MassachusettsHamiltonHistoryCh12
CHAPTER 12: PEACE AND PROGRESS
On March 19, 1792, the Grand Lodge met for organization and installation of officers. The organization as completed was as follows:
- John Cutler, Grand Master
- John Lowell, Deputy Grand Master
- Josiah Bartlett, Senior Grand Warden
- Mungo Mackay, Junior Grand Warden
- Samuel Parkman, Grand Treasurer
- Thomas Farrington, Grand Secretary
- William Little, Senior Grand Deacon
- William Dennison, Junior Grand Deacon
- John Brazier, Senior Grand Steward
- Lewis Hayt, Junior Grand Steward
- Samuel Bradford, Grand Marshal
- Benjamin Russell, Grand Sword Bearer
Of these Cutler, Mackay, Parkman, Farrington, Dennison, and Hayt were from St. John's Grand Lodge and Lowell, Bartlett, Little, Brazier, Bradford, and Russell from the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, The distribution of officers, seems a fairly equitable one, with due recognition of the Senior Grand Lodge.
John Cutler, the new Grand Master, was born in Boston in 1723. He was a descendant in the third generation from an immigrant from Holland, who came to Massachusetts sometime before 1647. He was married in that year in Hingham to a Boston woman and the record of the marriage calls him Johannes Demesmaker, a Dutchman (who say his name in English is John Cutler). He was a physician and served with distinction as a surgeon in King Philip's War {1675 and 1676). His son John and his grandson John were both successful physicians in Boston, where they had a fine mansion and a high social position. There were other descendants, but the wealth seemed to be held by the line of physicians. The last of these had no children, but adopted our John, who was his nephew. The boy's father died when he was five years old, leaving his family without means. The boy was apprenticed to a brass-founder and in due time his uncle set him up in business. The business, which he carried on throughout his life, was successful and he probably inherited a substantial sum from his uncle, as we find him living in the Cutler mansion and maintaining the social position of the family. He had some skill as a musician and was organist at Trinity Church, where his son-in-law was Rector. He seems to have had a good deal of mechanical skill, and to have been very proud of it. The portrait of him in the possession of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts is a reproduction of one painted by J. Greenwood in 1748, when Cutler was twenty-five, and represents him standing beside a piano which he had made.
Like many other men of wealth, he held moderate political views. He stood aloof from the party strife which proceeded the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, While not active as a Whig, his ability and integrity were generally recognized and he appears to have escaped the popular dislike visited on the Tories.
He was a mature man when he became a Mason, taking his degrees in the Second Lodge in 1761, at the age of thirty-eight. Once in the order he immediately became a leader. He was Master of the Second Lodge in 1763 to 1766, Master of the Masters' Lodge in 1767, and Junior Grand Warden and Senior Grand Warden in 1771, 2, and 3. When the records are resumed on Rowe's death in 1787 we find him again Senior Grand Warden. When elected Grand Master he was sixty-nine years of age, with twenty-nine years of experience in Masonic office to his credit. His election was a fitting tribute to him as head of the Senior Grand Lodge and a tried and proud Masonic leader.
To him fell the difficult task of getting the new Grand Lodge into working order. In spite of his years, he performed his task with wisdom, skill, and firmness. The problems which necessarily arose during his three years of service were successfully dealt with. Seven new Lodges were chartered. When he left office the way was prepared for the exceptionally brilliant administration which followed. He died in Boston in 1805, at the ripe age of eighty-two.
The Grand Constitutions adopted by the Grand Lodge is an interesting and in some ways curious document. The Massachusetts Grand Lodge derived from Scotland and rather aggressively asserted itself to be Ancient. In this regard it went beyond the parent body. The Grand Lodge of Scotland neither called itself Ancient nor took sides in the English controversy. It recognized both of the English Grand Lodges. Curiously enough, when the Massachusetts Grand Lodge set up for itself in 1777 it took for its law-book Entick's Constitutions of 1767. Entick's book was a recension of Anderson and was the law Book of the Moderns. The Grand Constitutions of Scotland had not then been printed. Dermott's Ahiman Rezon, the law book of the Ancients, is a much less intelligible book than Entick's. There was a later edition by Entick in 1777 and an edition by Noorthouck in 1784, both of which were doubtless familiar to the Boston men, but the difference between the several editions were slight. A great part of the 1792 Constitutions is lifted bodily from the English originals. There were, however, certain important differences. These differences are vitally important because they sanction in law certain tendencies which had appeared as early as the beginning of Oxnard's administration and mark clearly the fundamental differences, not in principle or in philosophy, but in polity, between English and American Masonry. English Masonry is a constitutional monarchy: American Masonry is a constitutional democracy.
The first Section of the new Constitutions is in the nature of a Preamble. It describes the measures taken to unite the two Grand Lodges, and specifies what officers are to be chosen and how, It fixes the name£ of the Grand Lodge as "the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
This name adroitly dodges the issue between Ancients and Moderns. The 1792 body was distinctly not an Ancient Grand Lodge, but the word "Ancient" is worked into its title. It is independent: all distinctions between Ancient and Modern Masons are to be abolished: the ritual of the St. John's Grand Lodge is recommended to all existing Lodges and enjoined upon all new ones: all existing records and papers are to be deposited in the archives of the Grand Lodge: all Charters are to be retained, the Lodges taking precedence in order of the seniority of their original Charters. This Is an interesting evidence of the intention to make it clear that two Grand Lodges were united, not that a new Grand Lodge was formed, A new Grand Lodge would have taken up the old Charters and issued new ones. This is worth noting in view of the claim which has sometimes been advanced that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts dates only from 1792, The Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary were to be elected annually. No person was eligible for tie Grand Mastership or a Wardenship more than three years successively. This was Henry Price's idea and several attempts had been made, as we: have seen, to put it in force, but hitherto without success. The Grand Master was to appoint the Deputy Grand Master and all the other officers except the four whose election was specified. These provisions are still in force.
The election of Grand Master and Grand Wardens required a two thirds vote, but the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary could be elected by a majority. This provision was changed in 1872 to a requirement of a two thirds vote to elect a Grand Treasurer or a Grand Secretary.
The amending clause is very interesting. After asserting the authority of Grand Lodge to alter existing regulations or adopt new ones, it says "provided x x x that such new regulations be proposed at a Quarterly Communication and agreed to by a majority of the Brethren present at the Annual Grand Feast." This greatly increased the electorate in legislative matters in Grand Lodge; then, as now, consisting of Grand Officers, Permanent Members (Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, and Past Grand Wardens), and the Masters and Wardens of Lodges, or Proxies for Lodges. All Master Masons could attend the Annual Grand Feast and so have a direct voice amending the Grand Constitutions. Undoubtedly the provision was the result of the strong democratic feeling then prevalent. For obvious reasons this attempt to democratize the Grand Lodge did not work well and in 1811 the present method of amendment was adopted; reading at a regular Quarterly, reference to a committee, and action on the committee's report at a subsequent Quarterly.
