J Cornell University Library !| HS737 .N56 History of the Grand Council lllllli Royal and '' 3 1924 030 348 126 olin,anx jt imm.^^JB' ,737 ^I5T0RY' of tl?e of tfje State of f(e\jj Yor\{ from its i9(;eptioi} to 1873 Press of John W. Palmkr 359 Fulton Street Brooklyn - New York 1906 15 7 /^.7X'3 v« INTRODUCTION [Prepared for the Library Committee by M ■. 111.-. Geo. McGown— see proceedings of the Grand Council for 1902.] A few years ago the Grand Council made provision for a. reprint of its Proceedings up to 1873, and the pubHcation of those that had never been officially printed. The subject was placed in the hands of a Committee designated "The Library Committee," who have been assiduous in their search for information, with a view -t-o the publication of all the transactions from the reputed formation of a Grand Council in 1807. This date has been claimed as that of the organization of the Grand Council, but the committee has been unable to discover any tangible evidence to substantiate the claim. In i860 a committee was appointed to prepare a "History of the Grand Council of the State of New York, from its inception to the present time." This Committee, through its chairman. Companion Vincent W. Bate, submitted a full and in- teresting report which appears in the published transactions for 1861. After giving a sketch of the introduction of the degrees,into this country, through certain members of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, the report says : In 1807, Bro. Joseph Cerneau, Deputy Inspector General, 33°, "conferred the degrees of Royal Master upon several brethren in New York, and by his authority derived from the Grand Consistory of France, formed, in September of that year, the Coun- cil of Royal Master Masons of the City of New York, and installed Companion Thomas Lownds as first Grand Royal Master." The report further states "The records of the Grand Council of Royal Masters of New York, September 2nd, 1810, say: This Grand Council, by resolution, granted a Warrant to Columbian Council, No. i, for the City of New York, Companion Thomas Lownds, Thrice Illustrious Royal Master." If any such record ever existed, it has disappeared from view. 3 The minutes of ColumWan Grand Council, No. i, of Royal Master Masons of the Citj^ of New York, from September 2nd, 1810, to June, 1848, have been secured for the committee. These minutes make no reference to the reception of a Warrant from any Body, or individual. In fact, they shov*r conclusively that Columbian Coun- cil, No. I, was a self-constituted body, organized by a number of Royal Master ilasons, under the leadership of Bro. Thomas Lownds, who was elected its first Thrice Illustrious Grand Royal Master, and served in that office until 1820. This Council was the first ever or- ganized for the conferring of any of the degrees now recognized as belonging to the Cryptic Rite. This seniority was recognized by a Council organized at Boston in 1817, asking written sanction to be confirmed in their labors. This sanction was granted, and so far as appears of record this was the only instance where Columbian Grand Council, No. i, exercised any of the attributes of sovereignty. The degree of Royal Master was the only regular degree conferred by it until 181 7, when the degree of Super-Excellent j\Taster was adopted. In 1821, Companion Lownds created a Council of Select Masters by conferring the degree upon ten brethren, who, with one or two exceptions, were members of Columbian Council. One week later this new creation was merged with Columbian Council, and thereafter the Council conferred the three degrees, or "orders" of R'. M... S.'. E.". M.-. and S-'. M.". apparently in the order named. January i8th, 1823, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved — That it is expedient to form a "Grand Council of Royal Master Masons and Select Masons for the State of New York, and that the Thrice Illustrious Past Ro\-al Pilaster Thomas Lownds be requested to call a convention of all the Present and Past Grand Royal Masters, Deputy Grand Masters and Grand Wardens, in this city, in order to carry into effect the formation of a Grand Council." The convention assembled January 2Sth, resolved it to be ex- pedient to form a Grand Council of Royal Master I\Iasons for the State of New York, and proceeded to elect officers. Thomas Lownds being chosen as the first Most Illustrious Royal 'Grand Master. A Constitution was adopted February ist, 1823, and the Grand Council entered on^its career with one subordinate — Colum- bian Council, No, i. which appointed a committee to make formal application for a Warrant. Other Councils were formed from time 4 to time and the Grand Council maintained an existence until i860, when it united with "The Grand Council of Royal and Select Mas- ters of the State of New York," organized in 1854. The ■proceed- ings of this latter body were published in duodecimo form up to and including 1872. Those of the other Grand Council were never pub- Hshed by that body. As the pioneer organization, Columbian Council is inseparably identified with the development of this branch of Masonry in the State of New York. An independent body, owing allegiance to no one, untrammeled by landmarks, constitutions or laws, save those of its own creation, it was to all intents and purposes, a Grand Council. It had inherent power to confer the degrees in its possession, or to form other Councils for that purpose, and when it accomplished the organization of the Grand Council in i82':5, from among its own members, it simply exercised that power by perfecting machinery for the propagation of the Rite. When the new organization was completed, Columbian Council voluntarily surrendered its indepen- dent status, and became a constituent of -the body it had created, and with which it necessarily maintained more than ordinary intimate relations. The minutes of Columbian Council, No. i, may properly be regarded as part of the records of the Grand Council; indeed, the history of the Cryptic Rite in New York would be incomplete with- out them, hence they are published as part of the reprint. Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030348126 RECORDS OF COLUMBIAN GRAND COUNCIL, No. i OF ROYAL MASTER MASONS FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK From its organization, September loth, 1810, to the formation of the Grand Council of Royal Master Masons for the State of New York, January 25th, 1823. New York, 2nd September, 1810. St. John's Hall, 3 Elul (Tuesday), 5570. At a meeting of a number of Royai, Master Masons : Resolved — That Bro. Thomas Lownds take the chair and open a Council of Royal Masters. Resolved — That the regular meetings of this Council be held on the eighth day of every lunar month, and at such other time and place as the T. 111. Grand Royal Master shall think proper for the good of the said Council, and that the election for officers shall take place at the time that the sun enters cancer. Resolved — That this Grand Council of Royal Master Masons be known and distinguished by the name of Columbian Grand Coun- cil, No. I, of Royal S^aster Masons, for the City of New York. Resolved — That this Grand Council proceed to elect officers to serve until the 21st of June, next ensuing. When the following brethren were elected : Thomas Lownds. .Thrice Illustrious Grand R. M. John E. Russell Illustrious D. R. M. William Craig Illustrious Grand Warden John Manner Grand R. Marshal John Utt S. R. Marshal Zebdee Ring J. R. Marshal Peter Roome Grand Treasurer Jones Humbert Grand Recorder George Woorough Grand Conductor Henry Broome Grand Herald 7 The officers were all installed and inducted in their several offices. Bro. John P. Roome, proposed for exaltation : Bro. John N. Johnson, of RoyaJ Arch, No. 2, Lodge, Bro. Robert Roberts, of Hiram, No. 7, Lodge, Bros. John Gowan and Asa Gurnsey, of Ben- evolent, No. 142, Lodge. These candidates were balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward, and were exalted to this Ancient and Royal Degree. Resolved — That a committee of five be appointed to draft a set of By-Laws for the use and regulation of this Grand Council. Accordingly Brothers Thomas Lownds, Sampson Simpson, William Craig, Jones Humbert and Peter Roome were appointed. No other business appearing, Council closed with S. S. St. John's Hall, the 8 Elul (September), 5570. A regular meeting of Columbian Grand Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand Master Lownds being present. No business offering, Council closed, with S. S. New York, 21st September, 1810 St. John's Hall, 22 Elul, 5570. An extra meeting of Columbian Grand Council was held, the T. 111. Grand R. M. in the chair. Bro. Young proposed Bro. Barjan, of Woods Lodge ; he was balloted for, and admitted, being in waiting, came forward, and was exalted to the Royal degree. No other business offering. Council adjourned to meet on the 1st of Tisvi (October). First day of Tisvi, 5570. Council met according to adjournment, the T. 111. Grand AI. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Peter Roome, proposed for exaltation in this Grand Coun- cil, Bro. Robert A. Stewart, and Bro. James Jones, both of Wash- ington Lodge ; seconded by Bro. Craige, and ordered to be entered on our minutes. The officers being lectured on their different stations. Council closed with S. S. New York, 7th October, 1810. St. John's Hall, 8 Tisvi, 5571. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. ]11. Grand M. Lownds, in the chair. Bros. Stewart and Jones were balloted for and admitted ; came forward, and were exalted to the degree of R. M. M. No other business, Council closed with S. S. New York, 14th October, 18 10. St. John's Hall, 15th Tisvi, 5571. An extra meeting of Columbian Council, the T. 111. Grand M. Lownds in the chair. Bro. John Jacobs, of Hiram Lodge, No. 7, was proposed by Bro. Robert Roberts, balloted for and admitted; he being in waiting, came forward and was exalted to the degree of a Royal Master Mason. No other business. Council closed with S. S. New York, sth November, 1810. St. John's Hall, 8 Hesvan, 5571. A regular meting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand R. M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Jacobs proposed for exaltation Bro. Charles G. Bast ; was balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward and received the degree of a R. M. M. No other business. Council closed with S. S. New York, 5th December, 1810. St. John's Hall, 8 Kislen, (November), 5571. A regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Resolved, That the Knights of the Round-table should meet on the tenth of the present month (Kislen). No other business appearing. Council closed with S. S. New York, 7th December, 1810, and of our order 1204. A Council of Knights of the Honorable Order of Round Table was opened by the 111. Abbot Lownds. The following companions were dubbed Knights of the order : Levy Nathans and Henry R. Roome. New York, 5th January, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 8 Tebet, 5571. A regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds in the chair. Bro. Wm. Craige proposed John Pollgang, Junior ; was balloted for, and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward and was exalted to the degree of R. M. M. No other business, Council closed with S. S. New York, 2d February, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 8 Sebat (January), 5571. A regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds in the chair. Bro. Yound proposed, that the committee appointed to draft the By-Laws should report. They reported progress, and desired longer time, which was granted. No business, Council closed with S. S. New York, 4th March, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 8 Adar (February), 5571. A regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M. the T. 111. Grand R. M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. No business in this degree. Council closed, and a Chapter of 111. Knights of the H. O. of the Garter, was opened by the Grand Prelate Lownds, the following Brothers and Companions were con- stituted Knights of this order. (No names given). New^York, 2d April, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 8 Nissan (April), 5571. A regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. AI., the 111. Grand R. M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. 10 Bro. Robert Roberts proposed Bro. Benjamin Coles of No. 302, Ireland, to be exalted in this Council ; he was balloted for and ad- mitted, and being in waiting, came forward and received the degree of R. M. M. Council closed with S. S. New York, Friday, 21st June, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 28 Sivan (June), 5571. This being the constitutional day for the election of Officers, the following brethren were appointed to fill the diiTerent offices. Thomas Lownds . . Thrice Illustrious Grand R. M. Robert Young Illustrious Deputy R. M. John Utt, Illustrious Grand Warden John P. Roome Grand R. Marshal Zebidee Ring S. R. Marshal John Maraner J. R. Marshal Peter Roome Treasurer Jones Humbert Recorder George Woodrough Conductor Henry B. Roome Herald The officers being installed and inducted in office. Council closed with S. S. New York, 2d October, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 12 Tisvi (October), 5572. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds in the chair. Bro. Peter Roome proposed for exaltation, Lues Samond, Thadeus Samond, Demas Knight and Joseph S. Branard, (all of St. John's, No. i) ; Bro. Young proposed James Veriann of Abraham's Lodg'e, and Bros. Jacob Friday, of St. Andrew's, Jos. Anastasin of Washington Lodge. They were balloted for, admitted and exalted to the degree of Royal M. M. Bro. Lues Samond proposed Bros. Samuel Carter and John Wastern (of St. Simon and St. Jude Lodge). They were likewise admitted and exalted. No other business, Council closed with S. S. 11 New York, 6th October, 1811. St. John's Hall, 16 Tisvi (October), 5572. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Ma- sons, the T. 111. Grand R. M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Marener -proposed Bro. Henry Able, of Hiram Lodge, and Bro. John Westerfield, of Trinity, No. 10, as candidates for exaltation ; they were balloted for, and admitted, and being in waiting, came forward and received this degree. No further business, Council closed with S. S. New York, 13th October, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 23 Tisvi, 5572. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Ero. John Utt proposed as candidates for exaltation, Bro. James York, of Trinity Lodge, No. 10, Bro. Robert Jackman, of Trinity Lodge, No. 10, Bro. \Vm. Cunegan, of Wever Lodge. They were balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward, and received the degree of Royal Master Mason. No other business. Council closed with S. S. New York, 20th October, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 2d Hesvan (October) 5572. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand R. M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Peter Roome proposed Bro. Richard JMarsh, of Phoenix Lodge, as a candidate for exaltation in this Grand Council ; he being balloted for and admitted, came forward and received the degree of a R. M. Mason. On motion Resoh'cd, That the committee of five that had been appointed to draft By-Laws for this Council be dissolved, and that a committee of five be appointed for that purpose, accordingly the following breth- ren were appointed: Thomas Lownds, Lues Semond, Henry Able. No other business appearing. Council closed with S. S. 12 New York, October 27th, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 9 Hesvan, 5572. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Robert Young, proposed as adjoining members to this Council, L'ro. John E. Rich, of Hudson, and Bro. Samuel Dclamater, of Trinity, No. 10; they were balloted for, and unanimously ad- mitted, and took their seats as members. Bro. Richard Maist proposed as a candidate Bro. Samuel Pit- min, of Hiram Lodge, No. 7; was balloted for and admitted; being in waiting, came forward and was exalted to the degree of R. M. M. On motion Resolved, That there shall be a Council of Knights of the Round Table held on the loth day of the month, Hesvan, 5572, for the purpose of dubbing Knights of that Order. No other business appearing. Council was closed with S. S. New York, 30th October, 181 1, and of our Order of Round Table, 1295- A Grand Council of Knights of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Round Table, was held at St. John's Hall, the 111. Abbot Sir Thomas Lownds in the chair ; Sir Robert Young, Sword Bearer ; Sir Peter Roome, Vergid. The following companions were dubbed Knights of this Order: Lues Lamond, Thadius Lamond, Samuel C. Pitmin, Samuel Dela- matar, John Westerfield, Jacob Friday, John E. Rich, Joseph S. Brainsr'd, Zebedee Ring, John N. Johnston, John Utt, Richard Marsh, Henry Able, John Coffin, P. W. Edgett, the last named two are net members of Columbian Council of Royal Masters. Council closed with its usual harmony. New York, 3rd November, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 17 Hesvan, 5572. An extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. R. Grand j\I. Thomas Lownds in the chair. Bro. John P Roome proposed Bro. Alexander Cooly, of Royal Arch Lodge, No. — . Bro. Amos Carter, of Hiram Lodge, No. 7, and Bro. Higgins, 13 of Benevolent Lodge, No. — , were likewise proposed as candidates for exaltation, by Bro. Lownds ; were balloted for and admitted ; came forward and received the degree of a Royal Master Mason. Bro. Henry Able proposed Bro. Samuel Mongomery, as an adjoining member of this Grand Council; he was balloted for and unanimously admitted, and took his seat as a member. On motion Resolved, That this Council be closed, and a Chapter of Knights of the Garter be opened. No other business appearing, the Council was closed with S. S. New York, 3d November, 181 1, and of our Order 454. A Chapter of Knights of the Honorable Order of the Garter was opened by the 111. Prelate Thomas Lownds. The following brethren were installed Knights of this Invincible Order: Lewes Saymond, Thadeus Saymond, Samuel Mongomery, Edward Higgins, Samuel C. Pitmin, Robert Roberts, James Yourt, Amos Curtis, Jacob Friday, John E. Rich, John Westerfield, Alex- ander Cooley. No other business appearing to be done in this Chapter, it was closed with S. S. New York, loth November, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 24 Hesvan, 5572. An extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Utt proposed Bro. Suell Dodge, of Trinity Lodge, No. 10, as a candidate for exaltation ; he was balloted for, admitted, came forward and received the degree of Royal Master Mason. Bro. Samuel Mongomery proposed Bro. Stephen Sundelud, as an adjoining member, and Bro. George Woodrough proposed Bro. Francis Dubar, Master of Albion Lodge, as an adjoining member to this Grand Council. They were balloted for, and unanimously admitted, and took their seats as members. On motion Resolved, That this Grand Council of R. Master Masons be closed, and a Chapter of Knights of the Honorable Order of the Garter be opened. No business appearing before this Council of R. M. Masons, it was closed with S. S. 14 New York, loth November, i8ti, and of our Order 454. A Grand Chapter the 111. and Invincible Order of Knights of the Garter was opened by the 111. Sir Thomas Lownds, Grand Pre- late of the Order, when the following companions came forward and were installed Knights of the Order of "St. George of Capi- dosia": Francis Dubar, Geo. Woodrough, Stephen Scudder, Suell Dodge, Derius Knight. On motion Resolved, That this Grand Chapter of Knights of the Garter be adjourned until the 2Sth day of the present month. Accordingly I adjourn this chapter. THOMAS LOWNDS, Grand Prelate. New York, 25th November, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 3 Kislen, 5572. A regular meeting of the Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, the Thrice 111. Grand M. Thomas Lownds in the chair. Bro. Peter Roome proposed Bro. Wm. Fox, of Royal Arch, No. 2, as a candidate for exaltation in this Grand Council. Bro. Derius Knight proposed Joseph Lough, Laban Smith, Stephen N. Hewet. The four brethren were balloted for, and all ad- mitted; being in waiting, came forward, and received the degree of Royal Master Mason. Bro. Lownds proposed Bro. James McCabe, as an adjoining mem- ber ; he was unanimously admitted, and took his seat as a member. No other business, Council closed with S. S. New York, 25th November, 181 1, and of our Order, 454. The Grand Chapter of Knights of the 111. and Invincible Order of St. George of Capidosia, met according to adjournment, the 111. Prelate, Sir Thomas Lowncls, in the chair, proceeded to business. The following companions being accepted, came forward, and were installed as Knights of the Order : William Fox, Joseph Lough, Laben Smith, Stephen N. Hewet, James McCabe, invested with the several badges and took their seats. No other business offering, the Chapter was closed with S. S. IS New York, ist December, 1811, 14 Kislen, 5572. An extra meeting of the Columbia Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Hewet proposed Nathaniel S. Knapp, of Union Lodge. Bro. Robt. Young proposed Samuel F. Richards, and Solomon Disbrow. They were all three balloted for, admitted, and exalted to the degree of Royal Master Masons. Bro. Knight proposed Bro. Wm. Bakewell, of Abraham's Lodge, and Bro. Levy Nathans, of Royal Arch, No. 2, as adjoin- ing members ; they were balloted for, and admitted, took their seats as members. Bro. John Utt, proposed Bro. — Murray, of Trinity Lodge, No. 10; he was balloted for, and admitted; came forward and re- ceived the degree of Royal Master Mason. No other business appearing, the Council closed with S. S. New York, Sth December, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 21 Kislen, 5572. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grd. R. M- Thos. Lownds in the chair. Bro. Robert Young proposed for exaltation John Brush, of St. Simons, and Joseph Nilson, of St. Judes, Poucapsie. They came forward and were admitted to the degree of Royal Master Mason. On motion, Resolved, That this Council be closed and a Chapter of Knights of the Garter be opened. No business offering in this Grand Council, it was closed with S. S. New York, 5th December, 181 1, and of our 111. Order 454. A Grand Chapter of 111. and In. Knights of the Garter was opened by the Grd. Prelate of the Order, Sir Thos. Lownds. John Brush and Joseph Nelson came forward, and were in- stalled Knights of this Order. Chapter closed with S. S. 16 New York, 24th December, 181 1. St. John's Hall, 5 Tebit, 5572. At a regular meeting of the Columbian Council of Royal M. M., the T. 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. I^ownds in the chair. Bro. Edward Higgins proposed for exaltation Robert Howard, past M. of B. Sr. ; was balloted for and admitted; came forward and received the degree of Royal M. Mason. No other business. Council was closed with S. S. New York, 23rd January, 1812. St. John's Hall, 5 Sebat, 5572. At a regular meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the T. 111. Grd. R. Master Thos. Lownds in the chair. Bro. Darius Knight proposed Bro. John Williams, of Minervi Lodge, Liverpool, as a candidate for exaltation, was balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting came forward and received the de- gree of R. M. M. No other business oiifering. Council closed with S. S. New York, Monday, 21st January, 1812, and of our Order, 1296. A Grd. Convention of Kt's of the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Round Table was held at St. John's Hall. The 111. Abbot Sir Thos. Lownds in the chair. The following brethren came forward and were dubbed Sir Knights of the Order: Amos Curtis, Suell Doge, — . Ranelds, — . Dickey. New York, 5th February, 1812. St. John's Hall, 21 Sebat, 5572. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. T. Seymour proposed Elias Reynolds. Bro. Utt proposed J. K. Holmes and Richd. Kipp. They were balloted for and unanimously admitted ; being in waiting, came forward and received the degree of R. M. M. No other business offering. Council closed. I 17 New York, Sunday, 9th February, 1812. St. John's Hall, 25 Sebat, 5572. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. III. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Utt proposed as candidates for exaltation in this Council, John E. Russell, Senior W. of Trinity Lodge ; and Richd. Rocen- crantz, of Trinity Lodge. They were balloted for, and unanimously admitted; being in waiting, came forward, and received the degree of Royal M. M. Council closed with S. S. New York, 15th March, 1812. St. John's Hall, 2 Adar, 5572. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. R. G. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Utt proposed as candidates for exaltation, Henry Rutzer, Sec'y of Trinity Lodge, and Garrt Lansing, W. M. of Phoenix Lodge. They were balloted for, and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward and received the degree of R. M. M. No other business appearing, the Council closed with S. S. March 23d, 1812. St. John's Hall, Q Nissan, 5572. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. R. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Jacob Finlay proposed as candidates for exaltation, John Pedima, of St. Andrews, No. 3, and James Stins, of St. Andrews, No. 3. Bro. Garit Lansing proposed Lewis Payany, of Phoenix Lodge. They were all three balloted for, and admitted ; came forward and received the degree of R. M. M's. No other business, Council closed with S. S. 18 New York, Sunday, 2nd April, 1812. St. John's Hall, 5 Yiad, 5572. At a regular meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. R. G. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. The committee for drafting the By-laws, beg permission to re- port, that they to the best of their information have performed their duty, and submit their performance to the better judgment of this Grand Council. On motion. Resolved, Tliat the By-Laws be read. They were read and amended and accepted. On motion, Resolved, That they be entered on our minutes, and that this Council and all its members be governed by them. THE BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF COLUMBIAN COUNCIL OF ROYAL MASTER MASONS. ARTICLE I. The regular meetings of this Grand Council shall be on the 5th day of every Lunar month, but it shall be the duty of the Thrice 111. Grand R. M. to call a special meeting at such other timie and place as he feels the good of the Order shall think proper. ARTICLE II. Every member of this Council shall observe the strictest decorum while the Council is at labor, and if he conducts himself in a reprehensible and anti-masonic manner, it shall be the duty of the T. 111. Grd. R. M. to call him to order, and reprimand him, and if he shall persist in Indervious conduct, he shall be expelled for the evening, and be at the mercy of the members for his re- admission. ARTICLE III. Any brother applying for exahation in this Council, or to be- come adjoining member, may be proposed and balloted for at the same meeting. Two black balls shall exclude him, but if one appear in the box, it shall be the duty of the T. 111. Grd. R. M. to demand the cause why the ballot was deposited. If no sufficient cause is assigned, he then declares the candidate duly elected. The fee of admission shall be Two (2) dollars, and for an adjoining member. Seventy-five (75) cents. 19 ARTICLE IV. No Brother shall be permitted to speak more than twice on the same subject without permission from the T. 111. Grand R. ^I. ARTICLE V. No Brother exalted in any clandestine way within this city after the date of these By-Laws shall be received as visitors in this Grand Council of R. M. M., until he be properly healed, and pay the sum of Seventy-five (75) cents in the Treasury of said Council. ARTICLE VI. No visitor shall be permitted to partake of the Refreshment of this Grand Council without paying equal proportion of the expense, except by the unanimous consent of the Council. New York, 21 April, 1812. No other business ofifering. Council closed. New York, Tuesday, iQth May, 1812. St. John's Hall, 5 of Sivan, 5572. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council, the T. 111. R. G. M's Thos. Lownds in the chair. Bro. Darius Knight proposed as candidates for exaltation, Bro. Barnard Coles, of Trinity Lodge, and Bro. Augustus Giot, of Abrams Lodge No other business offering, Council closed with S. S. New York, Sunday, 21st June, 1812. St. John's Hall, 10 Tamus, 5572. This being the regular and constitutional day to hold the elec- tion of officers to serve the Council for the ensuing year, the Grd. Council was opened in due form by the Grd. M. Thomas Lownds, and the following brethren were elected officers : Thomas Lownds T. 111. R. Grd. Master. Robert Young 111. Dep. Grd. Master. S. O. Smith 111. Grd. Warden. John E. Rich Grd. R. Master. Darius Knight S. R. Marshal. S. Dodge T. R. Marshal. Geo. Woodrough Herald. Peter Roome Recorder. John P. Roome Treasurer. John Utt Conductor. 20 The officers being installed and inducted in their several offices. The Council closed with ^. S. TH^E CONSTITUTION OF THE ROYAL M. ORDER. No person can be admitted a member of this Order, except he has regularly passed through the Three Symbolic Degrees of Masonry. The stated meetings of a Grand Council shall be holden on the eighth day of every lunar month, when the sun is at its mieridian. The annual election shall take place on the 21st day of June, when the sun is at meridian. More than two candidates shall not be received at the same time in any Council, as there were but two Grand Masters when H. was K. The fees of admission shall be left to the discretion of the Grand Council, but every member thereof shall pay into the Funds of said Council the sum of a Didrachan (equal to Twenty-five (25) American cents), on the 8th day of every lunar month. If on the 8th day of Tamus, if it so falls out, if not on the election day, after all the expenses of the Council be paid, there appears any cash to be left in the treasury, it shall be distributed among the poor members. New York, Sunday, Sth^November, 1812. St. John's Hall, 3 Kislen, 5573. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, the Thrice Illustrious Grand Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Utt proposed as candidates for exaltation John Robertson, Barnard Coats and Philip Earle, all of Trinity Lodge, No. 7. Bro. Lownds proposed Bro. John McMillen, of Mount Moriah. They all four were balloted for, and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward, and received the degree of Royal Master Mason. No other business offering, the Council was closed with S. S. 21 November 17th, 1812. St. John's Hall, 12 Kislen, 5573. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the G. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Darius Knight proposed as a candidate for this Order, Gould St. John ; was balloted for and admitted, and exalted.^ No other business, the Council closed with S. S. New York, Sunday, 22nd November, 1812. St. John's Hall, 17 Kislen, 5573. At an extra meetinp- of Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. Grand Royal M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. John Utt proposed as candidates for this Order Wm. Lee, of Washington Lodge, and Bro. Peter Roome proposed George Davenport, of Royal Arch Lodge, No. 2. They were balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting ; came forward and were exalted to this Royal Degree. On motion, Resolved. That there be a Council of the Knights of the Round Table held on the 29th of the present month. No other business appearing. Council closed with S. b. New York, 25th November, 1812, and of our Order of the Round Table. A Grand Council of the 111. and Invincible Order of Knights of the Round Table, was held at St. John's Hall, the 111. Grand Abbot O'f the Order, Sir Thos. Lownds in the chair. The following brethren were dubbed Knights of the Order : John McMillan, Geo. G. Davenport, Barnard Coles, Ivory White, Stephen Scudder, William Lee, Francis Dubois, Barker Ward. No other business appearing, the Council closed. New York, Sunday, loth January, 1813. St. John's Hall, 9 Sebat, 5573. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. JM., the thrice 111. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. 22 Bro. Garret Lansing proposed as a candidate for exaltation, Asse Hall, of Hiram Lodge, and James Gray and John Jaques, of Phoenix Lodge. They were all balloted for and admitted; being in waiting, ^me forward and were exalted to this Ancient and Honorable Degree of Masonry. No other business offering, the Council closed with S. S. New York, Thursday, loth March, 1813. St. John's Hall, 8 of Veadon, 5573. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council R. M. M., the T. 111. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. The Council opened in Ample Form. New York, 21st June, 1813. St. John's Hall, 19 Sivan, 5573. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council, R. M. M. Thos. Lownds, T. 111. Grd. M. in the chair. This being the constitutional day to hold the election for officers, on motion, Resolved, That this Grand Council proceed to an election. Accordingly the following officers were elected for the ensuing year. Thomas Lownds T. 111. R. Grd. Master. Robert Howard 111. D. R. Grd. Master. John Utt 111. Grd. Warden. John E. Rich Grd. R. Master. Darius Knight S. R. Marshal. Suell Dodge J. R. Marshal. Geo. Woodrough Herald. Those of the brethren that were not present were installed by proxy. On motion. Resolved, That this Grand Council stand adjourned till the 8th day of Hesvan, 5574, except an emergency should offer to call it together sooner. No other business offering, the Council was closed with S. S. 23 New York, Wednesday, 14th October, 1813. St. John's Hall, 18 Tisvi, 5574- At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council, R. M. M., the 111. Grd. Royal A'laster Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Caret Lansing proposed as a candidate for exaltation James Thorburn, Senior Warden of Phoenix Lodge, No. 11, and Bro. John Utt proposed Augustus Ohio, of Abrahams, No. 15, and Stephen Pichells, of Abrahams, No. 15. They were all balloted for and admitted; being in waiting, came forward and were exalted to tlie degree of R. M. M. No other business offering. Council closed with S. S. New York, Monday, 2Sth October, 1813. St. John's Hall, ist Hesvan, 5574. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M., the T. 111. R. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Caret Lansing, proposed for exaltation Bro. James Thor- burn, of Phoenix Lodge, and Bro. Robt. Young, proposed James McCabe, of Woods Lodge. The candidates being in waiting, came forward and had this degree conferred on them. No other business offering. Council closed in Love and Har- mony. New York, Sunday, 19th December, 1813. St. John's Hall, 13 Kislen, 5574. At an extra meeting of Columbia Council of R. M. M., the Thrice 111. R. Grd. Master Thomas Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Robt. Young proposed Companion Dyer, of Fredonian Chapter, as a candidate for exaltation. He was balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, come forward, and received the degree of a Royal Master Mason. No other business appearing, the Council closed with S. S. New York, Thursday, 20th January, 1814, and of our 111. Order of the Round Table, 1298. A Grand Convention was held at St. John's Hall, the 111. Abbot Sir Thos. Lownds, in the chair. 24 The following brethren came forward and were dubbed Knights of this Ancient and Honorable Order of the Round Table : Daniel Dyer, Senior Warden Ewing Lodge, Asa Hall, M. E. King of Phoenix Chapter; Thos. White, of Trinity Lodge, No. lo; E. Stanton, of Fredonian Chapter. Convention closed. New York, 13th February, 1814. St. John's Hall, 22 Sebat, 5574. At an extra meeting of the Columbian Council of R. M. M's, the T. 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Bro. Sewall Dodge proposed brother K. Botsford, of St. John's Lodge, No. 3, Stradford, Conn., and Bro. Young proposed Bro. John W. Briamsmade, of Hiram Lodge, No. 72, Mount Pleas- ant, N. Y., as candidates. They were balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward, and were exalted to this Ancient and Royal degree. No other business ofifering. Council closed with S. S. New York, 27th February, 1814. St. John's Hall, 6 Adar, 5574. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council, R. M. M's., the T. 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. The Council being opened in Ample Form,, Companion Young proposed the following brethren as candidates for this 111. Order : Walter Stewart, of St. John's No. 2, Delaware, Wm. H. Mott, of R. A., No. 2, N. Y., Saml. Parsons, of R. A., No. 2, N. Y., Nicholas Roberts, of R. A., No. 2, N. Y. They were balloted for and admitted ; being in waiting, came forward and received this Royal degree. No other business ofifering. Council closed with S. S. New York, 28th May, 181 5. Masonic Hall, 17 Yiar, 5575. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the Thrice 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. 25 Bro. G. W. Hyer proposed as candidates for this illustrious Order, Simon Springsteel, Adrian R. Tucker, Daniel Sickles, and Horace Brown. 'They were balloted for and unanimously admitted, came for- ward, and had this ancient and honorable degree conferred on them. No other business offering. Council closed. Amor, Honor et Instidid. New York, 21st June, 1815. Masonic Hall, 12 Sivan, 5575.- At a regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the T. 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair. This being the constitutional day for holding of the election. On motion, Resolz'cd, That this Council of R. M. elect their officers for the ensuing year, when the following brethren were elected. Thomas Lownds T. 111. R. Grd. Master. Asa Hall 111. D. Grd. R. M. Robert Young 111. S. Grd. R. W. Edward Higgins Grd. R. M. Francis Dubnor S. R. M. Caret Lansing J. R. M. John Utt Herald. James Verryann Guard. The officers being installed. Council closed in Harmony. 23rd May, 1816. Masonic Hall, 24 Yiar, 5576. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the T. 111. R. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair, a Council was opened in due form. The following brethren came forward and had this A. and R. degree conferred on them : Caret Morgin, Jacob B. Barns, of Fredonian Chapter, Hasia Dodge, of Fredonian Chapter, Casper W. Eddy, of Eagle Chapter, John Readstone, of Phoenix Chapter,Asa G. Smith, K. of Solomons Chapter, John Niles, of Fredonian Chapter. No other business offering, Council closed in Harmony. 26 2Sth of May, 1816. Masonic Hall, 26 of Yiar, 5576. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the T. 111. R. Grd. Master Thos. Lownds, in the chair, a Grd. Council was opened in due and ancient form. Bro. Read Stone proposed Bro. John Niles ; he was accepted, came forward aud has this Royal Degree conferred on him. No other business offering. Lodge closed. Amor, Honor et Institid. New York,, 29th May, 1816, and of our Order. A Grand Council of Sir Knights of the Round Table was con- vened at Masonic Hall, the 111. Abbot Thos. Lownds, in the chair. The following Companions were admitted as members of this Ancient and Honorable Order, and dubbed according to ancient usage ; Samuel Huverak, Hosea Dodge, John Niles, John H. Read Stone, Caret Morgan, Jacob B. Barnes, Caret Lansing, John Ewan, and Nathan Jackson. The Abbot informed the Sir Knights that on the 21st of June, the election of officers to serve the Grand Council of R. M. M., would take place at Masonic Hall, and requested the members to attend at Meridian, sure. Grand Council closed. New York, 21st June, 1816. Masonic Hall, 18 of Sebuot, 5576. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. M's., the T. 111. Grd. R. JVE. Thos. Lownds in the chair. The Council opened at Meridian Sun, in Ample Form. As this was the anniversary of the Order, it was necessary that the election should take place for officers to serve the ensuing year. Accordingly, Resolved, That they be as follows : Sir Thomas Lownds T. 111. Grd. R. M. Edward Higgins 111. D. Grd. R. M. Lewis Saymour 111. Grd. R. Warden. Garit Morgin 111. Grd. Marshal. John Utt 111. Senior Marshal. Thadius Saymour 111. Junior Marshal. John Niles 111. Grd. R. Herald. 27 The election being completed the Thrice Illustrious observed that the installment of the officers should be suspended until a future meeting, as there were so few of them present, wishing that their next meeting might be on the 8th of Tamus, which fell on the 5th of July, next. No other business offering, Council closed. New York, 21st July, 1816. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. JNI. AI. took place at Masonic Hall, on the 18th of Tamus, 5576. The Thrice 111. Thos. Lownds in the chair. The 111. D. Grd. Master proposed as a candidate for our An- cient and Royal Order Bro. Aaron L. Burnet, of St. John's Lodge, N.J. The question was taken and came in the affirmative ; he being in waiting, came forward and was advanced to this Ancient Order. Bro. Lansing proposed as candidates for our Order, Bros. Marvarick Witmore, and Md. Kinng, all of Phoenix Lodge, No. 11. On motion. Resolved, That their names be entered on the minutes of this Council. No other business ofifering, Council closed. New York, 22d September, 1816. An extra meeting of Columbian Council, of R. M. M's., held at Masonic Hall, on the 28th of Elul, 5576. The T. 111. Grd. AI. Sir Thos. Lownds, in the chair, a Council opened in Ample Form. The following brethren being in waiting, came forward and received this Ancient and Royal Order: Wm. H. Whitmore, John B. Spicer, Charles Laythorp, George Corral, Saml. Mavarick, John Thompson, Samuel Bets, Robert Gedney, Geo. B. Ramond, Caleb Bacon. No other business offering, Council closed. 28 The Knights of the Round Table convened in Council on the 30th of September, 1816. The 111. Abbot Thos. Lownds in the chair. The following Companions were constituted Sir Knights of the Order : Wm. H. Whitmore, John Tellfair, T. M. Nugent, C. Cornell S. Bett, Wm. McKinney, S. C. Sutton, Thos. Durey, Wm. Carlile, G. B. Ramond, D. Adams, Spence Hall, R. Gedney, S. B. Spicer, Frost Thorn, W. S. Grayham, I. B. Burn. No other business appearing, the Council was closed. New York, 27th October, 1816. An extra meeting of Columbian Council, 4 Hesvan, 5577, at Masonic Hall, the T. 111. R. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds in the chair. The following Companions received this degree : — . Harrick, of Unity Chapter, S. C, N. De Ross, of Fredonian Chapter, E. Merrett, of Fredonian Chapter, Frost Thorn of Fredonian Chapter. Council closed. Amor, Honor et Institid. New York, 30th March, 1817. I2th of Nissan, 5577. An extra meeting of Columbian Council of«R. M. M's. took place at Masonic Hall, the T. 111. R. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds, in the chair. John Carlile and James R. Stewart were proposed by Sir Samuel Maverick as candidates for this Order. On motion. Resolved, That they be received, they being in waiting, came forward and had the Ancient and Honorable Order of R. M. M. conferred on them. No other business. Council closed. New York, 31st March, 1817. A Council of R. M. M. convened at Masonic Hall, the 111. Abbot Thos. Lownds, in the chair. Silas Lyon was received as an adjoining member of this Order. 29 The following brethren were admitted and constituted Sir Knights of the Order : Neamiah Allen, John W. Lamb, G. L- Brown, Richd. C. Pearsall, Johnathan Carlton, S. Bray, Edward Noris, John Ferguson, Henry Rofif, Saml. McMahin, I. Gardner, P. T. Cunningham, Saml. Brotherton, N, T. Eldredge, — . McCauley, John Johnstone, E. Clave, C. Lathorp, D. Ackerman, A. Marton, I. Bennit, D: Munday, John Thompson, E. S. Billamy, Geo. McKinley, Nicholas De Ross. New York, 21st June, 1817. At a constitutional meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at Masonic Hall, on 6th of Tamas, 5577, the T. 111. Thos. Lownds in the chair. Council opened in Ample Form. The T. 111. informed the mem- bers that this was the regular day for electing officers to serve this Grand Council for the ensuing year, and the following brethren were unanimously elected. Thos. Lownds T. 111. R. Grd. Master. Edward Higgins D. Grd. R. Master. Caret Morgan 111. Grd. R. Warden. Samuel Maverick., 111. Grd. Marshal. < Levi Nathens 111. Senior Grd. Marshal. John Thompson 111. Junior Grd. Marshal. Wm. McKinney Grd. Herald. Wm. Craig 111. Grand Treasurer. Silas Lyc5n 111. Grand Recorder. Hasa Dodge 111. Grand Outside Sentinel. The election being completed and no other business offering, Council closed. Amor, Honor ct Institid. New York, October i8th, 1817. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M., at Masonic Hall, 7th Hervan, 5578, the T. 111. R. Grd. M. T. Lownds, in the chair, with others duly assembled, the Council opened in due form. The following Companions came forward and were advanced to this Ancient Order : Harman Westerveh, of Fredonian Chapter, John Barker, of Fredonian Chapter, Daniel McGibbon, of No. 13^ Bridgeport, Tobias W. Bedell, of Fredonian Chapter, Edward S.' 30 Belamy, of Phoenix Chapter, John Telfair, of Fredonian Chapter, Joseph Potter, of Columbian Encampment. Fees received of the above mentioned candidates. .$14.00. Paid by order of the Council, Comp. Bellamy's bill for printing $2.00 Tyler's fee i .00 For room and candles 1.50 — 4.50. Balance in the hands of T. Seymour. . . . $9.50. No further business offering. Council adjourned to meet on the first Saturday of November. New York, November 6th, 1817. Council met according to adjournment, and no business offer- ing, Council closed. New York, December 6th, 181 7. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M., at Masonic Hall, 24th Kislin, 5578, the T. 111. R. Grd. M. Thos. Lownds in the chair, with others duly assembled, the Council opened in due form. The following Companions came forward and were advanced to this Ancient and Honorable Order : Wm. B. Adams, of Ancient Chapter, James D. WadswOrth, of. Orange Chapter, 33. The following petition from the Thrice Illustrious Benjamin Gleason, R. Grd. M. -in behalf of a Council of R. M., in the town of Boston, Massachusetts, was received, unanimously accepted, and Companions Saml. Maverick, T. 111. T. Lownds, S- Lyon, A. Hall, and G. Morgan, were appointed a committee to draft an answer sanctioning their proceedings. Comp. Maverick proposed Comp. John T. Lacy as an adjoin- ing member ; on motion. Resolved, That his name be entered on the minutes. Fees received of Comps. Adams and Wadsworth. .$4.00. No other business offering, the Council closed. 31 Xcw York, November 27th, A. L., 5817. To the Officers and Alembers of the Council of Royal Masters in the City of New York : This petition respectfully showeth that a Council of Royal blasters has been established in the town of Boston, within the present year, is duly organized and in successful operation, having their regular meetings Quarterly — the last Tuesday of January, April, July and October. Thev acknowledge with much respect the senior establishment in Xcw York, and with their associates do honor to the same. It is their wish to obtain a written sanction from your respected Council, that they may be confirmed in their masonic labors, and be in Fraternal correspondence with each other. In behalf of the Boston Council, I am. Gentlemen and Com- panions, Respectfully yours, BEXJ. GLEASOX, T. 111. R. Grd. ^L Xew York, 22nd December, 1817. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M., held at Masonic Hall, 13th Tibet, 5578. the T. 111. Grd. M. T. Lownds in the chair, Council opened in Ample Form. The following Comps. being in waiting, came forward, and were advanced to this Ancient and Royal Order : David Curtis, Charles Rose, of Fredonian Chapter, John Charles, of Fredonian Chapter. Fees received of the above mentioned candidates $6.00. Xo other business offering. Council closed. Super Excellent Masters Lodge opened in Ample Form. The following Companions being in waiting, came forward and received the degree of S. E. ^1. ; John C. jMayell, Tobias W. Bedell, Charles Rose, Edward S. Bellamy, H. \\'estervelt. Fees received of the above named candidates, $5.00. The committee appointed at the preceding meeting reported the form of a sanction for the Council of R. M. at Boston, which was approved and ordered to be sent to them. Xo further business offering, Lodge closed. 32 New York, December 28th, 1817. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M., held at Masonic Hall, 19th Tibet, 5576, the T. 111. Grd. M. T. Lownds in the chair. Council opened in Ample Form. John T. Lacy and Benjamin Tyler were unanimously admitted as adjoining members, and Leonard Denison, being in waiting, came forward and was advanced to this Ancient and Royal Order. Fees received of above named candidates, $3.50. No other business offering, Council closed. New York, December 29th, 1817. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. M., held at Masonic Hall, 20th Tibet, 5578, Super Excellent Masters Lodge opend in Ample Form. The following Companions being in waiting, came forward, and received the degree of S. E. M. : John T. Lacy, Benjamin Tyler, L. Denison. Fees received of the above named candidates, $3.00. JSIo other business offering. Lodge closed. New York, 31st December, 1817. At an extra meeting of Sir Knights of the Round Table, the 111. Abbot Thos. Lownds in the chair. The following brethren came forward and were dubbed Knights of the Order: Elam BHss, Gair Blanchard, Wm. W. Tom- kins, Joseph Potter, — . Parker, G. W. Brown, M. R. Botsford, B. McGinnis, — . Thompson, Leonard Denison, Harman Westervelt, John I. Lacy, Benj. Tyler, Tobias W. Bedell. No further business offering, closed in Harmony. Paid 111. T. Lownds' bill. . . .$12.50 And expenses 10.00 $22.50 S. LYON, Secy. 33 New York, March ist, 1818. At an extra mieeting of Columbia Council of R. M., held at Masonic Hall, the Thrice 111. G. M. T. Lownds in the chair. Council opened in Ample Form. Companions Joel Thorp and Saul Simers, being in waiting, came forward and were advanced to this Ancient and Royal Order. No other business offering, Council closed. Paid for Room rent, $1.50. Fees, $4.00. Super Excellent Masters Lodge opened. Companions Thorp and Simers being in waiting, again came forward and received the degree of S. E. M. Xo further business, Lodge closed. Fees, $2.00. New York, March 31st, 181 8. At an extra meeting of Columbian Council of R. J\L, held at ;\Iasonic Hall, Thrice 111. T. Lownds in the chair. Council opened in Ample Form. Companions B. \V. Peck, G. Blanchard and Owen Devine, were advanced to this Royal Order. Closed. S. E. M. Lodge opened, and the said Companions received the degree of S. E. Master. Lodge closed. New York, April 3rd, 1818. At an extra meeting of Sir Knights of the Round Table, the 111. Abbot T. Lownds in the chair. The following brethren came forward and were dubbed Knights of the Order : Samuel E. Betts, Smith Ovett, James Smith, James Westervelt, Richard Darnwick, Henry P. Beers, R. E. Purdy, Wm. F. Ingalls, Henry Worthington, I. McHand, Geo. B. Reece, S. H. Rogers, Pier Teller, Geo. D. Brown, J. C. Hallett, J. R. Knapp. Fanning closed. Expenses paid $ . S. LYON, Recorder. 34 New York, April 21st, 1818. T„ A^*; ^"m^^""^ meeting of Sir Knights of the Round Table, the 111. Abbot T. Lownds in the chair. The following brethren came forward and were dubbed Knights of the Order: — . Harrington, — . Brown, — . Byrnes, — . Fitz- gerald, — . Kneeland, — . Avry, Wm. J. Romer, — . Stone, Ed. Hamilton, Oliver Mugee, J. W. vSanford. Nothing further offering, closed in Harmony. Expenses paid $ . S. LYON, Recorder. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at Masonic Hall, June 28th, 1818, for the purpose of choosing officers, the following were duly elected : Brother Thomas Lownds. . .T. 111. G. R. Master. Brother Levi Nathan 111. Dep. G. R. Master. Brother Silas Lyon 111. G. R. W. Brother Potter 111. G. R. M. Brother Blanchard S. G. R. M. Brother W. Bedell J. G. R. M. Brother H. Westervelt Treasurer. Brother B. W. Peck Recorder. Brother S. Maverick Herald. Brother H. Dodge Sentinel. Nothing further offering, closed in Harmony. H. WESTERVELT, Secy. At a Council of Royal Master Masons, held at No. 55 Nassau St., Friday evening, August 21st, 5818. Present : Th. 111. Bro. Lownds, G. R. M., and 111. Bro. Nathan, King, and other brethren assembled, and opened in due form. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. James Hume, Geo. Howard, John G. Munn, and Seth Riggs were proposed for initiation and unanimously admitted. Bro. Geo. B. Smith was proposed as an adjoining member and unanimously admitted. Bros. James Hume, Geo. Howard, John G. Munn, and Seth Riggs, came forward and received this Ancient and Honorable degree. Closed in Harmony. 35 Same evening Council of S. E. blasters was opened when the same brethren again came forward and received this degree. Cash received and paid Treasurer, $12.75. New York, March 31st, 5819. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Masters held at St. John's Hall, No. 8 Frankfort Street. Present : Th. 111. Bro. Lownds, G. R. Master, 111. Bro. Bedell, I. R. G. M., 111. Bro. Lyon, S. G. Warden, and other brethren duly assembled. R. Masters opened in due form. The minutes of the last meeting (of August 21st, 5818), were read and approved. Bros. James Duke, Tho. Slade, Richard Byrnes, Wm. G. Cunningham, were proposed and unanimously accepted, came for- ward and received the degree of Royal Master. Bros. Ransom Beach, John W. Gibbs and Christian Truss as adjoining members were unanimously admitted. R. M. closed. The S. E. M. degree was then opened when Companions James Duke, Tho. Slade, Richard Byrnes, W. G. Cunningham, Ransom Beach and J. W. Gibbs, came forward and receved the degree of S. E. M. Collected from Bro. Thos. Slade $3.00 James Duke 3.00 Wm. Cunningham 3.00 Ransom Beach 1.75 No further business offering, closed. B. W. PECK, Recorder. Due from Richard Byrnes $3-00 C. Truss 1.7s J. W. Gibbs 1.75 35 New York, March 31st, 5819. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Masters held at St. John's Hall, No. 8 Frankfort St. Present : Thos. Lownds, R. G. M., — . Bedell, D. R. G. M., S. Lryon, S. G. W., and a number of other brethren duly assembled, R. M. Lodge was opened in due form, the minutes of the last meeting (of August) were read and approved. Bros. James Duke, Thomas Slade, Richard Byrnes, and Wm. G. Cunningham, were proposed for advancement to the Ancient and Honorable degree of a R. M. and unanimously accepted. Bros. Ransom Beach, John W. Gibbs and Christian Truss as adjoining members who were unanimously admitted. Bros. Thos. Slade, Wm. G. Cunningham, Richard Byrnes and James Duke, came forward and received the degree of R. M., which Lodge was then closed and a Super E. M. Lodge opened, when Bros. James Duke, Thos. Slade, Richard Byrnes, Wm. G. Cun- ningham, Ransom Beach and John W. Gibbs came forward and received the degree of a S. E. M. Collected from Bro. Thos. Slade $3-00 James Duke > 3.00 Wm. G. Cunningham 3.00 Ransom Beach 1.75 $10.75 No further business appearing, the Lodge was duly closed. Signed : B. W. PECK, Recorder. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council, R. M. M., held at St. John's Hall, Frankfort St., New York, July 2d, 5819, for the purpose of electing officers to serve the ensuing year, a R. M. lodge was opened, and the following members unanimously elected to serve : Bro. Thomas Lownds Thrice 111. R. G. M. John G. Munn Deputy 111. R. G. M. Garret Lansing G. Warden. Joseph Potter M. G. R. Marshal. Gair Blanchard S. G. R. M. Pierre T. Deceevee J. G. R. M. B. W. Peck G. R. Herald. John W. Gibbs G. R. Recorder. Silas Lyon G. R. Treasurer. John Utt G. R. Conductor. Hosea Dodge G. R. Sentinel. 37 Bro. John G. Miinn, proposed Bro. Thos. W. Cummings as an adjoining member, and he was unanimously elected. Adjourned until Sunda)-, i8th inst., at 3 o'clock, P. M. Signed : B. W. PECK, Recorder. New York, July i8th, 5819. Agreeable to adjournment, the Columbian Council of Royal M. met at St. John's Hall, Frankfort St., when the Thrice 111. Royal Grd. M. proceeded to install the officers elect, which was regularly done in due form. No other business appearing before the Council, the same was closed in Harmony. JOHN W. GIBBS, Recorder. New York City, 29th November, 5819. At a meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. Masons held at St. John's Hall, Frankfort Street, No. 8. Present : Th. 111. Thos. Lownds, G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly assembled, a Royal Masters Lodge was opened in due form. On motion, the reading of the minutes of the last meeting was dispensed with. Bros. Joseph Homer, and Alexander Fraser, were proposed for advancement to the Ancient and Honorable degree of R. M., and unanimously accepted. Bros. J. S. Reynolds, Joseph Taylor, Joseph Homer, Alex. Fraser and W. F. Pyatt, were then brought forward and received the degree of Royal Master. The Committee who were appointed to revise the Bye-Laws made report accompanied with a draft of Bye-Laws. The subject was then taken up and the two first articles agreed to, when on motion the remainder were dispensed with for the present. The Royal Masters Lodge was then closed and a S. E. Masters Lodge opened, when Brothers Reynolds, Taylor, Homer, Fraser, Pyatt and Thorburn, were brought forward, and received the, de- gree of S. E. M. No other business appearing, the Council closed in due form with S. C. THOS. SLADE, Recorder, pro tan. 38 Bros. Homer, Fraser, Reynolds and Taylor paid each three dollars; Bro. Thorburn, one dollar; and Brother Pyatt paid to Brother Dodge, three dollars. Same evening as above, the Council was again opened, when the business of the Bye-Laws was taken up, and after some amend- ments being made the further consideration was postponed till the next regular meeting. Closed in due form. THOS. SLADE, Recorder, pro tern. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, June 21st, 1820. Present : Th. 111. Thos. Lownds, G. Royal Master, and a num- ber of brethren duly convened, the Council was opened in due form. It being the annual election, the Council proceeded to that business, when the following brethren were elected for the year ensuing: Silas Lyon Th. 111. G. R. M. Garrit Lansing Dep. G. R. M. Hosea Dodge Grand Warden. P. T. Deuvee G. R. Marshal. J. Jones J. G. R. Marshal. Tho. Slade G. R. Recorder. C. Bacon G. R. Treasurer. B. W. Peck G. R. Herald. Joseph Potter Conductor. John Utt Sentinel. No further business offering, the Council adjourned to meet on Sunday evening, the 9th of July next, at 7 o'clock, P. M. At an adjourned meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, July 9th, 1820. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. Grd. R. Master, and a num- ber of brethren duly convened, the Council vv^as opened in the R. M. degree, when the officers elected on the 21st June, were duly installed. The Standing Committee were then elected consisting of the following brethren, viz : Garrit Lansing, Silas Lyon, Hosea Dodge, Joseph Potter, P. T. Deuvee. 39 Resolved, That the Standing Committee, examine the records and general concerns of the Council, and make report thereon to- gether with the state of the funds, at the next meeting. Isaac M. Camp, of Fredonia Chapter, was proposed for ad- mission as adjoining member. No further business offering, the Council closed with Solemn Ceremony. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, October 15th, 1820. Present : Thrice 111. Thos. Lownds, P. R. G. M„ and a number of brethren duly assembled, the Council was opened in the Royal Masters degree. Bro. Saml. Torres, being duly pioposed, was brought forward and received the Illustrious degree of Royal M. No further business offering, the Council was closed with Sol. Cer. THOS. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Bro. Torres paid Two dollars. At a meeting of Columbian Council of R. Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, October 22nd, 1820. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. G. R. M. and a number of brethren duly convened, the Council was opened in the Royal Masters degree. Bros. Tho. Jones, Wm. G. Hyde, and Chas. Niven were duly prepared, and received the degree of Royal Master. No further business offering, closed with Solemn Ceremonies. A Lodge of S. E. M. was then opened in due and ancient form. Bros. T. Jones, Charles Niven, B. Camp, and Geo. McKinley were admitted and received the degree of S. E. M. A bill from Bro. John LTtt for tyling, amounting to Two dol- lars was presented and passed, likewise paid. No further business offering, closed in due form. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. 40 Bro. Tho. Jones paid $3-00 Charles Niven paid 3.00 Wm. G. Hyde paid 2.00 Isaac B. Camp paid 1.75 G. M. McKinley paid i.oo $10.75 Paid Tyler, $2.00. At a meeting of Columbian Council of R. Masters, held at St. John's Hall, December 3rd, 1820. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. P. G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly convened. Opened in the degree of Royal Master. The minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Bro, Dodge's bill for room, candles, etc., to the amount of $^2.74, passed for payment if found correct by the Recorder. Bro. Martin Bryant was proposed, admitted and received the degree of Royal Master. Closed with solemn ceremonies, and opened a Lodge of S. E. Masters. Bro. Bryant and Heathcot Grififen were brought forward, and received the degree. Closed in Harmony. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Bro. Bryant paid Three dollars, $3.00 Bro. Griff en paid One dollar, $1.00 $4.00 Paid the Tyler, One dollar. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, March 19th, 1821, Present: Thos. Lownds, T. 111. G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly assembled. The Council was opened in the Royal Masters degree. The mmutes of the last meeting read and ap- proved. Bros. Danl. West, Aaron Kemp, Wm. McQueen and Edwd. C. Ward, were proposed, admitted and received the degree of R. Master. Council closed, and Lodge of S. Excellent Masters opened t 41 Brothers West, Kemp, McQueen, and Ward brought forward and received the degree of S.- Excellent Master. 'Geo. W. Gracie was proposed as a candidate for the degrees given in this Council. , ■ ^ 1 Collected of Brothers West, Kiemp, McQueen and Ward each Three-dollars, and paid One dollar to John Utt, the* Sentinel. Closed with S. C. . , i ^ i . .^ ■ THO. SLADE, Recorder. $12.00. ' ' S ■ "■ At a meeting of Columbian Council of R. Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, April 8th, 1821. Present : Silas Lyon, Th. 111. G. R. M., and a number of breth- ren duly convened. Opened in the Royal Master's degree. ■ Bros. James C. Leffingwell, Francis Obry, Anthony Thomp- son, and Garret Stack, were proposed, duly admitted, and i^eceived the degree of Royal Master. Council closed, and a Lodge of Super Excellent Masters, opened. ' n ^ .. . c 1 Bros. Leffingwell, Obry, Thompson, and Stack were brought forward and received the degree of. S. Excellent Master. '■> The Tyler's bill for this meeting of $1.50 passed. No further business offering, closed with solernn ceremonies. THOS. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Collected of Obry, Thompson and Stack, each Three dollars, $9.00. Paid the Tyler, $1.50. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Masters, held at St. John's Hall, April' 22nd, 1821. Present : Silas Lyon, Th. 111. G. R. M., and a number of breth- ren duly convened. Opened the degree of Royal Master. Daniel R. Cassidy was proposed for admission into this Coun- cil, ordered that his name be placed on the minutes. 42 Bro. Geo. W. Grade was duly prepared, brought forward, and received this Ancient and Hqnpral;)le degree. ,, , Council closed, and a Lodge of S. E. Masters opened. Bros. Gracie, and Wm. Hampton came forward and received this degree, and paid for the same. ^ Closed with solemn ceremonies. . ^. . . THO. SIvADE, G. R. Recorder. Collected $4.00. Paid. Tyler, $1.25. June 15th, Bro. James C. Lefifingwell, paid $3.00. At a meeting of Columbian. Council of R. M. Masons, held at St. John's Hall, June 21st, 182 1. Present: Silas Lyon, Th. 111. .G-R. .Master, and .a number of brethren duly assembled. Opened in the degree of Royal Master. The minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Proceeded to the election of officers. ^ Brother Silas Lyon was elected. Th. lU. G. R. Master. Garret Lansing Dep. G.R. Master. Hosea Dodge Grand Warden. P. T. Durvee G. R. Marshal. G. Morgan S. G. R. Marshal. B. W. Pack J. G. R. Marshal. Tho. Slade G. R. Recorder. Ransom Beach ' Treasurer. Isaac B. Camp G. R. Herald. James C Leffingwell Conductor. John Utt Sentinel. • Adjourned to Sunday, ist July, at 6 o'clock, P. M. July I St, adjourned to Sunday, next, at 3 o'clock, P. M. Met according to adjournment. r c ^ Bro. Leffingwell proposed Jared L,. Moore as a candidate for admission to this Council ; the question being taken, was unani- mous. in his favor. He was then brought forward and received the degree of Royal Master. Bros. Beach and Leffingwell were installed in their offices. A bill of the Tyler of Two dollars was ordered for payment. No further business offering, closed with solemn ceremonies. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Bro. Moore paid Two (2) dollars. 43 At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal ^Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, September 2nd, 1821. Present : Silas Lyon, Th. 111. G. R. Master, and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the degree of Royal jMaster. The minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Bro. Wm. Tissup was proposed as an adjoining member, and duly ad- mitted. Bros. Archibald McCoulon and Oliver ]M. Lownds were pro- posed as candidates for receiving the degrees given in this Council. The question being taken, they were unanimously accepted ; they were then duly prepared, came forward and received the de- gree of Royal blaster. Bro. Nathan H. Sayre was proposed as a candidate for admis- sion into this Council; ordered that his name be entered on the minutes. The Tyler's bill of $1.75 for this meeting was passed for pay- ment. No further business ofifering, closed with S. Ceremonies. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Brothers iMcCoulin and Lownds paid each Two dollars. Brother Jessup paid Seventy-five cents. At a meeting of Columbian Council held at St. John's Hall, September 6th, 1821. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. G. R. blaster, and a number of Brethren duly convened. A Super Excellent Masters Lodge was opened in due form. Brothers \\'m. Jessup and Christian Truss were duly pro- posed and received this degree. The Tyler's bill for One dollar for this meeting passed for payment. Closed in due form. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Brother Jessup, paid $1.00. Paid the Tyler $1.00. 44 New York, November 2Sth, 1821. At a meeting of Select Masters Council, held at St. John's Hall. Present: Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. G. R. Master. Opened the degree of Select Master or twenty-seven. The following brethren were duly admitted, and received this degree : Samuel S. Burtsell, Garret Stack, Daniel West, Tho. Slade, Ransom Beach, Ralph Malborn, Joel Curtiss, Jared L. Moore, John Bowker, and John Allen. The above brethren paid, each, Two dollars. The following resolution was adopted: Whereas, the 111. Thos. Lownds, etc. Closed in due form. THO. SIvADE, Recorder. Received of Thos. Slade Two dollars for tyling the Council of Select Masters, November 25th, 1821. JOHN UTT. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Masters, held at St. John's Hall, December 2nd, 1821. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. G. R. Master, and a number of brethren duly convened. The Council opened in the Royal jMaster's degree. Bro. Lyon proposed Bro. Saml. Birdsall, of Rising Sun Chap- ter, as a candidate for this degree. The question being taken he was duly accepted, brought forward and received the degree of R. Master. A communication was received from the Council of Select Masters informing them that they are willing to be united and come into the Council of Royal Masters. The question being taken, it was unanimously agreed that we accept of the proposal, and Resolved, That the fees for the degree of Select Master be Two (2) dollars. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to revise the Bye- laws. Bros. Slade, Lyon, Peck, Jones and O. M. Lownds were ap- pointed. Bro. Joseph Wood was proposed for the Super-excellent de- ^"" 45 The Tyler's bill for One dollar passed for payment. Closed the R. M. degree, and opened that of Select Master. Bro. \Vm. Jessup was then brought forward and received this degree. Closed in Harmony. Adjourned to meet again on Sunday, at 6 o'clock, P. M. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Bro. Jessup paid $2.00 Bro. Birdsall paid 2.00 December 9th, 1821. Columbian Council met agreeable to ad- journment. Bro. Dodge, proposed Bro. James J. Guedren as a candidate for admission into this Council. The question being taken, he was unanimously accepted, duly prepared, came forward, and received the degree of R. Master. Bro. Dodge proposed Bro. Chas. Herwick, of Rising Sun Chapter, as a candidate for admission ; ordered that his name be entered on the minutes. Adjourned to meet again on Sunday next, at 6 o'clock, P. M. Bro. Guedron paid Two dollars. December i6th. Met agreeably to adjournment. The question on the admission of Bro. Charles Herwick was taken, and he was unanimously admitted. The committee for the revision of the Bye-Laws reported, that they had not been able to complete the business for which they were appointed. Resolved, That they be allowed further time, and report at the next meeting. The Th. III. Bro. Lyon proposed Peter Brewer, of Jerusalem Chapter, as a candidate for admission into this Council. Ordered that his name be entered on the minutes. Brother Herwick was then prepared, came forward and re- ceived the degree of Royal Master. Lucius Q. C. Bowles was proposed as an adjoining member, and unanimously admitted. Adjourned to Sunday, the 30th inst., at 6 o'clock, P. M. 46 A small number of brethren met agreeably to adjournment ; but no business was done. THOMAS SLADE, G. R. Recorder. At a meeting of Columbian Council of R. M. Masons, held at St. John's Hall, December 31st, 1821. Present : Thos. Lownds, Th. 111. P. G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the R. Masters degree. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting was dispensed with. Brothers John Coates and James Prideaux were proposed as candidates for admission into this Council. The question being taken they were unanimously accepted, duly prepared, came for- ward and received the degree of R. M. Closed the R. M. and opened that of S. E. Master. Bros. Coates and Prideaux were duly prepared, came forward and re- ceived this degree. Closed the S. E. and opened that of Select Master. Bros. Coates and Prideaux were admitted and received this degree. The Tyler's bill of Two dollars passed for payment. Resolved, That Six dollars be presented to our worthy Brother Silas Lyon. Closed in Solemn Form. THO. SLADE, G. R. Recorder. Bro. Bowles paid $0.75 Coates paid 5.00 Prideaux paid... 5.00 $10.75 At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, April 30th, 1822. Present: Hosea Dodge, Th. 111. G. R. M., pro tern., and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the degree of Royal Master. The minutes of the two last meetings were read and approved. The committee for revising the Bye-Laws made report accom- panied with a draft of Bye-Laws which, after being read and duly considered, were adopted as follows, viz: 47 BYE-LAWS OF COLUMBIAN GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL MASONS. ARTICLE I. Section i. This Council shall be known and designated Columbian Grand Council of Royal Master Masons in and for the City of New York. Sec. 2. An election of officers shall take place on the 21st day of June annually, when the Sun is at its meridian height, at which time the following officers shall be chosen, viz : Thrice Illustrious G. Royal Master. Dep. G. Royal blaster. G. Royal Warden. G. Royal Marshal. S. G. Royal Marshal. J. G. Royal Marshal. Recorder. Treasurer. Herald. Conductor. Sentinel. and they shall be installed in their respective offices within one lunar month from the time of their election. Sec. 3. All elections shall be by ballot, with the name fairly written, and a majority of the votes given by the members present shall be necessary to make a choice. ARTICLE II. Section i. The regular meetings of this Council shall be on the eighth day of every lunar month, but the Th. 111. G. R. ]M. shall have power to call an extra meeting whenever he may think it expedient. ARTICLE III. Section i. Candidates may be proposed and balloted for at one and the same meeting, but if requested by one or more mem- bers, the balloting shall be postponed to a subsequent meeting. Sec. 2. In balloting, two black balls shall exclude, but, if one only appears, the ballot shall be taken a second time, and if 48 one appears then, the reason may be required by the Th. 111. G. R. M., when if approved by a majority present, the candidates shall be rejected, but if not he may be admitted. Sec. 3. The fees for receiving the orders given in this Coun- cil shall be Two dollars for the R. M. ; One dollar for the S. E. Master; and Two dollars for the Select of Twenty-seven, and Seventy-five cents for an Adjoining Member. ARTICLE IV. The Recorder shall keep a correct account of the proceedings of the Council, with a regular list of the members' names, fill the notices for the members, and deliver them to the Sentinel, and receive all moneys due the Council, and pay them into the hands of the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. And he shall be entitled to such compensation for his services as shall from time to time be considered just and equitable by a majority. ARTICLE V. The Treasurer shall receive the funds of the Council and keep an accurate account of the same, pay none out without the order of the T. 111. G. R. M. by vote of the Council, submit his books for inspection whenever called upon by the Th. 111. G. R. Master of the Council. ARTICLE VI. At the annual election a committee of three shall be appointed who shall be denominated the standing committee, who shall ex- amine into the character of candidates when directed so to do, and annually examine the Recorder's and Treasurer's books and report thereon, together with a statement of the funds, prior to the elec- tion. ARTICLE VII. Section i. Each member shall pay annually the sum of Twenty-five cents into the funds. Sec. 2. No member shall be eligible to office, or vote at an election unless he shall have paid all his dues to the Council. Sec. 3. Every member who shall neglect for the space of six months to pay his dues, which had accrued prior to an elec- tion, shall be reported by the Recorder and his name shall be struck ofif from the list of members, except in case of absence from the city, when he shall be allowed three months after his return, for oaying the same. ARTICLE VIII. The Sentinel shall serve the notices to the members, prepare 49 the room, guard the door during the session of this Council, and for his services shall be entitled to One dollar and fifty cents for each session. ARTICLE IX. Section i. No person shall be continued a member or ad- mitted as such, unless he will conform to all the rules and regula- tions of this Council. Sec. 2. No person shall be admitted as a visitor, except he acknowledge the jurisdiction of this Council, and in all things will conform to the regulations thereof. ARTICLE X. Propositions for alterations or amendments to the Bye-Laws shall be made at a regular meeting and laid over to at least an- other regular meeting and a majority of two-thirds of the mem- bers present shall be necessary to efifect the same. ARTICLE XL The foregoing articles and actions shall take efifect on and after the election on the 21st day of June 1822. Adopted 30th April, 1822. On motion, Rcsoh'cd, That the code of bye-laws adopted by this Council be transcribed by the Recorder and a copy thereof presented to each member of the same for his signature, and that any one who shall refuse to sign the same shall no longer be considered a member. Reuben \\'. Folger and Benjamin Atterbury were proposed as candidates for admission into this Council. No further business offering, closed. THOMAS SLADE, Recorder. \t a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, May i8th, 1822. Present: Thomas Lownds, T. 111. Grand R. M., and a number of brethren "duly assembled, opened the Royal Masters degree. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. On motion, adjourned this degree for a short space of time, and opened the degree of Super Excellent Master. SO Bros. Jared L. Moore, Joseph Wood, Reuben W. Folger and John C. Gelston were duly prepared, brought forward and received this degree. Closed the S. E. and resumed that of the Royal Master. Wm. H, Wetmore and George Scriba were proposed as candidates. Bro. Dodge's bill amounting to $17.00, passed for payment, if found correct by the Recorder. The Tyler's bill of One dollar and fifty cents passed for payment. Bros. Dodge, Lansing and Coates were appointed a committee to settle with the Recorder and report what compensation is proper to allow him for his services. Bros. Moore, Folger and Gelston paid each One dollar; Bro. A\'oods paid one dollar for the degree, and seventy-five cents as an adjoining member. Closed in due form. THOMAS SLADE, G. R. Recorder. May 22. Brother Christian Truss paid $1.75. Brother Chas. Herwick paid $2.00. At a meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons held at St. John's Hall, June 21st, 1822. Present: Gerrit Lansing, Th. 111. Grand R. M., pro tem., and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the degree T)f Royal IMaster. The Committee appointed to settle with the Recorder, made re- port, which was accepted. It being the Constitutional time for election, proceed to that business, and elected 0. M. Lownds Th. 111. G. R. M. W. F. Piatt D. G. R. M. W. Bedell G. W. 1. B. Camp ■. G. M. J. L. Moore . S. G. M. R. Byrjie J. G. M. T. Slade Recorder Ed Higgins Treasurer Aaron Kemp Herald Ransom Beach Conductor John Utt Sentinel 51 The following' resolution was offered for consideration : Resolved, That the 2nd section of the first article of the bye-laws be so amended as to admit of the election of Officers on the twenty- first of June without regard to the hour of the day. Afljourned to Sunday, 30th inst. at 2 o'clock, P. ;\I. Report of the Committee appointed to settle with the Secretary : The Committee appointed by the Council to examine the Sec- retary's books and vouchers, beg leave to report that they have at- tended to that duty and find that the money received from Oct. 15th, 1820, to May 22d, 1822, amounts to $77.75 Expended during the time. . . . 73.86 Leaving a balance of. . 3.89 Further, That in their opinion Ero. Slade ought to receive the sum of $5.00, as a remuneration for his faithful services. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. Coates ^ G. Lansing >- Committee. Hosea Dodge ) The report was accepted. June 30th, 1822. Columbian Council met agreeable to adjournment, and after readine the minutes of the Election proceeded to the installation of the Officers. The T. 111. P. G. R. Al. Thomas Lownds installed the G. R. Master elect, who then proceeded to and installed the other officers. Bro. Toel Curtiss was proposed as a candidate for admission into this Council. There being no objections, the ballot was taken and found unanimous in his favor. He was duly prepared, brought for- ward, and received the degree of R. W. The Standing Committee was then appointed consisting of the Th. 111. G. R. M., Bros. \^^ F. Slade and Hosea Dodge. Closed with solemn ceremonies. THO. SLADE, Recorder. Bro. Curtiss paid $2.00. At a regfular meetinof of Columbian Council of Roval Masters, held at St. John's Hall, Dec. 21st, 1822. Present: Oliver Lownds, Th. 111. G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the degree of Royal Master. Bro. Peck proposed Oompaniion Tho. Oliver, of Fredonian Chapter as a candidate for admission to this Council. Bro. Camp proposed Companion Smith Ely, of PVedonian Chap- ter as a candidate. On motion Resolved, That our Past G. R. Master be empowered to com- municate the .degree of Select Master to Bros. Wm. T. Piatt, J. B. Camp and John Niles. The following resolution was offered by the Th. 111. G. Royal Master, viz : Resolved, That the regular meetings of this Council for the year 182-;, shall take place on the 30th day of January, 31st March, 30th April, 20th May, 21st June, 30th June, 30th July, 30th Aug't, 30th September, 30th October, 29th November, 30th December, and thai the Th. 111. G. Royal Master shall have power to call an extra meet- ing whenever he may deem it expedient, and the 2nd Article of the by-laws be, and the same is, hereby repealed. The same was laid over to the next meeting. The following Companions were proposed as candidates for the decrees eiven in this Council : Geo. Scriba, John W. Vithaka, Richard Pennel and Wm. E. Ross. No further business offering, closed with solemn ceremonies. THO. SLADE, Recorder. At a meeting of Columbian Grand Council of Royal Masters held at St. John's Hall, January i8th, 1823. Present: The Th. 111. Oliver M. Lownds, G. R. M., and a number of brethren duly convened, opened the degree of Royal Master. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following Companions were proposd for admission into this Council, Lebbens Chapman, of Rising Sun Chapter. The ballot was taken and declared unanimous in his favor. Companion Wm. C. Lee, of Rising Sun Chapter, and Compan- ion Daniel G. Nivin, of Ancient Chapter, were proposed for admis- sion. S3 Bros. Thos. Oliver, Smith Ely, Wm. C. Lee, and Daniel G. Xiven were balloted for, and it was declared unanimous in their favor. The following resolution was offered and passed, viz :' Resolved, That it is expedient to form a Grand Cfouncil of Royal ;\Iaster Masons and Select Masons for the State of New York and that the Th. 111. Past Royal Master Thomas Lownds be requested to call a convention of all the present and past G. Royal Masters, Deputv G. Masters and Grand Wardens in this city in order to carry into effect the formation of a Grand Council. Bros. Chapman, Oliver and Niven received the degree in due form. Bro. Lansing's bill of three dollars including this evening, passed for payment. No other business offering, Council closed. Bros. Chapman, Oliver and Niven, paid each $5.00. At a regular meeting of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held at St. John's Hall, January 20th, 1823. Present: The Th. 111. O. AI. Lownds, G. M., and a number of brethren duly convened. Council opened in the R. M. degree. JMinutes of the last meeting read and approved. The resolution proposed at the last regular meeting was read, and after being amended, passed unanimously in the following form, to wit : Resolved, That the regular meetings of this Council shall be held on the 30th day of each calendar month, (Sundays excepted), but the Th. 111. G. Ro3'al Master shall have power to call extra meetings whenever he may deem it expedient, and the 2nd Article of the By- Laws is hereby repealed. No other business offering, Council closed. 54 PROCEEDINGS OF The: GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL MASTER MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK From its organization, January 25, 1823, to its union with the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, June 6 and 7, i860. At a Convention of Past Officers of Columbian Council of Royal Master Masons, held on the 25th day of January 5823, in pursuance of the following resolution, passed at a regular meeting of Colum- bian Council of Roj'al Master Masons on the i8th instant, to wit: "Resolved, That it is expedient to form a Grand Council of Royal Master Masons and Select Masons for the State of New York, anj the Th. 111. Past Grand Royal Master Thomas Lownds be re- quested to call a convention of all the present and past Grand Royal ATasters, Deputy Grand Royal Masters and Grand Wardens, to carry into effect the formation of a Grand Council." The Th. 111. Past Grd R. M. Thomas Lownds was appointed Chairman, and the 111. Grd R. M. Oliver M. Lownds, Secretary. The following resolution was then offered and unanimously adopted : Resolved, That this convention deem it expedient to form a Grand Council of Royal Master Masons for the State of New York, and that they now proceed to an election of officers to govern the same until the 21st day of June, 5824. Tlie following persons were unanimously elected : Thomas Lownds Most 111. R. G. Master Edward Higgins 111. D. R. G. Master Gerrit Morgan 111. R. G. Warden Louis Seymour 111. Grand Marshal Tobias W. Bedell 111. Senior Grd M. Hosea Dodge 111. Junior Grd M. Lucius Q. C. Bowles R. Gd Treasurer Oliver M. Lownds R. Grd Recorder William F. Pratt R. Grd Herald 57 Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to draft a constitution for this Grand Council. .Most 111. Thomas Lownds, Bros. Tobias W. Bedell and O. M. Lownds were appointed on said Committee. Council adjourned. At an adjourned meeting of the Grand Council of Royal Mas- ter Masons for the State of New York, held on the ist February, S82^. Present: The Most 111. Thomas Lownds, G. R. M. 111. Edward Higgins, D. G. R M. 111. Gerrit Morgan, G. R. W. and a number of brethren duly congregated. The proceedings of the last meting were read and approved. The Committee appointed to prepare the form of a Constitution for this Grand Council presented a draft of the same, which, on be- ing amended, passed in the following form, to wit ; CONSTITUTION OF THE Grand Council of Royal Master Masons FOR THE State of New York. ARTICLE I. Sectiox I. There shall be a Grand Council of Royal Master ^Masons for the State of New York, who claim of right the govern- ment and superintendence of all assemblies of Royal Master Masons and Select Masons in the said State. Sec. 2. This Grand Council shall consist of a- most Illustrious Royal Grand Master, Illustrious Deputy Royal Grand Master, lUus- Royal Grand Warden, Royal Grand Marshal, Royal Senior Grand Marshal, Royal Junior Grand Marshal, Royal Grand Treasurer. Royal Grand Recorder, Royal Grand Herald and all past Grand Offi- cers of this Grand Council, and all Royal Grand Masters, Deputy Royal Grand Masters, and Royal Wardens of subordinate Councils for the time being, and all past Royal Grand Masters and past Deputy Royal Grand Masters of such Councils, and the said enum- erated officers, or their proxies, shall be the only members of this Council. 58 Sec. 3. This Grand Council shall be held in the Citv of New York on the first Wednesday in June in each year, during which ses- sion the election of Ofificers shall take place, but the Most Illustrious Royal Grand Master, or in his absence, the Illustrious Deputy Royal Grand blaster shall have power to call special meetings, when thev shall deem the same expedient. Sec. 4. The Most Illustrious Roval Grand Master, the Illus- trious Deputy Royal Grand Master or the Illustrious Royal Grand Warden shall, severally, have power during the recess of this Grand Council to grant letters of dispensation, on the petition of a constitu- tional number of persons, possessing the degrees under this jurisdic- tion, which said letters of dispensation shall remain in full force until the next session of the Grand Council, who may revoke or re- call the same, or grant a warrant, as to them may seem proper — , provided always, that no letter of dispensation or warrant shall issue until the sum of ten dollars shall be paid by the persons applying for the same. Sec. 5. No warrant or letter of dispensation shall issue except upon the petition of at least five persons, and the petitioners must be recommended by a Council of Royal Master Masons, or by the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons nearest to the place where the new Council is to be established. ARTICLE II. Section i. Every subordinate Council ought to assemble at least quarterly, for business and improvement, and every Council shall consist of a Thrice Illustrious Royal Grand Master, Deputv Royal Grand Master, Grand Warden, Grand Marshal, Senior Mar- shal, Tunior Marshal, Treasurer, Recorder, Herald, and as many members as may be found expedient. Sec. 2. Every subordinate Council shall pay into the funds of this Grand Council the sum of twent3'-five cents for each person ad- mitted to membership in said Council, and the said sum shall be paid during the session of this Grand Council in June in each and every year. Sec. ^. No subordinate Council shall confer the degrees under this jurisdiction upon any one who shall not have received in a reg- ular manner the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Excellent Master, Most Ex- cellent Master and Royal Arch. Sec. 4. Every Council shall have a warrant from the Grand Council, or a letter of dispensation from one of the first three Offi- cers, and no Council that may hereafter be formed or opened shall be deemed regular without such warrant or dispensation, and all in- 59 tercourse and communication is hereby interdicted and forbidden, between any Council under this jurisdiction, or any member of the same, and any Council held without such warrant or their members, or any person introduced into such illegal assembly. Sec. 5. The Officers and members of every Council under this jurisdiction, and every candidate upon his admission into the same shall take the following obligation. "I — do swear, that I will sup- port the Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal ^Master Masons for th,e State of New York." ARTICLE III. Whenever it shall be deemed necessary to alter or amend this Constitution, the same shall be done in manner following, to wit : the proposed amendment or alteration to be presented in writing;-, and read at a regular meeting of this Council, the consideration of which shall lie over until the next regular meeting, when two-thirds of the members present assenting thereto, it shall become part of this Constitution The following resolution was then adopted, which, for the term of three years, forms a part of this Constitution. Resolved. That all Councils of Royal Master Masons, which shall have been in actual existence at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be entitled to warrants, on their applying for the same and paying the Grand Recorder his expenses for preparing them, and that the fourth section of the first Article of this Constitu- tion shall not be considered as applying to such Councils, provided such application be made within three years. Resolved. That the Grand Recorder be authorized to procure a seal, with a proper device, for this Grand Council, and to print lOO copies of the Constitution. Grand Council closed. At the annual meeting of the Grand Council of Royal blaster ]\iasons for the State of New York, held at St. John's Hall, of I\Ion- day, the 21st day of June, 5824. Present: Edward Higgins. G. R. M., pro tern. Gerrit Morgan, D. G. R. ^I., pro tern. Lebbens Chapman, G. W., pro tern. Grand Council opened in form. The proceedings of the last meeting were read and approved. The following information was received from the M. 111. Thomas Lownds, G. R. .M. 60 "That evidence having been produced to his satisfaction of the ex- istence of a Council of R. M. in the City of Hudson, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution of this Grand Council, and an application having been made to him on behalf of said Council for a warrant, he had considered them as coming within the meaning of the resolution passed on the first of February, 5823, and had allowed them a warrant by the name and style of "Hudson Council, No. 2," which warrant bears date on the seventh day of May, 5824, that the following brethren are the first officers of said Council : Campbell Bushnell Th,. 