Harvet Park. I do hereby certify the above preamble and resolutions of the committee to be correctly copied from the minutes of xvewark Lodge, No. 7. November 11th, A. L. 5S44. Milton Baldwin, Secretary. Ou motion, it was ordered that the above be entered on ■the minutes. The communication from the ^Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia recommending R. L. Roddy, of Forsythe, our representative in the Grand Lodge of that State, was ordered to be laid on the table. The following bills were ordered to be paid : John E. David, $6 ; Sherman & Harron, %2 ; Grand Secretary, $3.16 ; Sylvester Vansyckle, (Tyler) $4, and the balance on hand ($16.84) to be paid to the executors of our late Grand Secretary. The Grand Lodge was called from labor for a short rspace of time, to make nominations for Grand Officers. Nominations were made, and the Grand Lodge was called :to labor. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 351 All election was held, whicli resulted as follows : M. W. "William H. Earl, of Newark, Grand Master. E. W. Ira Merchant, of Newark, Deputy Grand Master. " " John P. Lewis, of Eatontown, Senior Grand Warden. " " Allen Osborne, of Camptown, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. " " Staats S. Morris, of Newark, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. The Grand Officers were duly installed by Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, with the exception of the Senior Grand Warden, he not being present, was installed by proxy. It was on motion Ordered, That this Grand Lodge hold an adjourned meeting at the city of Newark, on Tuesday, the 6th day of May next, at 10 o'clock A. M., at the Hall of Newark Lodge, No. 7. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary notify each Subor- dinate Lodge of the adjourned meeting of this Grand Lodge, to be held in the city of Newark. The Grand Master made the following appointments : Eev. W. Jonathan Brooks, of Bridgeton, Grand Chaplain. " Samuel B. Scattergood, of Trenton, S. G. Deacon. " David S. Anderson, of Trenton, J. G. Deacon. " Samuel Baby, of Trenton, Grand Marshal. " Edward Stewart, of Newark, Grand Stewart. Bro. Sylvester Vansyckle, of Trenton, Grand Tyler. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chap- lain, and the Grand Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was closed, to meet on the 6th day of May next, at the city of Newark, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. 352 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. DECEMBER SESSION, 1844. MoRRisTOWN, December 26th, A. L. 5844. Pursuant to invitation and notice from the members of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey met at the above named place, for the purpose of installing the officers elect of said Lodge for the current year. PRESENT. M. W. WILLIAM H. EARL, Grand Master. R, W. JOHN R. CROCKETT, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. EDWARD STEWART, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH DALKIMPLE, Grand Treasurer, p. t. R. W. STAATS S. MORRIS, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. IRA MERCHANT, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. JOHN C. LITTELL, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. JOHN HULTZ, Grand Tyler, p. t. After the installation of James Clark as Worshipful Mas- ter, Edwin Wilson as Senior Warden, Jabez Beers as Junior Warden, Joseph Dalrimple as Treasurer, George "Vail as Secretary, the Grand Lodge was regularly opened in Entered Apprentice, Eellow Craft and Master Mason degrees, in duo and ancient form. Whereupon, on motion, Mr. John Casey had permis^on to be entered, passed and raised to the degree of Master Mason ; and, being duly prepared, was accordingly entered, passed and raised to the sublime degrae of a Master Mason, and received full instruction. Received $4 from Cincinnati Lodge, No. 8, for a dispen- sation empowering them to remove from Whippany to Morristown. There being no further business, the Grand Lodge was duly closed, in accordance with ancient usage. STAATS S. MORRIS, B. G. Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 353 ADJOURNED SESSION", 1845. Newark, May 6th, A. L. 5845. An adjourned meeting of the Most "Worahipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey was held at the above named place. PRESENT. M. W. '^^LLIAM H. EARL, Grand Master. R. W. IRA MERCHANT, Deputy Grand Master. R- W. JOHN P. LEWIS, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. ALLEN OSBORNE, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. GEORGE VAIL, Grand Secretary, p. t. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. Rev. R. W. JONATHAN BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. R. W. THOMAS BELCHER, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. |l. W. EDWARD STEWART, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. LODGES REPKESENTED AS TOLLOWS : Thomas Youngs, W. M., John R. Crockett, S. W., J. C. Littell, J. W., St. John's Lodge, No. 1. James Clark, W. M., Jabez Beers, S. W., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3. Elias Phillips, P. M., Trenton Lodge, No. 5. John P. Lewis, P. M., Washington Lodge, No. 9. Thomas Belcher, S. W., Lyman S. Averill, P. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chaplain. The minutes of the fast Annual Communication were read. The Most Worshipful Grand Master read the following address : Brethren — At our last Annual Grand Communication you saw fit, in your pleasure, to confer on me the honor of presiding over your delibera- tions for the year then ensuing, for which honor I take this opportunity of expressing my grateful acknowledgments. Since then there has no circumstance come to my knowledge, within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, which should tend to disturb or make void the harmony that should exist among brethren and Masons ; there has, notwithstanding, some circumstances transpired which I feel my duty to lay before this Grand Lodge, which I shall do as briefly as possible. 354 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Not long after the meeting of the Grand Lodge, I received a letter from Bro. Hough, stating that the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York had requested from him, or from this Grand Lodge, two wax impressions of our Grand Seal to send to the Netherlands, for what purpose I did not ascertain, and therefore could not feel myself justified in directing him to grant the request, without first laying it before this Grand Body. At the same time I would state that I have been informed that the Grand Lodge of New York has passed a resolution prohibiting their Subordinate Lodges from admitting any brethren as visitors without a Grand Lodge certificate. Some time near the last of December, by a petition from Cincinnati Lodge for a dispensation, not only to authorize them to legally resuscitate their Lodge, to enter and make Masons, but. also to remove their Lodge from Whippany to Morristown, in the same county, I, together with the Deputy Grand Master and other brethren, repaired to Morristown, and opened Cincinnati Lodge in due and ancient form. Their dispensation was then read to them by the Deputy Grand Secretary, which was satis- factory, and their officers were duly installed. I then, by their request, closed their Lodge and opened au Emergent Grand Lodge, and conferred the three degrees of Masonry on one candidate, the work done by Bro. Deputy Grand Master. Subsequently, with Bro. Merchant and others, I again repaired to Morristown and opened an Emergent Grand Lodge, when three persona had the three degrees conferred on thera. I would further beg leave to state to the Grand Lodge, that some short time since Franklin Lodge, at Camptown, or Clinton, had an application from a person residing in Newark to be made a Mason in their Lodge. In that case the second section of the General Regulations of the Grand Lodge was not complied with, and the first degree was conferred on him. limme- diately wrote to the Master of that Lodge, prohibiting him or them from taking any further action in that case until this extra meeting of the Grand Lodge should be held, when that case would be laid before them. All of which is respectfully submitted for the deliberation and action of this Grand Lodge. Wm. n. Earl, G. Master. Bro. George Vail, Grand Secretary pro tern., a delegare from Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, presented report of said Lodge since its resuscitation, and also returned the dispen- sation of the Grand Lodge, and asked, in the name of Cin- cinnati Lodge, No. 3, a warrant in its stead, said dispensa- tion being to the next annual meeting. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 355 It was on motion Ordered, That the present dispensation be continued until the warrant be made out, sealed and signed; and the Grand Secre- tary was ordered to make out and transmit the same to said Lodge at Morristown. Th,e Grand Master represented that the Grand Lodge of the State of New York had passed a resolution instructing the Subordinate Lodges to refuse admittance of any mem- bers of Lodges of other States, without a certificate of membership fi'om the Grand Lodge under which they work. The Grand Lodge of New Jersey not granting any certifi- cates, and the members of Lodges in New Jersey being thereby prevented from visiting, the Grand Master considers it but right that this Grand Lodge should protest against such law, as inimical to the interests and well being of Ma- sonry. He presented the subject for the consideration and action of this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge then adjourned till 2 o'clock P. M. 2 o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge met. Officers as before. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge be instructed to refuse the request of the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York for two wax impressions of the seal of our Grand Lodge. Representation being made to the Grand Lodge that the Grand Lodge of the State of New York had adopted a reso- lution refusing to admit any pei'sons, no matter how well they may support their claims as Masons, by explanations or otherwise, except they have a certificate from the Grand Lodge under which they reside, It was on motion Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of this Grand Lodge upon the subject, and that the same be forwarded to the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, at their annual meeting in June next. 356 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Thereupon the Grand Master appointed Past Grand Masters Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, Luther Goble, of No. 1, James Clark, of No. 3. Newark Lodge, No. 7, was represented by John- Garside, Worshipful Master. Representation being made by the Grand Master of a violation of section 2 of General Regulations, in the initia- tion of Mulford W. Casterline in Franklin Lodge, No. 10 — while the subject was being discussed. It was on motion Ordered, That a committee be appointed to investigate the E. P. and R. of Mulford W. Casterline, James Pierson and Ber- nard McCormick, in Franklin Lodge, No. 10, contrary to the rules pre- scribed in section 2 of the General Regulations of this Grand Lodge. Whereupon the Grand Master appointed Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, Bartholomew West, Thomas Youngs, John R. Crockett and John Garside. Bro. Israel C. Losey's bill for tyling Grand Lodge, May 9th, A. L. 5844, one day, $2. It was on motion Ordered, Thatone half the amount beajlowedandpaid. A communication, signed W. Harris, Secretary pro tem., tendering the use of St. John's Lodge-room for the Grand Lodge, at this adjourned session, was read and received, placed on file, and the invitation accepted. On motion, the report of the committee to investigate the conduct of Franklin Lodge, No. 10, was laid upon the table. The following preamble and resolution were read and adopted : Whereas, Franklin Lodge, No. 10, has innocently violated the second section of the General Regulations — therefore be it Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do recognize the proceedings of Franklin Lodge, No. 10, in E. P. and R. Bernard McCormick and James Pierson, and also of entering Mulford W. Casterline. The following preamble and resolutions were then offered by the committee appointed to report on the subject of the Grand Lodge certificate system of New York: GRAND LODQB OF NEW JERSET. 357 Whereas, The Grand Lodge of tbe State of New York did, at a previous meeting of said Grand Lodge, ordain that no brother should be admitted into any Subordinate Lodge under their jurisdiction without a Grand L»dge certificate — therefore be it 1st. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge believe that the principle of re- quiring Grand Lodge certificates from visitors, is not in accordance with the ancient landmarks of the Fraternity. 2d. That this Grand Lodge do not deem it expedient to adopt the Grand Lodge certificate system. 3d. That the proceedings of this Grand Lodge on this subject be com- municated to the Grand Lodges throughout the United States. The foregoing preamble and resolution8 were severally adopted. Bro. Ira Merchant gave notice of his intention to move an alteration in the By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, at the next regular Communication, as follows: Besolved, That all after the word "convenient," in the 12th line of the 18th section of the 1st article of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, be stricken out. It was on motion Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for their kindne.ss extended in offer- ing the use of their room for the use of this adjourned session. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Rev. Grand Chaplain, and the Grand Lodge was then closed until the next regular Annual Communication, to be held at Trenton, on Tuesday, the 11th of November next, unless sooner con- vened by the proper authority. GEORGE VAIL, G. Secretary, p. t. 358 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERBKY. NOVEMBER aESSION, 1845. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Tuesday, the 11th of November, A. L. 5845, there were PRESENT, M. W: WILLIAM n. EARL, Grand Master. R. W. IRA MERCHANT, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. JOHN R. CROCKETT, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. EDWARD STEWART, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. Rev. & W. JONA. BROOKS, Grand Chaplain. M. W. THOMAS YOUNGS, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. JOHN C. LITTELL, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. SYLVESTER VANSICKEL, Grand Tyler. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOn'S : Thomas Youngs, W. M., John R. Crockett, S. W., J. C. Littel], J. W., St. John's Lodge, No. 1. Isaac H. Hampton, W. M., George Ayres, J. W., Brearley Lodge, No. 2. James Clark, W. M., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3. William K. Mason, W. M., Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4. Edward Stewart, S. W., Newarlc Lodge, No. 7. Thomas Belcher, W. M., Franklin Lodge, No. 10. Subordinates made their return as follows, and paid their dues : St. John's Lodge, No. 1, on 33 members, for 1844, $8.25 1845, 21.00— $29 25 6 00 17 00 " 1844 and '45, 5 00 " 1845, 15 00 " " 19 50 " " 7 00 " 1844, :; 10 (( ti " 42 Brearley Cincinnati " Tuckerton " Trenton Newark " 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12 34 5 30 39 Franklin " Washington '' 10, 9, 14 Amount of receipts, $101 91 GRAND LODOB OF NEW JERSEY. 359 The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form ; the Throne of Grace was addressed by the GraM Chaplain. The minutes of the last Grand Annual and adjourned meetings were read and approved. The Grand Secretary made the following report, which was accepted : Trenton, November 11th, 5845. On the 17th of February last a circular was issued, containing a list of the names of the officers, together with the notice of expulsion of Past Master Prudden Ailing, late of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and sent to the several Grand Lodges, to wit, Maine, Georgia, District of Columbia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Michigan, Alabama, Ehode Island, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, New York, North Caro- lina, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachus- etts, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas. On the 10th of March I received from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, a list of their officers, with their signatures; also, a resolution passed by that body at their annual meeting in January, as follows : " Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be requested to correspond with the several Grand Lodges in the United States, informing them of the new organization of this Grand Lodge, and respectfully requesting them to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the same, and withdraw all dispensa- tions or charters granted by them to any body of Masons within this State." I would recommend that their request be complied with. On the 29th of May I received a communication, through Bro. C. W. Moore, of Boston, containing an extract from the minutes of the Grand Lodge of Bengal, and other matters, to which I would direct the attention of the Committee on Correspondence. On the 5th of June last, I received a communication from the Grand Lodge of Texas, wishing more frequent correspondence, and the appoint- ment of a representative to represent us in the Grand Lodge of that re. public. On the 30th of August I received a communication from the Grand Lodge of Maryland, enclosing two resolutions relative to the proposition of a General Grand Lodge of the United States. All of which is respectfully submitted. Jos. H. Hough. The Grand Master appointed the following committees : Foreign Correspondence — Ira Merchant and Isaac H. Hampton. 5 360 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Treasurer's Accounts — Thomas Belclier and Edward Stewart. The proposed alteration to the By-Laws, presented at the adjourned meeting in May last, was, on motion, adopted. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment -until 2 o'clock P. M. 2 o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Officers and rep- resentatives as before. The committee made a verbal report on the Grand Treas- urer's accounts — that be had in his hands the sum of one hundred and one dollars and ninety-one cents. On motion, the report was received and the committee discharged. The following preamble and resolution were read and adopted : Whereas, Information has been received by this Grand Lodge that Joseph Hollingsworth has, since his suspension and within the last six months, visited spurious Masonic Lodges in the city of New York — therefore be it Resolved, That the said Joseph Hollingsworth's suspension be extended to the next meeting of this Grand Lodge, and that a committee be ap- pointed to investigate the above information. Referred to Thomas Youngs, Ira Merchant and Edward Stewart Trenton Lodge, No. 5, was represented by S. B. Scatter- good, Senior "Warden. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported as follows : The committee to whom was referred the Foreign Correspondence, beg leave to report — That they have examined the foreign written communications before them, and find nothing of importance to this Grand Lodge for its present action. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 361 They have also examined the printed communications before them, and find them so numerous that they would recommend the appointment of a special committee to take the same into consideration, and to report at the next meeting of this Grand Lodge. <' Ira Merchant, Isaac H. Hampton. November 11th, 5843. On motion, the report was received and the committee discharged. The committee on the resolutions relating to Grand Lodge certificates not being ready to report, were ordered to be continued until the next annual meeting. The resolutions on the minutes of the annual meeting of 1842, censuring Past Grand Masters John S. Darcy and and Jeptha B. Munn, were called up for consideration. On motion Ordered, That the vote of censure passed against Past Grand Masters John S. Darcy and Jeptha B. Muan, in 1842, be dissolved, and the Grand Secretary requested to notify them. On motion Ordered, That a standing committee of three be appointed to examine the printed and written correspondence, one of them to be the Grand Secretary. Keferred to William Kerwood, Elias Phillips and Joseph H. Hough. On motion, that the resolution offered by Bro. John J. Frisbee, in 1842, be and the same is hereby rescinded; laid over till next annual meeting. The resolution referred to is as follows : Resolved, That so much of the Constitution and General Regulations of this Grand Lodge a'i requires the subordinate offices thereof to be filled by Past Masters, be rescinded. On motion Ordered, That a committee be appointed to inquire into and report what property, or claim on property, this Grand Lodge has in the city of Trenton, and report at the annual meeting. Committee — William Kerwood, Charles Burroughs and Joseph H. Hough. On motion, that the By-Laws be so altered as to read " the Grand Lodge be held alternately in the cities of Tren- ton and N'ewark;" laid over till the next annual meeting. 362 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. A motion to reduce the Grand Lodge dues to twenty-five cents, as formerly, was laid over until the next annual meet- ing-- The dispensation now in possession of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, was ordered to remain good until such time as a new warrant could be made out. Bro. Edward Stewart was appointed a committee to re- ceive the jewels, &c., the property of Lebanon Lodge, No. 6, and the Grand Secretary requested to give him a certifi- cate of appointment. The following bills were ordered paid : Grand Secretarj', paper for circulars, $1.87}; postage, $4.25; printing circu- lars, $3 ; advertising, $1 ; three years' services as Secretary, $60 ; Sylvester Vansickle, one day's tyling, $2 ; to the Grand Chaplain, $10. On motion Ordered, That the appointment of Grand Representative be discontinued in foreign Grand Lodges, and all communications, &c., be directed to the Grand Secretary. Bro. William Kerwood, Representative of the Grand Lodge of New York, wished to know whether this Grand Lodge recognizes him as the Representative of the Grand Lodge of New York. The chair decided that he was not considered as such. On motion, that we proceed to nominate and elect oflacers for the ensuing, it was agreed to. On motion Ordered, That the balance remaining in the Treasurer's hands be paid over to Mrs. Mershon, the widow of our late Grand Secre- tary. The Chair appointed Isaac H. Hamptonjudge, andThomas Belcher teller, to conduct the election, who reported the fol- lowing : M. W. Ira Merchant, of Newark, Grand Master. R. W. John P. Lewis, of Eatontown, Deputy Grand Master. '• " James Clark, of Morristown, Senior Grand Warden. " " Allen Osborne, of Clinton, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, of Trenton, Grand Secretary. " " Staats S. Morris, ol Newark, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, of Trenton, Grand Treasurer. GRAND LODSB OP NEW JERSEY. 363 On motion Besolved, That the Annual meeting of this Grand Lodge be held hereafter on the second Wednesday in January, yearly and every year. Laid over till the next annual meeting. The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the installation of officers, viz. : James Clark was installed by Thomas Youngs, as proxy. Allen Osborne was installed by Edward Stewart, as proxy. Elias Phillips was installed by William Kerwood, as proxy. Staats S. Morris was installed by Thomas Belcher, as proxy. On motion Ordered, That an extra meeting be held in the city of New- wark, at St. John's Lodge-room, on the second Tuesday of May next, and the Grand Secretary be instructed to notify the several Subordinate Lodges. On motion Ordered, That the salary of the Grand Secretary be twenty dollars per annum. On motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be requested to publish a circular, giving a list of the officers, and send it to the several GrandT Lodges in correspondence with this. The Grand Lodge then closed, to meet on the second Tuesday in May next, at the city of Kewark, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. ADJOURNED SESSION, 1846. The Most "Worshipful Grand Lodge met at St. John's Lodge-room, Newark, May 12th, A. L. 5856, pursuant to adjournment, there being PRESENT, M. W. IRA MERCHANT, Grand Master. R. W. JAMES CLARK, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. ALLEN OSBORNE, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. GEORGE VAIL, Senior Grand Deacon. R. W. EDWARD STEWART, Junior Grand Deacon. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. 364 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. LODGES KEPRESBNTED AS FOLLOWS : Isaac p. Brown, S. W., St. John's Lodge, No. 1. George Vail, S. W., Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3. Edward Stewart, W. M., Newark Lodge, No. 7. The minutes of the annual meeting were read. The Most Worshipful Grand Master presented the follow- ing address : Brethren — We are again assembled as a Grand Lodge, at its semi- annual meeting; and, on meeting you on this occasion, I am happy to inform you that our institution, since our last meeting, has been steady in its progress and peaceful in its results, and the sound of the gavel is again heard where it has long ceased to call the Craft from refreshment to labor. Brethren, here you are introduced to associates whose warm and generous souls, whose enlightened and elevated minds, are drawn towards each other by wishes the most virtuous and sentiments the most sublime. Here you enter into a faithful, tender and refined friendship. In this intimate and endeared connection the inclinations are free, the feelings genuine, the sentiments unbiased, and the undisguised communi- cation of thoughts and wishes, of pleasures and pains, show that the con- fidence is mutual, sincere and entire. Since we last met I have granted a dispensation for resuscitating Union Lodge, of Orange, which is now in successful operation; and it will be your province and your duty either to grant or withhold a legal warrant for the same. In December last I received information from some of the brethren of Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, that they had, at their last annual election, elected a brother to the office of Master of the Lodge, who had never served as a Warden in any Lodge. On receiving this information, I informed them that the election was illegal, except in extreme cases, such as forming a new Lodge, or resuscitating an old one. In coming to this decision I was governed by the Ancient Constitutions, which expressly say, that no brother can serve as Master of a Lodge who has not first served as a Warden. I therefore granted said Cincinnati Lodge a dispen- sation to hold a new election, which was accordingly done, and its oflScers duly installed into their respective oflSces. I have also granted two dispensations for making Masons without the usual form of petitioning one month, according to the Grand Lodge regu- lations, viz. : one to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and one to Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3. There is one subject to which I wish particularly to call your attention, it is in relation to individual members of Lodges in the State of New Jersey being refused admission as visitors into the Lodges of the State of SRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 365 New York. You recollect that this same subject was before you at our Communication one year since, in consequence of the non-admittance of one of the members of St. John's Lodge. Since that time and very recently, one of our Past Grand Masters was absolutely refused admission into one of their Lodges, because he had not a Grand Lodge certificate. I would ask, in the name of the Fraternity, is this Masonry? are these the principles which are inculcated in the several Masonic lectures ? I think not ; but I leave this subject for your consideration and decision. But, my brethren, in congratulating you on the bright prospects of the Lodges under our jurisdiction, I have still another duty to perform. On looking around us we behold a vacancy, and it behooves us to inquire what is the cause and who is the victim. Death, that great leveller, has been in our midst, and our venerable and beloved brother and Grand Chaplain is no more. Dear is estimated the name of friend, lovely is the relation which cements congenial souls ; but dearer still the amity, more intimate the connection, my brethren, which unites our hands and hearts. How painful, then, the catastrophe in which is dissolved so close and so affec- tionate a tie. Alas ! how forcibly do we feel this now. Death, regard- less of those sweet engagements, those pleasing intercourses, and those improving joys which Masons know, has suddenly summoned away one of the venerable officers of this Grand Lodge. We beheld his sun in its meridian, and rejoiced in its brightness; it is now set, and the evening shades of its existence have closed aiound him. Blessed be his rest, and soft and safe to him the mortal bed, while we his memory cherish, his virtues admire, and his death improve. I hope,\ny brethren, in coming hither, you will gather restoration from the past, refreshment for the present, and resources against the future ; and you will return back to the world with a calm, resolute, and well fortified mind, better filled to meet the trials, and better enabled to bear the burthen of life. Though the ignorant suspect and the prejudiced stigmatize your views and labors, fear not their reproaches, neither be afraid of their revilings; notwithstanding all their united attacks and pertinacious opposition, Masonry will still retain its influence and its credit, and, like its own well-compacted arch, will ever be rendered more firm and strong by the pressure and the weight it bears. It is rendered still more secure if the members grow more and more united in judgment and affection to each other and in their attachment to the Ancient Con- stitutions, privileges, and principles of the Craft. This is the more necessary at the present time, because our most formidable opponents commence the deductions of their proofs with an account of schisms in Masonry. Among the variety of duties incumbent on you, remember there are none more essential to the preservation, none more efficacious to the 366 GRAND LODGE OF 1. G. Master. The bills presented were read, and a motion submitted that they be paid. A motion was made to amend, that they be taken up separately, prevailed. Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen's bill for expenses attending Grand Lodge from 5838 to 5844, inclusive, amount- ing to !$42, was disagreed to. The Grand Lodge was then called off to 8 o'clock. a CLOCK p. M. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor The following bills were considered separately and ordered paid: John P. Lewis $50 00 Grand Secretary 62 90 Sherman & Harron 1 50 William B. Gordon 2 00 John Garside 12 00 Phillips & Boswell 23 17 Edward Stewart 7 00 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 423 A motion was submitted to reconsider the v«te on which the bill of Past Grand Master Daniel B, Bruen was lost. Not agreed to. A motion was submitted, that the following preamble and resolutions, taken from the published proceedings of 5842, on pages 10, 11 and 1-2, interdicting all Masonic inter- course with St. John's Grand Lodge, of New York, be re- scinded, and that said Grand Lodge be placed upon the «ame footing as the other Grand Lodges in said State of New York. On motion, the whole subject was laid on the table. The following preamble and resolutions were offered and adopted, with only one dissenting voice, (Bro. Elias Van Arsdale, jun., of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, Newark:) Whereas, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York did, in the year 5837, expel certain Lodges and individuals from all the rights and privileges of Free Masonry, which said Lodges and individuals formed themselves into a body within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and called themselves St. John's Grand Lodge, and went on and held clandestine Masonic meetings and assumed the right to perform all the rites and ceremonies of the ancient Fraternity of Free Masonry, without any warrant, dispensation or authority from any legal Masonic body to exercise the same; and whereas, this Grand Lodge did, at their Grand Communication, A. L. 5837, pass certain reso- lutions supporting the authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and recommending to the Lodges and Masons under the jurisdic- tion of this Grand Lodge that no intercourse should be held with the expelled Masons, or with what they term St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York ; and this Grand Lodge supposing that expression of their feelings (without a prohibiting resolution), when communicated to the Lodges and brethren under its jurisdiction, would be sufficient for a strict observance of its recommendation, this Grand Lodge feels pained to say, that St. John's Lodge, No. 2, under its jurisdiction, has paid no heed to its wishes; but, in violation of its recommendation, has continued to hold Masonic intercourse with the said St. John's Grand Lodge and its members, notwithstanding the repeated solicitations of the officers of this Grand Lodge to the members of St. John's Lodge, No. 2, that they should respect and sustain the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and were bound strictly to observe the recommendation of this Grand Lodge. This Grand Lodge, therefore, in pursuance of their rights and privileges to 9 424 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, t censure, restrict, suspend or expel Lodges or individuals under its juris- (Jictior;, for violation of its rules and regulations, do Besohc, Tliat St. John's Lodge, Ko. 2, under its jurisdiction, is highly censurable as a body, for receiving into their Lodge expelled Masons of the city of New York, hailing from under the jurisdiction of St. John's Grand Lodge, Xew York; and that all Masons who have individually held Masonic intercourse with said expelled Masons of the city of New York are not only highly censurable, but deserve to be strictly disciplined. And this Grand Lodge do further Resolve, That all Lodges and Masons under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, are hereby instructed, pro- hibited and forbidden to receive into any of the Lodges under its jurisdic- tion, any member or members belonging to or hailing from any Lodge or Lodges under the jurisdiction of a clandestine body in the State of New York, calling themselves St. John's Grand Lodge, or to hold any Ma- sonic intercourse or conversation with them whatever, or to visit said clandestine St. John's Grand Lodge, or any Lodge under its jurisdiction. And this Grand Lodge do further Resolve, That a violation of the pre- ceding resolution, in any of its parts or points, by any Lodge or Mason under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall be considered as a defiance of its authority ; and the Lodge or Mason so offending shall be struck from the rolls of this Grand Lodge, and be considered as suspended from all rights and privileges of the Fraternity, and the name or names published. On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously Resolved, That Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and John S. Darcy, for the part they took, in the year 1837, in installing the Grand Officers of the self-styled St. John's Grand Lodge in the city of New York, deserves the censure of this Grand Lodge. The following resolutions were, on motion, adopted : Resolced, That Bro. Matthew McHenry, James Rogers and Samuel Read be appointed a committee, with authority to demand, take and receive ail books, papers and moneys held by Bro. John Beatty, late treasurer of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 18, or any other person, formerly belonging to, and the property of said Lodge ; and the said books, moneys- iScc, shall be handed over to, and become the legitimate property of, Mount Holly Lodge, resuscitated at this present session. Resolved, That the Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary furnish a copy of the foregoing resolution to said committee, under the seal of the Grand Lodge. Past Master Isaac P. Brown submitted a proposition to strike out "fifty" and insert "twenty-five," in Article 1, GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 425 Section 10, By-Laws. Laid over till the next Annual Com- munication. On motion Ordered, That the sum of ten dollars be given to the Rev. Grand Chaplain, for his attendance, and the further sum of eight dollars to defray his expenses at this Grand Annual Communication. It was on motion Ordered, That the sum of fifteen dollars be given in charity to McCall, of Camden, and the like sum to the widow of Bro. Ruckle, provided the funds will permit. Nominations for Grand Officers w(ft'e read. Bro's Harry Finch and Ira Merchant were appointed tellers, who, after holding an election, reported the follow- ing elected : M, W. Edward Stewart, of ISTo. 7, Grand Master. E,. W. John Garside, of No. 7, Deputy Grand Master. " " Isaac P. Brown, of No. 1, Senior Grand Warden. " " Milton Baldwin, of No. 7, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, Grand Secretary. " " Eliaa Pnillips, of No. 5, Grand Treasurer. There being no nomination for Deputy Grand Secretary, the Most Worshipiul Grand Master appointed Right Wor- shipful Samuel Lilly, of Amwell Lodge, No. 12. The Grand Officers were all installed in person, except the Junior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Secretary, who were installed by proxy. The Grand Master made the following appointments : Eev. W. Harry Finch, No. 9, Grand Chaplain. W. Samuel B. Scattergood, No. 5, Senior Grand Deacon. W. William K. Mason, No. 4, Junior Grand Deacon. W. Ichabod Harrison, Jun., No. 11, Grand Marshal. W. James S. Gamble, No. 17, Grand Steward. W. Samuel Kay, No. 5, Grand Steward. W. Sylvester Vansickel, No. 5, Grand Sword Bearer. W. James Wetmore, No. 3, Grand Pursuivant. Bro. William B. Gordon, No. 5, Grand Tyler. A report of committee made to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, was presented, with request (under the instructions of said 426 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Lodge) to have it spread on the minutes of this meeting, relative to the report of the committee on the matter of difference between Newark and St. John's Lodges, on the. petition of Joseph Camfield. After reading it was Resolved, That it be laid on the table. It was Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to Trenton Lodge, No. 5, for the use of their room for the accommodation of the Grand Lodge. It was on motion Resolved, That the Grand Secretary have 300 copies of the proceedings of the last semi-annual and this Communication printed. It was on motion Resolved, That the unanimous thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to Past Grand Master John P. Lewis, for the able and dignified manner in which he has discharged the duties of Grand Master. The following resolution was on motion adopted : Resolved, That all resolutions offered to be first committed to writing by the mover, before being acted ufjon by this Grand Lodge. The minutes of this session were then read, and, on motion, approved. The Throne of Grace was then addressed, and benediction pronounced by the Grand Chaplain, when the Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Monday of May next, at the city of Newark, which will be on the 13th, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, January 9th, 5850. GRAND LODGfE OF NEW JERSEY. 427 ADJOURNED SESSION", 1850. Newark, May 13th, 5850, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey met at the Hall of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, pursu- ant to a resolution of the last meeting, at which were PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. ISAAC P. BROWN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JAMES OGDEN, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOHN CLARK, Jun., Grand Secretary, p. t. R. W. JOHN CONDIT, Grand Treasurer, p. t. R. W. SAMUEL LAIRD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. ISAAC D. BROWN, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. WILLIAM GODBER, Grand Tyler, p. t. Visitors. — Past Grand Masters J. B. Munn and J. W. Scott, Joseph Munn, of No. 11; Ephraim Camp, of No. 13; J. F. Joice, of No. 11; Robert Laird, of No. 9 ; W. Jessup, of No. — . LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : John Clark, jun., W. M., St. John's, No. 1. James Ogden, J. W., Newark, No. 7. Samuel Laird, W. M., Shrewsbury Washington, No. 9. John Condit, W. M., Union, No. 11. The Grand Lodge was opened in due and ancient form. Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary, Elias Phillips, Grand Treasurer, Bro. Samuel Kay, of Trenton Lodge, No. 5; Samuel Lilly, Senior Warden of Amwell Lodge, No. 12 ; Thomas W. Mulford, Worshipful Master of Camden Lodge, No. 15; and Samuel Read, Worshipful Master of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, were received. The Grand Lodge was then called from lahor to refresh- ment till 2 o'clock P. M. 428 grand lodge ov new jersey. 2 o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called from refreshment to labor. Present — M. W. Jeptha B. Munn, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. Isaac P. Brown, Senior Grand Warden. " " Ephraim Camp, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, Grand Treasurer. " " Samuel Laird, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. " " Isaac D. Brown, Grand Junior Deacon, p. t. Bro. William Godber, Grand Tyler, p. t. Visitors — Past Grand Masters Joseph W. Scott and Ira Merchant, Past Master Luther Goble, Bernard McCormick, Frederick Dalrymple, Rev. Austin Craig. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : John Clark, jun., W. M., St. John's, No. 1. James Ogden, J. W., Newark, No. 7. Moses Craig, W. M., Clinton, No. 8. Samuel Lilly, S. W., Amwell, No. 12. Samuel Bead, "W. M., Mount Holly, No. 14. Thomas W. Mulford, W. M., Camden, No. 15. John B. Throckmorton, \V. M., Olive Branch, No. 16. Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott made the following report, which was, on motion, accepted and ordered to be recorded. To the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of ike State of New Jersey, and to the Most Worshipful Edward Stewart, Grand Master of the same. On the 12th day of March, instant, the true and faithful Bro. Elias I- Thompson brought to the city of New Brunswick a warrant from the Grand Lodge, bearing date , for the purpose of resuscitating Union Lodge, an Ancient Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the city of New Brunswick under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. From various misfortunes and adverse occurrences, this Lodge had ceased to work, and their warrant had become subject to forfeiture. At the last Annual Communication, the Grand Lodge, as a matter of grace and sympathy, granted them permission to revive, and ordered a warrant to issue to certain of them, in place of their old warrant, which had been purloined or lost. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 429 Accompanying the warrant wa8 a request from the Grand Master to me, to assemble the brethren named in the warrant, and such other Master Masons as I should choose, at some convenient time, in the city of New "Brunswick, and then and there re-organize Union Lodge under the new warrant, and to install the Master and Wardens therein named and appointed. Accordingly, on the evening of the same 12th of March, and to the end that the warrant of the Grand Lodge should be received in ancient and accustomed style, I did open an Emergent Grand Lodge, and did appoint pro tern, officers, and in open Grand Lodge I did receive from Bro. Elias I. Thompson the aforesaid warrant and request of the Grand Master; and being possessed of the aforesaid warrant, I did close the Grand Lodge in due and ancient form and style. And I did then and there install the Worshipful Bro. James S. Nevius as the Master of Union Lodge under the said warrant thus gratuitously granted; and I did deliver to him and his safe keeping the said warrant and the insignia and implements of his office; and I did charge him to govern his said Lodge injustice, wisdom and brotherly love, and in sub- jection and allegiance to the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. And I did, with the assistance of Bro. Thompson, install the true and faithful Bro. Haley Fisk as the Senior Warden, and the true and faithful Bro. George Taylor as the Junior Warden of the said Lodge. And I did constitute the aforementioned brothers, James S. Nevius, Haley Fisk and' George Taylor, into a lawful Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons, with full power and authority to enter, pass and raise to the sublime degree all such candidates as they should find, on diligent and strict examination, to be worthy and v\ell qualified. And I did further authorize and empower them then and there, in my presence, to admit into Union Lodge, thus organized, on open motion and vote, provided the said vote should be unanimous, all such worthy Master Masons as should apply, and be at the same time there personally present. And I do further certify and report to the Grand Lodge, that then and there the following Master Masons were admitted into Union Lodge, by such vote as aforesaid, in my presence, that is to say, Bro's Edward Elkia, David Mercerau, James Silcocks, Cornelius DeHart, James M. Mcintosh, Lewis Letson, H. N. Burt, M. W. Leindheim and John Acken. And I do further certify and report, that Bro. Elias I. Thompson, now a resident of Newark, was in like manner, in my presence, admitted as. an honorary member of said Union Lodge. All which is respectfully submitted. J. W. Scott, P. G. M. New Brunswick, March 13th, 1850. The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master were an nounced, and received in due and ample form. 430 GRAND LODGE OF NEAT JERSEY. It was on motion Ordered, That the minutes of the last meeting be ap- proved as printed. The committee to whom was referred the Foreign Cor" respondence for the year 1849, to report at this meeting, presented the following report : To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of the Slate of New Jersey. Your committee, appointed at your last Annual Communication, to take into consideration the correspondence for the year then last past, respectfully report — That they have received, through the hands of the Grp.nd Secretary, the proceedings of the following Grand Lodges, viz. : the District of Co- lumbia, August and December, A. L. 5848 ; Virginia, December, A. L. 5848 ; Indiana, :May, A. L. 5849 ; Kentucky, August, A. L. 5849 ; N. York, March and June, A. L. 5849; Massachusetts, September, A. L. 5849; Louisiana, A. L. 5849 ; Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Michigan, Maryland, Iowa, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. In addition to these, your committee also received, from the same source, numerous pamphlets circulars and special reports, touching the existence and claims of St. John's Grand Lodge, Kew York ; and also, the unfortunate difficulties in that State, of more recent occurrence, as well as the difficulties that existed until quite recently in the State of Louisiana. Your committee has before them some interesting miscella- neous correspondence, which will be more particularly noticed in a sub- sequent part of this, their report. From all the voluminous correspond- ence your committee have endeavored to compile a Rtatement of such matters as they deem worthy of especial notice, and they herewith submit the result of their efforts, accompanied with such remarks and sugges- tions as your committee felt themselves called upon, in the faithful dis- charge of their dutj', to present for the consideration of your worshipful body. Your committee are happy to report, after a careful review of the work of the Craft in the various Grand Lodge jurisdictions in our country, that the general condition of our Fraternity is exceedingly prosperous and happy, Louisiana and New York are exceptions to this remark, and, in the latter State especially, the harmony of Masonry has been most seriously disturbed. It is with the most profound regret that your committee have inquired into the causes, progress and results of these differences, that have so unfortunately invaded the temples of Masonry, and by which so many misguided brethren have been driven from their duty, and thrust beyond GRAND LODQE OF NEW JERSEY. 431 the pale of Masonry. But duty requires that such investigation be made, that the seal of disapprobation may be stamped upon all unmasonic con- duct, and from that duty, however painful, your committee could not swerve. In the State of New York there are, at the present time, three distinct and separate bodies, each claiming to be a legitimate Grand Lodge, and asking to be recognized as such. One of these bodies, calling itself (S^. John's Grand Lodge, was instituted as far back as September, 1837. At the Annual Communication in 1842, this Grand Lodge acted upon, and adopted a preamble and a series of resolutions, which pronounced the said St. John's Grand Lodge a clan- destine body, prohibited all intercourse between the Lodges and Masons under this jurisdiction and the Lodges and Masons under the jurisdiction of said St. John's Grand Lodge, and censured the Grand Oflficers of this State who assisted in instituting that clandestine body. Those of said resolutions which censured the Past Grand Oifioers of this State who took part in the instituting of said Grand Lodge, have been since then rescinded. But yet, as the resolutions declaring that body clandestine still remain, your committee would not think it necessary to call your attention to this matter at all, at this time, were it not for the following reasons, viz.: 1. That said St. John's Grand Lodge invites us to a reconsideration of her claims, in a circular, dated December 26th, 1849, transmitted to this Grand Lodge by R. McCoy, Grand Secretary of St. John's Grand Lodge, with accompanying documents, purporting to be a statement of facts rela- tive to the instituting of that body, and a disquisition upon its legality. 2. That at the last Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, a motion was made to strike from our records the said preamble and reso- lutions, passed in 5842; which motion called forth a protracted discus- sion, and was finally laid on the table for the future action of this Grand Lodge. These considerations have been sufficient to induce your committee to attempt to present the matter before you in such manner as to enable you to act promptly, intelligently and finally upon the claims of that body. In June, 1837, four Subordinate Lodges, York, Benevolent, Hibernia and Silentia, then under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, adopted resolutions recommending the celebration of the ensuing anniversary of the birth of St. John the Baptist. Committees were appointed to make the necessary arrangements, and, subsequently, members of several other Lodges united with them. A sub-committee called upon the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary to ascertain from him if there were any constitutional objections thereto, of which they had been apprized. The Grand Secretary replied that he knew of none — they had the constitution, could read for themselves, and govern themselves accordingly. 432 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On the 24th of June, a prohibition of the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand MaBter, dated the 23d, was served upon York Lodge, and a similar ' prohibition, dated the 2'ith, was served the same day upon Benevolent Lodge. On the same day the Deputy Grand Master and the Grand Sec- retary appeared in person to prevent the contemplated procession, and forbade it. 'I'he prohibition of the Deputy Grand Master was disregarded, and the Subordinate Lodges above named, with members from other Lodges, proceeded with their celebration, under the direction of Henry C. Atwood, tlien Worshipful Master of York Lodge, assisted by other brothers. In consequence of these proceedings, charges were preferred at an emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge of New York, on the 12th of July, 1837, against York Lodge, and against Bro's Atwood, Piatt, Warren, Bennett, and many others, for creating disturbance and confusion among the Fraternity, &c., by a violation of duty to the Grand Lodge. The specifications set forth the particulars of the offenee charged, as consist- ing in the holding of the said procession without authority, in defiance o^ decisions of the Grand Lodge, and in violation of the rules of the Grand Lodge and the prohibition of the Deputy Grand Master. The whole subject of these charges was referred by this Emergent Grand Lodge to the Grand Stewards Lodge, under the protest of the accused brothers, who deny tliat the motion to refer was decided in the affirmative. The Grand Stewards Lodge proceeded to investigate the charges, and expelled Henry C. Atwood, William F. Piatt, and all the ofKcers and members of York Lodge. The brethren thus expelled denied the power of the Stewards Lodge to expel them, and appealed to the Grand Lodge of the State. Another emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge was held on the 6th of September, 1837, at which the question of the correctness of the minutes of July 12th, with reference to the decision referring the said charges to the Grand Stewards Lodge, was raised, and the minutes were confirmed. This Emergent Grand Lodge then confirmed the proceedings of the Grand Stewards Lodge, and confirmed the expulsion of the above named brothers from the rights and privileges of Masonry. The brethren who were thus expelled, with some other brethren who united with them, on the 11th of September, 1837, formed themselves into a Grand Lodge, and assumed the name of " St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of Kew York." With reference to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge and Grand Stewards Lodge of New York, so far as regards the mere trial and expul- sion of these brethren, your committee are of opinion that it is not our province to criticise them. We recognize the Grand Lodge of the State of New York as a legal and Masonic body, having power to entertain charges, try and expel within GfRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 433 her jurisdiction, and, in the language of the committee of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, we " are bound to view the result of their proceeding, without undertaking to criticise the manner in which they came to that result." The foregoing is, in the opinion of your committee, an impartial and complete outline of the proceedings connected with the origin of St. John's Grand Lodge, being compiled mainly from the documents furnished by that body itself. From this statement of facts, the following queries present themselves, viz. -. 1st. Were the brethren of York, Benevolent, Silentia, Hibernia, and other Lodges, guilty of any improper and unmasonic conduct, in proceed- ing with their celebration, under the then existing cireumstances ? 2d. Did the Grand Lodge of the State of New York do right in expell- ing the brethren engaged in that celebration ? In examining these questions, your committee do not wish to argue from disputed facts. They may be satisfactorily answered by the appli- cation of a few general, well settled and incontrovertible principles, and -to these your committee will confine their remarks, stepping aside only to notice one resolution of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, which is recognized by both parties to this unfortunate controversy. It is this. In 1827, the Grand Lodge of New York adopted a resolution re- spectfully recommending the Most Worshipful Grand Master not to grant dispensation for processions, only upon extraordinary occasions. Without inquiring further for any rule or regulation of said Grand Lodge prohibit- ing public processions, it seems to your committee that the whole ques- tion is settled by the above resolution. When the Grand Lodge of New York recommended the Grand Master not to grant dispensations, they most unquestionably regarded that oificer as invested with power both to grant and lo refuse such dispensations, else why instruct him at all upon the subject? They also most clearly recognized it as settled, that such processions could not be had without permission specially obtained from the Grand Jester or Grand Lodge; because, if Subordinate Lodges or members have a right to hold public processions without obtaining such permission, then was it worse than idle in the Grand Lodge to recommend the Grand Master not to grant dispensations for that purpose. The very fact that the Grand Lodge adopted this resolution, compels us to conclude that the Grand Lodge fully recognized the right and power of the Grand Master to control these processions, .inasmuch as in legislating to prevent improper processions, they did not address themselves to Subordinate Lodges or members, but confined themselves to a simple recommendation to the Grand Master. But as to the principles of governing this matter, we quote from the report of the committee of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia,. above referred to. 434 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Brother A. G. Mackey, of South Carolina, an eminent writer on Ma- sonry, says : " Processions in Masonry are entirely under the charge of the Grand Lodge. No Subordinate Lodge has a right to appear in public, on any occasion, without the consent and approbation of the Grand Lodge, or of its represensative, the Grand Master." Again : under the head of funeral rites, he eays : " Nor can any two or more Lodges assemble for this purpoee (attending the funeral of a brother) until a dispensation has been granted by the Grand Master." The Ahiraon Eezon says, in relation to funerals : " If more Lodges are expected to attend than the one to which the deceased brother belonged, he, the Master, must make application, by the Grand Secretary, to the Grand Master, ybr permission to preside over such brethren from other Lodges as may assist in forming the procession," &c. Prest*n says: "Every installed Master is sufficiently empowered to convene and govern his own Lodge upon any emergency," &c. " But when brethren from other Lodges are convened, who are not subject to his control, in that case a particular dispensation is required from the Grand Master, or his deputy, loho are the only general directors of Masons." The foregoing remarks, in the opinion of your committee, clearly de- monstrate that the brethren from York, Silentia, Benevolent, Hibernia, and other Lodges, who participated in that procession, were guilty of unmasonic conduct, and acted in violation of the regulations of their Grand Lodge, as well as of the established principles of Masonry. But yet again : when any brother is installed Master of a Subordinate Lodge, he obligates himself to submit to the Grand Master for the lime being, and to his officer:?, when duly installed. Was it not the impera- tive duty of Bro. Atwood and the other Worshipful Masters present, to observe this their solemn obligation, and to regard the prohibition of the Deputy Grand Master, without stopping to discuss questions of constitu- tionality ? Your committee think it was, and they further think that this defiance of the Deputy Grand Master was most unmasonic conduct — conduct which, if tolerated, would introduce insubordinailon into our Fraternity, break down wholesome rules, and lead to results most de- structive of the harmony and prosperity of our Craft. Having come to the foregoing conclusion with regard to the conduct of the brothers who participated in that celebration, their answer to the second question necessarily follows, and your committee are constrained to say, that the Grand Lodge of New York did right in expelling them. To have stopped short of this would have compromised the dignity and authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and given offend- ers reason to believe that, in that State at least. Masonic rules might be violated openly and defiantly with impunity. Your committee, therefore, recommend to the Grand Lodge not to re- scind the preamble and such of the resolutions adopted by this Grand SRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 435 Lodge at its Annual Communication in 1842, as are now in force touching St. John's Gra"Dcl Lodge, but to permit them to remain as they now stand. And your committee further recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey cannot re- cognize St. John's Grand Lodge of the State of New York as a legally and Masonically instituted body of Masons, and cannot hold any Masonic intercourse whatever with it. Before dismissing this subject finally, your committee beg leave to add, that they do not approve of the manner in which the Grand OiScers and Grand Lodge of the Stale of New York conducted themselves towards these offending brethren. Your committee can find no excuse for the neglect, or, if you please, unwarrantable delay of the Deputy Grand Master in giving notice of his prohibition. But two wrongs never make a right. And it was the duty of the expelled brothers to have submitted, at whatever cost, and if wronged, to have sought their redress in a proper Masonic manner. They did not do so, and they' are now without the pale of Masonry. None would be more rejoiced than your committee to see these brethren return again — more gladdened to see a reunion of those who so long dwelt together in harmony, but who were driven asunder in an evil hour. We hope that the Grand Lodge of New York will open wide her door«, and kindly invite these brothers to "return to the fold of their fathers;" and we feel encouraged to believe, that ere long they will return to the embrace of those who have never ceased to regret their alienation from Masonry. Another body, claiming to be the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, known as the Phillips or Herring party, and which sprang into existence during the last year, deserves the serious consideration of the Fraternity. Your committee are in possession of numerous documents, containing a full history of the circumstances which gave birth to this body, and of the proceedings both of this body and of the Willard Grand Lodge. From these your committee have compiled the following impartial statement of the facts of the case, in doing which your committee have endeavored to state such matters only as in their opinion appertain to the question — -Is this newly organized body, styling itself .the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, a legally instituted Grand Lodge, and entitled to be hailed as such ? At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, held in June, 1848, amendments to the constitution of that body were proposed, having for their object the exclusion from voting, as such, in said Lodge, of all Past Masters, except the " Past Master of each Lodge, who shall have last passed the chair thereof." Upon these pro- posed amendments, after considerable discussion, the Grand Lodge pro- 45t) GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. ceeded to vote, and gave its affirmative vote thereto. They were then, by direction of the Grand Lodge, sent to all the Lodges in the- State for their several action thereon, according to Article CVI of said Constitution. The Masters and Past Masters of the city of New York and its imme- diate neighborhood, as a class, opposed these amendments, and, in Octo- ber, 1848, published an address and a number of lesolutions, in which they set forth and contended, that the proposed amendments were in vio- lation of their inalienable rights and of the compact of 1827, and were calculated to excite disunion, &c. On the other hand, two circulars were put forth by a committee, ap- pointed by a large number of the Fraternity, assembled at Geneva, August 9th, 1848, one of which was published in October, 1848, and the other in January, 1849. In these circulars it is contended that the pro- posed amendments were in violation of no fundamental law of Masonry, nor of the compact of 1827 ; were not intended to interfere with any inalienable rights of Past Masters, and that the amendments, if adopted and carried into effect, would prove highly beneficial. With the settlement of this question, your committee do not consider that they have now anything to do, nor has any Lodge or body of Masons out of the jurisdiction of New York. For if the Masters and Past Masters above referred to, felt themselves aggrieved by the action of the Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodges of New York in adopting said amend- ments, they could have obtained redress in a legitimate way at home; or if not, they could then have referred the question of their rights to the sister Grand Lodges 6f the other States, who would, without doubt, have come forward to their relief, if, after an examination, the claims o( such Masters and Past Masters were found to be right. But they pursued a different course. They sought to redress themselves. They took their case by force into their own hands, thereby declining the aid or inter- ference of all Masonic Bodies, and the question now comes up for our consideration simply upon the eorrectness or incorrectness of their con- duct in the premises. At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge, held March 6th, 1849, Past Deputy Grand Master Isaac Phillips ofi'ered a. preamble and resolutions, in substance denying the power of one portion of the mem- bers of the Grand Lodge to disfranchise another portion ; declaring the said proposed amendments unconstitutional and revolutionary ; express- ing a determination to preserve the rights of Past Masters as they existed ; denying the right of the Grand Lodge to destroy any of the rights of its members, and earnestly appealing to the Fraternity to desist from press- ing the adoption of said amendments. The Deputy Grand Master presi- ding declared the preamble and resolutions unconstitutional. His decision was appealed from and reversed, and the pramble and resolutions unani- mously adopted. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. « 437 It is worthy of observation that only eighteen Lodges were represented at this Quarterly Communication, and these, we are told, were all city Lodges. Article CVI of the Constitution prohibits actions upon amend- ments to that instrument, except at the Annual Communication in June ; and your committee think that the preamble and resolutions of Past Deputy Grand Master Phillips, offered and adopted as above, were clearly unconstitutional and of no effect. They were ordered to be expunged from the minutes at the next ensuing June Communication. This matter is also embraced in the provisions of Article VII of the Constitution, which declares that " no regulation affecting the general interest of the Craft shall be changed or adopted, except at the meeting in June." On the 5th of June, 1849, the members of the Grand Lodge convened under circumstances promising but little harmony and foreboding much mischief. