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  • The Masonic Observer
  • Sept. 20, 1858
  • Page 14
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The Masonic Observer, Sept. 20, 1858: Page 14

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Page 14

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Ar01400

tive and privilege , that he , and not the Grand Lodge , is the judge of it . " As regards paragraph 4 . I am perfectly aware that the letter of the Grand Master of March , 1857 , is published . The complaint , which I stated as having been made to me , is that it was not published until after the proceedings of the September following , and that it , therefore , was not , and could not , be generally known until after the decision was come to . "As regards paragraph 6 , 1 did not mean to imply that you have

severed yourself from Canada West . My remark was , that you had severed your connection with the Grand Lodge of England . " In reference to your 7 th paragraph . If your letters do not beatout the imputation of mercenary motives against the Grand Lodge , and if the publication of such letters is not calculated to wound the feelings of Brethren here and hold up the Craft in England to reprobation , then there is no longer meaning in words . Of this , however , neither you nor I are the judges . Our Brethren are to judge : and the Grand Master feelsand feels stronglthat so long as he ' has the

, y , honor of presiding over the English Craft , that his duty as their representative , as well as his own inclination , both prompt him to defend that Craft against unprovoked and unfounded attacks , come whence they may . "As regards Sir Allan MacNab , I have to remind you that the painful step of giving notice of his removal from office was not taken until nearly five months after the declaration of independence by the

Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada West , nor until many meets after his return to this country , during which he had the most ample opportunity of tendering his resignation if he were so minded . " There being no other part of yonr letter which has not already been fully meet in my previous communications , it is needless for me again to go over the same ground . " The Grand Master has given his earnest and unremitting attention , and has spared no exertion , to arrange the difficulties which have occurred , and from causes not entirely on this side of the water .

He has the satisfaction of believing that his Brethren here have generally appreciated those exertions . " I have only to say in conclusion , that no matter what you may hear to the contrary , either from interested parties or otherwise ( anil it is evident that there has been grievous misrepresentation somewhere ) , that there is a very strong feeling of regard on the part of theCraft here towards their Canadian Brethren ; and that there is no individual Mason in this country who will rejoice more at the termination of their difficulties than ' the Earl of Zetland himself ; and no

one who will give a more hearty corporation towards restoring and cementing the good feeling wdiicii should always exist amongst Masons , when unanimity shall once again be shown to prevail amongst his Canadian Brethren . " I have the honor to b ? , R . W . Sir and Brother , " T . Douglas Harington , Esq ., " Yours fraternally , Toronto , Canada . "WM . GRAY CLARKE , G . S . " P . S . By direction of the M . W . Grand Master , I send von a eopy of a return , which , by his lordship's command , will be laid before the next Grand Lodge . "

Ar01401

GRAND LODGE OF CANADA . —The following Grand Lodges have fully and cordially recognized the above-named Grand Lodge , viz .: Connecticut , Ohio , District of Columbia , Iowa , Indiana , Kentucky , Oregon , South Carolina , Florida , Texas , North Carolina , Illinois , Vermont , New Hampshire , Maine , Minnesota , Louisiana , Mississippi , and California . The following consider its formation as irregular and revolutionary , viz .: Massachusetts , New- York , Alabama , Georgia , iind Virginia . The other Grand Lodges have not taken definite action upon the subject .

Union In New York.

UNION IN NEW YORK .

[ From the Masonic Journal . " ] We are pleased to be able to announce that the body of the Craft in New York are once more united in friendship and brotherly love . We presume all our readers know that in consequence of a change in the constitution disfranchising Past Masters in 1849 , a large number of the New York city Lodges set up the standard of rebellion ; since which time there has been "trouble" among the Craft in that state even until now . After several attempts at a settlement of their difficulties , finally , through the persevering efforts of a few real peacemakers , the constitution has been amended so as to allow those