The new regulations contain no provisions regarding the method of starting new Lodges. Henry Price and his successors in the Provincial Grand Mastership had authority to constitute new Lodges as and when they pleased, and exercised it without restraint. It will be remembered that all English Warrants are and always have been issued by the Grand Lodge. In a few cases, notably one petition of doubtful regularity from Nantucket and a petition of eighteen members of St. John's Lodge to be constituted a separate Lodge. Grand Master Rowe asked the advice of his Grand Lodge, but in all cases the action taken rested on the Grand Master's authority. The practice in the Massachusetts Grand Lodge was different. There all new Charters were voted by Grand Lodge. Perhaps the compilers of the new Constitutions did not think it wise formally to raise the question of method at this point. Masonry is fortunately always conservative, but the popular feeling was strongly adverse to anything that look like arbitrary personal government. Very likely it was regard for this growing sentiment which induced Rowe to depart from precedent to the extent of asking the advice of his Grand Lodge in the cases mentioned.
While the Regulations proper contain no provision for the method of forming new Lodges the matter is covered in a long preface to the Ceremony of Conseoration. Part III of.the book of Constitutions, entitled "Charges, Addresses, Prayers, etc." covers fifty-two pages, and includes Consecrations, Funerals, Processions, etc. The preface to the Consecration ceremony provides that any number of Masons, not less than seven, may petition the Grand Master certifying that they are, or have been members of regular Lodges, and praying for a warrant of constitution. This petition must bear the approval of "three regular Lodges adjacent to the place where the new Lodge is to be holden." It was then to be presented to the Grand Secretary, who was to submit it to the Grand Master.- If the Grand Master approved, the Grand Secretary issued a dispensation authorizing the petitioners to meet for forty days or until such time as the Grand Lodge should authorize or refuse a Charter.
The ceremony itself follows the lines of the English ceremony as laid down in Noorthouck's Constitutions of 1784. The prefatory matter is new. The English Constitutions contain nothing in the least resembling it.
In the second edition of 1798 the requirement of approval by neighboring Lodges is omitted although a footnote says such approval will be useful, and the forty days preliminary dispensation is also omitted.
The revised code of 1811 says that "every petition for constituting a new Lodge must be accompanied with the approbation of the Lodge nearest the place where said Lodge is to be held, and the petitioners recommended by one of the District Deputy Grand Masters."
Up to 1843 petitions were presented directly to the Grand Lodge and referred to a committee (a special one for each petition). These committees usually reported at the same session, but sometimes took time for consideration.. The committees took their work seriously, as is shown by their reports. In one case we have a report recommending that a Charter be issued to all the petitioners but one (named), he. being considered unworthy. Probably the District Deputy Grand Master knew him.
In the general revision of 1843 the ancient powers of the Grand Masters were to a considerable extent restored. Petitions were submitted to the Grand Master and if he thought best he issued a Dispensation under which the petitioners worked until the Communication next preceding one year from the date of issue. Their proceedings were then reviewed by a standing Committee of the Grand Lodge and, if approved by the Committee a Charter was voted. From that time on new Lodges were practically created by the Grand Masters Dispensation. He was, however, hampered by the requirement that he could not grant a Dispensation unless the petition bore the approval of certain Lodges where jurisdiction might appear to be affected and that of the District Deputy Grand Master to whose District the new Lodge would be assigned. The last of these hampering requirements was not removed until 1930.
The Book of Constitutions was dedicated to "George Washington: the Friend of Masonry, of his Country, and of Man." The Grand Lodge voted to send a copy of the book to President Washington, with an appropriate address. The address and President Washington's reply appear in the records of the meeting of March 11, 1793. They are as follows:
"Address of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to their Hon. and Illustrious Brother, George Washington.
"Whilst the historian is describing the career of your glory and the inhabitants of an extensive empire are made happy in your unexampled exertions; whilst some celebrate the Hero, so distinguished in liberating America, and others the Patriot who presides over her Councils,— A Band of Brothers, having always joined the acclamations of their countrymen, now testify their respect for these milder virtues, which have ever graced the Man.
Taught by the precepts of our Society, that all its members stand on the level, we venture to assume this station; and to approach you with that freedom, which diminishes our diffidence, without lessening our respect.
Desirous to enlarge the boundaries of social happiness, and to vindicate the ceremonies of their Institution, this Grand Lodge have published a Book of Constitutions; (and a copy for your acceptance accompanies this) which, by discovering the principles which actuate, will speak the eulogy of the Society; though they fervently wish the conduct of its members may prove its higher recommendation.
Convinced of his attachment to its cause, and readiness to encourage its benevolent design, they have taken the liberty to dedicate this book to one, the qualities of whose heart and the actions of whose life have contributed to improve personal virtue, and extend throughtout the world, the endearing cordialities; and they humbly hope he will pardon this freedom and accept the Tribute of their esteem and homage.
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe protect and bless you - give you length of days and increase of felicity in this world and then receive you to the harmonious and exalted Society in Heaven.
- John Cutler, Grand Master
- Josiah Bartlett, Mungo Mackay, G'd Wardens
Boston, 27th Dec, 5792,
The Answer.
"To the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth. of Massachusetts.
Flattering as it may be to the human mind; and truly honorable as it is to receive from our Fellow Citizens testimonies of approbation for exertions to promote the public welfare, it is not less pleasing to know, that the milder virtues of the heart are highly respected by a Society whose liberal principles are founded on the immutable laws of truth and justice.
To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished that the conduct of every member of the Society, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.
While I beg your acceptance of my thanks for the Book of Constitutions which you have sent me in the Dedication, permit me to assure you that I feel all those emotions of gratitude, which your affectionate address and cordial wishes are calculated to inspire. And I sincerely pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may bless you here and receive you hereafter in his Immortal Temple.
George Washington."
Following the English precedents in form and content, the book contains a great deal more than the Regulations, or, as we should now call them, the Grand Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. It is a substantial leather bound quarto of 288 pages, of which the Massachusetts Regulations cover only ten. It is intended to give the reader a general grounding in the principles, usages, and history of Masonry. It begins with some preliminary remarks of a general nature concerning the meaning and purpose of Masonry. Then follows a sketch of the ancient history of Masonry from the creation of the world to the revival of Italian architecture during the Renaissance. The "modern" history of Masonry in the British Isles is then considered, beginning with the invasion of Julius Caesar. Then follows a history of Masonry in New England from 1733 to 1792. The Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts are at the end of this section. Then follows a section given to the Old Charges, addresses and prayers for certain occasions, various ceremonies, and words for odes, songs, and toasts.
As already stated, the book was the work of a Committee who spent several years of more or less intermittent labor upon it, using Anderson's Constitutions and their several recensions as the basis of their work. Toward the end of their labor Thaddeus Mason Harris was added to the Committee and entrusted with the task of supervising the printing and publication. The printing was done by Isaiah Thomas, who was probably the best printer in the United States at that time. He was then a member and Past Master of Trinity Lodge of Lancaster. We shall hear much more of him later. Copies were sent to all the Lodges in the jurisdiction and a considerable edition was disposed of. The edition was exhausted before the end of 1797.
On January 17, 1798, Grand Lodge voted that a new edition of the Book of Constitutions be published "as soon as may be." Thaddeus Mason Harris was appointed "to revise and correct and amend the Book of Constitutions with all convenient dispatch and prepare it for the press." A supervisory committee was appointed to examine the copy and authorized to publish it if approved.
