II. By this valuable accession of

nobility Masonry was greatly bene- fited throughout Germany. Soon after his initiation, he organized a Lodge in the castle of Rheinsberg, and, in 1740, when Frederick as- | cended the throne, he conducted the work of a Lodge established at the castle in Charlottenburg. In 1738-39 several Lodges were estab- lished in Dresden, and in 1741 the Lodge "Minerva of the Three Palm Trees" was organized at Leipsic. In 1742 the Lodge of Unity was established at Frankfort -on -the Main. In 1741 a Provincial Grand Lodge for Hamburg and Lower Saxony was established. The sec- ond Lodge in Hamburg was founded in 1743, under the name of St. George. In 1744 a Lodge under the title "Frederick" was founded at Hanover, which did not, how- ever, enter into active operation until 1746. This Lodge is still in ex- istence. The war of 1750 compelled most of the Lodges to close their work until 1758. About the year 1757 the first Lodge of the system of Strict Observance was established in Naumburg, under the title of tho "Lodge of the Three Banners. " This system, which claimed to be the true and legitimate sucees-
* Finder* History of Freeiaasoury.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
43
gor of t) e Order of the Knights Templar, had for a short time an unprecedented popularity. In 1755 a warrant, with ample powers to establish a Provincial Lodge in Hamburg, was received from the Grand Lodge of England. In 1766 another Provincial Grand Lodge was established at Frankfort-oii- the-Maiu, by the Grand Lodge of England. In 1776 the society of Illuminati, a secret political organization, was introduced and spread throughout the country, to the injury of Freemasonry. About the year 1780 the Swedish rite was introduced and practiced by several lodges in Germany. In 1789 an important event took place for the better and more peaceful condition of the Order. Many of the lodges, being dissatisfied with the immense number of rites and high degrees engrafted upon the plain and un- presuming system of Freemasonry, resolved to modify the diiferent elements then in use, and as near as pi ssible to return to the original or primative condition. For this purpose a convention of the lodges of Germany was held in Frankfort, in 1783, at which convention a union was formed under the title of the "Eclectic Union," which had for its material or chief points: 1. The three Masonic degrees alone are acknowledged by all the united lodges ; 2. Each Lodge is left free to introduce as many of the higher degrees as it may deem proper, but they must not be compulsory upon the whole association; 3. None of the associated lodges are dependent on the other; they are all equal; 4. The Provincial Lodges of Wetz- lar and Fraukfort-on-the-Main form a General Directory. In conse- quence of this independent action of the Provincial Grand Lodge at Frankfort in severing its connection with the Grand Lodge of England, plans were immediately adopted to renew and perpetuate the English authority upon the soil of Germany. In 1 789 a new warrant with powers for the establishment of a Provincial Grand Lodge, giving full jurisdic- tion over the whole of the Upper and Lowe* Rhine, and the circle wf Franconia, was granted by the
Gvand Lodge of England. During the wars in which the elder Napoleon was the master spirit Masonry oc- cupied a quiet and unobtrusive position throughout the country. Our limited space will not permit us to follow the various incidents of the Fraternity. We must, there- fore, refer the Masonic student in his researches to the more elaborate works upon the subject of Masonic history, and which have been pre- pared with great care by many of the most competent writers of the present age. Freemasonry is in high repute in Germany, embracing within her ample folds the iiiie, of the country.
HOLLAND. In 1731, by virtue of a special deputation from Lord Lovel, Grand Master of England, an emergent Lodge was held at the Hague, the Earl of Chesterfield presiding, for the initiation of the Duke of Tuscany, afterward Em- peror of Germany. After the cere- mony the Lodge was closed. The first regular and permanent Lodge established in Holland was at the same place in 1734. From this Lodge several lodges were formed. In 1756 a convention of all the lodges then working in the country assem- bled and organized a Grand Lodge. When Holland was united to the French Empire, the Grand Orient of France sought to extend the sphere of her jurisdiction, by ig- noring the existence of the lodges in Holland, and founded two lodges of her own creating in Amsterdam. This controversy was of short dura- tion, and the Grand Orient aban- doned the effort. In 1863 the Grand Lodge of Holland numbered upward of one hundred lodges upon its rolls.
ILLINOIS. The reliable history of Freemasonry, and of its early in- troduction into Illinois, is yet to be written, and it is hoped that the sub- ject is of sufficient interest to the cause to induce some enlightened brother, and well versed in the knowledge thereto, to favor the Fra- ternity with a truthful account of Masonry in this once far western territory. In 1805, six years before the organization of the territorial goveinmeut, a Lodge was organized
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
at Kaskaskia, the oldest settlement west of the Alleghaiiies. Other lodges followed, and in those early days, the Lc-ige-room was the resort of men anxious to profit by the mystic teachings, and enjoy the secret communion of the inner chamber of Masonry. A Grand Lodge, in due time, was formed, which flourished for a time, but succumbed before the anti-Masonic tempest of 1827. From that time forward, until 18-40, gloom and ob- scurity rest upon Masonic records in Illinois. Time, patience, and perseverance, will exhume them. January 20, 1840, a convention of Masons, composed of delegates from several of the subordinate lodges in the State, was held in the town of Jackson, when a resolution was unanimously adopted declaring it axpedient to establish a Grand Lodge. The convention adjourned to, and did meet again, April 6 of the same year. The object of the meet- ing having been fully considered, it was unanimously "Resolved, That the several subordinate lodges of Ancient Freemasonry in the State of Illinois here assembled, represented by delegates properly authorized, consider it as a matter of right, and as conducive to the general benefit of Masonry, that a Grand Lodge be established in the State of Illinois, and that they now proceed to estab- lish, organize, and to locate the same accordingly, to be known and designated by the name of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. " Abraham Jonas was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized April 9, 1850. Wm. B. Warren was elected first Grand High-Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized in 1853. Jas. H. Hibbard was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was organized Oct. 27, 1857. Jas. V. Z. Blaney was elected the first Grand Commander.
INDIANA. The GRAND LODGE of this State was organized at Gary- don, in December, 1817. The first meeting of the Grand Lodge for the election of officers, and the trans- action of business, was held Jan.
12, 1818. Alexander Buckner was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized in November, 1846.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized in 1853.
The GRAND COMMANEERT, Knight* Templar, was established May 6, 1854.
IOWA. The introduction of Free- masonry into this Territory, as it was then called, began by authority of letters of dispensation from the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters of Missouri — the first dated Nov 20, 1840, for a Lodge at Desmoines; the second dated Feb. 4, 1841, for a Lodge at Bloomingtou; the third dated Oct. 10, 1842, for a Lodge at Dubuque. Jan. 2, 1844, delegates from the three lodges met in con- vention at Iowa City, when the necessary resolutions were adopted, and on the 3d of the same month the Grand Lodge for the Territory was proclaimed. Oliver Cock was elected the First Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized June 8, 1854.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized in 1857.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was organized June 6, 1864.
IRELAND. Of the early history of Masonry in Ireland so little is known that it would be folly to attempt, in this late day, to discover the footprints of its existence upon that ancient soil. Bro. Michael Furnell, than whom no living Ma- sonic writer is better acquainted with the history of Masonry in Ire- laud, says: "I furnish a brief abstract of the historic constitiition of the Masonic Order in Ireland; and though possessing irrefutable records and data, showing the ex- istence of several self-designated 'Grand Lodges' in past centuries, and though the Lodge No. 1, on the present Itgiliniate registry, claims an uninterrupted descent from an inde- pendent lodge, which existed from time immemorial, and retains many quaint old documents in her aiv chives, and is by many style'l, ' The
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
First Lodge ( f Ireland,' yet I leave the task of research into the hazy mist of the past ages, to some more erudite antiquary, taking for granted that those gone-by powers were but by assumption or prescription. The constitution of the present Metro- politan Grand Lodge dates from the year 1729, when the entire Frater- nity united in electing the Eight Hon. Lord Kingston, Grand Master of Ireland. " Since that time many gentlemen of noble birth have occu- pied the chair, and directed the affairs of Masonry with substantial effect. The Ancient York rite is tenaciously adhered to by this Grand Lodge. In 1809, a charter for the establishment of a Supreme Council of the 33d degree, Ancient and Ac- cepted rite, was granted by the Su- preme Council, at Charleston, South Carolina, and creating his Grace, the Duke of Leiuster, Grand Command- er, ad vitam. In 1820 a Council of the Rite of Misraim was instituted, with the Duke of Leinster as the Supreme head. This organization had a very brief existence in this country. The present Grand Master (.1866) of the Grand Lodge is the Duke of Leinster, who has held the office since 1813. Within the body of the Grand Lodge is a Grand Conclave of Knights Templar, a Supreme Grand Council of rites, and a Grand Royal Arch Chapter.
