HistoricalBiblio Periodicals

MASONIC PERIODICALS

This summary of documents appeared in Vol. I of New England Freemason, on Pages 308-311 (July 1874), 367-371 (August 1874), 426-430 (September 1874), 454-458 (October 1874), and 500-503 (November 1874).

I have found it extremely difficult to obtain accurate information concerning the Masonic Periodicals that have been published in this country. In relation to many of them my information is still defective; but I give what I have, hoping that by thus calling attention to the subject, full information will be obtained. When my statements concerning any Periodical are unqualified, they are believed to be accurate. I shall follow the alphabetical arrangement in the main, but vary from it when it seems advisable.

The Acacia

An octavo monthly magazine, edited by William P. Mellen, and published at Natchez, Miss., by Giles M. Hi 1 Iyer. It commenced in January, 1855, and was published two years, making two volumes of 576 pages each.

The Masonic Advocate

A quarto of sixteen pages, published monthly at Indianapolis, Indiana, by Martin H. Rice. It was originally published by F. M. Blair, as a miscellaneous newspaper, with a Masonic Department, folio in size. I have but little knowledge of the issues prior to April, 1869; the number for that month was Xo. 3, of Volume V; but the number for July of the same year was No. 6 of Volume II. In August, 1870, the size was reduced to quarto, that number being No. 8 of Volume III. Since then it has been issued monthly, twelve numbers making a volume, commencing with the year.

The Amaranth, or Masonic Garland

A monthly octavo magazine of thirty-two pages, edited by Charles W. Moore, and published by Moore & Sevoy. It was commenced in April, 1828, and issued monthly for a year, as Volume I.; the twelfth number contains eighteen pages, besides title page, advertisement and table of contents. The second volume was commenced, in April, 1829, and numbers issued in April, May, June, July, August, and a double number for September and October, when its publication was suspended, though the prospectus was continued in the Mirror till April, 1830.

I prefer to give Bro. Moore's publications in a group, and so give next —

The Masonic Mirror and Mechanic's Intelligencer

This was started as a weekly folio of four pages, Nov. 27, 1824, edited by John R. Cotting, and published by Moore & Prowse. The second number was issued January 1, 1825; after that it was published weekly, the first volume ending Dec. 17, 1825.

It was then changed to a quarto of eight pages, edited by Moore, and published by Moore & Prowse, weekly, through 1826.

The third volume was published during 1827, by Moore & Sevey, in the same style as the second volume. In the number for August, 1827, the prospectus of the Amaranth was published. A fourth volume of the Mirror was announced, but I cannot ascertain that any numbers were ever issued; the Amaranth followed, and afterwards

The Masonic Mirror (new series)

This was a quarto of eight pages, edited by Moore, and published weekly by Moore & Prowse. The first volume commenced July 4, 1829, and closed June 26, 1830. The tenth and subsequent numbers have Boston Masonic Mirror as a heading for all the pages after the title page. Volumes II., III., and IV. were issued in weekly numbers, under the name of Boston Masonic Mirror; but Volume IV. was folio, each number having four pages. Volume V. commenced in July, 1833, of same size as Volume IV; twenty-seven numbers were issued (the last, Dee. 28, 1833), when it was united with the Bunker Hill Aurora which had a Masonic Department, as I am informed.

Bro. Moore, some eight years afterwards, undertook the great work of his life, in commencing the publication of

The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine

He issued the first number in November, 1841; it was begun as it ended, an octavo magazine of thirty-two pages, published monthly. For thirty-one years, month after month, he issued the magazine, without a single lapse. The thirty-first volume closed in October, 1872, and he delayed the commencement of the thirty-second volume till January, 1873; he lived to complete that volume; with it he finished his work on earth. This magazine was the first published that was exclusively Masonic. Its effect on the jurisprudence of Masonry cannot be estimated. It is justly regarded as one of the most valuable works in a Masonic library.

The American Freemason

April 22, 1853, Rob Morris issued at Louisville, Kentucky, the first number of the Kentucky Freemason, an eight page folio. He issued eight semi-monthly numbers, and then changed its name to American Freemason, and issued number one, Sept. 2, 1853: but he styled the volume, two. He issued twenty-four numbers in that volume. The first number of the third volume was issued Sept. 15, 1854, and the twenty-fourth number, Sept. 15, 1855, there being none for Oct. 1, 1854. The fourth volume commenced Oct. 15, 1855, and ended Oct. 15, 1856, there being no number for Oct. 1, 1856. The fifth volume commenced Nov. 15, 1856; numbers were issued semi-monthly to May 1, 1857 inc.; another number (the thirtieth) was issued July 1, 1857; an extra of ten pages was issued Nov. 15, 1857, and the volume closed in order to commence with an octavo magazine. (See the next.)

The American Freemason

An octavo Monthly Magazine published by J. F. Brennan as the successor of the American Freemason last named. The first number of this was issued January 1, 1858, at Louisville and New York. Some copies purported to be Volume VI. and some Volume I.; this number had eighty-four pages and the five others of that volume eighty pages each. The next volume was numbered I. in some copies and VII. in others, and had six numbers of eighty pages each. The next volume was numbered eight and three at first, but I think from and after number three it was called volume III; it has four hundred and eighty-eight pages. The fourth volume has four hundred and eighty-two pages. The fifth volume commenced January, 1860, and the first number was issued in five weekly parts, (132 pp); the next and succeeding numbers were monthly; the second num. ber has one hundred and twelve pages; the third, one hundred and four; the fourth, one hundred and twelve; the fifth, eighty, and the sixth eighty. In this volume there is an error in paging of one hundred pages, going at once from three hundred and sixty to four hundred and sixty-one. The sixth volume commenced July, 1860, and it purported to be monthly; but numbers thirty-two to thirty-six were issued in one pamphlet. The first number had sixty-eight pages, the second sixty-four, and the next four, forty-eight each. Number thirty-seven was published and then the work was suspended.