While Harris' connection with the 1792 book was purely editorial it was far otherwise with the 1798 volume. He proceeded with dispatch and had his work ready in July. He did indeed "revise and correct and amend" everything except the Massachusetts Regulations and he made a very thorough job of it.
The new book was the same in size and general appearance as the old one and, curiously enough, contained the same number of pages, 288. The contents, however, were quite different. First came extracts from ancient manuscripts and records, running to thirty pages. Then followed the "Ancient Constitutions." In the 1792 book these cover eight pages, but in the 1798 volume they run to twenty-six. Then came the Ceremonies, Charges, Addresses, and Prayers. The historical sketch of Masonry in New England is brought down to date and expands from forty pages in the 1792 book to seventy-eight. The difference arising from the coming of the Ancients and the refusal of St. Andrew's Lodge to join the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts are touched lightly and in way to avoid the giving of offense. The Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts follow the history and the book closes with the usual words for songs and a set of toasts. Two whole sections of the 1792 volume are omitted, the "Ancient History" and the history of Masonry in the British Isles. Harris was far too good a scholar to take the "Ancient History" seriously, and he thought that the history of Masonry in the British Isles was of no particular concern to Massachusetts Masons.
The production of this scholarly work by the busy pastor of a large parish, getting it into shape to print, and securing the necessary approvals within the short space of six months was a remarkable piece of work. But Harris was a remarkable man. As before, the book was printed and published by Isaiah Thomas. It was the last Book of Constitutions of this type ever published by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Thereafter the several editions of the Grand Constitutions contain only the Masonic law of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
The first official act of the united Grand Lodge was calculated to establish new relations with St. Andrew's Lodge. At the first Communication after the installation of officers a letter to St. Andrew's Lodge was read and accepted. It was addressed "To the Rt. Wfl. Master, The Offioers and Members of St. Andrew's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 82, of the Registry of Scotland, Respected Brethren." After an official notification of the union of the two Grand Lodges, it says "The sole objects of this coalition are to obliterate as far as possible all distinctions heretofore made, to provide for a regular intercourse of the Brethren, and by all other means to promote the interests of our Ancient Fraternity." After sketching briefly the organization and general regulations of the Grand Lodge, it says that as soon as the new Book of Constitutions is off the press a copy will be sent. The closing paragraph is most significant. "Having stated these particulars, we beg leave to remark; that the late deranged state of Masonry, require every exertion for its revival and support, and we doubt not but all worthy Brethren will cheerfully lend their aid, in such way as they think best, to promote so laudable a design. We do now on this occasion urge any sentiments to influence your conduct, and we tender you our warmest wishes for your prosperity and happiness. The Masonic Institution is not the offspring of discord or usurpation, but is founded on the broad basis of universal philanthropy; and though we may differ in circumstances not essential, we are sacredly bound to cherish its benevolent designs by a mutual intercourse of affection and esteem; for, "The liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."
The letter breaths in every line the wise, tolerant, and kindly spirit of Grand Master Cutler. The hatchet is definitely and finally buried. All questions of regularity and full Masonic equality are dismissed. All the old disputes are buried in oblivion. A new and entirely fraternal relation is established. St. Andrew's is not invited to come in, but there is a plain intimation that the door is open and a welcome waiting. Revere was present and one wonders a bit how he took it all, but the record contains no hint of disagreement on the part of anybody. It was a great triumph for Cutler the peacemaker. In due time a courteous but noncommittal acknowledgement came from St. Andrew's. At the Quarterly Communication held on June 11, 1792, a committee consisting of John Warren, John Lowell, Paul Revere, Josiah Bartlett, and Samuel Dunn presented a form of Charter for new Lodges. The form was adopted and, with very slight verbal changes, is still in use. On March 11, 1793, Grand Lodge voted to send letters and copies of the Book of Constitutions to the Grand Lodges of "London and Scotland" and to such Lodges at Halifax, Canada, and Europe as the Grand Master might deem proper. The new Grand Lodge was very desirous of establishing its international position as promptly as might be.
Cutler's administration came to a close with the end of 1794. Something has already been said of the difficulties he encountered and the means with which he dealt with them. The measures taken did not reach their full success until the administration of his successor, in connection with which they will be discussed. In estimating the achievements of Paul Revere we should always remember that he built upon foundations which had been well and truly laid by John Cutler.
Paul Revere was elected Grand Master December 8, 1794. Born January 1, 1735, Revere was just under sixty years old, and at the height of his powers. His father, Appolos De Revoire, was of French Huguenot descent and came to Boston from the island of Guernsey at- the age of thirteen to be apprenticed to a silversmith. In time he became firmly established in. his business, married, and had twelve children, of whom Paul was the third. Young Paul was christened under the family name of Paul Revoire, but the father changed the name by dropping the prefix and calling himself Revere "merely on account that the Bumpkins should pronounce it easier." New England tongues then, as now, found foreign names hard going. One wonders whether father Revoire ever got rid of his French accent. Young Paul, educated in the North Grammar School, was a thoroughgoing young American. We do not know that he ever spoke French and he certainly had no French accent.
Paul learned the business of silversmith in his father's shop and attained a high degree of skill. The beautiful silver pieces made by him are now keenly sought and highly valued by collectors. He was too active and ingenious to confine himself to making silver ware. As early as 1765 he began to engrave on copper. Some of his work was crude, like the famous "Boston Massacre" plate and his political cartoons, but he later attained considerable skill. He engraved seals, bookplates, certificates, and coat-of-arms. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts owns a seal which he cut for himself and wore, as was the custom of those days, on a. watch fob. It bears the letters P.R. beautifully cut in a piece of agate. He designed and printed the first issue of Continental money and cut the first official seal of the Colonies, and the state seal which Massachusetts still uses. Besides all this he carved frames for Copley's portraits and made false teeth, which he guaranteed to fit. About the time of the outbreak of the Revolution he learned to manufacture gunpowder and superintended its production in a mill built for that purpose in Canton, Mass. In addition to all this he had a foundry in which he cast bells, cannon, and copper objects, and rolled sheet copper by a process of his own devising.
When the agitation against the act of Parliament began he warmly espoused the American cause. As the acknowledged leader of the Boston mechanics he was able to furnish a strong group of willing political workers for Adams, Warren, Hancock, and the other Whig leaders. He was never a member of the leading group of patriots, but was a willing, hard-working and dependable lieutenant. First unofficially and later officially he was the courier of the Boston revolutionists, taking many long rides to New York, Philadelphia, and north to Portsmouth, N.H. In this capacity he made the famous ride on the eve of the battle of Lexington. He was a member of the Committee of Correspondence in 1776.
He had had six months of service in the Seven Years War as a member of an expedition against Crown Point, and was anxious for service in the field. He did not, however receive a commission in the Continental Army, but Massachusetts made him a Lieutenant-Colonel of Artillery and he was in command at Castle William in 1778 and 1779. He took part in the badly bungled Penobscot expedition in 1779, and as a part of the trouble which followed its failure was accused of insubordination and cowardice, but was finally exonerated by a court martial in 1792. Unlike his old leader Adams, he worked hard for the ratification of the federal Constitution.
