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Article GRAND LODGE OF IOWA, 1870. ← Page 2 of 3 Article GRAND LODGE OF IOWA, 1870. Page 2 of 3 →
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Grand Lodge Of Iowa, 1870.
transpired -within tho last year pertaining to the Craft in this jurisdiction , and notice briefly such matters as have occurred abroad in which we , iu common with our state , should feel an interest . I am pleased to inform von that the fraternal relations existing between our Clraiui Lodge and her sister ( Irand Lodges remain unbroken and unchanged .
I regret to havo to report that tho Graud Lodgo of Scotland , with which this Grand Lodgo has recently opened up more cordial relations by tho interchange of representatives , has again transgressed tho cherished American cloctriuo of Grand Lodgo jurisdiction . That Grand Lodge has been creating Lodges within tho territorial limits of tho Grand Lodgo of Quebec , and declared its determination to
disregard tho law of jurisdiction as observed and practised on tins continent . Tho Grand Lodgo of Quebec , of course , resists this encroachment upon its vested rights , and calls upon tho American Grand Lodges to sustain hor , as thoy have over sustained such as havo beon in like circumstances interfered with . I present tho case to tho Grand Lodge , and invito such action as may tend to uphold tho
right of our sister Grand Lodge of Quebec , aud , if possible , restore tho harmony now unfortunately broken . Tho Grand Lodge of Manitoba , recently recognized by this' and all the Grand Lodges , has beon disturbed by a seditious element within itself , which has resulted in tho organisation of a separate Grand Lodgo by the rebellions spirits , who seem to havo forgotten tho great
lessons taught aud cardinal virtues enforced . With snch wo can hold no Masonic intercourse . Dning tho year I havo ordered several commissions to bo issued from tho office of tho Grand Secretary , appointing Grand Representatives near other Grand Lodges , whero vacancies have occurred by death or otherwise . Somo commissions havo been received through
the samo ofhec , and will no doubt bo presented during tho present session . A list of both , with tho dates of appointment , will be given in tho Grand Secretary ' s report . On tho 1 . 2 th day of December IS 78 , 1 granted a special dispensation to Antiqnity Lodge , Jfo . 252 , at Moravia , to dedicate their new hall ; and being nnablo to accept their urgent invitation to be present on
that occasion , I appointed W . Brother B . F . Elbert , Worshipful Master of Albia Lodge , No . 76 , to officiate in my stoad . The official report of Brother Elbert made to mo shows that his work was well and faithfully dono , and that tho Lodge is in a prosperous condition , and has secured a pleasant and comfortable homo . On 27 th July 1 S 78 , 1 issued my special dispensation to the Craft at
Wapello , authorising Wapello Lodgo , No . 5 , to appear in public procession and participate in tho ceremonies of laying tho corner-stone of a public school-houso iu the city of Wapello ; and I authorised W . Brother John Hale , Past Master of Wapello Lodge , No . 5 , to act as my special deputy . I havo his very full and able report , showing that ho discharged his duties with credit to himself and honour to tho
fraternity . ^ During tho thirty days succeeding tho eloso of tho last Communication of tho Grand Lodge , my timo in a great measure was occupied in granting dispensations to elect and instal ollicers of Lodges . I am convinced that , in many instances , this was caused by the neglect of the officers of Lodges to hold their elections at tho prjpor time . Iu
order to avoid this necessity , and for tho benefit of Lodges that fail to hold their elections at the proper time , I recommend that a resolution be passed by tho Grand Lodge to meet snch cases . A great many applications havo been made to mo during the year for permission to confer degrees at irregular times , and as many reasons given why tho rule should be varied as there havo been
applications made ; but , adhering to tho rule adopted by my predecessors , I havo in but few instances deemed the reasons sufficient and granted such permission ; and iu no case have I given permission to ballot for a candidate and confer a degree until the applicant was thoroughly posted in tho lectures in the preceding degrees , and passed an examination in open Lodge .
