MassachusettsHamiltonHistoryCh16
CHAPTER 16: FRANCIS OLIVER, SAMUEL FAY AND A GRAND LODGE FOR MAINE
Francis J. Oliver was elected Grand Master December 9, 1816 and installed on December 27.
He was the great grandson of Antoine Oliver, a French Huguenot who came to this country not long after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Francis was born in Boston, October 10, 1777, thus becoming Grand Master at the early age of thirty-nine.
Oliver fitted for college in the Boston Latin School and was graduated from Harvard in 1795. Boys were generally graduated from college at that time much younger than they now are, but even so Oliver was one of the youngest in his class. On leaving college he entered a counting-room, where he displayed those characteristics of neatness, accuracy, and thoroughness which marked him throughout his long life. In college and in his earlier graduate days he was a leader among the young men. He was a member of the Boston Light Infantry and when, during the administration of John Adams, war with France seemed likely, and the company was put on a war footing Oliver was made a Lieutenant. He was later offered the Captaincy, but declined as he was about to go out of the country for a time.
When Oliver came of age he went into the shipping and commission business with an elderly man named Proctor under the firm name of Oliver and Proctor. The business failed after a few years. Oliver then chartered a small ship and sailed in quest of profit and adventure. Adventure he had in plenty, including being fired into by the fort at Caracas and nearly shipwrecked, but of profit very little. He came back with much experience, an excellent reputation, and very little money. Cornelius Coolidge, a fellow Lodge-member and probably a kinsman, sought him out and the two went into partnership as shippers and commission merchants. They made money rapidly until the war of 1812, and then lost it as rapidly. An incident of the war period showed that Oliver had not lost taste and capacity for adventure. The firm owned a brig which had been evading the American maritime laws by trading in Europe under an English license. This made her fair . game for American privateers, and on her way home a privateer picked her up just off Boston light. Learning of the mishap promptly each of the partners filled a boat with armed men and went down the harbor in search of the brig. They found her, overpowered the prize crew, and brought her back to Boston, Although they had taken her out of the hands of Americans to whom she was a legal prize, popular feeling against, the maritime laws was so strong that nothing was ever done about it.
With Mr. Coolidge he founded the American Insurance Company and became its President. About 1836 he resigned that position to become Agent for an English banking house. The change was not fortunate, for a business depression caused the failure of the banking house about four years later. Oliver's health being impaired, he retired entirely from business and spent the greater part of the rest of his life in . a country estate which he had purchased in Middletown, Connecticut. He died there August 21, 1858, in the eighty-first year of his age. He took part in local politics, first as a Federalist and later as a Whig, the party which succeeded the Federalist party when it finally collapsed. He was President of the Boston Common Council, a post of much honor in those days, and served as Representative in the Legislature and in other public offices. He was always among the foremost in the advocacy and support of plans for the general welfare. He was a prominent member of the Humane Society, one of the originators of Mount Auburn Cemetery and one of the original purchasers of Noddle's Island and founders of East Boston.
Oliver became a member of St. John's Lodge in 1800 and was its Master in 1806, 1807, and 1808. He was long remembered as one of the most dignified and generally excellent Masters who ever presided over the Lodge. He served as Senior Grand Steward In 1803 and 1804. At that time that office could be filled by any Master Mason. He was Senior Grand Deacon in 1809, Senior Grand Warden in 1810 and 1811, Deputy Grand Master in 1813, 1814, 1815, and 1816. In spite of his youth he came to the Grand Mastership with ten years of service as a Grand Officer behind him, and the records, show that his service was very active. A portrait made about 1825 shows a spare man with thin features, a very intelligent cast of countenance, fine eyes, and a strong mouth. The whole expression is one of dignity and repose, but there is a hint of humor about the eyes and mouth.
At the meeting at which Oliver was installed, December 27, 1816, a committee was appointed to consider the expediency of petitioning the Legislature for an act of incorporation, to find out whether Grand Lodge could hold real estate without a special charter, and to devise ways and means for building a Temple. The reasons are obvious. The Grand Lodge was tired of moving about from one rented location to another: it wanted a home of its own. The question of proper accommodations had been intermittently discussed for years, but without any definite results, except some leases of quarters occupied. The Grand Lodge also was accumulating funds, both in general account and in the Charity Fund, which it wished to protect by taking out a charter.