His Masonic career had been long and distinguished. Initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge in 1760 and raised in 1761, he was elected Senior Warden in 1764 and Master in 1770. In the Massachusetts Grand Lodge he was Junior Grand Warden for three years, beginning in 1777, then Senior Grand Warden for four years, and then Deputy Grand Master in 1784 and again in 1790 and 1791. He held no office in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts until his election as Grand Master. His part in the division which rent St. Andrew's Lodge in twain has already been described. He was the leading spirit in Rising States Lodge, and was its first Master.
In person he was of moderate stature and in his later years inclined to be stout. His portraits made in later years show an intelligent, kindly face, marked by the wisdom of long experience.
To the end of his life (he died in 1818) he continued to wear the dress of the revolutionary period, long since discarded by everybody else. He had a strong will, positive opinions, ready wit, a keen sense of humor, courage, both physical and moral, mental agility, and great tact. He appears to have had a hlgh temper, but generally kept it under control. When he was twenty-five he was convicted in court of assault and battery on one Thomas Fosdick who thus got his sole chance to have his name recorded in history. Revere paid a moderate fine and was bound over to keep the peace. We have seen him get very angry at one point in the St. Andrew's controversy, but it must be admitted he had provocation.
The two major unfinished tasks which confronted the new Grand Master were the unification of the Fraternity and the establishment of Grand Lodge finances on a sound basis.
The war and the perfervid oratory which accompanied it had left the American people thoroughly imbued with a fear and hate of any authority except of a purely local nature. They called it "tyranny", and were determined to have none of it. The collapse of the feeble government under the Articles of Confederation should have weakened this feeling, but in many cases only strengthened it. Everywhere there was objection to ratification of the federal Constitution. The objection in Massachusetts was so strong that it was only overcome after a strenuous political battle. The leader of the opposition was the veteran revolutionist Samuel Adams. He had been one of the very first to plan and work for independence. Now he ran true to form. He was no more willing to be governed by the Congress of the United States than by the Parliament of Great Britain. For him and for thousands of others in and out of Massachusetts the town meeting and the state legislature were government enough and to spare. North Carolina did not ratify until November 21, 1789, and Rhode Island not until May 29, 1790. Although they maintained a pretense of voluntary action both states were really coerced by the action of Congress in providing that all goods coming from these states should pay the same import duties as those levied on imports from other foreign countries.
Some of the Lodges, in like manner, were very slow in signifying their obedience to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. They were finally influenced, with a single exception,by practically the same considerations which controlled the recalcitrant states. St. Andrew's had a firm anchorage in the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Not so the others. Chartered by the two pre-existing Grand Lodges, they had nowhere to turn except to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. If they did not accept its authority, they were homeless Masonic orphans. The choice was adhesion or extinction, and they knew it. The Grand Lodge made no attempt to coerce them or hurry them, but treated them with all possible patience and consideration. Before Revere's administration they were all in except St. Andrew's and one other.
The financial confusion left by the war has already been referred to. This left many of the Lodges heavily in arrears for Grand Lodge dues which they were unable to meet. The Lodges were treated with every possible consideration. All reasonable compromises were made on appeal of the Lodges. For instance, one Lodge owed the Massachusetts Grand Lodge at the time of the union ten pounds four shillings. This was settled by a payment of four pounds ten shillings and dues since the union. One committee on the state of the Grand Lodge was given authority to remit all unpaid arrearages up to the union in cases where they considered it advisable. The situation gradually cleared up and money came in with considerable regularity and in amounts sufficient for current needs. However, on December 27, 1797, the committee on audit of the Grand Secretary's accounts reported that there was a total of $313.50 due from the different Lodges and recommended that the Grand Lodge take measures "to oblige each Lodge in arrears to pay the same and to prevent the evil in the future." There is no record of any special measures. Complaints of arrearages gradually cease, but it was not until 1802 that a committee was authorized and directed to make a final settlement with all Lodges.
In this connection it is interesting to note that up to the end of 1795 the amounts paid in to Grand Lodge are stated in English money. After that they are uniformly in American money except that at the meeting of September 10, 1798 the receipts are entered in English money and the equivalent In American money is stated. This shows how long it took for the United States to get its money into full circulation.
On July 4, 1795 an event occurred which marks the official recognition of the civil importance of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. On that day Governor Samuel Adams laid the corner-stone of the new State House (Bulfinch's building) and invited the Grand Lodge to assist. The Lodges assembled in the Representative Chamber in the old State House and under military escort and accompanied by the Governor and other dignitaries marched to the Old South Meeting House to listen to an oration. That done, they marched to the site of the new building where "His Excellency assisted by the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master laid it {the stone}- after the Grand Master had deposited under it a number of gold, silver and copper coins, and a silver plate bearing the following
INSCRIPTION
This Corner-stone intended for the use of the Legislature and Executive Branches of Government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was laid by His Excellency
Samuel Adams, Esq'r,
Governor of said Commonwealth
assisted by The Most Worshipful Paul Revere,
Grand Master;
And the Right Worshipful Wm. Scollay,
Deputy Grand Master;
The Grand Wardens and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts.
On the 4th day of July, 1795, A.L., 5795,
being the 20th Anniversary
of
American Independence.
It was a great day for the Grand Lodge. Samuel Adams was not a member of the Fraternity and there is no reason to suppose that he was particularly friendly to it. One may reasonably suspect that his old friend and associate of pre-Revolutionary days had something 150. to do with the invitation to assist at the corner-stone laying.
George Washington retired from the Presidency March 4, 1797. At the meeting of Grand Lodge on March 13 a committee was appointed to prepare an address to him. The committee reported June 12 and the address was adopted and sent, and the answer duly received. The address and answer follows:
"The East, the West and the South, of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To their Most Worthy George Washington:
Wishing ever to be foremost in testimonials of respect and admiration for those virtues and services with which you have so long adorned and benefited our common country; and not the last nor least, to regret the cessation of them, in the public councils of the Union; your Brethren of the Grand Lodge embrace the earliest opportunity of greeting you in the calm retirement you have contemplated to yourself. Though as citizens they lose you in the active labors of political life, they hope, as Masons to find you in the pleasing sphere of Fraternal engagement.
From the cares of state and the fatigues of public business our institution opens a recess affording all the relief of tranquility, the harmony of peace and the refreshment of pleasure. Of these may you partake in all their purity and satisfaction; and we will assure ourselves that your attachment to this social plan will increase; and that under the auspices of your encouragement, assistance and patronage, the Craft will attain its highest ornament, perfection and praise. And it is our ardent prayer, that when your Light shall, be no more visible in this earthly temple, you may be raised to the All Perfect Lodge above; be seated on the right of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and there receive refreshment your labors have merited.
In behalf of the Grand Lodge, we subscribe ourselves with the highest esteem,
Your affectionate Brethren
- Paul Revere, Grand Master
- Isaiah Thomas, S. Grand Warden
- Joseph Laughton, J. Grand Warden
- Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary
Boston, 21st March, 5797.
ANSWER.
