Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Heview should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . C . Early History and Transactions of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of New Yorh , 1781—1815 . Published by authority of tho Grand Lodge . Granted to Kane Lodgo , No . 454 , June 1874 . Parts VI . Now York : Masonic and Miscellaneous Publishers , No . 2 Bleeckcr-street D Sickles and Co ., Managers 1876 .
Tins further part of this valuable history contains several records of considerable importance or interest . At the outset we read that at the meeting of Grand Lodge held on the 4 th of June 1800 , tho Grand Secretary announced thafc Union Lodge , Albany , acknowledged the jurisdiction of New York Grand Lodge , that a warrant had been delivered to the W . M . of said Lodge , on promise that
the warrants should be delivered to the Grand Secretary , and that the rank and number of the Lodge would be regulated in accordance with tho date of tho first warrant issued by Provincial Grand Lodge of New York , on 21 sfc February 1765 . On 16 th tho same month the report of the Special Committee appointed to consider the present Constitution , and report any amendments or alterations that might he
deemed expedient presented their report , which was read , when it was unanimously resolved that the Code of Laws , as amended and altered , should be referred to the consideration of the subordinate Lodges , and , if two-thirds of them signified their approval , then the new code should immediately come into operation as the Constitution of the Grand Lodge . At the same meeting it was unanimously
resolved that the Grand Chaplain should be decorated with a jewel appropriate to his office . Afc tho meeting hold on the 3 rd December of the same year , the question of ratifying the new Constitution came under consideration , and on noting the returns made by sundry of the Lodges , it was found that only seventeen were in favour of the ratification , while twenty-five were for its rejection , either
wholly or in part . After some debate , ifc was carried , that , as the requisite two-thirds majority of tho Lodges had not voted for its acceptance , the proposed code should be hold to have been rejected . On the 4 th of March 1801 , it ia minuted that "A person alleging himself to bo a Mason of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania applied for admittance , but , nofc being known to or
vouched for by any member present , his admission was refused . " At tho meeting on 3 rd of June , ifc was announced thafc Grand Master Robert R . Livingston , having accepted the post of Minister Plenipotentiary to tho French Republic , would shortly depart on his Embassy . Graud Lodge , accordingly , proceeded to the election of a successor , and the result was that Colonel Jacob Morton
Deputy Grand Master , was unanimously elected , and at once proclaimed as Grand Master . A resolution was also unanimously passed , appointing a committee for the purpose of conveying to M . W . G . M . R . R . Livingston tho thanks of Grand Lodge for the valuable services he had rendered to Freemasonry in New York during tho term of his Grand Mastership , as well as an expression of deep regret that Grand
Lodgo was thus deprived of his superintending care , and further requesting his acceptance of a Past Grand Master ' s Jewel as a slight token of their esteem and respect . At a Grand Lodge of Emergency on the 15 th June tho G . M . Livingston expressly attended for the purpose of installing his successor ; but the address he delivered occupied so much of the evening thafc the ceremony of installation
was of necessity postponed , and Bro . Livingston deputed R . W . Bro . John Lawrence to perform the ceremony in his stead . Accordingly , Col . Jacob Morton was installed with the usual formalities on the 25 th June , in the presence of a large assembly of grand officers and brethren . We read that G . M . elect and R . W . Bro . John Lawrence , the installing Grand Officer , " were received at the entrance of tho
building by the body of Knights Templar , dressed with tho msignias ( sic ) of their order , and with drawn swords , who conducted them into the Lodge and to the seat . " The ceremony of installation was then proceeded with , and after a brief address , the Grand Master installed his officers , according to ancient usage . After another address from the Chair , and the appointment of a committee to consider the best
method of procuring a suitable apartment for the meetings of Grand Lodge , Grand Lodgo was closed . At a meeting on the 11 th July , held in consequence of the death of Bro . R . J . Vandenbroeck , Past Grand Secretary , it was resolved to bury tho deceased brother with Masonic honours , and tho funeral took place accordingly the day following , in the French Church burial ground , the Rev . Bro . Ireland ,
Grand Chaplain , delivering an appropriate address over the grave . At the meeting on tho 2 nd September , a committee appointed to investigate a complaint made somo time previously respecting the incautious admission of visitors by Lodge l'Union Francaise , No . 14 , reported thafc tho Lodge was not aware of having done anything of the kind , and would ever continue to exercise the utmost
caution in receiving applicants for admission . Several instances , however , were mentioned by different brethren , in which the Lodge had shown loxity in this respect , and a committee was thereupon appointed to acquaint Lodgo No . 14 with the information conveyed to Grand Lodgo , and to request greater vigilance in the future . On the 2 nd December the Grand Master announced that he had
appointed Bro . Edward Livingston , Mayor of New York , to be Deputy G . M ., and his installation was fixed for St . John's Day next ensuing . Tho report of tho committee appointed to present a P . G . M . 's jewel to Bro . R . R . Livingston , together with tho reply of thanks from thafc distinguished brother ,
wore then read , and ordered to bo recorded on the minutes . Notice of motion was then given thafc no Mason be permitted to appear in Grand Lodge or any of its processions in other than the distinguishing clothing , or with other ornament than those of a Master Mason , as conferred on members of that degree
Reviews.