During the year I have had tho honor to occupy tho Grand East , I have granted dispensations for the formation of nine new Lodges in this jurisdiction , and havo refused applications for nearly double that number . The location , name , and date of dispensation of the Lodges so formed will be found in the report of the R . W . Grand Secretary . In exercising tho right to grant dispensations for the formation of
now Lodges , I have , in somo instances , disregarded what is known us the " ton-mile law , " and granted dispensation for tho formation of Lodges within ten miles of Lodges already established ; but in no case have I done this until I was fully satisfied that it was for tho general good of tho Craft . I felt myself justified in this course by tho decisive action the Grand Lodge took at fcho last Grand Annual
Communication iu adopting the very able report of the Committee on Jurisprudence . In obedience to a resolution of this Grand Lodge adopted at its last Graud Annual Communication ( sco Proceedings 1878 , page 2 i 55 ) , I have received from Instruction Lodge , No . 157 , fifty dollars , the
amount expended by the Grand Lodge ou account of the lato . Adams Lodge , and paid the samo to the Grand Secretary . I have turned over to Instruction Lodge , No . . 157 , nil tlio property left by Adams Lodge which the Grand Lodge directed to bo delivered to said Lodgo .
At tho last Communication of this Grand Lodge ( seo Proceedings , page 292 ) , it was ordered that the Grand Master arrest the charter of Good Will Lodge , No . 2 ! G . On the 1 st day of July , 1 S 78 , T directed my Deputy , ll . W . William G . Donnnu , to go . to Bnssetfc and tnko up tho charter as directed by the Grand Lodge . By reference to his report on file in tlio Grand Secretary ' s office , it is shown that on tho 8 th day of July 1878 , he performed that dutv and discharged the
trust imposed upon him , and his report is submitted for tho action of the Grand Lodge . On tho 20 ch o [ August 187 o , L received a communication signed by sixteen members of Nishnabotany Lodge , No . 15 b ' , located at Sidney , informing mo that for somo time peace and harmony had ceased to prevail iu thoir Lodge ; and by reason thereof a resolution had been introduced , aud was pending before the Lodge , to surrender
Grand Lodge Of Iowa, 1870.
their charter , and that action would bo taken ou it ou tho 7 th day ol September , and urging mo to be present at that time . At my request , R . W . Brothers W . E . Webster , Senior ( Jrand Warden , and Alfred Wingato , Past Junior Grand Warden , met me at Sidney ou tho 7 th of September . After making inquiry and investigation , wo found that tho cause of the difficulty and trouble in tho Lodge was of long
standing , aud that thero was hut little , if any , hopes of restoring harmony among tho Craft . We , however , thought it best to submit tho question of the surrender of tho charter to tho Lodgo , aud upon doing so found seven votes iu favour of retaining tho charter . No further action was taken at that time , but I was satisfied that tho difficulty was not at au end , aud , npon consultation with Brothers
Webster and Wingato , wo deemed it boat to give the brothers another trial , and , giving them such counsel and advice as wo deemed for their good , wo left them . Within a short timo after our visit I received bad reports from the Lodgo , aud those reports continued until I became satisfied that harmony could never bo restored , and that ifc was for tho best interest of tho Craft in general , and thafc Lodgo in
particular , to arrest tho charter , and on tho 10 th day oi January 187 ' J I issued a special dispensation authorising R . W . Brother Alf . Wingato , Past Junior Grand Warden , to arrest tho charter of said Lodge , which ho did , and tho report of his action , with tho letters and correspondence iu relation to this matter , are on fdo in tho Grand Secretary ' s office , and are respectfully submitted for tho action of the Graud
Lodge . I desire to say , in jnstico to a large majority of the brothers of that Lodge , that , in my judgment , thoy aro not in fault ; that whilo they desired to surrender their charter , it was for tho purpose of getting rid of a fow members who seemed to bo the cause of all tho difficulty ; and that fche lack of harmony was caused by but a few members ; and if a petition is presented to the Grand Lodge for a
restoration of tho charter by a majority of the members , and thoso included in tho report of Brother Wingato , injustice to them ifc should bo restored , and I recommend that it bo done . Ou the 3 rd day of April 1879 , I received from Brother J . R . Enffington , Junior Warden of Mt . Carinol Lodgo , No . 2 D 5 , afc Derby , a communication charging Brother John E . Carlton , tho Worshipful