The committee reported at the next Quarterly. They said that the existing statutes did not suffice to enable them to organize such a corporation as was needed. They were convinced that the present disposition of the Legislature was such that they might expect to obtain a charter, although the previous Legislatures had refused one. It would be well, however, in order to overcome prejudice and allay fears that the petition "should bear the names of the most respectable clergymen, and the most influential statesmen of both political parties who belong to the Order." Just here one seems to hear the advising voice of the veteran politician Past Grand Master Bigelow, then Speaker of the House. One paragraph is especially interesting: "And as there unhappily exists in some of the remote parts of the Commonwealth a jealousy of the influence and power of the Grand Lodge, it seems just and expedient to give assurances to our distant Brethren that we seek a general and not a partial benefit to the.Order, And that the Grand Lodge disclaims all intentions of imposing additional requisition on the subordinate Lodges in consequence of obtaining an Act of Incorporation. The committee proposed two votes, one authorizing application for a Charter, the other expressing the recommended disclaimer in the strongest terms. The application was successfully made and the Act of Incorporation was passed June 17, 1817. The Corporation was authorized to hold real estate up to twenty thousand dollars and personal property up to sixty thousand dollars. One wonders why the petitioners were so modest in the matter of real estate. They could hardly have expected to build or buy a suitable building for twenty thousand dollars. We shall see trouble rising out of this provision later.
The building proposition did not advance. Ways and means were not easy to devise. Desire, however, still lived and on December 27, 1819, a committee brought in an elaborate report recommending the purchase of a property known as Merchant's Hall. It was estimated that the property, remodeled for use, would cost $38,844. The basement and first and second stories would rent, it was estimated, for $3,150.00 a year. The third and fourth stories would be occupied by the Fraternity. Shares were to be sold (to Masons only) at $80.00 each. The proposition looked good and the committee was authorized to secure the cooperation of the Masonic bodies in Boston and start a sales campaign on the shares, of 255. which the Grand Treasurer was authorized to buy twenty. The project, however, like its predecessor, fell flat. The Masonic bodies showed no eagerness to co-operate, some individuals did not like the location, others did not like the project anyway, and at the March Quarterly the project was formally dropped.
A pleasant incident of this period shows the Fraternity ready and willing to exercise the virtue of charity. In January of 1813 a member of Orient Lodge was suspended from the Lodge and from Masonry for corruption in the office of Collector of Taxes. At this time, and for many years afterward, Masonic offenses were tried in the offender's Lodge, the verdict and penalty being reported to Grand Lodge for approval, which was generally, but not always, given. When this case was reported to Grand Lodge the intention of Orient Lodge was not fully understood and Grand Lodge confirmed the action not as suspension but expulsion. The offender was young and probably did not fully realize what he was doing. We do not know whether or not there was a conviction in the civil courts. In any case, he saw the error of his ways, made such reparation as possible, and so amended his conduct as to regain the confidence and good opinion of the Lodge and the community. Orient Lodge voted to remove the suspension and sent their action up to Grand Lodge for approval. The committee to which it was referred reported that they had satisfied themselves as to the facts of the case and were convinced that the defendant was guilty and that Orient Lodge had acted wisely in suspending him. Saying, however, that "a Charitable Society should receive with kindness an offender who returns to an honorable and virtuous course," they recommended that the second action of the Lodge be conferred and the disabilities imposed on the defendant by the Grand Lodge be removed, and it was so voted.
The Grand Lodge was keenly sensible of the great service which had been rendered by Thaddeus Mason Harris. He had supervised the printing and publication of the Constitutions of 1792. He had prepared with conspicuous scholarship, the Constitutions of 1798, He had served as Deputy Grand Master, Junior Grand Warden, Corresponding Grand Secretary, and Grand Chaplain, being the first ever to hold the last two offices, besides working on innumerable committees, always with efficiency and distinction. In 1816 Grand Lodge presented him a testimonial in the form of "an elegant silver vase, enclosed in a highly finished piece of cabinet work." The vase bore Masonic emblems and appropriate inscriptions. It cost two hundred dollars. Considering the purchasing power of money at that time and the slender resources of the Grand Lodge this was a really splendid testimonial.