The American Freemason, "Quarto Series"

A quarto magazine, the first number of which was published January 1st, 1868, by J. F. Brennan, at Cincinnati, containing forty-eight pages; during 1868 it was published quarterly. The first number of the second volume was issued March 15, 1869, containing sixteen pages. It was published monthly on the fifteenth of each month until September 15th, 1870, and perhaps longer. The monthly parts are paged continuously, though they make two volumes, second and third. The first number begins with page nine, to make room for title page and index.

American Masonic Record

January 28th, 1826, E. B. Child commenced at Albany the publication of a weekly quarto of eight pages, called The Escritoir, or Masonic and Miscellaneous Album. He published it a year under that title. At the beginning of the next year he changed the title to American Masonic Record and Albany Saturday Magazine, and published it as Volume one. In the title to the second volume, the word "Masonic" is spelled "Masonick." It ran to four (and I think five) volumes; the title of the fourth volume is American Masonick Record and Albany Literary Journal.

He issued the paper every Saturday, of the same size and style, from January 28th, 1826, till February 27th, 1830, and how much longer I am unable to say.

American Masonic Register and Ladies and Gentlemen's Magazine

An octavo monthly Magazine, edited and published by Luther Pratt at New York; first number published September 1st, 1820; the first volume contains twelve numbers of forty pages each, ending in August, 1821; the second volume contains but six numbers and they were not regularly issued; the first is dated September, 1821; the second, March, 1822; the third, November, 1822; the fourth, December, 1822; the fifth, February, 1823; and the sixth, March, 1823. Some copies of the sixth number end with page 240, but in others four pages are added, apparently to complete an unfinished story. With the exception of the words "The End" at the bottom of the last of these four pages, there is no explanation, unless it is upon the covers, which I have not seen; its publication was never resumed. The second volume has a title page and table of Contents, bearing the imprint 1826, when, I have no doubt, the four additional pages above referred to were published.

The American Masonic Register and Literary Companion

Was a large quarto of eight pages, published weekly at Albany, N. Y., by L. G. Hoffman. The first volume commenced August 31st, 1839; the second, September 5th, 1840; the third, September 4th, 1841, and the fourth about the same date in 1842. These volumes have fifty-two numbers. The fifth volume was published in semi-monthly numbers. The last half of the name was then dropped, and the paper was changed to a monthly of sixteen pages, large octavo or small quarto. The first number was issued November, 1844, as Number oue of Volume VI, new series. It was published monthly, of same size and description, for three years, making volumes six, seven and eight, and was then discontinued.

The American Quarterly Review of Freemasonry

An octavo Quarterly edited by A. G. Maekoy, and published by Robert Macoy. The first number (now very rare) was published in July, 1857; seven other numbers followed regularly, and then it was discontinued. The numbers generally had one hundred and forty-four pages each; but number one of the first volume begins with page five, and of the second volume with page nine; and each volume has an Index and Table of Contents of eight pages. The hist number of Volume I. has one hundred and sixty pages, and of Volume II. luis one hundred and thirty-six pages.

Ancient Landmark

Started at Mt. Clemens, Michigan, July 1, 1851, as a quarto monthly of eight pages, by A. C. Smith. After July, it was issued semi-monthly. The first volume of twenty-six numbers ended September 1, 185-2. The second volume commenced September 15, 1852, and ended September 15, 1853, and contained twenty-four numbers, there being none for March 1, 1853. It was reduced to an octavo monthly of thirty-two pages at the commencement of the third volume, the first number of which was issued in November, 1853, and the twelfth in October, 1854. It was edited by A. C. Smith, and published by M. H. Maes. The first number of the fourth volume was issued in December, 1854, and numbers were issued i n January, February and March, 1855; then none was issued till June, when the fifth and last number was issued at Detroit.

The Ashlar

An octavo magazine started by Allyn Weston at Detroit, in September, 1855, and issued monthly. The first and second volumes contain each twelve numbers of forty-six pages. The third and fourth volumes have twelve numbers of forty-eight pages each and were issued at Chicago and Detroit, being published by Charles Scott. The fifth volume was commenced by Weston and E. W. Jones, and ten numbers of forty-eight pages were issued and the volume closed. Up to this time a number had been issued for every month. In July, 1860, the sixth volume was commenced by J. Adams Allen as editor, and George A. Fitch as publisher, at Chicago. Some numbers have more than forty-eight pages. Number four has twenty-four pages of "Illustrations of The Ashlar," paged separately, and other numbers have some. The volume closed with number six. Number one of volume seven was issued and then it stopped.

The American Keystone

Started in 1851 by Callicot and Webster in New York, but was soon merged, as I understand, in the Mirror and Keystone, published by Leon Hyneman.

The Adopted Mason

A few numbers of this, (an octavo magazine), devoted to "Female Masonry," so-called, were issued in 1855; but it can hardly be classed with "Masonic Periodicals."

The Universal Masonic Literary Advocate

Was an octavo magazine published by Robert Morris, in 1855, to advertise his reprint of several Masonic works. This can hardly be called a "Masonic Periodical."

The American Craftsman

Published semi-monthly by F. G. Tisdall in New York in 1858; eleven numbers were issued and then it was discontinued.

Bulletin of the Grand Orient of France

An octavo commenced in 1844, and designated by years instead of volumes, but paged for volumes. It was issued in May, August, December, 1844, April, August and December, 1845, and April, 1846, for the first volume. It contains 332 pages, and is for the first and second years. In 1847, numbers were issued in January, April, May, July, September and December, paged for a volume. and designated as the third year (348 pages). The numbers for March, May, August, October and December, 1848, and March, 1849, make the next volume (338 pages) or fourth year. Those for May, July, September and December, 1849, and March and June, 1850, make the next volume (360 pages).