111. G. R. M. Charles Waldo D. 111. G. R. M. Charles Smith G. W, "That an application has also been received from a number of brethren residing in Coimty of Berkshire, Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts, praying for a warrant to hold a Council in the town of Sheffield, in said County; accompanying the application was a re- commendation of the presiding Officers of Hampden Council in Springfield, Massachusetts : that under the peculiar circumstances of the case, he had deemed it expedient, with the advice of the Officers of the Grand Council, to allow a warrant to the petitioners. The Council is to be known by the name of 'Warren Council, No. 3.' The warrant bears date on the i6th day of June, 5824. The follow- ing brethren are the first Officers : John Barney Th. 111. G. R. M. Fdward F. Ensign D. G. R. M. EHsha W. Cleveland G. W. M." Whereupon it was resolved: "Tliat the acts of the M. 111. G. R. M. and the Officers of this Grand Council during its recess be in all things ratified and con- firmed." This being the meeting prescribed by the Constitution for the choice of Officers, the Grand Council proceeded to an election, when the following brethren were unanimously elected for ensumg year : Thomas Lownds M. 111. G. R. M. Edward Higgins Til. D G. R. M Gerrit Morgan t n ^^'i !;■ Lewis Sevmour "L . , i" WiHiam F. Pratt HI- Senior M. Campbell Bushnell -p^n^J"''" ^• L'^bbens Chapman Gd Treasurer Oliver M. Lownds Gd Recorder John Barney Gd Herald Resolved, That the warrants issued by this Grand Council be in the following form, to wit : 61 "We, the Grand Council of Royal Master Masons for the State of New York, duh' assembled in the City of New York, do, by these presents appoint our worthy brethren to be the first Thrice Illustrious Grand Royal Master, to be the first Deputy Grand Royal Master, Grand Warden, of a Council of Royal Master Masons, to be by virtue hereof constituted and held in , which shall be distinguished by the name of Council, No. , of Royal Master Ma- sons, and the said Council is hereby invested with full power and authority to assemble on all lawful and proper occasions, to confer the several degrees of Royal Master Mason and Super Excellent Master ^ilason. and to exercise all the rights and privileges apper- taining to them as a regularly constituted Council. "Conforming in all their proceedings to the Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal ]\Iaster Masons for the State of New York : otherwijc, this warrant and the power hereby granted to cease and be of no further effect. "Given under our hands and the seal of the said Grand Council. in the City of New York, on the day of A. L., 5824, of the Christian Era, 1824." The Grand Recorder reported that he had procured a seal for this Grand Council, with a suitable device. Council closed. At a meeting of the Grand Council of Royal Master ^lasons held on day of — — November, 5824. Present : Thomas Lownds, M. 111. Gd. R. M. Grand Council opened in form. An application was presented from a number of breturen residing in the County of Niagara, praying for a warrant to hold a Council of Royal blaster Alasons in the town of Lockport, County of Niagara, State of New York, by the style of Niagara Council, No. 4, and recommend the fol- lowing brethren for the first Officers : Harvey W. Campbell 111. Grd. R. M. AUison H. Millard D. Grd. R. M. Hiram Gardner Grd. Warden. Accompanying the petition was a recommendation under the seal of Ames Chapter, No. 88, whereupon. Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted. Council closed. 62 At the annual meeting of the G. Council of R. M. Masons for the State of New York, held at St. John's Hall, June 21 st, A. L. 5825. Present : Edward Higgins, G. R. M. pro tern. Gerrit Morgan, Dap., pro tern. William F. Pratt, H. Marsh, L. Chapman. The Grand Council was opened in form. This being the constitutional time for electing officers, the Grand Council proceeded to that business, and the following were elected for the year ensuing, viz : Comp. O. M. Lownds M. 111. G. R. M. Comp. Edward Higgins Dep. 111. G. R. M. Comp. Gerritt Morgan 111. G. R. Warden. Comp. Wm. F. Pratt 111. G. R. Marshal. Comp. Henry Marsh Senior G. R. M. Comp. Campbell Bushnell J. G. R. M. Comp. Lebbens Chapman G. R. Treasurer. Comp. Tho. Slade G. R. Recorder. Comp. John Barney G. R. Herald. Comp. G. Lansing G. R. Sentinel. Nothing further appearing to be acted upon, the Council was closed. At an extra meeting of the Grand Council of R. M. Masons for the State of New York, held at St. John's Hall, October 14, 5825. Present : Tho. Lownds, M. 111. G. R. M., and a constitutional number of members, convened the G. Council. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form. The followig petitions were read and the prayer of the peti- tioners granted, viz : The Petition of John Warner, Warren P. Wing, Edward Ray- more, and others, for a warrant to form and hold a Council of Royal and Select Masons in Greenwich Village, in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts, by the name and style of Washington Council, No. 5. Of John Duel, Frederick I. Curtiss, Epaphrochtus Taylor, and others, for a warrant to form and hold a Council of R. and Select Masons in the town of Northeast, in the County of Duchess and State of New York, by the name of La Fayette Council, No. 6. The Council was then closed. L. CHAPMAN, R., pro tern. 63 At the annual meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. M. Masons, held at St. John's Hall, July 12th, 1826. Present: 111. Gerritt Morgan in the chair, with 111. Comps. L. Chapman, W F. Pratt, H. Marsh, Silas Butler, Junior, and G. Lansing. The Grand Council was opened in form. The reading of the proceedings of the last meeting were dispensed with, the 111. Comp. E. Higgins appearing, he took the chair. The Grand Council then proceeded to the Election of Officers for the ensuing year, when the following were dlilv chosen, viz : Comp. Gerritt Alorgan M. 111. R. G. AI. Comp. Wm. F. Pratt Dep. 111. R. G. M. Comp. Henry Marsh 111. G. Warden. Comp. Campbell Bushnell 111. G. Marshal. Comp. Ferdinand L. W'ilsev. . . .111. Senr. G. AI. Comp. R. B. Atterbury. ..'. ..111. Junior G. M. Comp. Lebbens Chapman. .. .111. G. Treasurer. Comp. Thomas Slade 111. G. Recorder. Comp. Silas Butler, Jr 111. G. Herald. Comp. Gerritt Lansing G. Sentinel. On motion of 111. Com. Pratt, Resolved, That the next annual meeting for election of officers to be held on the Thursday next succeeding the first ^^'ednesday in June, 1827. On motion. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to revise and report a Constitution for this Grand Council. 111. Comps. Pratt, Chap- man and Slade were appointed Grand Committee. Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Council be given to the P. M. 111. R. G. M.. and Deputy G. R. M, for their faithful atten- tion to the duties of their offices the past year. The Grand Council then adjourned during the will and pleas- ure of the AI. 111. R. G. M. THOMAS SLADE, Recorder. At a meeting of the Grand Council held at St. John's Hall, January 6th, 1827. Present : G. Morgan, M. 111. R. G. M. H. Marsh, 111. G. Warden. R. Young, F. L. \\'ilsey, L. Chapman, R. B. Atterbury. Silas Butler, Junior, and G. Lansing. 64 The Grand Council was opened in form. The minutes of the proceedings of the last meeting were approved. A petition was received from Jarvis F. Hanks, Daniel Worley, and others, at Cleveland, in the State of Ohio, for a warrant to form and hold a Council of S. and R. M. Masons. Motion being made and seconded, the question was taken and found unanimous in favor of granting the warrant. $12.00 was received with the above petition. On motion, Comps. Chapman, Pratt and Slade were appointed a Committee. to examine the records of tfce Grand Council, for the purpose of ascertaining the number of warrants granted, to whom, when and where, and under what circumstances, and also to cor- respond with all such Councils, and generally to obtain every in- formation in relation to the state of Masonry under the title of Select and Royal Masters, with a view to form, if practicable, a General Grand Council of the United States. Adjourned to the 13th instant. January 13th, 1827. The Grand Council met agreeably to adjournment. Present : G. Morgan, M. 111. G. R. M. Wm. F. Pratt, R. B. Atterbury, Edward Higgins, Silas Butler, Jr., G. Lansing. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The Constitution of the Grand Council was then read. On motion, Resolved, That the Grand Sentinel, G. Lansing, be paid $12.00 for his services, including this meeting. Companion Pratt gave notice that he should ofifer a resolu- tion at the meeting to be held in June next, that the Constitution of this Grand Council be so amended as to make it obligatory on the subordinate Councils to charge the sum of $10.00 for confer- ring the degrees on any candidate. Whereupon it was Resolved, That the G. Recorder be directed to communicate the above proposed amendment to the subordinate Councils, and request them to transmit their views thereon. Resolved, That the fees of the G. Recorder for a warrant be $2.50, which shall be paid by those receiving the same. Closed in form. THOS. SLADE, G. Recorder. 65 At the annual meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. AI. Masons, held at St. John's Hall, June 21st, 1827. Present : G. Morgan, M. 111. G. R. M. Wm. F. Pratt, Deputy. H. Marsh, G. Warden. L. Chapman, R. B. Atterbury, S. Lyon, Levi Nathan, F. L. Wil- sey, Edward Higgins, G. Lansing. The Grand Council was opened in form. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The following named Companions were elected officers for the ensuing year, viz : Wm. F. Pratt M. 111. G. R. M. Henry Marsh Deputy. F. L. Wilsey Grand Warden. Cyrus Curtiss G. Marshal. R. B. Atterburv Sr. G. M. S. Butler, Jr. . .' Jr. G. M. L. Chapman G. Treasurer. Thos. Slade G. Recorder. Richard Ellis G. Herald. G. Lansing G. Sentinel. The M. 111. G. R. M.. G. Morgan, informed the Grand Council that he had received a communication from J. Cushman, in New Jersey, concerning his granting warrants for Councils of S. and R. M. Masons; said communication was then read, and on motion the following resolution was passed, viz : "111. Companions Wm. F. Pratt, H. Marsh and Lebbens Chap- man, be a committee to confer with James Cushman on the sub- ject of his granting warrants for Councils of S. and R. M. Masons, and to answer his letter to G. Morgan on that subject, with a view to a suspension of such acts on his part, and report their pro- ceedings thereon to this Grand Council as soon as practicable." The following amendment was proposed to the Constitution of this Grand Council by Comp. Pratt, viz: Strike out the 21st of June, in the third section of the first Article, and insert "the Thursday next succeeding the first Wednesday in June for the annual meeting of this Grand Council." Also add an Article mak- ing it the duty of all Councils under the jurisdiction of this Grand Council to charge the sum of Ten dollars for conferring the de- grees, authorized by the Constitution. Closed in form. THOS. SLADE, G. Recorder. 66 July 2Sth, 1827. An extra meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. M. Masons for the State of New York, was held at St. John's Hall. Present : H. Marsh, M. Ill, pro tern. with 111. Companions F. L. Wilsey, S. Butler, Jr., F. W. Leeds, L. Chapman and G. .Lansing. The Grand Council was opened in form. A Communication was received from a Council of S. and Royal Master Masons in the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, requesting to be recognized as a regular Council. The subject was then taken into consideration, and the following resolution unanimously passed, viz : Resolved, That this Grand Council acknowledge the Council of S. and R. Masters in the City of Washington (D. C), of which Wm. Lambert is G. R. M.. and that they be presented with a war- rant, free expense. That Companions Wm. F. Pratt, L. Chapman, Silas Butler, Jr., and F. L. Wilsey, be a committee to communi- cate our proceedings to said Council. Companions Marsh, Butler and Wilsey were appointed a Committee to settle with the Treasurer and Recorder, and pro- cure the necessary books for their use. Closed in form. THOS. SLADE, G. Recorder. At a regular meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. M. 2^Iasons for the State of New York, at St. John's Hall, June 21st, 1828. Present: Wm. F. Pratt, M. 111. G. R. M. Henry Marsh, Dep. L. Chapman, F. W. Leeds, R. Ellis, Robert Young, Jer. Miller, G. Lansing. The Grand Council was opened in form. The minutes of the proceedings of the last annual meeting, and an extra of the 25th July, were read and approved. The following named Companions were elected officers for the ensuing year, viz : 67 Comp. Henry Marsh :M. 111. G. R. M. Comp. Richard Ellis Dep. Comp. F. W. Leeds G. R. Warden. Comp. Cyrus Curtiss G. R. Marshal. Comp. Silas Butler, Jr Sr. R. M. Comp. Jer. jMiller Jr. R. M. Comp. Lebbens Chapman R. G. Treasurer. Comp. Thos. Slade R. G. Recorder. Comp. R. Young Herald. Comp. G. Lansing Sentinel. The resolution offered at the last annual meeting, to alter the time of the annual meetings of this Grand Council, passed in the aiSrmative. And the proposition to make it obligatory on sub- ordinate Councils to charge Ten dollars- for conferring the Degrees authorized by the Constitution, was laid over to the next annual meeting. Resdvcd, That the G. Recorder be directed to transmit to the subordinate Councils a copy of the Constitution of this Grand Council, and request them to make returns with their dues. Resolved, That the j\l. 111. and Dep. 111. be a committee to settle with the Recorder and Treasurer, and report at the next meeting. Resdved, That the Recorder and Treasurer be an auditing committee, and authorized to pay all bills against this Grand Council. Closed in form. THOS. SLADE, G. Recorder. At a meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. AI. Masons held June 15th, 1831. Present: Richard Ellis, Dep. 111. in the chair. F. W. Leeds, S. Lyon, I. R. Bailey, G. Lansing. The Grand Council was opened in form. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. The following named Companions were duly elected as officers for the ensuing year: 68 Richard Ellis M. 111. G. R. M. F. W. Leeds Dep. G. R. M. I. R. Bailey 111. G. R. Warden. S. Lyon G. R. Marshal. G. Lansing Sr. R. Marshal. S. Spencer Jr. R. Marshal. E. Higgins Treasurer. Thos. Slade Recorder. Robt. Young Sentinel. The oroposition for amending the Constitution, so as to make it obligatory on subordinate Councils to charge Ten dollars for conferring the degrees authorized by this Constitution was taken up, and on motion, it was so amended as to read "not less than five dollars." Nothing further offering, closed. THOS. SLADE, G. Recorder. Wednesday, June 21st, 1837. A meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. M. Masons was held at the house of the M. 111. G. R. Master, in Cherry Street. Present : R. Ellis, M. 111. G. R. M. in the chair. D. West, G. Lansing, S. Lyon, I. R. Bailey, F. W. Leeds, Sam'l 3ilaverick, Edward Higgins, I. S. Moore. The Grand Council was then opened. The minutes of the meeting, 1 831, were read and approved. The following named Companions were duly elected as officers for the ensuing year : Richard Ellis M. 111. G. R. M. F. W. Leeds Deputy G. R. M. I. R. Bailey 111. G. R. Warden. S. Lyon G. R. Marshal. S. Maverick Sr. R. Marshal. S. Spencer Jr. R. Marshal. Edward Higgins Treasurer. Recorder. R. Young Sentinel. Nothing further offering, closed. F. W. LEEDS, Recorder, pro fan. [There were no minutes present from 1831 to this date, the Recorder having promised to produce them, but did not.] 69 At a meeting of the Grand Council of S. and R. 'M. Masons held at Barnes" Buildings, >,"o. 33 Canal Street, March i6th A. L. 5842. Present : Richard Ellis, M. 111. Grd. R. M. in the chair. F. W. Leeds, Dep. G. R. .M. s. Lvon, G. R. ^^■. S. Maverick, Sr. R. M. S. Spencer. Jr. R. jM. D. \\'est, John Gassner, A. Chappie, Robt. Tayrell, R. Beach, A. B. Xones. I. L. Aloore, Chas. Colgate, James Thorburn. The Grand Council was opened in form, when the minutes of the last meetings were read and approved. On motion, dulv made and seconded, the following were : Rcsolzrd, That the present officers of the Grand Council con- tinue to serve until the 21st June, 1842, the regular meeting for the election of officers. Carried unanimously. Resolved, That this Grand Council be now organized, which was carried unanimously. Resolved, That the words "and Super Excellent Master Mason," be inserted in the warrant of Columbian Council, Xo. i, after the words, "'Select Mason," and that the same power to con- fer the Super Excellent Master's degree be extended to all Coun- cils who have received their warrants from this Grand Council, or may hereafter, which was carried unanimously. Resolved, That Companion D. \\'est, be appointed Grand Treasurer for the remainder of the term in olace of Companion Edward Higgins, deceased. Nothing further oflfering, the Grand Council closed. , S. SPEXCER, G. Recorder, pro tern. At a regular meeting of the Grand Council of the State of Xew York, held at Xo. 2ii Canal Street, on Tuesday evening, June 2ist, 1842. Present: Thrice 111. Richd. Ellis, R. G. ^I. iti the chair. F. \\" Leeds, Dep. R. G. ^I. Svlvester Spencer, R. G. R., pro tern. D. A\'est, R. G. Treasurer. James Thorburn, R. G. Tyler, and other members present, when the Grand Council was opened in due and ancient form, when the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. 70 Resolved, That the annual election now take place, when the Grand Council proceeaed to that duty, when the following mem- bers were duly elected-: Comp. Richard EHis M. 111. R. G. M. Comp. F. W. Leeds Dep. R. G. M. Comp. Jarid L. Moore R. G. Warden. Comp. Samuel Maverick R. G. Marshal. Comp. Anthony Chappie ... .R. Sr.'G. Marshal. Comp. Silas Lyon R. Jr. Gr. Marshal. Comp. Daniel West R. G. Treasurer. Comp. Sylvester Spencer R. G. Recorder. Comp. Ransom Beach R. G. Herald. Comp. James Thorburn R. G. Sentinel. No further business appearing, the minutes of the meeting were read and approved, when the Grand Council was closed in due form. SYLVESTER SPENCER, R. G. Recorder. At an annual meeting of the Grand Council of the State of New York, held at No. 33 Canal Street, on Wednesday evening, June 2ist, A. L. 5843. Present: Comp. F. W. Leeds as M. R. G. Master. Comp. Jarid L. Moore as Dep. R. G. Master. Comp. Sam'l Maverick as R. G. Warden. Comp. Anthony Chappie as R. G. Marshal. Comp. Silas Lyon as R. G. Sr.' Marshal. Comp. Ransom Beach as R. G. Treasurer. Comp. Sylvester Spencer as R. G. Recorder. Comp. Robert Tyrell as R. G. Herald. Comp. James Thorburn as R. G. Sentinel. When the Grand Council was declared open, when the following Companions were unanimously elected officers for this Grand Council for the ensuing year : Richard EUis M. 111. R. G. M. F.- W. Leeds -. . .Dep. R. G. M. Jared L. Moore R. G. Warden. Samuel Maverick R. G. Marshal. Anthony Chappie R. G. Sr. Marshal. Silas Lyon R. Jr. G. Marshal. Daniel West R- G. Treasurer. Sylvester Spencer R. G. Recorder. Ransom Beach R. G". Herald. James Thorburn R. G. Sentinel. Which were duly installed into their several stations. 71 Xo further business appearing, the minutes of the proceed- ings of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed; also the minutes of the proceedmgs of this meeting were read, and ap- proved. The Grand Council was closed. SYLVESTER SPENCER, Grand Recorder. At an emergent meeting of the Grand Council of the State of New York, held at No. 33 Canal Street, on \\'ednesday, at 5 o'clock, P. M. ; 3rd January, A. L. 5844. Present : F W". Leeds, Dep. 111. R. G. M. as M. 111. R.G. M. Jared L. Moore as Deputy 111. R. G. M. Samuel Maverick as 111. R. G. Warden. Anthony Chappie as R. G. Alarshal. Silas Lyon as R. G. Sr. iNIarshal. Ransom Beach as R. Jr. G. Marshal. Daniel West as R. G. Treasurer. Sylvester Spencer as R. G. Recorder. Robert Tyrell as R. G. Herald. James Thorburn as R. G. Sentinel. John B. Costa. Msitor, Alexander Kiparn, when the Grand Council was opened. The ^I. 111. Grand blaster announced the death of our much beloved and esteemed M. 111. R. Grand blaster Richard Ellis, and offered the following Preamble and Resolution : "Whereas, The Grand Architect of the Universe has, in his wis- dom, removed from this transitory world our much esteemed Com- panion Richard Ellis, one with whom we have long been associated in the Fraternal Bond, one whose conduct through life has been that of an upright Mason, a firm friend and affectionate Parent ; to us his loss cannot be easily replaced, although his death was not unexpected, he having nearly reached the time allotted to man, yet we deeply deplore this sorrowful event. To his family his death severe indeed, and with them we sincerely sympathize in their and our bereavement, as a bright light in [Masonry he has left no superior. We have this consolation in our sorrow, that his examples of a virtuous life and a true Mason are left for us to imitate ; let us then, Companions, imitate his virtue, fidelity and zeal, bowing in humble submission to the decree of the ever-living God, and so conform our actions to His holy precepts, that at the last day we may find our entrance into the Holy of Holies above, to be blessed forever. And may we be ever ready to meet the Grand leveler, when the mysterious summons is given to receive with joy and gratitude the announcement of his mission, "I am that I am, and I am hath sent me unto you." Resdved, As a token of respect for the memory of the de- ceased, that the Hall of this Grand Council be closed in mourning until its next annual meeting. Resdved, That the members of this Grand Council wear crepe on the left arm for the space of thirty days. Resolved, That we attend the funeral of the deceased. Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be transmitted to the afflicted family of the deceased." No further business appearing, the Grand Council was then closed. SYLVESTER SPENCER, Grand Recorder. At a regular annual meeting of the Grand Council of the State of New York, held in the City of New York, at No. 33 Canal Street, June 21, 1844. Officers present: Frederick W. Leeds as M. 111. R. G. M. Silas Lyons as Deputy 111. R. G. M. Samuel Maverick as 111. R. G. Warden. Anthonv Chappie as R. G. Marshal. Ransom Beach as R. G. Sr. Marshal. Robert Tyrell as R. G. Jr. Marshal. Jonathan Jarvis as R. G. Treasurer. Sylvester Spencer as R. G. Recorder. John B. Costa as R. G. Herald. James Thorburn as R. G. Sentinel. When the Grand Council was declared open, when the minutes of the last annual meeting, held on the 21st June, 1843,' together with the minutes of the proceedings of the Emergent Meeting held on the third January, 1844, were read and confirmed, when it was Resolved, That the election of officers now take place, when the following named Companions were unanimously elected : 73 Frederick W. Leeds M. 111. R. G. Master. Samuel Maverick 111. Dep. R. G. Master. Anthony Chappie 111. R. G. Warden, William Nexsen R. G. Marshal. Jonathan Jarvis R. G. Sr. Marshal. Ransom Beach R. G. Jr. Marshal. Daniel West R. G. Treasurer. Sylvester Spencer R. G. Recorder. Robert Tyrell R. G. Herald. James Thorburn R. G. Sentinel. When the officers elect were regularly installed into their several stations by F. W. Leeds, M. 111. R. G. Master. Resolved, That the Recorder be authorized to communicate with these Councils who have received their warrants for subor- dinate Councils from this Grand Council, to show cause why they do not make returns to this Grand Council, or show cause why their warrant should not be cancelled. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed. SYLVESTER SPENCER, R. G. Recorder. At a regular and annual meeting of the Grand Council of R. M. M. for the State of New York, held at Warren Hall, June 2ist, A. L. 5845. Present: Comp. F. W. Leeds, M. 111. R. G. M. in the chair. A. Chappie, D. West, S. Lyon, S. Fisk, C. Watkins, R. Beach, R. Tyrell, J. Thorburn. The Grand Council was opened in R. M. M. degree. The minutes of the last communication were read and confirmed, when it was Resolved, That the election of officers for this Grand Council for the ensuing year now take place, and the following Companions were unanimously elected to fill the offices, viz : Frederick W. Leeds Most 111. R. G. Master. Anthony Chappie Dep. 111. R. G. M. Sewall Fisk R. G. Warden. Ransom Beach R. G. Marshal. Silas Lyon Sr. R. G. Marshal. C. Watkins Jr. R. G. Marshal. Daniel West R. G. Treasurer. S. Spencer R. G. Recorder. Wm. G. Park R. G. Herald. Robt. Tyrell R. G. Sentinel. 74 The officers elect were then installed into their several stations by the Most 111. R. G. Master, F. W. Leeds. No further business appearing, the minutes of this meeting were read and approved, and the Grand Council closed. S. SPENCER, R. G. Recorder. At the annual meeting of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, held on Sunday, June 2ist, A. L. 5846, at Warren Hall. Present: Comp. Frederick W. Leeds, Most 111. R. G. M. in the chair. Comps. J. Jarvis, S. Fisk, R. Beach, C. Watkins, I. West, W. W. Nexsen, I. B. Costa ; Visitors, C. Carpenter, W.Broadman. The Grand Council opened in the R. M. degree. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. On motion, it was Resolved, That Columbian Council No. i, be directed hereafter to open and confer the Council degrees in the following order : first, the Super Excellent degree; second, the Royal Master's de- gree; and third, the Select Master's degree. Resolved, That a dispensation be granted to Columbian Coun- cil, No. I, to hold an Election at the next regular night of meet- ing, in consequence of a death in the family of the Thr. 111. R. M., A. Chappie, which prevented his attendance at the Council on the regular meeting for their Election of Officers, and consequently there was not a quorum present. The Most 111. R. G. M. notified the Grand Council that since the last communication of this Grand Council four of our Com- panions had departed this Hfe, viz : Comp. S. Maverick, Comp. A. H. Robertson, Comp. Sylvester Spencer, Comp. Silas Lyon. Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed as a Com- mittee on Foreign Correspondence. 111. Companions Leeds, S. Fisk and D. West, were appointed that Committee. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence made the follow- ing Report: — Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence have before them the proceedings of the Grand Council of Alabama and of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, and recom- mend the following for your adoption. 75 IVhcrcas, It appears by the proceedings of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, they recommend that authority be given to subordinate Chapters in the different States, where no Grand Council exists, to confer the Royal and Select Master's de- grees, which your Committee consider would be of vital injury to our Order and subversive of the ancient "Landmarks" of Masonry, and recommend that a correspondence be opened with the several Grand Councils in the different States, and to use all legal means to prevent so great an injury to our Order, and also that our objec- tions be sent to the General Grand Chapter of the United States, and the Grand Chapters of the several States. All of which is re- spectfully submitted. F. W. Leeds, ) Committee on i^ K\ ' ^ Foreign Correspondence. D. \\ est, ) On motion, the report was accepted and ordered to be carried into effect. The Grand Council then went into an Election for Officers, when the following were unanimously elected Grand Officers for the ensuing year : Fredk. W Leeds Most 111. R. G. M. Anthony Chappie 111. Dep. R. G. M. Sewall Fisk 111. R. G. Warden. Ransom Beach 111. R. G. Marshal. Jonathan Jarvis 111. R. Sr. G. Marshal. Chas. Watkins 111. R. Jr. G. Marshal. Daniel West 111. R. G. Treasurer. Wm. ^^'. Xexsen 111. R. G. Recorder. John B. Costa 111. R. G. Herald. Sentinel. Standing Committee : — F. \\'. Leeds, A. Chappie, and S. Fisk. Companions Jarvis Xexsen and Costa were then installed into their respective offices by the Most 111. R. G. ]\I., F. ^^^ Leeds. The foregoing minutes were read and approved, and the Grand Council closed. WM. W. NEXSEX, R. G. Recorder. 76 At the annual meeting of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, held on the 21st June, A. L. 5847, at Howard House. Present : Comp. F. W. Leeds, M. 111. R. G. M. in the chair, Companions Costa, Chappie, Carpenter, Watkins, Fisk, W. W. Nexsen, Beach, Jarvis West, Tyrell, Sheats. The Grand Council opened in the R. M. degree. The minutes of the last meeting read and confirmed. The M. 111. F. W. Leeds notified the Grand Council of the death during the past year of Companion I. L. Tasharia, and after a few suitable remarks, it was, on motion of Companion Fisk, Rcsah'cd, Tliat a Committee be appointed to send a letter of condolence to the family of Companion Tasharia. Companions Leeds, Chappie, and Watkins were appointed said Committee. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported, that in conformity with the resolution of the last meeting, they had written to the Grand Councils of the States of Alabama, Connecti- cut and Florida, and have as yet received no answer. Grand Council then closed for a short space of time. Grand Council re-opened and went into an Election for officers, when the following were unanimously elected Grand Offi- cers for the ensuing year : Fredk. W. Leeds M. 111. R. G. Master. Anthony Chappie 111. Dep. R. G. Master. Sewall Fisk 111. R. G. Warden. Ramson Beach 111. R. G. Marshal. Jon. Jarvis lU. R. S. G. Marshal. Chas. Watkins 111. R. Jr. G. Marshal. Daniel West 111. R. G. Treasurer. Wm. W. Nexsen 111. R. G. Recorder. Chas. W. Carpenter 111. R. G. Herald. S. Fisk R. G. Sentinel. The foregoing minutes were read and approved. The Grand Council closed. WM. W. NEXSEN, Grand Recorder. 