049223 \^o^ ^CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED Scottish f\ite JVlasonry FROM ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE ...Jk : '. , < : UNITED STATES TO THE PRESENT TIME Issued by the Gf and Coasistoty of the State of New York f 904 OlarneU Uniowattg ffiihtarg 3tl(ara, 2fem ^ork FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY FROM ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE UNITED STATES TO THE PRESENT TIME Issued by the Grand Consistory of the State of New York 1903 SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY OFFICERS OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL Thirty-Third and Last Degree OF THE Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry AS ORGANIZED BY T. I. JOSEPH CERNEAU, M.P.S.G.C. October 27th, 1807 For the United States of America, its Territories and Dependencies Most Illustrious Max Scheuer, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Comman- der, New York, N. Y. Very Illustrious Newton W. Thompson, Puissant Lieutenant Grand Com- mander, Albany, N. Y. Very Illustrious Benjamin C. Leveridge, Grand Oiator and Minister of "State, New York, N. Y. Ver / Illustrious Alfred C. Dupont, M. D. Grand Secretary General, New York, N Y. Very Illustrious John H. Russell, Grand Treasurer General, New York, 'N. Y. Very Illustrious William J. Hirschfeld, Grand Marshal General, New York, N. Y. Very Illustrious Jacob W. Riglander, Grand Master General of Ceremonies, New York, N. Y. Very Illustrious George C. Gill, Grand Standard Bearer, Brooklyn, N. Y. Very Illustrious Cyrus K. Porter, Grand Captain of the Guard, BufEalo,N.Y. Illustrious Isaac W. Jacobson, Assistant Grand Secretary General, Brook- lyn, N. Y. Illustrious Albert V. King, Grand Seneschal, New York, N. Y. Illustrious Agostiuo Pacini, Grand Sentinel, New York, N. Y. Members Emeriti M.-.IU.'. William H. Peckham V.-.Ill.-. George Davis M.-.IU.-. Ferdinand J. S. Gorgas,M.D.V.-.Ill.-. Charles E. Hequembourg M.-.IU.-. Philip F. D. Hibbs V.Mll.-. Cyrus O. Hubbell M.-.Ill.-. Andrew J. Provost V.-.IU.-. Hugh J. Linn, M.D. M.-.Ill.-. John Porter Steffner V.-.Ill.-. William Marshall V. ■. 111. -. Judah Moses V. -.111. -. Charles S. Rambo V.-.Ill.-. Elias H. Bartley, M.D. V.-.Ill.-. George A. Strause V.-.IU.-. Cornelius H. Benson V.-.IU.-. William'H. Vermilyea V.-.IU.-. Edgar L. Bradleyj V.-.IU.-. William'P. Walton V.MH.-l J. Thompson Brown V-.-IU.-. William' H. Sutton 1 , I ' I 1903 Grand Consistory S.-. P.-. R.\ S.\, Thirty-Second Degree, of the State of New York. ANNUAL RENDEZVOUS. February 12th — (Lincoln's Birthday). GRAND OFFICERS. 111.-. Frank T. Watson, 33°, Gd,-. Commander-in-Chief, Clinton, N. Y. 111.'. Charles I-I. Treadwell, 33°, First Iancia, 33°, Gd.'. Hospitaler, New York City. 111.'. Charles T. King, 33°, Sentinel, Norwich, N. Y. Subordinate Consistories under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Consistory of the State of New York. Cerneau No. i, New York Utica No. 2, Utica De Witt Clinton No. II, Middletown Lake Ontario No. 12, Oswego Binghamton No, 23, Binghamton Brooklyn No. 24, Brooklyn Chenango, No. 31, Norwich Dunkirk No. 34, Dunkirk Hornell No. 40, Hornellsville Susquehanna No. 53, Unadilla Willomonoc No. 58, Livingston Manor Union No. 59, Middletown Queen City No. 60, Buffalo Giordano Bruno No. 66, New York Monroe No. 68, Rochester Fort Orange No. 70, Albany V. 111. Judah Moses, 33°, Deputy at Large for State of New York and Deputy for Metropolitan District, 327 Fulton Street, Brooklyn. 111.'. Charles Treadwell, 33°, Deputy for Oswego District, Oswego, N. Y. 111. . Charles T. King, 33°, Deputy for Chenango Dirt- ict, Norwich, N. Y. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY History of the k-.-k.-. Scottish Rite in the United States of America Supreme Council 3^rd and last Degree of the A.-.A-.-S.-. Rite for the United States of America, Its Territories and Dependencies It is conceded by all the authorities on Scottish Rite Masonry, l4iat the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was established by the Ancient Council of the Emperors of the East and West, an organization created in Paris in 1758, having a Chamber in the old Grand Lodge of France. In 1761 that Council of Emperors of East and West appointed Stephen Morin as Grand Inspector, giving him certain powers over the then known twenty-five degrees. At this time the "Council of Emperors of the East and West" and the Grand Lodge of France were under the direction of the same Grand Master, Count De Clermont, prince of the royal blood, and shortly thereafter all the Masonic organizations in France were merged in the Grand Orient of France. On the 17th day of August, 1766, Morin was removed for cause, his powers revoked and annulled, and W.-.Bro. Martin, of St. Fredericks Lodge, was appointed and commissioned to estab- lish Perfect and Sublime Masonry in all parts of the then New World. At this period the 25 degrees existing when Morin was com- missioned in 1761 had been increased by the Grand Orient to 33, SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY and it was decreed by the Grand Orient that the 33rd should be the last degree of Free and Accepted Masonry and govern them all. The first body to work the 33rd degree under this decree was the Primitive Scottish Rite at Naumur, France, 1770. Joseph Cerneau, born in France in 1765, immigrated to San Domingo, and became the Master of La Reunion Desiree Lodge ; was invested by Bro. Martin with the degrees and appointed Deputy Grand Inspector, with power to confer the degrees and estabHsh bodies in America. In 1801 he established a Su- preme Council in San Domingo. In 1806 he came to the United States, and on the 27th of October, 1807, he organized "The Sov.