ITALY. Freemasonry was first established in this country, at Flor- ence, in 1733, by Lord Charles Sackville, but by what authority is at present unknown. At first the Fraternity was known under the name of the "Company of the Trowel," and, afterward, by the appellation of " Franchi Muratori." In 1735 the Grand Duke Francis was initiated. This circumstance gave a fresh and wholesome impetus to the Order; lodges were imme- diately established in Milan, Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Venice, and Naples. The Fraternity was not long per- mitted to enjoy entire freedom for the exercise of their privileges. In 1738 Pope Clement XII. issued his famous bull against the Fraternity, which, notwithstanding the in- fluence and power of the Duke
compelled the brethren, very gene- rally, to close their lodges. For many years only those members who had the courage availed themselves of their right to meet, and in the most secret manner. Persecutions of the most inhuman character were exercised against the members of the Order by the inquisition until 1776, when, through the influence of Queen Caroline, daughter of Francis L, the persecutions ceased, and all the prisoners in charge of the inquisition were released. In 1805 a Supreint) Council of the Ancient and Accepted rite was established in Milan by letters patent from Count de Grasse-Tilly Prince Eugene, viceroy of Italy accepted the office of Sovereigi Grand Commander and Grand Mas ter of the Grand Orient of Italy. When Italy was under French rule, then did Masonry begin to rise and thrive. Murat, King of Naples, assisted in the establishment of a Grand Lodge, which was opened with marked splendor and ceremony June 24, 1809. With the fall of Napoleon the persecutions against the Fraternity were renewed, both by civil and ecclesiastical authori- ties. At this period the secret society known as the CARBONARI (Colliers) arose. This was purely a political organization, which had for its purpose the consolidation of Italy under one scepter, and free it from foreign rule — in the language of the colliers themselves: "Clear the forest of wolves." From 1814 to 1860 Freemasonry was almost extinguished in Italy. The society of the Carbonari absorbed every thought and consideration in the hope that they might free the coun- try from the despotic tyranny of the Bourbons. In 1861 Freemasonry began again to rekindle the fires upon her altars. In Palermo a Grand Orient was founded by Garibaldi, which adopted the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite. A Supreme Council of the same rite has also been formed in Naples. Within a few years past Masonry in Italy has undergone so many changes that it seems impossible to keep pace with its vast and extensive improvements.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FKEEMASONBY.
KANSAS. The introduction of Freemasonry into this territory be- gan in 1854, by authority from the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Nov. 14, 1855, delegates from two lodges met for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge. This convention, not having the legal number of lodges repiesented, adjourned until the 27th of the next month ; again only two lodges appeared by delegates, when they adopted re- solutions, formed a Constitution, proclaimed a Grand Lodge, estab- lished and elected Grand Officers. These proceedings having been pro- nounced illegal, another convention was convened March 17, 1856, when delegates from all the chartered lodges were present, and ratified or reeuacted the previous proceedings, and then opened a Grand Lodge for the territory in ample form. Bro. R. R. Rees was elected the first Grand Master.
KENTUCKY. The first regular lodges in Kentucky derived their authority from the Grand Lodge of Virginia.. In the year 1800 there were under that authority five regu- lar lodges. But, from their remote situation from their parent Grand Lodge, they were induced to proceed to the establishment of a Grand Lodge for the State of Kentucky; and, in pursuance of an invitation from Lexington Lodge, No. 25, a convention of delegates from all the regular lodges then existing in the State was held at the Masonic Hall, in the town of Lexington, Sept. 8, 1800, when it was resolved that it was expedient and proper to establish a Grand Lodge in the State of Kentucky, and an address, setting forth the motives which impelled the brethren to sever their immediate connection from the parent Grand Lodge of Virginia, was ordered to be prepared. The address was prepared, approved, and forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Virginia; to which that body returned a fraternal and approving reply. The convention met again Oct. 1C, 1800, in the same place, and proceeded regularly to establish a Grand Lodge for the State of Ken- tucky. The delegates then severally
surrendered to the Grand Lodge their respective charters, and re- ceived new ones in lieu thereof, under the Grand Lodge there estab- lished for the State. Win. jlurray was elected the first Grand .Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized Dec. 4, 1817, at the city of Frankfort. James Moore was elected the first Grand High- Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Dec. 10, 1827. Robert Johnson was elected the first Grand President.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was established Oct. 5, 1827. Henry "VVingate was elected Grand Commander.
LOUISIANA. Freemasonry was first planted upon the soil of Loui- siana by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1793; the second Lodge obtained a charter from the Grand Lodge at Marseilles, France, in 1794. In 1800 and 1806 two char- ters were obtained from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and one other composed of brethren from St. Domingo. April 18, 1812, a general Masonic 'convention, com- posed of delegates from the five lodges, was called. The convention adjourned until June 6, when a constitution was adopted, and, July 11 following, the Grand Lodge was regularly established.
A GRAND CHAPTER was organized March 5, 1813.*
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, was organized about the year 1828.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was established Feb. 16, 1856.
The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, was organized February 1, 1864.
* This Grand Chapter was organized by the "Royal Lodges," Concordia and Per- severance, and euch officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the State as were Royal Arch Masons. These lodges were originally established in the Island of St. Domingo, under charters from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with powers to confer all the degrees from Entered Ap- prentice to Royal Arch inclusive.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONKY.
MAINE. Until the year 1820 Maine composed a part of the civil and Masonic1 jurisdiction of Massa- chusetts. In that year the several lodges, contemplating a political separation of that territory from the commonwealth of Massachusetts, having assembled, by their dele- gates, at Portland, Oct. 14, 1819, a respectful memorial was drawn up, and subscribed by all the delegates, addressed to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, praying their con- Bent to the organization of an independent Grand Lodge in the State of Maine. This request being promptly and generously granted by the Grand Lodge of Massachu- setts, the several lodges in Maine were summoned to meet at Mason's Hall, in Portland, June 1, 1820, when a Grand Lodge for the State of Maine was duly and regularly organized. The Hon. William King, Governor of the State, was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL, ARCH CHAPTER of the State was organized in 1821. Robert P. Dunlap was the first Grand High-Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized May 3, 1855. Itobert P. Duulap was the first Grand President.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was organized May 5, 1852. Charles B. Smith was the first Grand Commander.
MARYLAND. Until the year 1783 the lodges in this State derived their warrants from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, except one at Annapolis, which obtained a char- ter from the Grand Lodge of Massa- chusetts in 1750. * On the 17th June, 1783, the first convention was held at Talbot Court House by delegates from the five lodges then working in the State, to take into considera- tion the propriety of establishing an independent Masonic jurisdiction, when a Master Mason's Lodge was
* August 12, 1750, a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to a number of brethren who had petitioned to form a Lod,'e in Annapolis, Maryland. — History of Gi and Lodge of Massachusetts. This Lodge is not mentioned in the list of Lodges convened to establish the Grand Lodge.
opened in the usual form, the fol- lowing resolution was adopted unanimously : Res<>lved, That the several lodges on the eastern shore of Maryland, consider it as a matter of right, and that they ought to form a Grand Lodge, independent of the Grand Lodge at Philadel- phia." At a subsequent meeting of the convention, held at the same place, on the 31st of July, Grand officers were chosen, of which John Coats was elected Grand Master and Charles Gardiner was appointed Grand Secretary.