To the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Brothers:
It was not until within these few days that I have been favor'd with your affectionate letter, dated Boston, 21st March. For the favorable sentiments you have been pleased to express on the occasion of my past services, and for the regrets with which they are accompanied for the cessation of my public functions, I pray you accept my best acknowledgements and gratitude.
No pleasure, except that which results from the consciousness of having to the utmost of my abilities discharged the trusts which have been reposed in me by my country, can equal the satisfaction I feel for the unequivocal proofs I continually receive of its approbation of my public conduct; and I beg you to be assured, that the evidence thereof, which is exhibited by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, is not among the least pleasing or grateful to my feelings.
In that retirement which declining years induced me to seek and which repose, to a mind employed in public concerns rendered necessary, my wishes that bounteous Providence will continue to bless and preserve our country in peace, and in the prosperity it has enjoyed, will be warm and sincere; and my attachment to the Society of which we are members, will dispose me always to contribute my best endeavors to promote the honor and interest of the Craft.
For the prayer you offer in my behalf, I entreat you to accept the thanks of a grateful heart, with assurance of fraternal regard and best wishes for the honor, happiness and prosperity of the Graft, and of all the members of ye Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
George Washington."
Washington had been so frightfully abused by political opponents, especially during his second term, that he was undoubtedly speaking from his heart in his references to the sentiments of the address.
At the annual meeting in December 1796, it was voted "That the Grand Master be authorized at every annual meeting to nominate and appoint a Grand Chaplain, whose duty it shall be to attend the Grand Lodge and perform such clerical duties as shall be assigned to him." Thaddeus Mason Harris was appointed and so became the first of the long line of distinguished clerics who have graced the Grand Chaplain's chair down to' the present time.
In these early administrations we trace the beginnings of many matters which arose out of current conditions and developed into Grand Lodge law. Evidently the question of rejected applicants soon began to cause trouble. On February 23, 1797, it was voted that a committee be appointed to draft a resolve and lay the same before the Grand Lodge at their next meeting respecting persons that are proposed to be made Masons in a Lodge and are rejected and afterwards apply to another Lodge within the Jurisdiction and gain admittance, The committee made a "partial report" at the next meeting and it was referred to the meeting following. On December 11, 1797, the committee presented a report and resolution which was adopted as follows:
"It is the opinion of this Grand Lodge that every Lodge under the Jurisdiction, before they proceed to ballot for any person to be made a Mason - it shall be their duty to make a strict enquiry, what town in the State such candidate belongs to, and if it appears that he is a citizen of any town in this Commonwealth, where a regular Lodge is constituted, or if he lives within five miles of a constituted Lodge, other than the one to which he is proposed, it shall operate as an exclusion, without a recommendation of the Master and Wardens of the nearest Lodge where he belongs; for no person's character can be so well known as in the town or neighborhood where he belongs. And it shall be the duty of Masters of Lodges, when a character is rejected for the want of such recommendation as a free Mason ought to have, to direct their respective secretaries to acquaint the Masters of the adjacent Lodges, with the name and circumstances of the person rejected and also the like information to the Grand Lodge,"
This resolution is interesting because it was not only an effort to deal with the specific problem before the committee, but is the first legislation to introduce the principle of the territorial jurisdiction of Lodges. The British Grand Lodges have never recognized any such principle. The principle was not fully developed in this resolution, but is there in germ. It clearly indicates.the fundamental purpose of territorial jurisdiction. In later years Lodges came to . regard their territorial jurisdiction as a sort of game preserve, within which poaching was forbidden. In reality it was intended to provide that a profane should apply where he was known or if he applied elsewhere should pass the scrutiny of neighbors.
In this period also falls the fixing in the Masonic law of Massachusetts of the principle of the inviolable territorial sovereignty of Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was formed June 27, 1791, by two Lodges, both of which had been warranted from Boston. The Rhode Island Brethren may well have had doubts of the regularity of a Grand Lodge thus formed and apprehensive as to the attitude of Massachusetts. There appears to have been some correspondence about the matter, for on September 10, 1794, we find a vote: "That the Grand Secretary be instructed to write to the Grand Lodge in the State of Rhode Island informing them that it is the intention and full determination of this Grand Lodge not to grant any charter of erection to any Lodge out of this commonwealth when another Grand Lodge has jurisdiction; hinting to them the absolute necessity of the measure, and requesting them to join in a plan so likely to operate to the benefit of Masonry in general." The latter part of the vote is very interesting as showing that Massachusetts was contending for a principle not yet generally recognized.
On September 13, 1797, the Grand Lodge went further and enacted two "permanent Regulations."
- "No charter of erection, or dispensation, shall be granted to any number of Masons residing outside of this State, except when the Grand Lodge of the State in which the petitioners reside shall acquiesce therein in writing."
- "The Grand Lodge will not hold communication or correspondence with, or admit as visitors, any Masons residing in this State who hold authority under, and acknowledge the supremacy of, any Foreign Grand Lodge or who do not by their representatives communicate and pay their dues to this Grand Lodge."
A year before this the Grand Lodge of Connecticut had adopted a regulation similar to the second of these. The compiler of the excellent Centennial Memorial of St. Andrew's Lodge considered that the Connecticut action was aimed at St. Andrew's. It certainly hit it, but only because it happened to be in the range. At this time the Grand Orient of France, and perhaps other foreign Grand Bodies, was chartering Lodges in the United States. It was this sort of thing which it was desired to suppress. The whole picture shows that a principle of great importance was involved, not merely the fortune of a single Lodge. We in the United States are so accustomed to regard the territorial sovereignty of Grand Lodges as inviolable that we think of it as a Landmark. In the closing years of the eighteenth century the principle was by no means generally accepted and in some countries, notably Germany, it never has been, Massachusetts was one of the leaders in securing its acceptance in the United States.
The St, Andrew's difficulty was immediately felt, for we find that at the June meeting of 1798, only six months from the passage of the regulation, a motion was made in Grand Lodge that its operation be suspended so far as it applied to St, Andrew's, The motion was referred from meeting to meeting until December 9, 1799, when action was taken as we shall see later looking toward union. Although there had been no vote either to suspend or enforce the regulation with regard to St. Andrew's, when the Grand Lodge voted at a special meeting on January 8, 1800, to have a memorial service to Washington it was provided that St. Andrew's should be invited to participate, and St, Andrew's voted unanimously to accept the invitation
Political and social conditions during Revere'a administration were particularly favorable to the growth of Freemasonry. The Federalist party, under the leadership of Hamilton {a Mason) was organizing and wisely administering the new republic. Order replaced the chaos of the Confederation period. Commerce, freed from the shackles of the British Navigation Acts, rapidly revived, bringing prosperity especially to the coastwise regions. The finances of the country were put on a sound basis, credit revived, and business prospered. The farmers found a market and there was money everywhere. The Lodges were able to meet their obligations and men who were attracted to Masonry were not deterred by financial considerations from entering it.