-. Grand Consistory for the United States of America, its Territories and Dependencies." Among its ofificers that day installed were : Joseph Cerneau. DeWitt Clinton, Grand Master and Mayor of the City, and subsequently Governor of the State. John W. Mulligan, Deputy G. M. and Consul to Greece. Cadwallader D. Colden, Past Senior Grand Warden of the G. L. Martin Hoffman, then Deputy, and subsequently Grand Mas- ter. Jacob Scheiffelin, Past Master. Notice was at once given to all Masonic bodies in the United States of its organization, and also to the Grand Orient of France. May 25th, 1812, the Supreme Council of Sov.-. G.-. Ins.-. Gen. of the 33rd Degree, was opened with high honors of Masonry, and due notice given to the Masonic bodies of the U. S. and also the Grand Orient of France. In 1807 Joseph Cerneau was the only person in America hold- ing a 33rd patent. And his Council was recognized as a 33rd by the Supreme Councils of France, Belgium, Brazil, New Grenada, England, Scotland, Ireland, etc. (P. 68, Folger's Hist.) His patents and authority to found the Rite in this country were fully investigated and approved before the body was created in 1807, by DeWitt Clinton, Cadwallader D. Colden and other eminent lawyers, then officers of the Grand Lodge of New York. The Grand Orient of France in 1816 fully acknowledged the legal status of the bodies thus created by Joseph Cerneau, and appointed him its representative near the Supreme Council of the SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY United States, and Germain Hacquet was appointed representative of the U. S. Council, near the Grand Orient. These two represen- tatives acted for their respective bodies until 1827. Prior to 1814 quite a number of subordinate bodies were created, and in that year charters were granted by this Council for several subordinate bodies at Charleston, S. C. (The city in which it is claimed the Southern Jurisdiction Council was created in 1801). Among the officers of these Charleston bodies were: Thomas W. Bacot, Grand Master of Grand Lodge of South Carolina. John S. Cogsdell, Senior Grand Warden of Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Isaac W. Wilton, Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Subsequently a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the R. S» was created at Charleston, S. C. It is not to be conceived that such astute lawyers as DeWitt Clinton and Cadwallader D. Golden would have become parties to such an organization unless the powers of Cerneau had been ample, complete and unassailable, or that the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodges of New York and of South Carolina would have permitted or taken part in the organization of these Cerneau bodies within their jurisdiction had there then been any other Scottish Rite legitimate claimant within the United States. Is it possible that the so-called Southern jurisdiction could have been organized at Charleston or anywhere else in South Carolina prior to 1814 by Masons, and that fact remain unknown to those Officers of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina ? When De la Motta, who claimed to be a ^^rd officer of a Charleston Council, S. C, promulgated his Bull of Expulsion against DeWitt Clinton in 1813, and the Cerneau Rite, because, among other offensive acts, they had organized the Knights Tem- plar Encampments, these Officers of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina seem to have had no faith in his claims or grievances, and the Grand Orient of France responded: "Nevertheless, the 111. Joseph Cerneau is a Sov.-.Gr.-. Ins.-. General, 33rd, this degree hav- ing been conferred upon him legitimately, and he being gifted with the powers emanating from the Supreme Council of France" (See its proceedings of 1818, p. 66). SCOTTISH RITE MASONRy The eminent Masonic historian, Dr. Oliver, remarks : "It would appear that the Supreme Council of the United States was connected with the Rite Ancient of France, but New York possessed a Sovereign Grand Consistory connected with the Grand Orient of France, and Bro. Cerneau, a French Mason, held at one and the same time the offices of Honorary Member of the Grand Orient of France, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Grand Consistory of New York, and Sovereign Grand Comman- der for life of the Supreme Council of the U. S. of America. This authority was confirmed in 1832 by a solemn treaty between Elias Hicks, Sov. Gr. Commander; Marquis Saint Angelo, Lieut. Gr. Commander; and George Smith, Gr. Sec. Gen. of the Supreme Council of North America, and the Count St. Laurent, Sov. Gr. Commander for the Supreme Council of South America, Terra Firma, and the Canary Islands.'' In 1816 a circular was issued to all the Masonic bodies in the U. S. requiring all bodies claiming to be A.-.A.-.S.-.Rite under any authority to present their warrants to this Council for inspection and allowance. A large number of such bodies complied, and those working without proper authority legalized. It is significant that there were no protests against such authority. Prior to 1828 a large number of subordinate bodies were cre- ated by this Council in the U. S. Besides those organized and chartered in 1814 in South Caro- lina, between 181 3 and 1826 they chartered consistories in New Orleans, La. ; at Newport, R. I. ; Philadelphia, Pa. ; Norfolk, Va. ; Cuba, Porto Rico, Varselona, La Guayra, Port of Spain, and many other places, and they were in full official correspondence with the Sovereign bodies of France, Russia, Island of Jamaica, Germany, Holland, Prussia, and all the recognized bodies of Scottish Rite Masons of the World. 