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by Most Wor- shipful Grand Master Willard. The Grand Secretary was then directed by the Grand Master to call the roll of Lodges, whereupon the Grand Secretary made the following announcement, viz. : " Before proceeding to call the list of Lodges, I officially announce, as Grand Secretary to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, that the amend- ments to the Constitution in relation to Past Masters, proposed at the last Annual June Communication, and which then received the affirmative vote of this Grand Lodge, have since received the affirmative vote of a majority of all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and have thereby become a part of the Constitution." This announce- ment was received amid hisses and much noise, and cries of " order." The Grand Secretary then proceeded to call the Lodges, after which the Most Worshipful Grand Master arose and commenced the delivery of his annual address, when he was interrupted by members calling for the reading of the minutes of the last Quarterly Communication, held March 0th, 1849. The Grand Master declared the motion to read them out of order and refused to entertain it until he should deliver his said address. An appeal was demanded from this decision, and the Grand Master de- clared that out of order until his address be made, and declined to enter- tain it. Tlie harmony of the Lodge was disturbed, during these proceed- ings, by conduct which your committee is pained to record. The Grand Master having refused to entertain the appeal, the member acting as Senior Grand Warden put the question on the appeal to the Lodge, and declared the appeal sustained. The Grand Master permitted the minutes of the last Quarterly Conjmunication to be read, which was done, and they were approved. This done, the Grand Master delivered his annual address, in which he also communicated to the Grand Lodge, officially, the fact of the regular adoption of the said amendments to the Constitution. Deputy Grand Master Phillips, acting as Junior Grand Warden, arose. too V (iBAND LODUE Oi' NEW JERSEY. as soon as the Grand Master had concluded his address, and asked the Grand Master whether he correctly understood him as declaring that the said amendments had become a part of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, and were binding on the body over which he was presiding? To this question the Grand Master replied, that he did bo declare. The Junior Grand Warden then declared the Grand Lodge of the State of New York dissolved. (One party says that the declaration of the .Junior Grand Warden was, that the body over which Grand Master Willard presided was not the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, as originally constituted.) This declaration was made in a loud voice, addressed to the Grand Master and all present, and was followed by tumult and uproar, which set the authority of the Grand Master at defiance. Amidst this confusion, the acting Junior Grand Warden called upon those opposed to the said amendments to assist him in organizing a Grand Lodge, or as they say, "continuing the constitutional organization of the Grand Lodge." He then nominated the Eight Worshipful William Willis as chairman, and also other Grand Officers, who were elected by show of hands. These officers thus appointed assumed the powers of their respective offices to which they had been appointed, and proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the year ensuing. In the meanwhile, scenes of confusion, tumult, uproar, and even of personal violence, were enacted, to which your committee will merely refer. This newly organ ized body then adjourned till the next day. During all this time Grand Master Willard, the legal Grand Master, occupied the Grand Master's chair, clothed with the jewel and habili- ments of his office, and, by his voice and gavil, attempted to restore order, but his efibrts were unav-iiling. When Eight Worshipful William Willis, acting with the newly organized body, was about to put the ques- tion of adjournment, Grand Master Willard declared to the brethren present that the Grand Lodge was not about to adjourn, but that its session would continue. A portion of those opposed to the said amend- ments then withdrew, and the tumult having subsided, Grand Master Willard adjourned the Grand Lodge to the next day. This body, over which Grand Master Willard presided, continued their meetings regularly from day to day, until the llth of June, 1849, when it closed the Annual June Communication in due form. On the 6th they expelled Isaac Phil- lips, Frederick W. Herring, P. S. Van Houten and William Willis from the rights and privileges of Masonry. On the 7th, James Herring, Joseph Cuyler and David Booth were also expelled, as were Fitzgerald Tisdall and John Horspool on the 9th. On the 7th, Grand Master Willard was re-elected Grand Master, and on the same and the next day, the other Grand Officers were duly elected and installed for the then ensuing Masonic year. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 439 On the evening of the 6th of June, the persons who had been chosen as Grand Officers on the evening of the 5th, in the irregular manner we have above described, while Grand Master Willard was in the chair, together with others who acted with them, assembled and proceeded to organize a separate Grand Lodge, Isaac Phillips presiding as Grand Master. During the same evening the officers of this body were installed by Past Grand Master Ira Merchant, assisted by Past Grand Master Bruen of New Jersey, and, on the next day, they closed what they called the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. Your committee have carefully compiled the foregoing statement of the important facts connected with this unfortunate difficulty, from the state" mentH, elaborate reports and circulars of both parties, and we believe that every fact necessary to be stated to enable your worshipful body to arrive at a just decision between the contending parties is found in the above statement, while no disputed fact has been repeated in said statement. From this statement it would seem that the aforesaid amendments to the Constitution were the rock upon which the Grand Lodge split. The one party claimed that the rights of Past Masters were indefeasible ; that the Grand Lodge had no power to curtail them, as proposed. The other party maintained the contrary. As your committee before intimated, they do not mean to examine this question now. They cannot consent to inquire into the complaints of Masons who have set up an independent standard of their own outside of the pale of Masonry, and bid defiance to the legitimate authorities of their own jurisdiction, and who have taken upon themselves to adjudicate the question, and who appeal. to us now not to review, and if we diiFer, reverse their decision, but to sustain them. The only question which your committee think important and proper to be considered now is this : " Can the Grand Lodge of New Jersey recog- nize the Phillips Grand Lodge as a legitimate Grand Lodge of the State of New York?" To this question, in the opinion of your committee, a very decided nega- tive should be given — -the answer, it cannot. The following remarks upon this subject, quoted from the report of the committee of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, September 12th, A. L. 5849, pages 11 and 12, happily and forcibly express what your committee believes to be true Masonic doctrines, and amply sustain the position taken by your committee. " A Grand Lodge legally formed and organized, has, from high an- tiquity, ample right to bear Masonic rule over those subject to its juris- diction. A Grand Master, duly qualified, sitting in open Lodge, clothed with the insignia of his office, has ample right to bear rule in bis Lodge, to exact and receive obedience and courteous deportment from all in the Lodge. None but the Grand Master, unless by his consent, canput any question to vote or declare the result, 10 440 SRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. " A Grand Master may err ; he may act in gross violation of Masonic laws and usages ; but his misconduct can never dissolve a Grand Lodge, nor can it ever justify or excuse those in the Lodge in deposing him from his chair, usurping his legal authority, disobeying his commands, or treating him with disrespect. "Much less can an individual, or any number of individuals, of their own motion, declare the Grand Lodge dissolved for any cause whatever. And even admitting for argument's sake, that the Grand Lodge of New York was dissolved, where do the individuals claiming to form a new one obtain their authority ? In this case they do not pretend to have any delegated authority to organize a new Grand Lodge. Any such action, therefore, on their part would be irregular, unmasonic, and of no force or effect. "In view of these plain ancient universal principles of the Fraternity, whoever may have been in the right or in the wrong in the original acts that led to this unfortunate controversy, we feel bound to declare that those who, in the Grand Lodge of New Yo4-k, on the 5th of June, A. L. 5849, resisted the authority of the Grand Master while presiding in his open Lodge, and who put motions, declared votes, and professed to choose Grand Officers without his consent, and in opposition to his legal author- ity and known will, were guilty of gross violations of Masonic laws, usages and propriety. "No legal association can grow up from mere violation of law and propriety. It is therefore impossible to acknowledge as legitimate the pretended Grand Lodge, brought forth by lawless violence, in the presence and in defiance of the authority of the regular and legal Grand Lodge of New York, in its open session." Your committee therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : 1. Resolved, That the Grand Lodge oi the State of New Jersey continues to recognize, in the fullest manner, the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, of which the Most Worshipful John D. Willard is at present Grand Master, and will continue to hold Masonic intercourse with that body, and with no other body claiming similar authority in that State. 2. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge feels bound to recognize the acts of the said Willard Grand Lodge, and cannot receive or hold Masonic inter- course with any person who has been, by that body, expelled from the rights and privileges of Masonry. 3. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge views with deep regret and sorrow the unfortunate schism which has rent the Grand Lodge of New York in twain, and so disturbed the harmony of the Fraternity in that jurisdiction, and recommends to the brethren of that State to use every proper effort to conciliate and restore those who have gone astray. Your committee have not failed to notice the participation of Past GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 441 Grand Officers of this State in the organization of the illegitimate Grand Lodges of the State of New York, and feel constrained to submit a few remarks upon that subject to your consideration. Mere "babes and sucklings" in Masonry, we speak with reluctance of those who have filled the highest offices and received the fullest honors of the Fraternity, and who have for many years exhibited great zeal, energy aad ability in advancing the interests and establishing the institution of Masonry in this jurisdiction. Yet, however unpleasant the duty, it has been assigned us and must be performed. Your committee hold it to be sound doctrine that the Grand Lodge of our State has no legal right to open and establish a Grand Lodge in any other State, in opposition to a legal Grand Lodge existing in said State. The soundness of this doctrine is apparent from this: if the Grand Lodge of New Jersey has a right to go into the State of New York and establish a new Grand Lodge there, then has every other State Grand Lodge the same right to establish a Grand Lodge in that State or in any other Grand Lodge jurisdiction. It need not be added that such a doctrine would hurl our sacred and time-honored institution down into utter ruin. Neither can the Grand Lodge of one State, with any show of justice Or propriety, adopt this mode of redressing grievances, supposed to have been suffered by a portion of the members in another jurisdiction, and for the same strong reasons. The Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi adopted this course of proceeding with regard to the State of Louisiana, and she met with a prompt, stern and just rebuke for her u^imasonic interference and unwarranted assumption of powers, from her sister Grand Lodges through the United States. Now, your committee presume that Past Grand Officers possess no greater powers than the Grand Lodges to which they belong ; and we cannot but conclude that if such interference is unmasonic in Grand Lodges, it is much more so, if possible, in Grand Officers acting of their own motion and without any show of authority. Entertaining these views, your committee deem it highly necessary that this Grand Lodge should vindicate herself fully in the premises, and they therefore submit the following resolution, viz. : Mesolved, That the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey unquali- fiedly disapproves of the acts of the Past Grand Masters from this juris- diction who aided in the organization of the Phillips Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It will be observed that your committee do not assume to try or con- condemn any Past Grand Officer of this jurisdiction. It is not their province. They recommend no censure. But your committee recom- mend the foregoing resolution, because they consider the Grand Lodge of New Jersey bound, in the vindication of her own Masonic character, and in the discharge of a plain duty, to publicly wash her hands of all partic- ipation in the institution of an irregular unmasonic body. This she can 442 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. only do by disavowing the acts of those of her prominent members who participated in the institution of such a body. Before dismissing this matter, your committee would merely call the attention of this Grand Lodge to the fact, that they find among the cor- respondence an ofiicial communication from the late Grand Secretary of the regular Grand Lodge of the State of New York, under the seal of said Grand Lodge, bearing date December 6th, A. L. 5849, certifying that, "in June last, W. Fitzgerald Tisdall, representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey in the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, was expelled from all the rights and privileges of the Fraternity for unmasonic conduct." Louisiana. — In this State a difficulty occurred in 1847, which arose out of the cumulation of the Scotch and Modern Lodges with Ancient York Masons. The Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi interfered in this matter, and issued warrants for Subordinate Lodges within the limits of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, which Subordinate Lodges, in March, 1848, organized a new Grand Lodge, which was styled " the Louisiana Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons." Your committee had given this matter their attention, and should have presented in this report their views ; but your committee have been informed that this difference has been settled, and that the Grand Lodge of Mississippi has withdrawn the warrants by her granted. Such being the case, your committee do not feel called upon to enter into any discussion of the question involved in that schism. They therefore pass them by with the single remark, that had they deemed it proper to recommend any action in the premises, they should recommend resolutions censuring the Grand Lodge of Mississippi for her unmasonic conduct, and refusing to recognize the newly organized body styled " the Louisiana Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons." District of Columbia. — -We have before us the published proceedings of this Grand Lodge from May 1st to July 17th, A. L. 5849. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of this District, in December, A. L. 5848, a warrant was granted to Bro. S. Y. At Lee, and others, for a Lodge to be located at San Francisco, California, under the name of California Lodge, No. 13, and Bro. At Lee was installed as Bight Worshipful Master of the same. The Lodge was placed under the care of one well qualified to take care of its interests in that distant region, and enable it to administer aid and comfort to the brethren of our Craft, who are gathering there from all parts of the world. In the report of the Committee on Correspondence, which was submit- ted to the said Grand Lodge, your committee find discussed in an able manner several questions of importance, some of which your committee havethought of sufficient importance for a particular notice in this report. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 443 The committee to whom was referred "the constitution of the several Lodges," among other matters reported two resolutions relative to the vacancies of the principal offices of a Subordinate Lodge, whether by resignation, death or otherwise, offered the following in reference thereto : "5th. Resolved, That no person can occupy the chair of the Master of a Lodge except the installed Master thereof, either of his Wardens, or some brother who has, by service in the chair, attained to the degree o' Past Master." "8th. Resolved, That neither of the principal officers of a Lodge can, after their acceptance of the said offices, resign the same ; but their places must be filled, in the absence of either from the Lodge, by the next officer in rank, or, in the absence of all, by a Past Master, as heretofore pro- vided. In the case of the death of all the said officers, or their removal from the jurisdiction, a dispensation may be specially obtained from the Orand Lodge, or from the Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master, during the recess of the Grand Lodge." The first of these resolutions, " after considerable debate," was adopted unanimously, and the latter (8th) referred back to the committee for further consideration ; who, on a subsequent meeting, reported the •opinion of Bro. Charles W. Moore, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and editor of " The Free Masons Monthly Magazine," whose opinions are held in the highest estimation by the Fraternity throughout the Union ; and your committee conceive it of sufficient moment to here insert it entire, together with the resolution substituted for the former, (meaning the 8th). "Dr. Dalcho lays it down as a constitutional rule, founded on the ancient landmarks of the Fraternity, that 'no officer can resign his office after he is installed, nor can any election be held but at the constitutional meeting for that purpose ;' that is, at the meeting fixed by the By-Laws of the Lodge, under the sanction of the Grand Lodge, for the election of officers. If this be a sound rule, and is sustained by the ancient land- marks of the institution, it covers the whole ground and settles the in- quiry of our correspondent. But is it so? "The earliest written regulation bearing upon the subject, given in the books, was adopted by the Grand Lodge of England, on the 25th of No- vember, 1723, ' when it was agreed tha^if a Master of a particular Lodge is deposed, or dimits, the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill the Master's chair till the next time of choosing.' This may, therefore, be regarded as the ancient usage in respect to vacancies in the Mastership of the Lodge ; and to this extent answers the inquiry of our correspondent. It recognizes the principle, that if a vacancy occur in the office of Master it cannot be filled until ' the next time of choosing ;' that is, the next regular meeting for the choice of officers. 444 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. " The regulation on this subject, in the present Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England, is as follows : " 'If the Master should die, be removed, or be incapable of discharging the duties of his office, the Senior Warden, and in the absence of the Senior Warden, the Junior Warden, and in the absence of both Wardens, then the immediate Past Master, or in his absence, the Senior Past Master shall act as Master, in summoning the Lodge, until the next election of officers.' " This, like the preceding regulation, is restricted in its application to vacancies in the offices of Master. Keither provides for the filling of vacancies in the Wardenships. Under the English Constitutions, the Wardens are appointed by the Master, not by election. And they may be removed by him, with the consent of the Lodge, if he shall be dissat- isfied with their conduct. In which case he is authorized to nominate others to fill their places. " This regulation is based on ancient usage, and is consistent with the earliest practice among the Lodges. The principle established by it, or on which it is predicated, would seem to be, that a vacancy in an elective office can be filled only at the constitutional meeting for the choice of officers. Or, in other words, no election of officers can take place at any other time than that prescribed by the Grand Constitutions or by the By- Laws of the Lodge, adopted under the sanction and approbation of the Grand Lodge. But vacancies in all other than elective offices may be filled by the Master, at the pleasure of the Lodge. Such is the principle and the practice at present recognized by the Grand Lodge of England, and both are consistent with ancient Masonic usage. " The same rule of succession in the case of the Master, and the same principle of election are laid down in all the old Masonic Constitutions. The Ahiman Eezon, of 1764, has the following; " ' The Senior Warden succeeds to all the duties of the Master, and fills the Chair in his absence. Or, if the Master goes abroad on business, re- signs, dimits or is deposed, the Senior Warden shall forthwith fill his place till the next stated time of election.' "This principle does not obtain in the event of a vacancy in the office of Grand Master. The Deputy succeeds to the Chair. But if there be no Deputy, then the Senior Warden calls the Grand Lodge together, and a Past Grand Master presides. A 'new Grand Master cannot be elected until the ensuing Annual Communication. The article on this subject in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, is as follows: " 'Upon the death of any of the office bearers, the Grand Lodge shall appoint a brother to act till the first annual election ; excepting the offices of Grand Master and Deputy, which shall remain vacant until that period.' " The Wardens in the Grand Lodge of Scotland are elected by the body. GRAND LODGE OS NEW JERSEY. 445 not appointed by the Grand Master. And, as appears from the above regulation, the Grand Lodge has reserved to itself the right to fill vacan- cies by appointment, as they may occur. The difference between this rule and that of the Grand Lodge of England is, that in the one the vacancies are filled by the Grand Master, and in the other by the Grand Lodge. " Thus far the ancient and present foreign practice. The corollary of which is, that a vacancy iu the office of Master cannot be filled except at the regular meeting for the choice of officers. And if we carry out the principle, the same will hold true in respect to the Wardens, (where they are chosen by the Lodge,) and the filling of all other elective officers. " The Grand Lodge of Scotland has changed the ancient practice, ar;d assumed the election of its own Wardens, and the filling of vacancies in those and the subordinate offices, as they may occur — both of which powers are, in England, invested in the Grand Master. Whether this practice of the Grand Lodge extends to its Subordinate Lodges or other- wise, we are not informed. The Constitution is silent upon the subject. We presume, however, that it does. The Grand Lodge, in a matter of this nature, would not, probably, adopt one rule of action for itself and another for its subordinates. If this be so, then the Lodges under this, as the Master under the ancient rule, may fill vacancies in the Warden- ships as they occur. This practice seems not to have been changed, except in form. "In America, all the principal officers of a Lodge are elected by ballot ; a practice which we presume has been adopted, as being more agreeable to the genius of the country and the character of its institutions. But it is manifestly a departure from the ancient usage. " The succession of the Wardens to the Chair, in the absence of the Master, is generally recognized as correct practice. But in the matter of filling vacancies, there is much less uniformity. The Constitutions of the Grand Lodges of the several States are, with one or two exceptions, wholly silent on the subject. They provide amply enough, perhaps, for their own bodies, but make no provision, in this particular, for their Sub- ordinate Lodges. Among the exceptions is the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, which has the following regulation : " 'No officer can resign his office after he is installed, nor can any election be held but at the constitutional meeting for that purpose. But if the Master and both Wardens should die, be expelled, or leave the city or State, not to return, a new election can be held under a dispensation from the presiding Grand Officer. But if either of them remains, no election can be had.' / • " The principle embodied in this regulation is, that a Lodge cannot fill vacancies by election at any other time than that fixed for the annual choice of officers. The provision for a dispensation in extreme cases, rather confirms than changes the principle. 446 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. "The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of New York provides, that ' whenever, by death or otherwise, a vacancy occurs in the office of Secre- tary or Treasurer, the Lodge may at any regular meeting choose some suitable person, being a member of the Lodge, to discharge the duties of the office till the vacancy shall be filled at the next annual election.' But it makes no provision in case of vacancies occurring in the office of Master or Warden. They cannot therefore be filled except at the annual election ; at least this is the logical inference. "The Grand Lodge of Maryland has a different rule, as follows: " ' No Lodge shall elect its officers for more than one year, nor less than six months, except to fill offices rendered vacant by death, re- moval,' &c. "This authorizes the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maryland to fill vacancies as they occur, whether by appointment or election. And here ends the authorities, ancient and modern, as far as we have had opportunity to consult them. " From the foregoing we think the following conclusions are deducible : " That by the ancient written regulations and established usages of Masonry, a vacancy in the office ol Master of a Lodge, occasioned by death or other cause, cannot be filled except at the prescribed time for the election of officers; and that on the occurrence of such vacancy, the Senior Warden succeeds to the Chair. It is proper, however, here to remark, that another practice has, for the last hundred years, extensively prevailed, and is considered by well informed Masons to be the most legitimate and consistent. It is this : On the occurrence of a vacancy in the Chair the Senior Warden convenes the Lodge, when the last surviving Past Master is invited to assume the duties of Master until the ensuing election. One reason for this practice is, that none other than a regu- larly installed Master can, with propriety, preside over the Lodge and discharge the necessary duties of Master. Another is, that the organiza- tion of the Lodge is not disturbed by the promotion of its officers. This, in spirit, is the present practice under the Grand Lodge of England. ' In the Master's absence,' say the Constitutions of that body, ' the immediate Past Master, or if he be absent, the Senior Past Master of the Lodge present, shall take the Chair. If neither the Past Master nor any Past Master of the Lodge be present, then the Senior Warden, or in his absence, the Junior Warden shall rule the Lodge.' The Lodge, however, in case of vacancy in the Chair, must be summoned by the Senior Warden, under whose authority the Past Master officiates. " 2. The Wardens were anciently appointed by the Master, and vacan- cies in those offices could, at any time, be filled by the appointing power ; this is the present English practice. In Scotland and in this country, the Wardens are elected. The question is, whether the change in the prac- tice authorizes a corresponding change in the principle? If the affirma- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 447 tive of this be conceded, then such vacancies cannot be filled, except at the annual election. The practice, in this respect, is not uniform. Under the Scotch Constitution, they could be filled by election at the conveni- ence of the Lodge ; and this is also authorized by the Constitution of Maryland. The Constitutions of other Grand Lodges, so far as we have been able to consult them, are silent on the subject. Our own opinion is, that the practice which prevailed in the Grand Lodges prior to the, publica- tion of the first edition of the Constitutions, is not only most consistent with, ancient usage, but will be f»und to be the most convenient, if adopted for the regulation of the Subordinate Lodges. It is embodied in the follow- ing extract from the Constitutions of 1764: ' Soon after the first edition of the Book of Constitutions, the Grand Lodge, finding it was always the ancient usage, that the oldest former Grand Wardens supplied the places of those of the year when absent, the Grand Master ever since has ordered them to take place immediately, and act as Grand Wardens pro tempore.' This practice, as in the case of the Master, would prevent any further change in the oflScers of the Lodge, and would not, therefore, iisturb the organization for the year. "So far in answer to the inquiry of our correspondent. And, in con- clusion, we take the liberty to submit a suggestion, which may or may not be worthy of further consideration. " The Master and Wardens are the responsible officers of the Lodge. They are its representatives in the Grand Lodge, and are more directly amenable to that body than the other oflScers associated with them. It is important to the Grand Lodge, and to the Lodge itself, that the means of communication between the responsible officers of both should, at all times, be easily available and certain. The Grand Master or the Grand Secretary should always he able to communicate directly with the Master and Wardens of every Lodge within the Jurisdiction. This is not, under the existing arrangement, always practicable. It may, however, be easily rendered so, as follows : " 1. Require all the Lodges, in conformity with ancient practice, to elect, on or near a given day, their officers for one year. "2. Let the Secretary of the Lodge, immediately after their installa- tion, forward to the Grand Secretary the names of the Master and War- dens, with the date of their election. " 3. Let the Grand Secretary, immediately on receiving the returns so made, enter the names in a book prepared for the purpose — specify the office, date of election and residence. And when so received, an officer should not be allowed to resign within the year for which he has been elected. If an office become vacant, by reason of death or removal, it should be immediately filled by the appointment of a Past Officer of cor- responding rank, and the change communicated to the Grand Secretary, to be entered in his Register. 448 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. "Such a register would soon become of great value and interest, as a matter of reference and history. Every brother would naturally feel a Just pride in having his name so recorded and thus transmitted to future times, as one who was found worthy to be enrolled among the 'rulers of the Crafl.' And, if necessary, he would willingly pay a small fee for the privilege. It would not interfere with the present annual returns, nor impose any very onerous additional duty upon the Grand Secretary." " Resolved, That no election for Master of a Subordinate Lodge can be held at any other time than the period of the annual election, but that his place must be filled at each successive meeting, after a vacancy from any cause, by the officer next in rank present, or in the absence of both of said officers, (the Wardens) by a Past Master, as heretofore provided." Maine. — This Grand Lodge held its annual session May 3d, A. L. 5849, with a representation from thirty-three Lodges. The address of the Grand Master, among other things, in speaking of the prosperity of the Fraternity, holds the following cheering language: " I congratulate you, my brethren, that we meet under so favorable circumstances ; that every where, throughout the length and breadth of our noble State, the sound of the gavil is heard, cheering a noble band of faithful Craftsmen, ever diligent in the duties of their respective stations, and ever ready to exhibit specimens of their skill, which will command the approbation of the skillful Craftsmen of every clime, and stand the test of the ©rand Overseer's square." The several reports of his deputies exhibit evidence of their love and attention to the various Lodges committed to their charge, which seem to have been guarded with jealous care. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence present a very concise and elaborate report, occupying several pages. The address, delivered by Most Worshipful B. B. French before that Grand Lodge on the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, June 26th, A. L. 5849, is an able document, in which he has treated his subject with great force and ability. We beg leave to make an extract therefrom, wherein he speaks of St. John the Evangelist: "And it is appropriate to add that, perhaps in the whole of Scripture history, a more lovely human being could not have been selected as a patron than the Evangelist. He was the disciple whom Jesus loved, and who, at that solemn feast which took place immediately preceding the condemnation, sat next our Saviour, and leaned upon his bosom. Gentle- ness and tenderness breathed through all his writings. And it is said that as the infirmities of age made him unable to address the church in a sys- tematic discourse, he always desired to be conveyed to the assembly, and as often as he came addressed them thus: 'Children, love one another.' Being asked, at length, why he always repeated this exhortation, with GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 449 nothing new, he answered, ' Because it is the precept of the Lord, and if that ia fulfilled, it is enough.' " New Hampshire. — This Grand Lodge met June 12th, A. L. 5849, with a representation of fifteen Lodges. The reports of the Grand Master and his Deputies evince a spirit, in the discharge of their several duties, which is truly commendable. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence say — " It gives us great pleasure to renew a more intimate acquaintance with the Fraternity in New Jersey, and we hope that the correspondence now renewed will long continue." Massachusetts. — The pamphlet before us, from this State, is the delib- eration of several sessions, to wit, March 8th, Junel4tb, September 13th, and December 13th and 27th, A. L. 5848. The Grand Master, in speaking of the state of the Fraternity in that jurisdiction, holds the following language, which is truly flattering: " At the present moment the institution is prosperous, almost without a parallel, not only under this jurisdiction, but under other jurisdictions and throughout the civilized world. All the dormant Lodges, with very few exceptions in this commonwealth, have been resuscitated, and a large number of new ones warranted, and it is believed they are all faithful, active and in good condition. Men of intelligence, worth and influence are seeking the honors and privileges of our institution, and devoting themselves to its interest with commendable zeal and earnestness. " Large additions are yearly made to our numbers, and if we remain united and true to ourselves, the institution will go on from prospering to prosper. But, brethren, a season of great prosperity is not without its perils. In the ordinary pursuits of life, success in business is not unfrequently the high road to ruin. So in Free Masonry, great prosperity is too often the prelude to a disordered and unhappy state of the Fraternity." Vermont. — The proceedings for this Grand Lodge is for the Annual Session, held in Burlington, January 10th, A. L. 5849, with a represen- tation from twelve Lodges and a large number of brethren. The pamphlet is large, showing that all their proceedings were con- ducted with great care and due deliberation. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, in speaking of the Grand Lodge certificate, hold the following language, which your committee hope will be adopted, to meet the case to which it refers: " Owing to the peculiar situation of there being two Grand Lodges in New York, and she having adopted this system, this Grand Lodge, as far as practicable will demand the certificate, and adopt all other precau- 450 GRAND LODGE 01' NEW JERSEY. tionary measures, to see that none but regular Masons, bailing from this jurisdiction, are admitted as visitors witbin our walls." The subject of a General Grand Lodge was debated at some length, but finally laid on the table, and not again acted on during the session. Connecticut. — The Annual Communication of this Most Worshipful body was held in the city of Hartford, on the 9th of May, A. L. 5849 ; twenty-two Lodges represented. The Grand Master, in alluding to the subject of a General Grand Lodge, makes the following remark : " I should be opposed to the formation of a General Grand Lodge with any other power than that to regulate a uniformity of work, and to decide questions in dispute between State Grand Lodges. Other powers would reduce State Grand Lodges to the condition of subordinates." Michigan. — This Grand Lodge held its Annual Meeting on the 10th of .January, A. L. 5849, with a representation from twenty-four Lodges. There does not appear to be any thing of interest to communicate from this Grand Lodge, and would only remark, they seem to enjoy their usual degree of prosperity. Maryland. — From this Grand Lodge we have their proceedings from July to October, A. L. 5848, and January to April, A. L. 5849, inclusive. There being nothing that is deemed of sufiicient moment to communi- cate, e.xoept the subject now before the several Grand Lodges, of a Su- preme or General Grand Lodge. The fornaation of a General Grand Lodge has repeatedly received the sanction of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and in the re- port above alluded to, the following resolution was recommended : "Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the organization of a General Grand Lodge of the United States is desirable," &c. Your committee have before them also, a circular from the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and one from the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, re- commending the same measure. "With the latter is presented the form of a constitution for a Grand Lodge of the United States. Your committee do not feel disposed to enter into any examination of the merits of this or of any other form of a constitution for such General Grand Body, as your committee disapprove of the establishment of any General Grand Body under any form of constitution whatever. Your committee regard the proposed measure an unnecessary innovation upon Ancient Masonry, and they believe that, should such a General Grand Body be established, we could not truthfully call ourselves "Ancient" Masons any longer. Masonry derives much of its strength and perma- nency from its abhorrence of all innovations, and so long as we religiously GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 451 set 03XT faces against all manner of innovations, and direct our efiForts to the keeping of Masonry within its ancient limits, so long it is safe, so long must it be prosperous and powerful. Once open the door to innova- tion and all security is gone. No one can tell when it will be closed, or where innovation and change will stop. Experience will show that change will beget change, and innovation will rapidly succeiid innovation, until the beauty and strength of Masonry will be irretrievably gone. Your committee most sincerely deprecate the proposed measure, and earnestly hope that those Grand Lodges who have recommended it, will pause ere they introduce a precedent so dangerous to the well being and perpetuity of our ancient Craft, the more especially as none of those bodies have as yet advanced any argument establishing the necessity of the measure. Indeed, your committee apprehends that they will not undertake this, inasmuch as the whole experience of the past has shown us that Masonry, Ancient Masonry, has been abundantly able to take care of herself, without any such appendage. Your committee recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That this Grand Lodge entirely disapproves of the establish- ment of a General Grand Lodge of the United States. Kentucky.— The Grand Lodge met August 27th, A. L. 5849. The Craft was at that time in a very prosperous condition in this jurisdiction. The Masonic College at La Grange was, your committee is happy to state, in a very healthy condition, being ably managed, and having eighty-one students. The enterprise is a noble one, and we bid our brethren God speed in their work. The cause of education well deserves the attention of Masons, and it is earnestly hoped that the Craft will unite in their efforts to establish such institutions as, under their charge, will extend the blessing of education to all the orphan children of brother Masons. Indiana. — The report of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Indiana evince a high degree of prosperity of the Craft in this jurisdiction. In the address of the Grand Master, allusion is made to the cause of the former Grand Master of said Grand Lodge, Brother Johnson Watts. Brother Watts was a member of King David's Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and at the same time Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The Chapter, for some cause, suspended him, and the Grand Lodge, without charges or trial, and without expressing any opinion upon his guilt or innocence, interdicted all Masonic intercourse with him by Masons under that jurisdiction, during such suspension. This case was taken up by some of the sister Grand Lodges of other States, and the action of the Grand Lodge of Indiana in the premises condemned, as being, unmasonic, Of this opinion are your committee. Ancient Craft Masonry 452 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. never extended beyond the three Blue Lodge degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, and it has been well remarked, that a Master Mason cannot be suspended or expelled by a body foreign to his Lodge, and having no jurisdiction over it. Without discuseing it at any length, your committee express their opinion that the Grand Lodge of Indiana erred in their decision, and violated a clear piinciple and rule of Masonry, that no Master Mason can be suspended or expelled, except by a Master Mason's Lodge. Virginia. — Your committee find nothing in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of this State requiring special notice. The Craft is prosper- ous and an appropriate Masonic zeal and industry are manifested in their proceedings. Iowa. — We have the journal of this Grand Lodge for the session of June 5th, A. L. 5849. Florida. — This body held their Annual Communication January 8th, 5849. The journal of proceeding is before us. Tennessee. — The printed journal of the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, for the Annual Session held October, A. L. 5849, is before us, showing a due representation from one hundred and seven Lodges and a large number of visitors. It sppears, by the report of the trustees, that they have organized a college at Clarksville, and are proceeding to erect the necessary buildings, the corner-stone of which was laid, with appropriate Masonic ceremonies, on the 2-2d of February, then last past. We here make an extract from the said report, to show with what commendable zeal the brethren of this State are making towards the education of the sons of Masons: "In accordance with a resolution passed at your last Grand Annual Communication, the first meeting of the board was held on the 5th of December last, when it was resolved to proceed at once with the organi- zation of the institution, both in its preparatory and collegiate depart- ments. "The property proffered by the citizens of Clarksville, and accepted by the Grand Lodge, having been placed at our disposal, together with the 815,000 subscribed for the erection of suitable buildings, the corner-stone of the University was laid with appropriate Masonic ceremonies, on the 22d of February. "The building — a plan of which is herewith submitted — is progressing, under the direction of a skillful architect, as rapidly as the solid character of its masonry will admit of, and will be finished, according to contract, by the 1st of next September. When completed, it will not suffer in point GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 453 of architectural beauty, and adaptation to its ends, by a comparison with any public edifice in the State. Believing that such an institution as the Grand Lodge of Tennessee designed to establish, must be a work of time, we have looked not so much to its present, as its future wants. We have sought to lay the foundation broad and strong, with a view of erecting thereupon an institutution of learning second to none in the land. We have adopted a course of study which accords with the highest standard of collegiate education in the United States ; and in the selection of a Faculty, we have chosen men eminently learned and skillful in their respective departments, and who moreover are possessed of a matured experience, and enjoy the advantages of a wide spread reputation. While we have done this, and have endeavored to secure to your institution a literary and scientific reputation in some degree commensurate with the dignity and importance of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, we have at the same time constantly kept before us the peculiar characteristic of our Fraternity, and have endeavored, most of all, to make such provisions as will eventually render the University pre-eminently a charitable institu- tion. " Knowing that it was for the sake of the indigent and orphan sons of Masons that the institution was founded, almost the first resolutions passed at our primary meeting were the following : " Resolved, That each Subordinate Lodge, working under the jurisdic- tion of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, be entitled to the gratuitous in. struction of one Mason's child. '^Resolved, Inasmuch as the brethren of Clarksville have undertaken to provide gratuitous board and lodging for a number of such beneficiaries as may be deputed by the Subordinate Lodges, that the Grand Master be requested to designate such as he may deem the most entitled to the benefits of this provision. "In passing the above resolutions, the board have been influenced by the ardent hope that the Grand Lodge will adopt such measures as will render its University the centre of a system of education under Masonic auspices, which' will embrace every Lodge, and make adequate provision for every needy Mason's son within its jurisdiction. This can be done only through the influence of a great central nchool, furnished with every facility for raising up from among our own children a supbly of teachers expressly trained for the work of education, and bound to the interests of Masonry by the strongest ties of gratitude and obligation. Let provision be made for the entire support of a number of beneficiaries, who shall be required, after graduating, to return to their homes and organize and teach for two or three years local Masonic schools, under the direction of the Lodge sending them, and auxiliary to the University. Thus will the interests of the University become identified with that of its prepara- tory seminaries, our united resources will be fully developed, and an 454 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. economical, well arranged and comprehensive system of education be established and perpetuated, to the honor of Masonry and the accomplish- ment of an amount of good almost incalculable." The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, after reviewing the pro- ceedings of the several Grand Lodges before them in relation lo the New York question, extract the following, which your committee think not inappropriate to here insert: " Your committee have now presented, as they conceive, a full and impartial account, according to the light before them, of the transactions which occurred at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York on the 6th of June, 1849 — transactions which have no parallel in the history of Masonry in times past, and we sincerely hope may have none in future. Under all the circumstances of the case, your committee have no hesitation in saying that the Grand Lodge styling itself 'the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York,' of which Isaac Phillips is Grand Master, and James Herring Grand Secre- iary, is illegal and clandestine ; that its formation was unmasonic, and a violation of the rules and regulations of the Fraternity. Your committee, therefore, recommend the adoption of the following resolutions: "Resolved, That this Grand Lodge will withhold all Masonic commu- nication from said Grand Lodge and the members thereof, and with the Lodges adhering to, or deriving their charters from said Grand Lodge. " Resolved, lih&i this Grand Lodge acknowledges only as the Zr«e and legitimate Grand Lodge of the State of New York, that of which the Most Worshipful John D. Willard is Grand Master, and Kobert R. Boyd is Grand Secretary." The address of Rev. Bro. E. H. Hatcher, attached to the proceedings, truly and forcibly illustrates the principles and beauties of Masonry. In speaking of the different features of our Fraternity, and its regard for the Holy Scriptures, it holds the following language, which we here insert: " Another beautiful feature of the Masonic institution, is its supreme regard for the teachings and authority of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is found in svery Masonic assembly. Nor is it there as a slighted and neglected symbol of the Fraternity. Upon its pages often rest the hand, and falls the eye of the candidate, from the moment the first star of Ma- sonry rises upon his vision, to 'the breaking of the dominion of the Infidel over the Holy Sepulchre, by the tried steel and strong arm of the valorous Knight.' To the authority of that volume Masonry appeals for the solemnity of her obligations and the purity of her principles. ' It shines in her temples as the first and brightest of her jewels; and the durable texture of all her royal and beautiful vestments, is woven of the golden threads of its sublimest truths and most impressive passages. And no where may its leares be more appropriately unfolded than in her solemn assemblies, since to the labors of her Craftsmen the world is in- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 455 debted for the preservation of several of its parts, through a long night of desolation, bondage and ruin. " Every Mason should be deeply impressed with the value and import- ance of the sacred volume. It contains doctrines vfhich have engaged the interest of angels in heaven, and vfhich will be the burthen of songs and rejoicings in glory for ever. The founding of empires, the issue of battles, the government of nations, cannot equal in importance the dis- closures which it makes. It furnishes themes for meditation and thought, more wonderful and sublime than trackless oceans, than towering moun- tains, than worlds rolling upon worlds, or than systems running into systems. It is infinitely more glorious in its developments than all the achievements of art or discoveries of science. The Bible is the peculiar treasure of Masonry. It stands to our Fraternity as the fire upon the altar in the holy of holies of the temple of old — always burning, always beautiful, always bright. Its influence is boundless, its power is omnipo- tent. Light and fire, earth's purest elements, are but the shadows of its glory. The tongues of lambent flame that sat upon the heads of the Apostles, were but indicative of its irradiating and consuming potency. Its pure flame has oft times been smothered by the ashes of a false phi- losophy, but as often rekindled by the breath of Divinity. Clouds and storms have swept around it ; but they have passed away, and left it to shine in its own native effulgence, like the first created orb which God placed in the firmament of the new made world, to pour its light and glory through all the temple of His works. Every jewel of our Frater- nity glows with the brilliancy of its heavenly lustre, and flashes back upon our vision the resplendent effulgence which burns upon its pages. And he alone is a worthy and true Mason who delights in its doctrines and glories in its principles, and who walks in its commandments." Mississipn. — The proceedings before us is the Annual Communication of January 15th, A. L. 5849, with a delegation from fourteen Lodges. We find therein nothing of sufficient moment to present at this time. They seem to enjoy their usual degree of prosperity. Arkansas. — The pamphlet before us is the Annual Session of Novem- ber 6th, A. L. 5848. Texas. — We have their proceedings for the 12th Annual Grand Com- munication, held at Houston, January 15th, A. L. 5849, with a represen- tation from eighteen Lodges. The Grand Secretary, in his annual report, among other matters, says: "The annals of history .cannot furnish one instance that can compare with the steady increase, the rapid advancement, and above all, the high moral influence which has followed the workings of our noble art on the 11 ■456 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. minds of men, than have been exhibited throughout our young and rising State." lie further says: "Six years ago there were but ten Lodges working under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge," and "now working under warrants forty-five Lodges, and under dispensation nine, in all fifty-four Lodges ; and to the credit of all and every one be it said, that not one unsettled account remains on the Secretary's books." The special committee to whom was referred the report of the Commit- tee on Foreign Correspondence, among others, submitted the following resolution, as the decision of said Grand Lodge in reference to the pro- posed General or Supreme Grand Lodge, which was duly considered and adopted : " 2. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, the formation or establishment of a General or Supreme Grand Lodge for the United Slates of America is inexpedient, and that this Grand Lodge cannot recognize such a body of Masons as a Masonic institution, with powers to control Masonry within the limits of the United States of America." I.vDiANA. — From this Grand Lodge we have their proceedings on the oecasion of "the laying of the coiner stone of the Grand Lodge Hall of Indiana, at Indianapolis, October 25th, A. L. 5848." ■South Carolina. — Befcre us we have the proceedings of the several quarterly and special sessions of this Grand Lodge for the year A. L. 5848. Masonry seems to be prosperous within her jurisdiction. A communication has been received from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, directed to our Grand Lodge, in which it states that a circular had been received from a Subordinate Lodge of this jurisdiction, and that the Grand Lodge of South Carolina had in- structed him to say to this body, that any communication from this Grand Lodge would receive respectful consideration, but that no notice could be taken of communications from subordinates. Your committee deem the action of that Grand Lodge correct. The only medium of com- munication between the subordinate of one, and the Grand Lodge of another jurisdiction, is through the Grand Lodge of their own jurisdic- tion ; and your committee trust that all subordinates in this jurisdiction will be required to observe this wholesome rule. Georgia. — The proceedings from this Grand Lodge is " the Annual Communication, held at Macon, from the Slst of October to 2d of Novem- ber, A. L. 5848," with representations from seventy-nine Subordinate Lodges. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 457 Alabama. — The Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge was held at Montgomery, December 4th, A. L. 5848, with representations from seventy-five Lodges. The Grand Master communicates the cheering intelligence of "unwonted prosperity." Ohio. — The published proceedings of this Grand Lodge contains 152 pages, being for the annual meeting held at Columbus, September 25th, A. L. 5848. The Grand Master, speaking of the prosperity of the Frater, nity, says: "If our prosperity were to be measured by numbers, the Grand Lodge of Ohio occupies an elevated position. It is earnestly to be hoped, that with numbers there is corresponding virtue, harmony and intelligence; without these, our strength is weakness." Illinois. — From this Grand Lodge we have a pamphlet of 124 pages, being the proceedings of the ninth annual meeting, held at the city of Alton, October 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th, A. L. 5848. The Grand Master, in speaking of the prosperity of the Craft within his jurisdiction, holds the following language: "The year that has just closed, has been one of unusual activity among the Craft throughout our jurisdiction, as'will appear from the number of dispensations granted for the formation of new Lodges, and the returns from the various Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge; all of which, so far as I have been able to learn, are in a prosperous and flourishing condition. We now number fifty Subordinate Lodges under warrant {including eight vacant numbers), and sixteen under dispensation (including two continued from last year), making in the aggregate fifty-eight Lodges now at work under our juris- diction.'' Wisconsin. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge is before us, held at Milwaukee, December 13th, A. L. 5848. All which is respectfully submitted. Dated Newark, N. J., May 13th, A. L. 5850. Thos. W. Mulford, Chairman. It was on motion Ordered, That the report be received and the commit- tee discharged; also, that the thanks of the Grand Lodge be given, for their care and attention to the duties discharged by said committee. Staats S. Morris was admitted. It was on motion, that the first resolution presented by the ComTnittee on Foreign Correspondence, relating to the New York difficulties, be adoptod. A motion was made to strike out the words, " and with no other body claiming similar authority in that State;"" which was not agreed to. 458 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The question was then put on the motion to adopt, as re- ported by the committee, and agreed to. Bro's Dodd, Condit and Ichabod Harrison were admitted. The second and third resolutions were severally adopted, as reported by said committee. A motion to adopt the resolution in reference to Past Grand Masters who aided in organizing the so-called Phil- lips Grand Lodge, was made, and, after some debate, laid over till the annual meeting; also, the one which refers to a Supreme Grand Lodge of the United States. It was moved to adopt the resolution which refers to in- tercourse with St. John's Grand Lodge of New York, as reported by said committee, and agreed to. A motion to adopt the report, with the postponed resolu- tions excepted as above, was agreed to. The following resolution was offered and adopted : Resolved, That the Right Worshipful Grand Secsretary forward to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New York a certified copyof the reso- lutions adopted by this Most Worshipful Grand Body this day, in refer- ence to the New York difficulties. It was on motion Ordered, That an appropriation of $15 be made to the widow of Bro. James Smith, of Rahway, provided there be sufficient funds unappropriated in the hands of the Grand Treasurer. The following bills were ordered paid : Bro. William Godber, for tyling this day $2 00 J. M. Newell, for publishing annual meeting 1 00 Newark Daily Advertiser for publishing annual meeting 2 00 Charles Scott, for binding and stitching pamphlets, paper, and bind- ing order book 5 12 Phillips &Boswell, printing 300 copies of minutes of last meeting,&c. 34 20 It was on motion Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge be tendered to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, for the use of their room this day. It was moved that the minutes of this meeting be read ; which was agreed to — 6 to 4. The minutes of this meeting were then read, and it was Ordered, That the minutes be adopted, and printed under the direction of the Grand Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 459 The Grand Lodge then closed, to meet in the city of Trenton on the second Wednesday of January next, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. JSTewarfc, May 13th, A. L. 5850. JANUARY SESSION, 1851. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday, January 8th, A. L. 5851, there were PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. JOHN GaRSIDE, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. ISAAC P. BROWN, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. ICHABOD HARRISON, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. GEORGE A. DODD, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. SYLVESTER VaNSICKEL, Grand Tyler, p. t. Visitors — Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott, J. S. Rice, Connecticut. LODGES REPKESENTED AS EOLLOWS : Jeptha B. Munn, proxy for W. M., Henry Whitenack, J. W., St. John's, No. 1. William S. Bowen, W. M., Samuel Harris, S. W., Jubal Clark, J. W., Brearley, No. 2. No representation, Cincinnati, No. 3. M. S. Mathis, S. W., Tuckerton, No. 4. William Kerwood, W. M., Sylvester Vansickel, S. W., Trenton, No. 5. No representation, Lebanon, No. 6. " " Newark, No. 7. " " Clinton, No. 8. " " Washington Shrewsbury, No. 9. Franklin, No. 10. 460 ttRAND LODUE OF NEW JERSEY. John M. Condit, "W. M., George A. Dodd, S. W., Union, at Orange, No. 11. Xo representation, Amwell, No. 12. Warren, No. 13. Mount Holly, No. 14. Matthew Miller, jun., W. M., Camden, No. 15. No representation, Olive Branch, No. 16. " " Hiram, No. 17. " " Harmony, No. 18. Haley Fisk, W. M., Union, at New Brunswick, No. 19. No representation, Rockaway, U. D., No. 20. The Grand Lodge was opened in due and ancient form. The Grand Master appointed the following : CommiCtee on Treasurer's Accounts — Halej Fisk, M. S. Mathis. Commitiee on Foreign Correspondence — Daniel B. Bruen, Thomas W. Mul- ford and Joseph H. Hough, for the year 5851. Samuel Kay, of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, was admitted. Samuel Reed, George W. Curtis, Lewis Gotta and Jona- than Alcott, of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, were admitted. The Grand Master's address was read, and on motion of Isaac P. Brown, that the address be received, and the usual committee be appointed, Samuel Reed, George A. Dodd and Samuel Harris were appointed. Mt Brbthrin. — A year has passed away since you honored me with a seat in the Oriental Chair, to preside over this intelligent body, for which honor I tender you my grateful thanks ; and that we are once more per- mitted to assemble as a Grand Lodge, we have great reason to thank the Supreme Architect of the Universe for our preservation and prosperous condition. I will now briefly state what has come under my observation during the recess of this Grand Lodge. In the month of March last, I received a petition from seven well known brethren, Master Masons, residents of Rockaway, Morris county, with a recommendation from Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3, (that being nearest to their location) requesting me to grant them a Dispeivsalion empowering them to meet in a proper place, in the village of Rockaway, as a body of Masons, and there to make Free Masons, according to the rules and reg- ulations of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey ; and they named for their first Master Jacob Powers, Ebenezer Kitchell for their Senior Warden, and William Mott for Junior Warden. After due examination, I granted my dispensation to Jacob Powers, Ebenezer Kitchell, William GRAND LODGE OF NEW JBESEY. 461 Mott, Nathaniel Mott, Frederick Dalryraple and others, named in the petition, to meet as Masons, in the village of Eockaway, until the annual meeting of this Grand Lodge, unless the same should be sooner revoked by me or a proper authority. On the 5th day of April I attended at Eockaway, accompanied by Eight Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Bro. Garside, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, Eight Worshipful Isaac P. Brown, Senior Grand Warden Bro. Icha- bod Harrison, and several other members of different Lodges, and opened said Eockaway Lodge in due form, and installed Bro. Jacob Powers as Worshipful Master, Bro. Ebenezer Kitchell as Senior Warden, and Bro. William Mott as Junior Warden ; and after examining their work they closed the Lodge, to meet the first Monday evening on or before the full moon. I have several times visited them during the summer, and I have found them in a very flourishing condition, and they have added a number of very intelligent members in their Lodge. On the 23d of December last, I received a communication from Bro. Powers, requesting me to attend al their Lodge-room on that evening, as that was the night of their election for officers ; and the result of which was Bro. Charles McFarland was elected Worshipful Master, Bro. William Crittenden, M. D., Senior War- den, and Bro. William Mott Junior Warden. 1 then installed Bro. Charles McFarland as Worshipful Master, Bro. Crittenden, owing to indisposition, was not present, whereupon I requested Bro. Powers to install him and the balance of the officers elect at their next meeting. If this Grand Lodge should approve of what has been done, I would recom- mend to grant a Warrant to the members of said Eockaway Lodge. I have visited all the Subordinate Lodges in the northern part of the State, and as many of the others as my health and business would permit me to do up to this time ; and I have found a number of them in a very flourishing condition, and peace and harmony appears to prevail among them all. I have, during the summer, visited Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, and found them in a very prosperous condition, and they have, during the past year, added many valuable members to their Lodge ; it was well attended, and the officers in their respective places; peace and harmony appeared to prevail throughout. I also attended the installation of the officers of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and of Newark Lodge, No. 7 ; the best of good feeling appeared to prevail among the brethren, and all things harmonious. On the 27th of December, accompanied by Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, I visited Hiram Lodge, No. 17, and installed the officers elect for the ensuing year. I found them in a very prosperous condition ; brotherly love and affection appeared to prevail among them. 1 regret very much that it has not been in my power (owing to my health and business) to visit Amwell Lodge, as I was invited a number of times. It was also my intention to visit Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, 462 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. during the month of December, but owing to a misfortHne which befel me by falling on the ice, I was unable to visit them. I would call the attention of tliis Grand Lodge to certain difficulties which have arisen during the past year between Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, and Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, respecting the admission of certain candidates, and would recommend this Grand Lodge to appoint a com- mittee to investigate the difficulties between them. I have also granted Dispensations upon application from the following Lodges, viz. : to St. John's Lodge, No. 1, three; Hiram Lodge, No. 17, three; Newark Lodge, No. 7; Rockaway Lodge, No. 20. While noticing the Masonic occurrences of the past year, it would be a want of duty in me it 1 failed to bring to your notice an event of a very regretful kind. On the 27th day of February, A. D. 1850, we had to record the death of Past Master Isaac Andruss, of Newark, who had acted many years of his life in the capacity of a representative of St. John's Lodge, then No. 2, in the former annual meetings of the Grand Lodge in this hall. The high standing of the deceased, in a civil capacity, in a military capacity, as a citizen, as a'worthy Mason, seemed to call imperatively upon us to give our testimony of high respect for his memory ; accordingly, at the request of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and Bro. General Andruss' own wish, expressed to me in his lifetime, 1 direc- ted a procession to be held to attend his remains to the tomb on the let day of March. The procession was very numerously attended, and by many of our old brethren of the Fraternity. The Masonic ceremonies, usual on such occasions, took place, and at the family vault a very inter- esting address, suitable to the occasion, was given by Past Grand High Priest William C. Stephens, of Mississippi. The utmost order was observed, the concourse of people very large, and the effect has appar- ently been the addition of many respectable members to our Lodges. Brethren, — Before closing my annual communication, I take leave to remark, that it is with much pleasure I now solicit your attention to an event of very recent occurrence, of the most gratifying character. On the 27th of December last, being St. John's day, I repaired, by invitation, to the city of New York, to meet with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, to attend the celebration of said day, accord- ing to Masonic usage, accompanied by Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and Daniel B. Bruen, with Past Masters Luther Goble and Samuel Smith. The occasion was rendered doubly interesting from the knowl- edge we had of a previous agreement for a uuion between the two Grand Lodges, hitherto most unhappily divided since the year 1837; and this day was ultimately agreed upon by the parties to consummate their act of Union, Peace, and Fraternal intercourse. Amidst solemn and imposin'' ceremonies, we had the great satisfaction to witness the most harmonious reception of the so-called St. John's Grand Lodge, and their Subordinate GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 463 Lodges, to the number of twenty-five, and their immediate submission to and complete incorporation with the regular Grand Lodge of the State of New York, over which the Most Worshipful Grand Master William H. Milnor now presides. Language wouid fail me in the attempt to form an adequate description of the scene that occurred; it was seen, it was felt, with the deepest sensibility of gratified pleasure amid the honest tears of joy exhibited by many, and by the mutual congratulations shown by the vast assembly of our Fraternity who witnessed it. While I tender to my brethren my congratulations upon this auspicious occurrence, I will say, that no event, in my opinion, in the Masonic calendar, has ever passed under my view so extensively beneficial and so highly important as this, in a Masonic point of light; and surely an increased interest in this long desired act of union among our brethren of New York must be felt by this Grand Lodge, and the whole Fraternity under its jurisdiction, from this consideration alone, if no other, that now the wall of separation, hereto- fore set up by this Grand Lodge to stop and prohibit our Masonic intercourse with the late St. John's Grand Ixidge, and the Lodges under their jurisdiction, is now removed. We have witnessed the act of their recognition as legitimate Masons, all; there is now but one banner, one chief, one Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and the Lodges called to their standard, which we can rightfully hail and acknowledge ; it is the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York, now under the rule of William H. Milnor, as their Grand Master. Such being the state of things, it remains for me to add and recom- mend, what has now become obviously proper, that the doings of this Grand Lodge, some few years since, intended and directed to debar and prohibit Masonic intercourse with the aforesaid St. John's Grand Lodge, and the Lodges under them, together with certain censurable charges against St. John's Lodge, No. 1, should be withdrawn, dissolved, or expunged from our former proceedings, so that hereafter no irritating recollections of the past shall remain to mar or disturb the harmony, union, and brotherly love of this Grand Lodge, or any Lodge or brethren connected with us in the State. Edward Stewart, G. Master. Past Grand Masters Daniel B. Bruen, Jeptha B. Munn and Ira Merchant were duly received in ample form. The committee on the differences between No's 4 and 14, mentioned in the Grand Master's address, are Past Grand Masters Daniel B. Bruen, Ira Merchant and Jeptha B. Munn. The amendment to Art. I, Sec. 10, presented at the last annual meeting, (pages 424 and 425,) was, on motion of 464 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Isaac p. Brown, that said amendment be adopted, after some debate, withdrawn till afternoon. The proposition to alter the time of the annual meeting to 24th of June, was called up by Bro. Isaac P. Brown. Samuel Lilly, Worshipful Master, John T. Neely, Senior Warden, and Hiram Scarborough, Past Master, of Amwell Lodge, No. 12, were admitted. Past Grand Master William S. Bowen moved to amend the proposition to make the time of meeting the "third Wednesday of January, in Trenton, in each and every year." On motion of Samuel Lilly, the whole matter was post- poned indefinitely. It was, on motion of Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to revise and correct the Consti- tution, By-Laws and General Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and to report at the next meeting. Jeptha B. Munn, Samuel Lilly and Joseph H. Hough were appointed. The Committee on Treasurer's Accounts presented the following, which was, on motion, accepted : The committee appointed to examine and report on the Secretary and Treasurer's Accounts, have done that duty, and beg leave to report, viz. -. that we find the same correctly stated, and there remains in the hands of the Treasurer a balance of one hundred and fifty-eight dollars and four- teen cents. Halet Fisk, M. S. Mathis. Jabez Beers, of Cincinnati Lodge, N"o. 3, and Milton Baldwin, of iTewark Lodge, No. 7, were admitted. The Grand Lodge was then called off till 3 o'clock P. M. grand lodge of neav jersey. 