The numbers for September, November and December, 1850, were issued, and then, in consequence of the death of the editor, there was a delay in issuing the next number. Then No. 35 was issued as the first of a new volume; and afterwards Nos. 30 to 34 inclusive were issued in one, to close the old volume (320 pages). Then there was another delay and Nos. 36 to 38 (June to December 1851) were issued in one, making a volume of 194 pages. But a supplement to these numbers, paged separately, (32 pages) was issued; and also a Finance Report of 54 pages. For the next volume (eighth year), Nos. 39, 40 to 44 (in one), a supplement to Nos. 40 to 44. Nos. 45 to 50 (August to December, 1852), containing only eight pages, and a supplement to No. 50 (48 pages), paged separately, were issued. There is an error in the paging; pages 59 to 120 are paged 199 to 260. Years nine and ten are included in one volume, the numbers running from March, 1853, to October, 1854. Nos. 51, 52 to 54 (in one), 55, 56 to 60 (in one). 61, 62 to 70 (in one) make only 258 pages. This volume closes the first series. The next volume (eleventh year) begins in October, 1854, and runs to March, 1856. Since that time it has purported to be issued monthly; but it has frequently happened that several numbers have been united in one. The year commences with March and closes with February. The third series began in December, 1861, in the midst of a volume. The number for January and February, 1864, has 1863 on title page, and on the third page; but the cover has 1864, as the date.

The Masonic Casket

An octavo magazine of 32 pages, published once in two months by Ebenezer Chase, at Enfield, N. H. The first number was for January and February, 1823; the fifth number is called " No. IV." on the first page; it was published regularly during the first year. It was then changed to a monthly of sixteen pages, and the first number of the second volume was issued July, 1824, followed by numbers in August, September, October and November; the next number was issued in May, 1825, followed by numbers in June, July, August and September issued together, October and November completing the volume, when it was discontinued.

The Masonic Casket

A small quarto, published by N. N. Barrett, at Collinsville, Conn., monthly, eight pages in a number. It commenced January 1, 1861, and closed January 1, 1863, there being no number for November 1862. There are two volumes of ninety-six pages each, but they are paged continuously.

The Craftsman

A weekly, eight paged quarto commenced at Rochester, N. Y., February 10, 1829, by E. J. Roberts. It closed with the second volume.

The Craftsman and British American Masonic Record

A quarto, sixteen paged monthly, commenced at Hamilton, Canada West, in October, 1866. Two numbers were issued in August, 1867. It was published regularly and of the same size for three years, save that the number for July, 1868, has 24 pages. With the commencement of the fourth volume in October, 1869, it was changed to an octavo monthly of thirty-two pages, and the word "Canadian" substituted for "British" in its name. The number for December, 1869, has 48 pages. It has been published regularly since then, and is still in existence.

The Canadian Masonic Pioneer

Was published in 1856, by John H. Isaacson. I have no further information concerning it.

The Masonic Chronicle

An octavo monthly of sixteen pages, edited and published by Daniel Sickels at New York. It was started February 1, 1859, and eleven numbers were issued in 1859, as vol. I, and at least two numbers of vol. II. in January and February, 1860.

The Masonic Delta

was commenced by J. Lamarr'e at New Orleans, in 1857. It was a quarto, — "and further this deponent saith not."

The Masonic Eclectic

A monthly magazine edited by John W. Simons and Robert Macoy and published in New York. Three volumes were issued and then it was discontinued. Volumes one and two are 12 mo., and volume three, octavo. It was started in September, 1860, but suspended with No. 8 in April, 1861; it was resumed in August, 1865, and a number issued as No. 1 of vol. 1, new series, but paged in continuation of the former numbers. The next number was issued as No. 10, however. No nunibor was issued in December. Volume two was issued regularly in 1866, and volume three in 1867.

El Espejo Masonico (The Masonic Mirror)

A monthly octavo magazine of sixteen pages, edited and published (in Spanish) by Andres Cassard in New York. It was started in November, 1865, and ran to four volumes and perhaps more.

The Evergreen

A quarto monthly of sixteen pages, edited by E. A. Guilbert and published at Dubuque, Iowa. It was commenced Jan., 1868, and was published in that form three years, till 1871, when it was changed to an octavo of forty-eight pages, edited by T. S. Parvin and W. B. Langridge and published at Davenport. Two volumes of this form were published (through 1871 and 1872) and then it was discontinued.

The Freemason

An octavo monthly of thirty-two pages, started in July 1844, by Tal. P. Shaffner at Louisville, Kentucky. I am not able to state how long it was published.

The Freemason

A quarto monthly edited and published by Geo. Frank Gouley, at St. Louis. It was started January 1, 1867, and has been issued monthly since.

The Freemason, American.

See American Freemason.

The Freemason, Indiana

An octavo monthly of forty-eight pages started at Fort Wayne, Ind., by R. C. F Rayhouser, in January, 1859, and continued through the year as volume one. With the commencement of volume two the word Indiana was dropped from the name. Two numbers of this volume were issued and the third was in press, when the office was burned and the publication suspended. It was resumed in July, 1860 by Rayhouser at Indianapolis. The July number was called No. 1, of volume two, and was paged as commencing a volume. Seven numbers were issued as volume two, without reference to the two already issued, when it was discontinued.

The Freemason, Kentucky

See American Freemason.

The Freemason, Kentucky

A quarto monthly of sixteen pages, started by A. G. Hodges, at Frankfort, Kentucky, January 1, 1867; with the commencement of the fifth volume it was moved to Louisville, where it has since been regularly published by H. A. M. Henderson.

