Difference between revisions of "GMPeabody"
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''Resolved,'' That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the Sec. be handed to the family of our deceased Brother, | ''Resolved,'' That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the Sec. be handed to the family of our deceased Brother, | ||
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| + | === SPEECHES === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==== ADDRESS TO THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 1843 ==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, January 1844, Vol. III, p. 74:'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | Another Masonic year has passed. It is suitable for moral and responsible men to pause at the annual return of important eras - and to look back and review past events. From them he should take counsel, and receive instruction - that he may better improve the coming year - if he should be spared to labor on earth another year. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The last year, though marked by no event vitally affecting our Institution, has witnessed many occurrences of more than usual interest. | ||
| + | |||
| + | At its commencement our thoughts were directed with mingled hope and fear to the forthcoming Baltimore Convention. It took place in May, and the report of its proceedings is before you. It was well attended - and the fraternity was generally represented throughout the Union. Great spirit and good Fellowship governed the proceedings of its members. Mutual concession enabled them to recommend a uniform mode of work and lectures. Their recommendations have been extensively adopted by State Grand Lodges. You have adopted most of them. Some are still under consideration. Periodical advisatory Conventions were recommended - for the purpose, among other things, of deciding such differences between State Grand Lodges as might be referred to them. This feature alarmed some of our wisest and most faithful Brethren. They fear that such a Convention might degenerate into a General Grand Lodge. The advantages that should result from such Conventions are of serious magnitude; and too dear to us to be lightly given up. If they can produce and preserve a uniformity of work and lectures throughout this vast country - the world hereafter may find this the cherished dwelling - the central home of Freemasonry. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The formation of a General Grand Lodge have been several times discussed. It as proposed soon after the close of the revolutionary war - and at several times since; the last, I believe, in 1822. It has been always rejected. But with the rejection the proposal of occasional advisatory Conventions has in most of the State Grand Lodges been favorably entertained. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The objections to a General Grand Lodge have been: that as its meetings must be at Washington, its tendency would be to become political - that as every Mason might appeal to it in al cases, it would destroy the authority of State Grand Lodges. And that from the infrequency of its meetings, and its distance from the residence of the parties interested, there would in effect be nearly a denial of justice. Another objection was, that the Craft had been harmonious and highly successful without the aid of a general tribunal. That was true before 1822, but it has not been so ever since. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The General Grand Lodges heretofore proposed, were intended to be clothed with full and ample powers, leaving to the State Grand Lodges little more than the authority of Provincial or District Grand Lodges. To such an arrangement there are insuperable objections, and I hope none among us will ever advocate it. The labor, time and expense of settling controversies in that mode would be intolerable. If individuals could in all cases appeal from the decisions of State Grand Lodges to such a tribunal, there would practically be an end of just decisions and fair hearing of cases. But a Convention clothed only with power to advise - or even a General Grand Lodge with limited powers, having no authority but to correct deviations and errors in work and lectures, and settle such differences between State Grand Lodges as should be referred to it, has no terrors to me. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The State Grand Lodges should forever retain the general authority, from which there should be no appeal but in a few specified cases, where the question at issue affected the whole Fraternity. Consistently with this a General Grand Lodge might be formed, possessing none but cautiously delegated powers - to meet once in three, five, seven or more years, at places remote from political agitation; which might be as beneficial to the Craft, as Congress and the Federal government are to the Union. | ||
| + | |||
| + | On the 17th of June, was the great celebration of what was called the completion of Bunker Hill Monument; at which were present the Chief Magistrate and Dignitaries of the Nation - and some of the States. Those who had the direction of that great Jubilee did not feel the propriety of inviting our Grand Lodge to assist in the ceremonies. The relation of the Fraternity to the Chief Martyr on that sacred ground, and their activity and patriotism in erecting and maintaining the first, and contributing funds and laying the corner stone of the second Monument, led to the expectation that a different policy would have been pursued. Our wisest and most devoted Brethren entertained varying opinions. But after deliberation the Grand Lodge determined not to attend as a body. Most of its members as individuals joined in the procession with [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=KingSolomon King Solomon's] Lodge, which was specially invited, and the affair passed off as acceptably to the Fraternity as could have been expected under the embarrassing circumstances. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A new [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=MassachusettsGC1843 Constitution of the Grand Lodge], after much labor and deliberation, has been harmoniously adopted. Being confined to the plain, indisputable rules of the Order - and containing no superfluous matter, it is reduced to a small volume. It is distributed among the Lodges, and will be of great utility by carrying home to them practical information, of which no Lodge should be destitute. Although much care has been bestowed on it, experience will probably show that it is not perfect. Improvements may be applied as defects are discovered. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A Trestle-Board has just been published. It is one of the fruits of the Convention. I have examined it with care: it meets my decided approbation. The information it contains has long since been published. It may be found in many books published in this and former centuries. But they are without methodical arrangement. Their utility is diminshed by their containing much that is of doubtful authority, and of no particular value. This little book is adapted to the wants of the working Mason. It contains what he needs, nd nothing more. Its judicious and tasteful arrangement make it a valuable acquisition. | ||