Blaster of said Lodge , with gross unmasonic conduct , and being convinced that tho matter required prompt action , I telegraphed R . W . Brother J . N . . McClauahan to go at onco to Derby and investigate tho charges , and , if true , to arrest the jewel of Brother John E . Carlton and placo the Lodgo in charge of the Senior Warden . This order was promptly obeyed , and tho jewel arrested , and tho report of
Brother McClanahan , together with the charges and tho evidence to sustain the same , aro on file in the Grand Scretary ' s office , and are submitted for tho action of the Graud Lodge . On June 27 th L 878 , I sanctioned tho removal of Unity Lodge , No . 212 , from Ottawa to Woodbnrn . This was dono after the question of removal had been submitted to a vote of tho Lodgo , and the unanimous
consent of tho members had . under tho provision of the law . Iu tho early part of March 1879 , Waterloo Lodge , No . 105 , and Victory Lodge , No . 2 'JG , both located in the city of Waterloo , wore consolidated under my direction and approval , the matter having been submitted to tho Lodges and acquiesced in by tho consent of tho members . The result of tho consolidation is that Waterloo Lodge ,
No . 103 , retains its charter and takes tho membership of Victory Lodge , and Victory Lodge , No . 2 'JG , surrenders its charter to the Graud Lodge . On tho nig ht of 23 rd March 1879 , Hebron Lodge , No . 371 , at Oolwoin , lost its furniture , jewels , aud charter , by ( ire . In order that tho brethren might continue the work they had on hand , I issued them a
special dispensation empowering them to continue their work , this authority to remain iu force until tho meeting of fcho Grand Lodge . I recommend that a duplicate charter bo issued , to supply the placo of the one destroyed . In several instances , which I deem it not essential to bring before yon , disturbing causes , for the timo being , destroyed the unity of
feeling which ought always to exist among Masons , in some of the Lodges , but in all cases reformations were effected and harmony restored , by correspondence , visitations in person , or by special depnty ; and I am pleased to inform you that , at this time , peace and harmony prevail throughout the length and breadth of the entire jurisdiction . Owing to my business relations , and tho timo taken in attending to
the duties of the office of Grand Master , I have been able to visit but few Lodges . On all occasions whero I have had the pleasure of visiting , I am happy to report that I found the Craft ready and willing to oboy the instructions and requests of their superior officers , and the authority of tho Grand Lodge . I received , 21 th February 1878 , a communication from Brother C . 'W .
Jones , who resides at Emmet , Emmet county , in this state . He holds a dimit from Twilight Lodge , No . 329 , located at Spirit Lake , and has made application to join Good Faith Lodge , No . 90 , at Jackson , Jackson county , under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota , and is informed that , in order to enable him to join that Lodge , or a Lod"'c under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota , ho
must first obtain a dispensation from the Grand Master ot this state , and asking mo for such dispensation . I canlmd no legislation on this subject , and respectfully refer the letter of Brother Jones to tho Grand Lodge , that it may take such action as will govern cases of that character that may hereafter arise . In response io the calls made upon us for funds for the relief of our
brethren in the South who woro suffering ou account of the yellow fever , I . on tho 31 st day of August 1878 , issued a circular letter to the Lodges asking for contributions in aid of the sufferers . The prompt response and liberal contributions received convinces mo that the Craft in this jurisdiction aro alive lo ll' / jiruuty and obligations , and ever ready and willinp- to ilv to the relief of tho destitute , aud aid and assist the
needy . There was forwarded to mo by tho dill ' ercufc Lodges , for distribution , dolls . 2 , 578 . 72 . I havo filed in the Grand Secretary ' s office a report , showing the names and numbers of tho Lodges contributing , aud tho date and amount contributed by each Lodge . Of the amount thus received , I distributed as follows :
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Lodge Of Iowa, 1870.
transpired -within tho last year pertaining to the Craft in this jurisdiction , and notice briefly such matters as have occurred abroad in which we , iu common with our state , should feel an interest . I am pleased to inform von that the fraternal relations existing between our Clraiui Lodge and her sister ( Irand Lodges remain unbroken and unchanged .