1821. — In this year Joseph Cerneau resigned the office of M.-.P.-.S.-.Gr. Commander in favor of Past Gr. Master John W. Mulligan, assuming the title of Honorary Gr. Commander, and on returning to France in 1846 was created Honorary Member of the Gr. Orient of France. In 1823 John W. Mulligan resigned his office in favor of Gr. Master DeWitt Clinton. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 1825. — On August 15, 1824, the Marauis De Lafayette arrived in New York on his memorable visit as the guest of the nation, and was shortly after his arrival exalted in Jerusalem Chapter No. 8, Royal Arch Masons, and soon thereafter dubbed a Knight Templar in Morton Commandery No. 4. And soon thereafter he was exalted by the Sovereign Grand Consistory to the 33rd and last degree of Masonry, and was created a Sovereign Grand In- spector General and M. P. S. G. C. of the Supreme Council during his stay in America, the then Grand Commander, DeWitt Clinton, resigning in his favor, resuming the office after the Marquis had departed for France. The Marquis De Lafayette became Grand Representative of the Cerneau Council to the Supreme Council of the Grand Orient in France, and continued as such until his death. 1826. — Established a Supreme Council of Brazil at Rio Janeiro, Brazil. 1828. — DeWitt Clinton (then Governor) died, and the vacancy of M.-.P.-.was filled by M.-.Ill.-.Elias Hicks. 1832. — M.-. 111.-. Count De St. Laurent, Grand Comr. of the Su- preme Council, New Spain, South America, etc, with credentials from the Grand Orient of France, proposed, and a treaty was made, giving the Cerneau Council supreme power over the whole Western Hemisphere. (Folger's Hist., page 320). 1834-5. — -^ treaty of Masonic union, etc., was formed with the Supreme Councils of Belgium, France and Brazil, which in 1836 was ratified. 1846, October 27. — The treaty of 1832 was annulled and abro- gated, and the Supreme Council resumed its previous distinctive title, by which it has been known ever since. The reason for this action was that some of the Council desired to have warrants issued for the formation of symbolic lodges, in violation of the well settled policy which had always governed the action of the body. The treaty of 1834-5 was negotiated and arranged by the Count De St. Laurent and the Marquis De Lafayette, acting for the U. S. Supreme Council. Previous, however, to its ratification, the Marquis, full of years and honors, joined the brethren of a higher Council. Ten days before his death, viz., on the loth of May, 1834, he wrote at the bottom of his patent as follows : SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY "It is to the extreme indulgence of the Supreme Council of the U. S. that being exalted to the 33rd degree, notwithstanding the superior knowledge and services of many of my brethren, I am to-day indebted for the eminent favors which have been conferred upon me. I accept them with profound gratitude, and will en- deavor to m.erit them by my zeal. May our ancient institutions propagate and patronize Liberty, Equality, Philanthropy and con- tribute to the great movements of social civilization, which must emancipate the two hemispheres. Lafayette." Thus this grand soldier and Mason in his modesty, testifying his appreciation of his degree as a 33rd, does not even refer to the fact that for the brief period he was in this country, he served as the head of the Council. 1834. — The official notice of the death of 111. Bro. Marquis De Lafayette was made to the Supreme Council by his colleague. 111. Bro. the Count St. Laurent, who succeeded him as Grand Repre- sentative. 1844. — Elias Hicks died and is succeeded by Henry C. Atwood as M.-. P.. S.-.C.-. Commander. May, 185 1. — Bro. Jeremy L. Cross, 33rd, who had been exalted by the body calling itself the Charleston Council, presented his 33rd Letters Patent, and requested affiliation with the Cerneau Supreme Council. This Patent is given in full, and shows that at its date, 1824, the Charleston Council did not recognize the existence of the Northern Jurisdiction, claimed to have been organized in 1814 under its authority. (See Doc. 35, Folger). After taking an oath of fealty to the Cerneau Council, Bro. Cross was admitted and his rank acknowledged. Subsequently Henry C. Atwood resigned and was succeeded by Jeremy L. Cross. 1852. — Jeremy L. Cross resigned on account of ill health (died the following year) and was succeeded by Henry C. Atwood as M.-.P.-.S.-.G.-.Commander. 1857. — Fraternal relations re-established with the Supreme Council of Belgium. i860.— Established a Scottish Rite body in California. 111. Bro. Henry C. Atwood died and was succeeded by Edmund B. Hayes as M. .P.-.S.-.G.