The prestige of Masonry was high. Everybody knew that Washington and a large proportion of the great civil and military leaders of the Revolution and the new government were Masons. There was indeed another side to the picture which we shall see later, but just at that time it did not count for much. Any obloquy which might have attached to Masonry on account of its British origin was removed, at last for the majority, by a curious development in the political situation. The French Revolution began in 1789 and was at first hailed with rejoicing by the Americans who saw in it a further step along the road to liberty which they had marked out. But French radicals were soon in the saddle. King Louis XVI was beheaded January 21, 1793. England took the position of hostility which she maintained with brief intervals of truce, until the collapse of Waterloo in 1815. The enthusiasts of the French Revolution proclaimed themselves as the apostles of liberty and the enemies of "tyranny" throughout the world. Naturally England was the first object of attack. Relying on the treaties of the Revolutionary period and counting on American antagonism to England and gratitude to France, one of the first objects of French policy was to draw the United States into the war against England. For that purpose they sent over one Edward Charles Genet as Minister. Genet was an enthusiastic revolutionist, hot headed and very indiscreet, though possessed of considerable diplomatic experience.
He found a condition which a more skilled diplomat might have exploited to great advantage, but he was a blunderer and badly overplayed his hand. He was met at once by Washington's proclamation of neutrality and the firm determination of the administration to remain neutral. He fitted out French privateers in American ports. He spun intrigues against Washington and his administration. He even threatened to appeal to the people against Washington. This was too much. After making a nuisance of himself for about five months, his government was asked to recall him. His successor arrived in February of 1794. Even after that, Genet continued to agitate against Washington and was the cause of much of the abuse which assailed Washington in his second term. His extravagant actions, however, coupled with the treatment accorded our merchant ships by the French navy, turned public opinion against France and greatly modified the hostility toward England.
As a result of all these favorable conditions, improved by the wisdom of Revere and his Grand Lodge, Masonry took on a burst of activity. During Revere's term twenty-three Lodges were chartered, twenty of which remain in active existence to the present time.
On December 27, 1798, Josiah Bartlett was installed Grand Master. Bartlett was born in Charlestown August 11, 1759, and was thus thirty-eight years of age when installed. At a very early age he took up the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Isaac Foster, but entered the American army in the medical corps April 20, 1775, when just under sixteen years of age. Beginning as a hospital steward or orderly he was soon promoted to surgeon's mate. He left the army some time in 1780 to become a surgeon on a ship of war. After two voyages he left the service finally and returned to Charlestown to settle. On June 2, 1783, he was appointed Town Physician. In 1789 he was admitted a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, am soon became its permanent Secretary, He was also a Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the Historical Society.
Dr. Bartlett was deeply interested in civic affairs, serving as State Senator, 1800-1801, Member of the Governor's Council, 1801-2,and Representative 1815-1816 and 1817-1818. He was a Justice of the Peace and Moderator of the Town Meeting.
Dr. Bartlett had a large practice, but he somehow found time not only to do all these things and attend to important Masonic affairs, but to prepare many important addresses, professional and Masonic. One was an historical sketch of the physicians in the past of the country from its earliest settlement. Among his more important addresses was one at the dedication of the Masonic monument to Joseph Warren, one containing much important historical information on Washington's Birthday, 1814, and one on the death of John Warren delivered in the presence of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Judges, Fellows and Faculty of Harvard, officers of learned societies, Selectmen of the Town of Boston, the clergy and others. It is said of him that perhaps no individual in this vicinity delivered so great a number of public orations, medical, political,and literary. This was said by one who knew nothing of the Masonic addresses delivered by Dr. Bartlett.
Bartlett was one of the petitioners for King Solomon's Lodge in 1783 and was its first Master. Where he took his degrees is not certainty known, but it was probably in the Lodge in Danbury Ct. (New York Constitution} shortly before he left the army. He was elected Master in 1784, 1787, 1793 and 1808. His acceptance of the Mastership when a Past Grand Master shows his love for the Lodge and his willingness to serve it. He was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge in June 1786 and again in June 1788, He was Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1792 and 1793 and Deputy Grand Master in 1794.
Bartlett found the Grand Lodge in a prosperous and harmonious condition. The shadow of the storm which broke later in the persecution period was already on the horizon, as we shall presently see, but for the time being nothing came of it. On the whole the administration was a quiet one.
One of Revere's parting recommendations was the appointment of a committee of Correspondence, and on January 17, 1798, it was voted to have appointed such a committee "to receive all letters, communications, eta, and to prepare answers to be laid before the Grand Lodge for their consideration and sanction at their Quarterly Communication, and that said committee seek to obtain all Masonic information which may tend to the benefit or aggrandizement of this Grand Lodge." One of Revere's great interests had been the establishment and consolidation of friendly relations with other Grand Lodges, both inside and beyond the United States. It was thought that the correspondence relating to these matters was so important that it ought to be passed upon by the entire Grand Lodge, not left even to the Grand Master and Grand Secretary. Considerable correspondence of this sort had already passed before the Grand Lodge. The appointment of the committee was intended to regularize the matter and to save time by having draft answers ready to be laid before the Grand Lodge together with the letters received.
This arrangement did not work very well and on March 9, 1801, a committee reported that the committee "from their local situation and their various avocations can never perform the important duties assigned them." They therefore recommend the discharge of the committee and the adoption of a new Standing Law, providing for the annual election of a Corresponding Grand Secretary "whose duty it shall he to answer all letters and communications agreeable to the orders of the Grand Lodge, also to receive from the Recording Grand Secretary and transact as soon as may be to the Lodges within this jurisdiction, all orders, rules and proceedings which are directed to be communicated. The Grand Secretary was thereafter to be known as the Recording Grand Secretary, The new officer, was relieved of that part of his duties which had to do with the Lodges within the jurisdiction by the general revision of 1811, and was much later made appointive, but the office remained in existence until 1915, when the offices of Recording and Corresponding Grand Secretary ware merged again in that of Grand Secretary.
At the meeting of January 17, 1798, it was voted that a plate be procured for the purpose of granting certificates (Master Mason*s diplomas) by the Grand Secretary. Previous to that time engraved diplomas had not been issued by the Grand Lodge.
A rather interesting side light on the methods of the time Is thrown by the record of a special meeting held March 24, 1798. The principal business of the meeting was to receive a petition from William Lyman and others from Northampton, Hampshire County. The petition was read, considered, and it was voted that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition. The record of the meeting closes: "Brother Lyman paid the expenses of the Grand Lodge this evening." There were nine present. One can not help feeling some pity for Bro. Lyman.
At a meeting held June 11, 1798, it was voted to send an official address to John Adams, President of the United States, to be signed lay the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary. The address was as follows:
To the President of the United States.
Sir:
Flattery and a discussion of political opinions are inconsistent with the principles of this Ancient Fraternity. But while we are bound to cultivate benevolence, and extend the arm of charity to our Brethren of every clime, we feel the strongest obligations to support the civil authority which protects us, and when the illiberal attacks of a foreign Enthusiast, aided by the unfounded prejudices of his followers, are tending to embarrass the public mind, with respect to the real views of our society, we think it our duty to join in full concert with our fellow citizens, in expressions of gratitude to the Supreme Architect of the Universe for endowing you with that wisdom, patriotic firmness and Integrity, which has characterized your public conduct.