I regret to havo to report that tho Graud Lodgo of Scotland , with which this Grand Lodgo has recently opened up more cordial relations by tho interchange of representatives , has again transgressed tho cherished American cloctriuo of Grand Lodgo jurisdiction . That Grand Lodge has been creating Lodges within tho territorial limits of tho Grand Lodgo of Quebec , and declared its determination to
disregard tho law of jurisdiction as observed and practised on tins continent . Tho Grand Lodgo of Quebec , of course , resists this encroachment upon its vested rights , and calls upon tho American Grand Lodges to sustain hor , as thoy have over sustained such as havo beon in like circumstances interfered with . I present tho case to tho Grand Lodge , and invito such action as may tend to uphold tho
right of our sister Grand Lodge of Quebec , aud , if possible , restore tho harmony now unfortunately broken . Tho Grand Lodge of Manitoba , recently recognized by this' and all the Grand Lodges , has beon disturbed by a seditious element within itself , which has resulted in tho organisation of a separate Grand Lodgo by the rebellions spirits , who seem to havo forgotten tho great
lessons taught aud cardinal virtues enforced . With snch wo can hold no Masonic intercourse . Dning tho year I havo ordered several commissions to bo issued from tho office of tho Grand Secretary , appointing Grand Representatives near other Grand Lodges , whero vacancies have occurred by death or otherwise . Somo commissions havo been received through
the samo ofhec , and will no doubt bo presented during tho present session . A list of both , with tho dates of appointment , will be given in tho Grand Secretary ' s report . On tho 1 . 2 th day of December IS 78 , 1 granted a special dispensation to Antiqnity Lodge , Jfo . 252 , at Moravia , to dedicate their new hall ; and being nnablo to accept their urgent invitation to be present on
that occasion , I appointed W . Brother B . F . Elbert , Worshipful Master of Albia Lodge , No . 76 , to officiate in my stoad . The official report of Brother Elbert made to mo shows that his work was well and faithfully dono , and that tho Lodge is in a prosperous condition , and has secured a pleasant and comfortable homo . On 27 th July 1 S 78 , 1 issued my special dispensation to the Craft at
Wapello , authorising Wapello Lodgo , No . 5 , to appear in public procession and participate in tho ceremonies of laying tho corner-stone of a public school-houso iu the city of Wapello ; and I authorised W . Brother John Hale , Past Master of Wapello Lodge , No . 5 , to act as my special deputy . I havo his very full and able report , showing that ho discharged his duties with credit to himself and honour to tho
fraternity . ^ During tho thirty days succeeding tho eloso of tho last Communication of tho Grand Lodge , my timo in a great measure was occupied in granting dispensations to elect and instal ollicers of Lodges . I am convinced that , in many instances , this was caused by the neglect of the officers of Lodges to hold their elections at tho prjpor time . Iu
order to avoid this necessity , and for tho benefit of Lodges that fail to hold their elections at the proper time , I recommend that a resolution be passed by tho Grand Lodge to meet snch cases . A great many applications havo been made to mo during the year for permission to confer degrees at irregular times , and as many reasons given why tho rule should be varied as there havo been
applications made ; but , adhering to tho rule adopted by my predecessors , I havo in but few instances deemed the reasons sufficient and granted such permission ; and iu no case have I given permission to ballot for a candidate and confer a degree until the applicant was thoroughly posted in tho lectures in the preceding degrees , and passed an examination in open Lodge .