465 3 o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called to labor, there being pres- ent — M. W. Edward Stewart, Grand Master. R. W. John Garside, Deputy Grand Master. " " Isaac P. Brown, Senior Grand Warden. " " Milton Baldwin, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, Grand Secretary. " " Samuel Lilly, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, Grand Treasurer. " " William Kerwood, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. " " Ichabod Harrison, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Visitor — Samuel Quicksall, Trenton Lodge, No. 5. The roll of Lodges was called : Jeptha B. Munn, proxy for W. M., Henry Whitenack, J. W., St. John's No. 1. William S. Bowen, W. M., Samuel Harris, S. W., Jubal Clark, J. W., Brearley, No. 2. Jabez Beers, W. M., Cincinnati, No. 3. Not represented, Tuckerton, No. 4. William Kerwood, W. M., Sylvester Vansickel, S. W., Trenton, No. 5. Not represented, Lebanon, No. 6. Milton Baldwin, W. M., Newark, No. 7. Not represented, Clinton, No. 8. " " Washington Shrewsbury, No. 9. " Franklin,, No. 10. John M. Condit, W. M., George A. Dodd, S. W., Union, No. 11. Samuel Lilly, W. M., Hiram Scarborough, P. M., Amwell, No. 12. Not represented, Warren, No. 13. Samuel Eead, W. M., George W. Curtis, S. W., Mount Holly, No. 14. Not represented, Camden, No. 15. Olive Branch, No. 16. Hiram, No. 17, Harmony, No. 18. Haley Fisk, W. M., Union, at New Brunswick, No. 19. Not represented, Eockaway, U. D., No. 20. The amendment of Art. I, Sec. 10, By-Laws, relative to striking out the word "fifty," in the second line, and in- serting " twenty-five," was called up by Past Grand Master William S. Bowen, and moved to be adopted. 466 GRAND LODSE OF NEW JERSEY. Past Grand Masters Ira Merchant, Daniel B. Bruen and Jeptha B. Munn were received in due form, according to their rank. Thomas "W. Mulford, Past Master of Camden Lodge, ISo. 15, and Edwin E. V. Wright, were admitted. The question on the adoption of the aforesaid amendment, after some debate, was carried in the affirmative. The Committee on the Grand Master's Address submit- ted the following, which was, on motion, received and the committee discharged : The committee to whom was referred the Most Worshipful Grand Master's address, having examined the same, find nothing requiring especial action at this time, except as follows: that the acts of the Grand Master, as set forth in his annual address, be confirmed; also, that a warrant be issued for Rockaway Lodge, and numbered 20. As the unhappy diflSculties within the jurisdiction of New York have been amicably settled, your committee would recommend that certain resolutions, as contained in the printed proceedings of this Grand Lodge, prohibiting Masons in this jurisdiction visiting or having Masonic inter- course with the so-called St. John's Grand Lodge of New York, be re- scinded, and that certain resolutions found in the proceedings of 1842, ^nd reprinted upon page 424, January session, 1850, be expunged, and in any reprint of said proceedings the above resolutions shall not appear. Your committee highly approve of the Masonic demonstration made by the brethren under the direction of the Grand Master, upon the demise of Past Master General Andruss ; thus, one by one, are our fathers passing away from these earthly Jjodges to the celestial Grand Lodge above. His memory will be warmly cherished by the few of his old colleagues that are left, and we, as younger brethren, will ever vene- rate the recollection of our Masonic fathers. We recommend the difficulties between No. 4 and No. 14, as noticed by the Grand Master, be referred to a special committee. Fraternally submitted. Samuel Read, Samuel Harris, Geo. a. Dodd. January 8th, 1851. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn offered the following resolution, which was, on motion, received and adopted : Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to inquire in relation *o certain censures against this Grand Lodge, and its Past Grand Masters GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 467 (as are more fully exhibited in pages 121-2-3-4-5 of the printed tranaac- tionB of the Grand Lodge of New York, published A. L. 5850,) under the Grand Mastership of Worshipful John D. Willard and William H. Mil- nor, as well as anterior thereto, and that said committee be instructed to' investigate all censures of the Grand Lodge of New York against this- Grand Lodge and its Past Grand Oflicers, and to report fully at the next meeting of this Grand Lodge; and that the Grand Master be authorized to fill all vacancies that shall occur in said committee. Past Mastej: Thomas W. Mulford called the attention of the Grand Lodge to the resolution in the published proceed- ings, on page 441, and offered the following, and moved it be referred to the same committee, which was carried : Resolved, That the resolution submitted by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the year 5849, in their report, which will be found in page 441 of the printed proceedings of this Grand Lodge of May 13, 1850, and which was then, after some debate, laid over until this meeting, be- referred to the committee on the censures of the Grand Lodge of New York, &c. Committee — John Garside, Joseph "W". Scott and Past Grand Master Elias Van Arsdale. The Grand Master presented a letter from Right "Wor- shipful Jeremy L. Cross, together with a copy of his- "Chart or Hieroglyphic Monitor," to this Grand Lodge, requesting us to accept of the same. It was on motion accepted, and the Grand Secretary directed to acknowledge the receipt of the same, on behalf of our Grand Lodge,, under the seal. The Grand Lodge was called off for a short space of time, to prepare nominations for officers, and then called on again. John M. Condit and L-a Merchant were appointed to con- duct the election, who, after holding an election, reported the following as duly elected, viz. : M. W. Edward Stewart, No. 7, Grand Master. R. W. Thomas "W. Mulford, No. 15, Deputy Grand Master.. Ichabod Harrison, No. 11, Senior Grand "Warden. Hiram Scarborough, No. 12, Junior Grand "Warden.. Joseph H. Hough, No. 5, Grand Secretary. Milton Baldwin, No. 7, Deputy Grand Secretary. Elias Phillips, No, 5, Grand Treasurer. 468 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The following bills were read, and severally ordered to be paid : Sherman & Harron, for advertising S 1 46 Newark Daily Advertiser, for advertising 1 25 John Garside, expenses 7 37 Isaac P. Brown, expenses 6 50 Grand Secretary, for salary, postage, &c 58 02 Charles Scott, binding pamphlets, &c 4 00 Phillips & Boswell, printing proceedings of last session 42 97 Sylvester Vansickel, Tyler 2 00 Milton Baldwin, expenses 4 00 Past Master Samuel Read offered the following, which on motion was adopted : Besolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be directed to demand and receive from F. G. Tisdall, late Grand Representative from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey to the Grand Lodge of New York, the jewel and clothing of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Deputy Grand Secretary be instructed to correct the minutes, and have the usual number printed; they to invite proposals for the same, and have it done by the lowest and best bidder. Bro. Britton Hoffman, of Trenton Lodge, IS"©. 5, was admitted. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Master continue his prohibi- tion in relation to the difference between Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, and Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14. The officers elect present were duly installed, and those who were absent were installed by proxy, and proclaimed as such. The minutes of this annual meeting were read, and, on motion, were approved. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be requested to publish the list of members, of the several Subordinate Lodges, to thess minutes. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 469 The Grand Master made the following appointments : Rev. & W. Harry Finch, No. 9, Grand Chaplain. "W. Samuel Lilly, No. 12, Senior Grand Deacon. W. Joseph Dalrymple, No. 3, Junior Grand Deacon. W. Charles E. Stewart, No. 1, Grand Marshal. W. Isaac D. Brown, No. 17, Grand Steward. W. John Sim, No. 13, Grand Steward. W". Matthew Miller, jun.. No. 15, Grand Swordbearer. W. Elias E. Ogden, No. 7, Grand Pursuivant. W. Amos Howell, No. 5, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge then closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Wednesday in January next, at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, January 8, 5851. JANUAEY SESSION', 1852. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday, January 14th, A. L. 5852, there were PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. E, W. WILLIAM S. BOWEN, Deputy Grand Master, p. t. R. W. SAMUEL READ, Grand Senior Warden, p. t. R. W. SAMUEL HARRIS, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. W. JOSEPH DALEIMPLE, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. FRANCIS D. MULFORD, Junior Grand Deacon, p.t. Bro. AMOS HOWELL, Grand Tyler. E. W. WILLIAM KEEW00D,Eepre8entative of the Grand Lodge of New York. 470 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Visitors — Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, of No. 1; William C. Gessner, of Diogenes, U. D. ; Elijah E. Hall, of "Warren, No. 13; John P. Vanderbelt, of Hiram, No. 17; Leon Hyneman. of Shekinah, No. 246, Philadelphia; Francis D. Mulford, of No. 9, Philadelphia; Titus Loci, of Perseverance, No. 22, Pennsylvania. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : F. W. Ricord, W. M., Henry Whitenack, S. W., John Whitehead, J. W., St. John's, No. 1. William S. Bowen, W. M., Brearley, No. 2. Jabez Beers, W. M., Cincinnati, No. 3. William K. Mason, W. M., Tuckerton, No. 4. S. Vansickel, W. M., Samuel Quicksall, J. W., Trenton, No. 5. James C. Ogden, W. M., Newark, No. 7. No representation, Clinton, No. 8. Jacob W. Morris, W. M., Washington Shrewsbury, No. 9. No representation, Franklin, No. 10. Simeon Harrison, W. M., Union, at Orange, No. 11. No representation, Amwell, No. 12. John Dill, W. M., Warren, No. 13. Anthony Phillips, W. M., Samuel Read, P. M., Mount Holly, No. 14. No representation, Camden, No. 15. " " Olive Branch, No. 16. " " Hiram, No. 17. " " Harmony, No. 18. George Taylor, AV. M., Union, at New Brunswick, No. 19. No representation, Eockaway, No. 20. The Grand Lodge was opened in due and ancient form. The Craft was called from labor to refreshment, for the space of one hour. After some time being spent therein, the Grand Lodge was called on, and the Chair appointed Bro's Samuel Lilly, Samuel Harris and Isaac P. Brown a committee on the Secretary and Treasurer's accounts. The Grand Lodge then adjourned to dinner. grand lodge of new jerset. 471 2| o'clock. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Same officers present. Visitors.— Thomas Mills, of Brearley, No. 2; Joseph W, Miller, of St. John's, No. 1 ; Willet Dunn, of Trenton, No. 5 ; Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of Newark, No. 7; Past Master Samuel Lilly, of Am- well, No. 12 ; Edmund Perry, Henrv McMiller and James Davison, of No. 13. The roll of Lodges was called : P. W. Ricord, W. M., Henry Whitenack, S. W., John Whitehead, J. W., St. John's, No. 1. William Bowen, W. M., Brearley, No. 2. Jabez Beers, W. M., Cincinnati, No. 3. William K. Mason, W. M., Tuckerton, No. 4. S. Vansickel, W. M., Samuel Quicksall, J. W., Trenton, No. 5. James C. Ogden, W. M., Newark, No. 7. No representation, Clinton, No. 8. Jacob W. Morris, W. M., Washington Shrewsbury, No. 9. No representation, Franklin, No. 10. Simeon Harrison, W. M., Union, at Orange, No. 11. No representation, Amwell, No. 12. John Dill, W. M., Warren, No. 13. Anthony Phillips, W. M., Mount Holly, No. 14. James M. Cassady, W. M., Camden, No. 15. No representation, Olive Branch, No. 16. " " Hiram, No. 17. " Harmony, No. 18. George Taylor, W. M., Union, at New Brunswick, No. 19. No representation, Eockaway, No. 20. The committee on the Secretary and Treasurer's accounts made the following report, Avhich was, on motion, accepted and adopted. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey : The undersigned, your dommittee to audit the accounts of the Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer, with leave, report that he has received as follows : 12 472 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Balance on hand last year S158 14 Received from various sources this year 239 50 §397 64 Paid out, as per vouchers 126 30 Leaving in his hands §271 34 Received this day, per Grand Secretary 171 75 Now in his hands §443 09 Respectfully submitted. S. Lilly, Samuel Harris, Isaac P. Brotvx. The Committee on the Eevision of the Constitution, By- Laws, Rules and General Kegulations, made the following report : The committee appointed by this Grand Lodge, in January, 1851, to revise and correct the Constitution, By-Laws and Regulations of this Grand Lodge, and report thereon at this time, ask leave to state, that in respect to the Constitution ot this Grand Lodge, framed and adopted by our Ma- sonic predecessors, on the ISth of December, 1786,* for the government of the Masonic Fraternity of this State, then and in aftertime, and although this very Constitution, with the By-Laws and Regulations, was placed in the hands of a committee for revision, alteration or amendment, and reported what they had done to the Grand Lodge on the 10th of Novem- ber, 1818, who then adopted their report, with the alterations time had seemed to them to render necessary and proper, yet the Constitution of this Grand Lodge, as far as can be now recollected, was not changed or altered in any one particular ; and it is presumed that t^e powers of the committee, or even the Grand Lodge, could not change this Constitution only in the manner and mode pointed out therein, on page 10, and section 16, of said instrument, which reads thus: " No alteration or addition shall be made to this Constitution, unless proposed in writing and supported by the representatives of five Lodges, and a fair copy thereof, certified by the Grand Secretary, shall be for- warded to every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for their consideration until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge ; and such proposed alteration or addition hereunto shall not take place, unless there shall appear therefor the votes of two-thirds of the Lodges represented." And now allow us to say, that a Constitution which has stood unchanged for sixty-six years, and the By-Laws and Regulations for the government * Sbould be July 6tli, 1790. (Grand Secretary.) GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 473 of this Grand Lodge, which has endured the test of time and experience without any material change for the terra of thirty-four years, although plain in structure and short in details, has surely answered our purposes admirably well so far. Yet some alterations in our By-Laws and Regulations appear to us necessary and proper to offer for the consideration of this Grand Lodge in our report. We recommend that section Ist, Article 1st, page 11, be stricken out, and insert, as section 1st — The Yearly Communication of this Grand Lodge shall be held at Trenton, on the first Wednesday after the second Tuesday in January, in every year, subject, nevertheless, to be changed hereafter, as to time and place of meeting, by a majority vote of the Grand Lodge, at their Annual Grand Communication. On page 13, section 5, 2d and 23d lines, strike out the word " Eight" and insert the word " Most." On page 14, section 10, strike out the whole section, and insert in place of it — "Section 10. Every member of a constituted Lodge under this Grand Lodge, shall pay annually the sum of twenty-five cents to the general charity fund and for necessary expenses, subject, however, to be changed or amended in amount by a majority vote of the Grand Lodge at their annual meetings, as occasion may require." On page 15, section 13, strike out the words " three dollars," in the third line, and insert " one dollar." On page 16, section 14, after the word "Communication," in the 2d line, strike out the rest of the section. On page 17, Article 2, Section 1, after the word "officers," in the 3d line, add the words " except by permission of the Grand Master," and after the word "the," at the end of the 7th line, insert "yearly," and after the word "Communication," following, strike out the rest of the section. On page 22, Article 4, Section 1 to be stricken out, and inserted as sec- tion — . "It shall be the duty of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master , and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, to visit all the Lodges every year, if in their power, and for this purpose and their con- venience, they are hereby authorized to divide the State into as many convenient Masonic Districts as they may deem necessary; and for the purpose of establishing a more uniform system of Lectures, and if they cannot attend to the duties of Grand Visitations themselves, they may appoint one Grand Lecturer to each district, whose duty it shall be, in the absence of the Grand Oflicers aforesaid, to lecture in the different Lodges of the State, at least once a year, upon a uniform system of work, first to be agreed upon and regulated by and in the presence of ihe afore- said Grand Officers ; and for the compensation of said Grand Officer and Lecturer, if appointed under the hand and seal of the Grand Master, they shall be paid by the difl'erent Subordinate Lodges one dollar per day 474 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. and their traveling expenses and subsistence while in the service of said Lodges. In order that it may be convenient, from location, for the afore- said Grand Officers to attend personally in the district divided oflf to suit their different residences, so that they can perform the duties of Grand Visitations, the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters should be elected as follows: one for the eastern division, and the other for the western divis- ion of the State ; and the Grand Wardens, also, should be elected in reference to convenience of location for the service of Grand Visitations. The reports from the different districts, as to the condition of the Lodges in the same, to be sent to the Grand Master, at least two weeks before every Annual Grand Lodge meeting." On page 30, Section 10, after the vford " distance," in the third line, strike out the word " shall," and insert the word " may," in its place. On page 32, Section 15, after the word " expelled," at the end of the third line, insert "unless from inability to pay and worthy, to be deter- mined by vote of the Lodge." On page 32 of General Regulations, an additional section is proposed : " For entering, passing and raising to the Master Mason's degree, in all the Subordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction, not less than the sum of sixteen dollars shall be received." Edwin (jr. Clark, Junior Warden, representing Amwell Lodge, No. 12, and Simon Kahnweiler, of Trenton Lodge, 'No. 5, were received. It was on motion of Past Master Samuel Read, Ordered, That the re- port of the Committee on Revision be &,ccepted. It was on motion Ordered, That the committee be discharged, with the thanks of the Grand Lodge. It was moved that the amendments lie over till the next Annual Communication; that the Grand Secretary have the report printed, and a sufficient number sent to the Sub- ordinate Lodges. After some debate the motion was withdrawn. On motion of Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, Ordered, That the report of the Committee on Revision now presented as the proposed amendments to the By-Laws, Rules and General Regulatiops of this Grand Lodge, after being seconded, was laid over one year. Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott and Past Master James Paul were received. The Grand Master presented the following address, which was on motion referred to the following committee : Past GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 475 Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn and Past Master Isaac P. Brown. My Bretheen — Another year has passed away, and we have again met together at our Annual Grand Communication ; it therefore becomes my duty to note occurrences which have taken place in the time, as far as I am associated with them, as your presiding officer. A petition has reached me, agreeably to our forms in such cases, for a dispensation to open a Lodge at Red Bank, Monmouth county, called Navesink Lodge, under the charge of Thomas E. Corabs as Worshipful Master, John McBrian, jun., as Senior Warden, and John E. Norris as Junior Warden, which request I have granted, and authorized the Most Worshipful Past Grand Master John P. Lewis to instal them as such. Also, I have granted a dispensation on petition, according to the necessary form, to constitute a Lodge in the city of Newark, named Diogenes Lodge, under the care of William C. Gessner as Worshipful Master, Frederick Gauppe as Senior Warden, and William Liebe as Junior Warden. As the above granted dispensations will expire with the present meeting of the Grand Lodge, I hereby recommend for their con- sideration the granting necessary warrants to constitute them as regular Lodges, if meeting with your approbation. I have given permission to Eookaway Lodge, No. 20, to meet semi-monthly at the village of Dover, and open their Lodge until the pleasure of the Grand Lodge can be ascer- tained on the subject. I have given leave to Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, to change their place of meeting, in the village where it was formerly held, until the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge. I have granted dispensations to the fol- lowing Lodges, viz.: St. John's Lodge, No. 1; Hiram Lodge, No. 17 ; Eockaway Lodge, No. 20; Camden Lodge, No. 15 ; Brearley Lodge, No. 2, to enter, pass and raise to the sublime degree of Master Mason at one meeting, without the usual form of laying over the application for one month. I have visited the following Lodges, viz. : St. John's Lodge, No. 1. Newark Lodge, No. 7, Union Lodge, No. 11, Hiram Lodge, No. 17, Cin- cinnati Lodge, No. 3, Eockaway Lodge, No. 20, Trenton Lodge, No. 5, Amwell Lodge, No. 12, Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, Warren Lodge, No. 13.; and a majority of the said Lodges I have found in a flourishing con- dition. Brethren, it may be interesting to review a part of our Masonic history in this State, by way of contrast, to show our former days of adversity and our present days of presperity. Some years since we passed through the dark age of Masonry, when a considerable portion of the people, excited by some of the public press in our country, were urged on and inflamed by a political persecuting faction, called Anti-Masonic, the leaders of 476 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. which only aimed to obtain political power and place. Then they made an open attack upon us, as a society, charging us most falsely of high crimes and misdemeanors, without the least shadow of proof. Then it was that many of ©ur Lodges felt obliged to cease their labors and retire irom the field of contest, to endure and bear for a time in silence the peltings of the popular storm from without, waiting patiently for the rage of faction to expend its fury and exhaust itself. Afterwards a time of reaction took place in our favor; we recovered from the blow; we re- sumed our strength and union ; and the Masonic Fraternity, by degrees, acquired the prosperous condition we now maintain. The first period of our rally in this hall showed barely enough repre- sentatives to constitute a Grand Lodge, yet there is a considerable num- ber of our Fraternity, both before and during the period of our adversity, who have not yet come forward to join our Lodges and aid us, owing to age and other causes. Still many of the firm supporters of our Frater- nity, then (/oorf men ant£ true, we trust, are now with us, and help to in- crease our list of members, returned here by the Lodges at our last Annual Communication, numbering five hundred and fifty-seven. The return of this year's numbers, when added, make a considerable increase. For this accession and revival since the days of prostration, have we not cause for mutual congratulations? We are advancing in numbers, though slowly yet prosperously as we hope and trust, add to which, as a cause of rejoicing, our former difficulties among ourselves and in connec- tion with a sister Grand Lodge, relative to censure and non-intercourse with us, are now all healed, and harmony perfectly restored. Brethren, the time was when Masonic societies were denounced for their secrecy; the time has now come when secret societies, rashly multiplied among us and of various names, have become popular; they are all, it is believed, more or less devoted to Friendship, Charity and Mutual Relief; all, no doubt, good in their way, imitating in some degree our venerable institution, especially as to secrecy ; all professing, as we do, to do good to our fellow beings. We and they are now at peace to pursue our benevolent mission on earth undisturbed, even by bigotry' or persecution. The storm is over and gone, public opinion is now mainly favorable to us all. There is yet, however, a spirit, even in our free country, in hostility towards us and our cause, that would interfere with and usurp the rights of private opinion and our privilege of meeting, if they had the power so to do. Oppression and tyranny ever has had some foothold, but this spirit of despotism must necessarily now be limited to a small number, and is in a measure but the weak resemblance and a mere echo of that despotic spirit which now rules with stern oppression the millions of the people of the old world, enemies, as they are, to the rights and liberties of their fellow men. But truth, justice and freedom has at last a resting place here in our free, great and glorious country. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, 477 Finally, brethren, it is due to you and myself to state that you will please to consider me as preferring not to be a candidate for re-election to the high honor you have heretofore conferred upon me in electing me as your presiding officer, and I must in the meantime ask your indulgence for my inability, particularly in not visiting the different Lodges in the western part of the State, it having been entirely out of my power, owing to my public situation and multiplied cares. You will please, then, to accept my thanks as a Grand Lodge, and indeed all my Masonic brethren, wheresoever I have met with them in this jurisdiction, are alike entitled to my peculiar regard and fraternal attachment ; and may peace, harmony and true friendship ever unite us. Edward Stewart, G. Master. Past Master Samuel Lilly oiFered the following preamble and resolution : Whereas, Brother Hiram Scarborough, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, has met with a serious accident, by which he has lost ,his right hand ; and whereas, said brother is in very moderate circumstances — therefore, Hesolved, That dollars is hereby appropriated for his relief. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn moved its reference to a committee, which prevailed. John Whitehead and Elias Phillips were appointed the committee. The Grand Lodge then took a recess of fifteen minutes, and after that space of time called again on labor. The committee to whom was referred the case of Hiram Scarborough, reported as follows : To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey : The committee appointed on the resolution offered by Bro. Lilly, rela- tive to the case of Bro. Hiram Scarborough, Junior Grand Warden of this Grand Lodge, beg leave respectfully to report, that they have had the matter under consideration, and have heard the statements of brethren having knowledge of the case, and would recommend the passage of the resolution offered by Bro. Lilly, after filling the blank in the resolution with fifty dollars. Jno. Whitehead, Elias Phillips. January 14th, 1852. It was on motion Ordered, Tiat the report be adopted. James Smeeton, of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 155, and 478 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Samuel Smeeton, of , 'So. 3, Philadelphia, and Samuel Kay, of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, were received. Bro's F. W. Eicord and Samuel Eead were appointed tellers to conduct the election of officers. Before proceeding to the election. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn read the following preamble and resolu- tions, which were, on motion, unanimously ordered to be entered on the minutes : A copy of a, preamble and resolutions adopted unanimously by St. John's Lodge, Ko. 1, A. Y. M., of the city of Newark, January 10th, 5852. Whereas, It is understood that our present esteemed Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of this State, Bro. E. Stewart, considers it advisable to decline a re-election to the office which he has so long and faithfully filled, therefore St. John's Lodge, No. 1, deem it not only fitting but just, to mark their sense of his services in a distinct and emphatic manner, provided such is his determination. Resolved, That St. John's Lodge, No. 1, have heard with regret a report of the intended "retirement" of the present Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Resolved, That his course, while presiding over the entire Masonic Fra- ternity of New Jersey, has been so conciliatory, tending to prevent and to heal breaches; eo conservative, restoring and keeping up the ancient usages of our ancient Crfft ; and so zealous and successful in increasing the popularity and influence of Masonry in the community as to merit our most unqualified approbation and our heartiest thanks. Resolved, That in retiring from ofiice he leaves behind him a happy memory, and bears with him the best wishes of this Lodge for his future prosperity and felicity. Resolved, That St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of the city of Newark, would respectfully request the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New .Jersey to re-afiirm and enter the above resolutions and preamble upon the books of the Grand Lodge. Attest. John H. Landell, Sec'y St. John's Lodge, No. 1. Bro. Past Master Luther Goble was appointed to carry the within to the Grand Lodge, but circumstances having occurred which prevented Bro. Goble from attending and performing that duty. Past Grand Master .J. B. Munn has been requested by Bro. Goble to act for him. J. H. Landell, Sec'y. GRAND LOBGE OF NEW JERSEY. 479 After holding an election, the tellers reported the follow- ing duly elected officers for the current year: M. W. Edward Stewart, of N"o. 7, Grand Master. E. W". Thomas "W. Mulford, of No. 15, Deputy Grand Master. " " Jacob W. Morris, of No. 9, Senior Grand Warden. " " John Dill, of No. 13, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, Grand Secretary. " " Milton Baldwin, of No. 7, Deputy Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, of No. 5, Grand Treasurer. The Grand Lodge was called off for the space of one hour. At the appointed time the Grand Lodge was called on. Bro's Britton Hoffman, of Trenton Lodge, No. 5, and Joseph E. Potts and James Mills, of Brearley Lodge, No. 2, were received. The Committee on the Grand Master's address presented the following: . . The committee appointed on the Most Worshipful Grand Master's address ask leave to report — That the Lodges therein named, acting under dispensation of conform- ing to our rules, have vparrants severally issued in their favor. That the request of Eockaway Lodge, No. 20, respecting the change of their location to Dover, alternately with Eockaway, be granted. And that Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, have leave to alter the location of their Lodge as suits them best, in the village where it is now held. We report also, with much satisfaction, that upon noticing the services of the Grand Master during the past year, in writing and lecturing to such Subordinate Lodges as it has been in his power to visit, we feel assured, from the reports from the Lodges he has visited, that he has infused a new spirit of improvement among the Craft, greatly to their comfort. J. B. MUNN, Isaac P. Bkown. It was on motion Ordered, That the report be accepted and adopted. On motion, that the salary of the Grand Secretary he one hundred dollars per annum for the future ; lost. On motion, that the salary of the Grand Secretary be seventy-five dollars per annum for the future ; also lost. It was on motion Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be requested to procure a suitable book to record the names of all persons who belong to 480 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. the several Subordinate Lodges, or may hereafter belong or be initiated therein ; also all removals, by suspension or otherwise. The Grand Secretary presented the following report : The Grand Secretary would respectfully beg leave to submit the foUow- iug report of the moneys received by him since the last Annual Commu- nication, as follows : Cash received for three Grand Lodge certificates $9 00 St. John's " Xo. 1 21 25 Brearley " " 2 13 75 Cincinnati " " 3 15 75 Tuckerton •' " 4 , 3 50 Trenton ■• " 5 6 50 Newark " " 7 14 00 Washington " " 9 S7 00 Grand Lodge certificate, 3 00 10 00 Franklin Lodge, No. 10, (2 years) 8 50 Union " " 11 14 50 Warren " " 13,(2years) 39 00 Mt. Holly " " 14, 12 50 Camden " " 15 5 00 Union " " 19, (at New Brunswick) 7 50 ' Amwell " " 12, 5 00 6185 75 All which is respectfully submitted. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, January 14th, 1852. It was on motion Ordered, That the foregoing report be spread on the minutes. The Grand Officers present were duly installed by Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott, and those absent by proxy. The following bills were presented, and on motion ordered to be paid : Edward Stewart $17 00 Ichabod Harrison 9 00 Jeptha B. Munn 12 00 Samuel Harris (publishing notice in Bridgeton Chronicle) 1 00 Charles Scott 9 56 True American (publishing notice of meeting) 3 00 Grand Secretary's salary $50, postage $2 46 52 46 Phillips & Boswell, printing minutes, certificates, &c 54 00 Amos Howell, Grand Tyler, services 2 00 S160 02 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 481 It was on motion of Past Master Samuel Lilly Ordered, That the sum of be paid to the Grand Secretary for his extra services in reoording^ the names of the members of Subordinate Lodges, in accordance with a resolution heretofore passed. The Chair appointed Bro's John Whitehead, Joseph H. Hough and Samuel Head the Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence for the ensuing year. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the past year were continued. The minutes of this meeting were read over, and on motion approved. , The following resolution was presented by Past Master Isaac P. Brown, and, on motion of Past Master Samuel liead, ordered that it be adopted. Resolved, That a proper jewel, suitable to the rank and station of a Past Grand Master, be and is hereby ordered to be procured and presented to Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and Joseph W. Scott, as a small token of gratitude and respect for their invaluable services for the past and present; and that the Most Worshipful Grand Master be appointed to obtain said jewels, the coat not to exceed twenty-five dollars each ; and when procured to draw upon the Grand Treasurer for the amount, and be presented at our next annual meeting. The Grand Master, Grand and Deputy Grand Secretaries,, were ordered to have a suitable number of these minutes printed. On motion of James W. Cassedy, that the officers of the several Lodges, with the time and place of meeting, be pub- lished with these proceedings, was disagreed to. The Grand Master made the following appointments : Eev. & W. Harry Finch, ISTo. 9, Grand Chaplain. W. Samuel Lilly, No. 12, Senior Grand Deacon. W. Joseph Dalrimple, No. 3, Junior Grand Deacon. W. Charles E. Stewart, No. 1, Grand Marshal. W. Samuel Kay, No. 5, Grand Steward. W. John Linn, No. 13, Grand Steward. W. Matthew Miller, jun., No. 16, Grand Swordbearer. W. John R. Weeks, No. 1, Grand Pursuivant. W. Amos Plowell, No. 5, Grand Tyler. 482 GEAND LODUK OF NEW JERSEY. The Grand Lodge then closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Wednesday in January next, at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, unless sooner ■convened by the proper authority. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, January 14th, 5852. JUNE SESSION, 1852. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey met at the Hall of St. John's Lodge, Newark, June 23d, A. L. 5852, at ten o'clock, A. M., pursuant to the call of the Grand Master, there being PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. JACOB W. MORRIS, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. T. R. VARICK, Junior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. GEORGE A. TITTLE, Grand Secretary, p. t. Ti. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. R. W. JAS. A. ALEXANDER, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. H. W. WILLIAM S. TAY, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. WILLIAM GODBER, Grand Tyler, p. t. Members. — Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and John S. Darcy, St. John's Lodge, No. 1 : Joseph Munn, No. — . Visitors. — E. R. Cook, Thomas H. Hooper, of Hiram Lodge, No. 17 ; F. W. Moore, of Sutter Lodge, Cal. ; Andrew Tallman, of Union Lodge, No, 11, Orange ; M. P. Kerney, St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ; Thomas Raf- ferty, A. L. Wilcox, Evening Star Lodge, No. 76, West Troy : J. P. Wil- liams, Tchuler Lodge, No. 122, Mississippi; James Silcocks, L. H. Roe, A. L. Corey, Union, No. 19, New Brunswick, N. J. ; James Narine, Hol- land, No. 8, New York; Elias I. Thompson, Union, No. 19, New Bruns- ■wiok ; Simeon Simpson, P. M., Scotland. LODGES EEPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : F. W. Ricord, W. M., St. John's, No. 1. S. Vansickel, W. M., Trenton, No. 5. J. C. Ogden, W. M., W. S. Tay, S. W., Newark, No. 7. J. W. Morris, W. M., Washington, No. 9. ORAND L0DfiE.OF NEW JERSEY. 48S S. W. Harrison, W. M., Union (Orange), No. 11. Jacob Sharp, "W. M., Warren, No. 13. A. Phillips, W.-M., Samuel Read, (spl. rep.) P. M., George W. Curtis,. Mount Holly, No. 14. Theodore E. Varick, W. M., George A. Tittle, S. W., James A. Alex- ander, J. W., Hiram, No. 17. George Taylor, W. M., Union (N. B.) No. 19. Charles MoFarlan, W. M., Rockaway, No. 20. William C. Gessner, W. M., Diogenes, No. 22. The Grand Lodge was opened in due and ancient form. The minutes of the last meeting of the Grand Lodge- were then read and approved. An address from the Most Worshipful Grand Master was then received, and after being read by the Secretary ^ro iem., was referred to a committee of three, viz. : Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, Past Master Samuel Read and Past Master Jacob Sharp. In accordance with the power vested in me by the By-Laws of our Fraternity, I have called this Grand Lodge together for purposes, in my view, sufficiently interesting to us all to require this meeting. Frequent observation of the proceedings of our past annual meetinga has served to convince me that our habit, at said meetings, of assembling and doing very little in the forepart of the day, except organization, and pressing our business in the after part of the day too hurriedly, so as to close our business in the evening sitting, often leaves too little time for committees to report deliberately, and other matters disposed of too hastily, so as to render it important to make a change in our mode, as to time, for the better. If two days, or even more, instead of one day, should hereafter be employed, as may be necessary at our annual meetings, one benefit might at le'ast arise, the necessity as well as additional expense of emergent meetings would probably very rarely occur, besides the advan- tage of having more time to act underatandingly, with a timely sober second thought, upon the different subjects presented for our consideration I would, therefore, recommend the propriety of passing some resolution for our annual meetings hereafter to extend to two days, or more if neces- sary, should it meet your approbation. In my annual communication in January, 1852, it will be recollected that I stated it as a cause of rejoicing that our former difficulties among ourselves, and in connection with a neighboring Grand Lodge relative to censure and non-intercourse with us, are now all healed, and harmony perfectly restored. It will also be recollected thsit a committee was appointed at our Janu- 484 GRAND LODGE OF. NEW JERSEY. ary meeting in 1851, to inquire in relation to certain censures against this Grand Lodge and some of its Past Grand Masters, in the printed proceed- ings of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Yorls; foi'June, 1850, to in- vestigate and report upon the same at the next annual meeting of this Grand Lodge. In the mean time, it appears that the Grand Lodge of New York, at their annual June meeting in 1851, have withdrawn all the censure and blame heretofore cast upon this Grand Lodge and its accused Past Grand Masters, restoring thereby perfect harmony and friendly intercourse. Expecting that our committee, appointed to inquire and investigate as above stated, would report at our January meeting of 1852, that from the documents in their hands, that as all censure and charges heretofore made against us by the Grand Lodge of New York were withdrawn, and peace restored, any further investigation had become unnecessary on their part, I ventured to announce, as above stated, in my last annual communication, that all our past diflSculties with our sister Grand Lodge were removed, and harmony perfectly restored. It is cot my intention to implicate our committee for any omission or neglect of duty, as it is probable they can explain satisfactorily why their report on the subject referred to them was not presented at our Annual Grand Lodge meeting. Another subject to which I will now call your attention, is one of deep solicitude to me — I mean the visitation, instruc^ tion, lecturing, &a., of all the Lodges under our jurisdiction, so as to bring about a more uniform system of Masonic work than now prevails. Since I have had the honor of presiding as your Grand Master, I need hardly say to those who know me best, that I have used all the efforts in my power, without very material injury to my domestic affairs, to effect an annual visitation of all our Lodges, and I regret to say I have been unable to do 80, but only in part. Some Lodges have been necessarily neglected, and I fear, unless the duties of visitation are divided among the Grand Officers or otherways, must remain so. This subject is a matter of more importance to our Craft, in my estimation, than is properly understood by those who have not had the same opportunity that I have had in the visitations I have made. The want of correct lecturing and illustration is sensibly felt and acknowledged by many of our Lodges. It has been made manifest frequently in the satisfaction expressed by our brethren, whenever an opportunity has occurred, to brighten their recollections and improve them. A uniformity of mode, as far as may be, throughout the Lodges in the State who hail from us, as it respects their manner of conducting the business and labors of Craftsmen, is deemed worthy the considera- tion of this Grand Lodge, and 1 indulge the hope it will attract your attention at this time. Edward Stewart, G. Master. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 485 Past Grand Master J. W, Scott, in behalf of a committee, then made a report respecting certain cenaure against the Past Grand Masters of the State of New Jersey by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. It was moved and seconded that the report be received and the committee discharged, with the thanks of the Grand Lodge. To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, at their annual meeting in January, A. L. 5851, ask leave to report on the subject matters referred to them in the proceedings of said Lodge, viz. : " Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to inquire in relation to certain censures against this Grand Lodge and its Past Grand Masters (as are more fully e.xhibited in pages 121-5, of the printed transactions of the Grand Lodge of New York, published A. L. 5850, under the Grand Mastership of Worshipful John D. Willard and William H. Milnor, as well as anterior thereto,) and that said committee be instructed to inves- tigate all censures of the Grand Lodge of New York against this Grand Lodge- and its Past Grand Officers, and that the Grand Master is author- ized to fill all vacancies that shall occur in said committee. "Also Resolved, That the resolution submitted by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the year 1849, in their report, which will be found in page 441 of the printed proceeding of this Grand Lodge of May 13th, 1850, and which was then, after some debate, laid over until this meeting, be referred to the Committee on Censures on the Grand Lodge of New York," &c. It appears further, that subsequent to the May meeting of our Grand Lodge, as above mentioned, that at the June annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, A. L. 5851, in the report of a special committee on the subject, and for reasons therein stated in pages 82 and 83, the Grand Lodge of the State of New York passed the follow- ing resolution : " Mesolved, by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, That the Most Worshipful Bro's Ira Merchant, Daniel B. Bruen and William H. Earl, Past Grand Masters of New Jersey, are, by the facts of the case, freed from all blame or censure for any participation in or being present at the installation of Mr. Phillips, at the Howard House, oh the 6th of June, 1849, and are exempt from all blame in relation thereto ; and this Grand Lodge cordially extends to each of them its fraternal regards and their assurance of its high respect for tbem as Masons and men ; and that all censures against them, or the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New 486 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Jersey, in relation to this subject, are hereby recalled, as entirely unde- served and unmerited, and that we renew to that Grand Lodge the expres- sion of our cordial respect and entire satisfaction in this matter." And further we find and report, from page 83, of the same annual pro- ceedings of said Grand Lodge, the following preamble and resolution : " Whereas, This Grand Lodge did, on the 27th of December, 1850, form a union and take within her fold the body of worthy Masons known as the St. John's Grand Lodge: " And Whereas, Bro's the Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters Darcy and Munn were the persons who installed the officers of said Lodge- therefore " Sesolved, That the censure and imputations which have been cast upon the Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters Darcy "and Munn be withdrawn, and that the said Past Grand Masters be considered free from the blame which has been laid to their charge by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York." Your committee are not willing to animadvert upon the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York in a style of recrimination or asperity. They desire to cultivate with that respectable Lodge the spirit of harmony and brotherly love ; nevertheless they feel constrained to say that if any of the Grand Officers or Past Grand Officers of this.Grand Lodge have in any respect transgressed against the established principles or ancient landmarks of our Fraternity, it is the province and right of this Grand Lodge alone to impose censure and to inflict the proper pun- ishment. It is as much their duty as it is their right, and upon proper complaint to them they will not hesitate to act with becoming dignity and firmness. The committee peremptorily deny the right of all others to interfere with the just and lawful jurisdiction and authority of this Grand Lodge. But inasmuch as it appears, from the foregoing, that the Grand Lodge of the State of Xew York have, of their own motion, an- nulled and cancelled all of the ofTensive proceedings above alluded to, the committee beg leave to report — That all further inquiry and investigation of the censures heretofore charged as above have now become inexpedient and unnecessary. Your committee indulge the hope, then, that as all former difficulties which have heretofore subsisted between this Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of the State of New York have subsided, the most friendly Masonic intercourse being now re-established between them and their subordinate Lodges respectively, this our report may be accepted, and the committee discharged from all further action on this subject. All of which is respectfully submitted. Dated 19th June, 1852. (Signed.) John Garside, J. W. Scott, E. Van- Arsdale. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 487 Bro. Past Grand Master John S. Darcy was received in due and ample form, according to his rank and station. Bro. Past Grand Master John S. Darcy made a commu- nication announcing the death of Bro. William McFarlan, of Hanover, Morris county, also extending to the Fraternity an invitation to attend the funeral ceremonies of our late brother. A committee was then appointed, consisting of Bros. Past Grand Masters J. B. Munn, J. S. Darcy and J. W. Scott, to report upon said communication of Past Grand Master J. S. Darcy. A communication from Navesink Lodge, [No. 21, with their delegates, was then received. A communication from "Washington Lodge, directed to the Most Worshipful^Grand Master E. Stewart, respecting Harmony Lodge, was then read and received for further consideration. A communication from William O'Neil, of Lodge No. 67, of Ireland, was then received, read, and laid upon the table. The Grand Lodge was then called from labor to refresh- ment, to meet at -3 o'clock P. M. this day. 3 o'clock p. m. The Craft of the Grand Lodge being called from refresh- ment to labor, a communication from Bro. Leon Hyneman, of Philadelphia, accompanied with a copy of " The Free Mason's Monitor," as a donation for the library of the Grand Lodge, was received, and a vote of thanks to the donor was ordered to be returned to him. Bro. Past Master Samuel Read, for the Chairman of the Committee on the Grand Master's Address, respecting the censure of the Grand Lodge of New York, then made a re- port, which was read, received and committee discharged. It was then, on motion, adopted. 13 488 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey : Brethren — Your committee to whom the Most Worshipful Graad Master's aJdreSs was referred, have examined the same, and respectfully report the following: In reference to the subject between the Grand Lodges of New York and New Jersey, has now been settled by the report of a special committee, which has been adopted. Your committee highly approve of a change in the mode of transacting the business of the Grand Lodge at its annual session, and hope the Grand Lodge will adhere to the suggestion of the Grand Master, in hold- ing a two days' session, so that more time may be spent in practising and working in the ancient custom and usages of the Craft, thereby securing an entire and perfect recognition of the ancient landmarks, so that poster- ity may be prepared with the work, as used by our fathers from time im- memorial, and specially in accordance with the constitutional provision of this Grand Lodge, found on page 9, section 11. The subject of visitation, which the Grand Master calls your attention 10, is of vital importance to the Craft in this jurisdiction, and we would further recommend to the Grand Master, in addition to the present au- ihority vested in him, that he will appoint some one or more to visit and instruct in the Ancient Masonic work. Fraternally submitted. (Signed) .J. B. Mn.v.v, Samuel Eead, Jacob Sharp. The subject relative to granting a warrant to Navesink Lodge, No. 21, was then discussed. The communication from William O'Neil was then read for a second time, and, by an unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge, was ordered to be returned to said O'llfeil, which was accordingly done. The communication from Washinarton Lodare was then read a second time, and, on motion, the subject was referred to the Grand Master. Past Grand Master J. B. Munn then read a report from the committee appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to attend to the communication of Past Grand Master J. S. Darcy, respecting the decease of Bro. Past Master William McFarlan : which was received' and the GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 489 committee discharged, with a vote of thanks of the Grand Lodge. A conimunicatiou having been made by the Most Worshipful Past Grand Master John S. Darcy to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, now in session, announcing in feeling terms the death of our worthy Bro. William McFarlan, of Hanover, Morris county, extending an invitation to all the Fraternity to attend the funeral on Thursday, the 24th inst., at eleven o'clock, A. M., at the late residence of our deceased friend and brother ; whereupon J. B. Munn, J. S. Darcy and J. W. Scott were appointed a committee to report upon the above communication. The committee made their report, that as many of our Masonic brethren as can be informed, and can attend, be requested to attend the funeral. And, also, that we Resolve, That we most sincerely regret the dispensation of Providence, which has left the daughters of the deceased bereft of a kind, indulgent, and highly esteemed and only surviving parent, and his Masonic brethren of a most faithful, ever true, and virtuous member of our Fraternity. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be transmitted to the sur- viving family of our deceased brother by our Grand Secretary. (Signed) J. B. Munn, Chairman. The last report of the Grand Treasurer was then referred to, he having returned to the Grand Lodge ten dollars more than he had received in behalf of the Grand Lodge. On motion, by vote of the Grand Lodge, the above amount was ordered to be refunded to the Grand Treasurer. Considerable discussion ensued respecting the ancient landmarks of Masonry, whereupon the Grand Master pro- ceeded in instructing the members present in the true Ma- sonic work. The bill of William Godber, for tiling Grand Lodge this day, ($2,) was read and ordered paid. On motion of Bro. Past Master Luther Goble, it was Ordered, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master withhold the warrant from Navesink Lodge, because information has been received by this Grand Lodge, at this session, of great informality as to the general requirements of the Grand Lodge by the petitioners for a warrant to locate a Lodge at Eed Bank, as the warrant, ordered at the last session of this Grand Lodge, is still in possession of the Most Worshipful Grand Master — therefore it is hereby ordered by the Grand Lodge that said warrant be retained until the next Annual Communication. 490 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On motion of Bro. James A. Alexander, that a committee of three be appointed to investigate the charges brought against Navesink Lodge, and that all the facts be brought before the Grand Lodge at its next Annual Session. "Which motion was adopted by an unanimous vote, where- upon the following committee was appointed : Most "Wor- shipful Grand Master Edward Stewart, Past Master Samuel Read, and Bro. James A. Alexander. Past iTaster Samuel Kead to act as chairman. The minutes of this meeting were then read and approved. The Grand Lodge closed in peace and harmony, at 6 o'clock 35 minutes P. M., June 23d, 1852. GEO. A. TITTLE, G. Sec' y pro tern. JANUARY SESSIO:>', 1853. At the Aunual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted ilasons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday, January 12th, A. L. 5853, there being PRESE^'T, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. "W. JACOB W. MORRIS, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN DILL, Junior Grand Warden. R. "W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. "W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. R. "W. JAMES C. OGDEN", Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. AMOS HOWELL, Grand Tyler. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Members. — Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn, Xo. 1, Joseph W. Scott, No. • — ; Past Masters William AVilson, Hiram Scarborough, Xo. 12; James M. Cassedy, No. 15 ; Samuel Harris, No. 2; John K. Crock- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 491 ett and John Garaide, No. 11 ; Silas A. Thompson, Prospect, U. T>. ; Lyman Edvpards, Harmony, U. D. Visitors.— E. E. V. Wright, No.—; William Howell, No. 20; Sam- uel Q. Thomas and John T. Neeley, No. 12 ; Alfred Eagles and Alexan- der Eagles, No. 7 ; Henry Zepp, No. 81, Germantown, Pa. ; Francis I). Mulford, No. 9, Philadelphia. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : Samuel Smith, proxy for Luther Goble, W. M., John H. Landell, S. W., Henry Whitenaok, proxy for John A. Davenport, J. W., St. John's, No. 1. William S. Bowen, W. M., Jeremiah H. Lupton, J. W., Brearley, No. 2. Jabez Beers, W. M., Cincinnati, No. 3. William K. Mason, W. M., Tuckerton, No. 4. Not represented, Trenton, No. 5. James C. Ogden, W. M., William S. Tay, S. W., Newark, No. 7. Not represented, Clinton, No. 8. ■" " Washington Shrewsbury, No. 9. Franklin, No. 10. Simeon Harrison, W. M., Union, at Orange, No. 11. Not represented, Amwell, No. 12. Jacob Sharp, W. M., Warren, No. 13. George W. Curtis, W. M., Mount Holly, No. 14. George House, W. M., David Duflfee, S. W., Philip H. Mulford, J. W., Camden, No. 15. Not represented, Olive Branch, No. 16. George A. Tittle, W. M., James A. Alexander, S. W., Hiram, No. 17. William H. Craig, W. M., Harmony, (Toms River) No. 18. George Taylor, W. M., Union, at New Brunswick, No. 19. Not represented, Eockaway, No. 20. " " Navesink, No. 21. William C. Gessner, W. M., Diogenes, No. 22. The Grand Lodge was opened in due and ancient form. The Throne of Grace was addressed by Past Master Wil- liam Wilson. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn oflered the follow- ing, which was unanimously agreed to, and referred to Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn, Joseph W. Scott and Past Master William Wilson. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draw up rules for the order of business to govern the proceedings of this Grand Lodge, after it shall be'duly opened. 492 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Chair appointed on Secretary's and Treasurer's ac- counts, William S. Tay, of No. 7, John H. LaDdell, of No. 1, and Simeon Harrison, of No. 11. The Grand Master presented the following address, which was referred to James C. Ogden, No. 7, J. B. Munn, No. 1, and Jacob Sharp, No. 13. Brethren — In the interval of time which has passed since our last annual meeting in this Hall, it becomes again my duty to inform you of the occurrences which have taken place aflfecting the Masonic Fraternity in this State, as far forth as they have come to my knowledge. Application has been made to me, in the requisite form, to grant a dis- pensation to Harmony Lodge, (formerly No. 8,) of Newton, Sussex county, which I have granted, and duly organized said Lodge to work, until it shall be the pleasure of this Grand Lodge to grant them a warrant at this time. Also I have granted a dispensation for a Lodge at Clinton, Hunterdon county, formerly Lebanon Lodge ; also to Prospect Lodge, at Mendham, Morris county ; and hereby recommend the Grand Lodge to give them, severally, warrants to progress in their Masonic labors. Dispensations have been granted to the Lodges below mentioned to enter, pass and raise candidates to the sublime degree of Master Masons, as follows: four to St. John's Lodge, No. 1; four to Newark Lodge, No. 7 ; one to Union Lodge, No. 11 ; one to Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14 ; two to Camden Lodge, No. 15 ; two to Hiram Lodge, No. 17 ; one to Rocka- way Lodge, No. 20. My labors of visitation and lecturing Lodges, in the past year, have been the following : to St. John's Lodge, Cincinnati, Tuckerton. Trenton, Washington, Newark, Union, Mount Holly, Camden, Hiram, Harmony, Union, No. 19; and Rockaway Lodges. The report of their labors is encouraging, especially in all cases where they have had means of correct instruction. Since the Semi-annual Grand Lodge meeting at Newark, in June last, I have felt it my duty to have two emergent Grand Lodge meetings in Newark, occasioned by a local difficulty in one of the Lodges in our vicinity, which, in consequence of the measures taken at the emergent meetings, appear to have been the means of restoring harmony therebv. The proceedings of these meetings will be handed over to the Grand Sec- retary, to await the future direction of this Grand Lodge. This Grand Lodge must be aware that the duty required of the Grand Master and Grand Officers, of visiting all the Subordinate Lodges in the State once a year, has been hitherto carried out only in a very limited degree. For myself I can only say that I have performed this duty, as far as has been in my power to do, without interfering too much with my busy employment at home. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 493 The plan pursued by some of our former Past Grand Masters, as I have been informed, was for them each to visit the Lodges once in their term of holding their appointment, if in their power to do so; and generally gave prepared addresses on these occasions to the Lodges, but did not take upon themselves the laboring oar of modifying the work of the Lodges. This branch of duty, whenever it has been performed in former times, has been done chiefly by a Grand Visitor, duly appointed, till, from causes not necessary now to name, the practice of such visitation went out of use altogether. The committee appointed to revise our Constitution, By-Laws and Eeg- ulations, in their report at our last annual meeting, have introduced a section on this subject, which, if adopted and fully carried out as therein expressed, cannot fail, I hope, to establish a uniform system of work in all the Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. I indulge the hope that this uniformity of labor may soon be arranged by experienced and intelligent hands, guided by and conforming to the powers given this Grand Lodge in our Ancient Constitutions. It is expressed therein, on page 6, section 2, in these words: " to establish a uniform mode of working throughout the State, strictly adhering to the ancient landmarks, usages and customs of Masonry, which are on no account to be removed or defaced." Again : this duty (as it has been recently performed among the Lodges) of visiting and lecturiijg, visiting singly, as heretofore, with any Grand Master you may elect, expecting him at the same time to perform it, and do equal justice to all the Subordinate Lodges in the State, I do not hesi- tate to affirm cannot be done without the employment of so much of his time as would be very burthensome for him to spare from home, if not in many cases wholly impracticable; add to which, the expense of such visitations, it is presumed, the Grand Lodge would not think it prudent at present for them to assume to pay, at least if a better plan is offered for your adoption, in the report of the committee I have alluded to, on this subject. Brethren, it is cause of mutual congratulation that, so far as we are informed, our Lodges are prosperous and our numbers increasing. The principles of Free Masonry we profess to be governed by in our lives and conversation, we know to be good, true and benevolent, confirming, we trust, the high commendation bestowed upon our Fraternity by our illus- trious Brother Washington, whose declaration we take pleasure to refer to, where he says, in answer to an address to him from a body of his brethren, "that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a society whose liberal principles are founded upon the immutable laws of truth and justice, and the' grand object of Masonry is to promote the hap- piness of the human race." Finally, my brethren, allow me to say on this occasion, that just so 494 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. long as you evidence by your conduct these liberal principles, Masonry will prosper among us, peace, order, harmony and true friendship will prevail, and the happiness of the human race will be promoted as the consequence. Edward Stewart, G. Master. The Grand Lodge was called off till 2| o'clock P. M. 2J o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. There were present officers and representatives as before. Members. — Samuel Harris, No. 2; Thomas A. Sterrett, No. 12. Visitors. — E. M. Dodd, No. 11 ; Henry Zepp, No. 81, Germantown, Peun.; Thomas Davidson, No. 13; Enos S. Gandy, No. 155, Philadel- phia ; Samuel W.Carey, lale Nottingham Lodge, Md., No. 95; Joseph E. Potts, No. 2; Waters B. Miller, No. 15. A petition in the usual form was read for a new Lodge, to be located in the North Ward of the city of Newark, and signed by Edward T. Hillyer and others, the requisite num- ber. It was, on motion, referred to Jacob Sharp, of No. 13, George Taylor, of No. 19, and James M. Cassedy, of No. 15. Trenton Lodge, No. 5, was represented by Past Master Sylvester Vansickel, proxy for W. M., and Samuel Quick- sail, S. W. Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn, Joseph W. Scott, and Past Master William Wilson were received in ample form, according to their rank. The committee to whom was referred the preparation of rules, reported the following, to govern this Grand Lodge : Which were accepted and ordered to be incorporated in their proper place, with the amendments now reported to the Grand Lodge. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 495 STANDING RULES REGULATING THE ORDER OF BUSINESS OF TUB GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT YORK MASONS OP THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY: 1. Reading the minutes of the last Annual and Special Grand Commu- nications. 2. Reading of the annual address and report of the Most Worshipful Orand Master. 3. Appointment of committees to examine and audit the accounts of the Orand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. 4. Consideration of reports of committees made to the last Grand Lodge. 5. Election of officers of the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year, 6. Reports of committees. 7. Petitions. 8. Miscellaneous business. The committee to whom was referred the irregularity of Navesink Lodge, No. 21, on the minutes of the meeting of this Grand Lodge, made the following report, which was read : The papers accompanying the report were ordered to be read. On motion, the report was received and committee dis- charged. It was Ordered, That the warrant issue to Navesink Lodge, No. 21, upon their complying with the regulations of the Grand Lodge. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers arid Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey of Free and Accepted Ancient Tori Masons : Brethren — The undersigned were appointed a committee, at the Semi- annual Communication of this Grand Body, in June last, in accordance with the adoption of the following order ; [See minutes.] " On motion, it was Ordered, That the Grand Mastsr withhold the war- rant of Kavesink Lodge, because information had been received by this Grand Lodge, at this session, of great informality as to the general require- ments of the Grand Lodge, by the purported petitioners for a warrant to locate a Lodge at Red Bank, as the warrant ordered at the last session of this Grand Lodge is still in possession of the Grand Master ; therefore, " It is hereby Ordered by the Grand Lodge, that said warrant be retained until the next Annual Communication. " On motion, that a committee of three be appointed to investigate the charges brought against Navesink Lodge, and that all facts be brought before the Grand Lodge at its next annua! session; which motion was adopted by unanimous vote." 496 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. / Accordingly information was forwarded to the Worshipful Master and Secretary of Washington Lodge, No. 9, Eatontown, of the time {November 22d, 1852,) when the committee would meet at their room, and requested a special Lodge t#be held there, and all their members notified ; also to the Secretary of Navesink Lodge, requesting him to notify all the members of that Lodge to meet the committee as above. The committee met, and had the pleasure of meeting Past Grand Master John P. Lewis, the Wor- shipful Master Jacob W. Morris, and a large number of members of Xo. 9, to whom your committee feel under obligations for their kindness and attention. We regret, however, to state that, from some cause, the Secretary of Navesink Lodge did not notify the members of that Lodge, so that, by mere accident, but one of their members (Bro. McDowell) was present. Subsequently, however, all but one of the petitioners of Navesink Lodge were seen and examined. The following information has come to the knowledge of your com- mittee, which, without a desire to express any opinion, is presented for the action and disposal of this Grand Lodge : Upon an application, in proper form, dated Red Bank, October 5th, 1851, signed in the proper handwriting of John McBriar, Thomas E. Combs, John E. Norris, John R. Bergen, Jarrett Haggarty, George Finch, Matthew McDowell, George W. Stilwell, Joseph Shepherd, and Anthony H. Haggarty, recommended by resolution, passed unanimously by Wash- ington Lodge, No. 9, and signed by J. W. Morris, Worshipful Master, and George Finch, Secretary, -"ith seal. Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward Stewart, issued his dispensation for that purpose, dated the fourteenth day of November, eighteen hundred and fifty-one, and accord- ingly gave due notice to Bro. George Finch, Secretary of Navesink Lodge, of the time when he would be present, and if, upon strict examination, finding the officers elect qualified, install them in ample form ; or, should anything unforseen prevent his attendance in person, he desired Past Grand Master John P. Lewis to examine as above, and, if they were qualified, to install for him. The officers were installed by Past Grand Master John P. Lewis, and Lodge set to work under tha dispensation. Grand Master Stewart made full report of all his official acts to the next Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, when all was confirmed, and a warrant accordingly issued. The dispensation not being forwarded, and no fees for the warrant having been paid, the Grand Master retained the warrant until the further requirements of the Grand Lodge should be complied with. Some time after, the Grand Secretary received the dis- pensation (which had been in the possession of Thomas E. Combs' Worshipful Master, by the hands of John McBriar), and informed him the warrant was in possession of the Grand Master. Grand Master Stewart also informed the Secretary, Bro. George Finch, that he had their warrant in his ofiicial keeping, and would remain there GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 497 until the requirements of the Grand Lodge should be complied with. There the whole matter rested until the Serai-annual Session, when this committee were appointed, and warrant ordered still to be retained. It was further charged before the Grand Lodge, at its Semi-annual Session, by George Finch, that the signatures to the petition for a dispen- sation, at least some of them were obtained fraudulently. Your com- mittee, however, ascertained that all the signatures to the petition for a dispensation are genuine, and in their proper handwriting, as acknowledged by all in person, except Bro. Jarrett Haggarty, who was not seen ; all the other petitioners believe it to be hie proper signature. The application for withdrawal certificates from Washington Lodge, No. 9, was made by Bro. George Finch, their Secretary, some one or more of the petitioners being present, some of the others declaring that they knew nothing about tlie application. Upon examining those minutes of No. 9, they are found to be exceedingly vague and imperfect. They do not show that the brothers were present, or that the certificates were granted or furnished. The resolution, as accompanied the petition and adopted by the Lodge, appears there, and there is no evidence by them but that all were entitled to receive their certificates. Some misunderstanding having occurred, the Master was informed that some of the brothers knew nothing about the application for their certifi- cates, and subsequently, when the Secretarj, Bro. Finch, handed thera to him to sign, he refused to do so, until they themselves required him to do it. Washington Lodge, No. 9, presumed the application was made in good faith, yet some of the officers and members knew the fact, that when Navesink Lodge was instituted, some of those petitioners had never received any certificate of withdrawal ; and further, that Bro. George Finch, the old Secretary, was up to that time a, defaulter to the old Lodge. Your committee also ascertained that Bro. Anthony H. Haggerty, one of the petitioners, has never withdrawn from St. John's Lodge, No. 1, New York. Your committee are not aware that the installing officer knew this fact ; suffice it to say, that the Lodge was instituted, officers installed, and set to work. During the time previous to the return of the dispensation, one candidate, W. H. Conover, was proposed, elected, entered, and passed to the second degree ; but no other work was done after that, except an informal meeting to appoint a representative to the Grand Lodge at its last semi-annual Session, when Bro. George Finch was present, and made the charges before the Grand Lodge of fraud and gross informality. The brothers of Navesink Lodge complain very much in consequence of several letters directed to them, relative to the location, institution and subsequent history of said Lodge, never reaching them; and from this 498 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEKSEY. fact they principally attribute their ignorance in the premises, as Bros. Combs and McBriar, both, have written to the Grand Master, and he has promptly answered them. Your committee find that pretty much the whole matter has been transacted by George Finch, and find many letters in the hands of the Orand Master relative to this Lodge, and to some of the members, which, in justice, demand an explanation. These letters and other papers are presented with this report for such examination as may be found necessary. January 12, 5853. (Signed) Samuel Bead, Edward Stewart, James A. Alexander. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn in the chair. The committee on the petition of sundry brothers of the JS'orth Ward, in the city of ]S"ewark, for a Lodge, made the following report, which was accepted, and committee dis- charged. A motion was submitted that the petition be indefinitely postponed, but was withdrawn, on request of the mover, by permission of the Grand Lodge. Past Master William Wilson, of No. 12, moved that so much of the resolution as discharges the committee on the last aforesaid report, be reconsidered. Xot agreed to. The question was then moved by Fast Master S. Van- sickel, of No. 5, that the report of the committee be adopted ; which after considerable debate, was agreed to. On motion of Past Alaster James M. Cassedy, of E"o. 15, that the warrant be withheld until the petitioners present their regular discharges from the several Lodges where they lately hailed from. The committee appointed to take into consideration the propriety of granting a warrant for Northern Lodge, No. — , to be located at Newark, North Ward, beg leave to report — That, after conferring with several brothers, we recommend the prayer of said petitioners be granted. January 12, 5S53. Jacob Sharp, George Taylor, James M. Cassedt. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 499" The committee to whom was referred the address of the Grand Master, made the following report. On motion Ordered, That the report be received and committee dis- charged. Past Master James M. Cassedy moved that the address be adopted. After some remarks the questions were taken separately, as to the granting of warrants to the Lodges therein named. The first and second wer« unanimously agreed to, and the third taken and adopted, and finally the other subjects were adopted. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Slate of New Jersey. "VVe, the undersigned, your committee appointed to consider the address of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, having read said address, most respectfully beg leave to report — 1st. That in compliance with the recommendation of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master, we recommend the granting of warrants to Har- mony Lodge, No. 8, Newton, Sussex county, Lebanon Lodge, No. — , Clinton, Hunterdon county, and to Prospect Lodge, No. — , Mendham, Morris county, in lieu of dispensations granted in conformity with the By- Laws, by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, under which said Lodges are now working. 2d. That whereas the attainment of a uniform mode of work among the Subordinate Lodges is an end by no means to be neglected, and the present system of visiting being extremely onerous on the Grand Lodge- officers, we therefore urge upon this Grand Lodge the necessity of adopt- ing, at this session, the amendments to Article 4, Section I, bearing on this subject, recommended at your last annual session by your committee appointed for the purpose of revising the Constitution and By-Laws or this Grand Lodge. Should said amendments be deemed impracticable, then that some other be adopted bearing on this important subject. 3d. That on the Emergent Grand Lodge holden in the city of Newark since your Semi-annual Session in June last, your committee cannot- report, inasmuch as the papers referred to in the aforesaid address are not in the possession of your committee. Finally. That we feel peculiarly grateful to our present Most Wor- shipful Grand Master, for his untiring energy exhibited during the past year, in visiting the Subordinate Lodges under his jurisdiction, endeavor- ing to the utmost of his power, by working and lecturing, to establish a. 500 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. uniformity of work, and also by his kind, courteous, and fraternal treatment of said Subordinate Lodges, thereby restoring peace and harmony where difficulties have existed. Fraternally yours, .James C. Ogden, J. B. MuNir, Trenton, in Grand Lodge, January 12, A. L. 5853. Jacob Sharp. Past Master James M. Cassech-, of Xo. 15, oifered the following, which on motion was adopted : Resolved, That the Grand Secretary prepare, and have printed vrith the minutes of this session, a correct list of the officers and members, together vFith the time and place of meeting of each Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was called off for the space of one hour. 8 o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Nominations were made and read. An election was then ordered, and Past Master Jabez Beers, of l^o. 3, was appointed judge, and George A. Tittle, of No. 17, and John H. Landell, of No. 1, tellers. After holding an election, the following were reported as having received the highest vote, and were thereupon declared by the chair to be duly elected. Pending the above, Deputy Grand Master Thomas W. Mulford was announced, and received in ample form. Edward Stewart, of No. 7, Grand Master. Samuel Read, of No. 14, Deputy Grand Master. Jacob W. Morris, of No. 9, Senior Grand Warden. John Dill, of No. 13, Junior Grand "Warden. Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, Grand Secretary. Milton Baldwin, of No. 7, Deputy Grand Secretary. Elias Phillips, of No. 5, Grand Treasurer. Bros. Samuel Carey, late of Nottingham Lodge, No. 95, Maryland, and Britton Hoffman, of No. 5, were admitted. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 501 Bro. James C. Ogden, of No. 7, on behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of South Carolina, presented a copy of the Ahiman Eezon, published by that Grand Lodge. On motion Ordered, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to the aforesaid Grand Lodge, for their valuable present, and that it be properly acknowledged. , The Committee on Foreign Coirespondence for the year past made the following report, which was received, and ordered to be printed with the minutes : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to present the following report: That, during the last year, a mass of documents and pamphlets have been received by the Secretary, consisting of reports of the proceedings of most of the Grand Lodges of the United States, and communications from various sources. Particular attention to each would not be practicable or serviceable to the interests of our Fraternity. The proceedings of the Grand Lodges in communication with this Grand Lodge, which have been submitted to your committee, number over 3000 pages. These communications contain many things of interest and profit. An alphabetical list of these proceedings, submitted to your committee, is subjoined, with their dates. Alabama — December 1, 1851. Arkansas — November 3, 1851. California— November 4, 1851 ; May 4, and October 22, 1852. District of Columbia — November 4 to December 27, 1851. Connecticut — May 12, 1851. Florida— January 12, 1852. Georgia— October 28, 1851. Illinois— October 6, 1851. Indiana— May 24, 1852. Kentucky— August 30, 1852. Louisiana — .January 20 and June 11, 1851 ; January 19, 1852. Maine— May 4, 1852. Maryland— November 17, 18, 19, 1851, and May 10, 11, 1852. Massachusetts — December 10, 1851, and June 9, 1852. Michigan — .January 14, 1852. Missouri — May 3, 1852. New Hampshire — June 10 and 11, 1851, and June 8, 9, 1852. New York— December 27, 1850, September 2, 1851, and January 4, 1852. North Carolina — December 1, 1851. , 502 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Oregon — August 16, 1851, and June 14, 1852. Pennsylvania — December 27, 1851. South Carolina— February 14, June 3, September 2, October 22, Decem- ber 2, 27, 1851. Texas — January 19, 1852. Vermont — January 13, 1852. Virginia — December 8, 1851 ; January 21, ls52. Wisconsin — June 8, 1852. In addition to the above noted special communications, there liave been received, from the following sources: Tlie Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada. Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Grand Lodge of the State of California, and from the Grand Lodge of France. The most abundant evidence is given, from all these sources, that the Craft was never in more flourishing circumstances than at the present time. The proceedings all show a very large increase of members, and cor- responding increase of interest. Your committee notice with great pleasure, that the all important sub- ject of education is taking a deep hold upon the members of the Fraternity in many parts of the Union. For many years seminaries of learning, under tlie control and management of the Fraternity, have been estab- lished in some of the States, and the experience of many years has fully tested the utility and importance of such undertakings. The Masonic Seminary established in the State of Alabama, under the care of the Fraternity in that State, is one of the finest in the land, employing some of the best talent, and educating and sending forth bright intelligence to become ornaments to the institution, and reflect honor and credit upon those who have so kindly and judiciously provided for their intellectual wants. In the State of Arkansas, is established St. John's College, a young institution, but full of hope and enterprise. In Kentucky, attention has been paid to this important subject, and a seminary established there, with a list of seventy scholars. In North Carolina, is founded the College of St. John, under the care of the Grand Lodge of that State ; which although embarrassed in its operations at present, as are all new institutions, will eveutually, it is hoped, be placed on a fair basis and result in great good. Our brethren of Missouri are, however, entitled to the credit of being the first to engage in this laudable enterprise. For many years, a college has been established there on a broad and extensive basis, and there seems to be a determination to support the institution to the utmost of the ability of the Grand Lodse of that State. Other Grand Lodges are GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 508 moving in this matter of education, in the establishment of libraries, and the institution of colleges and seminaries. The subject of the establish- ment of a General Grand Lodge of the United States has been agitated among some of the Grand Lodges, and by some received with favor, being recommended by special resolution of the Grand Lodge of the State of Califortiia. Your committee, without expressing any opinion, would respectfully call the attention of this Grand Lodge to the matter, as they deem it important and deserving of deliberation. Another subject which your committee desire to present, as having received attention in other portions of the Fraternity, is the want of uniformity in the work of the Craft. This difficulty exists to a very great extent in this State, no two Lodges scarcely working alike. To remedy this evil, some of the Grand Lodges have adopted the plan of employing ii Grand Lecturer, a brother of experience and respectable standing as a Mason, whose business it has been to instruct Subordinate Lodges in the work. Your committee beg leave to suggest that your deliberations be directed to the matter, and that some means be devised, by which a more perfect system in working be obtained among our brethren in this State. Your committee know of no other special subject arising from the communications submitted, to which to call your attention. They would, however, be unjust to their own feelings of unfeigned satisfaction and pride, with which they recur to the undeniable fact of the wonderful and almost unexampled spread of our loved Fraternity during the last year, and to the almost perfect unanimity and concord which now prevail in our borders. It is scarcely to be expected in so extensive a brotherhood as ours, scattered over so large a surface of country, embracing so many minds and intelligences, each with their own peculiar views, but that differencess, and even strong alienations, would occur. But notwith- standing all this, your committee cannot discover any facts from the pamphlets and documents submitted to them which can at all show that any serious difficulty exists at the present time among our brethren in this country. From States which were but of yesterday, voluminous reports, tastefully prepared, are before us, presenting a state of things in those new States which are astonishing, and tend to show the strong hold which the truthful and beneficial principles of our brotherhood have upon the human heart in its sympathies and affections. The report of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin comes to us in a pamphlet of one hundred and fifty pages, well executed, and shows a list of nearly fifty working Subordinate Lodges, The new State of California has nean)' thirty working Subordinate Lodges; Florida about the same number; Illinois numbers over a hundred; Michigan, fifty ; Texas, one hundred and four ; Missouri, one hundred and thirty-seven ; Arkansas, nearly fiftv ; and from the far-off Pacific, the 14' 504 aUAND LODSE OF NEW JERSEY. outmost bound of our republic, in Oregon, our Fraternity has gained a foothold, and has firmly established itself. In conclusion, your committee beg to call your especial attention to the annexed circular address, coming from a committee of the Grand Lodge of the State of California. A strong appeal for our aid and sympathy is presented in this' commu- nication, and we commend it to your earnest and prompt attention. On behalf of the committee, John Whitehead, Chairman. The committee on Secretary and Treasurer's accounts made the following report; Which was, on motion, received, and committee dis- charged : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey : The undersigned, your committee to audit the accounts of the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary and Treasurer, would report : Balance on hand last year $271 34 Received from various sources this year 251 25 $522 59 Paid out, as per vouchers 210 02 Leaving in his hands §325 75 Received this day, per Grand Secretary , 182 17 S495 32 Trenton, January 12, 5853. William S. Tat, John H. Landell, Simeon Harrison. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment, till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. GEAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 505 THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY, 13, 5853. — 9 O'CLOCK, A. M. The Grand Lodge was called to order, there being present, M. W. J. B. Munn, Grand Master, p. t. R. W. Jacob W. Morris, Senior Grand Warden. " " John Dill, Junior Grand Warden. " " Joseph II. Hough, Grand Secretary. " " Elias Phillips, Grand Treasurer. '■ " James C. Ogden, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. " " Jabez Beers, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. Amos Ho\. Mulford, No. 9, Philadelphia. The resolution offered by Bro. John H. Landell, at the close of the morning session, was called up and again read. On motion, it was agreed to, and referred to Bros. Past Master Luther Goble, No. 1, Past Master Milton Baldwin, No. 7, and James A. Alexander, Wo. 17. Bro. James C. Ogden, of No. 7, offered the following resolution, which was, on motion, agreed to, and referred to Grand Master Edward Stewart and James C. Ogden, of No. 7, and John H. Landell, of No. 1 : Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to procure suitable aprons and collars for the Grand Officers, and also a jewel for the Deputy Grand Secretary. It was, on motion. Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be authorized tD procure all books, certificates, blank warrants, &c., as may be wanted from time to time. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read offered the following, which was agreed to : Resolved, That an appropriation of fifty dollars be and is hereby made to the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, for the services rendered the past year, he having had to perform much extra service. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read offered the following resolution, which was, on motion, adopted : Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be hereby authorized to have printed and distributed, such as may be necessary to the Subordinate Lodges, one thousand copies of the Constitution, By-Laws, and General Regulations of this Grand Lodge. Bro. John H. Landell offered the following : Resolved, That the next annual meeting of this Grand Lodge be held ii> St. John's Lodge Room in the city of Newark. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 509 Deputy Grand Master Samuel Eead moved to amend by striking out "St. John's Lodge Room, in Newark." and inserting " Camden Lodge Room, at Camden." The question on the amendment was taken and carried. The question on the original, as amended, was then taken and disagreed to. The Grand Master was ordered, in accordance with the resolution on page 481, to procure and to be presented to Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn and Joseph "W". Scott, a jewel to each, suitable to their distinguished rank and station. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Eead, after appropriate re- marks, presented said jewels ; which were received by them with feelings of deep emotion and gratitude. The following bills were severally read and ordered paid : Jacob W. Morris $29 75 James A. Alexander 8 00 Samuel Harris 2 50 Joseph H. Hough 56 77 Amos Howell , 4 00 Morris R. Hamilton 2 25 Sherman & Harron 3 00 Phillips & Boswell 20 00 Eliae Phillips 4 00 Charles Scott 2 28 John Dill 18 00 Edward Stewart (balance) 71 00 Newark Daily 6 00 William Godber, Tyler, (June meeting) 2 00 $229 55 It was on motion Ordered, That the sum of twenty dollars be paid, each, for services rendered by Bro's Past Grand Masters J. B. Munn and J. AV. Scott, on the call of the Grand Master. On motion Ordered, That Section 11, Article 1, be carried into effect, and that the word "treasurer," in the fourth and fifth lines, be stricken out, and the word " secretary " be inserted therein. On motion Ordered, That Harmony Lodge, No. 23, at Newton, pay . three years' dues on the applicants, and the Grand Secretary his fee for the warrant. 510 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. On motion Ordered, That Lebanon Lodge, No. 6, at Clinton, pay three years' dues on the applicants. A communication to the Grand Master, from the Grand Lodge of California, requesting aid, it was, on motion of Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, of No. 1, that the Grand Secretary print a circular and send to the Subordinate Lodges, requesting them to remit for the aid of the Grand Lodge of California. Pending which, Bro. John H. Landell, of No. 1, moved that the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated to aid our brethren in California; which was agreed to. The Grand Master appointed Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, John Whitehead, of No. 1, and Samuel Lilly, of No. 12, the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the present year. The minutes of this meeting were read, and, on motion, approved. The Grind Master made the following appointments: Kev. and W. Austin Craig, of No. 3, Grand Chaplain. "W. James C. Ogdeii, of No. 7, Senior Grand Deacon. W. John M. Condit, of No. 11, Junior Grand Deacon. W. Charles E. Stewart, of No. 1, Grand Marshal. W. Anthony Phillips, of No. 14, Grand Steward. "W". John Linn, of No. 13, Grand Steward. W. Matthew Miller, jun., of No. 15, Grand Swordbearer. W. Samuel Quicksall, of No. 5, Grand Pursuivant. Bro. Amos Howell, of No. 5, Grand Tyler. The Grand Lodge then closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Wednesday in January next, at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. Trenton, January 13, 5853. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 511 !2! o t ■ 2 c C 0.! a' • a S- s si . :i 5' 3 si 1 3 1 3 p 3 ■5 3- [ 2 3 < -t t 3 > 3 — 1 D 3 ■=3 3 3 5' D 2 3" S — h -J 2 3" 3 Brearley Tnp.kert.nn _ 3" s u bOMtOl-'l-'l-'l-'l-'l-'l-'l-'l-'i-' 5?; t— • to OS -^ en CO 00 o . 1— ' c;t CO r— 0; 1— ' 1-^ f— ' I— oocn S2 3 ^ 00 OS to 1— en to CO en too o ■ rf^ ^ to kfx cs o ~-l tn CO ro ^ CO 4i. --I GO CO bO 00 OS en to l-i o CO OS^ Co CO en Cn 00 50 ' o )— ' CO c:i I— O O O O K> •— ' vti. 01 00 -^ CO to CO en en o o to 2 a 00 4/a 00 : to CO en o : to ■ v^ : o CO CO CO la O en o o 00 GO O en O-J oo en I— ' H- ' 1— ' ocno OOO O O Cn cn C71 1— * h-" to •-■1 —I en en Cn Cn a T3 2. to en B a- S •s- a 512 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JANUARY SESSION, 1854. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday and Thursday, January 11th and 12th, A. L. 5854, there were PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. SAMUEL READ, Deputy Grand Master, R. W. JACOB W. MORRIS, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN DILL, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. MILTON BALDWIN, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. Rev. and W. AUSTIN CRAIG, Grand Chaplain. W. JACOB SHARP, Grand Senior Deacon, p. t. Bro. AMOS HOWELL, Grand Tyler. Members. — Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott, No. 19 ; Past Masters William Kerwood, Xo. 5 ; William Wilson, No. 12; Joseph Dalrytnple, No. 3 ; Theodore R. Varick and Oeorge A Tittle, No. 17 ; Samuel Laird, late No. 16. Visitors.— John C. Rafferty and E. E. Hall, No. 8 ; William Eccles, No. 5 ; Samuel Kemble, No. 15 ; Edmund Perry, No. 13 ; J. H. Lupton, No. 2 ; Isaac Van Wagoner and F. S. Weller, Joppa, U. D. ; E. A. Arnold, Hiram, No. 1, Connecticut; A. W. Goff, National, No. 209, New York ; Charles Hand, Montgomery, No, 19, Pennsylvania. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS: John R. Chapin, W. M., A. C. Beam, S. W., and Charles H. Pierson, J. W., St. John's, No. 1. Harmon Kruze, S. W., Brearley, No. 2. Not represented, Cincinnati, No. 3. Joseph P. Adams, S. W., Tuckerton, No. 4. S. Quicksall, S. W., A. Butcher, J. W., Trenton, No. 5. Not represented, Lebanon, No. 6. James C. Ogdeu, W. M., Newark, No. 7. Not represented, Clinton, No. 8. George A. Tator, W. M., Washington, No. 9. Allen Osborn, proxy for W. M., Franklin No. 10. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 513 David I. Northrop, J. W., Jotham H. Condit, S. W., Union, No. 11. Ingham Coryell, W. M., Charles A. Skillman, S. W., Amwell, No. 12. Jacob Sharp, P. M., Warren, No. 13. George W. Curtis, W. M., Mount Holly, No. 14. Not represented, Camden, No. 15. Olive Branch, No. 16. Chauncey Bygert, J. W., Hiram, No. 17. Thomas Hooper, J. W., Harmony, No. 18. Aaron K. Cory, J. W., Union (N. B.), No. 19. Not represented, Eockaway, No. 20. " " Navesink, No. 21. William Leibe, W. M., Diogenes, No. 22. John Hunt, W. M., Harmony, No. 23. Silas A. Thompson, W. M., Prospect No. 24. D. W. Morris, W. M., Levi H. Sanford, S. W., Joseph Booth, J. W., Northern, No. 25. The Most "Worshipful Grand Lodge was opened in due and ample form. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chap- lain. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read. The following brothers were admitted : J. B. Jolly, No. 20, Edmund Hance, No. 14, William G. Gue.ssner, P. M., No. 22. Past Grand Master D. B. Bruen and Past Deputy Grand Master John Garside were received in due and ample form. The Chair appointed the following committee on Secre- tary's and Treasurer's accounts : C. H. Pierson, No. 1, L. Sanford, No. 25, G. W. Curtis, No. 14. The following address of the Grand Master was read, and, on motion, was referred to the following committee : Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, No. 14, John R. Crock- ett, JSo. 25, and John R. Chapin, No. 1. Brethren — Once more Vfe have been permitted to meet together as a Grand Lodge, and to congratulate each other on the happy and prosper- ous condition of our ancient and honorable institution, and have an oppor- tunity to thank the great Architect of the Universe, the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, for the many favors vfe have received at His hands during the past year, and to pray for a continuance of that protection 514 GRAND LODGE OF NKW JERSEY. during the year that is before us, and in carrying forward the great aims we have in view. I will now give you a brief retrospect of my labors during the past Masonic year : Applications have been made to me, in requisite form, to grant dispen- sations to resuscitate Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, of Plainfield, Essex county, and La Fayette Lodge, formerly No. 49, of Eahway, Middlesex county, and to organize a new Lodge, to be called Mount Moriah, of Bor- den town, Burlington county, and one to be called Joppa Lodge, at Paterson, Passaic county, all of which I have duly organized and set at work. They are returnable to the Annual Communication of this Grand Lodge, and subject to its action. I would, therefore, recommend that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge grant them, separately, warrants to pursue their Masonic labors as regular Lodges. I have granted dispensations to the following named Lodges, to enter, pass, and raise to the sublime degree of Master Mason candidates at one and the same communication, viz. to St. John's, No. 1, Newark, No. 7, Arawell, No. 12, Union, No. 11, Camden, No. 15, and Hiram, No. 17. I have visited, during the year, St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of Newark ; Union, No. 11, of Orange ; Newark, No. 7, of Newark ; Hiram, No. 17, of Jersey City; Diogenes, No. 22, of Newark; Franklin, No. 10, of Camptown ; Northern, No. 25, of Newark ; Cincinnati, No. 3, of Morris- town ; Prospect, No. 24, of Mendham ; Camden, No. 15, of Camden ; Rockaway, No. 20, of Dover ; Union, No. 19, of New Brunswick ; Har- mony, No. 23, of Newton ; Amwell, No. 12, of Lambertville ; Jerusalem, No. — , of Plainfield ; La Fayette, No. — , of Rahway ; Navesink, No. — , of Red Bank ; Mount Moriah, No. — , of Bordentown, and Joppa, No. — , of Paterson, all of which I have found in a flourishing and prosperous condition, peace and harmony prevailing with the brethren throughout; and I regret exceedingly that circumstances beyond my control have pre- vented my visiting all the Lodges under our jurisdiction, as I intended to have done, before this Communication. From a review of such returns as have been received at this Communi- cation for the past year, there has been initiations added to our pre- vious number of members, which, added to the amount reported in one of my annual communications, makes of our Fraternity, not taking in the account a considerable number, who, from age, infirmity, or at inconvenient distances from Lodges, are not enrolled as members of Sub- ordinate Lodges. This, when taken into consideration that we belong to one of the small- est States of the Union in population and extent of territory, affords a very encouraging prospect of the gradual progress of our benevolent and time honored institution. Whilst every year gives us an increase of new members to our Lodges, GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 515 I hope and trust, for the honor and credit of our Ancient Craft, that due caution. is observed in receiving all applicants who are to partake in the benefits to be derived in our Fraternity. Guard well the doors of your Lodges, and see that none enter but such as are truly qualified to receive our honors by having a well reported good moral character in society^ free from all stain of just censure — honest and true. If such, and such only, present themselves, and are admitted, it is reasonable to expect you will have not only good members, but intelligent and bright Masons — a credit to us, an honor to themselves, entitled also to the favorable opinion of many out of our bounds, who are or may be doubtful, from what they have seen of us, of the utility of our institution in benefiting moral char- acter, as well as aiding the well-being of our common country. A brief view of the origin and progress of our Institution may, perhaps, be instructive at this time. The history of Ancient Craft Masonry shows, from the progress in the useful arts, of science, of geometry, of architec- ture, associated in companies and Lodges at an early day, its first great aim was brotherhood, by hemming in all useful arts and knowledge within the boundary of survey among themselves, to the builders of architectural structures of art, the pyramids, the cities, and the temples of the old world, even to the building and completion of Solomon's temple at Jerusalem, the greatest work of art, beauty, and skill of ancient and modern limes, the world has ever yet known. Ancient Craft Masonry, pressing onward in its course, made its pro- gress successfully during the continuance and fall of the Roman empire: subsequently it was obscured and suspended in the dark ages of the world, yet as nations rose by degrees in the scale of civilization. Ancient Craft Masonry rose also, and was patronized by the monarchs and nobles of high rank in Europe, employed as the builders of castles, churches, and other splendid structures of architecture. In the reign of Alhelstane, king of England, A. D. 936, prince Edward, his brother, procured from him the first royal charter for a Lodge of Free Ancient York Masons, and congregated the first Grand Lodge at York under the same, and was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Encland which history exhibits, and then and there, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge, we have the first record (now printed) of the Constitu- tion framed for the government of the Craft. Ancient history was preserved in the olden time on the papyrus and on parchment, all in the written form, until the art of printing was dis- covered, A. D. 1430, except so far forth as we allege that many most important matters have been handed down to us by tradition. At what particular period Ancient Craft Masonry changed its charaote* from operative to moral, speculative as it is called, we have no printed records to prove the exact date, but venture to assume that gradually from the time European kings and nobles (who could not have been operators or- 516 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. laboring men) united with the Craft, patronizing them, became their rulers, Masters, or Grand Masters, that then the time begun. But cer- tainly the working tools and the principles of the Ancient Craft have descended to ue, are now used as our emblems, indicative (by our tra- ditional usages) of moral and social virtues, as well as religions. It is the proper business of Lodges to teach, and of the brethren to learn, the import of our emblems, signals, and usages: they form altogether a code of principles, which, if lived up to, cannot fail to make us better men. We exemplify our principles in the proceedings of our Lodges, known also with us as written landmarks, and have a universal language to recognize one another in all nations, — we have an explana- tion of our emblems and charges even in our printed books, and may be known to all who choose to read them. We are bound to study and know them ourselves ; we explain them in our lectures, so that these principles made impressive on the mind, serve a valuable purpose as rules of our conduct, not only among the Fraternity, but among men. We are bound by their Masonic teachings, being, as we believe, in accord- ance with truth and the duties we owe to ourselves and society at large. We have,'as you all know, certain forms and ceremonies in our Lodges, which, looked at merely as forms, may be deemed by the uninformed as nnimportant and useless. All societies have their forms, (it belongs to the nature of associations), and are various as circumstances require. Our forms have their peculiar meaning, some are indications of a binding character, and have their full force as such, — but all, more or less, with us are emblems of principles we hold dear, and profess to be governed by in our lives and conversations. We are lovers ot order, and no bodies of men in their assemblages pre- serve such perfect order and decorum as will be found in well governed Lodges. True to their principles, true to the common charity which, I trust, abounds with us more than in all other societies, we have more forbear- ance for one another's frailties, and are cemented together by the bonds of a purer and more enduring friendship than will be found in anv other association. Shall we progress and prosper? Just so far as we live up to the cardi- nal principles of our Fraternity, just so far as we abide in charity, virtue, and all good, will be our measure of success. And now, my brethren, having had the honor of holding various offices in the gift of this Grand Lodge within the last few years, and four times honored with an election as your Grand Master, now being about to retire from the labors and responsible duties with which you have been pleased to invest me, I should do injustice to my own feelings did I not improve this opportunity to tender to each and all of you my sincere thanks for the unmerited honors you have from time to time conferred upon me. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 517 And now, in closing with you my relation as Grand Master, permit me to express the wish that each and all of you, while members of this earthly tabernacle, may so erect your temporal building as to fit you for that spiritual building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Edward Stewart, G. Master. The Grand Lodge was called off till 2 o'clock P. M. 2 o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Officers and Lodge representation as in the morning ses- sion. Visitors — Isaac Van Wagoner and Frederick S. Weller, Joppa, U, D. ; John E. Young, No. 12 ; William Kerwood, No. 5 ; Jeremiah H. Luptou, No. 2 ; J. B. Jolly, S. W., No. 20 ; E. Hall, No. 8 ; Samuel Kemble, No. 15 ; James W. Allen, S. W., Mount Moriah, U. D. The Commitiee on Foreign Correspondence made the following report, which was read, and, on motion, received and ordered lo be filed. To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. The committee to whom was referred the Foreign Correspondence for the year just closed, would respectfCtlly submit the following: In reading the published proceedings and pamphlets, together with the circular letters received, we find conclusively that the Masonic Institu- tion is largely on the increase in numbers and usefulness. The proceed- ings cover four thousand five hundred pages of closely printed matter, from every State in the Union and the Canadas, the greater part filled with local matter; yet a vast amount of Masonic intelligence is spread before the reader, which richly repays perusal. A great many questions of interest are ably discussed therein, which are not of sufficient general importance to warrant us in spreading before you at this time, as they would of necessity occupy a great deal of time and space, which we will not at this time take up ; therefore our report will only glance over the whole in a summary way. The subject of education at this time seems to occupy the attention of several State Grand Lodges, and various plans are suggested as will be supposed to produce the most amount of good according to the means at hand. The Grahd Lodge of Alabama gives the report of their committee ou "the propriety of establishing" a Male College under their supervision, and the most (easible scheme to carry out the enterprise, submitted a 518 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. report, wherein the subject is ably pet forth at length, and concludes as follows : "The question is asked, shall the Grand Lodge do nothing in this age of progress to advance the cause of education? We answer, not as the parental or fiscal agent of a large institution, but let her encourage the Subordinate Lodges to seek out and educate the destitute orphans of Master Masons in their respective jurisdictions, as far as they can ; and we venture the assertion, that when the brethren are brought to appre- ciate fully the relationship they sustain to the indigent orphan of de- ceased Master Masons, there will not be found in the broad domain of Alabama one who will grow to mature age without a good common edu- cation. The Grand Lodge of Arkansas moves square up to the work, as will be seen by the report of the secretary of the board of trustees. They have purchased a suitable site for locating the necessary buildings, 'a beautiful location for the college, lying immediately east of and fronting on a northern line with the Arsenal grounds, embracing one hundred acres, upon the northwest corner of which is a handsome framed dwell- ing, that may be used as a residence for one of the professors.' * * * ' After the board selected and purchased, they appointed a building com- mittee to improve the grounds, select the particular spot on the grounds for situating the buildings, adopting a suitable plan and specifications for buildings, and to employ, if deemed expedient, u competent architect to superintend and carry on the work necessary to be done,' &c. The treasurer of said college reports, on the 1st of November, 1852, the sum of twelve thousand and sixty-one dollars received for subscriptions, and a cash balance of six hundred and twenty-seven dollars and twenty-five cents ; which is truly a noble beginning, and we hope their efforts will be crowned with success in their enterprise.' " The Grand Mas'er of Tennessee, in his annual address to the Grand Lodge, says : "Let me then, my brethren, in the relation we sustain to each other, urge upon you to sustain or adopt some system of education that will fulfill the requirements of our whole duty — some system that will reach the wants of all the poor and destitute children of Masons in our State; so that no Mason's child within our borders shall be raised in ignorance. Much good has already been accomplished by union and concert of action." The committee to whom was referred the address before mentioned, in reference to this subject, say: " The noble and praiseworthy sentiments expressed by the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master in relation to the subject of education, and particu- larly his laudable anxiety in reference to the poor and destitute children of Masons, meet with a hearty response in every ingenious bosom ; and, so soon as our treasury shall have recovered from its present exhausted GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 519 condition, we suggest, in order to preserve an equilibriam of benefits to the indigent children of Masons all over the State, an equal distribution of funds t© the Subordinate Lodges for educational purposes, by which an undue advantage may not be conferred upon one part of the Masonic community to the great detriment and expense of other parts; and until then, we think the duty and genius of our Craft impel us to extend such moral influence, and such fostering care to all institutions imploring our countenance, as can be done without jeopardizing our financial integrity." The Grand LoSge of Iowa, at their annual meeting in June, 1852,. adopted the following preamble and resolution: "Whereas, the subject of education is one in which we feel a deep interest, and which should engage our individual attention generally; " And whereas, it is very desirable for this Grand Lodge to build and sustain an institution of learning, so soon as the means will justify — therefore, " Resolved, That a committee be appointed to mature and report to this Grand Lodge, a plan for the general accumulation of a fund, by annual contribution or otherwise, for the purpose of establishing an institution of learning of a high order under the the jurisdiction and patronage of this Grand Lodge." We make one more allusion, and extract from the report of the Grand Master of Missouri, the following, which shows the highly flourishing state of their college : " It, however, affords me the utmost pleasure to announce to the Grand Lodge the gratifying fact, that I will be able to report the additional sales of scholarships to individuals and Lodges, reaching to the full amount assumed by the Grand Lodge at our last communication ; thus securing beyond cavil a permanent endowment fund of |50,000, independent of the action of the Grand Lodge in the premises." The committee on the college say, "that the Masonic College is now established upon a firm basis, free from embarrassment, and performing the high ofiices for which it was established. It has imparted instruction during the past year to one hundred and sixty-one students, and your committee rejoice to learn that its faculty stand deservedly high, as governors and tutors,, throughout the wide circle in which they are known." Thus it will be seen how this subject has taken root, and grown into usefulness by perseverance and industry. Could not our Grand Lodge dO' something ? At all events, efforts should be made to digest and recom- mend some mode for exteneing our charities. We therefore offer the- following resolution : "Resolved, That there be a committee of three appointed to take the subject of education in charge, and to report, at the next meeting of this Grand Lod^e, a plan by which a fund may be created, and how mani(ged, 15 520 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. and to recommend such an institution as would be best suited to our wants." Tbe proposition of an organization, to be called tbe General Grand Lodge of the United States, seems to be pretty generally passed upon by the several Grand Lodges. Some think well of the proposition, and urge their views with a great deal of sound judgment and discrimination, and, on the other hand, it is called an experiment, a modern invention — some- thing new, that will not meet the wishes of its friends. In the journal of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, speaking on this subject, under the head of Maine, say, " they are still the champion advocates of a General Grand Lodge of the United States. We are still of the opinion that a Supreme Grand Lodge is not now needed, though good might result from its establishment, by tending to harmonize feeling, by supplying the feasible means of reconciling differences, and by cementing the bonds of Masonry in creating a stronger sympathy for the universal brotherhood." The Committee on Foreign Correspondence of Vermont make this decision: "As the subject of forming a General Grand Lodge is again presented for our deliberation and action, we declare our willingness to enter a confederacy with our sister States for that purpose," and recom- mend suitable resolutions in accordance with those views. The committee of the State of Mississippi hold the following significant language in reference to this subject: "No new consideration has been presented by our highly respected and intelligent brethren of Maine in support of the project which they recommend. If all the Grand Lodges in the world were included in the proposition, the argument for the establishment of a General Grand Lodge might be strengthened; for the expense and difficulties of obtaining a real representation of the several Grand Lodges would not be greatly increased, while delegates could attend from Sidney, Calcutta, and Berlin, as easily and with as little expense as they can from California and Oregon. The truth is, there would be no actual representation ; but the business would be carried on by proxies — and these, perhaps, not the best qualified. The General Grand Bodies, already in existeace for many years, are yet to be distin- guished by their utility. "We had hoped that this question was entirely at rest, and we only mentioned it out of respect to the proposer, and not to the proposition." The Grand Lodge of Missouri pass the following resolution, which is somewhat different from any we have set forth : " Resolved, That there is no power existing in the Grand Lodges of these United States, or any number of them, to create a Supreme or General Grand Lodge; and that, if the right exists at all, it is vested in the great body of Masons who constitute the Fraternity in these United States." We have before us the proceedings of the " National Masonic Conven- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 521 tion" of Delegates from the several Grand Lodges held at the city of Lexington, in the State of Kentucky, on the 17th day of September, A. L. 5853. Nathan B. Haswell, of Vermont, was chosen president, John L. Lewis, jun., of New York, and Eliphalet G. Storer, of Connecticut, were chosen secretaries. The committee appointed to take into consideration the proposition, submitted by the Grand Lodge of Maine, to form a " General Grand Lodge of the United States," presented the following report : "That, in their opinion, it is inexpedient at this time to attempt the formation of a General Grand Lodge; but, from a free interchange of opinion among the delegates assembled, your committee believe that a proposition for a National Confederation, for specific objects, would meet the approbation of the several Grand Lodges of the Union. They there- fore, submit the following plan therefor: " First. That all matters of difficulty which may hereafter arise in any of the Grand Lodges, or between two or more Grand Bodies of the same Fraternity, which cannot by their own action be satisfactorily adjusted or disposed of, shall, if the importance of the case or the comaion welfare of the Fraternity demand it, be submitted, with accompanying evidence and documents, to the several Grand Lodges, in their individual capacities ; and the concurrent decision thereon of two-thirds of the whole number, officially communicated, shall be held authoritative, binding, and final on all parties concerned. "Second. That, from and after the adoption of the foregoing proposition by two-thirds of the several Grand Lodges, its provisions shall be con- sidered, ratified, and all matters therein contemplated for adjustment shall then and thereafter take the course prescribed. " Third. That each of the Grand Lodges be requested to adopt a reso- lution (if they accede to the proposed measure) pledging themselves to abide the concurrent decisions of two-thirds of the several Grand Lodges, relating to all matters submitted to their action." And recommend, for the purpose of further maturing the plan, the several Grand Lodges send one or more delegates to a convention to be held at the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia on the first Wednesday of January, eighteen hundred and fifty-five. Upon looking through" the minutes of this Grand Lodge, we find the lollowing resolutions were passed at a meeting held at the city of Trenton, July 6th, 5790: " Besolved, That the constituting of a Federal or Supreme Grand Lodge, to have jurisdiction over the respective Grand and other Lodges through- out the centinent, as proposed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, is inexpedient, and, in the opinion of this Grand Lodge, imprac- ticable. " Besolved, That, instead thereof, this Grand Lodge do agree that a 622 GRAKD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. convention of Deputies from the several Grand Lodges within the United States of America be held for the purpose of forming a more particular and more intimate union, and also to establish a regularr and permanent intercourse between them ; that this Grand Lodge conceive such a conven- tion would be highly advantageous to the Fraternity, and will appoint deputies for the aforesaid purpose." And also, at the Annual Communication of Januar}' ISth, 5802, it was " Resolved, That the resolutions entered into by this Grand Lodge, on the 6th day of July, 5790, be adhered to." We cannot see any good reason why it is necessary to form a Supreme (jrand Body at this time, for the several Grand Lodges are certainly com- petent to take charge of their own internal government, as they have done from time past, and no very serious difficulties have ever happened any State Grand Lodge that requires the intervention of such a bod\', that they would be willing to submit any difference or difficulty that might arise. Each one certainly feels able to legislate for themselves, and carry on their own government in their own way, for the views and customs of one section, might be brought in conflict with the other without any good resulti Such a body would be expensive, without producing a corres- ponding benefit, and we believe the time has not yet arrived when its proposed organization is needed, and therefore offer the following : Itesolved, That we disapprove of the proposed organization of a Xational Confederation or Supreme Grand Lodge of the United States " for specific purposes," believing that do corresponding benefit would result from its deliberat ons. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at its quarterly communication in September last, appointed "a committee to take into consideration what instructions should be given to the Lodges in that State, in reference to visiting members of Subordinate Lodges from New York," after carefully reviewing the whole state of the question given them by their resolution of appointment, present a series of resolutions, as protective measures against imposition, which we here copy : "Itesolved, That the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge are hereby instructed to require of all persons assuming to be Masons, and hailing from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, who may apply at their doors for admission as visitors (unless known and avouched by a brother present to be as herein provided) a diploma, or certificate, under the signature and official seal of the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, of which the Most Worshipful and Hon. Eeuben H. Walworth is Grand Master, certifying that the brother therein named was made a Mason in a regularly and duly constituted Lodge, which at the time of said making was working under the authority of a constitutional and lawfully organized Grand Lodge ; that the said brother is now in regular GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 523 Standing as a Mason ; and that he is no schismatic or disturber of the harmony of the Craft, but true in his allegiance, and obedient to the laws and authority of the Grand Lodge of New York aforesaid. " Resolved, That in case the person named in said diploma or certificate was made a Mason in an unlawful or irregularly formed Lodge, or under any authority which, at the time of said making, was not recognized by this Grand Lodge, then, and in that case, said diploma or certificate shall certify, under the signature and official seal of the Right Worshipful the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York aforesaid, that the brother therein named has been duly and lawfully " healed" and obligated by competent authority, and in the only form and manner sanctioned by the usages and customs of Masonry ; that he is now in good and honor- able repute and standing as a Mason, obedient to the laws, and acknowl- edging the jurisdiction and supreme authority of the only lawful Grand Lodge of the State of New York aforesaid. "Resolved, Tlfat the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge are hereby strictly forbidden, under the penalty of forfeiture of charter, to receive as visiiors, or hold Masonic intercourse with any person hailing from the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York, who do not furnish the evidence required by the preceding resolutions of their regu- larity and present good standing as Masons." In presenting the aforesaid stringent resolutions from the Grand Lodge of ^Massachusetts, we presume something of the like nature "vill of neces- sity be required to guard each Grand Lodge from imposition by the clan- destine Masons hailing from the State of New York ; for, on the other hand, it will be very difficult to distinguish one from another. On the 24th of June, 5853, the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Joseph D. Evans, issued a circular " to the Master, Wardens and Brethren of the respective Lodges within the cities of New York, Brooklyn, and Williamsburgh," that " Keystone Lod^e, No. 235, and Benevolent Lodge, No. 192, who removed to the building in Walker street, occupied by the Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodce of Hamburg, Germany," have incurred the expressed disapproba- tion of their Grand Lodge, surrendered their warrants, and withdrew under censure, and do not hold Masonic existence. The said Grand Lodge elected the Hon. Reuben H. Walworth, Grand Master, and a number of persons of that body entered a protest against his installation, which, after a strict investigation of the subject and explanation, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: " Resolved, That the explanation given by our Most Worshipful Grand Master elect, of the matter set forth in the protest against his installation, is full, complete and entirely satisfactory to this Grand Lodge, and an abundant refutation of any inferences injurious to his reputation as a man and a Mason ; and that the views expressed by him, when properly 524 fiRAND LODSB OF NEW JERSEY. explained, add to, rather than detract from his high character, and are cordially approved by this Grand Lodge, containing, as they do, an express denial of any fact or principle in Masonry which would lead its votaries to shelter or defend moral wrong or guilt, or to disturb the peace or destroy good order in civil society." And, on the 12th day of August, the said Deputy Grand Master of said Grand Lodge issued another circular letter " to the Master, Wardens and Brethren of the respective Lodges," and to the Fraternity generally throughout the State of New York. In consequence of the condition of affairs in that jurisdiction, certain persons who were members of Benevo- lent Lodge, 2vo. 192, and Keystone Lodge, Ko. 235, and others, have formed an association, which they style, " St. John's Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York," chosen their officers, and installed by Past Grand Master H. C. Atwood. Richard Thum, Grand Master. James Stewart, Grand Tyler. Charles G. Waterbury, D. G. Master. Joseph F. Rose, G. Marshal. E. Van Tassell, S. G. Warden. John Ewing, G. Standard Bearer. Andrew S. Fisher, J. G. Warden. Gilbert M. Piatt, G. Sword Bearer. Charles W. WiUetts, G. Secretary. H. L. Thompson, 1 „ „ Robert E. Roberts, G. Treasurer. G. L. Oeborne, J James G. Kent, G. Chaplain. John Woods, S. G. Deacon. Thomas Abbott, G. Pursuivant. George F. Dollinger, J. G. Deacon^ He strictly forbids all Masonic intercourse with the aforesaid Lodges ; St. John's Grand Lodge and its subordinates ; Lodges instituted by H. C. Atwood, working in the Scottish Rite ; Delta Lodge, No. 242 ; Lodges meeting in Pythagoras Hall, in Walker street ; And the Grand Lodge over which Mr. Myers presides, and its subordi- nates, and he calls upon all true Masons within his jurisdiction to notify the Grand Master, himself, or Grand Secretary, of any violation of that EDICT. Vermont. — This Grand Body held its Annual Session at Burlington, on Wednesday, January 12th, A. D. 18-33, with a representation from twenty- three Lodges. The Grand Master, Philip C. Tucker, in his annual address, after refer- ing to some matters of a local nature in his own State, carefully reviews the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of California in relation to a difficulty with Grand Master Hyam, of that State, upon the duties and powers of a Grand Master, in the vacation, of making Masons at siglit. We beg leave to copy a part of hie argument, an follows : " It has certainly been a common opinion of the Craft heretofore, that Grand Masters possessed the power of making Masons at sight. The GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 525 English precedents show the practice to have existed in England, and they have been followed, in some few instances, in this country. No instance of it has occurred in Vermont, but the nght has never been ques- tioned in this jurisdiction. Diflferences of opinion have existed as to what the terms mean, and as to the extent of their operation, some writers holding that degrees thus conferred should be given in Grand Lodge only, and others that they may be given in what are termed "occasional Lodges." Desirable as it is that greater uniformity of opinion should exist on this subject, we may hardly anticipate soon attaining it amonj: our thirty-two Grand Lodges. The doubt about the construction of the rule ought to have a favorable operation in inducing a charitable tonsid- eration for those who may be supposed to have fallen into error in acting upon it. It is probable that Grand Master Ilyam may, in one or two instances, have erred in judgment on this subject, and exceeded any known precedents. I am familiar with no precedent which goes so far as to establish the correctness of making a Mason at sight by the Grand Master who is known to have been rejected by a secular Lodge, nor am I aware of any case, except those now under consideration, where such an application has been made to a Grand Master at all. If the right to make Masons at sight be acknowledged to exist in the Grand Master, it is difficult for me to understand who; but he may properly judge of the circumstances under which it may be exercised. It has been intimated in a high Masonic quarter, where I understand the existence of the right itself to be denied, that the leading English precedents were founded upon reasons of State. If such reasons constitute the only apology for the practice, it would follow, doubtless, that it never ought to have existed in this country, because those reasons never could gain tolerance here. Such has not, however been the common understanding on the subject. " Whether Grand Master Hyam erred or not, what estimate is to be placed upon the character of the proceedings against him. A common Master of a Subordinate Lodge is generally admitted to be so supreme that his judgment cannot be appealed from, even upon a simple question of order, and it is beyond controversy that such a matter cannot be tried by his Lodge while he remains in office. A Grand Master of a Grand Lodge, if these California proceedings against G. M. Hyam are to be justified, is a far less important personage. He may have his motives questioned, his actions censured, and his character traduced by a Subordi- nate Lodge behind his back ; his subordinate Grand Officer may order the convocation of a Grand Lodge against his known and expressed wishes, and such a called Grand Lodge, upon the complaint of a secular Lodge, may present, try, and condemn him ex parte, while the more sacred rela- tions of life are commanding his presence elsewhere. If such a course of proceeding is in accordance with constitutional Masonry, I can only say 526 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. that I have not been so taught ita principles and practice. Few men worthy to occupy the Oriental chair would suffer themselves to be elevated to it with such an understanding of their position, and subject to such an application of Masonic rules." We cannot withhold our concurrence in the truly Masonic decision re- ferred to above, and ably discussed and clearly maintained throughout its ■details. Such has been the custom and practice of our State through a long period of time, which practice has never been questioned. The chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the Orand Lodge of Missouri has addressed a circular to the several Grand Lodges on the matter of the affairs of Masonry in the State of New York, and to make an effort to settle the conflict. He considers it the duty of the several State Grand Lodges to make the effort simultaneously, and suggests " that the Grand Lodges of Massa- chusetts and Virginia, because they are the oldest, be appointed by the several Grand Lodges as arbitrators to settle the entire difference, to hear all parties, and dispose of all questions in connection with the conflict now raging in New York, at least so far as Ancient Craft Masonry is concerned or corapromitted ; and, in case of disagreement or inability to settle the diflficulties aforesaid, they shall be empowered to call to their aid a similar committee from any Grand Lodge jurisdiction they may think proper." And, to carry out these views, he expects to append to his report the following resolutions : " 1. That the Grand Lodges of Massachusetts and Virginia are hereby fraternally solicited, each, to appoint a committee on behalf of the Grand Lodges of the United States to examine and adjust all differences existing among the Fraternity in the State of New York, and the Grand Lodge of New York is hereby fraternally requested to submit the entire difficulties of that jurisdiction to the aforesaid committee, so far as the same is connected with Ancient , Craft Masonry; that all parties interested be permitted and requested to lay their grievances before the said committee, that they may be finally and forever healed. 