The Freemason, Michigan

An octavo monthly of forty-eight pages, published at Kalamazoo, Michigan. It started in July, 1869, and has been published regularly since. Some numbers were issued, at first, of a less number of pages under the title of The Western Freemason to this a "Michigan department" was added and it was issued as the Michigan Freemason; the fifth volume was edited by Spencer Pratt, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Michigan; some of the numbers have extra pages, so that the volume contains 676 pages.

The Freemason, National

Under this title a weekly quarto Masonic newspaper was started in 1663 in Washington by R. McMurdy. In August, 1866, it was removed to New York and John W. Simons became Assistant Editor. In April, 1868, the title was changed to National and Freemason; it ran till November of that year, volume eleven, and then exit.

The Freemason, Mackey's National

An octavo monthly magazine of fifty-six pages, edited by Albert G. Mackey. It was started in October, 1871, and has been published regularly since.

The Freemason, New England

An octavo monthly of forty-eight pages (the first number has fifty-six) edited and published at Boston, by S. D. Nickerson and Charles H. Titus, (this is the first time their names have appeared in the magazine!), as the successor of Moore's Freemasons' Monthly Magazine. It was started in January, 1874.

The Freemason, Texas

Was published in 1859 and 1860, but I have no further information concerning it.

The Freemason, Western

An octavo monthly of thirty-two pages, started in April, 1857, by James R. Hartsock as editor, at Iowa City. The first three numbers have pages of a size larger than the regular octavo. The first two volumes have each six numbers. None was issued for October, 1857. The third volume commenced July, 1858, and has twelve numbers, issued regularly. Three numbers of the fourth volume were issued by Hartsock as editor and then T. S. Parvin succeeded him. It also changed publishers with the ninth number and was discontinued with the eleventh, although it was announced that the twelfth would be issued.

The Freemason, Canadian

An octavo monthly magazine of 32 pages, commenced August, 1874, and to be issued on the fifteenth of each month, at Toronto, Ontario, by Aldrich & Co. The first number contains 36 pages.

The Freemason

A folio published weekly at London, England, by George Kenning; it was commenced March 13, 1869. At first there were eight pages to a number, but it was afterwards increased in size. Volume I. has 16 numbers, ending June 26, 1869, and was not paged continuously. Volume II. closed December 25, 1869. 284 pages. Since then the numbers for a year make a volume. In some of the volumes the covers, though part of the paper, are not paged with the rest, and are intended to be taken off before binding. Volume III. ends with No. 95. The paper is still published; each number has 10 pages, and often extra pages are added.

The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine

was an octavo magazine published in 1858, at Mirichsville, Canada West.

The Freemasons' Monthly Monitor and Acadian Craftsman

was an octavo magazine commenced in June, 1857, at St. John, N w Brunswick, by Edward Willis.

The Freemasons' Magazine ok General and Complete Library

was the first Masonic periodical published. It was an octavo monthly magazine of from 80 to 96 pages, commenced at London in June, 1793 ; the first volume has seven numbers. 616 pages ; the other volumes have six numbers, of smaller size, those of the second, third and fourth volumes averaging 80, 75 and 72 pages respectively. It ran to eleven volumes (two a year); the title of the tenth volume was changed to Scientific Magazine and Freemasons' Repository.

The Freemasons' Quarterly Review

An octavo monthly magazine published in London and commenced in April, 1834. The numbers for each year are paged for a volume, but the volumes (nine) are not numbered. In March, 1843, a New Series was commenced and the numbers were numbered consecutively, but the volumes were not numbered. In May, 1813. there was a Supplemental number paged to be bound between the March and June numbers. It ran through 18-19, seven volumes. In volume three New Series is changed to Second Series; in volume six an addition was made to the title, of the words and General Assurance Advocate.

The Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine and Review

A quarterly octavo magazine of 128 pages, commencing in 1850, as a successor to the foregoing, but by different editors and publishers. It was published three years, (three volumes,) when in March, 1853, a "New Series" was commenced under the name of The Freemasons' Quarterly Magazine; four numbers were issued that year, making a volume of 736 pages besides advertisements; in 1854, three numbers only (March, June and Septembor) were issuod as volume two, when the volume was closed preparatory to commencing a monthly magazine, in January, 1855.

The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine

was an octavo monthly magazine, commenced at London in January, 1855, as the successor of the foregoing. It purported to be published also in New York, by John W. Leonard & Co. Twelve numbers containing about 800 pages were issued the first year, and a title page was published with Leonard & Co's imprint, upon which the volume is numbered two. In 1856, the Masonic Mirror was merged in it, and a department was added under the name of Masonic Mirror; but each number had the old name; twelve numbers containing about 900 pages were issued for a volume (not numbered) with a title page published in England, on which the name is Freemasons' Magazine and Masonic Mirror. In 1857, twelve numbers, with the old name, containing 1130 pages, were issued with a title page similar to that of the preceding volume; at the end are the words "End of volume III," the first indication of numbering the volumes. In 1858, it was changed to a weekly of 48 pages and the name was changed to that previously borne on the title page; the volumes contain twenty-six numbers each (1248 pages), and are numbered four, five &c, in continuation of the monthly series. In 1859, at the end of volume 6, I think, the form was changed to quarto, and a New Series commenced; but I am not familiar with it since it was changed to quarto.

I will here express the regret that any valuable Masonic periodical should lie issued in any other size than octavo. Quartos and folios are unsuited for any but public libraries, and my observation is that not morn than one tenth as many are bound and preserved, as of octavos.

The Freemasons' Journal

An octavo (large) monthly magazine, of sixteen pages, commenced at Montreal, January 1, 1870; nine numbers were issued and then it was merged in The Gavel published at Orillia, Ontario.

The Freemasons' Magazine and General Miscellany

An octavo monthly magazine of eighty pages published at Philadelphia; it. commenced in April, 1811, and continued a year. It is paged for two volumes. It. has the distinction of being the first Masonic Journal published in this country.