-.Commander. (Hayes was made a Sov. Grand Ins. General 33rd by DeWitt Clinton). SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 1862. — Established a Scottish Rite body in New Jersey; and another in Boston, Mass. September 3rd, 1862. — An appointment and exchange of Grand Representatives between the Grand Orient of France (Supreme Council) and this Council was effected by the 111. Bro. Harry J. Seymour, Grd. Mas. of Cer. at Paris, and 111. Bros. Armand Felix Huolant, 33rd, and Baron A. Hugo de Bulow 33rd and John J. Crane 33rd M. W., Grand Master of New York, were appointed Gr. Representatives respectively. In the following forms : T. T. G. O. T. G. A. O. T. U. Deus Meumque Jus. By the authority in me vested as S. G. I. G. Grd. Mas. of Cer. of the Sup. C. S. G. I. G. 33rd Ancient and Accepted Rite for the United States of American, its Territories and dependencies, I do by virtue of the patent with which I am vested, appoint the very Illustrious Brother Armand Felix Houllant 33rd Grand Master adjoint of the Grand Orient of France, Representative of the Supreme Council of the United States of America, its territories and dependencies, of which the Illustrious Brother Edmund B. Hayes is now the T. III. and T. Puis. Sov. G. Com. to the Sup. Council of the Grand Orient of France and her Dependencies. Subject to the ratification of the Supreme Council of the United States of America. Witness my official signature, Harry J. Seymour 33rd S. G. I. G., Gr. Mas. of Cer. of the Sup. C. S. G. I. G. 33rd of the United States. Done at the office of the Grand Orient, No. 16 Rue Cadet, Valley of Paris, September 16, 1862. CONTRA APPOINTMENT. Copy No. 11,206 Of Correspondence Address of the G. O. Rue Cadet, 16, Paris. [Seal] GRAND ORIENT De FRANCE. Supreme Council for France and its possessions, O. of Paris, Sept. 3d, 1862, E. V. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY To the III. arid Most Dear Brother H. J. Seymour, S. G. I. G., Grand Master of Ceremonies of the S. C. of the U. S., at Nezv York, 3sd. A. and A. Scottish Rite: III. Brother: We have the favor to answer the communica- tion which you have addressed to us, with a view of establishing fraternal relations between the Sup. Con. of Grand Ins. G. 33d. U. S. A. Scottish Rite, sitting at New York, and the G. O. of France, Sup. Con. of France and the French Possessions, sitting at Paris. It is with the greatest satisfaction, 111. and Most Dear Bro., that we would see strict bonds established between these two Masonic powers, by the nomination of mutual guarantees of friendship. We accept, after examination of the powers which you have shown us, to the effect, of being the representative of the Supreme Council, U. S. A. sitting at New York, to the Grand Orient of France, and we propose, as representative of the Grand Orient of France, to the said Sup. C. the 111. Brother John J. Crane, Grand Master of the Grand- Lodge of the State of New York. These provisional designations, accepted by us in the begin- ning, shall be subject to the ratification of the Sup. C. of the U. S. A. sitting at New York. They shall become definitive, when the agreement of that power shall have reached us, and they shall then be officially notified to whom it may concern. We trust with confidence. 111. and Most Dear Brother, to your care and diligence for the prompt realization of these projects, which cannot fail to add to the glory of the order in general ; accept. 111. and Most Dear Brother, the assurance of our high and affectionate consideration. L. C. Master Adjoint of the Masonic Order in France. HUELLANT. Examined and approved by us, the Marshal of France, Grand Master of the Masonic Order in France. Magnan. In January, 1862, M.-.Ill.-.John W. Mulligan, who with Joseph Cerneau and De Witt Clinton was one of the founders of the Council of 1807, died, full of years and honors. In October, 1861, he was present when nearly 94 years of age, and took an active part in the deliberations of the Council. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 1862. — Harry J. Seymour, 33rd, visited Europe and was re- ceived with great honors by the various Councils, and among otlier acts while there, he arranged for representation between the two Councils. The Baron De Bulow and Armand F. Heullant, near the Grand Orient of France, and Bros. Robert D. Holmes, Grand Master, and John J. Crane, of the Grand Orient, near the United States. The foregoing is taken from the printed minutes of the Su- preme Council, 1862, and was prepared by Daniel Sickels, Secre- tary, who later, in 1865, became a traitor and from Folger's History of A. A. S. R. From other sources we extract the fol- lowing: At its inception this Council notified all the Masonic bodies in the United States that they renounced all right and power over the three degrees known as Entered Apprentice, Fel- low Craft and Master Mason. (See transaction of Grand Lodge of New York, 1808.) 1820. — The Council gives notice to all the Grand Lodges that a person claiming to be a 33rd (supposed to be of the Charleston Council) was, contrary to all Masonic usages, conferring the three hlue'lodge degrees. (Folger's Hist. Doc. 22, page 199.) All patents issued by this Council since 1807, prescribe that none shall receive the Scottish Rite Degrees, unless previously raised by authority of some regular Grand Lodge. (See Docs. 23-26 and pages 202, 208, 212, Folger's Hist.) 1851. — This Council issued a protest against the un-Masonic acts of the Southern and Northern Jurisdiction in creating Blue Lodges, as disorderly and says : "Over the degrees of symbolic or Masters Lodges — and Chapters of Ancient York Rite, and over the degrees of knighthood, as conferred by regular encamp- ments, the Supreme Grand Council has no control whatever. "We mean to stand by, support and cherish the American or- ganisation; to uphold all regular Grand Lodges, Grand Chapters and Grand Encampments with their subordinates, claiming no authority whatever over those degrees, and denouncing all Masons who would interfere with them in any way." (Folger's Hist. 345-350.) 1852. — The Council of Louisiana, in opposition to the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, created Blue Lodges and conferred the three degrees. The Rt. W. Grand Master sent a letter to this Council SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY '3 asking its opinion as to its authority so to do, and Sov.