| + | |||
| + | These, and other expected publications, lead us to hope that we shall give the example of Masonic books, that can never be assailed on the ground of their truth, morality and taste. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Within the year the Duke of Sussex, who was over 30 years Grand Master in England, has been called from his earthly labors. The loss of one so illustrious, so ardently attached to the Institution, and so long a Grand Master, is a sorrowful event. During the year we too have lost some distinguished Brethren. But amid these mournful events time has produced much to encourage and cheer us. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In October, [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=KingSolomon King Solomon's] Lodge had a handsome and well furnished Hall dedicated in due and ancient form. The ceremonies were the more interesting because we have not before witnessed them since the hurricane of Antimasonry. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In November, a Dispensation was granted [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StarBethlehem for a Lodge] to a suitable number of enterprising Brethren in Chelsea. They are successfully at work, and give the promise of adding one more vigorous Lodge to our diminished band. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Meridian Meridian] Lodge has been removed from Needham to Newton, and is in active operation. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Middlesex Middlesex], [[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=RisingStar Rising Star], [http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=OliveBranch Olive Branch], [[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=StarEast1 Star in the East], [[http://masonicgenealogy.com/MediaWiki/index.php?title=Hiram Hiram] and other Lodges are in full activity or reviving; and all the Lodges in this city are in prosperous condition. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Fraternity under our jurisdiction is in far better condition than in years past, and a reasonable hope is now cherished, that if we perform our duty, Freemasonry will in the year to come, make a decided advance toward its former state of prosperity. | ||
=== CHARTERS GRANTED === | === CHARTERS GRANTED === | ||
Revision as of 16:28, 9 September 2012
Contents
AUGUSTUS (ASA) PEABODY 1779-1850
Senior Grand Warden, 1817
Grand Master, 1843-1845
TERM
NOTES
MEMORIAL
Resolutions of condolence, from Proceedings, beginning on Page V-303.
It having pleased the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, in his all wise Providence to remove from this world, the soul of our late Brother the R. W. Past Grand Master Augustus Peabody,—
Resolved. That in the death of our venerated Brother, this Grand Lodge has lost one of its most valuable members, and the Masonic Fraternity one of its firmest friends and ablest supporters, whose time and talents have been frequently, as they have been most cheerfully and zealously devoted to the cause of Freemasonry,
Resolved. That this Grand Lodge owes a lasting debt of gratitude to the memory of our late R. W. P, G, Master Peabody for the important and permanent benefits which he has rendered to the Masonic Institution, not only by the discharge of the duties of the several officers, which he has holden, but by the wisdom of his council, and the firmness and consistency of his course, at a period when the Institution was threatened with dangers from without and from within.
Resolved. That this G. Lodge do bear their most cheerful testimony to the rare powers of mind and amiable qualities of heart in connection with the Masonic zeal and fidelity of our departed brother, which he manifested in his unabated interest for the best welfare of our Institution up to the last days of his life.
Resolved. That this G. Lodge do most sincerely sympathize with his afflicted family in the sorrows of their great bereavement,
Resolved. As a testimony of our profound respect for the memory of our late P. Grand Master, that the apartment of the Grand Lodge be clothed in the habiliments of mourning for the space of three months.
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the Sec. be handed to the family of our deceased Brother,
SPEECHES
ADDRESS TO THE GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, DECEMBER 1843
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly, January 1844, Vol. III, p. 74:
Another Masonic year has passed. It is suitable for moral and responsible men to pause at the annual return of important eras - and to look back and review past events. From them he should take counsel, and receive instruction - that he may better improve the coming year - if he should be spared to labor on earth another year.
The last year, though marked by no event vitally affecting our Institution, has witnessed many occurrences of more than usual interest.
At its commencement our thoughts were directed with mingled hope and fear to the forthcoming Baltimore Convention. It took place in May, and the report of its proceedings is before you. It was well attended - and the fraternity was generally represented throughout the Union. Great spirit and good Fellowship governed the proceedings of its members. Mutual concession enabled them to recommend a uniform mode of work and lectures. Their recommendations have been extensively adopted by State Grand Lodges. You have adopted most of them. Some are still under consideration. Periodical advisatory Conventions were recommended - for the purpose, among other things, of deciding such differences between State Grand Lodges as might be referred to them. This feature alarmed some of our wisest and most faithful Brethren. They fear that such a Convention might degenerate into a General Grand Lodge. The advantages that should result from such Conventions are of serious magnitude; and too dear to us to be lightly given up. If they can produce and preserve a uniformity of work and lectures throughout this vast country - the world hereafter may find this the cherished dwelling - the central home of Freemasonry.