The Freemasons' Repository

This was commenced in October, 1871, and continued two years as a monthly folio of four pages; in October, 1873, it was changed to a quarto of sixteen pages, and is still published at Providence, R. I., by Ferrin & Hammond.

The Gavel, Masonic

This was a quarto commenced in 1865, at Annapolis, Maryland, by John W. Reams. It was discontinued after the issue, I think, of but three numbers.

The Gavel

An octavo monthly of 32 pages, commenced at Orillia, Ontario, by Robert Ramsay, January 1, 1870. Nine numbers were issued, when it united with the Freemason's Journal under the name of The Gavel and Freemasons' Journal and was published for some time and I believe is still, but I am not certain.

The International Masonic Review

An octavo magazine commenced January 1, 1873, at New York, by F. G. Tisdall, as a semi-monthly of 24 pages; three numbers were issued, when it was changed (March 1,) to a monthly of 48 pages, and two numbers issued, and then discontinued.

The Keystone

An octavo monthly commenced at Raleigh, N. C, January, 1865. Volume one contains only four numbers, January, February, March and December, the publication office having been destroyed by the fortunes of war soon after the issue of the March number. Volume two has six numbers, from January to June, 1866, and volume three has six numbers (216 pages), from July 1866 to December, 1866; the title pages of both volumes are in number six of volume three. I do not know whether or not its publication was continued beyond volume four, number three.

The Keystone

A weekly folio of eight pages, started at Philadelphia, July 20, 1867, and published regularly, since. The numbers for a year make a volume. With No. 41 of volume two, its size Wiis increased to a large folio, but the same number of pages was retained.

The Landmark

A weekly quarto of fourteen pages, published in New York, was commenced July 8, 1869. It was not paged for volumes, but the numbers for six months are labeled for a volume. It ran to No. 21 of volume live, and was discontinued Nov. 18, 1871.

Loomls's Musical and Masonic Journal

A monthly quarto of twenty pages, published at New Haven, Conn., the seventh volume closed in Aug. 1874.

The Masonic Advocate

See Advocate, Masonic.

The Masonic Casket

See Casket, Masonic.

The Masonic Chronicle

See Chronicle, Masonic,

The Masonic Delta

See Delta, Masonic,

The Masonic Eclectic

See Eclectic, Masonic.

The Masonic Gavel

See Gavel, Masonic.

The Masonic Intelligencer

A quarto, published in Batavia, New York, in 1827.

The Masonic Jewel

Published monthly, in Memphis, Tennessee, by A. J. Wheeler, who is also Editor. It was commenced as a folio; at the beginning of the second volume it was changed to a quarto of sixteen pages; the fourth volume commenced in February, 1874.

The Masonic Journal

An octavo monthly, published at Augusta, Georgia, by Davis & Thompson, and started in October, 1841; it did not appear regularly after March. 1842; the tenth number was published in September, 1843. The publishers charge the delay to the Editors in that number, but announce that they had secured editorial services for the two remaining numbers, upon the publication of which the work would close, and the Masonic Signal be issued. I cannot ascertain that any numbers were afterward issued.

The Masonic Journal

In May, 1854, George W. Chase commenced, at New Sharon, Maine, the monthly publication of a little paper by the name of The Musical Advertiser. At the beginning of the second volume, May, 1855, he introduced a Masonic department, and changed iho name of the paper to Musical Advertiser and Masonic Journal, and issued monthly a quarto of eight pages. In the second number he again changed the name to Musical and Masonic Journal. He then removed it to Brunswick, Maine. With number five, he dropped the Musical from the title and character of the paper, and published it as "The Masonic Journal, devoted exclusively to the interests of Freemasonry." No number was issued for October. The number for April, 1856, is No. 11, but is marked No. 10. At the beginning of the fourth volume, (June, 1857), he removed it to Haverhill, Mass., where he published volumes four and five, (commencing July, 1858), and then changed it to a semi-monthly (July 1, 1859), published thirteen numbers during the remainder of 1859, and on the first day of January, 1860. when he sold out to Cyril Pearl, who was then publishing The Crystal, at Portland, Maine. Bro. Pearl issued the next number with two headings, one, Masonic Journal, No, 14, and the other, The Crystal, No. 1. He ran through volume six of the Journal to No. 24 inclusive, in this manner, issuing the two alike in every particular, save the headings and paging.

Then he commenced The Crystal and Masonic Journal; Crystal, vol. I, No. 12, Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1. He continued the new paging of the Crystal on one corner, and commenced a now paging of the Journal on the other corner. In the mean time he had moved to Waterville, Canada East, and some of the numbers purported to be published there, but most of them had "Portland, Me., and Waterville, C. E.," but it was actually printed at Portland. He issued thirteen numbers of volume seven to Crystal, Vol, I, No. 24, (closing the volume, 192 pages), and Journal, Vol. VII. No. 13, (104 pages), and was unable to proceed further.

The Masonic Journal

An octavo monthly magazine of 48 pages, started at Marietta, Georgia, January 1st, 1849, by Randall and Loomis. It was continued till April, 1854. Some time in 1852, Samuel Lawrence became the editor, and it was published at the "Masonic Office," Marietta, Georgia; the title page for the volume indicates that that whole volume was thus edited and published, but in fact some of the numbers were published by Randall and Loomis. The first five volumes have twelve numbers each; only four numbers of volume six were published, the last being a double number. In May, 1854, it united with the Signet and Mirror, and the name was changed to Masonic Signet and Journal, which see.

The Masonic Magazine

An octavo monthly of 32 pages commenced at Ix>ndon, in July, 1873, by George Kenning, and issued regularly since; twelve numbers make a volume.

The Masonic Magazine and Mechanics' Literary Gazette

I have number one, Vol. I. of an octavo magazine with this title, published in New York, December 20, 1827. I have no other knowledge of it. This number contains 16 pages; the cover is missing, and the Salutatory gives no indication as to how often or by whom it was to be published.