-. Gr.-.Comr.-. Atwood replied: "The action of the Council was unjust and un- lawful—members so created are not Ancient Craft Masons — such bodies are illegal, and their members cannot be recognized. And the Council issued an edict against the Northern Jurisdiction Council as a party to such un-Masonic acts. (Folger's Hist. pp. 360 to 363.) Every constitution since 1807 has disclaimed any authority over the three degrees, and prohibited the giving the degrees 4th to ^yd to any person who was not proven to be a Master Mason- in good standing. 1814, June 4. — This Council regularly constituted "The Grand Encampment of Sir Knights Templar and Attendant Orders for the State of New York." De Witt Clinton was elected its Grand Master — and in 1816, June 21st, the Grand Encampment of the United States was formed, De Witt CHnton being elected its first Grand Master. (See Proceedings of the Grand Encarnpment of New York, 1882, pages 121-123.) In fact, prior to the Morgan scare of 1827, almost all the officers of its Supreme Council were also officers of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment. Prior to the erection of the Grand Encampment in 1814, the order of Knights Templar was not strictly regarded as Masonic — many who received these orders were not Masons. (See Folger, pages 122 and 126, giving the history of these organizations, and why the Supreme Council took it upon itself to make and create the Grand Encampment.) To Cernau is due the credit of gathering together these ir- regular bodies — supplying them with degrees and rituals — and making them one of the most popular of Masonic organizations. Bro. Cerneau also conferred the degrees of Royal and Select Master, and its first Council in New York was created by him in 1810. (Id. page 316.) Thus we find that in 1862 this Supreme Council had absolute and substantially undisputed control over the whole Western Hemisphere, and had had such over the whole United States for over fifty years. It had subordinate bodies in South America, Mexico, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Maryland, Cuba, Porto Rico, etc., and was recognized by the Masonic world at home 14 SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY and abroad as the only A.-.A.-.S.-.Rite in the Western Hemisphere. There was then existing a so-called Northern Jurisdiction Council, created in 1813 by De la Motta, who claimed to be of the Charleston Council. That Council, however, had remained dor- mant for nearly forty years, but about this time (1862) it became active. The Council, however, was then split in twain, each expelHng the other as spurious. 1862, April— This Northern Jurisdiction Council appointed a committee who made an exhaustive investigation, and upon their report and the documents submitted in February, 1863, determined that they had no title over the degrees, and that the legal title was vested in the Cerneau Council. They thereupon, February 8, 1863, agreed to turn over all their property to the Cerneau Council on being healed. Pursuant to that agreement, February 18, 1863, this so-called Northern Jurisdiction Council adjourned sine die, and April 15, 1863, its members were received into the Cerneau Council upon taking the usual healing obligation. Upon an examination of the history of this Northern Jurisdic- tion Council it will be fovmd that they never had any legal power or authority, and had never been recognized by any power up to that date. But, if they did have, it cannot be disputed that when, in 1863, they thus voluntarily dissolved and were healed, their organization, whatever it was, died, and remained dead beyond dieir own powers of Masonic resurrection. (A large number of the Cerneau Council, regarding the mem- bers of the Northern Jurisdiction as tricksters, as well as spurious, objected to their being received into their Council. Very Ill.-.Benj. C. Leveridge, then Grand Orator, resigned his office, and he and several others refused to fraternize with them upon any condi- tions whatever.) 1863, April 16. — The Council (after receiving and healing the members of the Northern Jurisdiction) authorized and directed its Grand Secretary to receive the effects of the late Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction. (Folger Supplement page 1863. — Clinton F. Page was appointed Dep.-.Ins.^. General, and at the same time charters for a Council, Lodge, Chapter and Consistory, all under distinctive title, "Central City," Syracuse, N. Y., were granted. SCOT TISH RITE MASONRY 15 May 9. — Books, papers, etc., of the late Northern Jurisdiction delivered to Gr.-.Comr.-.Hayes. (Folger, Page 74.) August, 1863. — Henry L. Palmer (now posing as Sov.-.Gr.-. Comr. of the Northern Jurisdiction), crowned 33d by Commander Hayes and appointed Deputy for Wisconsin. (Id. Page 76.) Grand Comr. Hayes reports six Grand Consistories then exist- ing, viz. : Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. And among the various subor- dinate Consistories three in New York — one being at Syracuse. 1864, October 19. — Baron De Bulow, Gr. Representative of France, was introduced by Bro. Seymour, and received with hon- ors. (Id. Page 78). REVOLUTION. October 24, 1864. — Bro. McClenachan, one of the then late Northern Jurisdiction claimants, discovering that Gr.-.Comr.