77 GRAND COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. July 29, A. L. 5847. In consequence of there not being a quorum of Columbian Council, No. I, this evening, the Grand Council opened in the R. M. M. degree. M. 111. G. R. M., F. W. Leeds in the chair, J. Jarvis, R. Beach, W. C. Parks, D. West, S. Fisk, C. Carpenter, I. B. Costa. The several degrees of Super Excellent R. M. and Select Masters were conferred on Companion Samuel Friedlander, of ^lississippi Chapter, No. 8, Companions John N. Reed and Eben- ezer B. Nichols, of Houston Chapter, No. 8, Texas, and each paid $5.00, amounting to $15.00, which was handed to Treasurer of Columbian Council, No. i. (Signed) S. FISK, G. R., pro tern. ^November 29th, A. L. 5847. The Grand Council was convened in the R. M. Jil. degree, Most 111. R. G. M., F. W. Leeds in the chair. Companions J. jarvis, D. \\'est, C. Carpenter, I. B. Costa, C. Watkins, R. Beach, S. Fisk. The Standing Committee of Columbian Council, No. i, re- ported favorably on Companions Wm. H. Norris, Allan A. Burns and John Scott, which report was acted on and unanimously ac- cepted. R. il. AI. closed and S. E. L. opened, and the degree of S. E. ^I. was conferred on the following: W. H. Norris, Allan A. Burns, John Scott and E. W. Nexsen. Comp. ^^^ \\'. Nexsen having come in, and there being now a sufificient number of members present of Columbian Council, No. I, to transact their business, the Grand Council closed. (Signed) S. FISK, G. R., pro tern. 78 January 31, A. L. 5848. The Grand Council was convened in the R. M. M. degree. Most 111. R. G. M., F. W. Leeds in the chair, J. Jarvis, D. West, A. Chappie, R. Beach, C. Watkins, C. Car- penter, S.- Fisk. The following Companions were proposed for Initiation and Membership in Columbian Council, No. i : Companions Jordon Woolley and Elisha Edmondson, of Ancient Chapter, No. i ; C. L. Church, of Jerusalem Chapter, No. 8 ; — . Landers, of Phenix Chapter, No. 2. On motion, referred to the Standing Committee of Columbian Council, No. i, for investigation. The Most 111. R. G. M. stated, that since the last communica- tion of the Grand Council a Warrant had been grant.ed to Com- panions Wm. D. Smith, John N. Reed, Ebenezer L. Nichols, and others, under the name of Houston Council, No. 10, to be held at Houston, Texas. On motion, the Grand Council immediately concurred in granting said warrant, after which the Grand Council closed. (Signed) F. W. LEEDS, G. R., pro tern. At a regular annual meeting of the Grand Council of R. M. M. of the State of New York, held at the Howard House, on Wed- nesday evening, June 21st, A. L. 5848. Present: F. W. Leeds, M. 111. R. G. M. in the chair, R. Beach, A. Chappie, D. West, C. Watkins, C. W. Carpenter, W. W. Nexsen, I. B. Costa. Minutes of the last annual meeting and the minutes of July 29th, '47, November 29th, '47, January 31st, '48, were read and ap- proved. The M. 111. R. M. stated, that he had not as yet received the amount of the warrant of Houston Council, No. 10, Texas. Com- panion Recorder then read a letter from said Council, enclosing their dues, amounting to six dollars, with a list of their officers and members. The M. 111. announced that since the last annual meeting of this Grand Council, our worthy Companion James Thorburn had departed this life, when, after a few suitable and appropriate re- marks from him, it was 79 Rcsoh'cd, That a Committee of three be appointed to send a letter of condolence to the widow of the deceased. Companions Leeds, West and Xexsen appointed said Committee. On motion, Resolved, That the Grand Council now proceed to the election of Officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : Comp. Fredk. \V. Leeds.. M. 111. R. G. Master. Comp. Anthony Chappie. 111. Dep. R. G. Master. Comp. Jonathan Jarvis 111. R. G. \\'arden. Comp. Ramson Beach R. G. Marshal. Comp. Chas. Watkins R. G. Sr. Marshal. Comp. Chas. W. Carpenter. .R. Jr. G. Marshal. Comp. Daniel West R. G. Treasurer. Ccymp. \\m. W. Nexsen R. G. Recorder. Comp. Sewall Fisk R. G. Herald. Same R. G. Sentinel. After a few remarks from the M. 111. and no further business offering, the Grand Council closed. WM. ^^•. XEXSEX, Grand Recorder. .\t the annual ilieeting of the Grand Council of R. M. ^i. of the State of Xew York, held at the Howard House, on Thursday evening, the 2ist, A. L. 5849. Present: Comp. F. W. Leeds, AI. 111. R. G. M. in the chair. Companions Jarvis Xexsen, Beach, Carpenter, Brown, Randall. The Grand Council opened in R. AI. degree. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Grand Council adjourn until Friday even- ing, the 29th inst. WM. W. XEXSEX, Grand Recorder. The Grand Council met pursuant to adjournment on Friday evening, 29th June, 5849, and proceeded to the election of Officers for the ensuing year, when the following were duly elected : 80 Comp. Jonathan Jarvis M. III. R. G. Master. Comp. Chas. W. Carpenter. . .III. Dep. R. G. M. Comp. Chas. Watkms 111. R. G. Warden. Comp. John Scott R. G. Marshal. Comp. Ramson Beach R. Sr. G. Marshal. Comp. Wm. H. Norris R. Jr. G. Marshal. Comp. Daniel West R. G. Treasurer. Comp. Wm. W. Nexsen R. G. Recorder. Comp. Wm. Brown R. G. Herald. Comp. SeweU Fisk R. G. Sentinel. Nothing further offering, the Grand Council closed. WM. W. NEXSEN, Grand Recorder. A meeting of the Grand Council of the State of New York was held at Howard House, January 15th, A. L. 5850. Most 111. J. Jarvis, 111. C. W. Carpenter, 111. C. Watkins, P. 111. F. W. Leeds, Recorder, pro tmi. Opened in the R. M. M. degree. 111. Companion Leeds then read a communication from the Grand H. P. R. R. Boyd, of the Grand Chapter of New York, as follows : Whereupon a motion was made, that a Committee of three be appointed to answer that Communication, when the following were appointed that Committee : Most 111. J. Jarvis, F. W. Leeds, and C. Carpenter. The Committee then read their report, which was accepted. On motion duly made and seconded, the Grand Council then closed. F. W. LEEDS, G. Recorder, pro tan. An emergent meeting of the Grand Council of R. M. of the State of New York was held at Free Masons' Hall, No. 600 Broadway, on Friday evening, January 14th, A. L. 5850. Present : Most 111. J. Jarvis, 111. F. W. Leeds, C. Watkins, W. H. Norris, S. Fisk. 81 Opened in the R. 'SI. Degree. The Alost 111. then directed the Grand Recorder to give notice that this Grand Council will hold their annual communication on Friday evening next, the 21 St inst., at 7 o'clock precisely, for the purpose of holding an Election for Officers, and also to direct the Recorder of Colum- bian Council, Xo. I, to notify the members of said Council to hold their meeting on same evening, time and place, for the election of officers for the ensuing year ; and also to notify their Standing Committee to meet and prepare their report on the affairs of said Council at their next meeting. Received from Companion Xorris, $1.00, for dues to Colum- bian Council, Xo. I. The foregoing minutes were then read and approved, and the Grand Council closed. FREDK. W. LEEDS, Grand Recorder, pro tern. The annual communication of the Grand Council of R. ^I. for the State of Xew York was held at Free Masons' Hall, Xo. 600 Broadway, January 21st, A. L. 5850. Present: Most 111. T- Jarvis, G. R. :M. Past :\Iost 111. F. W. Leeds. 111. C. Watkins. 111. W. \\'. Xexsen. 111. C. W. Carpenter. 111. D. West. 111. W. H. Xorris. 111. S. Fisk. The Grand Council opened in the R. M. degree. The minutes of the last annual and other meetings were read and confirmed. On motion, Rcsolz'cd, That the Grand Council now proceed to the Election of Officers for the ensuing year, which resulted as follows : Alost 111. Comp. Jonathan Jarvis G. R. AI. Comp. C. W. Carpenter.. Dep. G. ^I. Comp. C. Watkins R. G. W. Comp. W W. Xexsen. R. G. ^larshal. Comp. W. H. Xorris Sr. R. M. Comp. R. Tyrell Jr. R. ]\I. Comp. D. West....R. G. Treasurer. Comp. F. \\'. Leeds. .R. G. Recorder. Comp. R. Beach Herald. Comp. W. Broadman Sentinel. 82 Resolved, Tliat a Committee of three be appointed, with power to have the report (which was read at a former meeting, a copy of vyhich had beeen transmitted to the Grand Chapter of the State of New York) printed. Companions Leeds, Watl• Committee. N. O. Benjamin, ) 135 The resolutions were then ordered to be taken up separately. The first and second resolutions were adopted. The first resolution was, on motion, referred to the Committee, when appointed, having charge of the same subject as alluded to in the M. P. Grand Master's address. On motion of Companion Macoy : Resolved, That when this Grand Council adjourns, it will ad- journ to meet on Wednesday evening next, 4th inst. Companion Thos. C. Edwards, from the Committee on ap- portioning the various subjects in the M. P. Grand Master's Ad- dress, presented the following report ; which was, on motion, ac- cepted and the recommendation adopted : To the Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee to whom was referred the able address of the M. P. Grand Master, having had the same under that consider- ation to which its merits and ability justly entitle it, ask leave to submit the following as their Report : The Committee are gratified to learn from the Report and ad- dress of our M. P. G. M. of the healthful and prosperous state of Royal and Select Alasonry within our jurisdiction. The "Grand Council of New York" now sends Greeting to our Worthy and Illustrious Companions of the Union, with the welcome and grate- ful assurance that her workmen are successfully engaged in pur- suing their secret labors — the rubbish is removed, and the arches resound with the working tools of our diligent, faithful and enlight- ened craftsmen. Great credit is due to the officers composing this Grand Council, for their unceasing and unwavering devotion to the interests and welfare of that particular branch of our ancient and beloved Order, which has been confided to their care, and to none would we award a higher meed of praise and thankfulness than to our esteemed and illustrious Companion who has so ably presided over this Grand Body during the past year. The Committee recommend as follows : First : That so much of the address of our M. P. G. M., as relates to "Dispensations and Charters" be referred to a committee, which we recommend be appointed for that purpose. Second : So much of said address as relates to a "General Grand Council," and the proposed Convention at Hartford, to a special committee of five. 136 Third : That of which relates to "Uniformity of Work," to a committee of three, of which the Grand Lecturer is to be one. Fourth : So much of the address, having reference to the decease of our illustrious Companion N. B. Haswell, of Vermont, to a select committee of three. Fifth : The remarks having reference to "Foreign Grand Councils," we recommend be referred to Committee on "Foreign Correspondence." We also subjoin the following resolution : Resolved, That the acts aild doings of our M. P. G. M., haying reference to "Pennell Council" be, and the same are hereby ratified and confirmed. Fraternally submitted, in mystic bonds, T. C. Edwards, J. W. Simons, ^ Committee. N. O. Benjamin, New York, June, 1856. Comp. Bunting submitted the following as the Committee of five, on the subject of the General Grand Council : Comps. Som- mers, Edwards, Simons, Macoy and Drummond. Committee on Uniformity of Work: — Comps. Drummond, Brush and Fenton. Committe on the Death of Comp. Haswell : — ^Comps. Sinclair, Wagstaff and Moriarty. The subject of a manual for Councils of Royal and Select Masters was referred to the Committee on Uniformity of Work. On motion of Comp. Edwards, Resolved, That the work of the Order be exemplified at the next meeting by the Grand Officers. On motion of Companion Benjamin Resolved, That the election of officers be made the special order for the next meeting, at 9 o'clock. On motion, the Grand Council adjourned until Wednesday evening next, at 8 o'clock. 137 Wednesday, June 4th. The Grand Council met pursuant to adjournment, Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers, M. P. G. M. in the chair. Comp. \A'agstaff, from the Committee on so much of the Grand Master's Address as relates to the death of ^M. P. Comp. Nathan B. Haswell, presented the following report, which was on motion, received and the resolutions adopted, viz : To the Grand Council of New York : Your Committee, to whom was referred that part of the ad- dress of our AI. P. Grand Master, which officially communicates the decease of M. P. Companion Nathan B. Haswell, would re- spectfully offer for the consideration of this Grand Council, the following preamble and resolutions : Whereas, It has pleased our Supreme Grand ]\Iaster to remove from our earthly communion. Companion Nathan B. Haswell, of Vermont, be it, therefore. Resolved. That in the death of ]\I. P. Companion Haswell, who at the time of his decease was Grand Master of the Grand Council of Vermont, and who for so many years was devoted to the inter- ests of our beloved Order, Royal and Select Masonry has lost one of its most valuable members. Resolved, That this Grand Council sincerely deplore the loss of our late 'Si. P. Companion, and hereby tender to the Grand Coun- cil of Vermont, and particularly to the family of the deceased, its warmest condolence and heart-ifelt sympathy in this, their sad bereavement. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, and that the R. P. Grand Recorder transmit a printed copy of the proceedings of this assembly to the family of the deceased, and also to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of \'ermont. David ^^'agstaflf, ) _, D. S. Sinclair, | Committee. Comp. Benjamin, from the Committee on Dispensations and Warrants, presented the following report, which was, on motion, received and the resolution adopted, viz : To the Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations, to whom 138 was referred the petition of a constitutional number of Compan- ions, praying for a warrant to continue a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the city of New York, to be called Adelphic Council. Also, a like petition for a Council, to be located at Greene, Chenango County, to be called Eureka Council. Also, a like petition for a Council, to be located at Wellsville, Alleghany County, to be called Genesee Council, respectfully re- port, that the above-named Councils have been working under dispensations, duly granted by the M. P. Grand Master, and we find, on examination, their proceedings to be regular and in con- formity with the rules and regulations of the Constitution of this Grand Council, therefore, offer for adoption, the following resolu- tions : Resolved, That a warrant be granted to Henry F. L. Bunting, John J. Tindale, S. B. Tobey, Jr., and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the city of New York, by the name and style of Adelphic Council, No. 7. Resolved, That a warrant be granted to Augustus Willard, Seth S. Beckwith, Alva H. Smith, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the village of Greene, Chenango County, by the name and style Eureka Council, No. 8. Resolved, That a warrant be granted to H. York, C. L. Farnum, H. P. Talcott, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the village of Wellsville, Alleghany County, by the name and style of Genesee Council, No. 9, whenever they shall return their dispensation to the Grand Recorder. All of which is respectfully submitted. N. O. Benjamin, John J. Tindale, John W. Simons. Comp. Drummond, from the Committee on Returns, offered the following report, which was received, and referred to the Grand Recorder, viz : The Committee on Returns beg leave to report, that they find five Councils have made returns. Washington Council, No. i, imperfect, in not giving date of Reception or joining; amount of dues not properly carried out. The total amount correct. 139 Oriental, No. 3, incorrect, in charging Registry fees for mem- bers who had \vithdra\Yn to form Adelphic Council. Amount returned, $11.68; it should be $7.93- Excelsior, Xo. 6, has not charged dues for part of a year, and Registry fees not properly carried out. The amount of dues in other respects, correct. Birth-places of some of its members not giyen. Eureka, U. D.. has charged Registry fees for those only re- ceived during the year. Registry fees should have been charged for all. Amount returned, $7-63 Still due 2.50 $10.13 Adelphic, U. D., correct. AI. J. Drummond, J. J. Tindale. Bills were received from Comps. Fisk, Dowding and ^^lacoy. which were, on motion, referred to the Finance Committee, with power to order them paid, if found to be correct. Comp. Tindale offered the following resolution, which was on motion, adopted, viz : Resolved, That this Grand Council has exclusive jurisdiction over the Degrees of R. and S. ^Fs. in this State, and that any at- tempt on the part of any Grand Consistory, or other body, to con- fer those degrees, will be regarded as an act of usurpation, and unwarranted by IMasonic usage. The hour for the Special Order, being the election of Officers, having arrived, the Grand Master directed the election to proceed, (Comps. Fenton and Tobey acting as Tellers), which resulted in the following choice of GRAND OFFICERS. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers. . . .I\I. P. Grand ]\Iaster. Who, in a few remarks, appreciating the kindness of the Compan- ions for the honors bestowed upon him declined the election. Comp. H. F. L. Bunting was elected M. P. Grand ^Master. Comp. Thos. C. Edwards was elected R.P.Dep.Gr. Pilaster. Comp. John J. Tindale was elected. .Grand lUus. blaster. 140 Who declined accepting- the office, and expressed his gratitude for this and many other favors generously bestowed upon him by his associate Companions. Comp. Jas. T. Brush was elected R. P. Gr. 111. Master. Comp. David Wagstaff was elected G. P. C. of the Works. Comp. Robert Macoy was elected Grand Recorder. Comp. D. S. Sinclair was elected Grand Treasurer. Comp. Drummond, from the Committee on organizing a Gen- eral Grand Council for the United States, made a verbal report favorable to the establishment of a General Grand Council. The report was, on motion, received, and the recommendation adopted. Comp. John W. Simons offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That the several Councils in this jurisdiction be, and they are hereby empowered to heal all illegally made Royal and Select Masters, provided, the Companions thus healed shall agree to attach themselves to the Council having lawful jurisdiction over them. ,Comp. D. W. Fenton presented the following resolutions, which were on motion, adopted : Resolved, That the Grand Master be empowered to inquire into the matter of Minnesota Council, No. 4, and to demand of its pre- siding officer a statement of its affairs, and that a return be im- mediately made to this Grand Council, or that its Warrant and properties be surrendered until the next Annual Assembly of this body; and it is further Resolved, That the M. P. Grand Master have full power to act in the premises as to him shall seem meet and proper. On motion of Conip. Thos. C. Edwards : Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held on the Wednesday evening succeeding the first Tues- day in June, in the city of New York. Comp. J. W. Simons moved to amend : That the subject be referred, with power, to the first four officers. The amendment was put and lost. The question on the original resclution was then taken and adopted. Comp. Thos. C. Edwards, from the Committee on the Recog- nition of Degrees by other Masonic Bodies, reported that he had offered the following resolution in the Grand Encampment of this State, at its last Annual Conclave, which was laid on the table : 141 Tg., Resolved, That our Representatives to the next Triennial Ses- sion of the General Grand Encampment of the United States, be and they are hereby instructed to use their influence in that body to procure an amendment to the General Grand Constitution, to the effect that the Orders of Knighthood shall not be conferred upon Companions who have not regularly received the degrees of Royal and Select Master, in addition to the several degrees now required by said Constitution. The Grand Officers elect were then installed into their respec- tive offices in due form, by M. P. Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers, Past Grand Master. By Comp. T. C. Edwards : Resolved, That the Special Order for this evening, being the exemplification of the work, be deferred until the meeting of Adel- phic Council, to be called for that purpose. Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers, from the Committee on Jewels, re- ported progress, which was, on motion, accepted. The minutes were read and approved. There being no further business before the body, the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. H. F. L. BUNTING, Grand Master. Robert Macov, Grand Recorder. Moneys received during the Session, by the Grand Recorder from the following sources : Washington Council, No. i $10.50 Oriental Council, No. 2 11.68 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 10.50 Excelsior Council, No. 6 11-25 Adelphic Council, U. D 18.13 Eureka Council, U. D 7.63 Genesee Council, U. D ! i5-00 $84.69 142 tn W m ^1 hJ < *—( H o r^ ^ P (-1 o W c; H hH P ^ ^ Uj < W ^ w O tH ^ K § w s ft ^ o »-( 0. w ^ •2 ^ .M 1-1 S a g ^ m H p M i-^ q (U 8 w A Id § <1 0, K c ;> 0. P^ c/- b ^ 1 t 1 1 — c 1. 0. (5 ;is King.... R. Terry.. Macoy.... D. Caldwel C f P: < p: (I 1- P^ ^ ^ p: 1 p: o a 1—1 0) J2 o 3 W W 1-f Clj 1 1 OT Q la Ph rt O o CO Ph u be a bo ^ ^ w a a o O a! o el pi CI o o o > a a o CO pa H H O C o o o o o -a < o Pi cAi pa o fcr C > c o s H- L) J p ^ U Ui O fe C3 bio < H ffi < o o 6 :z; Committee. N. O. Benjamin, ) Which was, on motion, received and ordered on file. 162 The Committee to whom was referred the address of the M. P. Grand Master, to apportion the several subjects therein treated of, presented the following report : That so much of said Address as refers to Minnesota Council, No. 5, be referred to the Committee on Grievances; and so much of it as refers to application of Comp. Hunt, to the Committee on Charters and Dispensations. lers, ) irds, > J. B. Y. Sommers, Thos. C. Edwards, )■ Committee. David Wagstaff, I. Comp. W. T. Marvin, from the Committee on Grievances, presented the following report : The Committee on Grievances, to whom was referred such portions of the Grand Master's address as referred to Minnesota Council, No. 5, beg leave to report : That they have examined the subject carefully, and would present the following resolution, as the result of their investigation : Resolved, That Minnesota Council, No. 5, be allowed sixty days to make their returns and pay their dues. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. T. Marvin, ) S. B. Tobey, Jr., V Committee. Aug. Willard, ) Which was, on motion, received, the Committee discharged from the further consideration of the subject, and the resolution adopted. M. P. Comp. Sommers, from the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, presented the following report : The Committee on Charters and Dispensations, to whom was referred that portion of the Grand Master's Address relating to the appHcation of Comp. Hunt, of Wisconsin, beg leave to report the following resolution : Resolved, That the petition of Comp. John W. Hunt be re- ferred to the Grand Master, with power. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. B. Y. Sommers, \ J. W. Simons, \ Committee. J. J. Tindale, ) 163 On motion, the report was received, the Committee discharged from further consideration of the subject, and the resolution was adopted . j\l. P. Comp. Simons offered the following resolution : Resolved, That when this Grand Council adjourn, it adjourn to meet in this place on Friday next, at 4 o'clock, P. M. Which was adopted. The Committee appointed at the last Annual Assembly, to attend the Convention at Hartford, for the purpose of forming a General Grand Council, reported verbally, that the>' had attended said Convention, and that after a free interchange of sentiments among the Delegates, the Convention Resolved, That it is inexpedient, at present, to form a General Grand Council. On motion, the report was received and the Committee dis- charged. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence not being pre- pared to report, on motion of R. P. Comp. Edwards they were requested to report at the adjourned meeting Friday. R. P. Comp. Edwards offered the following resolution: Resolved, That Grand Recorder be directed to call the attention of Genesee Council, No. 9, to Art. I, Sec. 19, of the Constitution. Which was, on motion, adopted. R. P. Comp. Edwards, offered the following amendment to the Constitution. Art. II, Sec. 12. Strike out the word "ten'' and insert "five." \\'hich was, on motion of R. P. Comp. Tindale, laid on the table until Friday. The hour having arrived for the special order, it being the election of officers of the Grand Council, the Grand Master ap- pointed T. I. Comp. S. B. Tobey, Jr., and I. Comp. W. T. Marvin, tellers. R. P. Comp. John J. Tindale was elected. .Grand Master. R. P. Comp. Thos. C. Edwards re-elected. D. Gr. Master. R. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin was elected. .Gr. 111. Master. T. I. Comp. Augustus Willard was elected. G. P. C. of W. R. I. Comp. Josiah Shove was elected. .. .Gr. Recorder. R. P. Comp. John W. Simons was elected . . Gr. Treasurer. M. P. Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers was elected. .) Trustees iM. P. Comp. H. F. L. Bunting was elected. . . >■ for the M. P. Comp. M. J. Drummond was elected. . J ensuing year. 164 On motion of R. I. Comp. Shove, the Finance Committee were requested to examme the books and vouchers of the Grand Recor- der and Grand Treasurer, and report at the adjourned meeting. , , 'The Grand Council then took a recess until Friday, at 4 o clock, P. M. J'. t GRAND COUNCIL. Friday, June Sth, 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present*— M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting, G. M., Officers and representatives as before. The Finance Committee reported that they had examined the books and vodchers of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, and found the same correct. They also asked leave to make a supplemental report to the Grand Master, which was, on motion, granted. R. P. Comp. John W. Simons, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented the following report, which, on motion of R. P Comp. Edwards, was received and ordered spread upon the minutes. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, . The Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg, in presenting their second report, to ofifer their congratulations to this Grand Body, that the great prosperity attending the other branches of our Order is gradually extending to this. Though our progress is by no means rapid, th.ere are various reasons why We may be reasonably satisfied with what has already been accomplished, remembering that the prejudices and opinions of men are not to be swept away with a dash of the pen, or any great purpose accomplished without long and earnest effort. The signs of the future are favorable, and we feel the assurance that with time, patience and perseverance, we shall yet overcome all obstacles, and assume our proper position as one of the "Estates of Masonry." We have received, during the year, the Proceedings of the Grand Councils of M'aine, Veirmont, Illinois, Kentucky, Alabama, land Texas. In our report of last year, we referred to what appeared to us the irregular organization of the Grand Council of Maine ; we find 165 now, from the pamphlet before us, that the proceedings in the prelim- inary convention were not iuWy reported, and that their action in establishing- a Grand Council was in accordance with the usual pre- cedents ■ we therefore withdraw our former remarks, and bid the Grand Council of Slaine welcome to our ranks. The Proceedings of the Grand Councils appear to be confined exclusively to mere local business, and therefore do not seem to admit of extended no- tice. As far as \our Committee are able to judge, there does not appear any desire on the part of our sister Grand Councils to com- irure wilh each other, or to adopt any measure tending to give the beautiful degrees of our Order anything but a local existence, each community, as it were, isolating itself from the rest, and content to move \\itbin its own circle, without regard to its neighbors. This feeling may arise from lack of experience or the recent formation of such Pod'es, but until it is superceded by a national spifit and deter- m_in?tion there can be but little hope for usefulness in Select ^la- son ry. \\''e trust the present exclusiveness of the Order may pass away and that its votaries in every part of the Union will unite in es- tablishing it on a firm and well cemented basis, as the summit and perfection of .■\ncient Craft ^lasonry. \A'e extend to our sister Grand Councils our most cordial wishes for tbc'r prosperity, and assure them of our willingness and anxiety to co-onerate in any measure calculated to extend the sphere of our usef'.'lnesp, elevate the standing, and draw closer the bonds that should unite us. Respectfully submitted, Jno. ^^'. Simons, N. O. Benjamin. Washington Council, Xo. i, having failed to make its returns or to pay dues to this Grand Council as required by the Constitution, on motion of I. Comp. Marvin, the whole subject was referred to the Grand Master, with power. - ' Oriental Council, No. 3, having also failed to make returns or pay dues, to this Grand Council, on motion of M. P. Comp. Som- mers, the whole matter was laid over until the next Annual Assembly. ^[. P Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Council be held in the City of New York, on the \\'ednesday succeeding the first Tuesday in June, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. Which was adopted. 166 T. I. Comp. Willard offered the following resolution : "Resolved, That the members of the Committee of this Grand Council, who were appointed to attend at Hartford, last September, for the purpose of assisting in the organization of a General Grand Council, and who were not otherwise paid, be allowed the amount of their personal expenses, out of any funds of this Grand Council not otherwise appropriated. M. P. Comp. Sommers, offered the following amendment to the Constitution : Art. II, Sec. 2. After the words. Grand Master, in- sert the words, "or his Deputy." Which was unanimously adopted. Bill of R. P. Comp. Macoy, for printing Transactions, etc., $78.70, was read and referred to the Finance Committee and if found correct, ordered paid. R. I. Comp. Shove offered the following resolution : Resolved, That five hundred copies of the tranactions of this Grand Council be printed, and that twenty copies thereof be sent to each Council under this jurisdiction, one to each Chapter in the State, and one to each Grand Council in the United States. The Grand Officers elect were then installed into th.eir respective offfces by M. P Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers, P. Grand Master. The Grand Master made the following appointments : T. I. Hiram York Grand Captain of the Guard. R. P. Bradley Parker Grand R4arshal. P. S. B. tobey, Jr Grand Chaplain. I. W. T. Marvin Grand Steward. P. Sewall Fisk Grand Sentinel. Sewall Fisk Grand Lecturer. Committee on Foreign Corespondence : R. P. lohn W. Simons, R. P. Nathan O. Benjamin. R. P, Au- gustus Wiliard. There being no further business before the body, the Grand Council was closed in Ample form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. RECEIPTS. Dues, Brooklyn Council, No. 4 %ii. 00 Dues, Excelsior Council, No. 6 7-3° Dues, Adelphic Council, No. 7 I5-&0 Dues, Eureka Council, No. 8 ■ '^■'^° Total $40.08 167 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. M. P. John J. Tindale, Grand Master New York. R. P. Thomas C. Edwards, Dep. Grand Master. . .Elmira. R. p. Nathan O. Benjamin, 111. Master New York. R. p. Augustus Willard, Gr. P. C. of the W Greene. R. P. Josiah Shove, Gr. Recorder New York. R. P. John W. Simons, Grand Treasurer New York. R. P. Hiram York, Gr. C. of the Guard Wellsville. R. P. Bradley Parker, Grand Marshal Brookh'n. R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr., Grand Chaplain New York. P. Walter T. ^larvin, Grand Steward. . . .New York. P Sewall Fisk, Grand Sentinel New York. Grand Lecturer, Sewall T. Fisk New York. Gd. Recorder, J Shove.. 