The GRAND CHAPTER, which had, until recently, within its jurisdic- tion the Chapters of the District of Columbia, was organized in 1812.
MASSACHUSETTS. The intro- duction of Freemasonry into this country, through warranted lodges, established upon the basis of legal Masonic authority, dates from July 30, 1733. Upon the application ol several brethren, Free and Accepted Masons, residing in the town of Boston, Province of Massachusetts, for authority to establish a Provin- cial Grand Lodge, a warrant was granted by the Eight Worshipful Lord Viscoiint Montacute, Grand Master of Masons of England, dated April 30, 1733, appointing Right Worshipful Henry Price, Provincial Grand Master of New England, and dominions and territories thereunto belonging, with free power and authority to nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens. On the receipt of this commission, the brethren assem- bled July 30, 1733, at the "Bunch of Grapes" tavern, State Street, Boston, when the charter of Con- stitution was read, and the Right Worshipful Grand Master duly in- vested and congratulated; a Grand Lodge, under the title of " St. John's Grand Lodge," was formed, and the Grand Officers chosen and in- stalled in due and ancient form. A petition was then presented by several brethren, residing in Bos- ton, praying to be constituted into a regular Lodge; and it was voted that the same be granted. This Lodge was styled " The First Lodge in Boston," or ''St. John's Lodge.'
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Thus was Masonry established in North America. In the year 1751 a number of brethren who had traveled, and many of whom had been initiated into the mysteries of the Craft in ancient lodges abroad, be- came emulous to cultivate the royal art in the western world. For this laudable purpose they petitioned the Grand Lodge of Scotland for a char tor to establish a Lodge. The prayer of the petitioners being granted, thev received a dispensation, datec Nov. 30, 1752, from Sholto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour.then Crane Master, constituting them a regular Lodge, under the titte of ' ' St. An- drew's Lodge, No. 82," to be holden at Boston, in the province of Massa- chusetts Bay. The ejstablishmenl of this Lodge was discouraged auc opposed by St. John's Grand Lodge, who imagined their jurisdiction in- fringed by the Grand Lodge of Scot- land. They, therefore, refused any communications or visits from such members of St. Andrew's Lodge as had not formerly sat in their lodges, and this difficulty did not entirely subside for several years. The pros- perous state of St. Andrew's Lodge soon led to great exertions for the establishment of an ancient Grand Lodge in the Province; and this was effected by the assistance of three traveling lodges, which were holden in the British army, then stationed at Boston, under the title of ;'The Massachusetts Grand Lodge. " Dec. 27, 1769. On this festival, which was celebrated in due form, a commis- sion from the Eight Honorable and Most Worshipful George, Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master of Masons hi Scotland, bearing date May 30, 1769, appointing Joseph Warren to be Grand Master of Masons in Bos- ton, New England, and within one hundred miles of the same, was read; whereupon the brethren pro- ceeded, according to ancient usage, to instill the Eight Worshipful Grand Master Warren, who at'ter- ward appointed and invested the other Grand Officers. Nov. 13, 1758, & deputation was granted to the Eight Worshipful Edward Hunt- ingford, to hold a Lodge in his Migesty'a 28th regiment, stationed
at Louisburg. Of the further his- tory of this deputation, or whether a Lodge under its authority was ever organized, we have 110 auther.- tic record. In 1773, a commission was received from the Earl of Dumfries, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, dated March 3, 1772, appointing Joseph Warren Grand Master of Masons for the Con- tinent of America. April 19, 1775, hostilities commenced be- tween Great Britain and America. Boston became a garrison, and was abandoned by many of its inhabit- ants; and the regular meetings of the two Grand Lodges were suspended. June 17, by the contest of this event- ful day on the hights of Charles- town, Masonry sustained a heavy loss in the death of Grand Master General Warren, who was slain con- tending for the liberties of liis country. October 6, 1779, a petition of a number of brethren, officers in the American arm}7, praying that this (Massachusetts) Grand Lodge would grant them a charter to hold a traveling Lodge, was read, and Gen. John Patterson, Col. Benjamin Tupper, and Major William Hull, being nominated as Master and Wardens, voted that a dispensation be granted them, under the title of "Washington Lodge," to make Masons, pass Fellow-Crafts, and raise Masters, in any of the United States where there is no Grand Lodge; but in auj State where a Grand Master presides they must apply for his sanction. The St. John's Grand Lodge resumed its meetings after Boston was evacuated by the British army, and continued to move in harmony, granting char- ters for the establishment of new lodges, in various places. Dec. 5, 1791, a committee of the Massa- chusetts Grand Lodge was appoint- ed to confer with the officers of St. John's Grand Lodge upon the sub- ject of a complete Masonic union throughout this commonwealth, and to report at the next quarterly com- munication. March 5, 1792, the committee brought in their report, md presented a copy of the consti- .ution and by-laws, and articles oi association, as agreed to by St
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
John's Grand Lodge, which were read, and receiving the deliberate at- tention of the grand body, they were unanimously approved. June 9, following, the two Grand Lodges met, agreeably to previous arrange- ments, unanimously elected Most Worshipful John Cutler Grand Mus- ter of Ihe United Grand Lodge, and, thereupon, passed the following resolution : '•'•Resolved, That this Grand Lodge shall forever hereafter be known by the name of the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, for the Common- wealth of Massachusetts." Thus were the prejudices and contentious so long indulged in most happily removed, and peace and harmony restored to the Order, not only in Massachusetts, but, as far as the original bodies had planted subor- dinates, in the surrounding country.
MEXICO. Freemasonry has ex- isted for many years in the republic of Mexico, but in a very secluded character. In 1826 a Grand Lodge, with a few subordinates, existed in the city of Mexico, but, through the powerful influence of the church, the Order is not permitted to nourish.
MICHIGAN. Of the early intro- duction of Freemasonry into this (then) territory, we are unable to furnish any satisfactory data, not- withstanding diligent efforts have been made to obtain historical in- formation. The Grand Lodge was organized at Detroit, June 24, 1826; was incorporated by the legislative council of the territory, in 1827,' and, by a formal resolution, adopted in 1829, suspended Masonic labor. A general meeting of the Masons of the State was called for inquiry in 1740; in 1841 the former Grand Officers granted dispensations for several lodges, and in June of the same year, at the constitutional period, the Grand Lodge assembled and was organized by a constitu- tional number of lodges. General Lewis Cass was the first Grand Mas- ter under the original organization.
The GRAND ROYAL ABCH CHAPTER was organized in 1848.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized 1858.
The GBAND COMMANDERY,K nights Templar, was organized Jan. 15, 1857.
MINNESOTA. Freemasonry was introduced into this territory by dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, dated August 4, 1* twelve Master Masons, to establish a Lodge, under the title of "St. Paul's Lodge," at St. Paul. Oct. 12. 1850, a dispensation to open a Lodge with the name of "St. John's Lodge," at Stillwater, was granted by the Grand Master of Wisconsin. During the year 1852 a dispensation was granted by the Grand Master of Illinois, to open a Lodge under the title of "Cataract Lodge," at St. Anthony. Feb. 23, 1853, delegates from the three lodges in the territory met in convention at St. Paul and organ- ized a Grand Lodge. A. E. Ames was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized Dec. 17, 1859. A. T. C. Pierson was elected the first Grand High- Priest.
The GRAND COMMANDERY, Knights Templar, was organized in 1866.
MISSISSIPPI. The Grand Lodge of Kentucky granted the first char- ter for a subordinate Lodge in this Stiite, in 1817; afterward the Grand Lodge of Tennessee granted two charters for lodges. July 27, 1818, authorized delegates from the three lodges then working in the State, convened in the city of Natchez, and, being organized, resolved that it was expedient, and highly neces- sary, to form and organize a Grand Lodge for the State of Mississippi. August 25, following, the conven- tion met again and adopted a constitution for the government of the Grand Lodge, when the lodges surrendered their charters obtained from Kentucky and Temiesseee, and received others from the new Grand Lodge. Henry Tooley was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized at Vicksburg, May ! Benjamin S. Tappen was elected the first Grand High-Priest.