-. Hayes and several Cerneau men were absent from the Council, moved that Henry L. Palmer, Clinton F. Page and three other 33rd members late of the Northern Jurisdiction, be made active members of the Council, and they were so made ; thus giving the late Northern Jurisdiction members a two-third majority of the Council then present. By the majority thus created — in utter violation of the constitution and their obligations — they at once changed the constitution, which was ad vitam, declared vacant the offices of the Council and elected in their places those who would do their bidding. (See proc. of the Northern Jurisdiction, pages 184 to 190). 1865, September 11. — A committee was appointed to visit the Charleston Council, and Bro. McClenachan moved that a com- mittee be appointed to consider the propriety of resuming the old name, Supreme Council of Northern Jurisdiction. The Committee was appointed, reported in favor of resuming, and October 22, 1865, the old name. Northern Jurisdiction was resumed. (Ibid pages 202, 201 ) . (The effect of this resolution was vo absolutely disrupt the Cerneau Council. Those who resumed the old name were no longer members of, and had no rights, powers or duties in the Cerneau Council. The Cerneau members, who could not resume a name they never had held, and always regarded as spurious, /5 SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY remained the Cerneau Council, freed from the presence of the traitors). The conspirators were so sure of the result, that long before this date they began to call themselves and uge the headings to their notices "Northern Jurisdiction." Harry J. Seymour received a notice so headed, dated May 30, 1865, to which he replied June 4th, that he knew no such Scottish Rite organization. A large meeting of 33rd members was held June 23rd, 1865, by order of Comr. Hayes. They denounced the act of these late Northern Jurisdiction members, who, as we have shown, in October, 1864, illegally obtained control. Seymour was emphatic in his language respecting these brethren, both at that meeting and elsewhere, and on the i6th of October he was notified that he would be tried on the evening of October 20th for a viola- tion of his obligation in substantially declaring that the body re- suming the name "Northern Jurisdiction" was illegitimate, fraud- ulent, etc. To this notice Seymour replied, as he had in June previous, "that he knew no such organization as the Northern Jurisdiction." December 13, 1865. — Ebenezer H. Shaw, a member of the Charleston Council, was admitted and received with honors, (Ibid page 203). The next day, upon the pretense that Hayes had re- signed, Simon W. Robinson was elected and installed Sr.-.G.-. Comr. The Council then at once passed a resolution to admit no one into the room, and then and there passed a resolution that Flarry J. Seymour be expelled. (Ibid pp. 205-207). It should need no argument to convince Masons that this farce thus enacted had no legal effect upon Seymour. The act was done long after those doing it had resumed their old name — Northern Jurisdiction — ^long after they had resumed fraternal relations with the Charleston br Southern Council — and after their officers had been installed as officers of the Northern Jurisdiction. How could such a Council expel a brother who had never owed it allegiance ? The legal and only logical effect of all acts occurring after Oct. 22, 1865, when the name Northern Jurisdiction was resumed, cannot be disputed by Masons, viz. : ■SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY n First. — Those doing so, and those who fraternized with them, were each guilty of a violation of their obligations. ■ Second. — Such acts did not absolve them from their oaths of fealty; they have ever since been bound by such oaths to the Cerneau body. And not being released, they could not by any possibility either revive or create any Masonic organization hostile to Cerneau. And every attempt so to do must be regarded by the Masonic world as illegal and spurious. Third. — Such acts did not affect the legal status of the Cerneau Council or any of its members — they could not be affected by the resuming of a name they never had, or the acts of a pretended Council to which they never belonged. Fourth. — It simply left the loyal members of the Cerneau Council to pursue their business without let or hindrance, of those who resumed their old name. THE INDUCEMENT FOR SUCH ACTS. Neither Masons nor vulgate become traitors without some ob- ject, deemed sufficient. When the Northern Jurisdiction gave up their organization and were healed by the Cerneau body, they did so in good faith with- out doubt. They had caused a full and complete investigation con- cerning the origin of Scottish Rite Masonry in this country ; they had come to realize that neither they nor the Charleston Council had any standing, and the only legal body was the Cerneau. To get a legal title they destroyed their body, and took the healing obligation gladly. They without doubt would have remained true to the Cerneau Council had they not been tempted by Pike, who had lately obtained control of the Southern Council. The Civil War in the United States came to a close in 1865. Previous to that time no one in the North knew or cared for the so-called Charleston Council. But from the subsequent transac- tions between that Council and those who, in Octobet", 1865, re- sumed their old name, it is perfectly clear that negotiations between them began early in 1864, and were kept up with great secrecy until December, 1865. Albert Pike, who just prior to the Civil War had become the head of the Charleston Council, knew full well that his Council i8 SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY would never be recognized by the Cerneau Council, and that in any strife between them the Charleston Council