In June of 1819 the library question again came up. Zachariah S. Whitman, always much interested in the library project,presented a motion to start the matter afresh by raising a committee "to consider the expediency of establishing a Masonic Library and the best mode for the increase and management of the same." The committee was authorized and Whitman made its chairman. At the December Quarterly the Grand Lodge voted that the books belonging to the Grand Lodge be deposited in the library room contiguous to Mason's Hall (the Grand Lodge then occupied hired quarters in the Exchange Coffee House) there to remain under the care of the Grand Master until further action by the Grand Lodge. There they peacefully gathered dust for the next three years, when another start was made.
In 1018 Amicable Lodge memorialized the Grand Lodge on the question of a change in the accepted Masonic Chronology, to make it conform exactly to Archbishop Ussher's chronological tables. A very interesting report was submitted by a committee of which Thaddeus Mason Harris was chairman. There can be no doubt that Harris drafted the report. As the report answers questions which are still occasionally asked it is here given in full.
"To the Most Worshipful Grand Master Rt W. Officers, Members and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The Committee appointed to consider the Memorial of Amicable Lodge "on the propriety and expediency of adopting an alteration in the computing of Time, and in the date of Masonic Records" having attended to the subject beg leave to report,
that by the statement in that memorial the alteration suggested would be the addition of four years to what is by some considered as the Masonic Date, or year of light, making (for instance) the present year to be, "Anno Lucis" 5822 ... Now your Committee conceive, that the proposed alteration, to be of any avail, must be brought about by a general agreement of all the Lodges in all Countries.- that this is not to be expected;- that anything short of it, even were there the best reasons offered for it, and stated in its justification, could be only partial, and wear the appearance of innovation;- and therefore we do not think it expedient to adopt any such alteration.
Although according to the tables of Archbishop Usher {sic} the birth of Christ is calculated to have been in the year of the World 4004; and in Protestant Countries this computation of Time is generally adopted; yet very learned Chronologers, have doubted its accuracy;- And there are strong reasons for believing that the birth of Christ was really in the beginning of the year 4001 year of the World according to Hebrew Chronology.
Your Committee are aware that having a double date appears a singularity; and the best explication they can give of it is the following.-The ancient date, with the institution: itself is of Jewish derivation; and was retained, as it is not unusual in making other dates, that is, "the year of the World" (as the Jews call it) or "the year of light"- (as we receive it) was the original date, or mode of reckoning; previously to the time when the Calendar was so rectified, as to fix upon the birth of Christ as a new period for commencing computations of time; and then the new epoch was adopted, and yet the old one was retained - as we say now the year of our Lord 1818 and of the Independence of the United States 43."
After all your Committee freely acknowledge that they do not perceive the necessity or utility of retaining the Ancient Date because it is not the date of the origin of Masonry, and because the having-a double date has in the opinion of some the appearance of affection or requires an explanation for which Free Masonry is not accountable. Besides if it be supposed that the Ancient is the Hebrew computation there is no longer a propriety in retaining it as a Masonic date, now that the Solomonic Institution itself has found its ancient Jewish Emblems and allusions accomplished, as are also the Types and Ceremonies of the Levitical Institute, in the Christian Spiritual temple high-priest and fraternity.- We conceive however, that it would not be advisable at present to make the alteration suggested, by this Grand Lodge, without it could be with the concurrence of other branches of the Fraternity.
All of which is respectfully submitted
Septemr. 26th,1818,
by
- Thad Mason Harris
- Elijah Morse
- Thomas Power
Committee."
The report was adopted.
During Oliver's administration people began to discover that Masonry was charitably disposed and had some money. Consequently the Grand Lodge began to receive the requests for financial aid for worthy philanthropies which have come in from time to time ever since. Requests were received from the American Bible Society for a contribution and from Amherst Academy (not Amherst College which was not then in existence) for aid in its work of educating young men for the Christian ministry. Both requests were courteously, but firmly, refused. High praise was given to the objects in view, but the principle was laid down that Masonic funds were gathered for Masonic charity and could not be properly diverted to any other purpose, no matter how worthy. That remains the law of Massachusetts to this day, both as regards the funds of the Grand Lodge and of particular Lodges.