THE GKAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Jan. 19, 1856. Benjamin Springer waa elected the first M.P. Grand Master.
50
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
The GtAND COSTMA>TDEBY, Knights Templar, was organized Jan. 22, 1857. William H. Stevens was fleeted the first Grand Com- mander.
MISSOURI. The first Lodge established in the territory of Up- per Louisiana, as this State was originally called, was by authority of a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in 1807, in the town of St. Genevieve. This Lodge flourished until 1816, when, owing to the unsettled condition of the country, it ceased to work. In 1809 a constitutional number of brethren obtained another charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to open a Lodge in the town of St. Louis. Of the history of this Lodge nothing definite is known. A char- ter bearing date October 8, 1816, was granted by the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, to open a Lodge in the town of St. Louis, by the name of Missouri Lodge. October 6, 1819, charters were granted to open lodges in the towns of Herculaneum and St. Charles. In 1820 a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Indiana was granted to form a Lodge in the town of Jackson. Feb. 22, 1821, a convention of delegates from the several lodges assembled in the town of St. Louis for the purpose of consulting upon the propriety of establishing a Grand Lodge for the State. The convention appointed a committee to draft a constitution, and adjourned to meet at the same place April 23, following. Pursuant to notice of adjournment the con- vention met, organized a Grand Lodge for the State, adopted the Constitution presented by the com- mittee, and elected Grand Officers. Thomas F. Riddick was elected the first Grand Master.
The GBAND CHAPTEK was organ- ized May 18, 1846.
The GRAND COMMAXDERY, Knights Templar, was organized May 22, 1860. George W. Belt was elected the first Grand Commander.
MONTANA. A Grand Lodge for this territory was organized at Vir- ginia City Jan. 24, 1866. John J. Hull was elected the first Grand Master.
NEBRASKA. The first Lodge established in this territory was by charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois to Nebraska Lodge, Oct. 3, 1855, at Uellevue; the second by charter from the Grand Lodge ol Missouri to Giddings' Lodge, May 26, 1857, at Nebraska City: the third by charter from the Grand Lodge of Iowa to Capital Lodge, June 3, 1857, at Omaha City. Sept 13, 1857, a convention of authorized delegates from the above Lodges met in Omaha, and established a Grand Lodge for the territory of Nebraska. R. C. Jordan was chosen the first Grand Master.
NEW HAMPSHIRE. The ear- liest record of the introduction of Masonry into this State will be found upon the books of St. John's Grand Lodge, Boston, and in these words, to wit: "A petition from the brethren residing in Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, for the erection of a Lodge there (June 24, 1734,) was granted, denominated 'The Holy Lodge of St. John's;' which was the beginning of Masonry in New Hampshire." A charter was granted to. a number of brethren in Ports- mouth by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, under the name of "St. Patrick's Lodge," bearing date Bos- ton, March 17, 1780. This Lodge continued its meetings until the latter end of 1790, when they ceased working. This Lodge had nevel acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Hamp- shire, and the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, by the charter of St. Pat- rick's Lodge, claimed jurisdiction no longer than till a Grand Lodge should be formed in New Hamp- shire ; therefore, St. Patrick's Lodgo was not, at the time of its disso- lution, under the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge. A charter was granted to several brethren at Cor- nish by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, dated Nov. 8, 1781. This Lodge met a few times at Cornish, but when that town was claimed by New Hampshire the Lodge removed to Windsor, Vermont, and took the name of Vermont Lodge No. 1. A petition from several brethren, to erect a Lodge at Keene, was read
GENERAL HISTORY OF I'JfEEMASuNRY.
51
in the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, March 5, 1784, and a charter granted under tb.e designation of the llising Hun Lodge. This Lodge returned its charter to the Massachusetts Grand Lodge at the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Hamp- shire. Two other lodges — Faithful and Dartmouth — were chartered by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, and were surrendered to the parent body after the formation of the New Hampshire Gmud Lodge. July 8, 1789, deputies from the several lodges in the State assem- bled in convention, at Dartmouth, and, after due deliberation, adopted the folio wing: "Resolved, That there be a Grand Lodge established in the State of New Hamp> lire, upon principles consistent wit ., and sub- ordinate to, the General Regulations and Ancient Constitutions of Free- masonry. " The Grand Lodge, being thus organized, proceeded to the election of Grand Officers, when the Hon. John Sullivan, President of the State, was elected Grand Master.
The GKAND CHAPTER was organ- ized in 1819. John Han-is was elected the first Grand High-Priest.
The Orders of Knighthood were introduced into this State in 1824.
The GRAND COMMANDEBY was or- ganized Aug. '22, 1860. Daniel Balch was elected the first Grand Com- mander.
NEW JERSEY. Of the exact date of the first existence of Masonry in this State we are compelled, as in several other cases, to say that the truth of history must for a little longer remain in the hidden and undeveloped record of the past. But that it had a name and an ex- istence within the borders of the then colony of New Jersey none who are acquainted with the early history of Freemasonry in this country can doubt. The earliest historical record of the founding of the Order in America is to be found in Preston's Illustrations, under date 1729, the Duke of Nor- folk being Grand Master, and in these words: "Established by de- putatiou a Provincial Grand Lodge at New Jersey, in America." The warrant named " Eight Worshipful
Brot aer Daniel Ooxe of New Jersey, residing, and about to reside, in the said Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Peusilvania, Provincial Grand Master, with free power to appoint his Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens for the space of two years," etc. This deputation bears date London, Juno 5, 1730: a certified copy of which is in pos- session of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. That Bro. Coxe exercised any of the powers delegated to him we are not informed, nor has any evidence of action on his part been discovered. The first authentic information that we have is that a convention of tlie Masons in the State was held at the city of New Brunswick, Dec. 18, 1786, when a Grand Lodge was regularly consti- tuted, and the Hon. David Brearley, Chief Justice of the State, was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER was organized at Burlington, Dec. 30, 1856. Wm. H. Doggett was elected the first Grand High-Priest.
The GRAND COUNCIL of lioyal and Select Masters was organized Nov. 26, 1860.
The GRAND COMMANDER Y,Kuight9 Templar, was organized Feb. 14, 1860. Theophilus Fiske was elected the first Grand Commander.
NEW YORK. The first recorded knowledge we have of the establish- ment of, or the attempt to establish, Freemasonry in the colonies of North America is the deputation granted by the Grand Lodge of England, in 1730, Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master, to Samuel Coxe, for the Provinces of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. But the fact that Brother Coxe used hi 3 authority or performed any Masonic act remains hidden beneath tho unexcavated arches of our imperfect history. But the faithful and dili- gent craftsmen are at work, and we are confident that some valuable memento of the past will yet be the reward of their labors. The first charter for the organization of a Provincial Grand Lodge in New York was granted by the Grand Lodge of England in 1737, during the Grand Mastership of the EarJ
GENERAL HISTORY OF FKEEMASONBY".