The formation of a General Grand Lodge have been several times discussed. It as proposed soon after the close of the revolutionary war - and at several times since; the last, I believe, in 1822. It has been always rejected. But with the rejection the proposal of occasional advisatory Conventions has in most of the State Grand Lodges been favorably entertained.
The objections to a General Grand Lodge have been: that as its meetings must be at Washington, its tendency would be to become political - that as every Mason might appeal to it in al cases, it would destroy the authority of State Grand Lodges. And that from the infrequency of its meetings, and its distance from the residence of the parties interested, there would in effect be nearly a denial of justice. Another objection was, that the Craft had been harmonious and highly successful without the aid of a general tribunal. That was true before 1822, but it has not been so ever since.
The General Grand Lodges heretofore proposed, were intended to be clothed with full and ample powers, leaving to the State Grand Lodges little more than the authority of Provincial or District Grand Lodges. To such an arrangement there are insuperable objections, and I hope none among us will ever advocate it. The labor, time and expense of settling controversies in that mode would be intolerable. If individuals could in all cases appeal from the decisions of State Grand Lodges to such a tribunal, there would practically be an end of just decisions and fair hearing of cases. But a Convention clothed only with power to advise - or even a General Grand Lodge with limited powers, having no authority but to correct deviations and errors in work and lectures, and settle such differences between State Grand Lodges as should be referred to it, has no terrors to me.
The State Grand Lodges should forever retain the general authority, from which there should be no appeal but in a few specified cases, where the question at issue affected the whole Fraternity. Consistently with this a General Grand Lodge might be formed, possessing none but cautiously delegated powers - to meet once in three, five, seven or more years, at places remote from political agitation; which might be as beneficial to the Craft, as Congress and the Federal government are to the Union.
On the 17th of June, was the great celebration of what was called the completion of Bunker Hill Monument; at which were present the Chief Magistrate and Dignitaries of the Nation - and some of the States. Those who had the direction of that great Jubilee did not feel the propriety of inviting our Grand Lodge to assist in the ceremonies. The relation of the Fraternity to the Chief Martyr on that sacred ground, and their activity and patriotism in erecting and maintaining the first, and contributing funds and laying the corner stone of the second Monument, led to the expectation that a different policy would have been pursued. Our wisest and most devoted Brethren entertained varying opinions. But after deliberation the Grand Lodge determined not to attend as a body. Most of its members as individuals joined in the procession with King Solomon's Lodge, which was specially invited, and the affair passed off as acceptably to the Fraternity as could have been expected under the embarrassing circumstances.
A new Constitution of the Grand Lodge, after much labor and deliberation, has been harmoniously adopted. Being confined to the plain, indisputable rules of the Order - and containing no superfluous matter, it is reduced to a small volume. It is distributed among the Lodges, and will be of great utility by carrying home to them practical information, of which no Lodge should be destitute. Although much care has been bestowed on it, experience will probably show that it is not perfect. Improvements may be applied as defects are discovered.
A Trestle-Board has just been published. It is one of the fruits of the Convention. I have examined it with care: it meets my decided approbation. The information it contains has long since been published. It may be found in many books published in this and former centuries. But they are without methodical arrangement. Their utility is diminshed by their containing much that is of doubtful authority, and of no particular value. This little book is adapted to the wants of the working Mason. It contains what he needs, nd nothing more. Its judicious and tasteful arrangement make it a valuable acquisition.
These, and other expected publications, lead us to hope that we shall give the example of Masonic books, that can never be assailed on the ground of their truth, morality and taste.
Within the year the Duke of Sussex, who was over 30 years Grand Master in England, has been called from his earthly labors. The loss of one so illustrious, so ardently attached to the Institution, and so long a Grand Master, is a sorrowful event. During the year we too have lost some distinguished Brethren. But amid these mournful events time has produced much to encourage and cheer us.
In October, King Solomon's Lodge had a handsome and well furnished Hall dedicated in due and ancient form. The ceremonies were the more interesting because we have not before witnessed them since the hurricane of Antimasonry.
In November, a Dispensation was granted for a Lodge to a suitable number of enterprising Brethren in Chelsea. They are successfully at work, and give the promise of adding one more vigorous Lodge to our diminished band.
Meridian Lodge has been removed from Needham to Newton, and is in active operation.
Middlesex, [Rising Star, Olive Branch, [Star in the East, [Hiram and other Lodges are in full activity or reviving; and all the Lodges in this city are in prosperous condition.
The Fraternity under our jurisdiction is in far better condition than in years past, and a reasonable hope is now cherished, that if we perform our duty, Freemasonry will in the year to come, make a decided advance toward its former state of prosperity.
CHARTERS GRANTED
- 06/11/1845 Star of Bethlehem, Chelsea
CHARTERS RESTORED
- 12/13/1843 The Tyrian, Gloucester
- 12/11/1844 Corner Stone, Duxbury
- 12/16/1844 Morning Star, Worcester