2. Should the aforesaid committee of Massachusetts and Virginia be unable to adjust the differences thus submitted to them, they are thereby empowered to call to their assistance an equal number of brethren from any other Grand Lodge in the Union." The proposition submitted we hope will meet with a hearty response, and all the Grand Lodges in the United States, we doubt not will unite in the effort to restore peace and harmony where so many discordant ele- ments are at work. We therefore offer the following: Resolved, That we heartily concur in the aforesaid proposition. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 527 We, in conclusion, submit the several matters therein contained for your mature deliberation, in the hope they may meet your approval. All which is respectfully submitted. Dated January 10th, A. L. 5854. Joseph H. Houon, Chairman. The committee on the Secretary's aud Treasurer's accfflunts made the following report; which was read, and, on motion, received, and committee discharged : To the Most Worshipful Orand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — Your committee, appointed to examine into and report upon the accuracy of the accounts of the Eight Worshipful Grand Sec- retary and Treasurer, would respectfully report. Balance on hand last year $495 32 Received from various sources this year, 293 75 $789 07 Paid out, as per vouchers, 557 02 Balance in Treasurer's hands, 9232 05 Respectfullv submitted. Charles H. Pierson, Levi H. Sanford, George W. Curtis. The committee to whom was referred the address of the Grand Master, made the following report ; which was read, and, on motion, agreed to : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey : Brethren — Your committee, to whom was referred the annual address •of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, respectfully submit the following : Having examined the same, endorse the congratulatory remark of the Most Worshipful Grand Master upon the increasing and healthy condi- tion of the Craft in this jurisdiction, but find nothing specially to report upon, except the approval of the dispensations granted, as specified in his report, and recommend that, upon the return of the several dispensations granted for that purpos, warrants be issued, in lieu thereof, for the resuscitation of Jerusalem Lodge, No. 26, located at Plainfield, Essex county, and La Fayette Lodge, No. 27, located at Rahway, Middlesex- county ; also for a new Lodge, located at Bordentown, Burlington county, to be called Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 28, and Joppa Lodge, No. 29, located at Paterson, Pasaic county. Respectfully and fraternally submitted. Dated Trenton, January, 11th, 5854. Samuel Read, John R. Crocket, John R. Chapin. 528 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The aforesaid Lodges were represented as follows : D. W. Dorman, W. M., Jerusalem, No. 26. John H. Janeway, W. M., La Fayette, No. 27. Robert C. Buzby, W. M., James W. Allen, 8. W., Mount Moriah, No. 28. Isaac Van Wagoner, W. M., F. S. Weller, S. W., Joppa, No. 29. The Grand Lodge was called off, for a short space of time, to make nominations for officers ; and appointed Past Master Jacob Sharp, of No. 13, judge, and Past Mas- ters George H. Tittle, of No. 17, and Joseph Booth, of No. 25, tellers, who reported the following, as nominated for the several offices specified : Grand Master — Edward Stewart, No. 7, William S. Bowen, No. 2, Milton Baldwin, No. 7, Theodore R. Varick, No. 17. Deputy Grand Master— Theodore R. Varick, No. 17, Mil- ton Baldwin, No. 7, Samuel Read, No. 14, Jacob W. Morris, No. 9. Senior Grand Warden — George A. Tittle, No. 17, Jacob W. Morris, No. 9, John R. Crocket, No. 25. Junior Grand Warden — John Dill, No. 13, Jacob "W". Morris, No. 9. Grand Secretary — Joseph H. Hough, No. 5, Milton Bald- win, No. 7, Deputy Grand Secretary — John R. Chapin, No. 1, Jere- miah H. Lupton, No. 2. Grand Treasurer — Elias Phillips, No. 5. An election was held, which resulted as follows : Grand Master — Edward Steward, No. 7. Deputy Grand Master — Theodore R. Varick, No. 17. Beuior Grand "Warden — Jacob W. Morris, No. 9. Junior Grand Warden — John Dill, No. 13. Grand Secretary — Joseph H. Hough, No. 5. Deputy Grand Secretary — John R. Chapin, No. 1. Grand Treasurer— Elins Phillips, No. 5. It was, on motion of James C. Ogden, of No. 7, Ordered, That the salary of the Grand Secretary be two hundred dollars per year. GBAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 529 Brother James C. Ogden, of No. 7, offered the following resolution ; which was agreed to, and referred to Ichabod Harrison, of No. 11, Allen Osborn, of No. 10, and Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7. " Whereas, the Constitution of this Grand Lodge expressly declares, that those who have been elected and installed as the Master of a Subordi- nate Lodge, and presided as such at least six months, shall be deemed as Past Master ; and whereas, a question has been raised as to the Past- mastership of Brother John R. Crocket, — now, therefore, " Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine into the facts of the case, and report at the next meeting of the Grand Lodge." Bro. James C. Ogden, of No. 7, offered the following ; which, on motion, were taken up separately : The first was read, and, on motion, agreed to. The second was read, and withdrawn. The third was read, and, while under consideration, was laid on the table. "1. Resolved, That the minutes of two Emergent Grand Lodge Meet- ings, held in Newark, in October and November, 1852, together with the report of the committee appointed to investigate the difficulties existing in St. John's Lodge, No. 1, be entered upon the minutes of this Grand Lodge, and published with the annual proceedings. "2. Resolved, That the Grand Master be respectfully requested to present to this Grand Lodge the report submitted to him by the commit- tee appointed to inquire into the standing of Pythagoras Lodge, of New York city, and also whether members of Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, of this State, have visited said Lodge, or received members of that Lodge to their meetings. "3. Resolved, That the Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be permitted to receive all Masonic brethren who have not, by any unmasonic acts of their own, forfeited their rights to the benefits and privileges of the Institution. " Trenton, January 11th, 5854." The Grand Lodge was called off till eight o'clock. 530 grand lodge of new jersey. 8 o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Officers as before, and a full representation. Visitors — Past Masters Moses Craig, of No. 8, William Kerwood, of No. 5, William Wilson, of No. 12, Bro. Oeorge Finch, of No. 9, Britton Hoffman, of No. 5, Stephen Congar and Joseph W.Miller, of No. 1, John P. Vanderbelt, of No. 17, E. A. Arnold, of Hiram Lodge, No. 1, Con- necticut. The third resolution, laid on the table at the close of the afternoon session, was called up, and, on motion of Deputy Grand Master Theodore R. Varick, that it be adopted, was disagreed to. The committee to whom was referred the resolutions of the last session, on page 159 of the journal, [page 507 of this book,] made the following report. A motion was made that the report be received and adopted. The question was taken separately, wlien the reception was agreed to, and on adoption lost. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. At the Annnal Communication of the Grand Lodge, held in Trenton, January 12th and 13lh, A. L. 5853, the following preamble and resolution were passed : *' Whereas, it having been currently reported, and generally believed, that the members of Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, of the city of Newark, are, or have been, in the habit of exchanging visits with Pythagoras Lodge, of th-e city of New York, and it being generally admitted that Pythagoras Lodge IS now working under a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ham- burg, and is considered, in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, of New York, to be a clandestine Lodge, therefore — "Resolved, That a committee be appointed by this Grand Lodge to inquire into the standing of Pythagoras Lodge, of New York city, and, if found to be a clandestine Lodge, to ascertain if Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, have visited that Lodge or received members of that Lodge to their meetings ; and said committee to make their report to the Gracd Master as soon as convenient." GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 531 Agreeably to the instructions of the above resolution, the following report is submitted : By a reference to the books of Diogenes Lodge, we find that, on several occasions the members of Pythagoras Lodge have visited Diogenes Lodge,, and at the installation of Diogfcnes Lodge by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, a deputation of brethren from Pythagoras Lodge was present, and remained during the ceremonies of the evening. We 'are also cor- rectly informed that the members of Diogenes Lodge have visited Pytha- goras Lodge in New York, but we are not in possession of any written evidence to substantiate such to have been the case; however, the mem- bers of Diogenes Lodge have admitted that visits have been frequently exchanged by the respective Lodges; it is therefore unnecessary to inves- tigate this point any further. Your committee proceed, next, to inquire into the standing of Pytha- goras Lodge, of the city of New York, now working under a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Hamburg. Pythagoras Lodge was instituted on the 24th of June, A. L, 5841, under the authority and by the warrant of the Grand Lodge of the State' of New York. It remained subordinate to the same until the difficulty occurred in the Grand Lodge, on the 5th of June, 1849, concerning the rights of Past Masters, which resulted in a separation into two parties, each claiming to be the rightful Grand Lodge. When the representatives of Pythagoras Lodge, united with the Phillips party, on the 3d of April, 1850, Pythagoras Lodge applied to the Grand Lodge of Hamburg for a charter. On the 24th of May, they resolved to acknowledge the body over which Most Worshipful Grand Master Willard presided to be the Grand Lodge of New York, and transmitted a circular to the Grand Lodge, explaining the reasons for the course they had pursued in respect to the dispute between the two bodies, and also expressing a desire that the difficulty might be amicably settled. They likewise notified the Grand Secretary that they had already applied to the Grand Lodge of Hamburg for a charter. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York, Pythagoras Lodge was rep'resented, and certain resolutions respecting Past Masters, presented on their behalf by Worshipful Brother Oscar Coles, were laid upon the table. On the 16th of Angust they sent a com- munication to the Grand Lodge, asking for an honorable discharge from their connection with that body ; but receiving no answer, on the 20th of December, the Master and other officers abdicated, and placed their jewels of office upon the altar. The brethren then, by resolution, declared themselves isolated and independent, until the reception of the new char- ter from the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, and proceeded thereupon to select their new officers. They subsequently notified the Grand Lodge of their proceedings, and on the 10th of March, 1851, returned their warrant. 532 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Previous to granting the warrant to Pythagoras Lodge, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg sent a communication to the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, requesting permission to grant a warrant to Pythagoras Lodge, and thus assume jurisdiction over her. The Grand Master of the Grand jOodge of New York made a distinct protest against any such measure of interference with the government of the Fraternity within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, in reply, stated, that if no direct prohibitory law existed in New York, a warrant would be granted ; that the Grand Lodges of the old continent neither knew nor acknowledged such a monopoly of power, and that the course they were about to take would be productive of beneficial consequences for future intercourse between the Grand Lodges of Germany and those of America, and would establish more friendly rela- tions with the German brethren on either side of the ocean. Accordingly, on the Sth of February, 1851, the subject being then under discussion in the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, it was resolved that a warrant be granted to Pythagoras Lodge. On the 2d of May, by the authority of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, Pythagoras Lodge was installed, and has continued to work under a warrant from that body until the present time. The Grand Lodge of the State of New York objected to the position assumed by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, asserting that the compact of June, 1827, was distinctly understood not only to prohibit the existence of two Grand Lodges in the State of New York, but also to exclude foreign jurisdiction of any kind, and, in accordance with the opinions of the Grand Lodges of the United States and of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, that no Grand Lodge has the right to enter the jurisdiction of another, they had declared the application as one fatal to the unity and integrity of Masonry in the United States, and calculated to lead to irremediable confusion. The Grand Lodge of New York, also, by resolution, remonstrated against the course pursued by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg in trespassing within the borders of her jurisdiction, and requested that the charter which she had issued to Pythagoras Lodge of New York be recalled. Pythagoras Lodge was subsequently declared irregular, and all Masonic intercourse with them prohibited, and her jewels and properties demanded The position of Pythagoras Lodge is therefore a changing of authority from the Grand Lodge of New York to that of Hamburg, and resolves itself in a question of jurisdiction. There is no assumption of powers on their part, but it is exercised by one already established and genuine. It is, however, necessary to examine what influence that exercise of power has upon Pythagoras Lodge, in her present condition, within the territo- rial jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New York. The laws of old Masonry were few and her government simple, because GRAND LOD&B OF NEW JEKSBY. 533 the first Masons were virtuous. They met without the authority of a warrant from a Grand Lodge, as no such body existed, and guided by the unwritten laws and usages of the Fraternity, they conferred the degrees and performed the ordinary duties of Masonry. When they met in gen- eral council or assembly, all participated in the proceedings. .As the institution extended, so the government became more complex. At the formation of the Grand Lodge at New York, the brethren, in convention, adopted " the Book of Constitutions of the English Lodges," an epitome, abstracted from many Greek, Latin, French, and other manuscripts or old laws and ordinances. A governing authority was erected with defined powers, and the Lodges became subordinate ; but it was not till the final establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, in London, in 1717, that warrants were deemed absolutely necessary to constitute a Lodge (the four old Lodges then existing excepted). In the year 1779, the Grand Lodge of England, having previously attempted to invade the ancient right of "the Lodge of Antiquity," but without effect, resolved that every Subordinate Lodge held its authority from the Grand Lodge. This not being acceded to by the Lodge of Antiquity, they separated and united with the Grand Lodge at York, in which body their ancient rights were respected. In 1790, their authority and privileges being acknowledged as constitutional, they reunited themselves to the Grand Lodge of England. In this instance, the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of England was invaded bj the Grand Lodge at York. But further. In 1725, the Grand Lodge of England granted a warrant to some Masons who had seceded from the Grand Lodge at York, to hold a Lodge within the jurisdiction of the latter. In 1738, other Lodges were constituted, and three provost Grand Masters appointed in the dis- trict of York. All friendly intercourse ceased, and the feud lasted till the final extinction of the Grand Lodge at York. In 1739, some old London Masons, styling themselves Ancient Masons, held meetings and initiated persons into Masonry without power or authority. They openly disobeyed the ordinances of the Grand Lodge, and denied the authority of the Grand Master, pretending to follow the original York constitution. They assumed the right to establish new Lodges, and they formed a Grand Lodge, under the name of "the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons,'' and were soon after acknowledged by the Fraternity in Scotland and Ireland. Thus there were three Grand Lodges in England, "the Grand Lodge of all England," established at York, A. I). 926, " the Grand Lodge of England," established in London, A. D. 1567, re-established in 1717, and "the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons," in London, A. D. 1739, which did not hold communica- tion with one another, but were all recognized as regular Masonic bodies by the Scotch and Irifh Masons, by whom the law of limited jurisdiction does not seem to have been deemed essential. The Grand Lodge at York 634 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. ceased its meetingB about the j'ear 1799, and the two Grand Lodges in- London, united December 27th, 1813, under the title of " the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of England." There were two Grand Lodges in Massachusetts for a period of forty years, the one derived from the Grand Lodge of England, the other from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In South Carolina there were two Grand Lodges from 1787 until 1808, when they united; but the following year another Grand Lodge was- formed, which continued till 1817, when a final union took place. In Xew York, the Grand Lodge separated in June, 1823, by resolution, and there were two Grand Lodges until June, 1827, when they united, and resolved that there ought to be but one Grand Lodge. On the 11th of September, 1837, St. John's Grand Lodge was instituted in the city of JSTew York, and continued until the 27th of December, 1850, when they became united with the Grand Lodge of New York. There still exists a body exercising the powers of a Grand Lodge, whose members seceded in June, 1849, at which time there were three separate bodies, each claim- ing jurisdiction in the same territory. The Grand Lodge of England, in I72G, created the office of Provincial Grand Master, with power, as the immediate representative of the Grand Master, to constitute Lodges in the province assigned to him. Lodges were established, under English warrants, iu various cities of Europe, in the East Indies, on the coast of Africa, and in the provinces of America, so that, in less than half a century, her limited jurisdiction extended to every quarter of the worM. It will also be remembered that the Grand Lodge of New York, some- few years since, issued warrants to constitute four Lodges in Mexico, which created some considerable degree of excitement concerning the right of jurisdiction. In 1848, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi issued warrants to four Lodges in Louisiana, and a Grand Lodge was created, but the following year they were recalled. The Grand Orient of France, in 1849, established a new Lodge under its- authority in Richmond, Virginia, but the Grand Lodge of Virginia pro- tested, and urged the recall of said warrant, on the ground that such acts introduce a division among us, and result unfavorably to the institution of York Masonry, now universally prevailing here. The Grand Orient of France recalled the warrant and advised the Lodge to make application to the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a charter, which was done. On the continent of Europe, there are now three Grand Lodges in Berlin. There are also a number of individual Lodges independent of any Grand Lodge jurisdiction, some of which have worked without warrants from a period beyond all record or tradition. Again, a Lodge in one kingdom is found subject to the Grand Lodge of another. GKAND LODQE OF NEW JERSEY. 535 Thus the law of jurisdiction by a Grand Lodge over a limited extent of territory is not deemed essential in continental Europe, and, until within a few years, has not been esteemed a rule of Masonry, either in Great Britain or America. We therefore conclude — 1. That the exclusive right of constituting and governing Lodges within a State, or within certain boundaries of territory, has been adopted as a law of modern Masonry in Great Britain and the United States, but ought not to be regarded as a right derived from old usage. 2. That Pythagoras Lodge, now working under a legal charter emana- ting from a regularly constituted Grand Lodge, is neither an irregular nor a clandestine body. 3. The question of jurisdiction, in the case of Pythagoras Lodge, must be determined by the Grand Lodges of New York and Hamburg. 4. The course to be pursued by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, in respect to the members of Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, visiting Pythagoras Lodge, is not for us to decide. All of which is respectfully submitted. Newark, March 21st, A. L. 5853. Luther Goble, Milton Baldwin, Jas. a. Alexander. The Deputy Grand Master was duly installed. Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen presented a bill for expenses incurred by him when Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master, for the years 1839-40-1-2-3-4, amounting to the sum of forty-two dollars, which was ordered to be paid. The Grand Lodge was then called off till to-morrow morn- ing, at nine o'clock A. M. THURSDAY MORNING, 9 O'CLOCK. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. The officers present as yesterday, and representation as follows : Anthony C. Beam, S. W., St. John's, No. 1; Andrew Butcher, J. W., Trenton, No. 5; George A. Tator, W. M., Washington, No. 9; Allen Osborn, proxy for W. M., Franklin, No. 10; Jacob Sharp, proxy for W M., Warren, No. 13; George W. Curtis, W. M., Mount Holly, No. H 16 536 GRAND LODGE 05 NEW JERSEY. Chauncey Dygert, J. W., Hiram, No. 17 ; Thomas Hooper, J. W., Har- mony, No. 18; John Hewet, W. M., Harmony, No. 23; D. W. Dorman, W. M., Jerusalem, No. 26 ; John H. Janeway, W. M., Lafayette, No. 27; Robert C. Buzby, W. M., Mount Moriah, No. 28; Isaac Van Wago- ner, W. M., Joppa, No. 29. Members. — Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, No. 14 ; Past Masters William Kerwood, No. 5, William Wilson, No. 12, W. C. Guess- ner. No. 22; Bro's Thomas B. Woolaton, No. 14; George H. Beatty, No. 13. A^isiTOR.— A. W. Goff, National Lodge, No. 209, New York. Past Grand Master Joseph "W. Scott was received in ample form. A petition was presented for a warrant for a Lodge, to be held at Cape Island, to be called " Cape Island Lodge, No. 30 ;" which was read, and, on motion, referred to a com- mittee, consisting of Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, No. 13, Past Master William Kerwood, No. 5, and Past Master William Wilson. No. 12. The representative from Tuckerton had leave of absence for the remainder of the session. Bro. John R. Chapin (Offered the following resolutions and moved their adoption. While under consideration, the resolution offered by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence relative to the ap- pointment of a committee on the subject of Education, was called up and read. It was moved that all the resolutions be referred to one committee, which was unanimously agreed to. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommend to the Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction the creation of a voluntary subscription fund, to be sacredly devoted to the establishing of a charitable building fund for the purpose of purchasingthe necessary land and erecting thereon a suitable building or buildings for a " Home for Free Masons, their Widows and Orphans," said fund to be created by the free-will contributions of the members for that purpose ; and all sums so collected to be transmitted to the Grand Secretary, at each annual communication of the Grand Lodge, with the usual reports of the secretaries, to be by him paid into the hand? of three or more trustees, who shall be appointed by the Grand Lodge to receive such moneys, and invest them to the best interest of said fund, as they may be directed by the Grand Lodge. GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 537 Resolved, That in the scheme thus proposed, the Grand Lodge recog- nizes a means by which a Mason's charity may be exerted to the greatest advantage ; and we earnestly recommend the plan as one which com- mends itself to the thoughtful consideration of the Subordinate Lodges as a proper method of showing torthe world the vitality of Masonry and the activity of the principles which we profess. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed at this communica- tion to draw up an address to the Subordinate Lodges on this subject, and that they be empowered to print copies of the same for distribu- tion among the Fraternity in this State at the expense of the Grand Lodge. The foregoing resolutions were referred to Bro's John R. Chapin, of No. 1, Samuel Head, of No. 14, and George A. Tittle, of No. 17. The committee to whom was referred the petition for a warrant for a Lodge, to be located at Cape Island, made the following report, which was agreed to. To the Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Bketheen — Your committee, to whom was referred the petition of Walter B. Miller and several others, for a warrant to locate a Lodge of Masons at Cape Island, Cape May county, to be hailed as Cape Island Lodge, No. 30, respectfully report — that from the high character of the petitioners, as well also the known reputation and standing of the brothers recommending the same, that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and a warrant issue accordingly. Respectfully and fraternally. Trenton, January 12th, 6854. Samuel Eead, William K.erwood, William Wilson. Bro. Charles H. Pierson offered the following resolution, and moved its adoption. A motion was offered to amend, so as to read " Ireestone, at the discretion of the committee." The question was then taken on the resolution as amended and adopted. Retohed, That this Grand Lodge do hereby recommend to the Subordi- nate Lodges in this State the propriety of raising, by voluntary subscrip- tion, a sufficient fund, to be appropriated to the purchase of a block of marble or granite, the same to be suitably inscribed and forwarded to Washington, D. C, there to be placed in the National Monument now being erected to our deceased brother, the immortal George Washington. 538 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEESET. The foregoing resolution was referred to Bro's Charles H. Pierson, of No. 1, Isaac Van Wagoner, of No. 29, and James C. Ogden, of ISTo. 7. Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Eead, of No. 14, oftered the following resolution ; which was agreed to. Hesolved, That the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary be, and he is hereby authorized to erase the old number (18) in the original warrant of Mount Holly Lodge, and insert No. 14, being the present number of said Lodge. Past Master William Kerwood called up his resolution, to be found on the printed journal, page 158, [page 506 of this book,] as follows : Hesolved, That one representative from each of the Subordinate Lodges in this State shall receive from the funds of this Grand Lodge cents, for each ten miles travel, going to and returning from the Grand Lodge, at the annual meeting in January, and also $ — per day for attendance. A motion was submitted to adopt it. While under consideration. Past Master Jacob Sharp, of No. 13, offered the following: Hesolved, That the resolution, as appears on page 158, of the printed journal, [p^ge 506 of this book,] be filled with cemts 75 and $2.50, which will read as follows : Besolved, That one representative from each of the Subordinate Lodges in this State shall receive from the funds of this Grand Lodge seventy- five cents for each ten miles travel, going to and returning from the Grand Lodge, at the annual meeting in January, and also $2.50 per day for attendance. Past Master William Wilson moved to amend — "pro- vided the representative remain until the close of the ses- sion." Which was accepted ; — and it was agreed that the whole matter be referred to a committee of three, to report at the next session. Committee — John Dill, of No. 13, Robert C. Buzbj, of No. 28, and Grand Treasurer Elias Phillips, of No. 5. The Grand Ojficers (with the exception of the Deputy Grand Master, who was installed last evening), were GRAND LODGB OF NEW JERSEY. 539 installed by Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott, of No. 19, in ample form. Bro. Charlfes H. Pierson offered the following resolution, and moved its adoption ; which was disagreed to. Hesohed, That in the present disorganized and confuted condition of the Masonic Fraternity of the State of New York, this Grand Lodge do not recognize the right or privilege of any of the memhers under the jurisdiction of any of their Grand Bodies to visit any of the Lodges under this jurisdiction, until a reconciliation is made. The resolution, in the report of the Committee on For- eign Correspondence, relating to the organization of a Supreme Grand or National' Confederation of the United States, was called up and adopted. Past Master William Kerwood, of No. 5, offered the fol- lowing, which was received, and referred to the Committee on mileage and per diem. Resolved, That the 10th section of Article 1, of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge be amended, by striking out the words "twenty-five" in the third line, and inserting " fifty" in the place thereof. Bro. George W. Curtis, of No. 14, offered the following resolution, and moved its adoption ; which was agreed to. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge order that the list of Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, over which the Hon. Reuben H. Walworth presides, be printed in the minutes of this session, for the information of the several Subordinate Lodges of this State. It was moved by Past Master William Wilson, of No. 12 — That the Grand Secretary issue a circular, and send to the Several Lodges in this State, containing a list of the Lodges under the jurisdic- tion of the Grand Lodge of New York over which the Hon. Reuben H. Walworth presides. The Grand Master stated that Rockaway Lodge, No. 20, had hardly been able to support themselves for three years past, and it was moved that two years' dues be remitted ; which was agreed to. 540 grand lodge of new jersey. 2 o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Officers same as in morning session, and a due represen- tation. The bills presented were read, and referred to Bro's Chauncey Dygert, of No. 17, Anthony C. Beam, of No. 1, and Isaac Van Wagoner, of No. 29, who, after a short con- sultation, made the following report, which was agreed to. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of ^ew Jersey. The committee appointed to audit the following accounta beg leave t* report, that they have attended to that duty, and that they be ordered paid, viz. : John Dill, traveling expenses $ 15 00 Jacob W. Morris, traveling expenses 39 50 Samuel Eead, Deputy Grand Master, traveling expenses 6 00 Joseph H. Hough, salary $50, postage, &c., $10.29 60 29 Amos Howell, Grand Tyler, two days' services 4 00 Charles Scott, binding constitutions, stationery, io 37 91 Milton Baldwin, Deputy Grand Secretary, expenses 7 00 Brown & Borden, advertising meeting in State Gazette 1 95 Phillips & Boswell, printing minutes, warrants, &c 96 47 H. B. Mattison, advertising in Bridgeton Chronicle 1 OO Edward Stewart, aprons, collars, and jewels 105 00 8374 12 C. DVGERT, A. C. Beam, Isaac Van Wagoner. It was Ordered, That an appropriation of tea dollars be made to the Grand Chaplain. The Chair announced as the Committee on Foreign Cor- respondence for the present year, Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, John H. Janeway, of No. 27, and James M. Cassad}-, of No. 15. The minutes of the meeting were read, and, on motion,, approved. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 541 The Grand Master made the following appointments : Rev. and "W. Austin Craig, No. 3, Grand Chaplain. Anthony C. Beam, Richard Francisco, Charles E. Stewart, John Linn, Anthony Phillips, James Ross, Aaron Reock, Amos Howell, 1, Grand Senior Deacon. 25, Grand Junior Deacon. 1, Grand Marshal. 13, 14,. 1, Grand Swordhearer. 7, Grand Pursuivant. 5, Grand Tyler. •Grand Stewards. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again on the second Wednesday in January next, at the Masonic Hall in the city of Trenton, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. Trenton, January 12th, 1854. 542 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Abstract of Lodge returns — number of new and old members- received, and what for, the past year. -moneys LODGES. • o S E S "3 O g S E o a) o OS t-i OS 1 to 6 CD 1 o St.John's Brearley Cincinnati Tuckerton Trenton Lebanon ] Newark 1 O 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 V2 13 14 15 lt3 17 18 19 20 21 .1.-, 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 8 2 I 3 83 55 46 20 31 109 63 48 21 34 $3 00 $33 75 17 75 12 50 5 50 9 50 $36 75 17 75 12 50 5 50 9 50 1 00 28 68 96 1 00 31 00 32 00 Washington .. Franklin Union IS 11 1.-. 14 13 12 69 21 50 30 35 53 23 4 00 17 75 8 50 24 75 10 75 19 50 12 50 15 25 21 75 8 50 24 75 10 75 19 50 12 50 15 25 1 00 45 75 6 25 11 25 9 50 2 25 8 50 20 25 30 25 33 50 4 25 10 00 3 75 84 27 64 38 48 Amwell Mount Holly Camden Olive Branch. Hiram i 66 14 00 30 5 7 12 ■"12 12 6 11 67 15 27 't V) 12 9 12 9 18 11 8 9 97 j 20 34 31 75 6 25 10 25 9 50 2 25 8 50 20 25* 5 25 8 50 4 25 9 00 3 75 Harmony Union 1 00 Eockaway Navesink Diogenes Harmony Prospect Northern Jerusalem La Fayette.... Mt. Moriah.... JoDDa 26 9 22 24 15 23 9 18 11 8 9 125 00 25 00 "Too Cape Island... 248 785 1033 150 00 S26 00 $337 50 $413 50 ^Two years. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 543 OCTOBER SESSION, 1852. Newark, October 13th, 1852. An emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, was held, pursuant to the call of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, at Union Chapter Rooms, St. John's Hall, at seven P. M. The following Lodges were represented : F. M. Ricord, W. M., St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ; James C. Ogden, W. M., Newark Lodge, No. 7 ; W. C. Guessner, "W. M., Diogenes Lodge, No. 25. OFFICERS. M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. LUTHER GOBLE, Senior Warden, p. t. R. W. ISAAC P. BROWN, Junior Warden, p. t. R. W. MILTON BALDWIN, Deputy Grand Secretary. R. W. F. W. RICORD, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. R, W. EDW. W. LENNON, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. WILLIAM GODBER, Grand Tyler. Members. — Past Grand Masters J. S. Daroy, Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, Past Grand Master E. Vanarsdale, Past Masters Samuel Smith and H. Whitenack. Visitors. — Bro's James J. Caiter, J. G. Littell, Charles E. Stewart, J. D. Barnum, W. H. Lane, A. N. Dougherty, G. Sickles, J. E. Pierson, Joseph Sweasy, Joseph Miller. J. R. La Foy, Lindsley D. Morse. The Most Worshipful Grand Master stated that the reason of calling this emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge was the existence of difficulties in St. John's Lodge, No. 1, arising from certain proceedings which had transpired in said Lodge. On motion, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to inves- tigate the diifflculties now existing in St. John's Lodge, No. 1, and report thereon. Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, Past Grand Master J. S. Darcy, and Past Master Milton Baldwin were appointed. There being no further business, the Grand Lodge was closed in form. MILTON BALDWIN, D. O. Sec'y. 544 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. NOVEMBEK SESSION", 1852. Newark, November 30th, 1852. An emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey was held at seven P. M., in St. John's Hall. The following Lodges were represented : St. John's Lodge, No. 1, by Worshipful Master F. W. Ricord ; Newark Lodge, No. 7, by Worshipful Master James C. Ogden ; Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, by Worshipful Master W. C. Guessner. officers. M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. JAMES C. OGDEN, Senior Grand Warden, p. t. R. W. EDWARD W. LENNON, Junior Grand Warden, p.t. R. W. F. W. RICORD, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. R. W. WILLIAM GODBER, Grand Tyler. Present — Past Grand Master I). B. Bruen, Past Master L. Goble, Past Master S. Smith. Visitors — -Bros. Reock, of Newark Lodge, No. 7, Bull, of Union Lodge, No. 108, of Pennsylvania, Mayo, of Campbell Lodge, of Massachusetts. The report of committee on St. John's Lodge was read, and, on motion, received, and committee discharged. On motion, the resolutions of the report were adopted, and the Secretary requested to transmit a copy thereof to St. John's Lodge. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Keio Jersey. Your committee appointed at an Emergent Meeting of the Grand Lodge, held October 13th, 1852, in the city of Newark, and instructed to inves- tigate the difficulties now existing in St. John's Lodge, No. 1, would respectfully report — • That a series of difficulties have occurred, during the present year, which, apparently, cannot be satisfactorily arranged in harmony by the members of said Lodge. On examining the book of the records of the proceedings of the Lodge, we find that at the regular meeting, held January 28th, A. L. 5852, petitions were presented from Joseph Rosenthal, Edward Conmont, and John R. Piereon, which were severally accompanied with due-bills, drawn by Bro. T. R. La Foy. They were received and referred, whereupon it was Resolved, That the proposition fee of each of the above named candi- dates be paid before the committees report. The due-bills, which GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 545 accompanied the petitions of John R. Pierson and Joseph Rosenthal, were subsequently paid. An extra meeting was held April 19th, when the petition of Edward Conmont was brought up, and it was Resolved, That the resolution, passed January 28th, relative to fee before committee report on candidates, be rescinded. It was then Resolved, That the proposition of E. Conmont be considered in due form, by receiving Bro. T. R. La Foy's due-bill accompanying the petition. The committee reported : he was balloted for and elected. A regular meeting of the Lodge was held June 23d, A. L. 5852. The petition of William C. Lewis was presented, accompanied by Bro. L. Goble's due-bill. The Worshipful Master decided that the petition was not in due form, and out of order, as it was accompanied with a due-bill. The money was then presented, the petition received and referred. At a regular meeting of the Lodge, held August 25th, the resolutions of January 28th and April 19th were called up, when it was Resolved, That the resolution of April 19th be considered a gross violation and subver- sion of the Regulations and By-Laws of this Lodge. September 15th, 1852, an extra meeting was held. The minutes of the communications, held August 15th, 30th, and Slst, were severally read and approved. On motion, it was Resolved, That the resolution of August 25th, declar- ing resolution of April 19th to be a gross violation of the By-Laws, be rescinded. At the regulir communication of March 10th, A. L. 5852, the petitions of J. D. Barnum and Thomas W. Dawson were reported upon by one member of the committee of investigation only. The/ were balloted for and elected. On the 19th of February, at three P. M., an extra meeting was held, when it was Resolved, That St. John's Lodge make application to the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey for a dispensation to make John S. Pierson, at one and the same communica- tion. The degrees were severally conferred. At the regular meeting, June 19th, the committee on J. R. Pierson reported. The candidate was balloted for and elected. August 25th, 1852, at a regular meeting of the Lodge, the case of Bro. John R. Pierson was brought up, when it was Resolved, That, in this peculiar case, the By-Laws, Art. IV. Sec. 4th, be suspended in reference to Bro. Pierson, and that we proceed to ballot for him, as an adjoining member. It was also Resolved, That the ballot be taken again ; which being done, he was declared to be unanimously elected. At the regular communication of September 22d, A. D. 1852, Bro's La Foy and Pierson presented a series of charges against Past Master Luther Gohle, of unmasonic conduct ; the fourth, fifth, and sixth speci- 546 SRAND liODaa op new jersey. fioations of which charge him with presuming to dictate to the Worship- ful Master, misleading him, making efforts to undermine his authority, &c. Some of the above proceedings were transacted at late and unseasonable hours, when but few members were present. Other circumstances, that have happened during the progress of these unpleasant difficulties, were bronght to the notice of the committee; but, deeming them unnecessary to be examined, we have only referred to the written proceedings of the Lodge. The committee respectfully offer a few limited observations in reference to the several transactions, as presented in the above extracts from the book of minutes. 1. The reception of due-bills, instead of money, for the proposition fee, by resolution of January 28th, is clearly a violation of Sec. 2, Art. IV, By-Laws of St. John's Lodge, which declares that eight dollars shall be deposited with the secretary. The petitions ought not to have been received until the money was deposited. The resolution of April 19th, rescinding resolution of January 28th, was wrong, as no resolution passed at a regular communication can be rescinded at an extra meeting. It was also wrong to receive the report of the committee and ballot for the candidate. Neither of the resolutions should have been entertained by the Lodge. The decision of the Worshipful Master, Jnne23d, in the case of William C. Lewis, was correct and in strict conformity with the By- Laws. The resolution of August 25th, likewise sustains the same. The resolution of September 15th, was wrong, inasmuch as it rescinds the resolution of a regular meeting at an extra communication, and also manifestly impairs the integrity of the By-Laws. In fact the whole course of the Lodge in relation to due-bills virtually repeals an important by-law, by giving it a construction different from its literal meaning. 2. The report of a majority of the committees on the petitions of J. D. Barnum and Thomas W. Dawson, March 15th, should not have been received. The report of one member of a committee, without the con- currence of the rest, is not a report, nor is a majority report sufficient ; all the members should sign the report, or at least be vouched for by the chairman, having their full consent thereto. A departure from Masonic usage in such cases is a dangerous precedent. 3. The election of Johu E. Pierson to membership, having given rise to considerable controversy, and being still held to have been an act in violation of the principles and customs of the institution, ought to be brought to the notice of the Grand Lodge. The petition of J. R. Pierson was presented January 28th, 1852. He was made by dispensation the 19th of February. On the 9th of June (nearly five months) one member reported and he was elected. August 25th, it was stated that the election of June 9th was transacted at a late hour of the night, when most of the members had retired, and that the By-Laws were not complied with. It GRAND LODGB OF NEW JERSEY. 547 was then Resolved, That he be declared not amember of St. John's Lodge. It was also further Hesolved, That in this peculiar case, Sec. 4th, Art. IV. By-Laws be suspended, in reference to Bro. Pierson, and that we proceed to ballot for hira as an adjoining member. The ballot being taken, he was declared elected. This may, with propriety, be called an effort to legalize an illegality. Sec. 4th, Art. IV. By-Laws, states that "any Mason being desirous of becoming a member of this Lodge, upon being proposed by a member of the same, shall be balloted for, and, if admitted, shall pay into the treasury the sura of three dollars." The 7th Sec. General Eegulations of Grand Lodge, declares that no person can be admitted a member of a Lodge without being proposed one month before, &c. The General Eegulations of Masonry states that no person can be made or admitted a member of a Lodge, or a resigned member be per- mitted to rejoin a Lodge without being proposed one month before. The dispensation does not affect the case. It only permits a person to be made a Mason, and cannot admit him to membership in any Lodge. The ancient charges declare that no person can be regularly made a Free Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice and due inquiry into his character. Thus, to guard the Lodge against the introduction of a member who might disturb the harmony among the brethren, our laws require a proposition in writing, which should be read in tlie Lodge, that due notice may be given, after which it should lie over one month, during which time it is to be entrusted to the care of a committee, who should make proper inquiry into the character of the applicant, and report thereon. The balloting must then take place during Lodge hours. No By-Law can be dispensed with or disregarded, the rights of the members of the Lodge cannot be infringed upon, nor can any thing be done contrary to the principles and established usages of the Craft. Expediency is not a rule in Masonry. Had the committee reported when the month expired, or some notice been taken of the omission, or a postponement been allowed, then the election of J. R. Pierson would assume a different aspect ; but, after a period of five months has elapsed, it is not only opposed to sound sease and expediency, but it is a manifest violation of the ancient landmarks, removing the right of each member to decide upon the admission or rejection of an applicant for initiation or affiliation. The resolution declaring him not a member was a proper one, as no one can be made a member except in accordance with the laws and customs of the Fraternity. The ballot for him, August 25th, seven months after the time of petition, with a resolu-^ tion suspending one of the By-Laws, and in direct violation of the usages of the Fraternity, infringing upon the rights of members, who could not be aware of such a mode of procedure, was illegal and unconstitutional,, and consequently null and void. The only right way would have beea 548 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. to have renewed the application, and proceeded as Masonic law and cus- tom prescribe. 4. The transaction of Lodge business at extra communications is improper, and should always be avoided if possible, more especially if such busines has been previously considered at a regular meeting, as it tends to produce discord and is contrary to Masonic law. No Lodge can, at an extra communication, alter or expunge the proceedings of a regular communication ; hence the resolutions of April 19th and September 15th, rescinding resolutions passed at regular meetings, are of no effect. No business ought to be transacted after the allotted hours of working. 5. The minutes of the Lodge deserve a passing notice. Several import- ant facts in relation to these difficulties are not on the Book of Minutes, while other things of no consequence, or perhaps improper to be recorded, are entered in full. The minutes have been corrected by a system of striking out and inserting, and this commonly after they are written in the book. They are also read at extra meetings, which is wrong without a doubt. The proper time to read them is just before closing, that any alteration or amendment may be proposed, or omissions supplied by the brethren, and again immediately after opening the next regular communication, that they may be confirmed. No minutes should be read at extra meetings, as they connot be amended or discussed if found to be incorrect, until the next regular communication. No part of the regular transactions can be omitted, or subsequently removed; but if the record be untrue, it can be corrected. 6. The charges against Past Master Luther Goble are of serious import — written in harsh style, evidently without calm reflection. The committee are aware that much unpleasant feeling has been exhibited during this controversy ; yet they see nothing to impugn the motives of any one. The position of the Lodge was a false one, and Bro. Goble was actuated by a sense of duty in his opposition thereto. The Most Worshipful Grand Master Stewart, with a desire to promote peace and concord, also urged his attendance, trusting that, through his knowl- edge and experience in Masonic rules and usages, he would be able to set the proceedings right. There is, therefore, every reason to believe that he has acted with a tiew to promote the welfare and prosperity of the Lodge and to sustain the principles of Masonry. The 4th, 5th and 6th charges are of sucli a nature that they involve questions which the ordinary members of the Lodge are incapable of judging, nor is the Lodge a proper tribunal before which they can be entertained. Under this view of the case, it was highly improper to enter a full copy of them upon the records. The committee entertain feelings of respect towards the brethren of St. John's Lodge for the kind assistance afforded us in our efforts to investi- gate the various difficulties in which the Lodge is involved. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 549 The following resolutions are respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Grand Lodge : Sesolved, That St. John's Lodge, by accepting due-bills, instead of money, for the fee of petition, receiving minority reports of the commit- tees on candidates for Masonry, and by rescinding the resolutions of the regular communications at extra Lodge meetings, has departed from the ancient landmarks of Masonry, and also violated the Ist, 2d, and 4th seetions of Art. IV. of the By-Laws, by which the same is governed. Resolved, That the election of Bro. John E. Pierson is contrary to Masonic law, and that he is not a member of St. John's Lodge. Resolved, That St. John's Lodge be directed to dismiss the charges against Past Master Luther Goble, and that the same be erased from the Book of Minutes. Resolved, That we urge upon the brethren of St. .lohn's Lodge the nesessity of a strict adherance to the ancient usages and customs of the Craft, and also recommend them to unite their earnest endeavors to restore harmony and good order again in the Lodge, thus promoting their best interests, as well as increasing the general welfare and prosperity of the whole Fraternity. November 26th, A. L. 5852. J. B. MuNN, John S. Darct, Milton Baldwin. The Grand Lodge was then closed in form. MILTON BALDWIN, D. G. Sec'y. 550 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JANUARY SESSION, 1855. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Masonic Hall, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday and Thursday, January 10th and 11th, A. L. 5855, there being PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. THEODORE R. VARICK, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. JACOB W. MORRIS, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN DILL, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOHN R. CHAPIN, Deputy Grand Secretary. Rev. & W. AUSTIN CRAIG, Grand Chaplain. W. ANTHONY C. BEAM, Senior Grand Deacon. W. JOHN VANCLEVE, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. AMOS HOWELL, Grand Tyler. R. W. WILLIAM KERWOOD, Representative of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Past Grand Masters. — Jeptha B. Munn, No. 1 ; Daniel B. Bruen, No. 7 ; Charles Burroughb, No. 5 ; Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Eead, No. 14. Past Masters. — William Wilson, No. 12 ; Isaac P. Brown and E. W. Lennon, No. 1 ; Jabez Beers, No. 3 ; Robert Laird, No. 9 ; Ichabod Harrison and Simeon Harrison, No. 11 ; James M. Cassady, No. 15 ; Daniel Camp, No. — •; Peter J. Powless, Hoboken, U. D.; Samuel L. Moore, Washington, U. D.; D. W. Dorman, No. 26 ; Josiah J. Burgess, Varick, U. D.; George Waters and John H. Janeway, No. 27 ; Haley Fisk, No. 19 ; William Liebe, No. 22; Milton Baldwin, No. 7 ; Alexander Diokerson, No. 1 ; David Naar, No. 5. Rev. J. L. Lenhart, Past Grand Chaplain. Visitors. — Daniel S. Sinclair, Varick, U. D.; H. Taylor, No. — ; Ellwood Cannon, Elias E. Boudinot, Ferdinand Brother, Samuel Keys, Francis Roth, Jokn F. Kelly and John Rodgers, Burlington, U. D.; William Godber, No. 1 ; Thomas E. Ballinger, No. 4 ; William F. Wier, No. 13 ; Ebenezer Large, No. 12 ; Peter Williamson, No. 28 ; William Eccles, Charles H. Higginson and Jacob Miller, No. 5 ; James A. Alex- QEAND LODGE OF NEW JEBSBY. 551 ander, No. 17; John V. Arrowsmith, No. 26; James S. Green, jun., W. M., Wallace L. Crowell, S. W., and Francis Sayre, Washington, U. D., Elizabethtown ; Benjamin F. Crane, No. 25 ; John W. Van Boskerck, W. M., Francis M. McDonough, S. W., John T. Auchincloss, J. W., and John P. Cloyd, jun., Hoboken, U. D.; Stephen Moore and William Flagf, Union, No. 19 ; Joseph Pilkington, Clark Lodge, Louisville, Kentucky ; John Dalzell Moore, Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 158, Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania; John Francis, late of Eagle Lodge, U. D., Hoboken ; Japhet B. Woolston, No. 14 ; John B. Stoll, No. 23 ; H. Whittell and James M. Kibble, No. 13. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : Luther Goble, proxy for W. M., Charles H. Pierson, S. W., John J. Craven, J. W., St. John's No. 1. Not represented, Brearley Lodge, No. 2. William C. Mott, proxy for W. M., Cincinnati, No. 3. Not represented, Tuckerton, No. 4. Andrew Butcher, W. M., Edward W. Scudder, S. W., Trenton, No. 5. Not represented, Lebanon, No. 6. David S. Plume, W. M., Newark, No. 7. Moses Craig, W. M., Clinton, No. 8. George A. Tator, W. M., Washington, No. 9. John Vancleve, proxy for W. M., Oliver H. Taylor, 8. W., William H. Sherman, J. W., Franklin, No. 10. William M. Babbitt, W. M., William B. Williams, S. W., Union (Orange), No. 11. Charles A. Skillman, W. M., Moses G. Quick, J. W., Amwell, No. 12. J. Henry Black, W. M., Warren, No. 13. George W. Curtis, W. M., Levi Davis, S. W., Mount Holly, No. 14. •Joseph J. Bender, W. M., Camden, No. 15. Not represented, Olive Branch, No. 16. Chauncey Dygert, W. M., James W. Low, J. W., Hiram, No. 17. Not represented. Harmony, No. 18. " " Union (New Brunswick), No. 19. " " Eockaway, No. 20. George Finch, W. M., Navesink, No. 21. George Burgesser, W. M., Diogenes, No. 22. Benjamin Stewart, W. M., Harmony, No. 23. Silas A. Thompson, W. M., Prospect, No. 24. William R. Todd, W. M., Joseph Booth, S. W., Northern, No. 25. Henry R. Cannon, W. M., John Layton, jun., S. W., Jerusalem, No. 26. Not represented, Lafayette, No. 27. Robert C. Buzby, W. M., Charles C. Buzby, J. W., Mount Moriah, No. 28. 17 552 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Isaac Van Wagoner, W. M., Richard B. Chiewell, S. W., Thomas Thorp, J. W., Joppa, No. 29. Kot represented, Cape Island, No. 30. Twenty-one Lodges represented. The Most "Worshipful Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. The Throne of Grace was addressed by the Grand Chap- lain. The minutes of the last annual meeting were partly read. On motion of Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, of No. 14, the further reading was dispensed with. The Grand Master announced, as a committee to settle the Grand Treasurer's and Secretary's books, William M. Babbitt, of 'No. 11, Dennis "W. Dorman and John Layton, of N"o. 26. It was on motion. Ordered, That the Grand Tyler be paid three dollars per day for his services during the session of the Grand Lodge. The following address of the Most "Worshipful Grand Master was read, and referred to a committee — Past Grand Masters J. B. Munn, Daniel B. Bruen, and Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read. On motion of Past Master Luther Goble, of No. 1, and amended by Past Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, that so much of said address as refers to Eagle and Hoboken Lodges, Hudson county, be referred to a special committee — agreed to. Committee, Isaac Van "Wagoner, of No. i9, Simeon Har- rison, of No. 11, and Dennis W. Dorman, of No. 27. Dearly beloted brethren — It affords me pleasure to congratulate you that we are once more permitted, through the goodness and mercy of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, to assemble in Grand Lodge under circumstances so peculiarly favorable. As members of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, we have just cause for renewed thankfulness and rejoicing; and I congratulate you, brethren, upon the prosperous condition of the Lodges within this jurisdiction. A brief review of the past and present will serve to show you how our institution now stands, in a comparative point of view. The journals of the proceedings of the Annual Grand Lodge meeting in this place show a fiRAND LODSB OF NEW JERSEY. 563 progressive increase of Masonry from the year 1786, under Grand Master Brearley and his successors in office, up to the year 1830, its most pros- perous period. About the years 1824 and '25, the representatives in this hall were composed {besides Grand Officers) of delegates from twenty- three to thirty-three Subordinate Lodges ; and ordinarily there was a full attendance at the meetings, when the right spirit prevailed among the brethren. I derive this from the account that I have received from some of those who took an active part in Masonry at that time; but our records show that, some time after that period, this Grand Lodge and its Subordinate Lodges had to pass through the dark ages of persecution and malignant proscription for a period, and met (if at all) in greatly diminished numbers. Some time after this tremendous shock. Masonry began grad- ually to revive, composed, as it then was, of representatives from six or seven Lodges only, from 1842 up to 1848, when a further advance in numbers appeared ; and now we can report for last January (1854), thirty Lodges returned here, whose members, taken collectively, amount to one thousand and thirty-three in number. Yet an addition of numbers of Free Masons in our Lodges are not the only requisites we need ; we want members now, and those who may here- after become such, to understand the principles taught in the explanation of our emblems and lectures, as a systfem of moral and social virtues ; we want them inculcated, and not merely so in name, but we want them followed out in reality by our members in their lives and conversation. We want Masonry as it is [moral Free Masonry], taught as a science to the initiated, as they advance in their degrees; or, in other words, we desire that the initiated should understand fully, and be instructed in one degree first, before they take another, and so onward in the second, and to the end of the third degree. It is my belief that if Free Masonry is not taught and explained amply in each degree, as candidates proceed, that it would be rare, indeed, if the initiated ever arrived at a thorough knowledge of the principles of our Fraternity ; therefore I feel bound to recommend that hereafter all our Sub- ordinate Lodges observe fully that the candidates whom they admit are well instructed in all the ancient usages, laws, rules, practices and customs of the Fraternity, and the laws of the ceremonies of initiation and the pre- requisites of candidates, which are termed " the body of Masonry." I will now give you a brief retrospect of my labors during the past Masonic year. Applications have been made to me, in requisite form, to resuscitate and to organize the following named Lodges, viz.; one at Hoboken, Hud- eon county, named Eagle Lodge; one at Jersey City, Hudson county, called Varick Lodge ; to resuscitate Washington Lodge, formerly No. 41, located in the borough of Elizabeth ; one at Hoboken, Hudson county, called Hoboken Lodge ; one at the city of Burlington, Burlington county. 554 GRAND LODGB OF NE\T JERSEY, called Burlington Lodge, and one at Wbitehouse, Hunterdon county, Readington township, called — ■ Lodge ; all of which I have duly organized and set to work. They are returnable to the annual meeting of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, and subject to its action. I would, therefore, respectfully recommend that this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge grant them separately warrants, to enable them to pursue their Masonic labors as regular Lodges, with the exception of Eagle Lodge, which has returned its dispensation. I would, therefore, also most respectfully request this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to give sanction to the acta of said Eagle Lodge while under dispensation, and until the proper delivery of said dispensatioa is made to this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. The books and papers of the said Eagle Lodge are now in possession of the Grand Secretary, and subject to the inspection of all or any of the members of this Grand Lodge who may feel desirous of examining them. In the same connection, I would add, that they have discharged all their indebtedness to this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. I have visited the following named Lodges, who are working under the jurisdiction of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, viz.: St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ; Newark Lodge, No. 7 ; Varick Lodge, U. D. ; Hiram Lodge, No. 17 ; Eagle Lodge, U. D. ; Hobolt^n Lodge, U. D. ; Cape Island Lodge, No. 30, and Washington Lodge, IT. D. I have also visited tli/ following named Lodges, for the purpose of assisting in the installation of their officers : Diogenes Lodge, No. 22 ; Northern Lodge, No. 25 ; Eockaway Lodge, No. 20 ; Union Lodge, No. 11 ; Franklin Lodge, No. 10 ; Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3 ; Harmony Lodge, No. 23 ; Mount M«riah Lodge, No. 28 ; Joppa Lodge, No. 29 ; Jerusalem Lodge, No. 2G ; Lafayette Lodge, No. 27 ; Burlington Lodge, U. D. ; and I have the pleasure in adding, for the information of this Most Worship- ful Grand Lodge, that I found them in a flourishing condition. It was my intention to have extended my official visits, so as to embrace all the Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; but, on account of the prevailing epidemic, I was compelled, from motives of personal safety and from peculiar domestic arrangements, to deny myself the pleasure. I have granted dispensations to the following named Lodges, to enable them to make Masons without the usual form of lying over one month ; St. John's Lodge, Newark Lodge, Washington Lodge, Camden Lodge, No. 15, Varick Lodge, U. D., and Lafayette Lodge. I have, on one or more occasions, found it necessary to convene the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; the minutes of the procedings of which are in possession of the Grand Secretary, and subject to the perusal of the members of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, when required. Brethren, during the period that I have had the honor to preside over the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, (five years) your deliberations GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 555 have been characterized by the utmost harmony and uncommon una- nimity. This is evidence of the good feeling which exists among the brotherhood ; and it is sure proof, and confirmation strong, that there is no institution in the world which is so eminently calculated to improve the social position of man, or to form the basis for the firm foundation of civil liberty. Again, I congratulate you upon the existing good feeling ; it has always been my aim to cultivate and preserve it. Brethren, let us profit by the teachings of the past, and, when clustered around the sacred altar of Masonry, let us renew our pledges of fidelity and good will towards each other ; and, when humbly asking protection of the Great Architect of the universe, let us learn obedience of Him whose sacred word and holy precepts are To the aged pilgrim a noonday buq, And a lamp to ttie feet .of youth. Brethren, if trials and vicissitudes assail you through the rugged and thorny path of life, remember to keep your hope ! " Hope on, hope ever," is the true philosophy; hope will cheer and lead you on. In the battle field of life keep hope by your side, and you are sure of victory ! Give all else you have, if you will, but, like Alexander of old, keep your hope. And permit me to add, in the language of one of earth's sublimest poets, Hope humbly then, with trembling pinions soar, Wait the teacher Death, and God adore. What future bliss, he gives not thes to know, But gives that hope to be a blessing now ; Hope springs eternal in the human breast, Man never is, but always to be blest ; The soul, uneasy and confined to home, Rests and expatiates iu a life to come. — Pope; Brethren, a Mason's duty is an exalted one. In his teachings he is reminded, as a member of the wide-spread Fraternity, that he is to educate, to clothe, to cherish, and protect the widow and the orphan ; to lift the poor stricken widow from the dark tabernacle of despair; to dry her tears and smooth the troubled waters of her distress. Thrice happy is that broiher who is the glorious inheritor of that high and ennobling quality which "Opens in each heart a little heaven." It is the brightest jewel in a Free Mason's casket, and is the chief characteristic of a virtuous and liberal mind. " Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity." Brethren, the past has been an eventful year. In the East, war, horri- ble war, in all its hideous forms, has waged fiercely. The elements of discord and deadly strife still prevail, and upon every breeze is wafted 556 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. the sound of resounding arms. Thousands of the brave have found a Testing place far away from home and kindred, and their bones lie bleaching on the plains. With us all is peace ! The magic words, " Faith, Hope and Charity," are echoed and re-echoed over mountains and valleys, while Masonry binds in her adamantine chains the whole of this glorious country, from the far off regions of the North to the stormy cape of the South ; from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific, her broad banner floats wherever civilization has found a home. Masonry comprehends within its circle every useful branch of knowledge and learning, and charity is the chief of all its social virtues: Masonry and charity are synonymous. Brethren, let us go forward, nerved with the assurance that the Grand Master of the Universe will never suffer the " vine planted by his own right hand" to wither or die. Let us remember that "time, patience, and perseverance" will accomplish all things. "He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" will shelter all with His protecting wings from the whirlwind of adversity. And now, brethren, as your Grand Master, I feel the weight of honors conferred in the high station to which you have elevated me, with the firm conviction that I have always endeavored to be on the side of right. There is a truthful adage, " To err is but human, to forgive divine." If I have committed any errors, I pray you let them be named as errors of ihe head, not of the heart. We are journeying towards the Grand Lodge on high, where I trust all will meet. There is a day to come when all hearts will be open, all desires known, and where no secrets will be hid. Let us prepare for the event ! Let us seek for and cherish that hope which is as an anchor to the soul, and which e.xults in the glorious prospect of everlasting honors in a home beyond the stars ! Dearly beloved brethren take the solemn lesson to heart, and let us " So live, that when our Bummons comes to joiu The inuumerable caravan that moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take Uis chamber in the silent halls of death ; We go not like the quarry slave at night Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach our grave Like one wli'.t wraps the drapery of his conch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." Edward Stewart, Grand Master. The following report of the Deputy Grand Master waa read, and, on motion, was referred to the committee afore- said. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 557 To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and Grand Lodge of the State oj New Jersey. I beg leave to report, that during the past year, in my official capacity, I visited the following Lodges, viz. : St. John's, No. 1, Newark ; Amwell, No. 12, Lambertville ; Hiram, No. 17, Jersey City ; Prospect, No. 24, Mendham ; Joppa, No. 29, Paterson ; Washington, Elizabethtown ; Eagle, U. D., Hoboken ; Varick, U. D., Jersey City ; and Hoboken, U. D., Hoboken ; all of which I found in a highly prosperous condition. The dispensation under which Eagle Lodge of Hoboken worked has subsequently been surrendered to me, and by me to the Grand Master. I have installed the officers elect of the following Lodges, viz..: Hiram No. 17, Varick, U. T)., and Hoboken, U. D. I regret exceedingly that unavoidable circumstances prevented me from visiting each Lodge under our jurisdiction, as was my intention. I would also call the attention of this Grand Lodge to the want of uniformity in the manner of working in many of the Lodges I have visited, and would suggest the appointment of Grand Lecturers, of as great a number as this Grand Lodge may deem expedient, who shall be under the direction of the Grand Lodge, and whose duty it shall be to correct discrepancies, thereby producing uniformity in the manner of working in the various Lodges under this jurisdiction. The appointment of Grand Lecturers seems to be the only practicable mode of reaching the desired end, as, from the number of Lodges, it would be impossible for one or two of the Grand Officers to devote suffi- cient time to perfect the object in view. All which is respectfully submitted. Theodore R. Varick, R. W. D. G. M. The following report of the Grand Secretary was read, and, on motion, referred to a special committee — Past Mas- ter Isaac P. Brown, of No. 1, Joseph Booth, of No. 25, and Eobert C. Buzby, of No. 29. To the Most Worshipful the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey of Free and Accepted Masons : The undersigned respectfully reports, that since the last Annual Com- munication, as soon thereafter as circumstances would permit, there were distributed to each Subordinate Lodge, of the journal of proceedings of said annual meeting, five copies, and to each Past Master, one copy, and one to each of the several Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge. And further reports of the moneys received, up to to-day from the several sources, as follows : 558 aRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. For warrant fees of Joppa Lodge, No. 29 $25 00 Warrant Fee, Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 28 25 00 Newark Lodge, No. 7, for dues (per M. Baldwin, sec'y) 38 25 Amwell Lodge, No. 12, for dues (by C. H. Skillman, W. M.) 13 50 Grand Lodge certificates throughout the year 31 00 Lafayette Lodge, No. 27 9 00 Trenton Lodge, No. 5 13 50 Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 28 8 75 Union Lodge, No. 10, (at Orange) 17 50 Franklin Lodge, No. 10 6 50 St. John's Lodge, No. 1 32 25 Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4 7 00 Harmony Lodge, No. 23 13 25 Diogenes Lodge, No. 22 6 25 Washington Lodge, U. D. (Elizabethtowii) 12 50 Total $259 25 The returns of Burlington, U. D., Harmony, No. 18, Brearley, No. 2, Camden, No. 15, Prospect, No. 24, and Northern, No. 25, have been received, but no dues paid to this date. Article 1, section 11, of the By-Laws says : "Every Lodge shall also pay to the Grand Lodge the sum of fifty cents for every person who obtains the benefit of Masonry under the jurisdic- tion of this Grand Lodge ; all which dues shall be paid on the day preceding each yearly communication. And the Masters and Wardens, or representatives from any Lodge, shall not take their seats until their dues he paid, and the Secretary's receipt produced therefor. And in case of neglect or refusal to pay the same at the next communication, and no reasonable excuse off'ered, such Lodge shall be struck off the books of the Grand Lodge, and their warrant considered null and void ; but on proper application to the Grand Lodge, payment of dues, and making due returns, they may be restored. to their former rank and privileges, if the Grand Lodge shall judge proper." This section speaks for itself, and no one would wish to see it lived up to and carried out in good faith more than the undersigned, for it takes all the forenoon of the first day to receive dues ; when, if attention was paid to making up the return immediately after the election of officers in the several subordinates, and forwarded together with the dues, would very much facilitate the business and enable him to be ready, and the Grand Lodge call to business at the appointed hour. And further reports the several balances due the Grand Lodge on the ledger as follows : GRAND LODGE 01 NEW JERSEY. 559 Cincinnati, No. 3, (for certificates) $6 00 Wasliington Shrewsbury, No. 9, (for 1850, due 1851) 23 00 Amwell, No. 12, (balance of 1852) 2 25 Olive Branch, No. 16, (nothing paid for four years) Hiram, No. 17, (Grand Lodge certificate) 1 00 Lebanon, No. 6, and Olive Branch, No. 16, have not been represented, nor any dues paid for some years past. It will (or should) be necessary to take some action vrhy they should not be declared suspended. A part of the 4th section of the 1st article of By-Laws, says : " And if any Lodge shall neglect to send a representative for three successive communica- tions, such Lodge shall be struck off the list, and their wnrrant be con- sidered null and void." The 16th section of the General Regulations says : "Immediately after any election of officers which shall be held by the several Lodges within this jurisdiction, the secretary of each Lodge shall report, in writing, to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, the names of the Master and Wardens elected, together with their places of resi- dence, and the post-towns nearest which they reside." I regret that necessity compels me to report to you the very small number of Subordinate Lodges who comply with the above section, and we trust that this hint will be sufficient to remind all Lodges to observe the same, and notify the officers therein named at the proper time. The Lodges who have complied with said regulations are St. John's, No. 1, Trenton, No. 5, Newark, No. 7, Hiram, No. 17, Navesink, No. 21, Mount Moriah, No. 28, Joppa, No. 29, Varick, No. — . Hoboken, No. — , and Washington, at Elizabeth town, No. — . All which js respectfully submitted. Joseph H. Hough, G- Sec'y. Dated January 9th, 1855. Past Master James M. Cassady, of No. 15, presented the petition of Bro. Joseph Pilkington, late of Eagle Lodge, U. D., which, on motion, was referred to the committee on the subject of Eagle and Hoboken Lodges, without reading. The Grand Secretary presented the appeal of Bro. Rees P. Francis, late of Hoboken Lodge, U. D. On motion, it was referred to the same committee. Bro. George Finch presented the following petition It was, on motion, referred to the following committee — William R. Todd, No. 25, Silas A. Thompson, No. 24, and Benjamin Stewart, No. 23. 660 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Brethren of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey : We, whose respective names are hereunto subscribed, and members of Kavesink Lodge, No. 21, located at Red Bank, Monmouth county, New Jersey, would respectfully solicit the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to change the name of our said Navesink Lodge, No. 21, to that of Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, No. 21, for the following reasons, viz. : there being a Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the same name located at Red Bank, and meet in the same hall that our Lodge does, it often occurs that we come in conflict with each other in our correspond- ence and out-door matters, which might at some future time lead to something detrimental to both. They, being of an older date than our Lodge, have a prior claim to the name ; we would, therefore, most re- spectfully request of you to grant us our solicitation, prayer, &c. We subscribe ourselves, very respectfully, fraternally yours. George Fixch, W. M., Joseph Shepherd, JoHx E. NoRRis, S. W., Robert W. Brower, Sam. L. Titus, J. W., Mathew McDowell, John Borde.v, Treas., John S. Bishop, Robert H. Woolley, Jun., Sec'y, Jno. R. Bergher, George Houghton, S. D., Wh. Remson, Joseph W. Borden, Geo. W. Stillwell, Moses Kirsch, Elisha W. Jeffreys, John W. Stout, E. W. Conover. Elijah Combs. The Grand Lodge was called off till 2i P. M. 21- o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Officers and Lodge representation as in morning session. Bro. Isaac Van Wagoner, from the committee on that part of the Grand Master's address which refers to Eagle and Hoboken Lodges, U. D., asked leave to have power ta send for persons and papers, and be allowed to sit in vaca- tion of the Grand Lodge. Past Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, moved that the committee have leave to send for persons and papers, and report to the Grand Master as soon as possible, and the- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 561 Grand Master have leave to call an emergent meeting. Agreed to. Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, chairman of the commit- tee on the Grand Master's address, presented the following, which was on motion received, and committee discharged. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — Your committee, to whom was referred the report of the Grand Master, having examined the same, respectfully congratulate the Craft upon the high degree of prosperity which characterizes our juris- diction. It is evident, from that report, much time has been spent, and a large amount of labor performed, in visiting nearly every Lodge in person during the past year ; and the almost unprecedented advance of the Craft, in the formation of new Lodges, and the resuscitation of old ones long since having ceased to work, is to be mainly attributed to the indefatiga- ble zeal and unceasing assiduity of Grand Master Stewart. Your committee would reiterate the recommendation of. the Grand Master, as all important and of infinite value, not only to the Craft but to individual Masons, that every candidate should become proficient in his degrees taken before advancement to the higher and more sublime degrees. Your committee recommend for confirmation the acts of the Grand Master during the year, and particularly in instituting Varick Lodge, Hoboken Lodge, Burlington Lodge, and Lodge, in Hunterdon county, and Eagle Lodge, in Hudson county, and resuscitation of Washington Lodge, formerly No. 41, and that warrants issue for the same, except for Eagle Lodge, in Hudson county. In reference to the report of the Deputy Grand Master, we would respectfully recommend the officers and members of the Grand Lodge to the 4th Article of By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, page 31, &c., on the subject of Grand visitations. Respectfully and fraternally submitted, with the accompanying resolu- tion. J. B. Munn, D. B. Brden, Samuel Eeadi January 10th, A. L. 5855. Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be, and they are hereby tendered and given to the Most Worshipful Grand Master Edward Stew- art, for the highly creditable manner in which he has performed the arduous duties of his office. Varick Lodge, No. 31, was represented by Josiah J. Burgess, Worshipful Master, and D. S. Sinclair, Senior Warden. 562 SEAND LODUB OF NEW JERSEY. Burlington Lodge, No. 32, John Rodgers, "Worsliipful Master, Ellwood Cannon, Senior Warden, and John F. Kelly, Junior Warden. "Washington, l^o. 33, James S. Green, jun.. Worshipful Master. The Grand Lodge called oft" for a short space of time, and then called on. Past Grand Master J. B. Munn, of No. 1, and Bro. Rod- man M. Price, of No. 11, were announced, and received in due form. Nominations having heen made for Grand Oflicers, the Chair ordered an election, and appointed J. Henry Black, No. 13, judge, Henry R. Cannon, No. 26, teller, and "William C. Mott, No. 3, secretary; who, after holding an election, reported the following, as having the highest number of votes : Grand Master — Edward Stewart, of No. 7. Deputy Grand Master — Samuel Read, of No. 14. Senior Grand Warden — John Dill, of No. 13. Junior Grand Warden — John H. Janeway, of No. 27. Grand Treasurer — Elias Phillips, of No. 5. Grand Secretary — Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5. Deputy Grand Secretary — John R. Chapin, of No. 10. Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, from the committee appointed at the last session on a preamble and resolution, to be found on page 189, [page 529 of this book,] presented the following report : The committee to whom was referred the question, as to the right of Bro. John R. Crocket to a seat in the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey, as a Past Master, report — That they have carefully examined the book of minutes of Newark Lodge, No. 7, of which Lodge Bro. Crocket claims to be Past Master. They find, that, on the 24th day of December, A. L. 5833, (as recorded on the book of minutes) Bro. Crocket was elected Worshipful Master. They find no proceedings of the Lodge recorded from that period until Sep- tember, A. L. 5836, at which meeting Bro. John C. Ball presided as Worshipful Master, and Bro. Crocket as Senior Warden. At that meet- ing the dues of every member of the Lodge was remitted. From that GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 563 period until January 11th, A. L. 5841, the proceedings of the Lodge are recorded with more regularity. From January 11th, A. L. 5841, until December Slet, A. L. 5841, there are no proceedings of the Lodge recorded. From October 18th, A. L. 5842, until February 14th, A. L. 5843, there are no recerds made. During the period that Bro. Crocket presided as the Worshipful Master of Newark Lodge, Free Masonry was at a very low ebb ; it was with the greatest difficulty that officers could be got to serve, or members enough got together to open the Lodge. Little or no business was done, and the Lodge (during the periods named) was refused the use of the room they had occupied, and was obliged to meet at private houses, in order to keep a legal existence. From the untoward circumstances under which the Lodge labored, and the extraneous mat- ters introduced, for the purpose of explaining the want of a perfect and regular record of the proceedings of the Lodge, your committee asks the- indulgence of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Your committee report, that the election of Bro. John R. Crocket, as the Worshipful Master of Newark Lodge, No. 7, is clearly established by the recorded proceedings of the Lodge. There are no records made of installation of Bro. Crocket, but the fact is established by the chairman of your committee, who personally called on Past Master John E. Euck- ell, and invited him to attend Newark Lodge for the purpose of install- ing Bro. Crockett, and the subordinate officers of the Lodge, and accompanied him to the Lodge, and was present and witnessed the installation of Bro. Crocket, by Past Master John E. Euckell, as well as the other officers of the Lodge. Bro. Crocket held the office of Worship- ful Master of Newark Lodge for several years, and to him (whilst acting as the Worshipful Master of Newark Lodge) are they (as well as this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge) indebted for one of the most efficient and untiring laborers in sustaining, this body in the darkest days through which it has passed ; and, after years of perseverance, we still find him as active and zealous in sustaining the Craft as at any time of his life. Your committee would recommend that this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge confirm Bro. Crocket as a Past Master under its jurisdiction. All which is respectfully submitted. Daniel B. BruEn, IcHABOD Harrison, Allen Osboen. Newark, December 11th, A. L. 5854. It was, on motion of Past Master Luther Gob]e, No. 1, that the report be received, laid on the table, and committee- discharged. Representation being made that it was supposed that charges having been made by the petition of Joseph Pilk- 664 6RAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. ington, late of Eagle Lodge, U. D., against Hoboken Lodge, TJ. D., and referred to a special committee. It waa Ordered, That the members of Hoboken Lodge, U. D., have access to said petition. The committee to whom was referred the petition of ITavesink Lodge, ISo, 21, for change of name, made the following report ; which was, on motion, accepted, and com- mittee discharged. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Your committee, to whom was referred the petition from Navesink Lodge, No. 21, Ked Bank, requesting permission to change the name of that Lodge, report — having heard the reasons of the petitioners, recom- mend their prayer be granted, and the name of said Lodge shall be that of " Mystic Brotherhood," No. 21. Submitted fraternally. W. E. Todd, Silas A. Thompson, Benjamin Stewart. The Grand Lodge was called off until 7J o'clock P. M. TJ o'clock p. m. Past Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. Application was made by Past Master James M. Cassady, of Camden Lodge, No. 15, to erase out of the original war- rant of said Lodge the figure 4, and insert 1 in place thereof ; which was on motion so ordered. The committee on the accounts of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary made the following report; which was on motion received, and committee discharged. To the Most Worshipful Orand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — Your committee appointed to examine into and report upon the accuracy of the accounts of the Eight Worshipful Grand Secre- tary and Treasurer, would respectfully report : GRAND LODSB OF NEW JERSEY. 665 Balance on hand last year $232 05 Received from various sources this year.... 199 25 $431 30 Paid out, as per vouchers 415 45 Balance in Treasurer's hands $15 85 Respectfully submitted. W. M. Babbitt, d. w. dorman, John Layton, Jun. January 15, 1855. The committee to whom was referred the report of the Grand Secretary, made the following report ; which was, on motion, received, and committee discharged. Most Worshipful Grand Master, .Oncers and Brethren. Having examined the report of the Grand Secretary, and finding it correct, beg leave to return the papers to you, and recommend the enforcement of the Grand Lodge By-Laws and Regulations. Isaac P. Brown, Robert C. Buzbt, Joseph Booth. Past Deputy Grand Master Theodore R. Varick, IS"©. 31, moved that a warrant issue to Hoboken Lodge, U. D. After several motions and amendments, it was agreed to. Hoboken Lodge, No. 35, was then represented by John W. Van Boskerck, W. M., and John T. Auchincloss, J. W. The committee to whom was referred the matter con- tained in the resolution at the* bottom of page 196 of the journal of 1864, [page 537 of this book,] made the following report. It was, on motion of Past Mast Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, that the report be adopted, agreed to. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Brethren of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — In accordance with a resolution, passed at the last regular communication of this Most Worshipful Body, the undersigned were appointed a committee for the purpose of raising the necessary funds among the Subordinate Lodges of this jurisdiction to defray the expense of a suitable stone, with appropriate devices and inscriptions, the same to 566 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. be presented, when completed, to the Central Committee of the Washing- ton Monument Association, at Washington, D. C, and to be finally placed in that monument, as a token of the veneration and esteem we, as Masons of New Jersey, hold for the memory of Washington. When that resolution was offered and committee appointed, it was our full intention to carry out the spirit of the resolution, and invite each Lodge to aid in paying this tribute of respect to our departed illustrious brother ; but no immediate response having been made by any Lodge that was represented at our last regular communication, and whose rep" resentatives were aware of this call upon them, no more especial notice was given. The matter was thus left until June last, when one of your committee, being at Washington, visited the monument, and ascertained that the work was stopped for want of means. Upon dse examination, it was impressed upon his mind, that if we wished to render effectual aid in the accomplishment of this great and patriotic work, we could do it far better by sending a votive offering of money, and by that means have a larger interest in that enterprise than if we should send a single stone. An appeal for financial aid has already been made to every Masonic Lodge in this and every State in the Union, by the central committee at Washington, and our pride, as Masons, strongly appealed to ; and now, as a final resort, they have gone to the national congress for relief and appropriations. As a committee, we make no suggestions for further action ; but feeling confident that under tlie circumstances we have done right in referring the whole matter back to your worshipful body, vve respectfully submit the above as our report. Chas. H. Pierson, Isaac Van Wagoner. The Grand Officers were installed in ample form. Deputy Grand Secretary John E. Chapin, No. 10, from the Committee on Education, referred to in the journal of 1854, on pages 195-6, [pages 536-7 of this book,J submitted the following report. It was, on motion of Past Deputy Grand Master Theodore B. Varick, No. 31, Ordered, That the report be received and committee diseharged, with the thanks of the Grand Lodge. Upon a motion made to adopt, Bro. Isaac Van Wagoner, No. 29, moved to amend, to lay over, and be the special consideration of to-morrow morning ; which prevailed. To the Mont Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Kew Jersey. The coiiiraittee to whom was referred, by resolution of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the last session, the subject of education, a GRAND LODGE Off NEW JERSEY. 567 plan by which a fund might be raised and managed, and the recommen- dation of an institution best suited to our wants ; and to whom also was referred the resolutions oiiered by the representatives of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, regarding a " Home for Free Masons," Ac, beg leave most re- spectfully to report — That they have endeavored to give the subjects referred to them that deep, serious and thoughtful consideration which their manifest and growing importance demanded at their hands. Blest as we are by living under a free government, where the light of education shines over the length and breadth of the land — sheds its efful- gent rays equally into the mansions of the ricli and the humble cabin of the poor — and imparts its rich blessings to all with a freedom which permits all alike to sit in the light of its countenance, and partake of the enjoyments derived from its presence, it might appear to be supereroga- tion on the part of an institution, which professes to be simply a charita- ble one, to legislate where legislation has already covered the ground and accomplished the object of offering a free education to all. But even this free education has a limit beyond which the poor and humble classes cannot advance, and the higher branches are comparatively shut out from their enjoyment by a wall which is only surmounted by pecuniary aid; and many, who might otherwise become bright ornaments to our day and generation, are compelled to forego those higher attainments which the want of means, alone, prevent them from acquiring. Here the genius of Free Masonry, with her christianlike charity, may, in her somewhat limited shere, step in and aid those, the care of whom devolves upon her, in reaching a higher and more extended range of study; in preparing them to fill superior stations, and, in fact, to place them upon an equality with those whose means ,enable them to monopolize the ave- nues to classical attainments. How to extend the benefits of a thorough and complete education, and bring them within the reach of all, both high and low, both rich and poor, is no longer a subject of consideration to the benevolent and phi- lanthropic alone, but has become a matter of jurisprudence, which has attracted the attention of the ablest minds, and engrossed the thoughts of the most profound statesmen ; and your committee are of the opinion that the dissemination of the advantages of a liberal education to all classes in this country is only a question of time. Already has the initiative been taken by the establishment of free academies, which, although of but few years' growth, have practically shown that the system is one of vast usefulness and utility: and we sincerely believe that the present generation will be permitted to see the spread and enlarge- ment of the system throughout our beloved land, until the possession of a classical education shall be only a question of intellectual, rather than of 18 568 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. pecuniary ability. This, however, should not deter us from entering upon this sphere of usefulness, but should rather serve as an incentive to an earnest, active and energetic exertion to aid in accomplishing so desira- ble an end. Hov? to exert our energies, how to accomplish the object aimed at, is a problem which occupied the attention of some of the most skillful work- men among the Craft, and the Grand Lodges of several of our sister States have attempted its solution by the erection of both male and female colleges, by the establishment of Masonic schools, and by the distribution of funds to their subordinates, for the purpose of educating the children of deceased Masons within their respective jurisdictions. The establish- ment and endowment of colleges, however, has been, in almost every instance, a failure ; whether from radical defects in the plans adopted, or from the peculiar temper of the Craft, it would require a depth of research and a power of analysis on the part of your committee, which they are not qualified to bring to the task, to say. Missouri has one in a highly flourishing condition, and the Grand Lodge of Arkansas has taken the preliminary steps, on a somewhat extended scale, for the erection of one within its jurisdiction. Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi have all made the effort, and failed ; for although Tennessee and Ken- tucky still maintain theirs, one at Jarksville, the other at Lagrange, yet they are only nominally " Masonic." The experiment of Masonic schools seems to be a more successful one, so far as your committee have been able to learn, and hence we are led to the conclusion that the cause, or one of the causes, of the failure of the larger institutions has been the attempt to do too much with limited means. Let us profit by the expe- rience of others, and endeavor to avoid the difficulties under which they labor and the obstacles they have had to encounter. Before proposing a plan of operations, however, for the advancement of education, let us glance at the second branch of the subject referred to us. We must not lose sight of the fact, that it is not the orphan, alone, who has a claim upon our sympathies and charitable feelings, but that the widow and the indigent among our brethren have an equal right to share our bounty and partake of our liberality. The establishment of a " Home for Indigent Free Masons, their Widows and Orphans," is a suggestion which ought to warm the heart, expand the sympathy, and call forth the earnest approbation of every rightly constituted member of our Craft. The institution which we so love to adore, and to which we are bound by the strongest ties, professes to be actuated, next to the general good of mankind, by a desire to promote each other's welfare, and that of the feeble ones dependent upon our bounty and exertions. That this great and ennobling principle is not practised and carried out to the extent which circumstances demand, and the ability of the Craft will allow, is a fact which even the most unob- GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 669 servant will admit. There appears to be a lukewarmness on the part of the Craft, in the performance of the duties which they owe to the institu- tion, by the practice of the principles it inculcates, which can only be accounted for by the lack of some object of tangible and substantial im. portance to call forth the energies and concentrate the exertions of all. Such an object we recognize in the suggestions offered in the resolutions referred to your committee, and we earnestly hope and trust that such an institution may one day grace our State, as a memento of the vitality of Masonry, and the activity of the principle of charity, by which we profess to be governed. It would be useless to point out the advantages of such an establishment, or to enlarge upon its beauties, as these must present themselves to the mind of every Mason, who is actuated by the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. Your committee are aware, however, that within the limited sphere bounded by the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, with the limited means at its command, and at the present period of depression in the pecuniary affairs of our country, it would be folly to recommend the establishment of such an institution as that proposed, or even a Masonic college ; still they feel that a beginning can be made, and an effort attempted, which though small at first, may result in great attainments. Rome was not built in a day, nor were the pyramids erected in a year, yet the one became the mistress of the world, and the others stand as enduring mon- uments of what can be accomplished by united, concentrated and contin- uous efforts. Let us, then, make a commencement in the good work With a consciousness of the integrity of our purpose, let us put our shoulder to the wheel, cheering each other with kind words should any excel, and contending only as to who can best work and best agree in our efforts to carry out the aim in which all are alike interested. Let us not be discouraged at small beginnings, nor deterred in pursuing our object by the comparatively small results of our first essays, but with a firm determination to do all in our power, let us move steadily onward toward the attainment of our purpose. So shall we possess the sweet conscious- ness of having performed our duty, and feel repaid for our exertion by the knowledge that we have aided in assuaging the grief of the wretched, drying the tear of Jhe mourner, and educating and assisting the friendless and the fatherless. With the view, therefore, of presenting an object around which to con- centrate our united exertions ; with a desire to make a commencement, and with an ardent hope that that commencement may result in the creation and endowment of an institution which shall unite in its plan the relief of the indigent, the protection and support of the widow, and the education of the orphan, your committee would respectfully make the following suggestions, viz.: the establishment, in the city of Trenton, or at some other central point, of a high school or academy, which shall be 570 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. under the management of a Board of Education, elected by this Grand Lodge, to which shall be admitted all the children of indigent Masons who shall have acquired the rudimental branches of a common school education, and who shall be recommended by the Lodge having jurisdic- tion. Such children to be educated and boarded during a term of years out of the general fund for that purpose. That brethren, who have the ability to pay for board and schooling, be invited to send their children to such school, and thus aid in the adrancement of the object by contrib- uting support thereto. A building of sufficient capacity to meet the wants of the institution might be leased, and a sufficient number of teach- ers employed to answer all its requirements for the first few years, until an increase in the fund, and a corresponding increase in the wants of the school, should justify a larger outlay and increased privileges. To aid in the establishing of a fund for the purpose of carrying out such an enterprise, your committee would suggest that the dues of Subordinate Lodges be increased to fifty cents for every member thereof, and the fees- for new members increased to one dollar ; that all the receipts of the Grand Charity Fund, over and above the necessary expenses of the Grand Lodge and the sum of one hundred dollars, be paid over to the school fund, and that the Subordinate Lodges be invited and requested to con- tribute their funds, and raise voluntary subscriptions among their mem- bers for that purpose. Your committee have not deemed it necessary, nor are they called upon to elaborate the details of the above plan, as those may safely be left to a future day, when the prospect of success to the enterprise shall appear to call for them, and when the amount realized toward the fund will serve as a guide to govern the Grand Lodge in the premises. In conclusion, your committee would ofier the following preamble and resolutions for the adoption of this body : Whereas, The cause of education is one which is daily attracting the increasing attention of all classes of our citizens, the necessity and import- ance of enlarging the facilities of attaining to the more full and complete enjoyment of its advantages, and the desire to enable the humble classes to compete with the more wealthy in the race for higher attainments, is a growing one ; and whereas, the principles which we love to profess teach, us to heal the sick, relieve the distressed and educate the orphan; and whereas, at the present time when, from the revolution in the pecuniary aflfairs of our country, want and misery stalk abroad through the land, and there are many thrown out of employment whose circumstances, if known to others of the Craft more fortunately situate, might be relieved, and whose services might be engaged in various ways — therefore be it Resolved, That for the purpose of creating a fund for the establishment of an academy under the jurisdiction of this Grapd Lodge, the dues from members of Subordinate Lodges to the Grand Charity Fund be increased GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 571 to fifty cents for each and every member, and that one half of said fifty cents be sacredly appropriated to such school fund. Resolved, That all the receipts of the Grand Charity Fund, over and •above the necessary expenses of the Grand Lodge and one hundred dol- lars, be paid over to the said school fund, and invested in such a manner as may appear to be to the best interest of said fund, until it shall amount to a sum suflBcieat to warrant the Grand Lodge in establishing an institu- tion of learning commensurate with our wants. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to draw up an address to the Subordinate Lodges, soliciting subscriptions and contributions toward furthering this project, and that they be empowered to print 250 copies thereof, at the expense of this Grand Lodge. , Resolved, That the Grand Secretary and the Deputy Grand Secretary be, ^nd are hereby made a means of communication between the indigent Mason, the widows of such, and those out of employment, and those among the Craft who may need the services of either, and that all such he invited to make their wants known through their means. All of which is most respectfully submitted by your committee. John E. Chapin, E. Stewart. Deputy Grand Secretary John R. Chapin, JSTo. 10, offered ihe following : Resolved, That the first day of each annual communication be set apart for the exemplification of the work, that a uniformity may be established throughout the State. On a motion to adopt, Bro. J. Henry Black, Wo. 13, ■offered the following as a substitute, which was agreed to. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with the Most Worshipful Grand Master of this Grand Lodge on establishing a correct and uniform system of Masonic work, and that the same be exem- plified before an Emergent Grand Lodge, to be called at the will and pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Committee— J. H. Black, ISTp. 13, J. M. Cassady, No. 15, and Milton Baldwin, "So. 7. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Bead, No. 14, offered the following, and moved it be laid on the table until to-morrow morning ; which was agreed to. Whereas, Information has been given to the Most Worshipful Grand iodge of New Jersey, that a body of men, assuming to be Ancient York Masons, have been located at Hoboken, and within the jurisdiction of 572 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. this Grand Lodge, working under an assumed and spurious Grand Body in the jurisdiction of New York, known as St. John's Grand Lodge, o" which Henry G. Atwood i« Grand Master ; and whereas, this Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge hold and claim the right, only, to issue warrants for Lodges of Ancient York Masons within her jurisdiction — therefore, Resolved, That all Lodges and all persons hailing from Lodges located within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, without her consent and authority, are and shall be held as spurious and clandestine, and cannot be recognized by any genuine Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons hailing from Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, under the seal thereof, be hereby directed to inform the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New York Ancient York Masons, of which the Most Worshipful Joseph D. Evans is now Grand Master, of the- location of this spurious body of men, and respectfully urge them to assist in rebuking these unmasonic and illegal movements. Past Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, offered the fol- lowing resolution, which was on motion adopted. Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare rules of order for the government of this Grand Lodge. Committee — Past Master James M. Cassadj; No. 15,. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, No. 14, and Joseph H. Hough, No. 5. Bro. Charles H. Pierson, No. 1, moved that when this Grand Lodge adjourn it adjourn to meet at the city of Newark, on the first Wednesday after the second Tuesday in January next ; which motion was laid on the table until to-morrow morning. Bro. Josiah J. Burgess, No. 31, offered the following res- olution, as an alteration to General Regulations, section 11 ;. which was laid over until to-morrow morning. No brother can be master of a Lodge until he has first served in the office of warden somewhere, unless in extraordinary cases or in the for- mation of a new Lodge, and no past or former warden is to be found among the members. The Grand Lodge was then called oft" until to-morrow- morning at 9 o'clock. GRAKD LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 573 THtJESDAT MORNING, 9 O'CLOCK. The Grand Lodge was called to labor, with a due repre- sentation. Past Master Moses Craig, Fo. 8, offered the following resolution : Resolved, That Clinton Lodge, No. 8, have permission to renioTe the location of the Lodge from Peapack to Baskingridge, Somerset county. It was ordered that leave be granted. The report of the Committee on Education, laid over last evening, was called up and debated. The resolutions thereto attached were, on motion, taken up separately. After debate at some length on the subject, and several votes taken on different resolutions, It was Ordered, That the whole subject be indefinitely postponed. Deputy Grand Master Samuel Eead, N'o. 14, called up the report of the committee, which was laid on the table last evening, whether Bro. John R. Crocket, No. 7, is a Past Master. The previous question being called, a motion to adopt the report was carried in the affirmative. The committee to whom was referred the subject of mileage and per diem allowance to a representative from each Lodge, to be found in the report of last session [page 538], made the following report. It was Ordered, on motion of Past Master James M. Cassady, Ko. 15, that the subject be indefinitely postponed : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey. The committee appointed at the last meeting of this Grand Lodge in reference to the resolution on page 538, beg leave to report that one repre- sentative from each Subordinate Lodge shall receive from the funds of this Grand Lodge seventy-five cents for each twenty miles travel, going to and returning from this Grand Lodge ; and also receive one dollar and fifty cents per day for attendance, provided the representative remain until the close of the session. John Dill, Robert C. BrzBT, Eli^s Phillips. The resolution offered by Deputy Grand Master Samuel 574 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Eead, No. 14, read and laid over till this morning, relative to the organization of a clandestine Lodge at Hoboken, was called up and adopted. Bro. Charles H. Pierson, No. 1, offered the following resolution : Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be and hereby is requested to enforce, in all the Lodges of this Stale, Section 5 of the Ancient Constitution of Masonry, as found in Abimon Eezon, relating to the election of Masters and their necessary qualifications. On a motion to adopt, the Chair decided that the resolu- tion lay over till the next annual meeting, as an amendment. The decision was appealed from. Question taken on the appeal, and Chair sustained. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the following report, which n-as on motion received, and ordered to be printed : To the 31osi Worshipful Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Another year has rolled round since we last met in Annual Communi- cation, and, under the care and protection of the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe, we should feel grateful for the many blessings we enjoy, and for the pleasure of again meeting together in harmony and brotherly love. The correspondence from foreign Lodges has become very voluminous, and as each year revolves, it increases the interest we feel in each other's welfare, and to profit by the experience of others in legislating for the benefit of the Craft. The committee have the printed journals from the several Grand Lodges as follows: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary- land, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, lUiuoia, Indiana, Wis- consin, Iowa, Missouri, District of Columbia, California, Minnesota, Michigan and Canada West. From each Grand Lodge we read the cheering intelligence that the spirit of Masonry is progressing with unparalleled speed ; peace and harmony seem to prevail (with a single exception) over the whole extent of our observation. Never was the Fraternity more flourishing, nor the character of the petitioners better in their standing in society than at the present time. We have taken each Grand Lodge separately, and, having intended to view them with an impartial eye, trust nothing herein will be found to GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 675 cast the reflection upon us that our review is in the least unjust. Were we to do our duty strictly, we should make this report of much greater length, as the material is at hand wherein can be found all that is neces- sary for the builder's use. Maine. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge befpre us was held at Mason's Hall, in the city of Portland, May, 4th, 1854, with a representa- tion from forty-eight Lodges. Most Worshipful Timothy Chase was elected Grand Master, and Eight Worshipful Charles B. Smith, Grand Secretary. The annual communication of the Grand Master congratulates them on the peace and harmony that prevail among them, and that a unity of sentiment and kindly feeling may characterize their intercourse as Masons; and that in their jurisdiction Masonry is not only rapidly advancing, but has taken an elevated position. Old Lodges, that have laid dormant for years, have been resuscitated, and a new life seems to have taken root. The greater part of his report is upon their own internal affairs, and on the whole we should draw the conclusion that they are a prosperous aiud happy family. New Hampshire. — Their annual meeting was held at Concord, on the 13th and 14th of June, A. D. 1854. lohabod G. Jordan was elected Grand Master, and Horace Chase, Grand Secretary. Vermont. — Their annual meeting was held at Burlington, on the 11th day of January, A. D. 1854. The Grand Master (Most Worshipful Philip C. Tucker) announced the death of the Eev. Joel Winch, who was Grand Chaplain of that Grand Lodge, and pays a touching tribute to his memory. Masonry, in this jurisdiction, seems to be steady in its onward march under the good guidance of able and experienced workmen. Massachusetts. — The proceedings comprise several meetings, to wit, September 14th, December 14th and 27th, 1853, March 8th, June 14th, and September 13th, 1854. Most Worshipful and Rev. George M. Randall was again installed as Grand Master, and Charles W. Moore, Recording Grand Secretary. The Grand Master, in his address, (December 27th, 1853,) speaking of the condition of the Fraternity in his State, says: "The year just closed has been one of almost unprecedented prosperity. According to the returns made by the District Deputy Grand Master, it appears that three hundred and seventy have been initiated, the past year, in eight districts,'' •"of which number one hundred and eighty were in the first district. These simple statistics express, more forcibly than any words of mine can 576 GRAND LODUE OP NEW JERSEY. do, the gratifying fact that our ancient Fraternity has secured a high place i» the estimation and confidence of the community." Connecticut. — Annual Communication held at New Haven, the 10th day of May, A. D. 1854. Most Worshipful David Clark was re-elected Grand Master, and Eliphalet G. Storer, Grand Secretary. Grand Master Clark, recommends, among other matters, a Masonic library, that the " members may hare access to such works as treat upon Masonic jurisprudence and the principles of Masonry generally." Such recommendations, if more generally followed, would be productive of great benefit to all concerned ; information would be diffused, and the results would be felt by all within its influence. In respect to the Grand Lodge of New York, he recommends " that no visitor hailing from that State be admitted in any of their Lodges, unless properly avouched for, and acknowledging the Grand Body over which the Most Worshipful Reuben H. Walworth was elected to preside, as the only true and lawful Grand Lodge in that State ; and that he must be a member of a Subordinate Lodge under that jurisdiction, and all others who do not, to be spurious and clandestine." He cautions all their mem- bers who may visit Lodges in New York, "lest, by mistake or design," they "should be found in one of these clandestine Lodges, for it is easy to distinguish the wheat from the chaff." The committee to whom was referred this subject, reported that the view taken by the Grand Master met their hearty and entire approval. On the 26th of April last, a Special Communication was held at the hall of Union Lodge, in Danbury, for the purpose of celebrating the com- pletion of a monument erected to the memory of Bro. David Wooster ; and on the day following, an oration was delivered by Bro. Henry Cham- pion Deming, which we have before us, containing sixty pages. The committee of the Grand Lodge, to whom was referred this subject, submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted : " Resolved, That we congratulate the Masonic Fraternity on the comple- tion of the splendid monument commemorative of our late distinguished brother. General David Wooster, deceased, late Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge, No. 1, New Haven, organized under his auspices in the ye?ir 1750, who gloriously sacrificed his life at Danbury, in the defence of that town against the incendiary incursions of the enemy, in April, 1777. "Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge are eminently due, and they are hereby tendered, to our Most Worshipful Grand Master, David Clark, for his interesting assiduity and indomitable energy in forwarding to a successful and glorious completion that noble enterprise." We have read with admiration and pleasure the copious and well digested report on Foreign Correspondence, containing one hundred and eleven pages of their journal. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 577 New York. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge, from August 16th, 1853, to June 11th, 1854, inclusive, containing two hundred and fifty-three pages of closely printed matter, is before us. Most Worshipful Joseph D. Evans, Grand Master, and James M. Austin, M. D., Grand Secretary. At a meeting of the Grand Stewards' Lodge, held September 27th, 1853, charges having been preferred for unmasonic conduct against Bro's Richard Thune, Charles W. Willets, Robert B. Folger, Charles.G. Water- bury, Andrew J. Fisher, Reuben S. Van Tassel, Robert E. Roberts, and John B. Ewing, who, after being summoned to appear, and failing to obey, were exjjelled. At a meeting of said Grand Stewards' Lodge, held February 28th, 1854, " the appeal of Bro. Philip Haas against the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, in electing a brother to honorary membership by show of hands, and against the expressed objection of a member, came up for consideration. The testimony on both sides having been received, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted : " Bro. Philip Haas against St. John's Lodge, No. 1. — This is an appeal from the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, in electing a brother to honorary membership by show of hands, and against the expressed objection of a member. An answer was put in by the Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 1 — first, denying the truth of the matters stated to be facts in the appeal ; and second, affirming that ' if the statements of facts are proven to be true, still the action of the Lodge was right.' " It appeared, during the investigation, that the denial, by the Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, of the trath of the statements of fact contained in the appeal was either based upon a misapprehension, or arose from a want of clearness in drawing up the appeal itself. The Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, put in his answer, under the impression that the appellant afiirmed, in his appeal, that the grounds of his objection, as therein set forth at length, was identically expressed in the Lodge at the time the objection was made ; whereas the appellant disclaims intending to be so understood, admitting that the objection only was made in the Lodge, while the reasons for making it are detailed in his appeal ; and he insists that this is what the language of his appeal conveys, when fairly construed. With this explanation, the first part of the answer, impeaching the veracity of the statements made in the appeal, was withdrawn, leaving a single question of law to be settled by the Grand Stewards' Lodge, on a statement of facts substantially admitted, viz.: Wag the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, correct in electing an honorary member by show of hands, and in opposition to the expressed objection of a member of said Lodge ? The introduction of honorary members into Lodges, though a modern usage, is recognized by the Grand Lodge, though the mode of their elec- tion and their rights and privileges are nowhere particularly defined. 578 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Grand Stewards' Lodge can perceive no impropriety in electing honorary members, but it should be in the ordinary manner, by ballot, and a single black ball should prevent the election of the proposed candidate. The ancient and time-honored landmarks of the fraternity clearly sanction this view of the question. In Article LXX of the Constitution, it is provided that no person shall be made or admitted a member of a Lodge without being proposed one Lodge night before ; that due notice be given to all the members to make the necessary inquiries into the candidate's character, and that there may be such unanimity in the elec- tion and admission of members as the laws require ; nor can there be any dispensation in this case, because unanimity is essential to the well-being of every Lodge, and its own members are the best judges in this matter ; for if it were allowed that any foreign, or even superior jurisdiction, might impose a fractious or disagreeable member upon them, it might destroy their harmony, and would intrude upon their liberty, to the great injury, if not the total dissolution of such Lodge. The reason assigned for guarding thus vigilantly the individual rights of the Fraternity is, that no fractious or disagreeable member be imposed upon a Lodge, by whom its harmony might be destroyed; and as the peace and harmony of a Lodge may be as effectually destroyed by the admission of an honorary member, as a constitutional one, the Grand Stewards' Lodge agree unanimously that no majority in the Lodge, or any other power, has the right to impose such upon a Lodge, against the expressed objection of one of its members ; therefore, " Resolved, That the appeal of Bro. Philip Haas from the action of St. John's Lodge, No. 1, so far as it relates to electing an honorary member in opposition to the expressed objection of one of its members, is sustained. " Resolved, That, in the opinion of the Grand Stewards' Lodge, honorary members, in Subordinate Lodges, should be proposed and balloted for in the same manner as constitutional members, and cannot be elected by show of hands or majority vote." The aforementioned case we have taken the liberty to insert entire, being oC a nature that we do not often meet with in any of our exchanges, and also from such high authority ; it cannot but be viewed with care. If we take a right view of the case, it contemplates two classes of mem- bership, constitutional and honorary — -the former permanent, and the latter temporary. Such classes of membership, we are induced to believei would not act harmoniously, nor do we believe would be productive of good results ; and further, they should place all upon a level, for why should any one have advantages which are denied to others ? At the quarterly meeting, held March 7th, 1854, a preamble and reso- lution were offered, in effect that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has required of the members of that State, when visiting Lodges in their GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY, 579 jurisdiction, a, Grand Lodge certificate, which they deem, and is calculated to be particularly obnoxious to the members of the Grand Lodge of New York, by virtue of their union, and contrary to all Masonic usage and custom. A committee of five was appointed to prepare a report, and afterward was amended by inserting, " and also the Grand Lodge of Maryland." Upon page 176, we find the report of the committee to whom was referred the subject above mentioned, and, after a careful examination of the written history of Masonry, from the period of its re-establishment in England, early in the tenth century, a diligent scrutiny of the ancient landmarks and usages of the Fraternity, and mature deliberation, they consider the action of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts an innovation upon ancient usage, and an improper and dictatorial interference with their just rights; and they repudiate the doctrine that because there are knaves in the State of New York, the rational and constitutional liberties of its honest citizens must therefore be abridged. The police of Boston will be commended for their igilance in the detection of suspicious char- acters, but the arrest, indiscriminately, of every visitor from New York, who is not provided with documents to prove his fraternity and establish his antecedents, will soon occasion reprisals, and lead to open hostility. This is strong and unmistakable language to their brethren of Massa- chusetts, who have only pointed out what seemed to them to be their duty, where some decided course or stand was deemed necessary and advisable. The report further says, that, by this action, Massachusetts in effect arrogates to herself a censorship of the Craft within the acknowledged jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and assumes to decide that those affirmed by us to be good and true, are actually illegal and clandestine Masons. That Massachusetts is justifiable in pursuing any Masonic course to protect her Subordinate Lodges from imposition, is readily ad- mitted ; but that she possesses any right to enter a sister jurisdiction, and. sit in judgment upon the Masonic character of members in good standing, under a Grand Lodge recognized by herself, in common with the whole Masonic world, is peremptorily denied. She is at liberty to refuse Ma- sonic intercourse with our Grand Lodge, if she justly fears contagion from contact with any of our members ; but we know of no law or usage which authorizes her to distinguish between our loyal Lodges or members, and decide that some are legal and others illegal. They cover some three pages more of closely printed matter in their argument of the reasons why the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts should not recede from the position they have taken, and recommend the follow- ing preamble and resolution : " Whereas, The Grand Lodge of the State of New York is, sincerely de- sirous to cultivate fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Massa- 580 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. chusetts, in common with the great Masonic family throughout the world ; and whereas, the adoption of certain resolutions by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, at its communication in December last, in refer- ence to visiting members of Subordinate Lodges from New York, must tend to disturb, if not ultimately to destroy, those relations — therefore, "Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts be affectionately and earnestly requested to reconsider said resolutions." Also, at the same quarterly meeting mention is made of a committee, appointed at the last quarterly communication, to investigate certain charges preferred by Bro. F. T. L. Boyle againgt the Eight Worshipful F. G. Tisdall, late the representative of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. The whole subject was postponed until the annual meeting. On motion, the charges came up at the quarterly meeting of March 8th, last past, when the following resolution was offered : " Hesolved, That the case be remanded to the committee, to take all the testimony that may be offered on either side; let all the witnesses sign their depositions, and the committee report the whole testimony to this body, at our next June communication, at which time either party may move to strike out all illegal evidence." After which the previous question was called for and carried. On the following evening, the report and recommendation of the com- mittee on said charges were called up and adopted, and so declared by the Chair, expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry ; after which notice was given by the Eight Worshipful John Van Buren, that he would, at the next annual communication, appeal from the decision of the Grand Lodge in relation to said expulsion. On page 88, Bro. " Van Buren called up the special order, being the appeal of F. G. Tisdall," and presented a memorial, which was referred to the committee on the condition of Masonry, praying for a revisal of the decision of the charges against him, upon certain grounds therein specified. "First. Being a member of^ Subordinate Lodge, was amenable for his conduct to his own Lodge, and not to any other. "Second. The complainant was not a member of the Grand Lodge. " Third. The Grand Lodge had not original jurisdiction of the matter." He prays the revisal upon the ground that they " received and enter- tained illegal and improper evidence" upon hearsay; secondary, written and printed, not verified or authenticatecf ; witnesses to give opinions : and persons not Masons, and "refused to allow the accused to introduce legal and proper evidence" that the complainant was incorrect ; that the witnesses were mistaken, and not entitled to credit ; and finally, prays to be restored to his rights as a Mason ; and that the charges may be sent to St. John's Lodge, to be fully and fairly investigated, that he may establish his innocence in the premises. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 581 On page 181 of said journal, "the committee on the condition of Ma- sonry," to whom was referred a memorial from him, "praying to be restored to the rights of Masonry, and that the charges preferred against him may be sent to St. John's Lodge, No. 1," of which he was a member, for trial and investigation, reported that they were of opinion that some of the proceedings in the said memorial mentioned were and are errone- ous, and that he was illegally condemned and expelled, and ought to be restored to his rights and privileges, and should be investigated by the Subordinate Lodge to which he belonged. The committee, " without deciding upon the question, whether the Grand Lodge had jurisdiction in the matter referred to in the said memo- rial, express it as their opinion that it is inexpedient, if not unlawful, for the Grand Lodge to assume original jurisdiction of charges made against a member of a Subordinate Lodge, and whom such Subordinate Lodge has power to try," and submitted resolutions that his expulsion be re- scinded ; that said charges and specifications be transmitted to the Lodge of which he was a member, to be investigated in a legal and Masonic manner. The subject was, on motion, laid on the table. On page 189, the above report and resolutions were called up and adopted, and also the following resolution : " Resolved, That this Grand Lodge ought not to exercise original juris- diction to try a member of a Subordinate Lodge which is in good standing, and which is not acting in hostility to the Craft, constitution or jurisdic- tion of this Grand Lodge for any Masonic offence, other than offences against this Grand Lodge, when such member is subject to trial by the Subordinate Lodge to which he belongs.'' The above case we have read with some degree of interest, for it involveg a principle beyond doubi correct. Were it not so, a Grand Lodge would be subject to a lengthy calendar of causes that would take some time to adjudicate, without, perhaps, having the best means of getting all the facts connected with the cause from the remoteness of the location where it originally came from. We most heartily concur in the principle therein decided. The annual meeting was held on the 6th day of June last past. Most Worshipful Eeuben H. Walworth, Grand Master, presiding, Right Wor- shipful James M. Austin, Grand Secretary. Two hundred and twenty- one Lodges represented. The Grand Master, after acknowledging the protection of the Grand Architect of the Universe, congratulates them upon the rapid increase and the continued prosperity of the Fraternity within their territorial limits. Since their last annual communication, twenty-six dispensations for the opening of new Lodges have been granted, making, together with what is already organized, two hundred and eighty-six, with about fifteen 582 GRAND LODGE OV NEW JERSEY. thousand in membership ; and that the " irregular and clandestine Lodges connected with any and all of the spurious and schismatic Masonic organizations in the State, of every kind, does not probably exceed, twenty-five or thirty." He very properly condemns the practice of some Lodges in the desecra- tion of the Christian Sabbath by the opening of a Lodge for labor on that holy day, and calls the attention of the Grand Lodge to these irregular- ities, as they should not, at any time or under any circumstances, be allowed. Even those members of the Fraternity who keep the seventh day of the week as holy time, must so far respect the feelings and wishes of their brethren, and of the Christian community in which they reside,, as not to violate the sanctity of the Sabbath, and thereby wound the feelings of their brethren, and bring discredit upon the institution of Ma- sonry. And, in conclusion, he announced his intention not to permit his name to be used as a candidate for re-election to the office of Grand Master;, having tried it for one year, he has not the requisite leisure to discharge the duties as they ought to be discharged, and says: " I cannot consent, to be a Masonic drone, to enjoy the honors of this situation, without ren- dering to the Grand Lodge a proper equivalent in services therefor." The committee on the division of the Grand Lodge, consisting of the Grand Mast-r and ten other members, to wit, five from the city of New York and five from the country, submitted a lengthy and able report of their deliberations, and the reasons which governed them. They passed, in their body, the following resolution (two dissenting) : " Hesolved, That in the opinion of this committee, there should be but one Grand Lodge in the State of New York, to continue, as it is, the rep- resentative and head of the whole Masonic Fraternity; and that a division, of the jurisdiction is inexpedient." The minority of the committee on the same subject presented a very lengthy report of their views, spread over nearly fifteen pages of the journal, and after considering and discussing the powers of the committee on the question at issue, arrived at the conclusion that it is a failure, from its not having inquired what were the real wishes of the Masonic body in that jurisdiction, and the resolution reported by the majority,, "that there should be but one Grand Lodge in the State, is but the indi- vidual opinion of that majority ;" and in conclusion, suggesting "a line of division, embracing, for the southern body, Delaware, Green and Columbia counties, and all south and east of them ; and for the other body, all other portions of the State ; that the records and archives of the Grand Lodge be kept in the city of New York, and access be had by officers and committees of each body ; (he regalia and other property to be valued by disinterested parties, and received and paid for by one or the other, by the casting of lots, and the funds equally divided. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 583 after paying all just demands ; tbat a joint committee of both bodies be appointed to take charge of the suit now pending with the Phillips body, and all expenses be paid by both Grand Lodges, share and share alike, and all properties and funds that may accrue be equally divided between them ; and report the following resolutions: " Resolved, That in view of past diflSculties, and those now existing, and having their origin in the antagonistic interests of city and country, and with a view to the ultimate harmony of the Craft, and the furtherance of its true interests, this Grand Lodge will divide into two separate and dis- tinct jurisdictions, with such distinctive titles as may be agreed upoDj mutually acknowledging each other's sovereignty in the particular district of the State assigned to it. ''Resolved, That a committee of ten, equally divided between the city and country, be appointed by the Grand Lodge, with instructions to con- sider and prepare such arrangements as may be necessary to carry out the resolution in a, just and equitable manner, and report during the present session." After considering the aforesaid report, the following resolution was sub- mitted by the committee and adopted: " Resolved, That there should be but one Grand Lodge in the State of New York, to continue, as it is, the representative and the head of the whole Masonic Fraternity in the State, and that, therefore, a division of the jurisdiction is inexpedient." The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, noticing our proceedings of 1853, says : "The report on Foreign Correspondence is from the pen of Bro. John Whitehead, and is a very modest, yet tastily written document. From the intelligence it exhibits in its author, we would have been happy to have had his views upon several important topics to which he alludes. "On page 159 of their proceedings, we notice a preamble and resolu- tion, which was designed, as appears, to institute inquiries about the standing of Pythagoras Lodge, in New York city, with the view, if cir- cumstances called for it, to discipline members of Diogenes Lodge, No. 22, in Newark, for exchanging visits with the members of the former. The resolution was, on motion of Bro. John H. Landell, of No. 1, laid on ihe table. The record does not show the reason why this disposition was made of the resolution, for your committee believe there must have been some weighty consideration that influenced the act. If the members of Pythagoras Lodge are permitted, with the knowledge and tacit consent of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, to exchange visits with members of Lodges in that jurisdiction, it is equivalent to recognizing the authority of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, or any other European Grand Lodge, to establish Lodges wherever in the United States they may see fit. It 19 584 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. is, in fact, telling Hamburg, if she sees fit to locate a Subordinate Lodge in tbp city of Newark, they will interpose no obstacles to her so doing; which, if allowed, will not only overthrow the supremacy of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, within her own jurisdiction, but will colonize her towns and cities with a kind of Masonry that is unknown to her own antique and beautiful system, and that will as certainly overrun and swallow up that system, as that ambition is a quality of the human mind. But it seems to us that there is another principle involved in the case, wliich has been forcibly and pointedly, and, speaking for the^rc^en^ New York committee, we think correctly, announced by an able and intelligent New Jersey committee on the subject of jurisdictional authority, whose report we have before alluded to. The language of that committee is, 'the committee peremptorily deny the right of all others to interfere with the just and lawful jurisdiction and authority of this Grand Lodge.' This is a sound principle. It is based upon the unquestionable right of each and every Grand Lodge to legislate and to act for itself ; to make or unmake symbolic Lodges within its jurisdiction ; to declare what are regular and what are irregular, and to suspend, expel or restore its disobedient and refractory members. We say, then, that the principle so announced by New Jersey is just, and must be allowed to be exercised by all Grand Lodges, or there is an end of harmony and stable Masonic government. But how will our much esteemed and respected sister of New Jersey reconcile this principle with even a quasi recognition of the members of Pythagoras Lodge ? After long endurance of the unjust entiroachment, and repeated remonstrances of the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, requesting and soliciting her to withdraw her charter, because it was in contraven- tion of our laws, in violation of the authority justly claimed by every Grand Lodge in the American Union, and after being told, by her, that she had weighed the consequences and should persist, we declared that Lodge irregular and clandestine, and positively forbade our members to hold Ma- sonic intercourse with it or its members. The sacred rights of New York, its dearest interests, and the interest of every Grand Lodge in America, demanded this act to be done, and it was done. Now, is it not an inter- ference with this decision ? is it not disregarding and setting at nought the rightful 'authority of this Grand Lodge,' to cover that clandestine Lodge and its irregular Masons with the mantle of irregularity? We think it is ; and we hope that our brethren of New Jersey will reconsider their action. Confiding in their high sense of justice, and in their regard for their own interests and for the rights of others, we believe they will reconsider it." Pennsylvania. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge are for the Annual Grand Communication, held in the city of Philadelphia, December 27th, A. L. 5853. Fifty Lodges were represented. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 585 The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Anthony Bournonville, delivered his valedictory address; after which resolutions were passed, unanimously, giving the thanks of the Grand Lodge "for the courteous, gentlemanlike and truly Masonic manner with which he has presided over" them during his late administration ; and also, that a written testimonial to that effect, embodying their assurance of respect and fraternal regard. And also, similar resolutions to John Thomson, who for ten years has been Grand Treasurer, and for " valuable and faithful services." The address of James Hutchinson,, Most Worshipful Grand Master elect, delivered on St. John's day, December 27th, A. L. 5853, in which he promises " to adhere strictly to the principles of the Fraternity, keep- ing a watchful eye to the preservation of their purity, all the ancient usages, customs and landmarks of the Craft." Also, the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the new Masonic Hall, in Chestnut street, and the oration delivered by Bro. John K. Mitchell, M. D., Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. Delaware. — From this State we have the two journals of proceedings for June 27th and'28th, 1853, and June 27th, 1854. In the journal first aforesaid, we find the address of Most Worshipful Grand Master William T. Read, wherein he returns his thanks for the honor of being three times elected Grand Master, and a full and compre- hensive biographical sketch of CiBsar Augustus Rodney, an ancient Mason of very respectable standing, who filled important positions both in State and Lodge. Among other matters, we perceive a preamble and resolutions recom- mending the installation of a National Grand Lodge of Masons. Most Worshipful James Booth was installed Grand Master, and Right Worshipful George W. Chaytor, Grand Secretary. ' In the journal of June 27th, 1854, nothing of importance transpired which we deem of sufficient moment to call your attention to. Most Worshipful James Booth was re-elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Daniel R. Wolfe, Grand Secretary. MarylaKd. — The journals of this Grand Lodge are from May to No- vember, 1853, and from Kovember, 1853, to May, 1854. In the semi-annual communication, held in the city of Baltimore, No- vember 21st, 1853, nothing therein occurs of importance, except the just and merited tribute to departed worth upon the demise of Bro. Joseph K. Stapleton, who, for a period of nearly fifty years, was a devoted Mason, and true and^faithful to its interests. « (In the journal of the semi-annual communication of May 8th, 1854, held in the city of Baltimore, we notice a preamble and resolutions to the effect that there is not a sufficient uniformity of work throughout the 586 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. State, and a resolve that each Lodge in Baltimore send one delegate to a Lodge of instruction, to be held at said city on the 25th of July, then next, to be under the supervision of the Grand Master ; but it does not appear that they were acted upon. Virginia. — The proceedings for the Old Dominion were held at the city of Richmond the 12th day of December, A. D. 1853, A. L. 5853. Most Worshipful Edmund P. Hunter, Grand Master, and John Dove, Grand Secretary, and a representation from eighty-two Lodges. The special committee on work, to whom was referred that important subject, made a report, which was confirmed, and appended thereto a series of fifteen resolutions, providing for a Grand Working Committee, to sit during the session or recess of the Grand Lodge ; and no alteration or addition be made for any reason ; and if a Grand Lecturer should be appointed, defining his duties, powers, &c. This is a subject that requires more than a passing consideration ; something more than a mere allusion or effort to bring into being a system to produce uniformity in the work of the Fraternity, which, no doubt, will be attended with a good result, both to the Grand Lodge and the Craft. Could but each and every State adopt a similar committee. The report of the committee on the subject of non-affiliated Masons, was presented and adopted. We beg leave to copy a portion of their report, which seems to throw a vast deal of light and reason upon the subject. " By the term non-affiliated Masons, we understand those who have been regularly initiated, passed and raised, and are not connected by mem- bership with any Lodge. It has been for years past a source of serious and grave complaint within the limits of various Grand Masonic jurisdic- tions in the United States, and especially in Virginia, that there is a large number of non-affiliated Masons, who claim as a right all the benefits and privileges of the institution, and who, notwithstanding, refuse or fail to contribute either labor or money to its support. Many of these are unknown to the active working portion of the Craft, until some festive or gala occasion tempts them from their retirement, and induces them to go unbidden (and if the whole truth must be told, unwelcome, too,) to a feast purchased at the expense of others, and to which they have taken especial pains not to contribute, either directly or indirectly. Did the evil stop here we might submit without a murmur, or content ourselves with a simple appeal to the sense of delicacy and propriety of our non-affiliated brethren. But this is, in truth, the very least of all the evils of this system, a system which, we take this occasion to say, is utterly at war with all the principles and tenets, and condemned by every rule and precept of Masonry ;" and concluding with resolutions that they SftAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 587 are not entitled to all the rights and benefits of Masonry ; that it ia the duty of every one to join a Lodge, and that the subordinates give notice to such within their respective jurisdictions. We cannot see why Masons who do not belong to any Lodge, nor con- tribute to its support, either directly or indirectly, can have any just claim upon it, or the Fraternity, just when circumstances require it. South Carolina. — The proceedings from this Grand Lodge are for the year 1853. At their quarterly communication, held in the city of Charleston on the 7th day of June, among other matters, was the presentation of a protest against the action of Pythagorous Lodge, No. 21, by a member of said Lodge, on which the Grand Master had issued his prohibition. It appears that a candidate was rejected at four communications of the Lodge, all upon the same letter of petition, the latter ballot on the meet- ing in March. At the regular meeting in April following, the same application was re-read, when the protestant was absent with others. The applicant was voted for and admitted to his first degree. At the meeting in May fol- lowing, the brother protested against his advancement ; but the Worship- ful Master overruled it, and the candidate admitted to the second degree, and prayed for the prohibition, which was granted. The subject was referred to a committee, who reported at the quarterly communication, held the 6th of September, the same year, that the Master acted contrary to Masonic law and usage. And they further say — " In permitting a reconsideration of the letter of application " of the candidate at a subsequent meeting, that application having been previously rejected ; and also, " in omitting to order a ballot, when " the protestant " objected to the advancement of" the candidate, the committee say: "We hold that, so soon as objection was made in open Lodge to the promotion of a candidate, it was the duty of the Master to have ordered the ballot to be taken ; and it seems to us that Bro. Cam- inade, having declined to require it (admitting this to have been proved, merely for the sake of argument,) should not have influenced the conduct of the Master, for there may have been other brethren present equally opposed to the advancement of Bro. Dusenbury, who, from a natural diffi- dence, or from some other cause, were unwilling to state, in open Lodge, that they objected to the candidate, but who, nevertheless, would have negatived his further progress. It was the duty of the Master, and not of Bro. Caminade, to determine whether a ballot was necessary. And he (the Master) should have remembered that it does not follow, as a matter of course, that a brother admitted among the household as an apprentice to learn the mystic art, is capable of taking charge of that household, however skilled he may be in his apprenticeship ; for there are many 588 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. very necessary qualifications essential in those who are promoted to the highest ranks of the Fraternity." (Mackey's Ahiraan Rezon, ch. 3, § 1, ^ 9, p. 63.) Eeaolutions were passed enjoining and prohibiting said Lodge from conferring the Master's degree upon the candidate; the Master be pub- licly reprimanded by the Grand Master in open Grand Lodge, and the candidate be permitted to apply to any other Lodge for the Master's degree. Georgia.— The Grand Lodge held their annual communication, in the city of Macon, on Tuesday, the 25th day of October, A. L. 5853, with a representation from one hundred and sixty-two Lodges, aud eight under dispensation. The Grand Master says, "that Masonry in Georgia is onward, doing good, and embracing among its votaries many of the wisest and best of our people," of all professions and occupations. The Southern Masonic Female College, located at Covington, in Xew- ton county, has been dedicated, and put into successful operation. Florida. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge, met in annual com- munication at the city of Tallahassee, January 9th, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful Thomas Hayward, Grand Master, and Right Worshipful John B. Taylor, M. D., Grand Secretary. The address of the Grand Master seems to be wholly engrossed with the powers of a Grand Master, wherein he very ably treats that subject in an argumentative and forcible manner. He says, "the action of Grand Master B. D. Hyam, of California, in making Masons at sight, without the assistance of a Lodge, has been the prolific source of Masonic debate throughout the Grand Lodges of the Union." He refers to a resolution, passed, in the nature of a protest, by Milwaukie Lodge, Xo. 3, recognising the right and authority of the Grand Master to confer the three degrees of Masonry upon a candidate in a Tegular constituted Subordinate Lodge by dispensation, but protests against the power of making Masons at sight without the assistance of a Lodge. The committee, to whom was referred the address aforesaid, after mature deliberation, passed the following resolution : "Resolved, That the Grand Master of a Grand Lodge possesses delega- ted powers only, and as the power to initiate, pass, and raise, are not delegated to a Grand Master to be exercised at will, he can confer those degrees only in a Subordinate Lodge, and in accordance with Masonic law and usage." They passed a preamble and resolution adopting the proposed plan for a Supreme Grand Lodge of the United States, as recommended by the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 589 Alabama. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge, now before us, are of the annual communication held at the city of Montgomery, beginning the 5th day of December, A. L. 5853 ; Most Worshipful David Clopton, Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Araand P. Pflster, Grand Secretary. One hundred and sixty-flve Lodges were represented. The Grand Master announced it as a painful duty to report the decease of Right Worshipful George W. Gaines, Grand Junior Warden. Mississippi. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge, held at the city of Jackson, January 16th, A. L. 5854, containing 400 pages, is before us. Most Worshipful Carnot Posey, Grand Master, and Right Worshipful William P. Mellen, Grand Secretary. One hundred and twenty-five Lodges represented. Addresses were read from the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and District Deputy Grand Masters of sixteen of seven- teen districts, wherein are nothing of a special nature which we deem of sufficient importance to call your attention to at this time; yet at the same time we must say, that it is of that nature which any Mason would read with delight ; matters referring entirely to their own internal affairs, of which we are pleased to say, that every thing appears peaceable and harmonious. In the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, they, in spealiing of the proceedings of the " National Masonic Convention," hold this significant language : " Your attention is particularly called to the power confessed in the words, ' that all matters of difficulty which may arise in any Grand Lodges, or between two or more Grand Bodies of the same Fraternity, which cannot by their own action be satisfactorily disposed of.' If we understand this, it seems that difficulties between individuals and the Grand Lodjie, under whose jurisdiction they live, may be taken up to the proposed body by either party. The presumption is, that by 'two or more Grand Bodies of the same Fraternity,' is meant two or more Grand Lodges. "The first difficulty to be met with in this proposition is, that the opinions of the first Grand Lodge, if an influential one, might have an undue influence. Another suggests itself, that we might be called upon by a two-third vote, to sanction proceedings which we utterly abhor, and which no known inducement would make us comply with. If it were a case requiring counsel, it would involve the parties in too much expense, and the richest treasury would have the advantage in the contest. " It becomes this Grand Lodge to consider this proposition well ; perhaps other evils may be found in it. Certainly there is a great want of definite- ness in the propositions to which you are invited to pledge yourselves. Who is to determine, for instance, what amounts to a sufficient import- ance? 590 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. " Any of the propositions for a General Grand Lodge were better than this, in the opinion of your committee; and as we believe that no arrangement of details, as proposed to be made in the convention of ratification, can lessen the power agreed upon, but that the tendency will be to increase it ; we humbly submit that it would be better to say, at once, that we cannot accede to the proposition. "Resolved, That not believing that sufficient good would result from the organization proposed by the National Masonic Convention, held at Lexington on the 17th of September last, to overbalance the evils which would arise therefrom, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi respectfully declines entering into such organization." In giving the above for your consideration, we are satisfied nothing on our part can make the case more clear or forcible than the plain, simple, and brief extract from the committee of our sister State. The subject itself has nothing to recommend it, but a desire to modernize what we should term an innovation, so far as American Masonry is concerned, which has resulted in good, a system in practical use for over one hundred years, .ind we hope for time immemorial, to stand the test as long as the republic itself. Inasmuch as our ideas are much the same as theirs, as to the feasibility of ."ruch proposed organization, time will demonstrate it. Louisiana. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge bear date January IGth, A. L. 58j4, at an annual communication held in the city of New Orleans. Slost Worshipful William Perkins was elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Samuel G. Risk, Grand Secretary. Thirty-two Lodges were represented. The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master William L. Knox jire- sided, who submitted an address, announcing in feeling terms, "for the much loved, the revered, and ever to be lamented Brother Harrv R. W. Hill, their late Moet Worshipful Grand Master," and submitted matters of a local nature, and not of enough interest to insert here. The report on foreign correspondence is very brief, in which there is nothing of importance to call your attention at this time. Masonry seems to be very prosperous within their jurisdiction, with a steady increase in Lodges and members. Texas. — The seventeenth annual communication of this Grand Lodge is before us, held in the town of Rusk, Cherokee county, on the IGth Of January, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful William M. Taylor, Grand Master, and Right Wor- shipful A. S. Euthven, Grand Secretary. Seventy-nine Lodges represented. The Grand Master, in his address, recommends " that some action be GRAND LODSB OP NEW JERSEY. 591 taken by thip Grand Lodge in protesting against the action of Lodges in othes States in receiving and acting on the petition of those who may be visiting, or temporarily residing among them. Several instances have been presented tome, and serious difficulties have arisen in Lodges and among brethren in our jurisdiction, in consequence of some vpho may have been rejected here, or who may he unworthy, being received by Lodges of other States while on visiting or business tours, and returning immediately legally constituted Master Masons, and seeking admittance, as visitors, in the very Lodges where their petitions had been rejected. " We have engrafted a very safe provision in our constitution, for our own protection, of not allowing a petition to be received until a year's residence in the State." We entirely concur in the very judicious and proper course proposed by the Grand Master, and must say that the evil might be met by the plan suggested, if the several Grand Lodges would but incorporate it as a.law of their jurisdictions. The practice of violating the jurisdiction of others, in accepting petitions from candidates, when there is one nearer, without their consent, is very unjust, and the evil should be remedied by very stringent measures. In looking through the able and well digested report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, we find a resolution, which properly belongs- and no doubt intended to express the decided stand they have taken in regard to initiating non-residents. "Resolved, That no Lodge under this jurisdiction shall recognise, as a regular made Mason, a resident of this State, who may, during a tempo- rary absence therefrom, receive the degrees in Masonry without the con- sent of the Lodge under whose jurisdiction he may reside." Aekansas. — The annual communication of this Grand Lodge was held at Little Rock, on the 7th of Novemb^, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful Luke E. Barber, Grand Master, and Eight Worship- ful Thomas D. Merrick, Grand Secretary. Forty Lodges represented. The Grand Master's address is an excellent production, abounding in information on general topics, and very interesting. He refers to a matter of very general complaint, that of traveling mechanics " capable of going from Lodge to Lodge with a piteous tale of suffering, fabricated for the purpose of working upon the sympathies of those whose hearts and hands are ever open to the cry of distress, will submit to any test that we may offer him ; and there is no safety from imposition by any ordeal to which we can subject him." The remedy for which he leaves to the Grand Lodge. On the subject of a Supreme Grand Lodge, he doubts, "whether any good would result from such a confederation." 592 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. The Committee on Masonic Law and Usage, in the endeavor to secure a uniformity of work, adopted, "as the only legal and legitimate text book and monitor, ' the Masonic Trestle Board,' " published by Bro. Charles W. Moore, of Boston ; and they further recommend that it be the duty of the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master to report to the Grand Lodge an abstract of the decisions on questions of Masonic law, usage, and practice; and, also, a committee was appointed to revise, collate, and digest, in proper form for publication, the former decisions, resolutions, and edicts, with notes and references, for the use of their several Subordinate Lodges. A great deal more matter of a very interest- ing and useful nature might be gleaned from the same rich source, but our limits will permit but a short sketch at present. K.ENTUCKT. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge before us, is for the Grand Annual Convocation, held in the city of Lexington, the 28th day of August, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful Marcus M. Tyler, Grand Master, and Eight Worship- ful John M. S. McCorkle, Grand Secretary, with a representation from one hundred and seventy Lodges. We also acknowledge the receipt of a copy of "Constitutional rule for the government of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges" of said State. The Grand Master in submitting his annual address, says, " prosperity unexampled, and without a check, rests upon Free Masonry under this Grand Lodge jurisdiction," and reports twenty-eight Lodges' organized under dispensation. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence, among other matters, resolves, that a General Grand Lodge, &c., " would be calculated to work an evil to the interests of Symbolic Masonry in the United States, and, therefore, this Grand Lodge declines to engage in it." The late Grand Secretary, Philip Swigert, presented a communication, that he was made a Mason in 1819, and the year following, a representa- tive to the Grand Lodge, when the " lamented Hon. Henry Clay was elected and installed Grand Master." Having filled the office of Grand Secretary for the space of twenty-one years, he desired to withdraw from its active duties. We should say, "well done good and faithful servant." Ohio. — The proceedings before us are of the annual meeting, held at Chilicothe, October 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful William B. Dodds, Grand Master, and Eight Wor- shipful John D. Caldwell, Grand Secretary. Two hundred and six Lodges represented. The late Grand Master, Lucius V. Bierce, in his annual address before the Grand Lodge, among other matters, calls attention " to the expedi- ency of a revision and republication, in permanent form," of their pro- ceedings since its organization. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 593 Illinois. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge, being the fourteenth Grand Annual Communication, held in the city of Springfield, on the 3d day of October, A. L. 6853, together with Anderson's " Ancient Constitu- tions," ordered to be printed with the proceedings. Most Worshipful William B. Warren, Grand Master, and Bight Wor- shipful Harman G. Reynolds, Grand Secretary. We have read with pleasure the able and comprehensive report of Most Worshipful E. B. Ames, their late Grand Master, wherein he handles Masonry in general with a ready pen, and also the committee on Foreign Correspondence and Masonic Jurisprudence are very interesting, and we are well satisfied the Craft would be better informed, if all such sugges- tions could be .generally difl'used among the Fraternity. This volume, containing 318 pages, is made up of various matters, such as — number of non-affiliated members, 901; number reported in 121 Lodges, 3862; showing a total in the State of 4703. Number of initiations in 121 Lodges, 1055; and what we have never seen before, is the occupations of the members, and their ages when they joined. Indiana. — The session of this Grand Lodge was held in the city of Indianapolis, on the 22d day of May, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful Henry C. Lawrence, Grand Master, and Right Wor- shipful Francis King, Grand Secretary. One hundred and sixty-one Lodges represented. The report of the Grand Master seems wholly of that nature wherein we can not glean anything that would be interesting here. Wisconsin. — The proceedings before us are of the annual communica- tion held at Janesville, Rock county, June 13th, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful Henry M. Billings was elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful William R. Smith, Grand Secretary. Their session seemed to be very harmonious, and we should infer that they were very prosperous ; their business appears to have been of an internal nature. Iowa. — We have their journal of proceedings, being the eleventh Grand Annual Communication, held in the town of Mount Pleasant, on the 6th day of June, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful James L. Hogin was elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful T. S. Parvin, Grand Secretary. Forty-three Lodges were represented. We also acknowledge a copy of their Constitution, By-Laws and Gen- eral Regulations. 594 GRAND LODCiE OF NEW JERSEY. Missouri. — The proceedings before us are of the annual meeting, held in the city of St. Louis, May 22d, 1854, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful L. S. Cornwell was elected Grand Master, and A. O'Sullivan, Grand Secretary. A representation from sixty-six Lodges. The (then) Deputy Grand Master, in his address to the Grand Lodge, after noticing matters which pertain to their jurisdiction, in speaking of the success of their college, says: " It affords me great pleasure in being able to announce to you the almost unprecedented prosperity of the Masonic College. The Grand Lodge of Missouri may justly congratulate herself upon being the pioneer in a most glorious enterprise. She has begun and carried forward to completion, an experiment that oiher Grand Bodies, much older and pos- sessing greater advantages than herself, appeared unwilling to undertake ; the honor seems to have been reserved for the Craftsmen laboring at the West Gate; they nobly begun the work, and the Supreme Grand Master of the L'niverse smiled upon and blessed their efforts; let us, therefore, return unto Him our heartfelt thanks and rejoicing. We now have an institution based upon the purest principles of morality and philanthropy ; principles that are as immutable as those that uphold the universe ; principles upon which men of every country, sect and opinion can unite; principles that know no north, no south ; principles that are alike imper- vious to the dogmas of sectarian bigots or political demagogues ; princi- ples that have arisen above the unholy bulls of a corrupt church and the denunciation of unprincipled politicians; principles of pure benevolence, around which the cardinal virtues delight to cluster ; principles that have enlisted the earnest attention of the wise and virtuous of all ages; a theme that the angels of heaven delight to dwell upon." There were reports presented by the president of the board of curators, as likewise from the president of the college, which show the highly flourishing condition of the institution. The committee on tlje subject of the college report the total sum em- ployed in education by the Grand Lodge to be S83,773.92, and say: "In less than twelve years, then, the Grand Lodge and Fraternity of Missouri have aci:omplished this undertaking. When the resolutions to establish the college were introduced into the Grand Lodge, there were about thirty Lodges only, with a membership of less than four hundred. The Grand Lodge had not then one dollar of surplus funds to appropriate, and the Fraternity of the United States were without one institution of learning. The contributions of the Craft for^ charity were in a large degree wasted upon the undeserving, and our orphans went into the world without edu- cation. Now contemplate the change in our situation. The establish- ment of the college mainly, with other influences, have augmented the number of Lodges to one hundred and thirty, and the members to more GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 595 than four thousand. Many of the besi; and wisest of men, being con- vinced of the good intentions of the Grand Lodge on the subject of educa- tion generally, and of the poor especially; have presented themselves at our doors for admission, that they, too, might be permitted to participate in so glorious an enterprise." The ninth annual catalogue of said college shows a list of one hundred and eighty-one students. District op Columbia. — The pamphlet before us contains the pro- ceeding of this Grand Lodge, from May 3d, 1853, to December 27th, 1853, inclusive. At the annual meeting, Most Worshipful William B. Magruder wa& elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Charles S. Frailey, Grand' Secretary. We see nothing of special interest to communicate. California. — The proceedings of this Grand Lodge was held in Sac- ramento City, on May 2d, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful William H. Howard was elected Grand Master, and Eight Worshipful Levi Stowell, Grand Secretary. Twenty-nine Lodges were represented. Minnesota. — The proceedings of the second annual communication, held in Sl Paul, on January 2d and 3d, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful A. E. Ames, Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Henry Reynolds, Grand Secretary. We hail with pleasure the first appearance of this sister Grand Lodge among the numerous others in the Union, and hope we may annually have the pleasure of exchanging fraternal greetings. Michigan. — The proceedings from this Grand Lodge is for the annual meeting, held in the city of Detroit, on the 11th of January, A. L. 5854. Most Worshipful George W. Peck was elected Grand Master, and Eight Worshipful James Fenton, Grand Secretary. Forty-one Lodges were represented. Upon a perusal of their pamphlet, we find it very interesting, but nothing of sufficient interest to particularize. Canada West. — The proceedings of this provincial Grand Lodge is from the meetings of the 20th of May, 1853, to the 25th of October, 1854, inclusive. They have forty-six Lodges. We also acknowledge the By-Laws of St. John's Lodge, No. 491, of Kingston, established the 7th of August, A. L. 5794, commencing with the names of the first three officers from that date to the present time. We here close our report. J. H. Hough, Chairman^ 596 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JEESET. Deputy Grand Secretary John R. Chapin, of No. 10, offered the following resolution, which was decided out of order : Resolved, That the committee to whom was referred the' petitions of two individuals, named Joseph Pilkington and Eees P. Francis, be requested to read such petitions to the Grand Lodge. The motion, submitted yesterday, relative to the change of holding the next Annual Communication from Trenton to Newark, was called up, and decided out of order by the chair, as it is not proposed in writing as an amendment. Past Master James M. Cassady offered the following resolution ; which was on motion adopted. Besolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master be requested to open the next annual communication of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in at least fifteen minutes after the time fixed for opening ; and that the Eight Worshipful Grand Secretary be instructed not to receive any returns or money from Subordinate Lodges after the hour appointed during the session, so that the business of this Grand Body may be facilitated by the enforcement of its regulations. Deputy Grand Secretary John R. Chapin, of No. 10, offered the following amendment to Constitution ; which was laid over. Insert, after the words " Deputy Grand Secretary," in section eight, the words " Grand Chaplain," and strike out, in section nine, the words " Grand Chaplain." Past Master James M. Cassady, of No. 15, off"ered the following preamble and resolution ; which was unani- mously adopted. Whereas, Subordinate Lodges, under the jurisdiction of this Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge, located in the southern part of this State, experience much annoyance from the frequent and almost weekly practice of Sub- ordinate Lodges located in Philadelphia, working under the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, of receiving the appli- cations of persons residing in this State, and passing them through the several degrees of Masonry, without regarding the rights of this jurisdic- tion — therefore, liesolved. That the Most Worshipful Grand Master, under the seal of this Grand Lodge, respectfully request the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and New York to take such action as in their wisdom may be neeessary to protect the subordinates of this Grand Lodge adjacent to GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 597 their jurisdiction, in not allowing subordinates, working under tha jurisdiction, to entertain petitions for the honors of Masonry from persons residing in this State, without consulting the subordinate nearest the place of the residence of such applicant, and that the consent of said subordinate so consulted shall be requisite for the reception of any applicant. Bro. James Green, Jun., of No. 33, oflered the following amendment to Constitution, section eight ; which was laid over. To insert the words " and Past Masters of Subordinate Lodges," after the words " Past Grand Officers." The Grand Secretary presented and read several bills for . payment, which were referred to a committee, as follows : Bro. Charles H. Pierson and Isaac P. Brown, of No. 1, and Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26. Past Master James M. Cassady, of No. 15, offered the following amendment to article 1, section 1, By-Laws, which was laid over. " So that this Grand Lodge shall determine at each annual communica- tion the place where the next communication shall be held." The following resolution was adopted : That the number of Washington Lodge, formerly No. 41, be changed to No. 33. Bro. John C. Rafferty, No. 34, moved that the Lodge dispensated as Central Lodge, No. — , at Whitehouse, Hun- terdon county, have the name changed to " Stewart Lodge, No. 34." Agreed to. Bro. Deputy Grand Secretary John R. Chapin, No. 10, offered the following, as an amendment to section 11, By- Laws, which was laid over. Section 11, insert the words "in such Lodge," after the words "who obtains the benefits of Masonry." The Grand Lodge was called off until^2-J o'clock. 598 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 2J o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. The committee to whom was referred the several bills for examination, made the following report, which was, on motion, adopted. Eeport of committee on inspection of bills presented for payment. The committee appointed to audit the following bills, presented to this Grand Lodge for payment, would respectfully report that they have examined the same, and would recommend that they be paid, viz.: Joseph H. Hough, salary, $200, postage, &c., $14.50 $214 50 Grand Master Edward Stewart, travelling expenses 108 50- Deputy Grand Master Theodore E. Varick, travelling expenses... 11 85 Senior Grand Warden Jacob W. Morris, travelling expenses 31 00_ Junior Grand Warden John Dill, travelling expenses 17 00 Deputy Grand Secretary John R. Cbapin, travelling expenses 7 00- Senior Grand Deacon A. C. Beam, travelling expenses 5 25 Grand Tyler Amos Howell 6 00 Phillips & Boswell, printing journal 86 20- Trenton State Gazette, advertising notice of meeting 3 10 Warren Journal, advertising notice of meeting 2 00 ■ $492 40= Respectfully submitted. CH.4.RLES H. PlERSON,. Isaac P. Brown, Henry R. Cannox. Junior Grand Warden John H. Janeway, No. 27, offered the following preamble and resolution, which was, on motion, adopted. Whereas, Many discrepancies and ambiguous phrases exist in the Con- stitution and By-Laws of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey — therefore be it Resolved, That a committee be appointed to revise the whole Constitu- tion and By-Laws of the Grand Lodge, taking into consideration the- many amendments already offered, and that they report at the next annual communication ; and the rules of order, when adopted, be incor- porated with the said Constitution and By-Laws, when adopted." The Chair appointed John H. Janeway, No. 27, Jeptha B. Munn, No. 1, and John Rodgers, No. 32, such committee. It was Ordered, That an appropriation of ten dollars be made to defray the expenses of the Grand Chaplain. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 599 It was, on motion of Isaac Van Wagoner, No. 29, Ordered, That the committee on printing be authorized to audit and settle the bill for print- ing this journal, when done satisfactorily to them. The committee having charge of the amendment oJSered by Past Master William Kerwood, on page 198 of last year's journal, [page 539 of this book,] relative to advancing the dues from tvpenty-five cents to fifty cents, was requested to report this afternoon. It was Ordered, That the Grand Secretary be requested to have cor- rected and reprinted the list of Lodges under the Grand Lodge of the State of New York with this journal. The committee to whom was referred the amendment offered by Bro. Past Master "William Kerwood, Eo. 5, rela- tive to increasing the dues of the Grand Lodge, made the following report : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Slate of New Jersey. The committee appointed on the tenth section of the By-Laws of this Grand Lodge, beg leave to report — that they have attended to that duty ; that they would recommend that the sum of fifty cents be inserted in place of twenty-five cents. John Dill, Robert C. Bczbv, Elias Phillips. The Chair appointed the following Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the current year — Joseph H. Hough and Egbert H. Grandin, No. 5, and Charles A. Skillman, No. 12. It being represented to the Grand Lodge that, since the last annual meeting. Past Master Elias Van Arsdale has departed this life — It was Ordered, That a committee of three be appointed to draw a pre- amble and resolutions expressive of the loss this Grand Lodge has sus- tained by his decease. The Chair appointed Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, No. 14, Past Master James M. Cassady, No. 15, and Grand Secretary Joseph H. Hough, No. 5, who reported the fol- lowing : 20 600 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Whereas, The Grand Lodge of tbe State of New Jersey has learned with pain and deep regret of the death of their beloved Brother Elias Van Arsdale, Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge — therefore, Resolved, That the deeply afflictive dispensation of Divine Providence which has cut down, in the midst of his days, this highly and esteemed member of our Fraternity, and removed him, in an unexpected hour, far from the toils and trials of this sublunary world to the peaceful shore of a happy and blessed eternity, calls for humble submission to the wise Master who rules over all, while it becomes us to cherish the most grateful and lasting recollections of his Masonic and christian virtues. Uesolved, That this Grand Lodge bear testimony to the great worth of their departed brother, whose whole life, as a man, a Mason, whose public services in the cause in behalf of Masonry, richly entitles his memory to this respectful notice from us. Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his family, in the great and irreparable loss they have sustained. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary enclose a copy of the aforesaid preamble and resolutions to the family of our deceased brother. The minutes of the meeting were read, and, on motion, approved. The Grand Master made the following appointments : Eev. and "\Y. John L. Lenhart, of No. 7, Grand Chaplain. Isaac P. Brown, of ISTo. 1, Senior Grand Deacon. James M. Cassadyj of No. 15, Junior Grand Deacon. Charles E. Stewart, of No. 1, Grand Marshal. Samuel Quicksall, of No. 5, Grand Steward. George Finch, of No. 21, Grand Steward. William Beach, of No. 23, Grand Swordbearer. Samuel B. Scattergood, of No. 5. Grand Pursuivant. Amos Howell, of No. 5, Grand Tj-ler. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again, at the city of Trenton, on the first Wednesday after the second Tuesday in January next, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. Trenton, January IKh, 5855. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 601 Abstract of Lodge Returns, &c., and account of moneys received by Grand Secretary. LODGES. o '-A a a* s S S o S 2 S c U CD "3 o 6 CQ 3 O '3 o St.John's Brearley Cincinnati Tuckerton Trenton Lebanon Newark | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 14 7 6 4 3 101 50 43 20 32 115 57 49 24 35 ?32 25 $32 25 $1 00 13 75 7 00 13 50 14 75 7 00 13 50 32 1 7 3 5 15 13 7 24 92 7 48 20 60 24 48 36 44 124 8 55 23 65 39 61 43 68 3 00 38 25 4 K5* 15 50 6 50 17 50 13 50 18 50 12 50 23 00 41 25 4 25 20 50 6 50 17 50 13 50 18 50 12 50 23 00 Washington .. Franklin 5 00 Aniwell Warren Mount Holly. Camden Olive Branch. 13 4 10 12 10 2 9 4 11 12 8 12 16 73 23 28 26 9 21 35 14 25 13 18 11 8 86 27 38 88 19 23 44 18 36 25 26 23 24 1 00 24 75 25 75 , Harmony 12 00 12 50 7 25 6 25 13 25 5 50 11 75 9 25 9 00 8 75 10 00 12 00 12 50 7 25 8 25 13 25 5 50 12 75 9 25 10 00 33 75 35 00 Rockaway Mc. Brother'd Diogenes Harmony , Prospect ; Northern Jerusalem La Fayette.... Mt. Moriah.... JoDoa 2 00 1 00 1 00 $25 00 25 00 Cape Island... Varick 36 '"is 26 15 14 62 16 32 25 00 25 00 18 00 48 00 61 00 25 00 12 50 25 00 33 00 Burlington.... ^Washington. Stewart 12 50 25 00 25 00 Hoboken 16 9 25 33 00 234 994 1228 S150 00 $32 00 S384 75 $566 75 * Two years. % Resuscitated. 602 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. JANUARY SESSION, 1856. At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honarable Fraternity of Free and Ac- cepted Masons of the State of New Jersey, held at the Odd Fellows' Hall, corner of Hanover and Greene streets, in the city of Trenton, on Wednesday and Thursday, January 9th and 10th, A. L. 5856, A. D. 1856, there being PRESENT, M. W. EDWARD STEWART, Grand Master. R. W. SAMUEL READ, Deputy Grand Master. R. W. JOHN DILL, Senior Grand Warden. R. W. JOHN L. JANEWAY, Junior Grand Warden. R. W. ELIAS PHILLIPS, Grand Treasurer. R. W. JOSEPH H. HOUGH, Grand Secretary. R. W. JOHN R. CHAPIN, Deputy Grand Secretary. Rev. & W. JOHN LENHART, Grand Chaplain. W. ISAAC P. BROWN, Senior Grand Deacon, p. t. W. JAMES M. CASSADY, Junior Grand Deacon, p. t. Bro. AMOS HOWELL, Grand Tyler. Past Grand Masters. — Jeptha B. Munn, No. 1 ; Daniel B. Bruen, No. 7 ; Joseph W. Scott, No. 19. Past Deputy Grand Masters. — John Garside, No. 25; Theodore R. Varick, No. 31. Past Masters. — Simeon Baldwin, No. 1 ; David Naar, No. 5 ; Milton Baldwin, No. 7 ; Robert Laird, No. 9 ; Allen Osborne, No. 10 ; AVilliam M. Babbitt and Simeon Harrison, No. 11 ; William Wilson, No. 12 ; George Pinch, No. 21 ; William Liebe, No. 22 ; Isaac Van Wagoner, No. 29 ; Josiah J. Burgess, No. 31 ; James 8. Green, jun.. No. 33. Visitors. — A. S. Dodd, No. 1; James S. Yard, No. 5; Edward I. Pitcher, No. 9 ; George W. Condit and Morgan Robertson, No. 11 ; Elijah Combs, No. 21 ; Stephen 0. Horton, No. 26 ; John W. Miller and James E. Dean, No. 29 ; Morris K. Crane, No. 35 ; John F. Schenck and John C. Coon, Darcy, U. D. ; Robert S. Green, John A. Perrine and George Thompson, Princeton, U. D. ; Orrin Vanderhoven, Darius Wells, and Daniel A. Beam, Paterson Orange, U. D. ; Henry L. Martin, Bald" win, U. D. ; J. C. Munn, No. 8, Nashville, Tennessee ; Charles S. Ber- nard, No. 330, New York. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 603 LODGES EEPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS]: William S. Whitehead, W. M., Henry S. Boyden, S. W., St. John's, No. 1. Not represented, Brearley, No. 2. Job J. Lewis, S. W., Cincinnati, No. 3. Not represented, Tuokerton, No. 4. , Edward W. Soudder, W. M., Charles C. Van Horn, S. W., Charles G. Updike, J. W., Trenton, No. 5. David S. Plume, W. M., Newark, No. 7. Not represented, Clinton, No. 8. George A. Tator, W. M,, Joseph T. Laird, J. W., Washington, No. 9. Oliver H. Taylor, W. M., William H. Sherman, S. W., Franklin, No. 10. William B. Williams, W. M., William P. Condit, S. W., Union, No. 11. Not represented, Amwell, No. 12. Warren, No. 13. George W. Curtis, W. M., Levi Davis, S. W., Mount Holly, No. 14. Joseph Trimble, proxy for W. M., Camden, No. 15. Not represented, Olive Branch, No. 10. John Hilton, W. M., William H. Doggett, S. W., James W. Low, J. W., Hiram, No. 17. Not represented. Harmony, No. 18. George Taylor, W. M., Union, No. 19. Not represented, Rockaway, No. 20. Samuel L. Titus, W. M., Mystic Brotherhood, No. 21. George Burgesser, W. M., Diogenes, No. 22. Not represented. Harmony, No. 23. Silas A. Thompson, proxy for W. M., Prospect, No. 24. Levi Sanford, W. M., Northern, No. 25. Henry R. Cannon, W. M., John Layton, jun., S. W., Jerusalem, No. 26. Crowell Marsh, W. M., Lafayette, No. 27. Robert C. Buzby, W. M., Mount Moriah, No. 28. Richard B. Chiswell, W. M., John Hopper, J. W., Joppa, No. 29. Not represented, Cape Island, No. 30. Albert A. Rice, S. W., J. Thomas Walsh, J. W,, Varick, No. 31. Ellwood Connor, W. M., John F. Kelly, S. W., Burlington, No. 32. Wallace L. Crowell, W. M., Lewis W. Oakley, J. W., Washington, No. 33. Marston D. Trefren, W. M., Elijah R, Hall, S. W., Stewart, No. 34. John W. Van Boskerck, jun., W. M., Francis M. McDonough, S. W., Hoboken, No. 35. Twenty-four Lodges represented. The Throne of Grace was addressed by Past Master Wil- liam Wilson, of No. 12. 604 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. ■ The secretary proceeded to read the minutes of the last annual session. Past Master Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26, moved that the further reading of the minutes be dispensed with. Agreed to. The minutes of the special meeting, July 10th, last past, were read ; and as the accompanying papers to the Grand Master's address were not spread on the minutes, it was ordered that they be attached thereto. No objection appearing, the minutes were approved. It was Ordered, On motion of Past Master William M. Babbitt, of Xo. 11, that the minutes of the Special Communication be not printed. The address of the Most Worshipful Grand ^Master was read, as follows : Brethren — According to the customary usage, and through the kind- ness of an all wise and bountiful Providence, we are again permitted to meet in this hall, as the representatives of the Subordinate Lodges. Let us, therefore, return unto Him our most humble acknowledgments for hi& watchful care and protection over us during the past year, and beseech Him to guide and govern us aright during the period of our deliberation.s. I congratulate you upon the healthy and prosperous condition of the Lodges throughout our jurisdiction; which is just cause for renewed thankfulness and general rejoicing. I will now give you a brief retrospect of my labors during the past Masonic year. Applications have been made to me, in the requisite form, to resusci- tate and to organize the following named Lodges, viz. : to resuscitate Mansfield Lodge, formerly No. 31, located at Washington, Warren county; to resuscitate Princeton Lodge, formerly No. 30, located in the borough of Princeton. I have organized one, called Darcy Lodge, located in the town of Flemington, Hunterdon county, and one, called Baldwin Lodge, located in the city of Newark. I have also resuscitated a Lodge, named Paterson Orange Lodge, formerly No, 13, located in the city of Paterson, Passaic county ; all of which I have duly organized and set to work. They are returnable to the annual meeting of this Most Worship- ful Grand Lodge, and subject to its action. I would, therefore, respect- fully recommend this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to grant them, separately, warrants, to enable them to pursue their Masonic labors as regular Lodges. I have visited the following named Lodges, who are working under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, viz. : St. John's Lodge, No. 1; Newark Lodge, No. 7; Hiram . GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 605 Lodge, No. 17; Washington Lodge, No. 33; Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3; Clinton Lodge, (at Baskiagridge), No. 8; "Washington Lodge (at Eaton- town), No. 9; Franklin Lodge, No. 10; Union Lodge, No. 11; Amwell Lodge, No. 12; Warren Lodge, No. 13; Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14; Camden Lodge, No. 15; Harmony Lodge, No. 18; Eockaway Lodge, No. 20; Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, No. 21; Harmony Lodge, No. 23 ; Prospect Lodge, No. 24; Northern Lodge, No. 25; Jerusalem Lodge, No. 26; .Lafayette Lodge, No. 27; Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 28, and Hoboken Lodge, No. 35. 1 have also visited the following named Lodges, for the purpose of assisting in the installation of their officers : Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 28; Stewart Lodge, No. 34; Darcy Lodge, U. D. ; Mansfield Lodge, U. D. ; Baldwin Lodge, U. D. ; Union Lodge, No. 11; St. John's Lodge, No. 1 ; Newark Lodge, No. 7; Harmony Lodge, No. 18; Washington Lodge, No. 9 ; Joppa Lodge, No. 29 ; and it affords rae much pleasure to add, in the same connection, and for the information of this Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge, that I found them all in a highly flourishing and prosperous condition. I have also granted dispensations to the following named Lodges, to enable them to make Masons without the usual form of laying over one month: St. John's, No. 1; Newark, No. 7; Washington. No. 33; Cam- den, No. 15 ; Varick, No. 31 ; Union, No. 11 ; Warren, No. 13 ; Stewart, No. 34; Darcy, U. D. ; Princeton, U. D. ; Prospect, No. 24; and Tren- ton, No. 5. I have also found it necessary to call a semi-annual meeting of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, which was held in the city of Trenton on the 10th day of July, 1855, and which was convened for the purpose of submitting to its notice important business which required immediate action; the doings of which have been recorded, and #an be found on the minutes of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. Brethren, whilst every year gives us an increase of new members to our Lodges, I hope and trust, for the honor and credit of our Ancient Craft, that due caution is observed in receiving all applicants who are to partake in the benefits to be derived in our Fraternity. Guard well the doors of your Lodges, and see that none enter but such as are truly qual- ified to receive our honors, by having a well reported good moral charac- ter, free from all stains of just censure— honest and true. If such, and such only, present »them8elves, and are admitted, it is reasonable to expect you will have not only good members, but intelligent and bright Masons — a credit to us and an honor to themselves — entitled, also, to the favorable opinion of many out of our bounds, who are or may be doubtful, from what they have seen of us, of the utility of our institution in bene- fiting moral character, as well as aiding the well being of our common country. 606 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. It is likewise the proper business of the Lodge to teach, and of the brethren to learn, the import of our emblems, signals and usages. They form, altogether, a code of principles, which, if lired up to, cannot fail to make us better men. We exemplify our principles in the proceedings of our Lodges, known also with us as written landmarks, and hare a uni- versal language to recognise one another in all nations, — we have an explanation of our emblems and charges, even in our printed books, which may be known to all who choose to read them. We are bound to study and know them ourselves; we explain them in our lectures, so that these principles, made impressive on the mind, serve a valuable purpose as rules of our conduct, not only among the Fraternity but among men. We are bound by their Masonic teachings, being, as we believe, in accordance with truth and the duties we owe to ourselves and society at large. We have, as you all know, certain forms and ceremo- nies in our Loclces. which, looked at merely as forms, may be deemed by the uninformed as unimportant and useless. All societies have their forms (it belongs to the nature of associations), and are various as cir- cumstances require. Our forms have their peculiar meaning : some are indications of a binding character, and have their full force as such; but all, more or less, with us are enjbleme of principles we hold dear and sacred, and profess to be governed by them in our lives and conversation. True to their principles, true to the common charity which, 1 trust, abounds with us more than in all other societies, we have more forbear- ance for one another's frailties, and are cemented together by the bonds of a purer and more enduring friendship than will be found in any other associciation. There is another :natter which requires our attention. To be tho- roughly instructed in the lectures, well acquainted with the ceremonies, and complete in tfce degrees, is the ambition of all. But some are prompted to a more rapid progress through its forms than is consistent with a clear and adequate comprehension of its principles ; hence they gain but a superficial, or at best only a speculative knowledge of the art. Masonry is an art of great compass and extent ; a thorough knowledge of its mysteries cannot be obtained at once, it can only be done by degrees. By much application advances are made — every step is pro- gressive, and opens new light and information. " According to the progress we make, says Preston, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proportion to our capacity, we attain to a less or a greater degree of perfection." The practice, therefore, of conferring more than one degree of an even- ing is an evil, and should be abolished at once, or only indulged in in very extreme cases. Masonry is a progressive science, and knowledge is the main spring which keeps the whole train in beautiful motion. When the novitiate enters the golden gate of our Temple, and places his foot GRAND LODSB OF NEW JERSEY. 607 upon the first step, be becomes entranced and, as it were, lost in amaze- ment. He is then in a rude and unfinished state. The work of shaping the " rough ashler" commences ; and, if he progresses scientifically, his greatest desire will be for " more light." As he proceeds, he will acquire a firm and steady resolution of mind, be prepared for every reverse, superior to every shock. He learns the discipline of virtue ; he listens to the instructions of wisdom, atfd, following his unerring and faithful guide, he places his trust in God and fears no danger. As each new beauty is rev.ealed to his gaze, an indelible impression is made upon his mind, and he is better able to appreciate the labor that has been bestowed upon him. By the aid of competent teachers, he is further instructed, and as he progresses still on he becomes more and more convinced that, to arrive at the summit of his ambition, he must first become proficient in the science, or he will not be fit for the perfect designs of the Master. The mind should be thoroughly exercised. It should be impressed upon the memory of the youthful workman that time is required to enable him to properly understand the mysteries of the institution. Masonry is the study of a lifetime, but too many of its votaries, I fear, loose sight of the first great requirement. I would be doing great injustice if I did not add, in this connection, that there are some Lodges within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, which sternly require time between each degree. As the time has now arrived, my brethren, for me to retire from the office, with which I have for several years been honored, I am desirous of leaving with you my very best wishes. During my course I have, I believe, faithfully endeavored to the best of my abilities to illustrate, in my humble way, the genius of Masonry and to vindicate the principles of the institution ; and while inculcating upon the members a regard to its duties, to impress upon the minds of those who are looking on a favorable opinion of its true designs and tendency. In the great and glorious work of extending the principles of the Masonic institution, and reducing them to practice, many of you have personally done much. You have looked upon the institution in a manner in which all intelligent Masons should. The Masonic family is one body, and each member a part. " Of one stupendous whole ! " Death, the great human leveller, during the past year has invaded our midst, and with fearful tread. Since our last annual session many of the brotherhood have been removed from this earthly Lodge of clay to the Celestial Grand. Lodge above, not made with hands eternal in the heavens. " Leaves have their times to fall, and stars to set; But thou, Death I hast all times and seasons for thine own." But brethren, we must bear in mind that those afflictions, although they have fallen heavily upon some of the brotherhood, were by the will 608 GRAND LODGE 01' NEW JERSEY. of the Great Grand Master of the Uaiverse, who rules and presides over the destiny of all things. Let his will be done. Around the sacred altar of Masonry do we thus yearly assemble, and bring our votive incense to the Temple which our predecessors founded on the firm basis of virtue, and supported by the pillars of wisdom, STRENGTH, and BEAtrar. We meet to transact the business of a Grand Lodge, and to renew the cordialities of frfendship and the resolutions of love and good will. We are not ambitious. The duties of society and of religion are also binding upon us. May we live to discharge them -all with fidelity and honor! Finally, my brethren, when the events of time shall be ended and. the retribution of eternity begin : when the doors of the Celestial Temple, on high shall be thrown open, and the Craft called to silence by the sound of the mighty gavel on the throne, may each and all of you, on that great day, be found " duly prepared" to approach the East, and receive from the Omnicient Judge of all the earth the precious jewel of immortality, which will be incomparably more resplendent than any here below. With joy you will then be able to join the chorus and chaunt the requiem of dissolving nature; and while the beautiful star of hope rises in the deep caverns of eternity, exclaim, in the language of the poet — " Eternal hope ! when yonder spheres aublimo Peal'd their first notes to sound the march of time, The joyous youth began — bnt not to fade — "When all thy sister planets have decayed ; When wrapt in flames, the realms of ether glow, And Heaven's last thunder sh.ikes the world below. Thou undismayed, shalt o'er the ruins smile And light thy torch at nature's funeral pile." Edward Stewart, Grand Master. ■ It was, on motion of Past Master Samuel Lilly, of No. 12, ordered that it be referred to a committee of five. The Deputy Grand Master reported as follows : To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge oj the State of New Jersey. Brethren — In addition to such report as may be made to your Most Worshipful Grand Body by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, I have the honor to report — that during the recess since the last annual session, I have visited most of the Lodges in my immediate district, and am gratified in reporting the Craft experiencing a healthy and judicious growth. I have visited Cape Island, No. 30, but find the multiplicity of engage- ments during the bathing season, and the peculiar necessity of absence during the rest of the year of so many of the members who are pilots. GJftAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 609 that they are in want of more instruction in the work. I am pleased, however, to bear testimony to the correct moral standing of the members. Bordentown Lodge, No. 28, is advancing steadily in moral worth as well as members. I have visited and installed the officers of Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14, This Ledge is in good condition. I visited and assisted the Most Worshipful Grand Master in installing the officers of Harmony Lodge, No. 18, of Toms Eiver. This Lodge is worthy of great praise for the proficiency of their work and sound integrity of membership. I visited and installed the officers of Burlington Lodge, No. 32, at Burlington. They are in a prosperous condition, and bid fair to equal any Lodge in the jurisdiction in true Masonic worth. 1 have not visited Brearley Lodge, No. 2, at Bridgeton, but am informed they are moving onward in increasing prosperity. Camden Lodge, No. 15, is also increasing very creditably. Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, although not adding largely to her members, may be more sound in Masonic virtues. I regret not having visited all the Lodges in this part of the jurisdic- tion, but am glad to say, the Most Worshipful Grand Master has in a great measure supplied my remissness; the Craft, however, is advancing in the promulgation and practice of Masonic virtues. Respectfully and fraternally, Samuel Read, D. G. Master. Mount Holly, January 7th, 5856. It was moved that it be referred to the same committee. The Grand Secretary reported as follows : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Aceepted Masons, of the State of New Jersey. In presenting my annual report, there are some matters which I think should claim your attention at this session. At an adjourned session of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, held at the city of Newark, on Monday, the 14th day of May, A. L. 5849, A. D. 1849, a communication was read from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, recommending the Rev. William T. Leacock, the president of the Orphan Masonic College of said State, as a worthy brother, and asking aid in behalf of said institution, which was referred to a committee, who reported, and recommended the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated to that institution, which was adopted. The appropriation above referred to never having been called for, and the Grand Lodge of Kentucky having reported us as doubtful in payment,. I therefore take the liberty of calling attention to it, and recommend that the Grand Treasurer appropriate that sum, and said Grand Lodge be requested to draw on him for it. •610 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Washington Lodge, No. 9, at Eatontown, stands indebted on our books for dues, for the year 1850, to the amount of $23, which they allege to have paid. This is a claim prior to the undersigned taking charge of the receipts of this Grand Lodge, and I am unable to say whether correct or not; and inasmuch as they claim to have paid it, I recommend that said sum be •credited to them. On the 23d of July last, an appeal wa.n filed from E. W. Dodd and others, stating that they feel "aggrieved on account of the decision of the special Grand Lodge held at Trenton, July 10th, A. L. 5855, in the case of Jesse Williams, do respectfully appeal from that decision to this Most Worshipful Lodge, to meet at Trenton, January 9th, A. L, 585G." On the same day a protest was filed by David R. Winans "against the late action of Union Lodge, in declaring his vote on the admission of ■Jesse Williams illegal," &c. The aforesaid appeal and protest are filed, in accordance with the power given by the seventeenth section of first article of the By-Laws. Herewith I present a statement of the several sums of money received prior to this day, viz. : For Grand Lodge certificates §11 00 Dispensation to Trenton Lodge, No. 5 4 00 Dues of Trenton Lodge, No. 5 34 00 Jerua.ilem Lodge, No. 26 14 50 Harmony Lodge, No. 18 10 00 Hoboken Lodge, No. 35 19 00 Cincinnati Lodge, No. 3 25 50 Mansfield Lodge, U. D 16 50 Washington Lodge, No. 9 34 00 Joppa Lodge, No. 29 16 50 Hiram Lodge, No. 17 48 48 Franklin Lodge, No. 10 10 50 Prospect Lodge, No. 24 13 50 Amwell Lodge, No. 12 17 00 Varick Lodge, No. 31 33 00 Union Lodge, No. 11 37 CO Princeton Lodge, U. D 7 50 Diogenes Lodge, No. 22 11 50 Mount Holly Lodge, No. 14 35 00 Stewart Lodge, No. 34 9 00 Darcy Lodge, U. D 11 00 Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, No. 21 16 00 Camden Lodge, No. 15 38 50 $462 98 GRAND LOD(JB OF NEW JERSEY. 611 It is a matter of regret, and somewhat embarrassing to the Grand Officers to be compelled to call attention to the small number of Lodges^ who have complied with the sixteenth section of the General Eegulations, and in addressing the proper officers of the Lodge we are at a loss to know who are the Lodge officers for the present year. Those who have complied with said regulations are as follows : Trenton, No. 5, Washing- ton, No. 9, Mystic Brotherhood, No. 21, Mount Moriah, No. 28, Hoboken, No. 35, Mansfield, U. D., Darcy, U. D., and Princeton, U. D. Respectfully submitted. Joseph H. Hough, G. Sec'y. Dated January 9lh, 5856. It was moved that it be referred to the same committee. A petition was presented and read, signed by Joseph Munn and others, to resuscitate Bloomfield Lodge, JSTo. — .. It was ordered to be referred to the same committee. A petition was presented and read, signed by Edward E. Taylor and others, to organize a new Lodge at Hightstown, in the county of Mercer, to be called Hightstown Lodge,. No. — . It was ordered to be referred to the same committee. The Chair appointed a committee on Treasurer's and. Secretary's accounts, to consist of Past Masters James S. Green, jun., of No. 33, George A. Tator, of No. 9, and Eobert C. Buzby, of No. 28. The consideration of the committee on the Grand Master's, Deputy Grand Master's and Grand Secretary's reports, and also the petitions aforesaid for Lodges, was resumed, when the following were nominated : Past Masters Samuel Lilly, of No. 12, William M. Babbitt, of No. 11, John R. ChapJn, of No. 10, Henry S. Cannon, of' No. 26, Theodore R. Yarick, of No. 31, James M. Cassady, of No. 15, Milton Baldwin and Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7. Past Master Samuel Lilly, of No. 12, moved to reconsider the resolution, that the committee consist of five. Not agreed to. Past Master David Naar, of No. 5, moved that the Grand Master name the committee, and called for the previous, question ; which was not agreed to. 612 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Past Master James S. Green, jun., of No. 33, moved that Past Master William M. Babbitt, of No. 11, be chairman, which was agreed to, and the following were nominated and confirmed by the Grand Lodge : Past Master Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26, Milton Baldwin, of No. 7, Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, of No. I, Past Deputy Grand Master Theodore R. Varick, of No. 31. On motion of Past Master David Naar, of No. 5, the Grand Lodge adjourned until half past three o'clock P. M. 3J o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. The committee to whom was referred the several reports of the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, and Secretary, as also the petitions which were referred to them, made a verbal report, that the dispensations to Mansfield, Darcy, Princeton, Baldwin, Bloomfield and Hightstown Lodges be taken up, and warrants issue, and that thej' take number according to seniority. The committee appointed at the last annual meeting, on rules of oi'der made the following report : To the Worshipful Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. We, your committee, appointed at the last annual session to report a code of rules order for the use and government of this Grand Body, with leave report the follovring.