of Darnley, to Bichard RiggS as Provincial Grand Master. The pre- cise date of this charter and the records of the Grand Lodge were, probably, destroyed during the war \f the Revolution. Neither is it known that this Provincial Grand Lodge established any subordinates. In 1747, under the Grand Master- ship of Lord Byron, provincial patents were issued for New YorK. During this period, and up to 1751, Francis Goalet exercised the prero- gatives of Provincial Grand Master. For the space of two years we have no knowledge of who exercised the duties of Grand Master. June 9, 1753, a commission was granted by Lord Carysfort, Grand Master of England, empowering George Har- rison to superintend the affairs of the Craft as Provincial Grand Master in the Province of New York. He was regularly installed in due and ancient form Dec. 27, 1753. Masonry flourished under his auspices, and several lodges were established in the Province. Sir John Johnson was appointed Pro- vincial Grand Master in 1760 by Lord Aberdour, Grand Master of England, which office he held until the commencement of the war of the Revolution, when he espoused the cause of the British, and it is but fair to presume €hat he suspended the meetings of the Grand Lodge, took possession of the records, etc., and that they were finally destroyed during the war; ua most of the lodges suspended business during the war, and the work of the Craft was transferred to the army or traveling lodges. Sept. 5, 1781, a warrant was granted by the "Ancient Grand Lodge of England," the Duke of Athol, Grand Master, to open a Provincial Grand Lodge in the city of New York, appointing Rev. William \V alter Provincial Grand Master. The first meeting of this Grand Lodge was held Dec. 5, 1782, at which nine lodges, then in the city, and six mil. " British army, were present. At the close of the war, and the evacuation of the city of New York, by the British army, the military lodges.
and many of the Grand Ofheers, If ft the country. Sept. 19, 1783, a meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge was held, when Bro. Walter resigned and William Cock was unanimously elected Grand Master. At the meeting of Feb. 4, 1784, Bro. Cock resigned, and the Hon. Robert R. Livingston was elected Grand Master. The precise date when the Grand Lodge changed its form from Provincial to an Independent is not positively known. But it is gene- rally conceded that when the arti- cles of peace were ratified by the two countries, the Provincial title ceased, as a natural and legal result The history of Masonry in New York has been an eventful one. Yet, notwithstanding these alter- nating experiences of tranquil calms and raging tempests, the Order of Freemasonry in New York is, to-day, immutable in its principles, nn- shattered by past convulsions, unin- jured by insidious decay, unawed by threatened tumult or turbulent dis- sension, as securely poised upon a stable base as the everlasting hills.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized Mar. 14, 1798. DeWitt Clinton was elected the first Grand High- Priest.
The GRAND COTTNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized 1807.
The GRAND COMMANDER Y. Knights Templar, was organized June 18, 1314. DeWitt Clinton was elected the first Grand Commander.
NORTH CAROLINA. Of the existence, or supposed existence, of Freemasonry in this State the earliest record is to be found among the transactions of St. John's Grand Lodge, at Boston, October 2, 17G7, to wit: "A dispensation was made out for the Right Worshipful Thos. Cooper, Master of Pitt County Lodge, in North Carolina, consti- tuting him Deputy Grand Master of that Province. And he was com- missioned with power to congregate all the brethren there residing, or who should afterward reside in said Province, into one or more lodges as he should think fit. and in siich place or places within the same as should most redound to the benefit «f Masonry." As the early history
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
55
of Freemasonry in every section of this country is of great importance, and that 110 statement, however small it may appear, should be un- noticed, we copy the following, in the hope of eliciting further and more reliable facts: " In a MS. letter of Robert Williams, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of North Caro- lina, dated Jan. 9, 1808. and directed to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Bro. Williams says: 'The Grand Lodge of North Carolina was constituted by charter, issued from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, in the year 1761, signed by Henry Somerset, Duke of Beau- fort, as Grand Master; and attested by George John Spencer, as Grand Secretary. They were among the officers of the Grand Lodge of Scot- land, although Beaufort was an English Duke, and Lord Spencer an English Earl.' As the famous altercations between the two Grand Lodges of North Carolina and Ken- tucky, in relation to the jurisdiction over the territory of Tennessee, in 1807, etc., was finally settled, chiefly by reference to the statements made by Bro. Williams, in relation to the ubove-uained charter, it is a curious fact, that the persons above-named were not officers
by the British army, dnnng the Revolution; and, for several years, the meetings of tho grand body were suspended, and all knowledge of its early records were lost. We cannot even say whether thi? Provincial warrant was issued directly by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, as we cannot find the fact stated in the history of that grand body; but we think it not at all difficult to recon- cile this seeming defect. We know that, in 1756, the Grand Lodge of Scotland granted a Provincial com- mission to Col. John Young, who had long acted as Deputy Grand Master over all the Lodges in Amer- ica and the West Indies. But, as before stated, that warrant was destroyed, and for about ten years no effective attempt was made to reorganize. 'In 1787, the memJjers of ike Craft assembled at Hills- borough, and compiled a code of laws for the government of the Grand Lodge, and again commenced Masonic labors.' From this it would seem that they did not think themselves incapacitated to reor- ganize, or resuscitate, the Grand Lodge, or, which is most likely, to form a new Crand Lodge, because the original document of authority had been destroyed "* Samuel
of .^f Beaufort, from 17(i7 to 1771, was was elected the first Grand Master. Grand Master of England!
It is
admirable to see what a small amount of Masonic history satis- tied our fathers fifty years ago. If Beaufort signed the charter, he must have done so as Grand Master ui' England. We hope this piece of history will yet be cleared up."* Here is another specimen of how Masonic history may be manufac- tured, when it is necessary to say something, but in the absence of re-liable documentary evidence: "We know that a Provincial Grand Lodge was established ir_ North Carolina, in 1771, under the minority of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which convened alternately in Edenton and Newbem. The archives were deposited at Edentou, which, as we are informed, were destroyed
By the transactions of the Gene- ral Grand Chapter (meeting of 1847) we learn that a Grand Chapter existed in North Carolina, as a con- stituent of that grand body, in 1822, but that it had ceased its labors. The Grand Chapter was reorganized June 28, 1847, under the General Grand Chapter of the United States. In 1857 it withdrew and became an independent Grand Chapter.
The GEAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized June 6, 1860.
OHIO. For the introduction oi Freemasonry into Ohio we can give no better or more reliable history than that found in the Introduction to the republished transactions of the Grand Lodge. "At the con-
*'• History of Masonry in Kentucky," *" History of Freemasonry," by J. W. 8 i>v R. Vwrt Morris, pp 10, 11. ititcteU. p. 67* T»i. i.
56
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
vention which organized the Grand Lodge delegates from six chartered lodges (the delegate from one Lodge was not admitted — the reason is not stated) appeared as representatives. The lodp.s were: Union, No. 1; Cincinnati, No. 13; Scioto, No. 2; Erie, No. 47, and Amity, No. 105. Union Lodge, No. 1, at Marietta, derived its charter from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.* The strong presumption is that this Lodge is the legitimate successor of the old and honored American Union Lodge organized Feb. 13, 1776, at Koxbury, Massachusetts. As many of its members, after the dispersion of the army, settled at Marietta, Cincinnati Lodge No. 13, at Cincinnati, received its warrant originally from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Sept. 8, 1791, under the title of Nova Cesarea Lodge No. 10. Some time between June 24 and Dec. 10, 1805, the members returned their original charter and took one from the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, assuming the title of Cincinnati Lodge No. 13. Scioto Lodge No. 2, at Chillicothe, was organized in 1805, by charter from the Grand i Erie Lodge No. 47, at Warren, was organized March 16, 1804, by dis- pensation from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. Amity Lodge No. 105, at Zanesville, received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, about the year 1804. Jan. 8, 1808, a "con vention of dele- gates from all the lodges in the State met at Chillicothe to con- sider the propriety of establishing a Grand Lodge for the State. The convention, in its deliberations, ad- :ourned from day to day, and, on the 7th, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to: " He- solved, That t Grand Lodge be formed, to be known and styled the Grand Lodge of Ohio, whose powers
*As the charter, with a portion, if not all, of the records of the Lodge were burned, with the buikUug iu which it was held, a few years afterward, very little is knowrir of its history or origin, save that it emanated from the Grand Lod^e of Massachusetts. It was brought by the first tottlers, and seemed to be iu charge, prin- cipally, of meu bvl'iu^uix to tu« Ajuertaaa
IfUHT.
shall be to grant charters and dis- pensations, on proper application, to all such as shall apply and shall be deemed worthy — and shall have jurisdiction over the same — and shall in all respects be clothed with full powers, as a Grand Lodge, according to ancient and due form, and agreeably to the rules and land- marks of Masonry. '' General Rufus Putnam, a hero and veteran of the Revolutionary war, was elected the first Grand Master.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized October, 1816. Samuel Hoyt was elected the first Grand High- Priest.
The GBAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized in 1829.
The GBAND COMMANDEBY, Knights Templar, organized Oct. 24, 1843. Michael Z. Kreider was elected the first Grand Commander.
OREGON. Freemasonry was in- troduced into this territory in 1849 or 1850. by warrants from the Grand Lodge of California. Aug. 16, 1851, a convention was held at Oregon City to take into consideration the subject of forming a Grand Lodge. Three lodges were represented, viz: Multuomah, No. 84; Willamette, No. 11; and LaFayette, No. 15. The Grand Lodge was organized, a con- stitution adopted, and the officers elected. Berryman Jennings waa elected the first Grand Maste*.
PENNSYLVANIA. The first Lodge of which we have any au- thentic historical record was estab- lished in Philadelphia, in 1734. The deputation granted to Daniel Coxe as Provincial Grand Master for New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, in 1730, naturally leads us to the belief, and particu- larly when our impression is sus- tained with notices iu the public newspapers of the day, that lodges existed in Philadelphia anterior to 1734. Notwithstanding the doubts and discrepancies existing in regard to the early development of the mystic Order in Pennsylvania, we must content ourselves with the evidences of history as presented to us until the m sts that now sur- round the temple shall be dispelled
GEFERAJ, ITISTORT OF FKEEMASONRY.
57
by the discovery of the truth. The history of St. John's Grand Lodge, at Boston, furnished the following extract: "A petition being pre- sented from Benjamin Franklin and several brethren residing in Phila- delphia, June 24, 1734, for a consti- tution t for holding a Lodge there, the R. W. Grand Master (Henry Price), having this year received orders from the Grand Lodge in England to establish Masonry in all North America, was pleased to grant the prayer of the petitioners, and to ing the E. \V. Benjamin Franklin thei? first Master; which was the beginning of Masonry in the State of Pennsylvania." July 10, 1749, Franklin received a similar ap- pointment from Thomas Oxnard, Provincial Grand Master of New England, and the successor of Henry Price. In March, 1750, Wm. Allen presented a communication from the Grand Lodge ot England as Pro- vincial Grand Master of Pennsyl- vania. Franklin afterward received a commission from England as Pro- vincial Grand Master. "In 1758, Lodge No. 2 was constituted, by virtue of a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons of England, the Earl of Blessiugton, Grand Master, and Laurence Der- mott, Grand Secretary."* From the same source as the extract just quoted, we are informed "that a warrant for a Provincial Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania was issued by the Grand Lodge of England, in June IT 64, directed to William Ball, as Grand Master. From this period little is known of Masonry in Pennsylvania. The original ar- chives of the Provincial Grand Lodges (for it seems there was more than one) were destroyed during the Revolution, and while Phila- delphia was in the hands of the British. In 1779, the Masons of that jurisdiction, feeling the evils result- ing from the want of an organized body, requested William Ball to convene the Masons of the State with a view of reorganization. In compliance with their request he
* History of Masonry in Pennsylvania, presented to the Grand Lodge iu 1826.
summoned the brethren to assem ble in Philadelphia, Dec. 20, when Grand Officers were elected — Bro. Ball being chosen Giand Master. Sept. 13, 1786, thirteen lodges, by their Masters and Wardens, met in Philadelphia, and unanimously "Resolved, That it would be im- proper that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania should remain any longer under the authority of any foreign Grand Lodge?" whereupon, the Grand Lodge closed sine die. On the day following, the delegates of the thirteen lodges assembled in convention, and organized the present Grand Lodge of Pennsyl- vania, and elected Grand Officers. From the reorganization of this Grand Lodge, down to the present day, the history of Masonry in that jurisdiction has been one uninter- rupted course of prosperity and general harmony.
The GRAND CHAPTER was organ- ized Nov. 23, 1795. Until about 1820 this Grand Chapter was in its government under the Grand Lodge, its Grand Master being ex officio the Grand High-Priest of the Grand Chapter. It has since been a Grand Chapter with its own elective Grand Officers. It is sovereign and inde- pendent, and has never acknowledg- ed the supremacy of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. Previous to the formation of this Grand Chapter, a Master's wan-ant was sufficient authority for congre- gating a Chapter, and conferring any degree of Masonry the brethren had knowledge of.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Oct. 16, 1847. Previous to the formation of this Grand Council, it was cus- tomary for the Chapters to confer the degrees on those who desired them as honorary degrees.
Masonic Knighthood was intro- duced into Pennsylvania in 1793.* Prior to 1797 four Encampments were instituted in this State, viz : two in Philadelphia, one in Harris- burg, and one in Carlisle. These bodies were under the authority ol the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
*" History of the Knights Templar ol Penn.," bv Alfred Creigli, Phila.. 18G7.
58
GENKKAL HISTORY OF FREEMA8ONKI .
tratil the 12th of May, 1797, when a Grand Encampment was organized at a convention of delegatco from the several Encampments. From this period Templarism has existed us an independent organization.
PERU. As long as the Spaniards held an exclusive and undisputed possession of the country (153G- 1782), and the Inquisition lent its aid to a fanatical priesthood, it cannot be a matter of surprise that Masonry was unknown in Peru. The introduction of the Royal Art, or even the fact of being a Mason. would have been a sufficient cause for the banishment, if not the death, of the offender. During the French invasion of Spain (1807-13), and the presence there of the English, many lodges were instituted in that coun- try, and, among the troops sent from Europe to quell the war of Independence in Peru, there were many brethren ; these, however, being subjects of Spain, admitted none of the patriots as members, and it was not until the Declaration of Independence, in 1821, when free intercourse was established between Peru and foreign nations, that Free- masonry was introduced among the natives. In 1825, after Peru had achieved her complete independ- ence, lodges were established in Lima and other parts, by authority of letters patent from the Grand Orient of Colombia. From this Grand Orient all the other Masonic bodies in Peru afterward derived their existence. The bodies worked in the Ancient and Accepted Scot- tish rite. Nov. 2, 1830, a Supreme Council of this rite for the Eepublic of Peru was established. June 23, 1831, the Masters and Wardens of the symbolic lodges, as well as repre- sentatives from the councils, chap- ters, etc., assembled at the capital and installed themselves into an Independent Grand Lodge under the title of the Grand Lodge of Peru, which was in the same year changed to Grand Orient. The political agi- tations, which soon after disturbed the peace of the country, caused the lodges to be closed, and an attempt wa.s made to drive Masonry fruin Ihu country. In 1815. after a recesf
of some twelve years, a number o brethren assembled and reopened several of the lodges and chapters. Jan. 30, 1849, the Supreme Council was reopened, and lodges under its authority set to work. July 13, 1852, the Grand Orient of Peru was reopened and reconstituted under the title of National Grand Orient of Peru. In 1852 the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland granted a charter to hold a Holy Royal Arch Chapter at Callao. This was the first Masonic body of the "Ancient York rite," opened in the Republic. This chapter was not recognized by any of the governing bodies. In May, 1857, an extensiva schism broke out among the Frater- nity, and many lodges and chapters were instituted by the disaffected party. None of the grand bodies throughout the world acknowledged the schismatics. At the present time (1866") there are no illegal bodies in Peru, except one at Callao — which is only a remnant of the former schisms. There are many lodges and chapters in Lima and Callao, in a healthy and prosperous condition. Beside the lodges and chapters under the Supreme Coun- cil, working in the Scottish rite in Lima and Callao, the Grand Lodge of Ireland has two lodges, to one of which a Chapter of Royal Arch is attached, under its jurisdiction, all in Lima. The Grand Lodge of Scotland has, besides the Royal Arch Chapter, a Lodge of symbolic Masonry in Callao. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has a Lodge established in Aiica. All these bodies, combined, form the Grand Orient of Peru, which admits iuto its bosom all recognized rites, con- sistent with the general principles of Freemasonry.