During the year I have had tho honor to occupy tho Grand East , I have granted dispensations for the formation of nine new Lodges in this jurisdiction , and havo refused applications for nearly double that number . The location , name , and date of dispensation of the Lodges so formed will be found in the report of the R . W . Grand Secretary . In exercising tho right to grant dispensations for the formation of
now Lodges , I have , in somo instances , disregarded what is known us the " ton-mile law , " and granted dispensation for tho formation of Lodges within ten miles of Lodges already established ; but in no case have I done this until I was fully satisfied that it was for tho general good of tho Craft . I felt myself justified in this course by tho decisive action the Grand Lodge took at fcho last Grand Annual
Communication iu adopting the very able report of the Committee on Jurisprudence . In obedience to a resolution of this Grand Lodge adopted at its last Graud Annual Communication ( sco Proceedings 1878 , page 2 i 55 ) , I have received from Instruction Lodge , No . 157 , fifty dollars , the
amount expended by the Grand Lodge ou account of the lato . Adams Lodge , and paid the samo to the Grand Secretary . I have turned over to Instruction Lodge , No . . 157 , nil tlio property left by Adams Lodge which the Grand Lodge directed to bo delivered to said Lodgo .
At tho last Communication of this Grand Lodge ( seo Proceedings , page 292 ) , it was ordered that the Grand Master arrest the charter of Good Will Lodge , No . 2 ! G . On the 1 st day of July , 1 S 78 , T directed my Deputy , ll . W . William G . Donnnu , to go . to Bnssetfc and tnko up tho charter as directed by the Grand Lodge . By reference to his report on file in tlio Grand Secretary ' s office , it is shown that on tho 8 th day of July 1878 , he performed that dutv and discharged the
trust imposed upon him , and his report is submitted for tho action of the Grand Lodge . On tho 20 ch o [ August 187 o , L received a communication signed by sixteen members of Nishnabotany Lodge , No . 15 b ' , located at Sidney , informing mo that for somo time peace and harmony had ceased to prevail iu thoir Lodge ; and by reason thereof a resolution had been introduced , aud was pending before the Lodge , to surrender
Grand Lodge Of Iowa, 1870.
their charter , and that action would bo taken ou it ou tho 7 th day ol September , and urging mo to be present at that time . At my request , R . W . Brothers W . E . Webster , Senior ( Jrand Warden , and Alfred Wingato , Past Junior Grand Warden , met me at Sidney ou tho 7 th of September . After making inquiry and investigation , wo found that tho cause of the difficulty and trouble in tho Lodge was of long
standing , aud that thero was hut little , if any , hopes of restoring harmony among tho Craft . We , however , thought it best to submit tho question of the surrender of tho charter to tho Lodgo , aud upon doing so found seven votes iu favour of retaining tho charter . No further action was taken at that time , but I was satisfied that tho difficulty was not at au end , aud , npon consultation with Brothers
Webster and Wingato , wo deemed it boat to give the brothers another trial , and , giving them such counsel and advice as wo deemed for their good , wo left them . Within a short timo after our visit I received bad reports from the Lodgo , aud those reports continued until I became satisfied that harmony could never bo restored , and that ifc was for tho best interest of tho Craft in general , and thafc Lodgo in
particular , to arrest tho charter , and on tho 10 th day oi January 187 ' J I issued a special dispensation authorising R . W . Brother Alf . Wingato , Past Junior Grand Warden , to arrest tho charter of said Lodge , which ho did , and tho report of his action , with tho letters and correspondence iu relation to this matter , are on fdo in tho Grand Secretary ' s office , and are respectfully submitted for tho action of the Graud
Lodge . I desire to say , in jnstico to a large majority of the brothers of that Lodge , that , in my judgment , thoy aro not in fault ; that whilo they desired to surrender their charter , it was for tho purpose of getting rid of a fow members who seemed to bo the cause of all tho difficulty ; and that fche lack of harmony was caused by but a few members ; and if a petition is presented to the Grand Lodge for a