At the September Quarterly of 1818 it appears that there was dissatisfaction with the conduct of certain officers of the Grand Lodge. We have no particulars, but it is probable that some of the Lodges or Masters resented the methods adopted by District Deputy Grand Masters in the attempt to discharge their duties. As we shall see presently, the District Deputies were not without excuse or impatience. As we have seen in the matter of the legislation regarding the-removal of Lodges, the Lodges were very touchy about attempts on the part of District Deputy Grand Masters to exercise authority over them. The Grand Lodge very wisely decided that whatever discontent there was should be dealt with before it had a chance to spread. Accordingly a strong committee was appointed to investigate the master and given authority to send for persons and papers.
At the March meeting of 1819 the committee made a partial report, which was read and accepted as follows:
"The Committee of the Grand Lodge appointed to enquire into certain reports which have been circulated to the prejudice of the Grand Officers, in the discharge of their Official Duties - and to ascertain their origin have assiduously attended the duty assigned them; have had several meetings, examined many witnesses, and heard the Brethren implicated; but the severity of the late Weather has prevented their assembly to make a formal & detailed report, for which they ask the. indulgence of further time.
"In reporting progress the Committee deem it their duty to remark, that as far as their enquiries have extended, they have not led to the discovery of any reports, which have appeared to have originated in malicious intent, to impair the dignity and usefulness of the Grand Lodge, or to impeach the moral or masonic reputation of any of the Grand Officers: That the observations which have been made, and the excitement attempted have been confesses to have been made, in the exercise of the rights and duties of Members of the Grand Lodge, though sometimes exercised with too much Zeal and indiscreet ardency.- And that unless in their future enquires, the Committee, should obtain with other facts, they entertain the hope, that extensive as those indiscretions have been, they are not broader than the mantle of Masonic Charity; and will require no other punishment than admonition and reprimand.
"All of which is respectfully submitted.
Boston March 10th 5819.
Benjamin Russell, pr order."
Apparently the work of the committee, even though incomplete, was successful. The committee was discharged at the September Quarterly without further report. Nothing of the sort ever came up again. Apparently all concerned took the hint. The officers used more tact and the Lodges exercised more patience. By this wise handling what might well have grown into a very serious situation was expeditiously and amicably settled and settled for good.
There was much routine business during the Oliver administration, consisting for the most part of chartering Lodges, change of the location of Lodges, and cases of discipline. Requests for remission of Grand Lodge dues practically ceased. The steady progress of the previous years steadily continued.
On receipt of the charter of incorporation a new code of Grand Constitutions was adopted. The most important new feature was the establishment of a Board of Trustees who should have the care of all the property of the Grand Lodge, real and personal. The Board consisted of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, and Recording Grand Secretary. The provision for new Lodges was as follows: "Each petition, for constituting a new Lodge, must be accompanied with the approbation of the two Lodges nearest the place where the new Lodge is to be held, and the petitioners recommended by the District Deputy Grand Master of the District in which said Lodge is intended to be located; and if not so accompanied, shall not be sustained in Grand Lodge." The last provision is somewhat curious. Apparently the District Deputy approved only the petitioners, not the desirability of establishing the new Lodge. This article was amended in 1883 to read: "Every petition for constituting a new Lodge must be accompanied with the approbation of the two Lodges nearest the place where the new Lodge is to be located, excepting where two or more Lodges are situated in the town or city in which a new Lodge is prayed for; in which case, application shall be made to all the Lodges in said town or city and the approbation of two thirds be obtained; and in all cases the expediency of the measures must be certified by the District Deputy Grand Master before a petition for a new Lodge shall be sustained in Grand Lodge."
It will be noted that there was no provision for a preliminary Dispensation before the granting of a Charter. The practice was to refer each petition to a special committee and for the Grand Lodge to act upon its report.