309 Tenth St., New York. 168 o 4-t m t/J en -4-' I— H CJ o 1^ ►-^ 1-^ u () a o S W u t- -n < C ^ 2 1 — 1 Q o rt OJ O -1-i CQ "-*-. P o cn c o o u o u o 12; o :2; o o o m o :2; w u o 1) 12; C U o c/i « Ti c c 0, i 0. o E > -> 1 E n: P a. Pi E o h- "t E c PC (A S s ^ 1 — ■> PL J u5 « K (^ S < § c 1- a 5 X 1- % E ^ > ^ 1 — 1 c7 PL C CL n l-H o H ^ > n c "a 1 c ^ 1 d < o >. hn >^ o 3 << < rt § 0) c 3 O -4-i o o o d V -a o n QJ r- '-' o S a 3 Pi :p o c ec; o m £ ^ CO S ^ a ~ c: H- -> < -. ^ tfi u s; o o U ^_^ z c >^ < c/ O a: r; "c 3 ^ r ■^ t* 5 o o :a C I II 1 !^ o PROCEEDINGS of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, at its ANNUAL ASSEMBLY commencing June 2d 1858. ERRATUM. In the printed proceedings of the M. P. Grand Council for 1857, the following- omission was made : — "The amendment to the Constitution offered by R. P. Comp. Edwards was taken up and adopted." GRAND COUNCIL. Annual Assembly. Grand Council Room, Cor. Grand and Centre Sts., Wednesday, June 2d, 7.30 P. M., A. D. 1858, A. Dep. 2858. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, convened in Annual Assembly in the City of New York, in accordance with a resolution, adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Wednesday, June 2d, A. D. 1858, A. Dep. 2858. Present : M. P John J. Tindale Grand Master. R. P. Thomas C. Edwards Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Nathan O. Benjamin. Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. Augustus Willard . . . Grand P. C. of the Works. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. I. Royal G. Millard as Grand Treasurer. T. I. J. B. Harris as. . . .Grand Captain of the Guard. R. P. Bradley Parker Grand Marshal. R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr Grand Chaplain. I. S. D. Lundy as Grand Steward P. Sewall Fisk Grand Sentinel. And the following Past Grand Officers : — M. P. John B. Yates Sommers P. G. M. M. P. Henry F. L- Bunting P. G. M. 171 And the Representatives of the following Councils : — Brooklyn Xo. 4. Excelsior No. 6. Adelphic No. 7. Eureka No. 8. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand Master. On motion of R. P. Comp. Benjamin, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing in the Order be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Coun- cil. On motion of R.P. Comp. Edwards, the reading of the minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with. On motion, the Recorder was directed to insert an erratum in the printed proceedings of the present year, stating that there was an omission made in the printed copy of the proceedings of last year, to the effect that the amendment offered to the Constitution by R. P. Comp. Edwards was taken up and adopted. The M. P. Grand Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion of R. P. Thomas C. Edwards, ordered to be spread at length upon the minutes, and referred to a committee of three to apportion the various subjects, therein treated of, to appro- prijite committees. THE ADDRESS. Beloved Companions : Another year has passed away since we had the pleasure of as- sembling in Grand Council, and taking each other by the hand as friends and brothers ; and we are again permitted to meet together for the purpose of taking into consideration such matters as may be presented in connection with Royal and Select iMasonry, and to take such action thereon as may seem to us best calculated to advance the interests and perpetuate the welfare of this highly important and dearly beloved branch of our Order. Under these circumstances, let us not be unmindful of our first great duty to our Supreme Grand Master, to whom we cannot be sufficiently grateful for this, among the many privileges vouchsafed to us. To Him, therefore, let us return our most fervent thanks for the manifold blessings we enjov, and let us implore His aid in this our Annual Assembly, that our deliberations and actions may be acceptable to Him, and condu- cive to the well-being of our institution. 172 During the past year, Companions, I regret to state, that in con- sequence of the loss of a revered father and a beloved wife, both of whom were swept away by that fell destroyer, Death, within a few short months of each other, leaving a large family entirely to my care, and lastly, an unfavorable change in my business arrangements, I have been unable to devote that time and attention to the duties of Grand Master — to which high office through your partiality, rather that on account of any merits or qualifications I possess, I was elevated — that their importance demanded. But for any short-com- ings in this resoect, for the reason above stated, I rely with confi- dence on )'our kind indulgence. With regard to the matters referred to me at the last Annual Assembly, nothing new has transpired. 1 have received no commu- nication from Companion John W. Hunt, of Madison, in the State of Wisconsin ; and as said Companion was fully informed by my es- teemed predecessor of the only conditions upon which a Dispensa- tion could be granted to form a new Council, I presume he has been unable to con" ply with the requirements of the Constitution, and has abandoned the project for the present. Minnesota Council, No. 5, has not yet made any returns or paid any dues. Companion A. T. C. Pierson, who was appointed T. I. M. of said Council, is now in this city and will probably be present at this Assembly, end I sincerely trust he will furnish this body with a true and full statement of the affairs of said Council, to the end that a de- finite and satisfactory action may be had thereon during this session. Washington Council, No. i, remains in the same unfortunate condition it did one year ago. T. T. Companion John W. Simons and other members of said Council, assure me that they are anxious to prolone- its existence, but feel unable to do so, for the lack of new material to support them in the work. The m.atter of Oriental Council, No. 7, laid over at the last As- sembly, I respectfully suggest, should be disposed of without delay, in order that the Companions whose names stand upon its roll may be relieved from the embarrassing position they have occupied during the last two years. As an offset to the unfortunate situation of the above-narned Councils, I congratulate the members of this body on the fact that the other Councils under its jurisdiction are in a flourishing condi- tion. To Adelphic Council, No. 7, the only one I have had an op- portunity of visiting since last June, the past year has been one of unexampled prosperity ; and I take great pleasure in bearing evidence to the untiring energy and zeal manifested by the officers and mem- bers of this Council, in bringing about this happy result. 173 I beg leave to call the attention of this Grand body to the ne- cessity of renewed efforts on the part of its members to secure, if possible, from the Grand Commandery, at its next conclave, not only a formal recognition of the Degrees of Royal and Select Master, but also the passage of a resolution to amend the Constitution of said Grand Body, making the possession of these Degrees, obtained in a regular Council, an indispensable requisite in all candidates for the Orders of Knighthood. In compliance with my duty, I appointed Comp. Sewall T. Fisk, Grand Lecturer; I have had no opportunity, however, of con- ferring with the Companion on the subject of the work; and I re- spectfully suggest that suitable measures be adopted during this ses- sion to establish a uniform series of Lectures, and that the same be disseminated among the various Councils in this jurisdiction, with- out delay, by the Grand Lecturer. Aly sincere acknowledgments are due, and I hereby tender them, to the officers and members of this Grand body for the distinguished honor they conferred on me by placing me in the exalted position of Grand Master; and I feel constrained to refer again to the unfortu- nate circumstances which compelled me, to a very great extent, to omit many of the duties belonging to the office ; and believe me. Com- panions, no other considerations would have induced me to neglect them. ]\Iy interest in this branch of Masonry is not only unabated, but is now stronger than ever ; of which fact, in the capacity of a pri- vate member of this body, which position, with your permission, I will resume during this session, I will endeavor to give undoubted evidence. In conclusion, beloved Companions I trust that, through the in- fluence of the pure principles of Masonry, our deliberations during this Assembly may be characterized by brotherly love and fraternal feeling, and our actions be productive of the most beneficial results to our Order. And when we are finally called upon to separate, many of us, doubtless, for the last time on earth, may we enjoy the happy reflections consequent upon having performed our duty to the Craft, and indulge in the hope that we will meet again in the pre- sence of Him who presides in the Supreme Grand Council above ! Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. TINDALE, Grand Master. The M. P. appointed as Commmittee on Address, R. P. Comps. Thomas C. Edwards and N. O. Benjamin and R. I. Comp. R. G. Millard. 174 The M. P. Grand Master appointed the following Committees : On Credentials and Returns: — R. P. Bradley Parker, R. P. Josiah Shove, R. I. R. G. Millard. On Finance :— R. P. Thos. C. Edwards, R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr., P. W. T. Marvin. On Grievances :— R. I. R. G. Millard, R. P. Augustus Willard, T. I. J. B. Harris. On Charters and Dispensations: — M. P. John B. Y. Sommers, M. P. H. F. L. Bunting, R. P. N. O. Benjamin. On motion, it was Resolved, That when this Grand Council adjourn, it adjourn to meet at 4 o'clock to-morrow ; and that a Committee be appointed to procure a room for the said adjourned meeting. The M. P. G. M. appointed as such Committee, R. P. Comp. Benjamin, R. I. Comp. Millard, and R. P. Comp. Shove. On motion of R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr., the election of officers was made the special order for 4.30 o'clock, P. M. to-morrow. The Grand Treasurer presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, ordered spread upon the minutes, and re- ferred to the Finance Committee :— New York, 2d June, 1858. The G. Council of Royal and Select Masters, State of New York. The Grand Treasurer begs leave respectfully to report, that he has received from the late Grand Treasurer bal. in his hands $2.41 From the Grand Recorder 40.08 $42.49 That he has paid on account bill of Printing due Comp. Macoy • • ■ 4008 Balance on hand $2.41 J. W. SIMONS, Grand Treasurer. 175 The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread at length upon the minutes : — To the AI. P. Grand Council of R. and S. AI. of the State of New York: The Committee on Foreign Correspondence respectfully re- port, that during the past year they have been favored witn the proceedings of Connecticut, Indiana, and Michigan. The latter Body was regularly formed on January 13th of the present year, and we cordially welcome her into the circle of the Select, with fervent wishes for her future prosperity and usefulness. In Con- necticut and Indiana the Order is in a flourishing condition, as we presume it is elsewhere, though not having the documents in our possession we cannot speak by authority. The remarks of your Committee made last year would seem to apply with greater force this ; yet we none the less reiterate our hearty desire that suc- cess. may attend the labors of our Companions, wherever dispersed, that sooner or later they may be brought to a saving knowledge that the State of New York is still to be found on the map and within her borders there are warm hearts and ready hands to bid a fraternal welcome to the worthy and true from every part of the globe. All of which is respectfully submitted. John ^^'. Simons, X. O. Benjamin, A. WiUard. The Grand Council then took a recess until 4 o'clock to- morrow. Thursday, June 3rd, 1858. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present : The il. P. Grand Master, Officers and Representatives as before. R. P. Comp. Benjamin offered the following resolution, which was on motion received and referred to the Committee on War- rants and Dispensations. Whereas, Washington Council, No. i. Oriental Council, No. 3, and Minnesota Council, No. 5, have neglected or refused to make returns or pay dues for more than one year, and 175 Whereas, Section 19, of the Constitution, requires that Coun- cils so refusing or neglecting to make returns and pay their dues shall be punished by the forfeiture of their warrants, — such sec- tion being mandatory in its character ; Resolved, That the charters of Washington, Oriental and Min- nesota Councils are hereby declared forfeited. The Committee on the Grand Master's Address presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread in full upon the minutes, and the recommendations adopted : To the Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee to whom was referred the able and interest- ing Address of the M. P. Grand Master have had the same under that consideration to which its merits entitle it, and now ask leave to submit to this Grand Body their Report, as follows : We are pleased tolearn from this Address that continued pros- perity attends this branch of our beloved Order; and that the Royal and Select Degrees in Masonry are cultivated within the borders of our jurisdiction, with that interest and success to which th€ir beauty and intimate connection with the other degrees in Craft Masonry so justly and eminently entitle them. The Committee are pained to learn from this report of our M. P. Grand Master that, during this official year of his labors as such,he has been twice called to realize the loss of near and dear friends, in the nearest and most cherished relations that can be sustained in this life. Your Committee condole with their chief executive officer in his irreparable loss, and do not doubt he will have the earnest and sincere sympathy of his associates, the Illus- trious Companions composing the officers and representatives in this Grand Council. Much credit is due to M. P. Comp. Tindale for the zeal and ability he has ever manifested in the cultivation and correct propa- gation of the Royal and Select Degrees in Masonry; and we are gratified to' learn of his intention to continue in well-doing, after he shall have 'laid aside the robes of office, and retired once more into the private ranks as a member of this Grand Body. The Committee recommend as follows : — First. That so much of the Address of our M. P. G. M. as re- lates to "Minnesota Council, No. 5," be referred to the Com- mittee on Warrants and Dispensations. Second. So much of said Address as relates to Oriental Coun- cil, No. 3, to the Committee on Warrants and Dispensations. 177 Third. That part having reference to a Recognition of De- grees, we recommend to be placed in charge of the first three officers of this Council, with instructions to use their earnest endeavors to carry out the views and wishes of our Grand Master. Fourth. So much as relates to a "Uniform Series of Lec- tures," and "Uniformity of Work" to be referred to a select com- mittee of five, with direction to report at this present Annual As- sembly if practicable, and if not, to the Grand Master during the recess. Fraternally submitted, in mystic bonds, Thos. C. Edwards, ) X. O. Benjamin, V Committee. R. G. ^Millard, ) New York, June 3d, i858> The hour having arrived for the special order of election of officers for the ensuing year, the Grand Master appointed R. P. Comps. Bradley Parker, and S. B. Tobey, Jr., as Tellers. R. P. Nathan O. Benjamin was elected. . . .Grand Master. R. P. Thos. C. Edwards was elected. . . .Dep. Gr. Master. R.P.Augustus \\'illard was elected Gr. 111. Master. R. P. Bradley Parker was elected Gr. P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove was elected Grand Recorder. R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr. was elected Grand Treasurer. :\I. P. John Tindale "l M. P. J. B. Y. Sommers [• were elected . ." Trustees. M. P. H. F. Bunting ) The officers elect were then duly installed by M. P. Comp. John J. Tindale. The M. P. Grand Master made the following appointments : P. Walter T. Marvin G. C. of the G. R. I. Royal G. Millard Grand Marshal. ' Rev. John Gray Grand Chaplain. T. I. John B. Harris Grand Steward. P. George Dowding Grand Sentinel. M. P. H. F. L. Bunting Grand Lecturer. L Thomas T. May Assistant Grand Lecturer. 178 As Committee on Foreign Correspondence: M. P. John B. Yates Sommers, M. P. John J. Tindale, --R. P. Augustus Willard. On motion it was Resolved, That when this Council adjourns, it adjourn to meet in this room to-morrow afternoon, at 4 o'clock. The M. P. Grand Master appointed, as the Committee of five on "a uniform series of lectures," and on "uniformity of work." . M. P. John B. Y. Sommers, R. P. Thomas C. Edwards. R. P. Bradley Parker, M. P. John J. Tindale, R. P. Augustus Willard. Bills of $24.30 and $11.77 were read and referred to the Fi- nance Committee, and if found correct, ordered paid. The Grand Council , then took a recess until 4 o'clock to- morrow. Friday, 4th inst., 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present : the M. P. Grand Master, Officers and Representatives as before. • The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread upon the minutes : The Committee on Credentials and Returns beg leave to ofifer the following Report. The following Councils under this jurisdiction have made re- turns and paid dues as follows : Brooklyn, No. 4 $9-50 Excelsior, No. 6 7.00 Adelphic, No. 7 27.94 Eureka, No. 8 .« 5.25 $49.69 All which returns have been examined and found correct. Bradley Parker, "1 J. Shove, y Committee. R. G. Millard, ) 179 The Finance Committee presented their Report as follows, which was received and ordered on file : The Finance Committee, to whom was referred bills of $24.30 and $11.77 — also, the Treasurer's Report, have examined the same and find them correct, and we recommend that warrants be drawn for the amount of the above bills. Thomas C. Edwards. ] y^. „ . S. B. Tobey, Jr., ' ) Finance Committee. On motion, the sum of five dollars was ordered paid to P. Comp. Dowding. The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations, to whom was referred the resolution offered by R. P. Comp. Benjamin, also, that portion of the Grand Master's Address relating to the same subject, presented the following Report, which was, on motion, re- ceived and ordered spread upon the minutes, and the recommen- dations adopted : To the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York: Your Committee, to whom was referred so much of the Ad- dress of the M. P. Grand Master as relates to the condition of Washington Council, No. i. Oriental Council, No. 3, and Minne- sota Council, No. 5, and to whom was also referred the resolution of M. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin relating thereto, and would re- spectfully report, That they have made as complete and careful an investigation of the matters so referred as the time allowed and the documents presented would permit, and find from the evidence the following facts, viz : First. That Washington Council, No. i, has for two years last past, failed to make any returns to this Grand Council, or to offer any excuse whatever for this "breach of Masonic order." That T. Illus. Comp. John W. Simons was elected its presiding officer in December, 1856, and that no election has been since had of officers in that Council. Second. That Oriental Council, No. 3, has also failed and neglected to make returns or to ofifer excuse therefor, since De- cember, 1856, since which time there has been no assembly of the said last-mentioned Council held ; and that T. Illus. Comp. D. W. Fenton was its last presiding officer, elected in December, 1855. 180 Third. That Minnesota Council, No. 5, has never made any returns or report to this Grand Council ; and that the fee required by the Constitution for its charter or warrant was never paid into the treasury of this Grand Body. Your Committee have been in- formed, however, that the necessary fee was mailed to the then Grand Recorder, but that by some accident it never reached him. Your Committee beg leave, in consideration of the premises, to offer for adoption the following resolutions, viz : Resolved, That the charter or warrant of the Oriental Council, No. 3, be, and the same is, hereby declared forfeited and with- drawn ; and that the R. P. Grand Recorder be, and he is, hereby empowered to demand, in the name and on behalf of this Grand Council, the warrant and properties of said Oriental Council, No. 3, of any person or persons having possession of the same or any part thereof. Also, Resolved, That the time for Washington Council, No. i, and for Minnesota Council, No. 5, to make returns to this Grand Council, in accordance with the Constitution, be extended until the first day of August next ensuing. That if said last named Councils or either of them, shall fail to make returns on or before said last mentioned day, then and in that case, the M. P. Grand Master be, and he is hereby directed and empowered to declare the warrants or warrant of the said Councils or Council so neg- lecting to make returns as aforesaid, forfeited and withdrawn, and to make such other or further order in the premises as shall be proper and in accordance with the ancient usages of the Order. All of which is respectfully submitted, J. B. Yates Sommers, John J. Tindale, V Commitee. A. Willard, Dated, New York, June 3d, 1858. The Committee on a Uniform Series of Lectures and on a Uniformity of Work, presented the following report, which was, on motion, received, and ordered spread upon the minutes : To the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York : Your Committee to whom was referred so much of the Ad- dress of the M. P. Grand Master as relates to "Uniformity of 181 \\'ork" and the "Lectures of the Degrees" would respectfully re- port, That they have given the subjects referred to them, so far as the time allotted them would permit, that careful attention and consideration which their importance to the Craft so imperatively demanded, and after a patient investigation of the various styles of work presented to them, would earnestly recommend that the work and lectures as given by the Grand Lecturer, Most Puis- sant Past Grand Master H. F. L. Bunting, be adopted as the work and lectures to be given in all the subordinate Councils of this jurisdiction. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. B. Yates Sommers, John T- Tindale, y Committee. A. W'illard, 1 Dated, New York, June 3d, 1858. Tlie Committee on Grievances reported that there had been no matters referred to them; and on motion, the report was re- ceived and the Committee discharged. On motion of R. P. Comp. Shove, it was Resolved, That three hundred copies of the transactions of this Grand Council be printed and that twenty copies thereof be sent to each Council under this jurisdiction, one to each Chapter in the State, and three to each Council in the United States. M. P. Comp. Sommers offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil, be held in the city of New York, on the Wednesday succeeding the first Tuesday in June, at 4 o'clock, P. ]\L No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. RECEIPTS. Brooklyn Council, No. 4, dues $9-5o Excelsior Council, No. 6, dues 7.00 Adelphic Council, No. 7, dues 27.94 Eureka Council, No. 8, dues 5.25 Adelphic Council, No. 7, dispensations 2.00 $51.69 182 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin, Grand Master New York. R.P.Thomas C. Edwards, Dep. Gr. Master Elmira. R. P. Augustus Willard, Gr. 111. Master Greene. R. P. Bradley Parker, Gr. P. C. of the W Brooklyn. R. P. Josiah Shove, Grand Recorder New York. R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr., Grand Treasurer New York. R. P. Walter T. Marvin, Gr. C. of the Guard. .New York. R. P. R. G. Millard, Gr. Marshal New York. R. P. and Rev. John Gray, Gr. Chaplain West Point. P. J. B. Harris, Gr. Steward Brooklyn. P. George Dowding, Gr. Sentinel New York. Grand Lecturer, H. F. L. Bunting New York. Assistant Grand Lecturer, Thos. T. May Brooklyn. Grand Recorder, J. Shove, ^^ St. Mark's PI. .New York. 183 o. O U5 W m H ^ < >— 1 f- o rr) ^ P l-l o W f ) CH Q "Z P w o H aj u CO o _e § c)^ o.§ bJ3 3 J3 O O CO d -a a; _> u tlH -a > o c/) ■a > en C 1-1 O 7^ Ph o l-H o c to b/3 C ■3 E :3 S O o c en b/) C -3 p-i :z; P-, nj "^ ^ ^ o :S < u n 185 ^ o O Ph H ^ U pi b;] C en oi C 03 _b/3 IS o iJ ?• '^ ^ -B >^ iJtij PROCEEDINGS of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York and its Annual Assembly, Commencing, June 8th, 1859. FORM OF A PETITION FOR A NEW COUNCIL. To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of . The undersigned petitioners, being Royal and Select Masters, having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and being willing to exert their best endeavors to prorhote and diffuse the genuine principles of Cryptic Masonry, respectfully represent — That they are desirous of forming a new Council in the town of , County of , and State of , to be named Council, No. ■ . They therefore pray for letters of dispensation, or a Warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a legal Council, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order, and the regu- lations of the Grand Council. They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B. to be the first Master ; Comp. C. D. to be the first Dep. Master, and Comp. E. F. to be the first Principal Conductor of the Works of said Council. If the prayer of the petitioners shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to the Constitution, Laws, and Regu- lations of the Grand Council. Dated at A. Dep. 28 . N. B. — (The above petition must be signed by not less than nine Select Masters.) 187 GRAND COUNCIL— AXXUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Corner Grand and Centre Streets, Wednesday, June 8th, 4 P. AL, A. D. 1859, A. Dep. 2859. The ilost Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, convened in Annual Assembly in the city of New York, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Wednesday, June 8th, A. D. 1859, A. Dep. 2859. Present: M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin Grand Master. R. P. Au2;ustns \Mllard. . . .Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. Bradley Parker Grand P. C. of the ^V. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr Grand Treasurer R. P. \\'alter T. Marvin Grand C. of the G. R. P. R. G. Millard Grand Marshal. R, P. and Rev. John Gray Grand Chaplain. P. J. B. Harris Grand Steward. P. Geo. Dowding Grand Sentinel. -Vnd the following Past Grand blasters ; M. P J. B. Yates Sommers Past G. M. M. P. H. F. L. Bunting Past G. M. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Brooklyn, No. 4, Adelphic, No. 7, Eureka, No. 8. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P Grand Alaster. On motion of R. P. Comp. Millard, the reading of the min- utes of the last x'Vnnual Assembly was dispensed with. On motion of R. P. Comp. Shove, it was Rcsoli'cd, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing in the Order be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. The M. P. Grand Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion of R. P. Comp. John Gray, ordered to be spread at length upon the minutes, and referred to a committee of three to apportion the various subjects therein treated of, to ap- propriate committees. 188 THE ADDRESS. Companions : Another year has been added to the unchanging past, and by the permission of the Grand Architect of the Universe, we are brought together again to unite our Councils in the Annual As- sembly, for the advancement of the interest of our sublime de- grees. A well-established precedent requires your Grand Master, at these annual reunions, to give an account of his stewardship, and to suggest such ideas as may have occurred to him calculated to promote the success of the great cause in which we are engaged. The past year has been one of prosperity to our Order, and the pure principles of Free Masonry are, I believe, being every day better understood, both by those within and those without the vail. Our own peculiar branch of the Order has been steadily advancing in the number and quality of its votaries, and is fast taking that rank which, from the sublimity of its ritual, and the philosophy of its teachings, it is entitled to possess. SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. I have visited Brooklyn Council, No. 4, twice during the year : once in company with a number of the ofificers of this Grand Coun- cil, on which occasion I had the pleasure of installing its ofificers in Ample Form. This Council has been the brightest star in our constellation, and its ofificers have manifested a determination to make it again assume a like position. Adelphic Council, No. 7, in this city, which I am in the habit of regularly attending, has added largely to its membership, all good men and true, many among them being among the brightest luminaries of Masonry. To it the past has been a season of un- alloyed prosperity. From our R. P. Grand 111. M., I learn that Eureka Council, No. 8, is in a flourishing condition, and that it is doing its work in accordance with the ancient laws, usages, and customs of the Fraternity. These are all the Councils concerning whose prosperity I have any official knowledge. In this connection I would call the atten- tion of this Grand Council to the frequent neglect of Art. II, Sec. 9, Subdivision 3, of the Constitution, wjiich requires the Recorder of a Council "To transmit immediately after every election a certifi- cate thereof to' the Grand Recorder." 