The Masonic Messenger

A small quarto monthly published by M. J. Drummond in New York. It was commenced in 1855, I think, and ran through five volumes of twelve numbers each, and a part or all of the sixth volume.

The Masonic Mirror

An octavo monthly started in London, in Nov., 1854; at first it had 48 pages, but was increased in size after the third number; fourteen numbers were issued for a volume (740 pages), when it was merged in The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine.

The Masonic Mirror

Commenced at Columbia, Tennessee, by Charles A. Fuller, February 18, 1843; it was published semi-monthly, but only thirteen numbers were issued and it was discontinued September 2d, 1843.

The Masonic Mirror

A monthly octavo magazine of 32 pages first published in January, 1845, at Maysville, Kentucky, by B. D. Crookshanks.

He died after issuing four numbers, and it was then published at Covington by H. B. Brown. None was issued for May or June; the July number is marked No. 5 on the cover, but No. 7 inside, and is paged as No. 7, and that paging is continued through the volume, so that it does not contain pages 129 to 192 inclusive; it was the intention to issue the numbers for May and June afterwards, but it was not done, and the volume runs to February, 1846, and the paging to 424, though it actually contains only 360 pages; the August and September numbers were issued together as Nos. 6 and 7; also Nos. 8 and 9, and Nos. 10 and 11 were issued together. Volume II. was issued regularly, but the publisher was changed with No 6, William C. Munger taking Brown's place. Two numbers of Volume III. were issued; whether others were or not, I cannot tell.

The Masonic Mirror

A weekly folio of eight pages, commenced January, 1852, at Philadelphia, by Leon Hyneman. With the second number the name was changed to The Masonic Mirror and American Keystone, the paper published in New York under the latter title having united with it. The numbers for 1852 and 1853 make volumes one and two. Volumes three and four were published during 1854 and 1855, of the same size, under the name of Masonic Mirror and Keystone. It was then changed to a quarto weekly of twelve pages, under the same name, and was continued in the same style through 1860, making nine volumes in all.

The Masonic Mirror

A paper by this name was published weekly in New York in 1868, and some time previously, by Levi and Nevins, but has been discontinued. I have never seen it and have no further knowledge of it.

The Masonic Mirror

Commenced in September, 1869, at San Francisco, by A. W. Bishop, as an octavo monthly of 32 pages, and published one year in that style. In September, 1870, it was changed to a quarto weekly of eight pages; volumes two and three each contain twenty-six numbers; volume four commencing September, 1871, and ending June, 1872, contains thirty-nine numbers. It was then changed to an octavo monthly, published one year and discontinued. Nos. 4 and 5 of Volume 5, are marked on cover and first page as Volume 6 and 7 respectively; No. 6 of the volume is marked Volume 5 on the cover and Volume 7 on the first page; and No. 12 of the same volume is marked Volume 6 on the cover.

The Masonic Mirror, Texas

A weekly quarto of twelve pages originally ; commenced January 1st, 1872, and published two years at Houston, Texas. After No. 38 of the second volume it was reduced to eight pages, and at the end of the volume was discontinued.

The Masonic Miscellany and Ladies' Literary Magazine

An octavo monthly Magazine, commenced in July, 1821, by William Gibbes Hunt, at Lexington, Kentucky, and published two years, making two volumes. The first number contains 32 pages, the second 48, and all the others 40 each.

The Masonic Monitor

A weekly folio of eight pages published at Goldsboro', N. C, by J. A. Bonitz, in 1872, and 1873. There was no number for December, 1872, and the number for January, 1873, was No. 10. I cannot tell how long it was published.

The Masonic Monthly

An octavo monthly magazine of 48 pages, commenced at Boston in November, 1863, by Edward L. Mitchell, and continued through seven volumes, when it was discontinued. On the cover it was numbered consecutively; but inside it was numbered for volumes, twelve numbers for each, except that in volume seven the whole numbers are given instead of the number for that volume. In volume two, Samuel Evans appears as editor. In No. 5 of volume two is an error in paging, 247 being used instead of 217, and the error is continued through the volume. In No. 8 of volume three, there is also an error in the paging, 378 beiug used for 278, and the error is continued through the volume, the first and second numbers of which contain 40 pages each, and the others 38 pages each. In volume four, Charles C. Roberts appears as publisher; the first eight numbers have 38 pages each, and the others, 40 pages each.

No numbers were issued for November and December, 1867, and volume five begins in January, 1868, with Theoph. G. Wadman as publisher; numbers two and three (whole numbers 50 and 51) were issued together, 74 pages; the other numbers have 40 pages each. The first nine numbers of Vol. 6 have 40 pages each; the tenth, 32; the eleventh and twelfth (wholenumbers 71 and 72) issued in one, have four pages, supplemented by 18 pages of the History of Freemasonry, and 22 pages of an article "A Freemason's Pocket Companion;" both from Hyneman's Masonic Library, and paged as in the original. With volume seven, Theoph. G. Wadman appears also as editor; the first eight numbers contain 32 pages each; the ninth and tenth (whole numbers, 81 and 82) were issued together, and contain 48 pages; the eleventh and twelfth (whole numbers 83 and 84) were issued together and contain 44 pages, besides Title Page and Table of Contents. I have the impression that other double numbers were issued, but cannot tell without the covers. No. 49, and the double number 81-82, are very rare.

Masonic Olive Branch and Literary Portfolio

A semi-monthly quarto of eight pages, commenced at Fredericksburg, Virginia, January 2, 1837, by James I). McCable and John M. Ball. It was removed to Richmond the first of October; the first volume was 192 pages; it was intended to continue it, but I have only volume one. and do not know whether any more was published or not. Brother Ball retired after the seventh number.

The Masonic Record

was published by Charles T. Wilson at San Francisco, in 1854; it was a semi-monthly quarto.