POLAND. Freemasonry began in Poland in 1736, but was almost immediately suppressed through the influence of the church. In 1712—19 many new lodges were established, and in 17(i(i the institution rose to a high position. In 1780 the Lodge of the Good Shepherd was estab- lished by the Grand Lodge of England. In 1784 thirteen lodges, then in the country, met at Warsaw
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
59
and organized a Grand Lodge. In 1807 the Grand Orient of France founded several lodges in the king- dom. In 1822 a decree of the Em- peror Alexander prohibited all secrel societies; the brethren of Poland, though deeply grieved, yet submis- sively closed their lodges, which, since then, have remained closed.
PORTUGAL. The introduction of Freemasonry into this kingdom began at' Lisbon, in 1735, by the * Grand Lodge of England, but its usefulness was of short duration. The inquisition, that great extin- guisher of liberty and enlighten- ment, had control of this country. Notwithstanding this powerful op- position the Order succeeded in spreading its cheerful influences, and in 1805 a Grand Lodge was organized. In 1807, during the invasion of Portugal by the French troops, Masonry was protected, and until 1810, when a fresh persecution of the Order began, which lasted until about 1837, since which time the Order has been permitted to enjoy some success. There exists in Lisbon a Grand Lodge of Portu- gal and a Provincial Grand Lodge of Ireland, which are recognized by foreign Grand Lodges.
PRUSSIA. Freemasonry was in- troduced into Prussia by Frederick II., surnained the Great. Having been secretly initiated, while crown- prince, at Brunswick, he soon after organized a Lodge in the castle of Rheinsberg; and when, in 1740, he ascended the throne he himself wielded the gavel, and conducted the first work with his own hand at the castle in Charlottenburg, June 20. The distinctive title of this Lodge was "The First Lodge," or " The Lodge of the King, our Grand Master." In the same year, Sept. 13, at his instigation, a new Lodge was established in Berlin, which was called "The Three Globes." This Lodge was principally composed of the members of "The First Lodge," which had but a brief existence. In 1744 "the Lodge of the Three Globes " assumed the title of Royal Grand Mother Lodge of the Three Globes, and constituted subordi- nate lodges at Meiuiugen, Frank-
fort, Breslau, Halle, etc. The king assumed the office of Grand Master, and continued to bear the title, although during the seven years war, and the cares that government entailed on him, he was prevented from attending to his Masonic duties. In 1747, he appointed the Duke of Holstein-Beck as Vice- Grand Master, when the statutes were revised, and Masonry, which had somewhat declined, again re- vived. Soon afterward a new Lodge, " ia Peiite Concorde," was estab- lished at Berlin, and, in 1760, a third, "The Three Doves;" the latter being founded by Tilley de Lerney and a number of French prisoners of war. Dissensions soon broke out between these lodges; and then began in Berlin and throughout Germany that lamenta- ble period of Masonry, when the introduction of the French degrees, and the admixture of various sys- tems &nd new rites, caused such confusion among the Fraternity that the original tendency of the institu- tion was almost extinguished. (To follow the history of Masonry in Prussia through this period, with its thousand changes, systems, schisms, etc., in an intelligible manner, would require too long an article. ) In 1765 Zinnendorf became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Three Globes, but ihe following year abandoned it, and in 1770 instituted at Berlin a new Grand Lodge> called the Grand National Lodge of Ger- many, for which he obtained royal sanction, and also a constitution from the Grand Lodge of England. In 1772 the Grand Lodge of the Three Globes assumed the title of the "National Grand Mother Lodge for the Prussian States." In the meantime, the Lodge of the Three Doves, which had been founded at Berlin in 1760, and subsequently added to its original title that of "Friendship," separated from its Mother Lodge (the Three Globes) in 1765, and assumed the title of "Royal York of Friendship." In 1798, a royal edict was issued, which, while strictly prohibiting all secret societies, especially excepted the three existing Grand Lodges witb their subordinates.
GFNERAL HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
RHODE ISLAND. December 27, 1749, the petition of several brethren residing in Newport was presented to St. John's Grand Lodge at Boston, of which Thomas Oxnard was Grand Master, praying for the incorporation of a regular Lodge there, which, on being read, it was voted that a charter be granted them. This was the beginning of Masonry in Rhode Island. The second Lodge was established at Providence Jan. 18, 1757, under the title of St. John's Lodge, by authority of the same Grand Lodge, Jeremy Gridley being Grand Master, in compliance with the petition of several brethren residing there. Nov. 3, 1790, a report from a joint committee of the two lodges in Rhode Island, proposing a plan for the formation of a Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, was adopted. The constitution of the Grand Lodge was adopted April 6, 1751. Christo- pher Champlin was elected the first Grand Master. The first charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was in 1799, to certain brethren in Warren, under the name of Washington Lodge No. 3. Not- withstanding the irregularity of the formation of the Grand Lodge by only two subordinates, Freemasonry has always occupied a respectable position in Rhode Island, and her membership has been composed of its best and most honored citizens.
The GRAND CHAPTEK was organ- ized March, 1798. Seth Wheatou was the first Grand High-Priest.
The GKAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was organized Oct. 30, 1860.
The GRAND COMMANDZEY, Knights Templar, belonging, jointly, to Mas- sachusetts and Rhode Island, was formed in 1805. Thomas Smith Webb, of R. I., was the first Grand Commander.
RUSSIA. In 1731 the Grand Lodge of England granted a warrant for a Lodge at St. Petersburg, and named Captain John Phillips as Pro- vincial Grand Master. For many years Freemasonry flourished, and gained strength. In 1771 the Order was patronized by the nobility. The Emperor Peter III. conducts1, the
affairs of a Lodge, and was regarded as an expert workman. In 1783 the lodges throughout the empire or- ganized a National Grand Lodge. The society rose to a fullness of splendor, unequaled in any part of the world. But this state of prosperity was not permitted to continue. Politics and religious opinions were permitted to enter the lodge-room; extravagance and speculation became uumanagable among the brotherhood; the church, with powerful influence, and some other causes, compelled the Craft to close their lodges, yet the meetings were occasionally held, but very secluded, until 1808-14, when the Order again flourished with renewed vigor, and until 1822, when, sud- denly and most unexpectedly, the Emperor Alexander issued a decree that all the Masonic lodges through- out the empire should be closed, and no others permitted to • be founded. The then condition of Poland was alleged as a reason for this. The brethren, with saddened hearts, calmly obeyed the command of their monarch. A few years after the Fraternity ventured again upon their field of philanthropy; gradu- ally reopened their lodges, and re- sumed their labors, and continue to assemble as Freemasons even to the present day.
SAXONY. The first Lodge was established at Dresden, Saxony, in 1738. In 1741 another was formed at Leipsic, and a third in 1742 at Altenburg. In 1805 a convention of the lodges in Saxony assembled for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge; although the rules for its organization were arranged, yet it was not perfected, until 1811. The seat of the Grand Lodge is at Dresden. The system of Ancient Craft Masonry and Schroder's rite are the work of the lodges in this country.
SCOTLAND. The early history of Freemasonry in this country, like that of England and Germany, is surrounded with the misty haze of legendary lore. The first reliable information we have touching the Fraternity dates back to the early part of the fifteenth century. They,
GENERAL BISTORT OF FREEMASONRY.