by the Constitutions of Grand Lodge . Ifc was then resolved thafc the Lodges in tho jurisdiction be recommended to associate and dine together as a Grand Lodgo on the approaching festival of St . John . On the 4 th of the month Bro . E . Livingston was installed as Deputy Grand Master , after which ceremony tho Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Little ' s Hotel , where an elegant entertainment had been provided .
On the 10 th of February a most important communication was read in Grand Lodgo , from Apollo Lodgo , No . 49 . This communication included a circular letter from tho chairman of tho joint committee of Union , Masters , and Temple Lodges , Albany , inviting other Lodges in tho neighbourhood of that city to join in securing tho removal of Grand Lodge to Albany , as being tho saat of Government
of the State of Now York , and , therefore , more appropriate for the meeting of Grand Lodgo . Several reasons were assigned for this action of tho aforesaid Albany Lodges , among them being dissatisfaction with tho system of proxies in force , and the engrossment by New York brethren of all the important offices in Grand Lodge . On receipt of this invitation , Apollo Lodge expressed its resolution , to
the effect thafc the proposed transfer of Grand Lodge to Albany would effect no salutary change , and determined to report the matter forthwith to Grand Lodge . Upon this the Grand Lodge passed a resolution , thanking Apollo Lodgo for its loyal conduct , and a further resolution warning the Lodges in the northern parts of the state against the impropriety of the joint committee of the three Lodges ,
tho latter being also summoned to appear and answer for their conduct . On the 3 rd March , the motion as to Masonic clothing , of which duo notice had been given the December previous , was rejected , by a largo majority . On the 14 th May , a series of resolutions pro . posed by the committee appointed to deal with the question of suitable Grand Lodge premises , together with an alternative
proposition , were submitted to Grand Lodge . The former proposed the issue of six hundred shares of twenty-five dollars each , which should be offered to brethren on sale , or exchange for notes payable to Grand Treasurer , or order , afc six , nine , or twelve months . When a sufficient number had been sold , a site should he purchased , and a contract for the building at once entered into , the property so
acquired being conveyed to trustees , who should be bound to appropriate ifc only to Masonic purposes ; the rent received from Grand Lodge and other Lodges having accommodation to be distributed among the stockholders . These resolutions were agreed to , and a committee of seven appointed to see them carried into execution . On St . John ' s Day 1801 ( should be 1802 ) , Grand Lodge went in
procession from Adams ' s Hotel to Trinity , in accordance with a reso . lution agreed to tho 2 nd June . Ceremonies of the day were opened by the Grand Chaplain , with a prayer suited to the occasion , after which an eloquent and appropriate oration was delivered by Bro . Washington Morton , of Howard Lodge . A collection having been made on behalf of the Society for tho Relief of Distressed
Persons , and the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with small children , to be divided in equal moieties between the said societies , "the Grand Officers proceeded from the Church , escorted by the Knights Templar , with drawn swords , to Lovett ' s Hotel , where the Grand Lodge and brethren spent the residue of the day in harmony and festivity . " On the 1 st September , warrants were granted , on
petition , and recommendations presented for the following Lodges : — Military Lodge , Manlius , County of Onondaga ; Phoobus Lodge , Norwich , County Chenango ; Friendship Lodgo , Stephenstown , County Rensselaer ; Hiram Lodge , Plattsburg , County Clinton ; and Erin Lodge , City of New York . A form of Masonic certificate was sub . mitted by a brother , for the approval of the Grand Lodge , which
resolved to recommend it to the Lodges under its jurisdiction . In the minutes of Grand Stewards Lodge of 24 th November , ifc is noted that a sum of twenty-eight dollars , paid by the Grand Secretary for two boxes of cigars , furnished at the dinner of Grand Lodgo on the last Festival of St . John the Evangelist , is to be allowed him on his account with Grand Lodge . On 15 th of December , a reply ,