1S9 DORMANT COUNCILS. In accordance with the resoUitions adopted by this Grand Council at its last Annual Assembly, (see page 15 of the Trans- actions) I, in the month of August last, issued mv official edicts, (copies of which are hereunto annexed,) to the last T. 111. blasters of V\'ashington Council, Xo. i, and Minnesota Council, Xo. 5, de- claring their \\'arrants forfeited ; and ordering them to deliver the same to the R. P. Grand Recorder, together with any properties of said Councils that might be in their possession. The T. I. ]M. of \\'ashington Council, Xo. I, states that he is unable to find the Warrant of said Council; and the T. I. ]\I. of Minnesota Council, Xo. 5, has paid no attention to the order of your Grand ]\Iaster. Genesee Council, Xo. 9, having neglected to make returns and pay dues to this Grand Council, I ordered the Deputy Grand Master, in whose vicinity it is located, to ascertain its condition and prospects, and to report thereon to me ; but as yet, I have heard nothing from him on the subject. Doubtless, he will pre- sent at this Assembly seme report, or a reason for the absence of it. DISPENS.XTIONS. In February last, I received a petition from O. H. Dibble, H. H. Hartley. A. B. Dibble, and six others, praying for a dispen- sation to establish a Council at Sacramento, Cal., and on the 3rd of said month, I issued a dispensation in accordance with said peti- tion. Since that time the dispensation has been returned with a request for a new dispensation or a Warrant, locating the Council at Grass \'alley, Xevada Co., Cal. The Annual Assembly of this Grand Council being so near at hand, and California being so dis- tant, I have thought it best to refer the new petition to you for action ; but, from the known standing of the petitioners, I have no hesitancy in recommending that a "Warrant be granted them. WORK AND LECTURES. Immediately on my accession to office I appointed !M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting, P G. 'SI., Grand Lecturer, as from his known skill as a workman, and his high reputation as a Mason, I had no doubt that the true genuine work of our sublime degrees would be alone inculcated by him. A report of his doings as Grand Lec- turer I presume he will present to you during the session. I would, however, recommend that during the present session the ^\'ork and Lectures, as given by him, be exemplified before this Grand Body, or a committee appointed for that purpose, and that we take some definite action thereon. Let us, in this early period of our exist- 190 ence, while it is comparatively easy, establish some standard of Work and Lectures, and require a conformity thereto. CLANDESTINE COUNCILS. The past year has been one of happy augury to the several branches of our Order in the reconciliation of old differences, and the reuniting of those some time estranged into one common family. The Order of Royal and Select Masons, however, is an exception in this pleasing picture. There is, I am informed, a Body claiming to be the Grand Council of the State of New York, and to exercise jurisdiction as such, which is not of our fold, and whose existence is an infringement of our sovereignty. If anything can be done to remove this one discordant element from the otherwise harmonious Masonic family, consistent with our dignity as a sover- eign Body, and the recognized Grand Council of the State, I would most cordially assist in its accomplishment. If there is any dis- position on the other side to range themselves under legitimate authority, let us receive them with open arms. I would suggest that powers be granted to the Grand Officers to take such meas- ures in the premises as may seem to them meet and proper. Thus, Companions, I have endeavored to give you a plain state- ment of the affairs of our jurisdiction. May our session be a har- monious and pleasant one and may we all feel, when we again separate, that our meeting has not been in vain. In conclusion, I thank the officers and members of this Grand Council for the kind and cordial support and assistance I have ever received at their hands during my official connection with them, and may our suc- cessors be equally fortunate. N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand Master. (Copy.) Office of the M. P. Grand Master of R. and S. Masons of the State of New York. New York, August 14th, A. Dep. 2858. A. T. C. Pierson, Esq. T. I. M. of Minnesota Council, No. 5, R. and S. M. T. I. Comp. and Dear Sir: At the last Annual Assembly of the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York, the following resolution was adopted. (See page 15, Proceedings 1858.) 191 "Rcsok'cd, That the time for ^^'ashington Council, No. i, and for Minnesota Council, Xo. 4, to make returns to this Grand Council, in accordance with the Constitution, be extended until the first day of August, next ensuing. That if said last named Councils, or either of them, shall fail to make returns on or before said last- mentioned day, then and in that case, the M. P. Grand Master be, and he is hereby directed and empowered to declare the \\'arrants or Warrant of the said Councils or Council so neglecting to make returns as aforesaid, forfeited and withdrawn, and to make such other or further order in the premises as shall be proper, and in accordance with the ancient usages of the Order." Xow, therefore, Minnesota Council, No. 5, having neglected to make returns within the time prescribed in the foregoing resolu- tion, we do by these presents declare the Warrant of said Minne- sota Council, No. 5, forfeited and withdrawn; and you are hereby ordered to transmit said Warrant forthwith, together with an In- ventory of the property of said Council, to R. P. Comp. J. Shove. Grand Recorder, No. yy St. Mark's Place, New York City. The rule of discipline consequent upon a violation of this edict will be rigidly enforced. Given under our hand and the seal of the M. P. Grand Coun- cil, at the City of New i^ork, the day and year first aforesaid. [l. s.] N. O. BENJA^IIN. Grand Master. Attest, J. Shove, Recorder. (Copy.) OflSce of the M. P. Grand :\Iaster of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. New York, August loth, A. Dep. 2858. To ]\I. J. Drummond, M. P. Comp. and Dear Sir : — Having been informed by the R. P. Grand Recorder that ^\'ashington Council, No. i, has neg- lected to make returns and pay dues to the Grand Council, in ac- cordance with the Constitution, thereby rendering itself hable to the forfeiture of its Warrant, (see Art. I, Sec. 19, Constitution) you are hereby ordered to deliver forthwith to the R. P. Grand Recorder, the Warrant, records, and property of said Council in your possession, for the doing of which this will be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and private seal, the day and year first above written. [L. s.] N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand Master. 192 The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address: R. P. and Rev. Comp. John Gray, R. P. Comp. R. G. Millard and R. 111. Comp. Joseph Wright. The M. P. Grand Master appointed the following Committees : On Credentials and Returns :— R. P. Josiah Shove, P. John B. Harris, R. P. Royal G. Millard. On Finance :— R. P. Walter T. Marvin, R. P. Bradley Parker, R. P. Augustus Willard. On Grievances :— M. P. John B. Y. Sommers, M. P. H. F. L. Bunting, R. P. S. B. Tobey, Jr. On Charters and Dispensations : — R. P. Bradley Parker, R. P. John Gray, R. P. Josiah Shove. On motion, it was Resolved, That when this Grand Council adjourns, it adjourn to meet at 7.30 o'clock, this P. M. The Grand Recorder presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, ordered spread upon the minutes, and referred to the Finance Committee. To the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Recorder would respectfully offer the following report : I have received and paid over to the Grand Treasurer since opening of the last Annual Assembly, the following sums : June 3, 1858. From Brooklyn Council, No. 4,' for dues $9-50 From Excelsior Council, No. 6, for dues 7.00 " From Adelphic Council, No. 7, for dues 27.94 " From Eureka Council, No. 8, for dues 5.25 " From Adelphic Council, No. 7, for dispensation, 2.00 — $51.69 Feb. 2, 1859. From Adelphic Council, No. 7.. 4.00 " 3, " Dispensation to form GrassValley Council, California 20.00 Respectfully submitted, $75-69 J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 193 New York, June 8th, A. D. 1859, A. Dep. 2859. The Grand Treasurer presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, ordered upon the minutes, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Treasurer would respectfully present the following as his Annual Report : June 2, 1858. Received from the late Treasurer.. $2.41 June 2, 1858. Received from the late Grand Recorder 51-69 Feb. 2, 1859. Received from the late Grand Recorder 4.00 Feb. 3, 1859. Received from the late Grand Recorder 20.00 $78.10 Paid on account of War- rant No. 5 $10.00 Paid on account of War- rant No. 7 11-77 Paid on account of War- rant No. 8 5.00 Paid on account of War- rant No. 9 20.00 Paid on account of War- rant No. 10 30.00 — 76.77 June 8, 1859. Balance in my hands $i-33 Respectfully submitted, S. B. TOBEY, Jr., Grand Treasurer. New York, June 8th, A. D. 1859, A. Dep. 2859. On motion of P. Comp. J. B. Harris, the election of Officers of the Grand Council was made the special order for 8.30 o'clock, this P. M. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received, and ordered spread at length upon the minutes : 194 To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The undersigned, Committee on Foreign Correspondence, beg leave respectfully to submit their Annual Report : They have received from various sources, the printed pro- ceedings of the following Grand Bodies, viz : Grand Council of Florida, Grand Council of Iowa, Grand Council of Alabama, Grand Council of Kentucky, Grand Council of Connecticut, Grand Council of Texas, Grand Council of Georgia, Grand Council of Mame, Grand Council of Illinois, Grand Council of Louisiana, Grand Council of Indiana, Grand Council of Michigan. Your Committee report that the proceedings of most of the above-mentioned Grand Councils reached them so late that it has been impossible to digest them as they seem richly to deserve, and that owing to this cause they are compelled to give but a brief summary of that which, detailed, would doubtless be deemed of interest to your Grand Body. It is earnestly hoped by your Com- mittee that some better system of exchange may be devised than that which now prevails ; and that hereafter they may be put in pos- session of the proceedings of the several Grand Councils at the ear- liest practicable moment after the same shall have- been printed. Your Committee also deeply regret that they have been unable to obtain the proceedings of the remaining Grand Councils of the United States, for they consider them, one and all, as perfect Ash- lars, which cannot be spared, without materially aflfecting the beauty, if not the strength, of our Masonic Temple. Without further preface, your Committee beg attention to the following summary, which, in their opinion, abundantly proves the prosperous condition of Royal and Select Masonry in the United States. FLORIDA. The Grand Council of Florida was dub' and regularly organ- ized on the 13th day of January, 1858, and is now prosperously and harmoniously working in accordance with the usages of the Order. We would cordially welcome them into our ranks, and extending the right hand of fellowship, bid them God-speed. ALABAMA. The Grand Council of this State met in the City of Mont- gomery, on the loth day of December last. Thirty-seven Subor- 195 dinate Councils were represented in the Grand Body; and from the proceedings we are happy to report, that the whole jurisdic- tion is in a most progressive state of usefulness. Most Puissant H. S. Sheldon was re-elected Grand Master, and Right Puissant Daniel Sayre was re-elected Grand Recorder. CONNECTICUT. The Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Connecticut was held in the City of Xew Haven, on the nth day of Alay last. There are twenty-two Councils under this jurisdiction, of which thirteen were represented by their delegates in Grand Assembly. Most Puissant Comp. Brewer, in his address, announces the death of ivl. P. Alexander Hamilton, late Grand Alaster. The Grand Council unanimously adopted suitable resolutions in relation to this sad event. Alost Puissant George F. Daskam, of Norwalk, was elected Grand Master, and Puissant E. G. Storer of New Haven was re-elected Grand Recorder. GEORGIA. This jurisdiction is one of the largest of the United States, and as far as we can judge from the limited information received bv us, one of the most prosperous. We trust that they may long continue one of the brightest luminaries in the Masonic firmament. ILLINOIS. At the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of this State, there were seven Subordinate Councils represented. INDIANA. The Grand Council of Indiana was opened in Ample Form, at the capitol, on the 19th of May last, all its subordinates being properly represented. The report made by its Committee on For- eign Correspondence was unusually interesting, noticing the pro- ceedings of ten Grand Councils, our own among the number. The Grand Ofificers of the preceding year were without ex- ception unanimously re-elected. IOWA. Royal and Select ]\Iasonry in this State is apparently in a very flourishing condition, and the proceedings of the Grand Body, at its Annual Assembly in May last, give evidence of unusual Masonic intelligence and zeal. We cordially greet our AA'estern Compan- ions, and trust that Cryptic Masonry in Iowa may ever be intrusted to as capable hands as now guide the helm of the Grand Council in that State. The Grand Master and Grand Recorder were unani- mously re-elected. 196 KENTUCKY. The Grand Council of Kentucky met in Annual Assembly at Louisville, in October last. Sixteen Subordinate Councils were represented. Nothing of particular interest to the Craft tran- spired, the business transacted being entirely of a local nature. TEXAS. The Grand Council of this State was opened in due form on the 22nd of June last. The utmost harmony characterized the pro- ceedings ; and from the list of the promotions given, it is evident that Royal and Select Masonry in Texas has already taken a promi- nent position in the ranks of the Order. The Grand Officers were, with one exception, unanimously re-elected. MAINE. The Grand Council of Maine was convened on the 6th of May, 1858, seven subordinates being represented. They report twenty- four promotions, one hundred and forty-two members, and one hundred and forty-eight dollars as received for dues. LOUISIANA. The Grand Council of this State met in Annual Assembly on the nth of February, 1858, when every Subordinate Council in the, jurisdiction appeared by its proper representatives. They have two hundred and one members, and report twenty-one promotions as made during the year. The Grand Officers of the past year were all unanimously re-elected. MICHIGAN. The Grand Council of Michigan, which was formally recog- nized by you at your last Annual Assembly, met in general con- clave at Detroit, in January last. A Constitution and Code of By- Laws were then adopted ; and from the efficiency and zeal dis- played in their deliberations your Committee doubt not but that the Grand Council of Michigan will at once become a first-class power in the Order. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. B. Yates Sommers, ) John J. Tindale, > Committee. Augustus Willard, ) Dated, New York, June, 1859. The Grand Council then took a recess until 7.30 o'clock. 197 Wednesday, June 8th, 7.30 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present : The M. P. Grand Master. Officers and Representatives as before. The Committee on the Grand Master's Address presented the following report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread upon the minutes, and its recommendations were adopted : To the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The Committee, to whom was referred the address of the M. P. Grand blaster to apportion the various subjects therein treated of, to appropriate committees, would recommend, that so much of said address as relates to Dormant Councils be referred to a Special Committee of three. That so much as relates to Dispensations, be referred to a Special Committee of three. That so much as relates to the Work and Lectures, be referred to a Special Committee of three. That so much as relates to Clandestine Councils, be referred ,to a Special Committee of three. Respectfully submitted, Jno. Gray, | R. G. Aliilard, V Committee. Joseph Wright, ) The M. P. Grand Master appointed as a Special Committee on Dormant Councils, R. P. Augustus "Willard, R. P. Walter T. Mar- vin and P. J. B. Harris ; as Committee on Work and Lectures, R. I. Joseph Wright, R. P. Walter T. Marvin, and M. P- H. F L. Bunting ; and as Committee on Clandestine Councils, R. P. Walter T. Marvin, R. P. Josiah Shove and P. J. B. Harris. On motion, it was Resok'cd, That when this Grand Council adjourns, it adjourn to meet at 4.30 o'clock, P. M. on Friday, the loth inst. The hour having arrived for the special order of election of officers for th'e ensuing year, the Grand Master appointed R. P. Comp. Walter T. Marvin and P. Comp. J B. Harris, as Tellers. 198 M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin, was elected. . .Grand Master. R. P. Augustus Willard was elected .... Dep. Gr. Master. R. P. Bradley Parker was elected Grand 111. Master. R. P. Walter T. Marvin was elected. .Gr. P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove was elected Grand Recorder. R. P. Royal G. Millard was elected .... Grand Treasurer. M. P. J. B. Yates Sommers \ M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting [■ were elected . . . .Trustees. M. P. John J. Tindale ) The officers elect were then duly installed by M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers. The M. P. Grand Master made the following appointments : P. John B. Harris G. C. of the G. P. A. B. McKeon Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. John Gray R. P. and Rev. H. C. Vogell ^ R. P. and Rev. J. C. Chatterton { Grand Chaplams. R. P. and Rev. James M. Freeman P. Joseph Wright Grand Steward. P. George Dowding Grand Sentinel. M. P. Henry F. L,. Bunting Grand Lecturer. As Committee on Foreign Correspondence, M. P. J. B. Y. Sommers, R. P. Walter T. Marvin, R. P. Augustus Willard. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Grand Council attend the exemplication of the work in Adelphic Council, No. 7, on the 9th inst., at 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council then took a recess until 4 o'clock, P. M., on Friday. Friday, loth inst., 4 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present: The M. P. Grand Master. Officers and Representatives as before. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread upon the minutes: 199 To the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The Committee on Credentials and Returns would report that the following Councils have made returns and paid dues : Brooklyn Council, No. 4 $8.62 Adelphic Council, No. 7 54-93 Eureka Council, No. 8 5.88 $69.43 We have examined said returns, and find the same correct. Respectfully submitted, J. Shove, ) J. B. Harris, '- Committee. R.G.Millard, ) The Finance Committee presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and ordered spread upon the minutes : To the Grand Council : Your Finance Committee would respectfully report, that^they have examined the reports of the Recorder and Treasurer and find the same correct. They have also examined bills of $30.00 and S18.79, and recommend that warrants be drawn for those amounts. W. T. Marvin, ^ Bradley Parker, y Finance Committee. Augustus Willard, ) The Coninmtee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and ordered spread upon the minutes : To the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The Committee to whom was referred so much of the Grand Master's Address, as relates to the Charter for a Council to be located at Grass Valley, Nevada County, California, have carefully investigated the case, and from the well-known high standing of the applicants for the same, cheerfully recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to Companions O. H. Dibble, Wm. McCormick, E. W. Spafiford, and six others, for a Council, to be located at Grass Valley, Nevada County, California, to be called and known as Grass Valley Council, No. 10. J. B. Y. Sommers, ) Jno. Gray, [ Committee. J. Shove, ) 200 The Committee on Dormant Councils presented the following resolution : Resolved, That Genesee and Excelsior Councils be allowed sixty days to make returns, and pay their dues to the Grand Recorder. Which was, on motion, adopted. The Committee, to whom was referred the matter of Clan- destine Councils, presented the following resolution : Resolved, That the Executive Officers of this Grand Council be fully empowered to take such action in the premises as they may deem best. Which was, on motion, adopted. On motion, it was Resolved, That Sec. i, of Art. 2, of the Constitution be amended by inserting the word Deputy between the words Illustrious and Master, making the title of the second officer of a Subordinate Council, Right Illustrious Deputy Master. The Committee on Work and Lectures presented the follow- ing Report, which was, on motion, received and its recommenda- tion adopted : To the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the Sta'te of New York : Your Committee would respectfully report that they attended the exemplification of the Work in the Royal and Select Master's Degrees in Adelphic Council, No. 7, on the 9th inst. ; that they were much pleased with the same and wduld strongly recommend its adoption. Joseph Wright, ) W. T. Marvin, [■ Committee. H. F. L. Bunting, ) On motion, the sum of five dollars was ordered paid to P. Comp. Dowding. On motion of M. P. Comp. Sommers, a committee of three was appointed to prepare a suitable installation service for the use 201 of this Grand Council, and for Subordinate Councils. The M. P. Grand Master appointed as such Committee, M. P. Comp. Som- mers and R. P. Comps. Shove and Parker. The Committee on Grievances reported that there had been no business referred to them, and, on motion, the report vsfas re- ceived, and the Committee discharged. On motion of R. P. Comp. Shove, it was Resolved, That four hundred copies of the Transactions of this Grand Council be printed, and that twenty copies thereof be sent to each Council under this jurisdiction, and one to each Chapter in the State, and three to each Grand Council in the United States. R. P. Comp. Millard offered the following resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the city of New York, on the first Tuesday in June, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. RECEIPTS. Dues from' Brooklyn Council, No. 4 $8.62 Dues from Adelphic Council, No. 7 54-93 Dues from Eureka Council, No. 8 5-^ Charter of Grass Valley Council, No. 10 10.00 Adelphic Council, No. 7, for Dispensations . . 4.0Q $83.43 202 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin, Grand Master New York. R. P. Augustus Willard, Dep. Or. Master Greene. R. P. Bradley Parker, Gr. Illus. Master Brooklyn. R. P. Walter T. Marvin, Gr. P. C. of the W. .New York. R. P. Josiah Shove, Grand Recorder New York. R. P. Royal G. Millard, Grand Treasurer New York. R. P. John B. Harris, Gr. C. of the Guard New York. R. P. A. B. McKeon, Grand Marshal New York. Grand Chaplains. R. P. and Rev. John Gray West Point. R. P. and Rev. Henry C. Vogell Rome. R. P. and Rev. J. C. Chatterton New York. R. P. and Rev. James M. Freeman Newark, N. J. P. Joseph Wright, Grand Steward Brooklyn. P. George Dowding, Grand Sentinel New York. Grand Master, N. O. Benjamin, Artisans' Bank. New York. Grand Recorder, J. Shove, 31 Nassau St New York. Grand Lecturer, H. F. L. Bunting New York. T\T_ ]3_ — Documents sent to the Grand Master or Recorder at New York, should have the address as above. 203 o > ^ 01 ^ M-H o ;=; o in O 3 o o Z /2 Q P9 P d CO P d o a CO o Z o Z o Z u o Z o Z ;5 o > ^ COW C3 OJ a CO to 3 Pi ffi a T^ < s W ^ CO CO o p; M ft W O CO p P t^ P "2 n U OJ o u 204 GRAND COUNCILS OF THE UNITED STATES. Alabama, Michigan, Connecticut, Mississippi, Florida, New York, Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, Kentucky, Vermont, Louisiana, Wisconsin. Maine, 205 PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK From 1854 to 1872. GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, cor. Grand and Centre Sts., Tuesday, June Sth, 7.30 P. M., A. D., i860, A. Dep. 2860. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of New York, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, June 5th, A. D. i860, A. Dep. 2860. Present : M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin Grand Master. R. P. Augustus Willard Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Bradley Parker Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. Walter T. Marvin. . .Grand P. C. of the Works. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. R. G. Millard Grand Treasurer. R. P. John B. Harris Grand C. of G. R. P. A. B. McKeon Grand Marshaf. T. I. and Rey. C. H. Piatt as Grand Chaplain. P. Joseph Wright Grand Steward. P. George Dowding Grand Sentinel. And the following Past Grand Officers : M. P. J. B. Yates Sommers Past G. M. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Brooklyn No. 4- Adelphic No. 7. Eureka No. 8. 207 The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand Master. On motion of R. P. Comp. R. G. Millard, it was Resohed, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing: in the Order be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. On motion of T. I. Comp. S. W. Thomas, the reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with. The M. P. Grand Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion of M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers, ordered to be spread at length upon the minutes, and referred to a committee of three to apportion the various subjects therein treated of, to ap- propriate committees. THE ADDRESS. Officers and Companions of the Grand Council : Again we meet in Annual Assembly, again we grasp each other by the hand ; and again, face to face, have we an opportunity of ex- pressing those friendly wishes for each other's happiness and pros- perity, which should ever animate "the select, the faithful, and the worthy." Companions, I greet you and congratulate you on the prosperity which now smiles on this branch of our beloved Order. A great change has been wrought in one short year. The trowel now wakes the echoes in the late silent arches, and the busy hum of workmen resounds through the vaults where silence has reigned for thirty long years. Tlie "benighted region" has been invaded, and Cryptic Masonry now radiates light from its very centre. Let us, then. Companions, in this our hour of prosperity, render unto the Great Architect of the Universe that thanksgiving and praise which is due from the creature to his Creator and ask Him. that He will still con- tinue to "give strength to our endeavors, and support to our exer- tions," and that Union, Harmony and Peace may cluster around us in the future, as in the past. The office of Grand Master, to which, in your partiality, you saw fit at the last Annual Assembly to re-elect me, is no sinecure ; and if my acts in an official capacity seem few and insignificant, it is not because there is no work to be done, but because I have been unable, consistently with my duty to others, to devote any more time to the business of the Grand Council. 208 Had my ability equaled my will, I would have spent the whole year in endeavors to spread the light of our beautiful degrees over our jurisdiction; but, like other mortals, I have been obliged, often- times, to leave the pleasant for the less agreeable duties. But there is much to be done, there has been enough accomplished to encour- age us to renewed zeal in the "noble and glorious undertaking" in which we are engaged ; and that part of th,e work which has fallen to my lot is fuUy and plainly narrated in the following report of my acts as your Grand Master. DELINQUENT COUNCILS. Excelsior Council, No. 6, and Genesee Council, No. 9, failed to make returns and pay dues at the last Annual Assembly ; and thus, under Article I, Section 19, of the Constitution, became liable to the forfeiture of their warrants. A resolution was adopted by this Grand Body, giving the delinquent Councils sixty days further time, in which to make returns. The sixty days expired and the Grand Recorder notified me of the fact, that neither Council had availed it- self of the indulgence of this Grand Council. In the meantime, I had ascertained that Excelsior Council had not met for more than two years ; that its certificates of election were made up by its late Master, now an expelled Mason ; and that the Constitutions were frequently violated in said Council before it had ceased to meet. The warrant, seal and other properties, were still in the hands of the last elected Master, who having been expelled by his Lodge from all the rights and privileges of Masonry, ceased from that mo- ment to a member of the Council. I, therefore, on the 21st day of November last, ordered him to deliver the warrant and properties of Excelsior Council, No. 6, to the last elected Deputy Master of said Council, which order has never been obeyed. On the 25th of January last, I issued an official edict, declaring the warrant of Excelsior Council, No. 6, forfeited, and all the powers therein granted, null and void. My further action ui refer- ence to the Royal and Select Masters at Elmira will properly come up under the title of Dispensations. By correspondence with the last Master of Genesee Council, No o I learned that it would be impossible for the Companions com- posing it to sustain in such a way, as would be creditable to them- selves and to the Craft; and accordingly on the 29th of February, i860 I ordered the warrant, papers, and other property belonging to said Council, to be transmitted to the Grand Recorder, which order has not yet been obeyed. 