The provision for the voting rights of proxies was that they might vote only when the Master and Wardens of the Lodge were not all present.
The titles of members of Grand Lodge were fixed as being, Grand Master, Most Worshipful; Past Grand Masters, Right Worshipful; Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretaries, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Marshal, and Grand Deacons, (all whether past or in office) and Masters of Lodges, Right Worshipful. It is interesting to note that Masters were still called Right Worshipful. There is no record of action formally changing the title to Worshipful, but there is reason to believe that it took place by usage not long afterward.
No important amendments were made to this code until the general revision of 1843. The attempt was made in 1837 to make the Deputy Grand Master elective. Very fortunately it failed. The adverse report of the committee said:
"The appointment of the Deputy is by immemorial usage the prerogative of the Grand Master, and your committee are not aware that any evils have resulted from its exercise, or are likely to. To justify the proposed alteration in this particular there should exist not only obvious necessity for the change, but a reasonable prospect of improvement, and as neither of these have been shewn to your committee they ask to be discharged from any further consideration of the subject."
From this administration dates the first recorded instance of the Masonic laying of the corner stone of a church in Massachusetts. The records of the Grand Lodge do not contain any reference to it, but the Charleston Courier (S. C.) for June 2, 1817, contains the following item: "The corner stone of the new Church building in School Street, Boston for the Second Universal Society, was laid in Masonic form, and with the usual ceremonies,,on the 19th ult,"
This church was built for Rev. Hosea Ballou, who preached there until his death in 1852. Mr. Ballou was for many years the acknowledged head of the Universalist Church, and, although his denomination was comparatively small, he exercised a great influence upon the religious and theological thought of his time. He was a Past Master of a Lodge in New Hampshire and was a member of Mount Lebanon Lodge in Boston.
At the Annual Communication in December, 1819, Samuel P. P. Fay was elected Grand Master. M. W. Bro. Fay was born in Concord January 10, 1778, and died in Cambridge May 18, 1856. Fay was graduated from Harvard College in 1798. On graduation he commenced the study of law, but almost immediately accepted appointment as a Captain in the army being raised for the expected war with France. The war scare, however, soon blew over and he resumed his interrupted studies. He took his Master of Arts degree in 1801, was admitted to the bar, and took up his permanent residence in Cambridge. He was Representative in the Legislature from 1808 to 1813, from 1815 to 1817, and in 1820. He was a member of the Governor's Council in 1818 and 1819, and a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1820. On May 9, 1821 he became Judge of the Probate for the County of Middlesex, and served in that capacity until May 1, 1856, only a few days before his death. For several years he was one of the Overseers of Harvard College.
His portrait, made in later life, shows a kindly, gentle face, with an underlying firmness. It is typically the face of a Judge, a man wise, keen, tolerant, eminently judicial in temperament, with meditative eyes and a firm mouth.
Fay took his degrees in Corinthian Lodge in his native town. After some years' residence in Cambridge he joined Amicable Lodge, which was formed in 1805, in 1806. He was Master of Amicable Lodge in 1808 and District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District in 1818. After a single year of service in that capacity he was appointed Deputy Grand Master in 1819. Although Fay's experience in Grand Lodge had been comparatively short his conduct in the offices he had filled and his high standing in the community so commanded the confidence of the Craft that on the retirement of Oliver he was elected Grand Master by a practically unanimous vote.
At the same meeting Andrew Sigourney declined re-election as Grand Treasurer, and was succeeded by Elijah Morse. Sigourney accompanied his letter of declination with the gift of his last year's salary as Grand treasurer to the Charity Fund, Sigourney had been initiated in St. Andrew's Lodge in 1791, and was its Master in 1801. The representatives of St. Andrew's took their seats in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for the first time at the Annual Communication in 1809, At that Communication Sigourney, who was then Treasurer of St. Andrew's, was unanimously elected Treasurer of the Grand Lodge, How well he served the Grand Lodge is best shown by the vote of thanks adopted on his retirement. The committee appointed to prepare the vote
"respectfully reports . . .