by Grand Secretary , to a communication received from a Con . vention of Lodges at Albany , was read , approved , and ordered to be transmitted , the said Lodges being required to appear and answer " concerning their un-Maaonio conduct in holding the said convention without the knowledge or sanction of tho Graud Lodge . " On 2 nd March 1803 , " a communication from John Mitchell , of South
Carolina , styling himself K . H . T . R . S ., Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the thirfcy-third degree of Masonry , and Grand Commander in the United States of America , was presented and read ; " the said letter being referred to a committee for report . On the 1 st June , six petitions were granted for warrants to hold as many Lodges , namely : —Vernon Lodge , Hillsdale , County Columbia ; Columbia
Lodge , Claverack , same county ; Mount Mona Lodge , Palmyra and Philips , County Ontario ; Revival Lodge , Windham , County Green ; Constellation Lodge , Mayfield , County Montgomery ; and Charity Lodge , Worcester , County Otsego . Another petition was referred to the Grand Officers , and yet another was rejected . On the 8 th of the month , the Grand Master with his Grand Officers and a large
assemblage of P . M . ' s , W . M . ' s , Wardens , and brethren , assembled in St . John ' s Hall , when the ceremony of consecrating the Lodge-room was carried out , according to the ancient usages and customs of tho order . On 7 th of December , a dispute between Hiram and Adelphi Lodges , as to priority of right of meeting in St . John ' s Hall , was referred to a committee . On 26 th January 1804 , Bro . Martin
Hoffman was appointed D . G . M . vice Bro . E . Livingston resignedhis installation to take place on a day fixed by the G . M . A petition for a warrant recommended by Union and Masters Lodges , Albany , was ordered to stand over till said Lodges had discharged their arrears of dues . Two Masonic certificates , found among tho papers of
a deceased English brother—one signed by the Master and Wardens of Lodge No . 25 , held afc Liverpool , England , and the other from Grand Lodge , Ancients , signed by "ROBERT LESLIE Grand Master , and EDWARD HARPER Grand Secretary , " were presented by a brother to Grand Lodge , and ordered to ba destroyed . On 7 th March petitions for Warrants were
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Heview should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . C . Early History and Transactions of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of New Yorh , 1781—1815 . Published by authority of tho Grand Lodge . Granted to Kane Lodgo , No . 454 , June 1874 . Parts VI . Now York : Masonic and Miscellaneous Publishers , No . 2 Bleeckcr-street D Sickles and Co ., Managers 1876 .
Tins further part of this valuable history contains several records of considerable importance or interest . At the outset we read that at the meeting of Grand Lodge held on the 4 th of June 1800 , tho Grand Secretary announced thafc Union Lodge , Albany , acknowledged the jurisdiction of New York Grand Lodge , that a warrant had been delivered to the W . M . of said Lodge , on promise that
the warrants should be delivered to the Grand Secretary , and that the rank and number of the Lodge would be regulated in accordance with tho date of tho first warrant issued by Provincial Grand Lodge of New York , on 21 sfc February 1765 . On 16 th tho same month the report of the Special Committee appointed to consider the present Constitution , and report any amendments or alterations that might he
deemed expedient presented their report , which was read , when it was unanimously resolved that the Code of Laws , as amended and altered , should be referred to the consideration of the subordinate Lodges , and , if two-thirds of them signified their approval , then the new code should immediately come into operation as the Constitution of the Grand Lodge . At the same meeting it was unanimously
resolved that the Grand Chaplain should be decorated with a jewel appropriate to his office . Afc tho meeting hold on the 3 rd December of the same year , the question of ratifying the new Constitution came under consideration , and on noting the returns made by sundry of the Lodges , it was found that only seventeen were in favour of the ratification , while twenty-five were for its rejection , either
