Notes On American Freemasonry.

masons of Boston vicinity , who 40 years ago signed the eloquent declaration , exhibiting the nature and principles of the institution , and protesting against the calumnies and persecution of its enemies .

The Annual Communication took place on Dec . 8 th , 1869 , Avith a good attendance of Present and Past Grand Officers and District Grand Officers . One hundred and thirty-two lodges were represented .

By the report , it appears that the Grand Lodge is deeply in debt , the liabilities being 363 , 500 dols ., with cash in hand less than 2 , 000 dols .. The debt had been reduced since 1867 by 70 , 000 dols ., and the committee are of opinion that the

financial affairs cannot be considered in a sound state until the debt had been reduced 100 , 000 dols . more . In the report of the Grand Master it is stated that the expenditure on account of the Masonic

Temple amounted to upwards of 453 , 000 dols ., including interest , insurance , furniture , and organ , which in some measure accounts for the heavy indebtedness mentioned above . A portion of the apartments had been let at a rental of 9 , 000 dols . a

year . Several munificent gifts had been received in aid of the liquidation of the debt . The Grand Master issued a circular letter to Dist . Grand Masters before their departure , enjoining them to observe in their official visitation

of the lodges in their districts , and to carefully note and report upon the following matters , inter alia .

To inspect lodge rooms and see that they are properly tyled . To examine the records and see that they are properly kept . That the lodges have the proper furniture ,

especially the representations of the Three Lesser Lights . To see that the work is in accordance with the Grand Lodge requirements , and Avhether the services of the Grand Lecturer are needed .

The Grand Master concludes his instructions to his Deputies with following recommendations : — " Strive to be courteous , affable , and agreeable to the brethren . Endeavour to bring them into kindly relations vyith the Grand Lodge and its

officers . Avoid antagonism . Impress upon the Masters and Wardens the necessity of their attentendance upon the communications of the Grand Lodge , and that the destinies and control of the

Notes On American Freemasonry.

Grand Lodge are in their hands ; and let the brethren understand that they have their representation through their chosen officers . Finally , remember . Right Worshipful Brother , that you are the only officer of the Grand Lodge who comes in close contact Avith all the brethren of

your district ; and that , as the representative of the Grand Lodge , it is your duty to encourage the zealous Mason , impart instruction where you can , cheer the lodges , and zealously labour , as co-AVorker with your brethren , to elevate the moral standard

of Masonry in the field assigned to you . " The Grand Master recommends that the approaching festival in celebration of the centenary of the Grand Lodge should be carried out in a manner becoming the occasion , and that a

committee charged / with the management of the matter be appointed . The history of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts embraces the so-called St . John's Grand Lodge , which was established in 1733 , and the

socalled Massachusetts Grand Lodge , which originated in 1769 . One hundred years ago on the 27 th December last , Joseph Warren , the " revolutionary patriot , " Avas installed as first Grand Master . Since -the union in 1792 the forms and

customs of this Grand Lodge have been followed Avith singular fidelity . It was the first Grand Lodge upon the American continent Avhich declared its independence . The Grand Master complains that many of the

brethren , immediately after the election of the Grand Officers , are in the habit of leaving the lodge . They are reminded that they are elected by the lodges as their representatives ; that the rights of the brethren they represented Avere in

their hands , and he exhorted them not to be neglect ful of the trust reposed in them . What will appear curious to English Masons is a complaint from the Grand Lodge of California against Mount Hollis Lodge in this jurisdiction for

having made a Mason a person Avho was a resident within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California . The person alluded to was absent from his home on a visit . He had been absent about a year , but Avith the intention of returning . During

this sojourn he v * as induced by friends and relations Avho Avere officers of the lodge to petition for the three degrees , he being told that it would make no difference Avhere he took the degrees . He did so , and was initiated , passed , and raised in the Hollis Lodge , Hollistown , in the State of Massachusetts .