While the independence of our country and the operation of just and equal laws have contributed to enlarge the sphere of human happiness, we rejoice that our Masonic Brethren throughout the United States, have discovered by their conduct a zeal to promote the public welfare; and that many of them have been conspicuous for their talents and unwearied exertions.
Among these your venerable predecessor is the most illustrious example, and the memory of our beloved Warren, who from the chair of this Grand Lodge has often urged the members to the exercise of patriotism and philanthropy, and who sealed his principles with his blood, shall ever animate us to a laudable imitation of his virtues.
Sincerely we deprecate the calamities of war, and have fervently wished success to every endeavor to the preservation of peace. But Sir, if we disregard the blessings of liberty, we are unworthy to enjoy them.
In vain have our statesmen labored in their public assemblies; and by their midnight tapers; in vain have our mountains and valleys been stained with the blood of our heroes, is we want firmness to repel the assaults of every presumptous invader. And while as citizens of a free Republic we engage out utmost exertions in the cause of our country and offer our services to protect the fair inheritance of our ancestors, as Masons we will cultivate the precepts of our Institution and alleviate the miseries of all, who, by the fortune of war or the ordinary occurrences of life, are the proper objects of our attention.
Long may you continue a patron of the useful art and an ornament of the present generation. May you finish your public labors with an approving conscience and be gathered to the sepulchre of your co-patriots with the benedictions of your country-men. And, finally, may you be admitted to that Celestial Temple where all national distinctions are lost in undissembled friendship and universal peace.
- Josiah Bartlett, Grand Master
- Samuel Dunn, D'y Grand Master.
- William Little, Joseph Laughton, Grand Wardens.
Attest:
- Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary.
President Adams lost no time in replying. His reply was as follows:
To the Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Gentlemen:
As I never had the honor to be one of your Ancient Fraternity, I feel myself under the greater obligation to you for this respectful and affectionate address.
Many of my best friends have been Masons, and two of them my professional patrons - the learned Gridley and my intimate friend, your Warren - whose life and death were lessons and examples of patriotism and philanthropy - were Grand Masters. Yet, it so happens, that I never had the felicity to be initiated. Such examples as these, and a greater still in my venerable predecessor would have been sufficient to have induced me to hold the institution and the fraternity in esteem and honor as favorable to the support of civil authority, if I not known their love to the fine arts, their delight in hospitality and devotion to humanity. Your indulgent opinion of my conduct and your benevolent wishes for the fortunate termination of my public labors have my sincere thanks.
The public engagements of your utmost exertions in the cause of your country and the offer of your services to protect the fair inheritance of your ancestors are proofs that you are not chargeable with those designs, the imputations of which, in other parts of the world, has embarrassed the public mind with respect to the real views of your society.
Signed, John Adams.
Philadelphia, 22d June, 1798. </blockquot> The conditions which called forth this correspondence are worthy of note, especially as it was the only time the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts ever prepared anything which could be called a political document. The correspondence with Washington already quoted was personal and had no political significance.When this letter was written we were on the verge of war with France as the result of the irritation which had been going on for a considerable number of years. The failure of France to draw us into her war against England Was a very sore spot with the French government. The strict neutrality of the United States was very displeasing to France, and every act in any way friendly to England was regarded by her as hostile. This resulted in injuries to the American neutral merchants and seizure of their ships. In 1794 James Monroe was sent to France as Minister for the purpose, if possible, of allaying French suspicions and adjusting American claims. About the time of his arrival the United States concluded the Jay Treaty with England to cover points left unsettled by the Revolutionary War. This greatly annoyed France and created a situation which Monroe, who was always a blundering diplomat, was unable to handle. He was so indiscreet as to get himself received by the Convention and to deliver before it an address whose "extreme warmth" brought him a reproof from the Secretary of State, but commended him to the French. His failure to adjust matters led to his recall in 1796, Angered by the Jay treaty and the recall of Monroe, the French government refused to receive his successor. It also passed an act declaring that all Americans found serving on English vessels would be considered pirates.
President Adams, desiring to leave no measure untried to preserve peace, sent an special mission to France headed by John Marshall. The French executive at that time consisted ;of three Directors, When Marshall presented his credentials to Talleyrand, the Foreign Minister, he was told after some delay that in order to obtain an interview with the Directors he must first pay Talleyrand personally a quarter of million dollars, that other officials would have to be bribed, and that the French government would have to be given a large loan before negotiations could be begun. Marshall was thoroughly disgusted and returned home, reporting his failure in March 1798. War was not declared, but preparations were made to increase the navy and raise an army with Washington in command. Some small sea fights actually took place.
This was the political situation when the Adams letter was written in June. The President was facing war and needed to have the people solidly behind him. Of this, in view of the lingering hostility to England, revived by the unpopular Jay Treaty, and widespread sympathy for France, he was by no means sure. Under ordinary conditions the loyalty of the Masonic Fraternity would go without saying, but there was another element in the situation which decided the action of the Grand Lodge.
The excesses of the French Revolution had excited the horror of a large part of the civilized world. As usual in such cases the opinion arose that there was some sinister group behind it all and responsible for it. The Freemasons being secret and mysterious, were made the scapegoat. In 1797 John Robinson, the "foreign Enthusiast" referred to in the letter, had published Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe carried on in the Secret Meetings of the Freemasons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies collected from Good Authorities. Robinson was Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh and Secretary of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and was a Freemason. The purpose of the book is perhaps sufficiently indicated by its title. He accused the Freemasons and the Illuminati, who were by no means the same, with being the wicked authors of all the evil things that had happened in France and of aiming at a general overthrow of church and state. Robinson ought to have known better, but his "enthusiasm" misled him. His book quickly obtained a wide circulation, both in England and in the United States, where it aroused a considerable amount of fear and suspicion against Freemasonry. The situation was made worse by the fact that there were several French Lodges working in the United States and conferring the higher, as well as the symbolic degrees. The political repercussions were considerable, because its attacks were largely directed against French Freemasonry and the French Revolution. Jefferspn, Adams' chief political antagonist, was American Minister to France from August 1785 to October 1789. He was keenly interested in the first period of the French Revolution, which began early in 1789, and never quite lost that sympathy, though he deplored the later excesses of the revolutionists. How far Jefferson and his followers were infected with French revolutionary ideas was an open question in the minds of many Americans in 1798.
Thaddeus Mason Harris, who was certainly in position to know, says that the reference, in the letter is to Robinson only. It happened, however, that about the same time that Robinson's book was published a French priest, Abbe Barruel, published Memoires pour servir a l'Histoire du Jacobinisme ("Recollections to serve for a History of Jacobinism") which was a still more bitter attack upon Freemasonry as the author of all the revolutionary horrors. This book was soon translated and it, too,achieved a wide American circulation.
Under these circumstances the Grand Lodge considered it advisable to give the President the strongest possible assurance of the absolute loyalty of the Masonic Fraternity and its entire freedom from any subversive aims or intentions, civil or religious. Had Washington still been President no such assurance would have appeared called for, but Adams was not a Mason and had no particular sympathy with the Fraternity. As a Massachusetts man he undoubtedly knew personally many Massachusetts Masons, including probably more than one Grand Lodge officer. The correspondence with President Adams is unique in the history of Grand Lodge, but it appears to have served a useful purpose.