restoration of tho charter by a majority of the members , and thoso included in tho report of Brother Wingato , injustice to them ifc should bo restored , and I recommend that it bo done . Ou the 3 rd day of April 1879 , I received from Brother J . R . Enffington , Junior Warden of Mt . Carinol Lodgo , No . 2 D 5 , afc Derby , a communication charging Brother John E . Carlton , tho Worshipful
Blaster of said Lodge , with gross unmasonic conduct , and being convinced that tho matter required prompt action , I telegraphed R . W . Brother J . N . . McClauahan to go at onco to Derby and investigate tho charges , and , if true , to arrest the jewel of Brother John E . Carlton and placo the Lodgo in charge of the Senior Warden . This order was promptly obeyed , and tho jewel arrested , and tho report of
Brother McClanahan , together with the charges and tho evidence to sustain the same , aro on file in the Grand Scretary ' s office , and are submitted for tho action of the Graud Lodge . On June 27 th L 878 , I sanctioned tho removal of Unity Lodge , No . 212 , from Ottawa to Woodbnrn . This was dono after the question of removal had been submitted to a vote of tho Lodgo , and the unanimous
consent of tho members had . under tho provision of the law . Iu tho early part of March 1879 , Waterloo Lodge , No . 105 , and Victory Lodge , No . 2 'JG , both located in the city of Waterloo , wore consolidated under my direction and approval , the matter having been submitted to tho Lodges and acquiesced in by tho consent of tho members . The result of tho consolidation is that Waterloo Lodge ,
No . 103 , retains its charter and takes tho membership of Victory Lodge , and Victory Lodge , No . 2 'JG , surrenders its charter to the Graud Lodge . On tho nig ht of 23 rd March 1879 , Hebron Lodge , No . 371 , at Oolwoin , lost its furniture , jewels , aud charter , by ( ire . In order that tho brethren might continue the work they had on hand , I issued them a
special dispensation empowering them to continue their work , this authority to remain iu force until tho meeting of fcho Grand Lodge . I recommend that a duplicate charter bo issued , to supply the placo of the one destroyed . In several instances , which I deem it not essential to bring before yon , disturbing causes , for the timo being , destroyed the unity of
feeling which ought always to exist among Masons , in some of the Lodges , but in all cases reformations were effected and harmony restored , by correspondence , visitations in person , or by special depnty ; and I am pleased to inform you that , at this time , peace and harmony prevail throughout the length and breadth of the entire jurisdiction . Owing to my business relations , and tho timo taken in attending to
the duties of the office of Grand Master , I have been able to visit but few Lodges . On all occasions whero I have had the pleasure of visiting , I am happy to report that I found the Craft ready and willing to oboy the instructions and requests of their superior officers , and the authority of tho Grand Lodge . I received , 21 th February 1878 , a communication from Brother C . 'W .
Jones , who resides at Emmet , Emmet county , in this state . He holds a dimit from Twilight Lodge , No . 329 , located at Spirit Lake , and has made application to join Good Faith Lodge , No . 90 , at Jackson , Jackson county , under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota , and is informed that , in order to enable him to join that Lodge , or a Lod"'c under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota , ho
must first obtain a dispensation from the Grand Master ot this state , and asking mo for such dispensation . I canlmd no legislation on this subject , and respectfully refer the letter of Brother Jones to tho Grand Lodge , that it may take such action as will govern cases of that character that may hereafter arise . In response io the calls made upon us for funds for the relief of our
brethren in the South who woro suffering ou account of the yellow fever , I . on tho 31 st day of August 1878 , issued a circular letter to the Lodges asking for contributions in aid of the sufferers . The prompt response and liberal contributions received convinces mo that the Craft in this jurisdiction aro alive lo ll' / jiruuty and obligations , and ever ready and willinp- to ilv to the relief of tho destitute , aud aid and assist the
needy . There was forwarded to mo by tho dill ' ercufc Lodges , for distribution , dolls . 2 , 578 . 72 . I havo filed in the Grand Secretary ' s office a report , showing the names and numbers of tho Lodges contributing , aud tho date and amount contributed by each Lodge . Of the amount thus received , I distributed as follows :