wholly or in part . After some debate , ifc was carried , that , as the requisite two-thirds majority of tho Lodges had not voted for its acceptance , the proposed code should be hold to have been rejected . On the 4 th of March 1801 , it ia minuted that "A person alleging himself to bo a Mason of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania applied for admittance , but , nofc being known to or
vouched for by any member present , his admission was refused . " At tho meeting on 3 rd of June , ifc was announced thafc Grand Master Robert R . Livingston , having accepted the post of Minister Plenipotentiary to tho French Republic , would shortly depart on his Embassy . Graud Lodge , accordingly , proceeded to the election of a successor , and the result was that Colonel Jacob Morton
Deputy Grand Master , was unanimously elected , and at once proclaimed as Grand Master . A resolution was also unanimously passed , appointing a committee for the purpose of conveying to M . W . G . M . R . R . Livingston tho thanks of Grand Lodge for the valuable services he had rendered to Freemasonry in New York during tho term of his Grand Mastership , as well as an expression of deep regret that Grand
Lodgo was thus deprived of his superintending care , and further requesting his acceptance of a Past Grand Master ' s Jewel as a slight token of their esteem and respect . At a Grand Lodge of Emergency on the 15 th June tho G . M . Livingston expressly attended for the purpose of installing his successor ; but the address he delivered occupied so much of the evening thafc the ceremony of installation
was of necessity postponed , and Bro . Livingston deputed R . W . Bro . John Lawrence to perform the ceremony in his stead . Accordingly , Col . Jacob Morton was installed with the usual formalities on the 25 th June , in the presence of a large assembly of grand officers and brethren . We read that G . M . elect and R . W . Bro . John Lawrence , the installing Grand Officer , " were received at the entrance of tho
building by the body of Knights Templar , dressed with tho msignias ( sic ) of their order , and with drawn swords , who conducted them into the Lodge and to the seat . " The ceremony of installation was then proceeded with , and after a brief address , the Grand Master installed his officers , according to ancient usage . After another address from the Chair , and the appointment of a committee to consider the best
method of procuring a suitable apartment for the meetings of Grand Lodge , Grand Lodgo was closed . At a meeting on the 11 th July , held in consequence of the death of Bro . R . J . Vandenbroeck , Past Grand Secretary , it was resolved to bury tho deceased brother with Masonic honours , and tho funeral took place accordingly the day following , in the French Church burial ground , the Rev . Bro . Ireland ,
Grand Chaplain , delivering an appropriate address over the grave . At the meeting on tho 2 nd September , a committee appointed to investigate a complaint made somo time previously respecting the incautious admission of visitors by Lodge l'Union Francaise , No . 14 , reported thafc tho Lodge was not aware of having done anything of the kind , and would ever continue to exercise the utmost
caution in receiving applicants for admission . Several instances , however , were mentioned by different brethren , in which the Lodge had shown loxity in this respect , and a committee was thereupon appointed to acquaint Lodgo No . 14 with the information conveyed to Grand Lodgo , and to request greater vigilance in the future . On the 2 nd December the Grand Master announced that he had
appointed Bro . Edward Livingston , Mayor of New York , to be Deputy G . M ., and his installation was fixed for St . John's Day next ensuing . Tho report of tho committee appointed to present a P . G . M . 's jewel to Bro . R . R . Livingston , together with tho reply of thanks from thafc distinguished brother ,
wore then read , and ordered to bo recorded on the minutes . Notice of motion was then given thafc no Mason be permitted to appear in Grand Lodge or any of its processions in other than the distinguishing clothing , or with other ornament than those of a Master Mason , as conferred on members of that degree
Reviews.
by the Constitutions of Grand Lodge . Ifc was then resolved thafc the Lodges in tho jurisdiction be recommended to associate and dine together as a Grand Lodgo on the approaching festival of St . John . On the 4 th of the month Bro . E . Livingston was installed as Deputy Grand Master , after which ceremony tho Lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to Little ' s Hotel , where an elegant entertainment had been provided .