The Masonic Record

An octavo monthly magazine of 64 pages, published at Nashville, Tennessee, by John Frizzell &Co., from 1868 to 1870, four volumes of six numbers each.

The Masonic Register

was a quarto published at Vevay, Indiana, by William C. Kean in 1825.

The Masonic Register and Gazette of News

was an octavo weekly of eight pages published in New York City, in 1851, by J. Flavius Adams. It was immediately united with the Masonic Union (which see) under the title of The Masonic Register and Union.

The Masonic Register and Union

See Masonic Union.

The Masonic Review

Commenced by Cornelius Moore at Cincinnati in October, 1845, as an octavo monthly of 24 pages, with twelve numbers for a volume; at the beginning of the third volume the size of the numbers was increased to 32 pages, and volumes three, four, five, six and seven contain twelve numbers of 32 pages each. The size of the numbers was then increased to 64 pages, with six numbers to the volume; it was published to the end of the twenty-sixth volume (March, 1862,) without losing a month, and without varying the size of a single number except that No. 6 of volume 14 has 18 extra pages. No numbers were issued for April, May or June, 1862; the twenty-seventh volume commenced in July and contains six numbers, the first four of 64 pages each, and the other two of 48 pages each. The size of the numbers was then reduced to 32 pages, and four volumes issued (from 1863 to 1866 inclusive) of twelve numbers each. The size was then changed to a quarto and it was issued weekly during 1867. In January, 1868, it was changed back to an octavo monthly of 64 pages, six numbers to the volume, and during 1868, 1869 and 1870, volumes 33 to 38 inclusive were issued; a double number was issued for November and December, 1868. Volume 39 ran from January, 1871, to August, 1871, no numbers having been issued in May, June or September of that year. Volume 40 began in October, 1871. Since then it has been issued regularly every month, six numbers making a volume. Volume 45 ends in September, 1874.

The Masonic Review and Keystone

A weekly quarto of sixteen pages published at Baltimore in 1867. I do not know how many numbers there were in the first volume. The second ran to No. 23, (308 pages), December 7, 1867, when it was discontinued as I understand.

The Masonic Sentinel

A weekly folio of four pages, published at New York, by Henry C. Atwood from August 16, 1851, to February 6, 1852 (twenty-six numbers), and then discontinued.

The Masonic Signal

In the Masonic Review for November, 1846, page 48, is the statement that the Masonic Signal formerly published at ____, Georgia, was to be revived and published at Atlanta, Georgia, by W. H. Fonerden.

The Masonic Signet and Literary Mirror

An octavo monthly commenced by J. W. S. Mitchell, in May, 1848, at St. Louis, called inside The Signet and Mirror. It was published regularly until April, 1854, making ten volumes. The first two volumes have twelve numbers, the others, six numbers. The tenth volume was published at Montgomery, Alabama. No. 3 of volume two has the same heading as No. 2, and they must be distinguished by the paging. In May, 1854, it was united with the Masonic Journal under the name of,

The Masonic Signet and Journal

This was edited by Mitchell and Lawrence, and published at Marietta, Georgia, monthly, octavo. Only four numbers were published, however, when it was discontinued.

The Masonic Signet and Journal, New Series

An octavo monthly published by Samuel Lawrence, at Atlanta, Georgia, and commenced in January, 1855. Three volumes of twelve numbers each were published regularly. Then the work was suspended from December, 1857, till October, 1858, when volume four was commenced, which was completed in twelve numbers, in September, 1859. Volume five, of six numbers, followed immediately ; then volume six was commenced, and two numbers issued, and the work suspended; the last number issued was for May, 1860. It was started again in August, 1866, by Dr. J. E. Blackshear and Samuel Lawrence, but only one number was issued. It was again started by Lawrence in 1873, and two numbers issued (November and December), when it was discontinued for want of sufficient support.

The Masonic Souvenir and Pittsburgh Litekary Gazette

was published at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1828, by Z. F. W. Andrews.

The Masonic Sun

was a monthly quarto of sixteen pages, commenced by T. B. Carr, at Wilmington, N. C, Nov. 1, 1867. I have seen but ten numbers of it, and cannot learn that any others were published.

The Masonic Tablet

A quarto monthly of sixteen pages commenced by J. L. Power, Jackson, Miss., in May, 1872. At the end of the second year and second volume it was discontinued.

The Masonic Tidings

A folio weekly of eight pages, published at Suspension Bridge, New York, by John Ransom. The current volume (nine) began in January, 1874. Each number is paged separately, and the numbers for a year make a volume. It was commenced at Warsaw, in 1866, as a quarto, and published as such seven months, when Volume I. was closed, and Volume II. commenced January, 1867, in folio. It was afterwards moved to Lockport, and then to Suspension Bridge.

The Masonic Token

A quarto of four pages commenced March 1, 1867, at Portland, Maine, by Stephen Berry. Two numbers were issued in 1867 (March and October). The third number was issued in January, 1868, since which it has been issued quarterly, save that the second number for each year has been delayed till May, after the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Maine, in order to give the proceedings. In May, 1872, its size was increased to eight pages. It is the publisher's intention to issue it monthly, as soon as lie is satisfied that it will be supported voluntarily, (that is, without the aid of canvassers and paid agents.)

The Masonic Trestle Board

was a quarto published by J. J. Clarkson, at Chicago, 111., in 1857.

The Masonic Trowel

A monthly quarto of sixteen pages commenced April 15, 1862, by Harman G. Reynolds, at Springfield, Illinois. Two numbers were issued in August, October and December, so that the volume closed with the year. At the close of 1870, nine volumes (one a year) had been issued,

Numbers were issued in January and February, 1871, as Nos. 1 and 2 of Volume X., when the office was burned. In May following the publication was resumed as "New Series, Volume X., No. 1; whole number 111." Twenty-three more numbers were issued, as Volumes X. and XI., when it was discontinued. No number was issued in April, 1873, but another paper was sent to subscribers instead, but the May number was called "No. 24, whole number 134," so that Volume XI. contains but eleven numbers, there being no number 23. There was no number in May, 1872.