* James M. Cassadt, Samuel Eead, Joseph H. Hough. Trenton, January 9th, 5856. The report was received and committee discharged. The committee to whom was referred the Treasurer's and Secretary's accounts, made the following report, whicti was read, accepted and adopted. * Report omitted here. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 613 To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — Your committee, appointed to examine into and report upon the accuracy of the accounts of the Right Worshipful Grand Treas- urer and Secretary, would respectfully report: Balance on hand last year $15 85 Received from various sources during the year 516 75 $532 60 Paid out, as per vouchers 534 60 Balance due the treasurer , $2 00 All which is respectfully submitted. James S. Green, Jdn., George A. Tator, E. C. BUZBY. The following newly warranted Lodges were represented as follows : John McGilligan, S. W., Mansfield, No. 36. Bennet Van Sickell, W. M., John F. Sohenck, S. W., Darcy, No. 37. Robert S. Green, W. M., W. Tenbrook Stout, S. W., Princeton, No. 38. It was Ordered, That the name of Baldwin be changed to Eureka, No. 39, Henry L. Martin, J. W. ; Bloomfleld, No. 40 ; Hightstown, No. 41. The committee to whom was referred the investigation of charges brought by Bro. Marcus M. Mitchell against Bro. John Snyder, in Union Lodge, No. 11, at the meetiug in July last, made a report, which was read. It was Ordered, That the report be received and the committee dis- charged. A petition was presented and read, signed by Caleb H. Valentine and others, to resuscitate Independence Lodge, formerly No. 29, of Hackettstown, Warren county. It was Ordered, That it be referred to the committee on the Grand Master's address. It was Ordered, That the committee on Constitution, By-Laws, &c., have until to-morrow to report. Nominations for Grand Officers were made. It was Ordered, That the first business this evening, on labor, be the election of Grand Officers. The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until eight o'clock. 614 grand lodge of new jersey. 8 o'clock p. M. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Brearley Lodge, No. 2, was represented by George W. H. Wbitaker, J. W. The time having arrived for an election of officers to serve the coming year, the Chair ordered an election to be held, and appointed Past Master Henry E. Cannon, of No. 26, judge, and Past Masters George Taylor, of Xo. 19, and Ben- net Van Sickell, of Xo. 37, tellers. Previous to proceeding to ballot, the Chair read the fol- lowing: Brethrex — By your kind partiality, I have had the honor to preside over the interests of the Craft in this jurisdiction for five consecutive years, during which time my utmost efforts have been exerted for the best welfare ol the Craft. If I have succeeded in any degree to the advancement of Masonry within our jurisdiction I am amply repaid, and trust that good may continue to increase; if, upon the contrary, I have erred, which undoubtedly is the case, brethren rest assured that error has been of the head and not of the heart. For your continual fraternal regard and kindness I thank you, and now decline being a candidate for the office for which I have been nominated. E. Stewart. While proceeding to ballot, the question was asked — " Can a Past Master, who is a proxy for the officers of a SubordinateXodge, cast three votes, that is, two as such proxy, and one as Past Master ?" The Chair decided " he could only vote in one capacity at the same time." Past Deputy Grand Master Theodore R. Varick, of Xo. 31, appealed, as follows : " I appeal from the decision of the Grand Master, as to his decision in regard to the rights of Past Masters voting while representing a Subordi- nate Lodge as proxy." Which appeal was decided out of order. The election then proceeded, when the following were reported by the judge, and by the Chair declared to be duly elected, as follows : GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 615 Grand Master— M. W.Daniel Babbitt, of No. 11. Deputy Grand Master— R. W. Theodore E. Varick, of No. 31. Senior Grand Warden— R. W. John II. Janeway, of No. 27. Junior Grand Warden — R. W. George Finch, of No. 21. Grand Treasurer— R. W. Elias Phillips, of No. 5. Grand Secretary— R. W. Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5. Deputy Grand Secretary— R. W. John R. Chapin, of No. 10. The following resolution was agreed t@ : Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to Most- Worshipful Brother Edward Stewart, for his fidelity, perseverence, and unwearied exertions in the performance of the arduous duties pertaining to the office of Grand Master. A motion to adjourn was not agreed to. Past Grand Master Joseph W. Scott, of No. 19, took the chair, and installed all the officers elect, except the Grand Master, he not being present. On motion, it was Ordered, That the Grand Lodge be called from labor to refreshment till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. THURSDAY MORNING, 9 O'CLOCK. The Grajad Lodge was called to labor. Deputy Grand Master Theodore R. Varick, of No. 31, presiding. The committee to whom was referred the revision of the- Constitution, By-Laws, &c., reported as follows : To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Wardens and Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey. The committee to whom was referred the revision and alterations of the Constitution, By-Laws, and General Eegulations of this Grand Lodge, beg leave most respectfully to report — that they have endeavored to give to the subject of their labors the most careful consideration. They have examined the constitutions of all the various Grand Lodges in communi- cation with this Grand Lodge, and have embodied all the amendments- and alterations which have been passed by this Grand Lodge, from time- to time, in the following Constitution, By-Laws, and General Eegulations which they beg leave to submit to the consideration of this Grand Lodge for their adoption. That they have, for information of the Craft,. intro- 21 616 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. duced the ancient landmarks, as far as it is proper to commit to writing; that they have made many alterations, which they hope will be pleasing to the brethren, and which they hope will meet with their approbation ; and they would state that they have consulted all the ancient works on Masonic jurisprudence that they have had access to to prove their work. All which is respectfully submitted. John H. Janewat, J. B. MUNN. Past Master David Naar, of 'No. 5, offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That the committee be requested to cause to be printed a suffi- cient number of copies of the Constitution and By-laws submitted by them, as will be sufficient for the use of all the Subordinate Lodges and Past Grand Officers, and that the same be forwarded to the said Lodges and officers — the copies to be printed in the form of bills presented to the legislature of this State. Amwell Lodge, No. 12, was represented by Charles A. Skillman, Wor- shipful Master. It was Ordered, On motion Of Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, of Xo. 1, that the rules of order reported yesterday be referred to the com- mittee on Constitution, &c., to be printed. Past Master William M. Babbitt, of No. 11, called up the report on the charges of Bro. Marcus M. Mitchell, against Bro. John Snyder, in Union Lodge, No. 11, and moved that a new committee on the subject be appointed, and the report received yesterday be rejected. A motion to lay on the table was not agreed to. Past Master Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26, offered the fol- lowing as a substitute, which was adopted : Resolved, That the committee appointed by this Grand Lodge, at the called meeting in July last, in reference to charges preferred in Union Lodge, at Orange, be discharged, and that the whole business be referred back to that Lodge for their adjudication. The committee on the Grand Master's address presented the following, which was accepted and adopted : To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Brethren — The committee appointed by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge to examine and report upon the address of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, beg leave to offer the following: The prosperous condition of the Fraternity, and the healthy increase of GRAND LOBGE OP NEW JERSEY. 617 Lodges throughout the State is, and of necessity must be, truly gratifying to all those who properly appreciate our time-honored institution. Your committee, in accordance with the suggestion of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Master, recommend that warrants be granted for the resus- citation of Mansfield Lodge and Princeton Lodge, and also for the insti- tution of Darcy Lodge and Eureka Lodge, and that the acts of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, in granting them dispensations, be approved. In reference to the recommendation that a warrant issue for the resuscita- tion of Paterson Orange Lodge, the evidence presented to the committee is of such a character that they have thought it most prudent to refer the application back to this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, for its investiga- tion and action. During the year, the Most Worshipful Grand Master has, in the dis- charge of his duties, visited most ot the Lodges under his jurisdiction, and given them the benefit of his fraternal counsel and instruction. As he is now about to retire from the discharge of his arduous and responsible duties, the committee have deemed it proper to oflfer the accompanying resolution for the adoption of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge : Resolved, That the thanks of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey be returned to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Edward Stewart, for the faithful discharge of the arduous duties of Grand Master, during a service of many years, and that the best wishes of the members of this Grand Lodge, and of the Fraternity at large throughout the State, will ever be with him in his retirement. The committee have examined the report of the Most Worshipful Grand Secretary, and approve of his suggestions, and in accordance therewith, present the following resolutions : Resolved, That a warrant be drawn upon the Most Worshipful Grand Treasurer for $50, appropriated by this Grand Lodge for the benefit of the Orphan Masonic College of the State of Kentucky, and that the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge be requested to notify the Most Worshipful Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky that the amount awaits his draft. Resolved, That the amount of j523 be credited to the account of Wash- ington Lodge, No. 9, at Eatontown. The report of the Most Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Read has also been examined, and the committee have been gratified at his favorable mention of the condition of the Craft in the western portion of the State. The committee have also received petitions to establish Lodges at Bloomfleld, Hightstown, and Hackettstown, and offer the following reso- lution, that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that a warrant , issue for Independence Lodge, No. 42, Hackettstown, Warren county, 618 GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. Bloomfield Lodge, No. 40, at Bloomfield, Essex county, and Hightstown Lodge, No. 41, at Hightstown, Mercer county. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. M. Babbitt, J. B. MUNN, Milton Baldwin, Theodore E. Vaeick, Henry R. Cannon. TrentOD, January 10th, 5856. Past Grand Master Samuel Read, of No. 15, offered the following resolutions, which were agreed to : Sesolved, That a comnaittee of three, coneisting of Past Grand Masters Jeptha B. Munn, of No. 1, Joseph W. Scott, of No. 19, and Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, be appointed to procure a Past Grand Master's jewel, at a cost not to exceed fifty dollars, and present the same to Past Grand Master Edward Stewart, as a faint token of respect for the valuable ser- vices rendered the Craft. liesolved, That an order be drawn on the Treasurer of this Grand Lodge for the sum of fifty dollars for the above purpose. Deputy Grand Secretary, John R. Chapin, offered the fol- lowing, which was referred to the committee on Constitu- tion, By-Laws, &c. I submit the following, as the order of business: After the Grand Lodge shall be called to order, the business shall be taken up iu the following order : 1. Reading the minutes of the last Grand Communication by the Grand Secretary. 2. Reading of annual address and report of the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master. 3. Appointment of committees to examine and audit the accounts of Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer. 4. Election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year. 5. Granting warrants. 6. Report of special committees. 7. Reading communications. 8. New business. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence asked leave to print their report with the journal, as an appendix ; which was agreed to. The Chair appointed the following a committee on bills GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 619 presented : Past Masters David Naar, of No. 5, C. A. Skill- man, of No. 12, and Robert S. Green, of No. 38. On motion of Past Master David Naar, of No. 5, that a warrant issue to Paterson Orange Lodge, No. 43, after con- siderable discussion, the previous question was called, and agreed to. The warrant was ordered. The Grand Lodge was called ofl' until two and a half o'clock, P. M. 2J o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Visitors. — Leon Hyneinan, Sbekiaah Lodge, No. 246, of Philadelphia, Morris K. Crane, of Hoboken Lodge, No. 35, Thomas J. Corson and W. W. L. Phillips, of No. 5. The bill of Past Grand Master William H. Earl, of No. 7, which was indefinitely postponed at the meeting in July last, was called up, and, on motion, referred to the committee on presented bills. Past Grand Master Jeptha B. Munn, of No. 1, made a statement that Bro. Sterritt, of No. — , a worthy Mason, was poor, and wished relief. It was Ordered, That the amount of fifty dollars be appropriated for his relief. The Deputy Grand Master made the following appoint- ments : Rev. and W". John L. Lenhart, of No. 7, Grand Chaplain. James M. Cassady, of No. 15, Senior Grand Deacon. George Taylor, of No. 19, Junior Grand Deacon. William M. Babbitt, of No. 11, Grand Marshal. Chauncey Dygert, of No. 17, Grand Steward. John Thompson, of No- 24, Grand Steward. Peter J. Powless, of No. 35, Grand Swordbearer. Thomas Thompson, of No. 12, Grand Pursuivant. Amos Howell, of No. 5, Grand Tyler. 620 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. And, with a view to facilitate the duties of the Grand Officers, do assign to the Wardens the Lodges in their vicinity : To Bro. John H. Janeway, Senior Grand "Warden — Tren- ton, No. 5, Clinton, No. 8, Franklin, No. 10, Amwell, No. 12, Warren, No. 13, Mount Holly, No. 14, Camden, No. 15, Jerusalem, No. 26, Lafayette, No. 27, Mount Moriah, No. 28, Burlington, No. 32, and Stewart, No. 34. To Bro. George Finch, Junior Grand Warden — Brearley, No- 2, Tuckerton, No. 4, Washington, No. 9, Harmony, No. 18, Mystic Brotherhood, No. 21, and Cape Island, No. 30. To the Deputy Grand Master — the others not ahove enumerated. Deputy Grand Secretary oflered the following resolution ; which was not agreed to. Hesolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Grand Lodge to confer with like committees from the Grand Lodges of New York and Pennsylvania, in regard to Lodges in the various States making Masons of individuals who reside without the jurisdiction of the various Grand Lodges, and until that committee shall report. Lodges under this jurisdic- tion be instructed not to confer the degrees of Masonry upon persons without the State, unless the nearest Lodge in the neighboring State shall signify their assent. Bro. William S. Whitehead, of No. 1, oft'ered the follow- ing resolution ; which was adopted. Whereas, Subordioate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge, located in the southern and eastera part of this State, experience much annoyance from the frequent and almost weekly practice of Subordinate Lodges, located in Philadelphia and New York, working under the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and New York, of receiving the applications of persons residing in this State, and passing them through the several degrees of Masonry without regarding the rights of this jurisdiction — therefore, Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Master, under the seal of this Grand Lodge, respectfully request the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania and New York to take such action, as in their wisdom may be necessary, to protect the subordinates of this Grand Lodge adjacent to their jurisdiction, in not allowing subordinates, work- ©RAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 621 ing under that jurisdiction to entertain petitions for the honors of Masonry from persons residing in this State, without consulting the subordinate nearest the place of residence of such applicant, and that the consent of said subordinate, so consulted, shall be requisite for the reception of any applicant. The committee to whom was referred the several bills presented at this session, presented the following report. It was ordered, that the report be accepted, and bills ordered paid. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. The undersigned, a committee appointed to audit the bills against the Grand Lodge, hereby report — that they have examined the following, and finding them certified as correct, hereby enumerate them for payment. Grand Master Stewart $125 00 Deputy Grand Master Eead 32 50 Senior Grand Warden Dill 15 00 Junior Grand Warden Janeway 20 00 Senior Grand Deacon Brown 14 20 Junior Grand Deacon Cassady 6 00 Grand Secretary Hough 222 63 Deputy Grand Secretary Chapin 17 50 Grand Tyler Howell 9 00 Past Grand Master Earl 30 00 Past Grand Master Munn 32 25 Ichabod Harrison 7 00 William Godber (St. John's) 6 00 H. B. Mattison (advertising) .' 2 75 Phillips & Boswell (printing) 3 00 State Gazette (advertising) 2 75 David Clark (stationery) 10 68 Newark Daily Advertiser (advertising 1854) 5 50 (1855) 5 50 D. W. Dorman's expenses on committees 7 50 $574 76 Making a total of five hundred and seventy-four dollars and seventy-six cents. David Naar, Charles A. Skillman, Robert S. Green. It was Ordered, That the sum of twelve dollars be appropriated for the expenses of the Grand Chaplain. -622 GRAND LODWE OF NEW JERSEY. The proposition on page 40 of the journal of the last annual meeting, [page 597 of this book], relative to chang- ing the place of holding the annual meetings of this Grand Lodge, was called up by Past Master Josiah J. Burgess, of No. 31, and moved to substitute "Jersey City" for "Tren- ton." Past Deputy Grand Master Samuel Read, of Xo. 14, moved that it be postponed till the next annual meeting ; -which -tvas as:reed to. Past Master James S. Green, jun., of No. 33, oifered the folio-wing resolution ; -which -was laid on the table. Resolved, That Bro. Past Grand Master Edward Stewart, be requested to state to this Grand Lodge the time, place, and manner in which he pronounced the sentence ordered by this Grand Lodge against Bro. Past ilaster Luther Goble, of No. 1. The chair appointed the following a Committee on ^Foreign Correspondence for the present year : Past Mas- ters Josesh H. Hough, of No. 5, Josiah J. Burgess, of No. 31, and David S. Plume, of No. 7, It was Ordered, Tliat the name of each member be printed with the journal as formerly. It was Ordered, That the Committee on Printing be authorized to audit and settle the bill for printing this journal when done satisfactorily. The minutes of this communication were read and approved. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again, at the city of Trenton, on the first Wednesday after the second Tuesday in January next, unless sooner convened by the proper authority. Trenton, January 10th, A. L. 5856. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 623 Abstract of Lodge Eeturns, &c., and account of moneys received by Grand Secretary. LODGES. 6 a B 12; S s -a S a 1 J S S si 1 St.John's Brearley Cincinnati Tuckerton Trenton Newark 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 8 7 4 2 27 24 112 54 47 17 41 107 119 61 51 19 68 131 $1 00 $50 60 *46 50 25 50 9 50 38 00 66 50 $60 50 46 50 25 50 9 50 39 00 68 50 "l"oo 2 00 Washington .. Franklin Union (Or'ge) 11 2 15 6 ""3 12 57 19 59 36 62 47 63 68 21 74 42 62 5( 75 2 00 1 GO 1 00 34 00 10 50 37 00 17 00 31 00 25 00 37 60 36 00 11 50 38 00 17 00 31 00 25 00 38 50 Mount Holly Camden Olive Branch. 1 00 13 7 2 6 13 3 9 9 9 5 8 8 8 84 26 39 38 15 20 37 18 36 24 19 22 25 97 33 41 44 28 2:-i 46 27 45 29 27 30 33 48 48 10 10 20 50 22 00 14 00 11 50 23 00 13 50 22 50 14 50 13 50 15 00 16 50 48 48 10 00 20 50 22 00 16 00 11 50 23 00 13 50 22 50 14 50 13 50 15 00 16 50 Harmony Union (N.B.) Eockaway Mc. Broth er'd Diogenes Harmony Prospect Northern Jerusalem La Fayette.... Mt. Moriah.... Joppa .. . 2 00 Cape Island... 14 14 6 10 11 15 14 2 52 15 24 8 27 18 8 13 7 66 29 30 18 38 33 22 15 7 33 00 14 50 19 50 9 00 19 00 16 50 11 00 7 50 3 50 33 00 14 50 21 50 10 00 19 00 16 50 36 00 7 50 28 50 Burlington.... Washington... Stewart 2 00 1 00 Hoboken Mansfield Darcy $25 03 Princeton Eureka 25 00 Bloomfield.... Hightstovrn ... Independence Pat'son Or'ge 14 14 7 00 7 00 307 1309 1616 150 00 $14 00 $822 98 $886 98 * Two years. 624 GRAXD LODGE OK NEW JERSEY. APPENDIX. When received. January 9, 1855 Feb. 3, " Jan. 10, (t Feb. 16, 21, " March 9, '■ (( 24, 27, I. April 9, 11, 14, 17, ■' REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN CORRESPONDEKCE. A. L. 5855. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence report, tliat they have received printed journals^of the several Grand Lodges, (fee, as follows: StHt.B. Date of meeting. 1. Arkansas, Nov. 6, 1854, 2. Ohio (G. Chapter), Oct. 13, " 3. " " 17, " 4. Virginia (G. Chapter), Dec. 14, " 5. District of Columbia, May 2, to Dec. 27, 1854, 6. Florida, Jan. 8, 1855, 7. Michigan, " 10, " 8. Vermont, " " " 9. Nat.Mas. Convention, " 3 and 4, 1855, 10. Texas, '■ 15, 11. North Carolina, Dec. 4, 1854, 12. New York, Aug. 23, '54, to Jun. 9, 'oS, 13. " " (Evidence), 14. Soutli Carolina, Jan. 3, to Dec. 27, 1854, May 15. " " (Address), 16. Vermont (reprint), Jan.l4,'46and Jan. 13,'47, " 17. N. York (St. John's), June 13, 1853, 18. " (Circular letter), 19. Mississippi, Jan. 15, 1855, 20. Maryland, May 1854, to Nov. 1854. 21. Louisiana, Feb. 12, 1855. 22. Pennsylvania, Dec. 4, to Dec. 27, 1854, 23. Georgia, Oct. 31, 1854, 24. Massachusetts, Deo. 13 and 27, 1854, 25. Connecticut, May 9 and 10, 1855, 26. Missouri, " 28, 27. N.Y.(J.Uerring,G.S.), Sept. 5, '54, to June 7, '55, 23. Maine, May 2, 1855, 29. Indiana (G. Chapter), " 23, " 30. '• " 28, " 31. California. " 1, " 32. N.Y.(Ho!landLodge), Aug. " 17, '• 18, " 2'"' " 3l! June 11, July 3, " 6, •' 16, " 28, Aug. 7, " " " 27, " 30, GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 625 States. Date of meeting. When receirod. 33. Maryland, May 14, 15, 16, 1855, Sept. 11, 1855. 34. New Hampshire, June 12 and 13, " " 26, " 35. Oregon, " 11, " Oct. 4, " 36. Wisconsin, June 12, " " 8, " 37. Iowa, " 5, " " 24, " 38. Kentucky, Aug. 29, " " 31, " 39. Minnesota, Jan. 1, " 40. Alabama. Dec. 4, 1854. Arkansas. — The proceedings before us are of the annual communication held at Little Rock, November 6th, 1854. The Grand Master (Most Worshipful Luke B. Barber), in his address, gives notice of the refusal of two of their Lodges to pay a certain sum, levied upon the members of Subordinate Lodges for the benefit of St. John's College, and presented their objections. Louisville Lodge, No. 14, was not represented at the communication which passed the edict» who say in reply, that the plan proposed will not meet the object in view, and promote harmony ; will cause an unsuspecting confidence in the wisdom, prudence, and Masonic spirit in the Grand Lodge ; that it is unauthorized by ancient principles and the true spirit of the Fraternity, and cannot but prove otherwise than destructive of its end and disastrous in its consequences, and therefore, remonstrate with the Grand Lodge in relation to their unauthorized exercise of the power on their part, and ask for its repeal. Calhoun Lodge, No. 50, the other Lodge, enter their firm remonstrance, and ask for its repeal. He thinks it due to them to state, that their proceedings furnish no evidence of an unwillingness to contribute for Masonic enterprises. When called upon in a proper manner, they will most cheerfully, of their own volition, contribute such sums as they feel willing. He says the prin- ciple is settled, because it has been sanctioned by the Grand Lodge, at its last four communications, which has been sustained. Other questions growing out of these resolutions, upon which he expresses his own opin- ions in a very clear and forcible manner, upon the principle of the right of the Grand Lodge to tax the subordinates for such purposes, and con- cludes, " If you repeal the tax, I do not believe, painful though it be to announce such an opinion, that you, or your sons, or your sons' sons, will ever live to see St. John's College in successful operation, nor another effort in the cause of education by the Masons of Arkansas." The Grand Lodge afterward passed the following resolution: " Resolved, That the edict passed by this Grand Lodge, at its last annual communication, requiring an annual contribution of two dollars, from each affiliated Mason within this jurisdiction, for the benefit of St. John's College, be and the same is hereby repealed." 626 SRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. A committee was appointed to prepare and report a system of Laws and By-Laws for the government of Subordinate Lodges. A preamble and resolution was adopted, that, as the capitation tax was repealed, that the Subordinate Lodges be earnestly requested to set apart such portion of their gross receipts, as in their judgment they are able to spare, for the benefit of St. John's College. A resolution was passed for a committee to procure, and present to the Grand Secretary, a full set of regalia, of such degree as he may select, and a gold-headed cane, as a token of the respect and esteem of that Grand Lodge, for his zealous and efficient services as Grand Secretary. An appeadix is published, containing an abstract of opinions on Masonio law, usage, and practice, during the year ending November 1st, 1854, the old charges of 1722, the old regulations of 1721, the ancient mode of constituting a Lodge, ancient Constitutions, old charges of 1738 and 1746, and a lengthy report on foreign correspondence. We cannot but heartily approve of the Grand Lodge printing those old documents for general circulation among the Craft, for the more they are read, and the principles understood, we will have better oflScers and more enlightened members. We commend their journal to all. Most Worshipful Nat. G. Smith was elected Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Thomas D. Merrick, re-elected Grand Secretary. Ohio. — Journal of proceedings of the Grand Chapter, held at Chilli- cothe, October loth, 1854. Their journal of the Grand Lodge is of a meeting held at Chillicothe, October 17th, ISto, 19th, and 20th, 5854, with a representation from 138 Lodges. The report of the late Grand Master, Lucius V. Bierce, occupies over twelve pages of their journal, in which he gives an account of hie acts, No. 33; John A. Perrine, of No. 38; Joseph Munn, of No. 43; F. S. Wolfe, of No. 41 ; Alexander Elwell, Joseph K. Hulme, George C. Brown, William H. Irick, Charles M. Harker, George R. Dunn, of Central, U.. D.; David Neer, Allen Knowles, Samuel W. Goddard, of Benevolent, U. D.; James W. Low, of Bergen, U. D.; David P. Kenyon, Alexander E. Donaldson, of Solomon's, U. D.; Albert A. Rice, Alexander Driver, and Jonathan T. Thruston, of Enterprise, U. D.; M. I. Drummond, editor of Masonic Messenger, of Doric Lodge, No. 280, New York ; John A. Laird^ of Continental, No. 287, New York ; S. Mendleson, of Orange, No. 43 ; M. M. Laird, of Eureka, No. 243, New York ; Chambers, of Man- hattan, No. 62, New York ; Dor Ming, Hong Kong, China. LODGES REPRESENTED AS FOLLOWS : Anthony C. Beam, M., Isaac M. Tucker, S. W., Orson Wilson, J. W.^ St. John's, No. 1. Joshua Bates, J. W., G. W. H. Whittaker, proxy, Brearley, No. 2. Not represented, Cincinnati, No. 3. Tuckerton, No. 4. Edward W. Scudder, proxy for W. M., Charles G. Updyke, S. W., Trenton, No. 5. Not represented, Lebanon, No. 6. David I. Plume, M., Oscar J. Valentine, S. W., Thomas Jehu, J. W., Newark, No. 7. Not represented, Clinton, No. 8. Francis Corlies, M., Washington, No. 9. Allen Osborne, proxy for W. M., Franklin, No. 10. William P. Condit, M., Union, No. 11. Not represented, Amwell, No. 12. Samuel S. Clark, M., Warren, No. 13. Thomas B. Woolston, M., William E. Bryan, S. W., William 0. Thorn-, bury, J. W., Mount Holly, No. 14. Martin E. Hamstead, S. W., Camden, No. 15. Not represented, Olive Branch, No. 16. William H. Doggett, M., Isaac Van Saun, S. W., Hiram No. 17. Not represented. Harmony, No. 18. George Taylor, M., Union, No. 19. Not represented, Roekaway, No. 20. John E. Norris, M., William Hadden, S. W., Mystic Brotherhood,, No. 21. Frederick Harterick, M., Diogenes, No. 22. David N. Deazley, M., Harmony, No. 23. Silas A. Thompson, M., Prospect, No. 24. George Booth, M., Northern, No. 25. • Henry R. Cannon, M., Stephen 0. Horton, J. W., Jerusalem, No. 26». 660 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. George I. Trussler, J. W., Lafayette, Xo. 27. Robert C. Buzby, M., Mount Moriah, Xo. 23. John Hopper, S. W., Joppa, No. 29. Kot represented. Cape Island, No. 30. Theodore Fitz Randolph, M., Nathaniel Rogers, S. W'., ^Villiam H . Dame, J. W., Varick, No. 31. John F. Kelly, M., Burlington, No. 32. Lewis W. Oakley, M., Washington, No. 33. Marston D. Trefren, M„ Elijah K. Hall, S. W., Stewart, No. 34. John W. Van Boskerck, Hoboken, No. 35. A. P. Berthoud, M., Mansfield, No. 36. Johu F. Schenck, M., George F. Crater, J. W., Darcy, No. 37. Samuel Paxson, J. W., Princeton, No. 38. Frederick C. Dodd, M., Henry L. Martin, J. W., Eureka, No. 39. John Ehlers, M., Bloomfield, No. 40. Edward C. Tavlor, M., Jacob Stults, S. W., Hightstown, No. 41. Not represented, Independence, No. 42. Darius Wells, M., Paterson Orange, No. 43. George C. Brown, S. W., Alexander Elwell, J. W., Central, U. D. David Neer, M., Allen Knowles, S. W., Samuel W. Goddard, J. W., Benevolent, U. D. Alexander E. Donaldson, S. W., David P. Kenyon, J. W., Solo- mon's, U. D. James W. Low, M., Bergen, U. D. Albert A. Rice, M., Alexander Driver, S. W., Enterprise, U. D. The Grand Lodge was called to order, the Senior Grand Warden in the chair. The Throne of Grace was addressed by Past Master William Wilson, of No. 12. It was Ordered, That a Committee on Credentials be appointed. The Chair appointed Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, Henry E. Cannon, of No. 26, and David I. Plume, of No. 7. It was Ordered, That the reading of the minutes of the last annual communication be dispensed with. The minutes of the special meeting held at Jersey City, February 9th last, and also the one held at New Brunswick, June 24th, were read and approved. The address of the Grand Master, and reports of the Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 661 Warden, and Grand Secretary, were read, as follows, and ordered to be referred to the following committee, viz. : Past Masters Peter I. Powless, of No. 25, Orrin Vander- hovcn, of No. 43, and Richard B. Chiswell, of No. 29. ADDRESS OF GRAND MASTER. Brethren op the Grand Lodge — The reunion of the Masonic Fra- ternity in annual communication cannot fail to be a source of pleasure and of profit to all who participate therein in a proper spirit. United by mystic ties, no less sacred than those vows assumed at the hymeneal altar, or less binding than those which unite in one communion and fellowship the members of the Christian family, separation for a limited period serves only to increase the measure of connubial felicity, to strengthen the bonds of affection among Christian brethren, and to add to the pleasure of social intercourse among Masons, to an extent and in a way known only to the initiated. These reflections, brethren, so far as they refer to Masonry, are, to him who addresses you, rather the reminiscences of past scenes than any realization of the present. Circumstances beyond his control having sepa- rated him from intercourse with his brethren in the Lodge room for more than a quarter of a century, on reappearing therein, although surrounded by everything calculated to remind him of the active labors and social pleasures in which he formerly participated, yet the pleasing reflection is chastened by the thought that the great majority of those with whom he was formerly associated have left the stage of action, and have ceased from their labor. A few only survive, and those few, with whitened locks, yet warm hearts, have been spared, we trust, by a kind Providence to aid in preserving the ancient landmarks of the Craft, and in transmitting, by oral tradition, the unwritten volume of Masonry to a succeeding genera- tion. And on entering the Masonic temple, at each annual communica- tion, this absence of many familiar faces we have been in the habit of meeting on similar occasions, should remind us that we, too, are fast traveling, on the level of time, to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns. These remarks, brethren, 1 trust will not' be deemed inappropriate, emanating from one who, under such circumstances, was unexpectedly called to fill a station, the duties of which he felt incompetent to discharge with credit to himself or benefit to the Fraternity. The proffered honor would have been promptly declined, but for the assurance of cheerful and efiicient aid tendered by one who was immediately connected with him in the performance of official duties. This pledge has befiS faithfully redeemed, as will appear (rom llie report of the Deputy Grand Master, 662 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. and will account, I hope, satisfactorily for the limited amount of active- oflBcial labors performed by myself. During the past Masonic year, I have visited, by invitation, St. John's- Lodge, Ko. 1, of Xewark, visited and installed the officers of Bloomfield Lodge, No. 40, and have visited, unofficially, a f&\v Lodges in my more immediate neighborhood. Warrants have been signed and issued to the new Lodges authorized by the Grand Lodge at their last annual commu- nication. The one for Hackettstown Lodge is still in my hands, they being not yet ready to receive it. The usual conditions having been complied with, I have granted dispen- sations to form new Lodges, as follows, viz.: one at Mount Holly, to be called Central Lodge ; one at Paterson, to be called Benevolent Lodge ; one at Bergen, to be called Bergen Lodge ; one at Somerville, to be called Solomon's Lodge ; one at Jersey City, to be called Enterprise Lodge ; to resuscitate Olive Branch Lodge, at Freehold ; to authorize the removal of Stewart Lodge from the White House to the village of Clinton, in the county of Hunterdon, upon their compliance with the usual terms. I have granted dispensations to make Masons at sight to the following Lodges, viz.: St. John's, Ko. 1, Rockaway, No. 20, Newark, No. 7, Washington, No. 33 (in fees paid), Trenton, No. 5 (not used), Northern, No. 35. I called and attended an emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge at New Brunswick, on St. John's Lay, in the month of June, to consult on the best mode of producing uniformity of work in the Subordinate Lodges. The day was spent in discussing the subject, and, for further consideration and final action, it was referred to a committee, consisting of the first four Grand Officers and five other members ; which committee afterwards met at Jersey City, and, I presume, are ready to report the result of their proceedings by their chairman, Bro. Van Wagoner. The resolutions passed at the last annual meeting of this Grand Lodge, complaining of the breach of Masonic usage and courtesy in the Lodges of New York and Pennsylvania, in receiving and admitting candidates for Masonry residing under the jurisdiction and within the bounds of this Grand Lodge, were duly signed and sealed, and forwarded^ to the secre- taries of the Grand Lodges of each of those States. For any answer that may have been received, I refer you to our Grand Secretary. I have received returns of the election of officers from very few Lodges. This omission involves not only a violation of rule, but of obligation. Should not the regulation be either enforced or repealed? Would not the appropriate penalty be a refusal to a seat to the delegates from such Lodges as have not reported the election of their officers t No other official acts have been performed necessary or proper to be reported, yet the amount of correspondence necessarily incident to the connection existing between the Grand Master and the Subordinate- GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 663 Lodges, and the brethren generally, has formed no small share of official labor. , At the time when I was clothed with the authority, and invested with the insignia of the office of Grand Master, into which I was then duly installed, after claiming the indulgence and invoking the charity of the brethren for the many shortcomings and errors I should commit during the brief period I should remain in the discharge of its official duties, I had nought to offer in return but my sincere thanks, the prestige of gray hairs, an unwavering attachment to the fundamental principles of Ancient York Masonry, and a firm resolve, as far as in me lay, to protect the same against those modern innovations which threaten to mar its beauties circumscribe its charities, and destroy its usefulness. Any change or deviation from prevailing customs or usages will be much more apparent to one who, for a long period, has been absent from the theatre of their exhibition, than to those who daily witness their performance. While the secret mysteries of the Craft, &nd its ancient landmarks, for the most part, remain undisturbed, yet many alterations and additions have been made in the performance of its rites and ceremo- nies, and mode of work, since the commencement of the present century, has doubtless been observed by many of the elder brethren. The reverence and deep veneration in which the ancient Fraternity of Free Masonry is held, not only by its own members, but by the world at large, is derived from its antiquity. No better evidence of the intrinsic worth of any institution could be adduced than its continued existence for so long a period amid the changes and revolutions of civil governments and the prejudices and persecutions it has encountered from its enemies. The proofs of this antiquity should be carefully preserved. The antiqua- rian of a future age, like the one of the present or the past, in searching through the long vista of departed years for the origin of Free Masonry, must be guided and directed to that period of time when the manners and customs, the usages, and, to some extent the language of the age, corres- ponded with those which now characterize the institution. Not only those moral precepts which guide and direct the Mason in the discharge of his duties to God and his neighbor, but the ancient legends, on which the different degrees of the Fraternity are founded, are derived from the pages of that open sacred volume which forms the first, great light of Masonry, and which ever remains open on its altars. The beauty, the grandeur, the solemnity of style, which characterize the volume of inspiration, is not only proof of divine origin, but likewise a safeguard against change or innovation. Whar modern divine could successfully initiate the sublime eloquence of an Isaiah or the plaintive strains of a Jeremiah, would add one to the catalogue of wise sayings uttered by him who caused to be erected that magnificent temple, so 24 664 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. celebrated in the annals of Masonry, or could rewrite the sermon on the mount, every sentence of which contains a whole volume of modern theology. Lint the integrity of the text of that sacred volume is still further protected by the anathema 'of its divine Author, denounced against him who should presume to add to or take an iota from its oqptents. The institution of Free Masonry is not shielded from innovation by such safeguards. Although we can recognize the kind care of that Prov- idence which has protected it from its origin to the present day, and although many of us have been taught to believe that its archives have been consecrated, by being made the depository for safe keeping of those manu«icripts which form a component part of the sacred volume, yet the onlv means we possess of preserving the ancient landmarks and secret mysteries of the Fraternity, is a strict and faithful adherence to that oral tradition through which they have been transmitted, through so many centuries, to the present day. Should not the disapprobation of this Grand Lodge be denounced against that practice which, in unfolding to a candidate the secret mys- teries of Free Masonry, substitutes for this tradition the printed manual of some perjurtd Judas, who has betrayed his trust, and incurred the penalties of his violated obligations. That public opinion, at the present day, appreciates the worth and excellence of the Masonic Institution, is proven by the many spurious and counterfeit associations which have started into existence within the last few years, into which some of the brethren have been inadvertently drawn, and although, like the thousands which have preceded them, are destined to be of ephemeral duration, yet they have been the fruitful source of disquietude and divisions among those who have assumed their conflicting obligations. While the one extends its sympathy to the worthy of the whole family of man, the other would circumscribe both by creed or birth place. Cannot the fraternal but authoritative voice of this Grand Lodge be heard in a way to correct the evil, recall to its bosom the wandering brother, and restore peace and harmony among alienated brethren ? <• These suggestions are made without consultation with any of the breth- ren, from a sense of duty alone, by one who, for more than forty years, has not wavered in his attachment to the fundamental principles of Ancient York Masonry. He asks for them no consideration or action they are not entitled to receive at your hands. In conclusion, I would take this occasion to express my sincere thanks for the kindness and courtesy I have received in my official intercourse with the brethren during the past year, and to announce my determina- tion not to be a candidate for re-election. The honors of Grand Master justly belong to him, alone, who can faithfully perform all the arduous and responsible duties of the office. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 665 REPORT OF DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, 0/ the State of New Jersey. In accordance with my duty, I beg leave to report, that during the past year, in my official capacity, I visited St. John's Lodge, No. 1, Nevrark Lodge, No. 7, Union Lodge, No. 11, Camden Lodge, No. 15, Hiram Lodge, No. 17, Harmony Lodge, No. 23, Northern Lodge, No. 25, Joppa Lodge, No. 29, Varick Lodge, No. 31, Burlington Lodge, No. 32, Eureka Lodge, No. 39, and Pateraon Orange Lodge, No. 43, all of which I found in a highly prosperous condition. I have also installed the officers of, and set to work Independence Lodge, No. 42, a warrant' for which was issued at our last annual communication : also, by virtue of letters of dispensation, granted by llie Most Worshipful Grand Master, and by his direction, organized the following Lodges, viz.: Benevolent Lodge, located at Paterson, Central Lodge, located at Mount Holly, Bergen Lodge, located at Bergen, Solomon's Lodge, located at Somerville, and Enter- prise Lodge, located at Jersey City, to each of which I would recommend that warrants be issued. I have also installed the officers elect of Joppa Lodge, No. 29, Camden Lodge, No. 15, and Varick Lodge; No. 31. I have granted dispensations to the following Lodges to confer the degrees'of E. A., P. L , and M. M. at one and the same communication, viz. ; Lafayette, No. 27, one-; Joppa, No. 29, one ; Yarick, No. 31, one ; St. John's, No. 1, one; and Bergen, U. D., two. An emergency having arisen in Central Lodge, U. D., on account of the removal out of this jui:isdiction, of Bro. C. C. Simms, Worshipful Master, named in the dispensation 1 granted a dispensation to said Lodge to hold a special election for Worshipful Master, to be named in the warrant, and issued a commission to Past Masters John Rodgers, and Ellwood Conner, of Burlington Lodge, No. 32, to install the Worshipful Master elect. I congratulate you, my brethren, that the germ of discord, which had been planted within our borders, has been uprooted. I allude to a clan- destine body, called Atwood Lodge, located at Hoboken, in this State, the members of which renounce their allegiance to the so called St. John's Grand Lodge^ of New York, returned their warrant to the aforesaid body, and were fiy me healed in Hoboken Lodge, all of whom have since become worthy members of said Lodge. In this connection permit me to recommend that Bro. Hersee, who had officiated as Worshipful Master of Atwood Lodge, from the time of its organization until its dissolution (a period of over a year), take the rank of Past Master, and be received as a member of this Grand Lodge. Fraternally yours, Theodore R. Varick, Dep. G. Master. 666 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. REPORT OF THE SENIOR GRAND WARDEN. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge oj New Jersey. The subscriber, Senior Grand Warden of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, begs leave to report — that he has visited, in his oiBcial capacity, Lafayette Lodge, No. 27, Washington, No. 33, Princeton, No. 37, Union, No. 19, Camden, No. 15, Jei-usalem, No. 26, and inspected their work, and he is happy to state that he has found them in a very flourishing condition. He has installed the officers of Lafayette Lodge, No. 27, and Princeton, No. 37. He regrets that his professional business has not allowed him to better have fulfilled the work imposed upon him. John H. Janevtat, S. G. Warden. REPORT OF JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. I would most respectfully beg leave to report — that during the recese since the last annual meeting of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, I have visited most of the Subordinate Lodges given in my charge by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and I am much pleased to report, that I have found them all in a most healthy condition, and improving rapidly in the work of Ancient York Masonry. I have visited Harmony Lodge, No. 18, of Toms River, and I am happy to say they deserve great credit for their advancement in their work, and the particular attention paid by them in the respectability and fitness of their candidates for initiation and membership; they are adding to their number those that will be a credit to the Fraternity. I have visited Washington Lodge, No. 9, of Eatontown, and I would report this Lodge to be in a most prosperous condition, as to work, num. ber of members and respectability. I have visited Mystic Brotherhood Lodge, of No. 21, Red Bank. This Lodge is in a most healthy condition, and bids fair to be one of the best Lodges in the State. She has not added very rapidly to her number, but what she has done will give credit and respectability to the Fraternity. I also installed their officers. I have visited Brearley Lodge, No. 2, Bridgeton, and must say the unanimity and permanence in their Lodge cannot be surpassed by any. Theiv anxiety to improve, and their improvement in Masonic work, must eventually add strength and respectability to their Lodge and the Craft generally. I also installed their officers for the ensuing year. I have also given a visit to Olive Branch Lodge, No. 16, of Freehold. I GRAND LODaE OF NEW JERSEY. 667 would here remark that this Lodge, owing to the removal of a number of its members, and a difficulty which occurred in the Lodge, which is unnecessary here to mention, the Lodge has lain dormant for three or four years ; but the anxiety of those wishing to become Masons, and the spirit of Masonry still existing in the bosom of the old remaining mem- bers, has led them to proceed, and get their old charter resuscitated and proceed to work, all of which I have had the pleasure to accomplish for them. This Lodge now bids fair to be as good a Lodge as any in the State; they have the material to build on, they have some of the best men in the State proposed for initiation, and they have plenty of good material for the builder's use. Freehold is a place growing up rapidly, and has a great number of enterprising young men in it, and all seeking to become Masons; and I can, therefore, see nothing to hinder this Lodge from being one of the first in the State. They have, also, a splendid room fitted up, which cannot be surpassed by any in the State. I had the pleasure, on the 28th ult., of installing their oflicers and setting them to work. I regret much that I have been unable to visit Cape Island Lodge and Tuckerton, but, owing to illness in my family, and the bad state of the w-eather, I have been unable so to do.» I have held a correspondence with Cape Island Lodge, and I find there can be a good and wholesome Lodge sustained. All they want is Masonic instruction; they have the material whereon to build. Respectfully and fraternally yours, Geo. Finoh, J. G. Warden. Eed Bank, January 12th, 1857. SEPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Slate of New Jersey. The undersigned, immediately after the annual session, caused the usual number of copies of the proceedings of that session to be printed, and distributed to the several subordinates and members of this Grand Lodge, as also to the several Grand Lodges in correspondence with us in this Union, Canada, England, and France. Upon inspection of the printed journal of the Grand Lodge of the State of California, in reference to the donation made to that State, to be found upon our journal of 1853, pages 161 and 2, [page 510, of this book], the Grand Secretary reports having received the sum of |56, on the 14th of February, last past, and the action taken by them, through a committee, is the resolutions to be found in the report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for the present year. They thank us for our kindness manifested toward them, and, inasmuch as the sum sent is not now wanted, they ordered it to be returned, which has not been received by me. On the 13th of March last, I received the official notification, through 668 GRAND LODUE OF NEW JERSEY. the Secretary of Hiram Lodge, No. 17, that Bro. Jonathan S. Mortimer had been expelled from that Lodge for unmasonic conduct, on the 3d of that month. On the 10th of April last, I received the official information, through the Secretary of Sylvan Lodge, No. 275, State of New York, and attested by the Grand Secretary, under the seal of the Grand Lodge of Nevf York, the expulsion of Bro. Pinks Goldstein, for fradulently obtaining money, under false pretences, from various Lodges and individual members of the Fraternity. Also, on the 19th of July last past, I received the official information, through the Secretary of Washington Lodge, No. 9, of this State, of the expulsion of Bro. Jacob Wolcott Morris, on the 14th inst. On the 3d of September, I received from the Grand Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania, that our communication to that Grand Lodge (see pages 89 and 90, journal of 1856), [page 620-1, of this book], had been received, and, on the 16th of June, was referred to a committee, which up to the date of his letter, had not been acted upon. The donation of fifty dollars, made some time past, to the Orphan Masonic College of Kentucky, and more particularly to be found in the resolution reported by the Committee on the Grand Master's and other officers' reports, on page 87 of the journal of 1856, [page 617, of this book], I wrote to Bro. Philip hjwigert, who, I supposed, was the Grand Secretary, that that sum awaited their draft, whose reply was received, bearing date November 19th, acknowledging the receipt of my letter, as follows: " Dear Sir and Brother — Yours, of the 13th instant, is to hand. Several years since received the office of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, in which character you address me being now the Deputy Grand Master. "In relation to the donation of your Grand Lodge to La Grange Col- lege, I am not prepared, nor do I feel authorized to say what will be the action of our Grand Lodge, inasmuch of the objects of our- Grand Lodge have not been realized. The college has dwindled down to an ordinary neighborhood school, and the Grand Lodge has abandoned it as a college, and I do not presume your Grand Lodge is expected to pay her donation ; yet injustice has been done you in reporting the same in the list of doubtful debts. Let the matter rest until the next meeting of our Grand Lodge, which will be next Octobei. In the mean time assure your Grand Lodge at that time the amend honorable shall be made. " Yours fraternally, " P. SWIGERT." For the receipts of moneys received since the last annual communica- tion, I beg leave to refer you to the schedule hereto attached. Respectfully submitted. Jos. H. Hough, G. Secretary. January 14th, 1857. GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. 669 Account of moneys received since last Annual Meeting, and paid the Grand Treasurer. 1856. For Grar June 2, Dec. 27, 29, 1857. Jao. 7, 12, 13, adge certificates, S14 00 Harmony Lodge, No, , 23, 23 00 Darcy " (warrant). " 37, 25 00 Tuckerton " i( 4, 9 50 Eockaway " " 20, 22 00 Hightstown " (warrant), " 41, 25 00 ti (< (d> les 1856), " '■ ■ ■ 12 00 Newark " " 7, 68 00 Harmony " (1845 and 6), " 18, 33 25 Hiram " " 17, 54 50 Jerusalem " " 26, 13 00 Mt. Moriah " 28, 19 00 Variok " " 31, 48 50 Amwell " " 12, 24 50 Burlington " " 32, 22 50 Tuckerton " " 4, 10 00 Mt. Holly " " 14, 15 00 Joppa " a 29, 29 00 Camden " " 15, 37 00 Eureka " " 39, 20 50 Prospect " " 24, 12 50 Trenton " 5, 38 00 St. John's " " 1, 58 00 Harmony " 23, 27 50 Franklin " " 10, 11 50 Washin'ton " (( 9, 31 50 Bloomfield " " 40, 10 00 Darcy " •' 37, 19 50 Clinton " (2 years), u 8, 7 50 Pat. Orange " " 43, 20 00 D. G. M. Variok, for dispensations. 12 00 " Bergen, U. D., 8 00 Mystic Brotherhood, " 21, 17 50 Union, " 11, 37 00 Newark (for certificate), (( 7, 3 00 Total, $844 The Committee on Credentials reported, verbally, that the several representatives present were correct, except the proxy for Senior Warden of No. 2 ; he not being of that rank, could not be admitted. 670 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Keport accepted, and committee discharged. The Committee on I'oreign Correspondence for the years 5855 and 5856, presented reports for those years ; which \rere ordered to be received, and the reading dispensed with. The Committee on the Constitution, By-Laws, &c., were not ready to report. The committee to whom was referred the several reports of the Grand Officers, presented the following report, which was accepted and laid upon the table : The committee appointed upon the reports of the Grand Officers, recom- mend that they be received, and that warrants be granted to the Lodges mentioned in the report ; and also report in favor of the acknowledgment of the rights and privileges of pastraastership upon Bro. Hersee, of Hoboken, believing the healing to have been thorough, and to have extended to every Mason, and to the grade of every Mason so healed. (Signed) Peter I. Powless, R. B. Chiswell, 0. Vanderhoyex. The Grand Lodge was called off, for a short space of time, to enable the brethren to make nominations. Bro. IsfiLic Van Wagoner, of Xo. 29, moved to reconsider the vote of the committee on the reports of the Grand Officers ; which was agreed to. He then moved an amendment, that so much as relates to Lodges under dispensation and granting of warrants be adopted ; agreed to. The following Lodges were represented as follows : Central, No. 44, Joseph K. Hulme, M., George C. Brown, S. W., William H. Irick, J. TV. Benevolent, Xo. 45, David Seer, M., Allen Knowles, S. W., Samuel W Goddard, J. W. Solomon's No. 46, A. E. Donaldson, S. W. Bergen, Xo. 47, James W. Low, M. Enterprise, Xo. 4S, Albert A. Rice, M., Alexander Driver, S. W., Jona- than V. Thruston, J. W. Olive Branch, Xo. 16 (resuscitated), Samuel Laird, M. The list of nominations was read. The Chair appointed Committee on Secretary's and GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 671 Treasurer's Accounts, as follows : Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, and Past Masters George A. Tator, of No, 9, and William M. Babbitt, of No. 11. The Grand Lodge was called off till 3 o'clock, P. M. 3 o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. The Chair appointed the following to hold an election : Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26, judge ; James W. Low, of No. 47, and William Silas Whitehead, of No. 1, tellers ; who, after holding an election, reported the following as duly elected for the current year : Grand Master — Joseph Trimble, of No. 15. Deputy Grand Master — Isaac Van Wagoner, of No. 29. Senior Grand Warden — William Silas Whitehead, of No. 1. Junior Grand Warden— George Finch, of No. 21. Grand Treasurer — Elias Phillips, of No. 5. Grand Secretary — Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5. Deputy Grand Secretary — Crowell Marsh, of No. 27. The Chair appointed a committee on the several bills presented for payment : Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, Past Masters George A. Tator, of No. 9, and William M. Babbitt, of No. 11. The Grand Lodge was called off until 8J o'clock P. M. 8J o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen, of No. 7, installed the Grand Officers elect. The Grand Master made the following appointments : Senior Grand Deacon — James M. Cassady, of No. 16. Junior Grand Deacon — Silas A. Thompson, of No. 24. Grand Chaplain — John L. Lenhart, of No. 7. 672 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Grand Marshal — John Rodgers, No. 32. Grand Stewards — George A. Tator, of No. 9, Simeon Har- rison, of No. 11. Grand Swordbearer — Sylvester Van Sickel, of No. 6. Grand Pursuivant — Samuel Lilly, of No. 12. Grand Tyler — Amos Howell, of No. 5. Committee on Foreygn Correspondence — Joseph H. Hough and David Naar, of No. 5, and Samuel Read, of No. 14. A petition was presented, signed by Samuel L. Moore and others, of the First "Ward of the city of Elizabeth, praying that a warrant be granted them to be organized into a Lodge, to be hailed Essex Lodge. It was Ordered, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and the Lodge numbered 49. Past Deputy Grand Master Theodore E. Varick, of No. 31, moved that so much of the report of the Committee on Grand Officers' Reports as relates to the case of Past Master William Hersee, be taken up ; which was agreed to. It was moved that the recommendation be adopted. Pending said motion, it was moved, that so much of the Deputy Grand Master's report as relates to the healing of those brothers in Hoboken Lodge, No. 35, be eonfirrcied ; agreed to. On motion, that the recommendation of Deputj- Grand Master Varick, relating to the classing of Bro. William Hersee as a Past Master ; not agreed to. It was Ordered, That Bro. William Hersee be invited to take a seat in this Grand Lodge. Called off till 9 o'clock, A. M. THURSDAY MORNING, 9 O'CLOCK. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. A paper, purporting to be an appeal of Past Senior Grand Warden Jacob W. Morris, late of No. 9, praying for a review of the proceedings in said Lodge against him, was declared out of order. JRANl) LODGE OP NEW JERSEY, 673 Bro. Isaac M.' Tucker, of No. 1, offered the following: Resolved, That the appeal of Bro. John Snyder from the action of Union Lodge, No. 11, whereby the said brother waa expelled from that Lodge, be referred^to a committee of three, to consider and review the whole matter therein complained of, with power to send for persons and papers, and that said committee be instructed to report at the next communication of this Grand Lodge. Which was agreed to, and the committee appointed, as follows : Henry R. Cannon, of No. 26, Isaac P. Brown, of No. 1, and James J. Terhune, of No. 7. The Committee on the Exemplification of the Correct Work, whose report was declared to be the special order of this morning, begged further time, and moved that a special communication of the Grand Lodge be held, at the Grand Master's discretion, for the transaction of such business as may come before us. A motion to amend, to increase the committee, by adding the Grand Officers, not agreed to. Past Senior Grand Warden John H. Janeway, of No. 27,. moved, that as the By-Laws provide for lectures to exem- plify the work before the Subordinates, that all the com- mittees on the work be discharged, and the By-Laws put in force. Bro. James M. Cassady, of No. 15, moved that all substi- tutes be laid on the table, and the previous question carried ;. that is, that a special communication be called for exempli- fication of the work and other purposes ; agreed to. It was Ordered, That the report on Constitution be further postponed. It was Ordered, That a committee be appointed to audit the accounts with Past Grand Master Stewart and this Grand Lodge. Committee — Past Masters William M. Babbitt, of No. 11, Samuel Read, of No. 14, and William S. Whitehead, of No. 1. The committee, appointed February 9th, to procure clothing andjewels for this Grand Lodge, reported, verbally, that they had incurred a bill for collar and apron for the 674 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Most Worshipful Grand Master, amounting to twenty-five dollars. It waB Ordered, That the bill incurred for the Grand Master's clothing by the committee, amounting to twenty-five dollars, be paid. And further Ordered, That said committee's acts be legalized. It was Ordered, That the salary of the Grand Secretary for the coming year be four hundred dollars. It was moved that the vote on the memorial on behalf of Bro. John Snyder, late of No. 11, be reconsidered ; not agreed to. Bro. Past Grand Master Daniel B. Bruen presented a bill, stating that Bloomfield Lodge (new), No. 40, when they surrendered some years ago, sent their clothing and jewels to the Grand Lodge, which cannot now be found ; they therefore ask the payment of said bill, amounting to ninety dollars. It was moved that the sum of forty dollars be appropriated in lieu thereof. It was Ordered, as a substitute. That the Grand Secretary make search for their property, and, if found, restore it to them, and to report at the next meeting. It was Ordered, That a committee be appointed to procure suitable clothing and jewels for this Grand Lodge. Committee — Past Masters Joseph H. Hough, of No. 5, John R. Chapin, of No. 27, and James M. Cassady, of No. 15. Past Master James M, Cassady, of No. 15, offered the following, which was agreed to : Mesohed, That the Grand Secretary be directed to issue a certificate of dimit to Bro. Joseph Pilkington, of Eagle Lodge, formerly of Hoboken, N. J. (said Lodge having surrendered the dispensation under which they worked), provided he shall be clear of the books of said Eagle Lodge. Past Deputy Grand 'Master Samuel Read, of No. 14, pre- sented the following : " Can a late member of a demised Lodge be admitted to membership into a new Lodge, when the demised Lodge be resuscitated and at work, without permission of said Lodge?" GRAND LODGE OF NEW JBKSET. 675 The Most "Worshipful Grand Master decided as follows : "A member of a demised Lodge may be admitted to membership in a working Lodge while the Lodge to which he belonged remains dormant, provided he has complied with the regulation of the Grand Lodge in such case made and provided. But he cannot be received in membership with another working Lodge after the resuscitation of the dormant Lodge, unless he obtains a regular dimit from said Lodge." It was Ordered, That the special order of this afternoon be the report of the Committee on Constitution, By-Laws, &c. It was Ordered, That an appropriation of fifty dollars for fifty copies of "Morris' Code of Masonic Law," one for each of the masters of the several Subordinate Lodges. It was Ordered, That, in addition to the above, that one copy be fur- nished for each Grand Officer of this Grand Lodge. The Committee on Bills presented the following, which were severally ordered paid : No. 1. Theodore R. Varick, Deputy Grand Master, $32 85 " 2. Elias Phillips, Grand Treasurer , 3 50 " 3. Daniel Babbitt, Most "Worshipful Grand Master 22 00 " 4. William Wilson, for his expenses to Jersey City 6 00 " 5. J. H. Hough, G. Secretary, salary and incidental expenses, 235 68 " " Counterfeit note 5 00 " 6. Phillips & Boswell, (printing) 11 00. " 7. Joseph Trimble 6 00 " 8. James M. Cassady 12 00 " 9. Union Lodge, No. 19, for tyling Grand Lodge 3 00 "10. George Finch, Junior Grand Warden 46 00 •■ 11. David Clark (stationery, minute book, &c.) 24 20 " 12. J. H. Janeway, Senior Grand Warden 13 75 " 13. John R. Chapin, Deputy Grand Secretary 12 75 " 14. Amos Howell, Grand Tyler „ 9 00 Total $442 63 The Grand Master made the following appointments for the supervision over the several subordinates, viz. : Grand Master— No's 5, 12, 14,. 15, 28, 32, 37, 38, and 44. Deputy Grand Master— No's 8, 13, 17, 19, 23, 24, 29, 31, 31, 43, 45, 47, and 48. Senior Grand Warden— No's 1, 3, 7, 10, 11, 20, 22, 25, 26,. 27, 33, 34, 36, 39, 40, and 46. 676 GRAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. JuDior Grand Warden— No's 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 21, SO, and 41. It was Ordered, That an. appropriation of ten dollars be made to the Grand Chaplain for his attendance on this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge called off till half past two o'clock, P. M. 2| o'clock p. m. The Grand Lodge was called to labor. Past Senior Grand Warden John H. Janeway, of No. 27, offered the following: Be it Pcsolved, By this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, that the thanks of the same be given to Past Grand Master Daniel Babbitt; and further moved, that this Grand Lodge present him vpith a Past Grand Master's jewel. And it was further moved, that the sum of fifty dollars be appropriated, in lieu thereof. After some debate, the subject was laid on the table, to take up the special order. The Committee on the Constitution, By-Laws, &c., sub- mitted the printed sheets of their draft, and read a portion without amendment. It was Ordered, That the committee be discharged, with the thanks of this Grand Lodge. It was Ordered, That the consideration of the report of Committee on Constitution, By-Laws, &c., be referred to the Emergent Session, and that the Grand Secretary be requested to furnish each Subordinate Lodge with two copies of such report. The Grand Secretary on behalf of Central Lodge, No. 44, asked for the order of this Gr^nd Lodge to permit them to have the names of the present elective officers of said Lodge inserted in their warrant. It was Ordered, That the request be not granted. The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, as relates to the position of the " Grand Lodge of Canada," was read. It was Ordered, That the subject be referred to a special committee. GRAND LODGE OP NEW JERSEY. 677 Committee — Past Masters John E. Chapin, of No. 27, David Naar, of No. 5, and William Wilson, of No. 12. It was Ordered, That the Grand Master. be added to saiJ committee. It was Ordered, That the report of the Committee on 'Foreign Cor- respondence for the past year be printed aB an appendix to this journal. Past Senior Grand Warded John H. Janeway, of No. 27> offered the following, which was adopted : Be it Resolved, That the thanks of this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge be tendered to Past Grand Master Daniel Babbitt. Bro. Rees P. Francis presented a mepaorial, complaining that Hoboken Lodge, No. 35, refused to receive his dues, and also to receive him as a member. On motion of Bro. Henry B. Cannon, of No. 26, it was Ordered, That Bro. Francis have leave to withdraw his memorial, and Hoboken Lodge be requested to give him a dimit in da^ and legal form. No further business offering, on motion, the reading of the minutes was dispensed with, and the Grand Secretary ordered to print them as usual. The Grand Lodge closed in harmony and due form, to meet again at the call of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. Trenton, January 15th, 5857. JOS. H. HOUGH, G. Secretary. 678 GKAND LODGE OF NEW JERSEY. Abstract of Lodge Eeturns, &c., and account of moneya received by Grand Secretary. LODGES. c S B a 1 125 i i •a a 3 S