"That our Rt W Brother was elected Treasurer of the Grand Lodge in Decem'r 5809, and from that time to the present year, had continued to fill that office with all the ability and faithfulness which Characterize his official doings in the various responsible situations he sustains. Were this an ordinary case, the Committee would be satisfied to recommend a mere ordinary vote of thanks: but considering how much is due to our Brother for his Vigilance in guarding our financial concerns - his uniform patience in answering all enquiries respecting the state of the funds - the clear and lucid manner in which he has kept his books and papers - his unsolicited generosity in being in advance yearly for the Grand Lodge in sums to maintain its honor and reputation- and particularly considering how much is due him for his unremitted *exertions, in bringing the Charity Fund into its present promising state - these considerations demand that our acknowledgements should be as sincere and as liberal as the various important services he has rendered -
The Committee therefore recommend, that the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to our worthy and respected Brother Andrew Sigourney, Esqr for his long and faithful services as Treasurer of this Grand" Lodge, and that its grateful acknowledgements are due to him for his liberal donation to the Charity Fund.
all which is respectfully submitted by
- Thomas Power
- Asa Eaton
Committee
The vote of thanks was accompanied by a piece of plate, suitably inscribed.
Unfortunately R.W. Bro. Sigourney did not long survive to enjoy the gratitude of his Brethren. He died before the end of the year.
At the Annual Communication of 1819 an overture was received from the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire suggesting a conference between representatives of that Grand Lodge and representatives of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts relative "to the propriety of establishing a regular system of labour, discipline and fees." The committee reported to the March Communication as follows:
"Your Committee are of opinion that it is inexpedient at this time to bring forward in this Grand Lodge, for the purpose of enforcing, or even recommending, to the Lodges under its jurisdiction, any "regular system of labour," other than that, now generally adopted.- With regard to the subject of "Fees," it was so amply discussed, at the late revision of the By-Laws, that your Committed deem it unnecessary to suggest any alteration.
The object of the Deputation from N. H. was to have an uniform charge in the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Vermont, that no inducement might be held out to Candidates, to take the Degrees in an adjoining State from the circumstance of the charge being less. In Vermont the Candidate pays for the three Degrees, only $15 - In New Hampshire $20 - and in Massachusetts $19 - The Deputation was of opinion that the charge being less in Mass'ts & Vermont, was in a degree injurious to the interest of the Grand Lodge in New Hampshire - To obviate this, your Committee suggested, that a trifling deduction be made by the N H G L, and a small advance to the present charge in Vermont, which would produce the desired effect, by making the admission fees equal in the three States.- This suggestion was most heartily concurred in by the Deputation, who promised to report and recommend it to his Lodge, and to write to the Delegate appointed to Vermont to propose the same there.
Respectfully submitted
- James A. Dickson
- Thomas Power
- Samuel Thaxter
- A. Bean
Committee.
So far as appears nothing ever came of it. New Hampshire and Vermont were no more disposed to change their fees than Massachusetts was to change her ritual. The whole thing demonstrated anew two things. One was the utter futility of attempting to secure uniformity by legislation which involved and sacrifice of established practices, ritualistic or other. The other was that the abuse of crossing state lines to get Masonic degrees could never be stopped until it became the law of the Craft that no Grand Lodge would accept a candidate living outside its jurisdiction without a waiver of jurisdiction from the Grand Lodge within whose jurisdiction the candidate resided. That time was to come, but it was not yet.
The most important event of 1820 was the erection of the Lodges in Maine into a sovereign Grand Lodge. Ever since the days of the early settlements the District of Maine had been a part of Massachusetts, although owing to the ignorance of local geography which prevailed at that time the District and the parent colony were separated by New Hampshire. The inhabitants of the District had never been quite satisfied with the situation. In 1785 and 1787 Conventions were called to consider separation but the opponents were victorious. This discontent increased after the adoption of the Federal Constitution. The interests of the two sections were diverse. Politically they disagreed, as Massachusetts was strong; Federalist and Maine was Republican's the northern followers of Jefferson called themselves. Perhaps even more important than these things was the dislike of Maine to being jointly responsible for the large state debt of Massachusetts. Finally in October, 1819, Maine held a Convention which voted for separation and petitioned Congress to be admitted as a state.