On the 10 th of February a most important communication was read in Grand Lodgo , from Apollo Lodgo , No . 49 . This communication included a circular letter from tho chairman of tho joint committee of Union , Masters , and Temple Lodges , Albany , inviting other Lodges in tho neighbourhood of that city to join in securing tho removal of Grand Lodge to Albany , as being tho saat of Government
of the State of Now York , and , therefore , more appropriate for the meeting of Grand Lodgo . Several reasons were assigned for this action of tho aforesaid Albany Lodges , among them being dissatisfaction with tho system of proxies in force , and the engrossment by New York brethren of all the important offices in Grand Lodge . On receipt of this invitation , Apollo Lodge expressed its resolution , to
the effect thafc the proposed transfer of Grand Lodge to Albany would effect no salutary change , and determined to report the matter forthwith to Grand Lodge . Upon this the Grand Lodge passed a resolution , thanking Apollo Lodgo for its loyal conduct , and a further resolution warning the Lodges in the northern parts of the state against the impropriety of the joint committee of the three Lodges ,
tho latter being also summoned to appear and answer for their conduct . On the 3 rd March , the motion as to Masonic clothing , of which duo notice had been given the December previous , was rejected , by a largo majority . On the 14 th May , a series of resolutions pro . posed by the committee appointed to deal with the question of suitable Grand Lodge premises , together with an alternative
proposition , were submitted to Grand Lodge . The former proposed the issue of six hundred shares of twenty-five dollars each , which should be offered to brethren on sale , or exchange for notes payable to Grand Treasurer , or order , afc six , nine , or twelve months . When a sufficient number had been sold , a site should he purchased , and a contract for the building at once entered into , the property so
acquired being conveyed to trustees , who should be bound to appropriate ifc only to Masonic purposes ; the rent received from Grand Lodge and other Lodges having accommodation to be distributed among the stockholders . These resolutions were agreed to , and a committee of seven appointed to see them carried into execution . On St . John ' s Day 1801 ( should be 1802 ) , Grand Lodge went in
procession from Adams ' s Hotel to Trinity , in accordance with a reso . lution agreed to tho 2 nd June . Ceremonies of the day were opened by the Grand Chaplain , with a prayer suited to the occasion , after which an eloquent and appropriate oration was delivered by Bro . Washington Morton , of Howard Lodge . A collection having been made on behalf of the Society for tho Relief of Distressed
Persons , and the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with small children , to be divided in equal moieties between the said societies , "the Grand Officers proceeded from the Church , escorted by the Knights Templar , with drawn swords , to Lovett ' s Hotel , where the Grand Lodge and brethren spent the residue of the day in harmony and festivity . " On the 1 st September , warrants were granted , on
petition , and recommendations presented for the following Lodges : — Military Lodge , Manlius , County of Onondaga ; Phoobus Lodge , Norwich , County Chenango ; Friendship Lodgo , Stephenstown , County Rensselaer ; Hiram Lodge , Plattsburg , County Clinton ; and Erin Lodge , City of New York . A form of Masonic certificate was sub . mitted by a brother , for the approval of the Grand Lodge , which
resolved to recommend it to the Lodges under its jurisdiction . In the minutes of Grand Stewards Lodge of 24 th November , ifc is noted that a sum of twenty-eight dollars , paid by the Grand Secretary for two boxes of cigars , furnished at the dinner of Grand Lodgo on the last Festival of St . John the Evangelist , is to be allowed him on his account with Grand Lodge . On 15 th of December , a reply ,
by Grand Secretary , to a communication received from a Con . vention of Lodges at Albany , was read , approved , and ordered to be transmitted , the said Lodges being required to appear and answer " concerning their un-Maaonio conduct in holding the said convention without the knowledge or sanction of tho Graud Lodge . " On 2 nd March 1803 , " a communication from John Mitchell , of South
Carolina , styling himself K . H . T . R . S ., Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the thirfcy-third degree of Masonry , and Grand Commander in the United States of America , was presented and read ; " the said letter being referred to a committee for report . On the 1 st June , six petitions were granted for warrants to hold as many Lodges , namely : —Vernon Lodge , Hillsdale , County Columbia ; Columbia
Lodge , Claverack , same county ; Mount Mona Lodge , Palmyra and Philips , County Ontario ; Revival Lodge , Windham , County Green ; Constellation Lodge , Mayfield , County Montgomery ; and Charity Lodge , Worcester , County Otsego . Another petition was referred to the Grand Officers , and yet another was rejected . On the 8 th of the month , the Grand Master with his Grand Officers and a large
assemblage of P . M . ' s , W . M . ' s , Wardens , and brethren , assembled in St . John ' s Hall , when the ceremony of consecrating the Lodge-room was carried out , according to the ancient usages and customs of tho order . On 7 th of December , a dispute between Hiram and Adelphi Lodges , as to priority of right of meeting in St . John ' s Hall , was referred to a committee . On 26 th January 1804 , Bro . Martin
Hoffman was appointed D . G . M . vice Bro . E . Livingston resignedhis installation to take place on a day fixed by the G . M . A petition for a warrant recommended by Union and Masters Lodges , Albany , was ordered to stand over till said Lodges had discharged their arrears of dues . Two Masonic certificates , found among tho papers of
a deceased English brother—one signed by the Master and Wardens of Lodge No . 25 , held afc Liverpool , England , and the other from Grand Lodge , Ancients , signed by "ROBERT LESLIE Grand Master , and EDWARD HARPER Grand Secretary , " were presented by a brother to Grand Lodge , and ordered to ba destroyed . On 7 th March petitions for Warrants were