who were Past Masters previous to June , 1849 , to seats and votes in Grand Lodge . Following this , a committee was chosen from each body , who agreed upon articles of union , which were unanimously adopted by both ; and subsequently , the Officers of the so-called " Herring Grand Lodge " were received and welcomed into the Grand Lodge of the state , over which John L . Lewis presides . The scene is described as a deeply affecting one . The outline of the articles of union is as follows : There is to be but

one Grand Lodge in the state ; all proceedings had in relation to suspensions and expulsions growing out of the difficulties of 1849 are rescinded , and those thus suspended or expelled are restored to full membership ; article third provides for numbering the Lodges ; the fourth provides for withdrawing and settling costs of suits at law growing out of the above-named difficulties ; number five declares that the Grand Lodge is composed of the Grand and Past Grand Officers , and the Masters and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges , or

the representatives of the latter , and all such Past Masters as were elected , installed , and served one year in the chair previous to December , 1 S 49 ; the constitution to remain in force until constitutionally amended ; all allusions to past differences to be avoided . It is fervently to be hoped that the " union" may be a happy one ; but we must not be surprised if disappointed ambition should from time to time cause dissensions and difficulties among the Craft in the metropolis of the empire state . Yet , hoping for the best , we heartily congratulate onr New York Brethren , and the whole Masonic family elsewhere , that peace once more prevails in its borders . Long may it continue .

INSTALLATION OF THE FROY . GRAND MASTER FOR QUEBEC , ETC . On Monday , May 26 , according to previous appointment , the Masonic Chambers , St . Francis Street , were filled to overflowing with Brethren of the mystic tie to witness the installation of the R . W . Bro . James Dean , jun ., as Prov . G . M . for the district of Quebec and Three Rivers , under the registry of England . The Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened in due form by the R . W . Prov . G . M ., and his patent of appointment from the Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M . of England , read , ho was then installed according to ancient custom by the R . W . Bro . George Thompson , P . D . Prov . Grand Master .

New Brunswick.

NEW BRUNSWICK .

At the present time Masonry in New Brunswick occupies a proud position , so far as numerical strength and respectability are concerned . Within a brief period it has encircled within its capacious folds a mighty host , and we believe we should be justified in saying , of worthy and devoted men , wdio have endeavored to become acquainted ¦ with its mysteries . Bnt it is a matter of regret that the mode of government is not such as might be commended . There are Lodges at present in this Province holding under the Grand Lodges of England , Irelandand Scotland . This diversity of authority cannot fail to

, counteract the good effects or results which would or should flow from the fraternity . When we come to revolve the subject in our minds , and think of three Grand Lodges—all holding under the dominion of " The flag that ' s braved a thousand years The battle and the breeze , "granting warrants for the working of Lodges in a province under the dominion of the same mihty empirewe feel utterly astounded .

g , What would be said of the grand bodies of either England , Ireland , or Scotland , if they should , in the granting of warrants , encroach upon the dominion of each other ? Wo fancy the aggrieved parties in this case would not feel very comfortable under the innovation . But here we have Lodges working under the three different authorities . At present everything may appear quite calm and serene ; but how longis this going to last ? Are there no feelings of jealousy between the rival bodies , beneath this pleasant exterior ? We fear that too often it is the case . Yes ! we can recollect cases where such jealousy has

really existed , and where , the rulers of one branch have endeavoured to retard the progress of the other . A better plan and a more harmonious system might have been adopted , even if the three Grand Lodges had divided the Colonies equally , so that each body might have bad a separate and distinct control over some certain portion . But it was not supposed that the colonies would occupy such an important position as they do now . Little did the parent bodies suppose that Canada , with her host of Brethren , would one day seek for an independent existence ; or that Australia would be on the verge of asserting her independence ; or that the West Indies would be disaf-