The loyalty of American Freemasonry was generally acknowledged, even by those who gave credit to Robinson and Barruel, the dreaded war did not materialize and hostility to Freemasonry became quiescent for the next quarter of a century.
At the December Quarterly of 1798 it was voted "That a Committee be raised to consider the state of Masonry in this Commonwealth; to report their opinion of the expediency of erecting more Lodges, and, if expedient, in what part of the State it is proper to establish them, and that all petitions for new Lodges remain in file 'till such report is made. R. W. Bros. S. Dunn, William Scollay, Isaiah Thomas, T.Whiting, and J. Brazer were appointed a committee accordingly. No stronger committee could have been raised.
Since the union of 1792 thirty-eight Lodges had been formed. Freemasonry was sweeping the state. Conservative members of Grand Lodge were becoming frightened by their success. Distances were great for those days and communication poor. In point of time many of the Lodges were further from Boston than Chicago or Cincinnati now are. Representatives of the more distant Lodges rarely, if ever, attended Grand Lodge. Collections of quarterages were slow and difficult.
There was little or no actual knowledge of the petitioners or of the places in which it was proposed to place Lodges. It is very probable that matters came to light in connection with the rejected petition from Northampton previously noted which caused the Grand Lodge to realize the necessity of greater care. There were clear indications of danger that Freemasonry in Massachusetts might become spread out too thin for effective functioning.
At the March Communication of 1799 the Committee appointed to take into consideration the expediency of erecting new Lodges within the Commonwealth reported, that after seriously examining the state of Masonry within this Jurisdiction, it is fully their opinion that there be no more charters granted for new Lodges for two years from this date, which report was unanimously accepted. It was also voted "that the Grand Secretary be directed to receive and put on the files of this Grand Lodge all the petitions for new Lodges and that they be numbered in rotation."
In spite of the unanimity of the vote doubts of its wisdom arose and at the June meeting, Samuel Dunn, Perez Morton, Joseph Laughton, John W. Folsom, Isaiah Thomas, Thomas Edwards, and Benjamin Russell were appointed "a committee to take into consideration the subject of erecting new Lodges within this Jurisdiction, the expediency of reconsidering the vote on that subject passed the last Quarterly Communication; to fix the prices of all Lodges within this Jurisdiction for initiation, passing, and raising Master Masons; and to consider the state of Masonry at large, within the Commonwealth; to suggest whatever they may think conducive to the interest of the Craft, and to report thereon at the next Quarterly Communication." It will be noted that only two members of this committee had served on the previous one.
The introduction of the question of fees into the problem of new Lodges suggests that there was fear, perhaps even experience, that new Lodges, or even old ones might seek to attract new members, perhaps at the expense of other Lodges, by cutting prices for the degrees. This danger was not imaginary, because the growing conception of the territorial jurisdiction of Lodges had not yet developed to the point of giving the Lodge control of material residing within certain limits. In March 1799, Grand Lodge had voted "As the sense of this Grand Lodge that the 12th Article of the 10th Section of the Constitution, respecting the recommendation of candidates from the Brethren within five miles of his place of residence should be construed as relating to the character of the candidates." That meant that the only way in which a Lodge could prevent a person living in or near the town in which it was located joining a Lodge at some distance which might charge lower fees for the degrees was by refusing to recommend him on the ground that he was not fit to be a Mason. The Lodge could not very well refuse a candidate recommendation on that ground and then take him itself. The question of fees, therefore, was an important part of the general situation under discussion.
At the December Quarterly Communication the Committee reported as follows, and the report was accepted.
"That the principles of the resolution of the Grand Lodge passed at the Quarterly Communication held on the evening of 11th of March last, against incorporating any Lodge for the term of two years, be generally adhered to, but they recommend a dispensation of it so far that the of petitioners from the town Stoughton, for reasons set forth in the representation accompanying this report, be erected into a Lodge by the name of Rising Star Lodge, and that a charter be accordingly granted to them.
"That it will be recommended, by the Grand Master, to all the Lodges, that, from and after the first day of January next, they respectively direct and order that the fees to be deposited in the funds of each Lodge, on the initiation of every person into the Craft, be fifteen dollars,and for every person raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason be five dollars, as by this uniformity the interests of Masonry will be essentially promoted. That the Grand Secretary be directed to communicate, as speedily as may be, under the direction and recommendation of the Grand Master, a copy of the foregoing resolutions to every Lodge under this Jurisdiction.
Which is respectfully submitted,
Per Order,
Perez Morton, Chairman.The fee named, in view of the much greater purchasing power of money at that time, was rather large. Grand Lodge had no intention whatever of allowing Masonry to be made cheap.
What the reasons were which caused a suspension of the rule in favor of Rising Star Lodge we do not know, as the explanation papers are not now in existence. With one exception the rule was adhered to for the full two years. Mount Zion Lodge, of Hardwick, since moved to Barre, had petitioned in September 1798, and was voted a charter under suspension of the rule in March, 1800. Again we do not know why the rule was relaxed, but perhaps consideration was given to the fact that the petition had already been before the Grand Lodge three months before the question of restriction was raised.
To the September Quarterly in 1799, Grand Master Bartlett sent a letter expressing his regret that professional duties prevented his attendance and tendering his resignation, to take effect at once. He had previously asked to be relieved of committee work on account of the pressure of professional duties and he now stated that these duties were so heavy that he could no longer carry the burden of the Grand Master's office. The Grand Lodge appointed a committee which prepared a response, expressing high appreciation of his services and deep regret that "imperious necessity" was terminating them.
Bartlett's letter of resignation, besides giving a general account of his stewardship, touches several important matters. He refers to the publication of Robinson and Barruel which he says, "at that period of our political concerns could not fail to excite the attention of considerate minds, and the subject was publicly examined. But as the result has not apparently operated to the injury of our Society, and as the Lodges in this Commonwealth have been fully exculpated, even by the most zealous defenders of the publications, I cannot think it my duty to be particular on this occasion."
Bartlett felt the practical difficulties arising from the extent of the jurisdiction, the isolation of the Lodges and the impossibility of visiting and personal inspection by the Grand Master. He said "in some instances where from the distance and other local circumstances it has been thought advisable a member of the Grand Lodge has been appointed and commissioned for the purpose, and I am of opinion that a practice of this kind, in cases where the Grand Master cannot attend, would be best calculated to prevent innovations and preserve the ancient ceremonies."
He has constituted new Lodges and installed their officers in public, as has been customary for a few years. He confesses himself at loss to determine after the most critical examination," how far the custom is beneficial. On one hand an opportunity was given to display the views and aim/of Freemasonry to magistrates, officials, the clergy, and the most respectable members of the community, both men and women. At this time these ceremonies were held in churches and were important occasion s in the civic and social life of the community. On the other hand he was induced to believe that it had caused applications for new Lodges to be multiplied and had encouraged initiations merely from curiosity, all of which endangered the usefulness and respectability of the Fraternity.
The question which troubled Grand Master Bartlett is still an open one in the minds of many thoughtful Masons. Bartlett expressed his strong approval of the two year moratorium.
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