The Masonic Union

A monthly octavo magazine of thirty-two pages begun at Auburn, N. Y., in June, 1850, by Finlay M. King. There is an error in paging Volume I. Pages 273 to 288, inclusive, are repeated in number ten. and the error is continued through the volume, twelve numbers. No number was issued for June, 1851, and the second volume was begun in July. The numbers were issued regularly till July, 1854, completing the fourth volume. In July, 1854, No. 1 of Volume V. was issued. The Union was then united with the Masonic Register and Gazette of News, under the title of The Masonic Register and Union, and the first number, an octavo of 40 pages, issued in September, 1854, as No. 1 of Volume I. It was published by J. F. Adams & Co., and edited by Adams and King; the next and subsequent numbers were issued as Volume V. Only five numbers were issued, and then it was discontinued.

The Mystic Star

An octavo monthly magazine commenced in 1864, and continued to September, 1873, making eighteen volumes of six numbers each, and three numbers of the nineteenth volume. The last number was printed, but not distributed, mid but very few copies are in existence. This number has 32 pages, as have the numbers from the beginning to No. 4 of Volume X.; the other two of Volume X. and those of Volume XI. have 40 pages; and those after Volume XI. have 48. This magazine lias had various editors and publishers, but Joseph Billings and Sol. D. Bayless were connected with it during its whole existence. After the second volume it was published at Chicago.

The Mystic Temple

A weekly quarto of eight pages published in New York in 1868. The first number was issued January 4th. Eleven numbers were issued, and it may be more, but it has been discontinued.

The New England Galaxy and Masonic Magazine

was a large folio weekly newspaper, published in Boston, by Joseph T. Buckingham, from 1818 to 1825, and perhaps longer. The Masonic articles are valuable, but on account of its form and size but few files have been preserved.

The Portfolio, or Journal of Freemasonry and General Literature

A quarto (small) monthly magazine of 32 pages, begun in July, 1817, at Nashville, Tenn., by Wilkin* Tannehill, and continued regularly three years, at the end of which it was discontinued in consequence of the failure of the eyesight of the editor and publisher. The numbers for each year make a volume (384 pages). There is an error in the paging of Volume I.; pages 370 to 376 are numbered 380 to 380. No. 5 of Volume II. is marked "No. IV." on the first page.

The Southern and Western Masonic Miscellany

An octavo monthly magazine of 32 pages, commenced in November, 1849, at Charleston, S. C., by Albert G. Mackey. No number was issued in December, .and both the second and third numbers are dated "January, 1850," but the third should be "February," as there is none of that date. The first volume closes with the number for November, 1850; and the second and third with the same month in 1851 and 1852, respectively. Volume IV. commenced in January, 1853; seven numbers were published and then it was suspended, in July, 1853. The editor afterwards said it was suspended in June, 1853, and that in commencing again, he deemed it best to begin a new volume, and, therefore, that the six numbers issued in 1853 constitute Volume IV.; but he was in error, as seven numbers were actually issued in 1853. The publication was resumed in July, 1854, as " New Series," Volume V. Four numbers were issued (July, August, September and October) and the publication discontinued.

The Square and Compass

A weekly folio of eight pages, commenced in April, 1867, at Raleigh, N. C, and the numbers for the year following paged continuously for a volume. It was continued to No. 35, of Volume II., (Dec. 15, 1868) and perhaps longer.

The Temple

An octavo (large) monthly magazine of 32 pages, published at Carlisle, Penn., by B. Parke and C. E. Blumenthal, from May, 1851, to April, 1853. It makes two volumes of about 384 pages each; but No. 10 of Volume II. has but 28 pages, and in the same volume is an error in paging: page 331 is printed 359, and the error is continued through the volume.

The Triangle

was published in 1855, at Brooklyn, N. Y., in German, by- Edward Rohr.

The Voice of Masonry

An octavo monthly magazine of 64 pages, started by Rob Morris in Chicago, in April, 1862. Numbers of 64 pages each were issued in April, May, June, July, August, December, 1862, January and February, 1863. It was then suspended till November, when J. C. W. Bailey became the publisher and issued a double number of 112 pages for March and April, 1863; Nos. 11 and 12 were issued immediately after. The first number of Volume II. was issued in January, 1864; double numbers were issued for April and May, June and July, August and September, October and November, and the volume (572 pages besides Title Page and Index) closed with the year. Since then a volume of twelve numbers has been issued annually. The numbers of Volume III. have 48 pages; the first six of Volume IV. have 48 pages each, and the last six, 44 pages each; those of Volume V. have 42 pages each; after that the numbers generally have 48 pages till Volume IX., when it was increased to 50, and then to 56 p;iges. In the later volumes, the numbers vary in size, those in the current volume averaging 64 pages.

In General

In addition to the foregoing, there have been, doubtless, many publications which have not come to my knowledge. There have been and are newspapers with a Masonic department, which I have not noticed, because that was a mere incidental; among these are The Bunker Hill Aurora, The New York Courier, The Sunday Despatch, Pomeroy's Democrat, and The Corner Stone. There have been other publications, such as the Masonic Mirror and The Masonic Ritual and Gazette, both published in New York, The Mutual Friend at Detroit, and the Rural Gazette and Mirror of Light at Stamford, Conn., but I know but little of them and have heard it doubted whether they were really Masonic periodicals.

I shall be glad to have any information which I have failed to give, and corrections of errors which I have made, sent to me, at Portland, Maine, to the end that I may, hereafter, prepare a list of them for the Freemason.— J. H. D.

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