At this point a difficulty arose. The contest over slavery was already an important political issue. The slave states and the free states were equal in number thus dividing the Senate equally. The South was firm in its objection to disturbing this balance by admitting new free states. Missouri was also applying for statehood at the sane time. Missouri was north of the tier of slaves states and would naturally be admitted as a free state. The admission of two free states would give the free states a majority of four Senators. To this the slaved states would not assent. The famous Mason and Dixon Line was then drawn. All territory north of it, except Missouri, was to be considered free. Missouri was admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state. This act, known as the Missouri Compromise temporarily saved the situation and detained the Senate balance of power. Maine was admitted in March, 1820.
On October 14, 1819, all the Lodges in Maine, with one exception, which afterward adhered, met by delegates in a Convention and voted to seek the establishment of a sovereign Grand Lodge when Maine acquired statehood. At the December Quarterly a delegation from this Convention presented a memorial to the Grand Lodge asking that the Lodges in the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Masonic Districts, all in Maine, be permitted to separate from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and become a Grand Lodge when Maine should become a state.
The memorial was referred to a committee whose report, submitted to and accepted by the March Quarterly is so important in content and so fine in sentiment that it deserves reproduction in full.
"Report—-
A meeting of Delegates from all the Lodges in Maine (except from Eastern Lodge at East Port) was holden in Convention at Mason Hall in Portland on the Evening of the fourteenth day of October 5819— and continued by adjournment to the Evening of the 19th day of the same Month, when it was voted that a respectful Memorial be addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts expressing the views & wishes of the Convention on the subject of the separation of the Lodges in Maine from the Grand Lodge and that the same be signed by all the Lodges present - That a Committee of five be chosen to present said Memorial to the Grand Lodge, with power to agree upon and arrange in behalf of the Lodges there represented all things proper to be done, as to the terms of separation and the formation of a Grand Lodge of Maine - In pursuance of said Votes,.the Memorial refereed to your Committee, was subscribed by all the Delegates in Convention assembled, and the Rt W Brothers, Simon Greenleaf- Nathl Coffin- Josiah Calif- John Dickenson- and Nathan Cutler were duly appointed a Committee to present said Memorial and to conclude with the Grand Lodge the terms of Separation - After this the Members of Eastern Lodge addressed a Communication to the Rt W Bro. Greenleaf Chairman of said Committee, expressive of their approbation of the doings of said Convention and uniting with them in the object of said Memorial - This Memorial & Communication were presented to this Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication in December last, by Rt W Brothers Simon Greenleaf Nathaniel Coffin and Josiah Calif,-
Your Committee would here observe, that the language and sentiments contained in the Memorial are highly respectful to the Honor & Dignity of this Grand Lodge, and characteristic of honorable and high minded Gentlemen who subscribed it - Your Committee had no authority to conclude with the Committee from Maine upon terms of Separation, only to hear their wishes and proposals, and to report the whole subject matter,- It was the wish of the Committee, that the Grand Lodge should give the Lodges In Maine its approbation to be formed into a Separate Grand Lodge as soon as Maine should become a Separate State, and that when the Grand Lodge of Maine should be duly organized, the Grand Lodge should transfer to it a portion of the Charity Fund and other property.
Your Committee find this Grand Lodge have acknowledged the necessity of Creating separate Grand Lodges in every Independent State Government where a sufficient number of Lodges have rendered it expedient - This principle is a correct one - Masons are bound to submit to the Laws and authority of the Government under which they live - If amenable to a Grand Lodge existing under a separate and independent Republic; they might be compelled to violate the Laws of the Civil Government or some of their most Solemn Masonic obligations.
Your Committee believe the District of Maine will soon become a Separate State, and when that event takes place, it is proper and expedient, that this Grand Lodge, consent that the Lodges in Maine form themselves into a separate and Independent G Lodge, and receive a portion of its property.
Although it may be desirable that the District of Maine should become a Separate State, and the Lodges there Constituted an Independent Grand Lodge - still it is to be lamented, that the happy connection which has so long subsisted between Maine and Massachusetts should be broken; that the cords which have so long united them in one common interest should be severed; that the fountain of Charity which they have mutually contributed to fill, should be diminished; still however it is the duty of Masons to yield their private feelings and interests to disinterested benevolence; the private benefits the Grand Lodge derives from a connection with the Lodges in Maine, it is bound to surrender to the more extensive advantages they will derive from being a Grand Lodge.
