MAGCJKimball

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JAMES KIMBALL 1808-1880

SPEECHES

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ADDRESS IN GRAND CHAPTER, SEPTEMBER 1861

From Grand Chapter Proceedings, Page ChII-11:

Companions - Having assembled in Annual Communication in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of this Grand Chapter, it becomes my duty to lay before you such information relative to the condition of the Chapters under this jurisdiction as may be in my possession, and to make such suggestions relating to the same as may seem to be for the best good of our Institution.

Since our last Annual Communication events have transpired in our Country's history that threaten to destroy the fair Temple of Liberty founded by the toil and sufferings of our Patriot Fathers. A fratricidal war, with all of its debasing influences, has suddenly arisen, like a thick cloud, obscuring the future of our beloved Country, alienating those that were bound by the strongest ties of friendship and affection, and threatening to destroy all that we prize as most dear to us. Let us as true patriots, whose hopes are centred upon transmitting to posterity the rich legacy bequeathed to us by our fathers; as Masons, whose trust is in the great I Am, humble ourselves before Him, that this dreadful calamity which now threaten us may be averted; that peace may again smile upon us, and that we may yet be a happy and united Nation.

In the present distracted condition of our Country, our Institution may, by the force of circumstances, be compelled to pass through a severe trial, testing the truth and sincerity of our professions. Let us as R. A. Masons be true to the principles that underlie our Institution, sustaining the spirit of our R. A. Constitution of 1798, which declares, as a part of its mission , that it was established "to promote love and charity among Masons, and to render more general and extensive the principles of benevolence and philanthropy. Keeping in view these principles, let us, as citizens of this great Republic, so discharge every duty that may be imposed upon us, that we may be "true to our God, our country, and ourselves."

In accordance with the instructions of the Grand Chapter, I have visited, in company with the Grand Lecturer, the several Chapters in the western part of this Commonwealth. It was my intention to have visited all under this jurisdiction, but in consequence of the excited condition of the Country, the attention of our Companions was withdrawn to other duties, and I thought it best to defer it. I trust that they will all be visited during the coming winter.

On the 19th of February, accompanied by the Grand Lecturer, I visited Morning Star Chapter at Springfield. A special communication was held in the afternoon and evening, conferring all of the degrees upon candidates, and rehearsing the Lectures. It gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the efficiency of its officers, and the correctness of its Work. From the desire manifested by its officers and members to be proficient in their work and lectures, I feel confident that the influence of this Chapter will do much to awaken an interest in R. A. Masonry in the western portion of the Commonwealth.

On the 20th, visited Berkshire Chapter at Pittsfield; the Work in the several degrees was exhibited, and the Lectures rehearsed. Owing to the depressed condition of business in this community, but little Work has been done by this Chapter since its institution in 1860. Its officers have peculiar qualifications for the discharge of their duties, and with the return of more prosperous times there is no doubt that this Chapter will be all that its friends anticipated.

On the 22d, visited King Solomon's Chapter at Enfield. No Work has been done since its institution. In consequence of the M. E. High Priest's absence from town, the Chapter has suffered for the want of proper instruction. The same causes that affected Berkshire Chapter has, in a greater degree, operated here. A Chapter of Instruction was opened by the Grand Lecturer, and the time spent here was devoted to that purpose. This Chapter will have to await more prosperous times before they can become thoroughly instructed in the Work.

On the 23d, visited Northampton Chapter, witnessed the conferring of the several degrees upon candidates and a rehearsal of the Lectures. This Chapter has taken much interest during the last year to perfect themselves in the Work and Lectures, and will now rank with any Chapter in the State. Its officers were prompt in the discharge, and well versed in their respective duties. There is no doubt that Northampton Chapter will prove one of our most reliable and efficient Chapters.

On the 25th, visited Franklin Chapter at Greenfield; owing to the absence of the M. E. High Priest and several of its officers for the most part of the year, but little Work has been done. Their meetings have been regularly holden, but they have not kept up their Work as in times past; but with the return of several of their officers to their homes, a better state of things is anticipated. There is no want of knowledge in this Chapter but the opportunity to communicate it. The Work was exhibited, and, as it might be expected, the instructions of our M. E. P. G. High Priest, Wendell T. Davis, and M. E. P. High Priest, Edward P. Graves, both members of this Chapter, was a sufficient guarantee of its correctness.

On the 27th, visited Thomas Chapter at Fitchburg. This Chapter is in a thriving and prosperous condition. The Work was exhibited, and the Lectures rehearsed, in a manner reflecting great credit upon its officers and members. With our M. E. Grand Scribe as its M. E. High Priest, we may rest assured that Thomas Chapter will not dishonor the worthy name it now bears.

St. Andrew's, St. Paul's, Washington, and the Chapter of the Shekinah, have been visited during the past year. These Chapters are too well known to this Grand Chapter to require a particular notice; suffice it to say that they are in a flourishing and prosperous condition.

I am confident in the belief that the visitations thus made to the more distant Chapters will be productive of much benefit, stimulating them to greater exertions in perfecting themselves in the Work and Lectures as taught by this Grand Chapter. By reason of their great distance from our place of meeting, they are seldom represented; it therefore becomes us, if we would maintain R. A. Masonry within this Commonwealth, to exercise a more watchful and paternal care over our subordinates; to reconcile any differences which may exist in our Work, and place it upon such a foundation as will insure it the active co-operation of every R. A. Mason within this jurisdiction.

I would call the careful attention of the Grand Chapter to the petitions that may be presented from time to time for the granting of Dispensations for new Chapters. From a careful attention to this subject, I am convinced that there are but few, if any portion of the State, where a Chapter could at the present time be instituted with any reasonable prospect of success. I think that outside of our large cities reference should be had to some central location, from which a Chapter might receive its members from different Lodges, rather than depend upon a single Lodge for support.

Brethren. Thus may we preserve the purity of our Order and the sincerity of our professions.


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