must suffer defeat and utter destruction. He at once opened correspondence with those of the Cerneau Council who had been in the Council of the North- ern Jurisdiction. What inducements he offered is now of no im- portance. It is sufficient to know that they were corrupted, and regardless of their obligations so recently taken, a secret compact was entered into between them whereby these brethren who had been healed were First — To obtain control of the Cerneau Council and of its effects. Second. — To resume their old name "Northern Jurisdiction." Third. — That they should divide the spoils between them. We have noted how successfully this plan was worked, and we cite some of the transactions that prove this scheme as fully as would the oral testimony of those engaged in it. 1. Transactions of the Charleston Council, by Albert Pike, show (p. 316) that prior to July 15, 1865, he had written to all the brethren whose names he had, in the hope of divorcing them from the Cerneau Council. 2. September 11, 1865. Committees were appointed by the votes of those in the Cerneau Council, who were late of the North- ern Jurisdiction, to visit the Charleston Supreme Council, and to consider the propriety of resuming their old name. And it was then resolved that the Council adjourn until after the meeting of the Charleston Council. And Oct. 22, 1865, after the report of the visiting committee to the Charleston Council was made, the name "Northern Jurisdiction" was resumed. 3. Bro. Pike, at the meeting of his Council (Trans. 1865 and 1866) says he had had under consideration for a long time which of the pretended Councils of the Northern Jurisdiction he would recognize. And that on April i, 1866, a resolution was passed that they would recognize those who were in the Cerneau Council, when they should reassemble as the Council of the Northern Jur- isdiction. (See pages 62-64 Folger's Hist.) 4. Robinson, the Sov.-.Gr.-.Comr., in December, 1866, under this compact with Pike disrupted the Council, which had been doing business since October, 1865, under the resumed name SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 19 "Northern Jurisdiction," and gives his reasons therefor substan- tially as follows : 1. That the Southern Council took exception to the union with the Cerneau Council. 2. That Bro. Pike was of the opinion that the Northern Juris- diction Council did not die when it adjourned sine die and was healed by the Cerneau Council. But that its vital energies were suspended for the time being; and that he, Robinson, succeeds to the office of Sov.-.Gr.-.Comr. of the Northern Jurisdiction. 3. That by the dissolution of this Council, its members are absolved from their oath of fealty, and may resuscitate the North- ern Jurisdiction and exercise all the powers, etc., it had previous to its union with the Cerneau Council. And these members of the Northern Jurisdiction (whose vital energies it was thus claimed had been suspended nearly four years) proceeded to elect officers, and have ever since continued to do business as the "Supreme Council of the Northern Juris- diction." Was ever so monstrous a doctrine openly promulgated by Masons ? How could men whose vital energies had for years ceased to exist, of their own motion, perform any act showing life? Their Council by a unanimous vote February 18, 1863, ad- journed sine die, and was thus dead; and on the 15th of April, 1863, when each member was healed by and became a member of Cerneau, he ceased forever more to be of the Northern Juris- diction. Henceforth by oath and patent each was bound evermore to support the Cerneau, and hold every other Scottish Rite as spurious. In December, 1866, having been engaged for nearly two years in treasonable practices, they declare the dead body resurrected; and two years after their treasonable acts, during all of which they claimed to be the Northern Jurisdiction, being equally guilty, each absolved the other from his obligation to Cerneau. What had these brethren done while in this torpid state ? I. They had by obligation and patent become members and officers of Cerneau. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 2. They had by trick and device overturned the constitution and gained absolute control of Cerneau. 3. They had resumed their old name and entered into fra- ternal relations with Cerneau's enemy, and appropriated to their own use all of Cerneau's books, papers and property. 4. They had corrupted the secretary and several of the other Cerneau officers, and through them, its subordinate bodies, and the Councils abroad were deceived with the pretense that the Cerneau Council had changed its name to that of the Northern Jurisdiction. 5. Having thus obtained possession of the valuable property accumulated by the Cerneau Council, as well as its subordinate bodies created during a period of nearly fifty years, they fted to Boston, and there in December, 1866, turned the whole business and property over to themselves as a resurrected organization, whose vital energies had been suspended during the whole period in which they were engaged in this abominable work. It did not seem to occur to these brethren that as holiest men and Masons, if they repudiated having any vital functions while in the Cerneau Council, they should return to Cerneau the property so basely obtained while in that lamentable condition. They came to the Cerneau Council bankrupt, having little, if any, property or following. And when they resurrected the Northern Jurisdiction in 1866, they were rich with Cerneau spoils so nefariously obtained. The Free Mason's Journal of June 18, 1888, pertinently asks : "i. If the Northern Jurisdiction was wrong, as they admitted they were after full investigation in 1863, and being torpid during the Union, gained nothing but some ill gotten property, until in 1867 when they got back into their old illegitimate cradle, how can they be right now? 2. If Cerneau was legal in 1863, how can her legitimacy be lessened because the officers of a body in a comatose state burst up her organization, and carried off her property ? 