Your Committee are of opinion that the Lodges in Maine are well skilled in the principles of Freemasonry, and zealously engaged to preserve and promote the honor & respectability of this Ancient Institution, and sufficiently extensive in number to compose a separate Grand Lodge, and from the exalted Statesman and exemplary Christians who will adorn the Councils of that Grand Lodge, they believe it will maintain an elevated standing among its Neighboring Lodges, and reflect light and Intelligence all round -
Your Committee therefore would recommend the following resolves to be passed by the Grand Lodge -
- 1st, Resolved, That as soon as the Congress of the United States shall declare the District of Maine a separate and Independent State and if, shall be organized as such; the Lodges there shall have the approbation and authority of this Grand Lodge to form a Grand Lodge, and when duly organized it shall be recognized as such -
- 2nd, Resolved, As the Lodges in Maine have contributed to the Charity Fund, as soon as a Grand Lodge is formed and its Officers duly installed, it shall be entitled to receive the sum of Ten hundred dollars from said Charity fund, to form a permanent Charity fund of the Grand Lodge of Maine to be appropriated to the same objects as the Charity fund now is, and to no other -
- 3rd, Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be directed to pay to the Grand Lodge of Maine or to any Mason or Masons it shall appoint the sum of Ten hundred dollars, out of the Charity Fund to be appropriated in the manner aforesaid, and also that he transfer and assign to said Grand Lodge, or.to any such Mason or Masons, all notes of hand and securities for money which the Grand Lodge now have and hold against the Past District Deputy Grand Masters in Maine, and each of them with power to collect the same to its own use -
- 4th, Resolved, That when and as soon as the Grand Lodge of Maine shall be duly organized and its Officers legally installed, said Lodge be, and the same hereby is empowered to collect of the District Deputy Grand Masters in Maine, and each of them all such sums of Money as now are, or shall then appear to be remaining in their hands, due to the Grand Lodge; and also, from the respective Lodges there, all such sums of Money as shall then appear to be due from them and on payment thereof, the said District Deputy Grand Masters and their predecessors in Office, and each of them,said Lodges and each of them, shall be discharged from any liability to pay the same to this Grand Lodge - and all such sums of Money as the Grand Lodge of Maine shall so receive it shall have a right to appropriate to its own use without any manner of account thereof to be given to this Grand Lodge; (Provided the Lodges in Maine pay this Grand Lodge for amendment of all Diplomas they shall hereafter receive -)
- 5th, Resolved, That the Grand Secretary and Treasurer be directed to furnish the Grand Lodge of Maine with Copies of all such papers and Records as shall be necessary and useful for said Lodge and not inconsistent with the Interest of this Grand Lodge.
All of which is Respectfully submitted by Elijah Morse- per order
Boston March 8th, A. Li 5820.
Within a few days of this action Maine was admitted into the Union, with William King as its first Governor. On June 1 a Convention organized the Grand Lodge of Maine and chose Governor King as Grand Master, King was a very wealthy ship owner of Bath, He was very prominent in politics and at that time was extremely popular. For years he had been one of the most conspicuous leaders of the separatist party. King appears to have taken his degrees in Lincoln Lodge of Wiscasset in 1797. He was the first signer of the petition for Solar Lodge, of Bath, in 1804, and was its first Master.
At the June Quarterly the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was authorized and directed to pay to the Grand Lodge of Maine, as soon as it was in position to receive it, the sum of $1,200.00, selling certain Government securities to raise the money. This, it will be noted, is twenty per cent more than was contemplated in the March resolution.
At the December Quarterly it was voted "That it is expedient and proper for this Grand Lodge to recognize the M. W. Grand Lodge of Maine as a Sister Grand Lodge, and that the Corresponding Grand Secretary be directed to answer their Communication stating the doings of their Grand Lodge thereon."
So ended an experience equally creditable to all concerned.