“The Masonic Observer: 1858-09-20, Page 14” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 13 May 2025, django:8000/periodicals/mob/issues/mob_20091858/page/14/.
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GRAND LODGE. Article 7
The Colonies. Article 10
Untitled Article 11
Untitled Article 11
Untitled Article 14
UNION IN NEW YORK. Article 14
NEW BRUNSWICK. Article 14
NEW ZEALAND. Article 15
AUSTRALIA.-VICTORIA. Article 15
Mark Masonry. Article 16
Masonic Charities. Article 17
The Provinces. Article 19
Untitled Article 22
Correspondence. Article 23
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Ar01400

tive and privilege , that he , and not the Grand Lodge , is the judge of it . " As regards paragraph 4 . I am perfectly aware that the letter of the Grand Master of March , 1857 , is published . The complaint , which I stated as having been made to me , is that it was not published until after the proceedings of the September following , and that it , therefore , was not , and could not , be generally known until after the decision was come to . "As regards paragraph 6 , 1 did not mean to imply that you have

severed yourself from Canada West . My remark was , that you had severed your connection with the Grand Lodge of England . " In reference to your 7 th paragraph . If your letters do not beatout the imputation of mercenary motives against the Grand Lodge , and if the publication of such letters is not calculated to wound the feelings of Brethren here and hold up the Craft in England to reprobation , then there is no longer meaning in words . Of this , however , neither you nor I are the judges . Our Brethren are to judge : and the Grand Master feelsand feels stronglthat so long as he ' has the

, y , honor of presiding over the English Craft , that his duty as their representative , as well as his own inclination , both prompt him to defend that Craft against unprovoked and unfounded attacks , come whence they may . "As regards Sir Allan MacNab , I have to remind you that the painful step of giving notice of his removal from office was not taken until nearly five months after the declaration of independence by the

Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada West , nor until many meets after his return to this country , during which he had the most ample opportunity of tendering his resignation if he were so minded . " There being no other part of yonr letter which has not already been fully meet in my previous communications , it is needless for me again to go over the same ground . " The Grand Master has given his earnest and unremitting attention , and has spared no exertion , to arrange the difficulties which have occurred , and from causes not entirely on this side of the water .

He has the satisfaction of believing that his Brethren here have generally appreciated those exertions . " I have only to say in conclusion , that no matter what you may hear to the contrary , either from interested parties or otherwise ( anil it is evident that there has been grievous misrepresentation somewhere ) , that there is a very strong feeling of regard on the part of theCraft here towards their Canadian Brethren ; and that there is no individual Mason in this country who will rejoice more at the termination of their difficulties than ' the Earl of Zetland himself ; and no

one who will give a more hearty corporation towards restoring and cementing the good feeling wdiicii should always exist amongst Masons , when unanimity shall once again be shown to prevail amongst his Canadian Brethren . " I have the honor to b ? , R . W . Sir and Brother , " T . Douglas Harington , Esq ., " Yours fraternally , Toronto , Canada . "WM . GRAY CLARKE , G . S . " P . S . By direction of the M . W . Grand Master , I send von a eopy of a return , which , by his lordship's command , will be laid before the next Grand Lodge . "

Ar01401

GRAND LODGE OF CANADA . —The following Grand Lodges have fully and cordially recognized the above-named Grand Lodge , viz .: Connecticut , Ohio , District of Columbia , Iowa , Indiana , Kentucky , Oregon , South Carolina , Florida , Texas , North Carolina , Illinois , Vermont , New Hampshire , Maine , Minnesota , Louisiana , Mississippi , and California . The following consider its formation as irregular and revolutionary , viz .: Massachusetts , New- York , Alabama , Georgia , iind Virginia . The other Grand Lodges have not taken definite action upon the subject .

Union In New York.

UNION IN NEW YORK .