61
at that period, acknowledged their kiug and sovereign as their Grand Master; to his authority they sub- mitted all disputes that happened among the brethren. When not a Mason himself, he appointed one of the brethren to preside as his deputy at their meetings, and to regulate all matters concerning the Craft. In 1430 King James I. was acknowledged as the Royal Grand Master, who regulated the affairs of the Fraternity. In 1441 William St Glair, Earl of Orkney and Baron of Roslin, obtained a grant of the office of Grand Master from Kiug James II. By another grant this office was made hereditary to the said William St. Clair. and his heirs and successors in the barony of Roslin ; in which noble family it has continued without interruption till of late years. The Masons held their grand courts, or, in Masonic language, their Grand Lodge assem- bled at Kilwinning, in the western country, where it is claimed that the Masons of Scotland first held regular and permanent lodges. It is asserted, with great firmness and plausibility, that in this place the royal art first made its appearance. The office of Patron being hereditary in the family of Sinclair of Roslin, he being advanced in years, and having no children, was anxious that the office of Grand Master should not become vacant at his death; therefore he assembled the lodges in and about Edinburg, Oct. 15, 1736, and represented to them how beneficial it would be to the cause of Masonry in general, to have a Grand Master of their own elect- ing, and intimated his intention of iv.signing his office, and setting the noxt St. Andrew's day, Nov. 30, as tlit time for holding such election. On that day thirty-three lodges met, and, having received the resignation of St. Clair, they proceed to the election, and unanimously elected William Sinclair, of Itoslin, Grand Master, and this was also the found- ing of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The Lodge afr Kilwinning, (more generally known as the "Mother Lodge of Kilwinning,") long after '.be institution of the Grand Lodge,
continued to act independently, and to grant charters to other lodges as formerly. This gave rise to dis- putes, which it was desirable for the credit of the Fraternity to avoid; and at length, in 1807, Mother Kil- wiuning Lodge agreed to surrender her authority and acknowledge the Grand Lodge, thereby renouncing all right to grant charters in future. Kilwinuing was placed at the head of the roll of the Grand Lodge under the denomination of "Mother Kilwinniug, " and its Master, for the time being, declared the Provincial Grand Master over the Ayrshire district, and this put an end to all disputes about Masonic precedency. From this time Freemasonry has prospered and increased throughout the country.
Besides the Grand Lodge there are: 1. Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter for Scotland; 2. The Royal Order of Scotland, Herodom of Kilwinuing, supposed to have been established by King Robert Bruce, in 1314; 3. The General Chapter oi the Religious and Military Order of Knights Templar, with various Pri- ories ; 4. The Supreme Grand Coun- cil of Scotland of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite.
SOUTH CAROLINA. There is no evidence, by record or tradition, of the existence of a Masonic Lodge in the Province of South Caroliua anterior to the year 1736. Oct. 28, of that year, the first Lodge of Masons in South Carolina was opened in the city of Charleston, then known as "Charles-Town.''* In this year John Haininertou was appointed Provincial Grand Master for the Colony, which office he resigned the following year, when he was succeeded by James Graeme. The early history of the Order in
* This is the first Lodge that was evei established in the jurisdiction. It received its warrant from Lord Weymouth, the Grand Master of the Grand Ludye <>1 England, with the title of Solomon's Lodfie No. 45; afterward it became No. 1. From its organization, in 1736, it continued un- interruptedly to work until 1811, when it suspended labor. In 1817 it was revived, but again became dormant in 1838. It was finally revived, by a new warrant, granted June 25, 1841. It is now in activ* uccessful operatiou.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASOXRY.
South Oaioliua is shrouded in some donbt, particularly in consequence of the apathy of the brotherhood, and partly by reason of a large fire which occurred in Charleston in 1 738. The period of inaction which marked the Order for several years previous to 1754 was, in that year, lirought to a happy conclusion, and *ras followed by an important reac- tion. In 1754, the Marquis of Car- narvqu granted a deputation "to Peter Leigh, Chief Justice of South Obrdlina, for Carolina. ' Mr. Leigh proved an efficient officer. He, im- mediately after his arrival, appoint- ed a Deputy Grand Master and Grand Wardens, and reorganized the Provincial Grand Lodge. Masonry, for a time, nourished with renewed rigor. The Hon. Peter Leigh died Aug. 21, 1759. In 1761 Benjamin Smith was appointed Prov. Grand Master, who resigned the office in 1767. In 1769 the Duke of Beaufort, Grand Master of England, appointed the Hon. Egerton Leigh Provincial Grand Master, which office he held until he left the country, in 1774. In 1777 the Grand Lodge elected the Hon. Barnard Elliott "Grand Master of Masons in this State." This, Dr.Mackey strongly urges, was "the true date of the organization of the Grand Lodge of South Caro- lina." In 1787 the Grand Lodge became an independent body, and called itself the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina. In the same year the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons was organized. In 1808 the two Grand Lodges united and formed the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. In 1809 the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons was re- vived. In 1817 the final union took place between the Grand Lodge of South Carolina and the revived Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons, which forms the present Grand Lodge of South Carolina.
The GKAND ROYAL AKCH CHAPTER was organized May '29, 1812. Win. Young was elected the first Grand High-Priest.
The degrees of Royal and Select Masters were first introduced into South Carolina iu the year 1783,
and conferred in the Lodgt- ot Perfection, at Charleston, under the authority of the Ancient and Accepted rite. After a time the Supreme Council relinquished its authority over the councils estab- lished in the State, andr in 1860, a Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters was established. Albert G. Mackey was elected the first Most Puissant Grand Master.
The order of Knights Templar was introduced into South Carolina about 1780-1803. The exact date is involved in obscurity and doubt. There is but one Commandery (South Carolina Commandery No. 1) in the State.
SPAIN. In 1727 the first Lodge in Spain was established at Gibraltar, by warrant from the Earl of Inchi- quiti, Grand Master of England; the second at Madrid in 1728, and a third in 1731), at Andalusia. In ] 74C Philip V. issued an edict againsi the Order, and several members ol the Fraternity were arrested and condemned to the galleys. Free- masonry was much oppressed in Spain until the year 1807, when Joseph Bonaparte ascended the throne; the Fraternity increased rapidly, and, in 1809, a National Grand Lodge was founded at Madrid, which held its meetings in the same building in which the inquisition had a short time before held its convocations. In 1811, the king, in his capacity of Grand Com- mander, founded a Grand Chapter of the higher degrees. The Frater- nity flourished till the return of Ferdinand VII., who reestablished the inquisition, and in 1811 the meetings of the Order were pro- hibited, and many of the Masons persecuted in the most inhuman manner. Between 1845 and 1852 the lodges increased notwithstand- ing the opposition. A Grand Orient had been organized under the title of "Gran Oriente Hesperico," which acknowledges the Ancient and Accepted rite, and also recog- nizes the lodges founded by the Grand Lodge. The members ol the Order are obliged to use ficti- tious names to escape the perse- cutions of tin' civil authorities N0
GENF.SAL HISTORY OF FEEEMASON14>
Lodgo is permitted to possess any written documents, and every six U) jnths a new pass- word is selected, and communicated by the Grand Orient; brethren who are strangers are only admitted if personally known to the W. M.
SWEDEN. Freemasonry was in- troduced into this country in 1735. oy charter from the Grand Orient of France, granted to the Governor, Count Sparre. But little is known of this Lodge, as its operations wese closed in 1738 by royal de- cree, forbidding Masons to meet on pain of death. This prohibition was rescinded in 1740, when the Order spread and nourished. It soon enjoyed a position that the brethren did not hesitate to publicly acknowledge their association with the institution. In 1762 King Adolphus Frederick declared him- self the protector of the Swedish lodges, and desired to participate in the labors and expenses of the Fraternity. In 1765 Lord Blaney, Grand Master of England, granted a deputation to Brother Charles Fullman, secretary to the English embassy at Stockholm, to establish a Provincial Grand Lodge for Swe- den. In 1799 a union of the Grand Lodges of Sweden and England was effected, which was the cause of great rejoicing among the Fra- ternity. In 1809 Charles XIII. ascended the throne of Sweden, \vho, May 27, 1811, founded an order of knighthood under the title of "Charles the Thirteenth," for the purpose, as is stated in the manifesto establishing the Order, to do honor to those virtues which are not prescribed by law, and which are seldom offered to the notice of the public. The statutes exacted that this Order, the distinctive badges of which were to be worn openly, shov.ld only be communi- cated to Freemasons; it, therefore, formed the highest degree of Swe- dish Freemasonry. The reigning king was always to be Grand Master of the Order, and beside the princes of the royal house, the Order could only consist of twenty-seven secular and three ecclesiastical members.