3. If Cerneau had any one left to organize and build up again, why is she not now the only legal body in the land, as it is thus solemnly admitted she was in 1863, before this shabby treatment?" SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY CERNEAU'S REVIVAL. Grand Commander Hayes, and the loyal Cerneau men could not of course, and did not enter again the rooms or visit those who had resumed the name "Northern Jurisdiction." Hayes did not, and could not resign as Grand Commander of a body of which he was never a member. Hayes had been a very sick man for some time, when its enemies thus obtained control of Cerneau's property, but as soon as able, called together all its 33rd members, except those who had been induced to join with its despoilers. (See copies of notices for meetings pp. 31-33, Baylis Pam. 1886, and Minutes of Meeting 1865 to 1881). 1872. — Grand Commander Hayes resigned and 111. -.Harry J. Seymour was exalted M.-.P.-.Sov.-.Gr.-.Comr. 1880. — Grand Commander Seymour resigned and Ill.-.Wm. H. Peckham was elected M.-.P.-.Sov.-.Gr.-.Comr. (Folger's Hist. pp. 99 to 105), gives in short form the history of the Cerneau Council from the day its Northern Jurisdiction members resumed their old name to date 1881. It gives the names of the officers of its Supreme Council, and the names of over 500 members of its Sov.-.Gr.-. Consistory, and the names of its subordinate bodies, and says : "This Council is the legitimate successor of the Cerneau Su- preme Council of 1863 * * * * and as such possesses all the attributes, powers and authority which the Cerneau-Hayes Council possessed at that time." 1886. — A new constitution was adopted whereby the officers of the Council are elected for three years. Its Sovereign Grand Consistory is the law creating power, and every 32nd and 33rd member is entitled to select and elect representatives to it. While the Cerneau Council, deprived of every dollar in its treasury and of all its property and subordinate bodies, as we have shown in 1864-5, has had a hard struggle in its efforts to regain its former standing and recognition, it has been successful beyond all expectation. In this year, 1903, it has on its roll call 70 Consistories, each having within its bosom a Chapter, Lodge and Council of the A. .A.-.S.-.Rite, equivalent to about 300 of the separate bodies of its enemies. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY And three Grand Consistories. As to its foreign recognition; acknowledged by the Grand Orient of France in 1810 and 1816. It exchanged representatives from 1813 to 1863 with the Grand Orient of France, and was represented by the Marquis De Lafayette, from 1827 until his death in 1834, when he was succeeded by the Count de St. Laurent. In 1835 ^ Triple Alliance was effected between the Cerneau and the Councils of France and Brazil, which was subsequently concurred in by Belgium, New Grenada and other Councils. In 1862 Seymour visited Europe, was received with great honor fey every Council he visited, and every vacancy in representation was filled. Grand Master Robert D. Holmes and John J. Crane were appointed representatives of the Grand Orient near the Cerneau Council. In 1864 the Baron De Bulow, its representative near the Grand Orient of France, visited its Supreme Council in New York. In 1888 its Sovereign Grand Commander visited Europe and was cordially received, and his Patent, now in its Archives, vised by the Grand Bodies of Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, France, Great Britain and Ireland. Whatever foreign recognition has been received by the North- ern and Southern Jurisdiction was gained by the fraudulent pre- tense that the Northern Jurisdiction was in fact but a change in name of the Cerneau Council. (See Pike's admission in the article on the Southern Jurisdiction that they had none prior to 1866, and recollect that the name "Northern Jurisdiction" was resumed in 1865) . In some instances where they could else get no recognition, they set up bogus Councils. This Supreme Council has jurisdiction over the whole United States. By its constitution, its Sovereign Grand Consistory is the law-making power. The subordinate consistories elect their representatives to the Grand Consistory, and to the Sovereign Grand Consistory, and every 33rd in good standing is a member of the Sovereign Grand Consistory. Its Sovereign Grand Commanders since 1807 were : Joseph Cerneau, 1807-1821. John W. Mulligan, 1821-1823 also 1844-1845. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY 23 DeWitt Clinton, 1823-1828. Marquis De Lafayette, 1825. Elias Hicivs, 1828- 1844. Henry C. Atwood, 1845 to 1850 also 1852-1860. Jeremy L. Cross, 1850-1852. Edmund B. Hayes, 1860-1872. Harry J. Seymour, 1872-1880. William H. Peckham, 1880-1887 also 1896-1897. F. J. S. Gorgas, M. D., 1887-1890. P. F. D. Hibbs, 1890-1893. Wheeler Cable, 1893-1895. John Edelstein, 1895- 1896. Andrew J. Provost, 1897-1898. Simon B. Fry, 1898-1899. John Porter Steffner, 1 899-1 901. Max Scheuer, 1901. Cornell University Library HS766 .A7 1903 Condensed history of the ancient and ace IP 3 1924 030 352 540 olin,anx