[ From the Masonic Journal . " ] We are pleased to be able to announce that the body of the Craft in New York are once more united in friendship and brotherly love . We presume all our readers know that in consequence of a change in the constitution disfranchising Past Masters in 1849 , a large number of the New York city Lodges set up the standard of rebellion ; since which time there has been "trouble" among the Craft in that state even until now . After several attempts at a settlement of their difficulties , finally , through the persevering efforts of a few real peacemakers , the constitution has been amended so as to allow those

who were Past Masters previous to June , 1849 , to seats and votes in Grand Lodge . Following this , a committee was chosen from each body , who agreed upon articles of union , which were unanimously adopted by both ; and subsequently , the Officers of the so-called " Herring Grand Lodge " were received and welcomed into the Grand Lodge of the state , over which John L . Lewis presides . The scene is described as a deeply affecting one . The outline of the articles of union is as follows : There is to be but

one Grand Lodge in the state ; all proceedings had in relation to suspensions and expulsions growing out of the difficulties of 1849 are rescinded , and those thus suspended or expelled are restored to full membership ; article third provides for numbering the Lodges ; the fourth provides for withdrawing and settling costs of suits at law growing out of the above-named difficulties ; number five declares that the Grand Lodge is composed of the Grand and Past Grand Officers , and the Masters and Wardens of the subordinate Lodges , or

the representatives of the latter , and all such Past Masters as were elected , installed , and served one year in the chair previous to December , 1 S 49 ; the constitution to remain in force until constitutionally amended ; all allusions to past differences to be avoided . It is fervently to be hoped that the " union" may be a happy one ; but we must not be surprised if disappointed ambition should from time to time cause dissensions and difficulties among the Craft in the metropolis of the empire state . Yet , hoping for the best , we heartily congratulate onr New York Brethren , and the whole Masonic family elsewhere , that peace once more prevails in its borders . Long may it continue .

INSTALLATION OF THE FROY . GRAND MASTER FOR QUEBEC , ETC . On Monday , May 26 , according to previous appointment , the Masonic Chambers , St . Francis Street , were filled to overflowing with Brethren of the mystic tie to witness the installation of the R . W . Bro . James Dean , jun ., as Prov . G . M . for the district of Quebec and Three Rivers , under the registry of England . The Prov . Grand Lodge having been opened in due form by the R . W . Prov . G . M ., and his patent of appointment from the Earl of Zetland , M . W . G . M . of England , read , ho was then installed according to ancient custom by the R . W . Bro . George Thompson , P . D . Prov . Grand Master .

New Brunswick.

NEW BRUNSWICK .

At the present time Masonry in New Brunswick occupies a proud position , so far as numerical strength and respectability are concerned . Within a brief period it has encircled within its capacious folds a mighty host , and we believe we should be justified in saying , of worthy and devoted men , wdio have endeavored to become acquainted ¦ with its mysteries . Bnt it is a matter of regret that the mode of government is not such as might be commended . There are Lodges at present in this Province holding under the Grand Lodges of England , Irelandand Scotland . This diversity of authority cannot fail to

, counteract the good effects or results which would or should flow from the fraternity . When we come to revolve the subject in our minds , and think of three Grand Lodges—all holding under the dominion of " The flag that ' s braved a thousand years The battle and the breeze , "granting warrants for the working of Lodges in a province under the dominion of the same mihty empirewe feel utterly astounded .

g , What would be said of the grand bodies of either England , Ireland , or Scotland , if they should , in the granting of warrants , encroach upon the dominion of each other ? Wo fancy the aggrieved parties in this case would not feel very comfortable under the innovation . But here we have Lodges working under the three different authorities . At present everything may appear quite calm and serene ; but how longis this going to last ? Are there no feelings of jealousy between the rival bodies , beneath this pleasant exterior ? We fear that too often it is the case . Yes ! we can recollect cases where such jealousy has

really existed , and where , the rulers of one branch have endeavoured to retard the progress of the other . A better plan and a more harmonious system might have been adopted , even if the three Grand Lodges had divided the Colonies equally , so that each body might have bad a separate and distinct control over some certain portion . But it was not supposed that the colonies would occupy such an important position as they do now . Little did the parent bodies suppose that Canada , with her host of Brethren , would one day seek for an independent existence ; or that Australia would be on the verge of asserting her independence ; or that the West Indies would be disaf-

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