209 Copies of my official orders and edicts, in reference to delin- quent Councils, will be found annexed to, and forming- a part of this report. DISPENSATIONS FOR NEW COUNCILS. I have, during the past j'ear, issued Letters of Dispensation for the establishment of several new Councils ; and in every instance, I am satisfied that the secret traditions and ancient land-marks of the Order have been intrusted to proper persons. I presume all the Councils I have estabhshed will send up their work to be examined by this Grand Body; and such as have their work approved, will, no doubt, receive Warrants of Constitution. On the 15th day of June, A. Dep. 2859, I granted a dispensa- tion to T. I. John Sheviile, Master; R. I. ^^'illiam Mead, Deputv Master ; I. Joseph K. Lewis , Principal Conductor of the W' orks ; and six others, for a Council, to be called, "Kane Council," and located in the City of Newark. County of Essex, and State of Xew Jersey. On the 15th of November, of the same year, in accordance with the unanimous request of said Council, I issued an edict appointing T. L V/illiam 3.[ead, Master; R. L Joseph K. Lewis, Deputy Alaster and I. Dennis W. Morris, Principal Conductor of the Works of said Council. On the 6th day of October last, I issued a dispensation to T. L George F. Eicknell, Master; R. L Sanford Adams, Deputy Master; I. Harman G. Utley, Principal Conductor of the ^^'■orks ; and six other Companions, to form a Council, to be named "Oneida Coun- cil," and located in the Village of Rome, County of Oneida, and State of New York. On the 7th day of October, I issued a like dispensation to T. L Seymour H. Stone. Master; R. L Stiles M. Rust. Deputy INIaster; L Charles W. Snow, Principal Conductor of the \\'orks ; and six other Companions, to form a Council in the Citv of Syracuse, County of Onondaga and State of Xew York, to be called "Central City Council." On the 2':^rd day of November last, I issued letters of dispensa- tion to T. L Richard Bloss, Master; R. L George Babcock, Deputy Master; L Charles Teson, Principal Conductor of the \^'orks ; and seven other Companions, to form a Council in the City of Troy, County of Rensselaer, in this State, to be called "Bloss Council." On the iQth day of December, 1859, I issued Hke letters to T. L and Rev. Charles H. Piatt, Master ; R. L Charles Craig, Deputy IMaster i L Daniel A. Knapp, Principal Conductor of the Works ; and six other Companions, to form a Council in the Town of Lockport, County of Niagara, to be called, "Bruce Council." 210 tn r J n^^ T*^^?;-?/ February, A. Dep. 2860, I issued like letters to T. I. Charles E. Gillett, Master; R. I. Wm. Lee, Deputy Master; lu^^^ ^- J^cCann, Principal Conductor of the Works; and six other Companions, to form a Council in the Town of Elmira, County of Chemung, and State of New York, to be called "Southern Tier Council. Eight of the petitioners were formerly members of Excelsior Council, No. 6, but did not sympathize with the contumacious ma- jority. _ The foregoing are all Councils that have been established by me during the past year, but I am informed that there are several more in progress of formation, in various parts of the State, and that one or two more petitions will probably be presented to this Grand Coun- cil, for warrants, during its present Assembly. SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. The only warranted Councils now working and in good stand- ing, under our jurisdiction, are Brooklyn, No. 4, Adelphic, No. 7, Eureka, No. 8, and Grass Valley, No. 10; all of which are, I am cred- ibly informed, in a prosperous and healthy condition, and doing good work. I have not been able to visit any of them during the past year, except Adelphic, No. 7, which, from the fact of its being the only Council in the City, is continually besieged by Companions seeking admission to the Cryptic Mysteries. There is abundant room for one or two more Councils in this Metropolis and I presume an effort will soon be made to revive some of the dormant Councils formerly working here. GRAND COUNCILS 01? THE UNITED STATES. By the kindness of the Grand Recorder, and of various Com- panions throughout the United States, I have been enabled to hear from all of the twenty Grand Councils in the Union ; and from the printed proceedings of some, and private letters of the Grand Officers of others, I learn with satisfaction, that Select Masonrv is advancing with rapid strides and that but a few years more will be needed to successfully establish a Grand Council in every State. But this subject belongs more properly to the Committee on For- eign Correspondence and to them I shall leave it, knowing that in the hands of the learned and accomplished Chairman of that Com- mittee, it will be more thoroughly and ably handled than my feeble abilities would allow. INSIGNIA AND JEWELS. The insignia and jewels of either Grand or Subordinate Coun- cils are nowhere defined in the Constitutions, General Regulations, 211 or Proceedings of this Grand Body; nor is there any Resolution of this Grand Council on that subject, except the following, which was adopted the 9th day of August, 2855, viz: "Resolved. That a Committee be appointed to report the cor- rect style of Jewels for Grand and Subordinate Councils of Royal and Select Masters ;" but I cannot find that the Committee appointed under the above resolution ever made any report, except that on the 2ird of the same month they reported progress. I would, therefore, recommend that a special Committee be appointed at this Annual Assembly, to take into consideration and report as soon as practica- ble, \\hat the jewels and insignia of Grand and Subordinate Coun- cils should be, and suitable regulations concerning the same. GENERAL REGULATIONS AND STANDING RESOLUTIONS: Our General Regulations are admirable, as far as they go, but there are many points which are unsettled by them, and I take this opportunity of calling the attention of the Grand Council to some of their defects. On page 45 of Transactions of 1856, is the follow- ing resolution which appears to have been adoptd : "Resolved, That in future no Companions shall be received or greeted in the Grand Council unless they have been previously pro- posed and balloted for in a Subordinate Council having jurisdiction, and then only for the benefit of said Council." I am somewhat at a loss, Companions, as to the meaning of the above quoted resolution, and I think its passage, in its present shape, must have been the efifect of hasty legislation. If it is intended as an infringement on the prerogative of the Grand Master of making Royal and Select Masters at sight, it is null and void, because it conflicts with Article I, Section 6, of the Constitutions, but if it is only intended as a declaration of the Grand Council, that it will not confer the degrees at its assemblies, I would recommend that it be amended, so as to express that idea only. All legislation should be expressed in unequivocal terms. This Grand Council is without Rules of Order, or Order of Business, that matter being left entirely to the discretion of the Grand Master, or presiding officer. "Order is Heaven's first law," and the governing body of "the summit and perfection of Ancient Craft Masonry" in the Empire State is without any Rules for its govern- ment, when assembled in a legislative capacity, except the caprice of the Companion who may chance to occupy its Grand East. I am opposed to all that spirit of innovation, which is so rampant at the present day, and which would take away, one after the other, the ancient prerogatives of the presiding officer of a Masonic Body, until it had reduced him to the level of the presiding officer of a poli- 212 tical convention, destitute of power to enforce his decisions, but I do think that a body Hke ours should proceed with its business accord- ing to some estabUshed rules, both for its own convenience and the convenience of its Grand Master. I, therefore, recommend that a committee be appointed to draft Rules of Order for the government of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, at its Annual Assemblies. CONSTITUTIONS. Our Constitutions, printed in 1855, have been frequently amended since that time, and it is desirable that a new edition should be printed for the use of our subordinates, but as there probably will be more changes made in future Assemblies of this Grand Council, I would recommend that the Grand Recorder be directed to have the Constitutions, as they stand at the close of this Annual Assembly, printed as an apj)endix to the Transactions. Article II, Section 5, of the Constitution says: "No Council under this jurisdiction shall receive or greet more than five new Companions at the same time." I think this is extra legislation, and I have studied the degrees of Royal and Select Master to little pur- pose if such a regulation is necessary. The ritual fixes the number to be received and greeted at the same time, as far as there is any necessity for such a regulation, , and I would respectfully suggest, that it would be better to erase that clause from our Statutes. There are in our Constitutions no qualifications required to hold office in the Grand Council, but any Select Master is eligible to the office, even of Grand Master. This should not be so, be- cause it is subversive of the conservative nature of our institution, which requires that all should win promotion, step by step, i:s they may merit it, and thus in process of time, every Companion who has the ability in him, may hope to arrive at the top of the ladder. The fourth of the Ancient Charges says: "All preferment among Masons is grounded on real worth and personal merit only ; that so the Lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to shame, nor the Royal Craft despised, therefore, no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but for his merit." And again, "that so, when other- wise qualified, he may arrive to the Honor of being the Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master of all the Lodges according to his Merit." Here is ample' proof of Ancient usage on this point; and in my opinion, should we bring our Order 'back to its ancient customs and usages in the selection of its rulers, its usefulness would be greatly in- creased and there would be less room for the display of that par- tisan spirit, which I regret to state sometimes manifests itself in Masonic elections. 213 DECISIONS. My correspondence during the past year has become very voluminous, which induces me to believe that our branch of the Order is exciting the interest of numbers of our Companions. I have rendered many decisions, but the following are the only ones which occur to me as being of a general nature : 1. The Officers of a Council under dispensation should not be installed. 2. The Officers of a Council, U. D., other than the first three should be appointed by the Master. 3. A Council, U. D., has not the right to hold an election of Officers at the time prescribed by the Constitutions for Subordinate Councils ; nor at any other time. If a Council, U. D., wishes to change its first three officers, or either of them, it must petition the Grand Master to make the change, and the Master of the Council has the power of changing the remaining officers at pleasure. 4. A Subordinate Council has the right to heal illegally- made Royal and Select Masters, on condition that they attach themselves to some legal Council, (see Resolution of the Grand Council, June, 1856), but I would not advise the exercise of this power on any who were made since May, 1854. 5. A proposition having passed the ballot with a negative result, can be again presented at any time, but every member must be notified of the time when the ballot is to be again taken, so that the objecting member or members may have an opportunity to again deposit a black ball, if he or they think proper. As this question is one of considerable importance, I shall give some reasons for the decision I have made. All the Masonic laws on this subject that have come under my observation seem intended to promote one object, and that is the vmanimity and harmony of the body, and to prevent a majority bringing in any person surrepti- tiously, who may be obnoxious to some member or members thereof. Hence, some Grand Bodies require six months should elapse before a proposition is again presented ; others require other periods of time. I think, however, that any particular period of time should not be made the invariable rule, but, that it should be left rather to the judgment of the Master of the Council, whether or not, to receive a proposition again after it has been once re- jected, and he should on no account order a ballot thereon, unless every member is notified. By this restriction we gain all the ad- vantages of those rules which require a certain time to elapse, and retain none of their disadvantages. My decision giving the Master discretionary power in the case above referred to, would not, of course, release him from responsibility for the abuse of that dis- cretion. 214 UNION. In my report of last year, I referred to a division in the ranks of our Select band, and in anticipation of some action towards union, this Grand Council passed a resolution empowering its first four Grand Officers, "to take such action in the premises as they may deem best." A committee of five was appointed by the "Grand Council of Royal Master Masons" for the purpose of meet- ing a like committee of this Grand Council, and preparing a basis of union. Your officers wishing to have the valuable counsel and assistance of one of those Companions who was most active in the formation of this Grand Council, and whose zeal in the cause, years of service have not cooled; also to make your committee equal in numbers to the committee with whom we were to confer, associated with themselves, M. P. J. B. Yates Sommers. The two committees thus constituted met in the month of May, aud jointly drew up a series of Articles of Union, which will be submitted to you for your approval. The case is somewhat of an anomalous one, as both Bodies were, no doubt, in their inception, regular. The origin of our Grand Council is too well known to you to re- quire at my hands any argument to prove the legality of its organ- ization ; but in regard to the other body a few remarks will not, perhaps, be out of place. The "Grand Council of Royal Master Masons" was organized, I beHeve, about the year 1807, by a char- ter from the Supreme Council of the 33d degree, Scottish Rite, of which Joseph Cerneau was at that time Grand Commander, and hence is. by about twenty years, the oldest Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in the United States. It chartered the Coun- cils from which the Grand Council of Massachusetts and other Grand Councils have sprung. The last warrant granted by it, was to Houston Council, No. 10, Texas, in 1847. The unfortunate diffi- culties of 1849 in this State severed the connection between the Grand Council and the majority of the Select Masters in the State, and, as you well know, rendered the formation of this Grand Council in 1854 necessary. The Union of i8c;8, in the Grand Lodge, again brought us into fellowship in Symbolic Masonry with those from whom we had been so long estranged, and it was soon fol- lowed by a union in Capitular and Templar Masonry. The Cryp- tic branch of the Order alone has remained sundered, and it rests with you Companions, whether this state of affairs shall continue or cease ; whether we shall be, "a house divided against itself," or a united family. The Articles which will be presented to you for approval, contemplate a Union on equal and honorable terms, and avoid any unnecessary allusion to the past. Your committee have cordially approved tbem and recommend them to you for adoption. Thus, Companions of the Grand Council, I have endeavored to give you an account of my stewardship during the past year. That 21s I have committed errors is probable, for "to err is human"; but I am induced to beheve, from the kindness I have ever received at your hands, that such errors will be judged leniently, and ascribed rather to the head, than to the heart. And now. Companions, before laying ofT the robes of office virith which you have invested me, allow me to express my grati- tude for the cordial support and assistance I have received at your hands, which has rendered the performance of the duties devolving on your executive, generally pleasant and agreeable, and which will render the memory of his connection with this Grand Body one of the most cherished recollections of his life. May our ses- sion be a harmonious and pleasant one, and may we have but one object in view, the prosperity and good of the Order, and having finished our labors in these earthly vaults, may we all be admitted into the Grand Council above, where the Supreme Grand Master forever presides, forever reigns. X. O. BEN'JAMIX, Grand Master. (Copy.) Office of the M. P. Grand Master of R. and S, M. of the State of New York. New York, November 21st, A. Dep. 2860. To Thomas C. Edwards, Esq., Late Master of Excelsior Council, No. 6, R. and S. M. : Whereas, We have been officially informed, that you have been expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry by the Lodge having jurisdiction over you, and Whereas, Such expulsion extends to all the higher branches of the Order, and vacates any office or offices you may hold therein ; and. Whereas, We are informed, that you still retain the Warrant of Excelsior Council, No. 6, in your possession : Now, Therefore, You are required forthwith to deliver said Warrant, and any properties of said Council that may be in your possession, to R. L James S. French, or L Squire Newton, whichsoever of them shall serve this order upon you, and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hand and private seal, at the city of New York, the day and year first above written. N. O. BENJAMIN, [l. s.l Grand Master. 215 (Copy.) Office of the M. P. Grand Master of R. and S. M., of the State of New York. New York, January 25th, A. Dep. 2860. To all whom it may concern, and particularly to the Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Greeting : Whereas, Excelsior Council, No. 6, has ceased to meet for more than one year, and . Whereas, Said Council has neglected to make returns as pro- vided and required by Art. I, Sec. 19, of the Constitution ; and Whereas, The sixty days' grace allowed it by the M. P. Grand Council at its Annual Assembly, held June, 1859, has long since expired : Now, Therefore, by virtue of the high powers in us vested, we de- clare the Warrant of said Excelsior Council, No. 6, forfeited, and all the powers therein granted null and void. We would take this occasion to inform the Royal and Select Masters of our jurisdiction that the late Master of Excelsior Coun- cil, No. 6, having been expelled from all the rights and privileges of Masonry by the Lodge of which he was a member, is thereby cut off from all connection with this branch of the Order, and any recognition of him as a Select Mason is strictly forbidden. All Masters of Councils are ordered to cause this, our Edict, to be read in open Council. Given under our hand and the Seal of the Grand Council, at the City of New York, the day and year first above written. [L. s.] N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand Master. Attest, J. Shove, Grand Recorder. (Copy.) Office of the M. P. Grand Master of R. and S. M., of the State of New York. New York, February 29th, A. Dep. 2860. To T. I. Hiram York, Master of Genesee Council, No. 9, R. and S. M.: Wherdas, Genesee Council, No. 9, R. and S. M., has failed to make returns and pay dues to the M. P. Grand Council of the State of New York, as required by the Constitutions ; therefore, by vir- tue of the high powers in us vested, we declare the warrant of said Genesee Council, No. 9, forfeited, and you are required forthwith to transmit said warrant, together with all books and papers be- longing to said Council to R. P. Josiah Shove, Grand Recorder, No. 31 Nassau Street, New York City, and for so doing this will be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hand and private seal at the city of New York, the day and year first above written. N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand Master. 217 The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address, M. P. J. B. Yates Sommers and R. P. Comps. J. B. Harris and W. T. JMarvin. The M. P. Grand Master appointed the following Committee: On Warrants:— R. P. Comp. W. T. Marvin, R. P. Comp. R. G. lAIillard, T. I. Comp. S. W. Thomas. The Commitee on Grand Master's Address presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received ; the committee were discharged and their recommendations adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. JM., of the State of New York : The Special Committee to whom was referred the Annual Ad- dress of the Most Puissant Grand Master, very respectfully report, that they have given the said Address that careful an attentive pe- rusal which it so richly nTerits. and recommends a special reference of certain portions thereof, as follows : First. That so much of the Grand Master's Address as refers to "Dispensations for new Councils," be referred to the Committee on \\'arrants. Second. That so much thereof as refers to the "Grand Coun- cils of the United States," be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. Third. That so much thereof as refers to "Insignia and Jewels," be referred to a Special Committee of three. Fourth. That so much thereof as refers to "Amendments to the Constitution," "Rules of Order,'' "General Regulations" and "Standing Resolutions," be referred to a Special Committee of three. Fifth. That so much thereof as refers to "Decisions of Grand Master upon questions proposed," be referred to a Committee on Jurisprudence. Sixth. That so much thereof as refers to the proposed ' Union'' be referred to the Committee already appointed thereon. Yovr Committee in conclusion, beg leave respectfully to offer the following resolution for the consideration and adoption of this Grand Council : Resolved. That the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York entirely approves of and endorses the action of its Grand ?»Iaster in regard to the "Delinquent Councils" referred to in his Annual Address, and that the same is hereby iji all respects adopted and confirmed. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. B. Yates Sommers, ) W. T. ]\Iarvin, V Committee. J. B. Harris, ) Dated, New York, June 5th, i860. 218 R. P. Comp. W. T. Marvin, from the Committee on Warrants, presented the following Report, and, on motion, the report was re- ceived and^ the resolutions accompanying the same were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M., of the State of New York: Your Committee on Warrants and Dispensations, to whom was referred the petition of a constitutional number of Companions, praying for a warrant to continue a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the City of Newark, N. J., to be called Kane Council. Also, a like petition for a Council to be located at Syracuse, N. Y., to be called Central City Council. Also, a like petition for a Council to be located at Troy, N. Y., to be called Bloss Council. Also, a like petition for a Council to be located at Lockport, N. Y., to be called Bruce Council. Also, a like petition for a Council to be located at Elmira, N. Y., to be called Southern Tier Council, respectfully report, that the above named Councils have been working under dispensations, duly granted by the Grand Master, and we find, on examination, their proceedings are regular and in conformity with the Constitu- tions and Regulations of this Grand Council. Your Committee, therefore, offer for adoption the following resolutions : Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. William Mead, Master, R. I. C. M. Zeh, Deputy Master, I. Dennis W. Morris, Principal Conductor of the Works, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the City of Newark, County of Essex and State of New Jersey, by the name and style of Kane Council, No. II. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Seymour H. Stone, Master, R. I. Stiles M. Rust, Deputy Master, I. Charles W. Snow, Principal Conductor of the Works, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the city of Syracuse, County of Onondaga and State of New York, by the name and style of Central City Council, No. 13. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Richard Bloss, 219 ^Master, R. I. George Babcock, Deputy Master, I. Charles Teson, Principal Conductor of the W'orks, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the City of Troy, County of Rensse- laer and State of Xew York, by the name and style, Bloss Council, No. 14. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. and Rev. Chas. H. Piatt, Master, R. I. Charles Craig, Deputy Master, I. Daniel A. Knapp, Principal Conductor of the Works, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the town of Lockport, County of Niagara and State of New York, by the name and style of Bruce Council, No. 15. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Charles E. Gillett, blaster, R. I. \\'illiam Lee, Deputy Master, I. George S. McCann, Conductor of the Works, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the town of Elmira, County of Che- mung and State of New York, by the name and style of Southern Tier Council, No. 16. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. T. Alarvin, \ R. G. Millard, \ Committee. S. W. Thomas, ) New York, June 5, A. Dep. 2860. 220 The Grand Recorder presented the following Annual Report, which was received, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Your Recorder would respectfully report, that since the date of the last report, he has received the following sums : June 8, 1859. Dues Brooklyn Council, No. 4... $8.62 June 8, 1859. DuesAdelphic Council, No. 7 54.93 June 8, 1859. Dues Eureka Council, No. 8 5.88 June 8, 1859. Dues Charter Grass Valley Coun- cil, No. ID 10.00 July 15, 1859. Dispensations to Adelphic Council, No. 7 4.00 Oct. 6, 1859. Dispensation to form Kane Coun- cil, at Newark 20.00 Oct. 6, 1859. Dispensation to form Oneida Coun- cil, at Rome 20.00 Oct. 7, 1859. Dispensation to form Central City, Council, at Syracuse 20.00 Nov. 14, 1859. Dispensation to confer degfrees Brooklyn Council, No. 4 i.oo Nov. 23, 1859. Dispensation to form Bloss Coun- cil, at Troy 20.00 Dec. 19, 1859. Dispensation to form Bruce Coun- cil, at Lockport 20.00 Feb. 20, i860. Dispensation to form Southern Tier Council, at Elmira 20.00 Feb. 25, i860. Dispensation to confer degrees Adelphic Council, No. 7 8.00 May 21, i860. Affixing seal to certificate 50 June 2, i860. Affixing seal to certificate 50 Total ."...$213.43 Which amount has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer and his receipt taken therefor. He would also state, for the information of the Grand Coun- cil, that he has succeeded in establishing an interchange of Trans- actions with all the Grand Councils which publish the same, and that he has received from nearly every Grand Council the Trans- actions for past years, making a nearly perfect file, which he would recommend should be bound and preserved among the Archives of this Grand Council. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Recorder. 221 New York, June 5th, A. D. i860, A. Dep. 2860. The Grand Treasurer presented the following Annual Report, which was received and referred to the Finance Committee : To the 2\I. P. Council of Royal and Select JMasters of the State of Xew York. Your Grand Treasurer would beg leave to present the follow- '^.nnuj June Ll K 8, sport : 1859. Received from late Grand Treasurer $1.33 June 8, 1859- Recorder 83.43 July IS. 1859. 20.00 Oct. 6, 1859. 20.00 Oct. 7. 1859- 20.00 Nov. 14, 1859. I.OO Nov. 23. 1859. 20.00 Dec. 19. 1859. 20.00 Feb. 20, i860. 20.00 Feb. 25. i860. 8.00 May 21, i860. ■50 June 2, 10, i860. 1859. Paid •50 0. $214.76 June Warrant, N II. .$5.00 June 10, 1859. 12. ■ 18.79 Jan. 20, i860. 13- .30.00 Jan. 20, i860. 14. ■ 5-00 Mar. 20, i860. " 15- • 7-70 June 10, 1859. " 16. . 10.00 April 9, i860. " 17- .60.50 Mar. 10, i860. " 18. • 300 Nov. 21, 1859. " 19. .42.56 June 2, i860. '* ' 20. ■ 9-7^ \ — 192.29 Balance in my hands this date $22.47 Respectfully submitted, R. G. MILLARD, Grand Treasurer. New York, June 5th, i860. 222 The Committee on Union presented the following report. (See Proceedings of Grand Council R. Masons, page 6), and on mo- tion the report was received, the Articles of Unioai were unani- mously adopted and ratified. On motion, a committee of three was appointed to exchange ratifications with the committee from the Grand Council of Royal Master Masons of the State of New York. The M. P. Grand Master appointed as such Committee, M. P. Comp. T- B. Yates Sommers, R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris, and P. Comp. Joseph Wright. The Committee reported that they had completed the duty as- signed them of exchanging the ratification of the Articles of Union, and that R. P. Comps. Bate and Godfrey were now in waiting, when the said Companions were introduced and welcomed by the Grand Master. On motion, a committee was appointed to wait upon the late Grand Council of Royal Master Masons of the State of New York, and invite them to meet with us. The M. P. appointed as such committee, T. I. Comp. Bloss, T. I. and Rev. Comp. Piatt, and M. P. Comp. Sommers. The M. P. Grand Master appointed as committee on the death of M. P Comp. Dunlap, of Maine, M. P. Comp. Sommers, R. I. Comp. Babcock, and T. I. and Rev. Comp. Piatt. A petition from a constitutional number of Companions for a warrant to form a Council of R. and S. M., at Buffalo, was pre- sented, and referred to the Committee on Warrants. On motion, it was resolved that when this Grand Council ad- journs, it does so, to meet in this room, to-morrow at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council then took a recess. Wednesday Evening, June 6, 7.30 P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present: The M. P. Grand Master; Officers and Representa- tives as before. R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris offered the following resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Constitutions and General Regulations : 223 Resolved, That Article II, Section 6, be amended so as to read, "The first five officers of a Subordinate Council hereinbefore named, must be chosen annually by, ballot, and by a majority of votes at the reg^ular Assembly immediately preceding the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, and must be installed on or before the next regular Assembh' thereafter, and the remaining officers shall be ap- pointed by the Master, and hold office during his pleasure. T. I. Comp. S. H. Stone offered the following resolutions, wliich were referred to the Committee on Constitutions and Gen- eral Regulations : Resolved, That Article I, Section, 4, of the Constitutions be amended so as to read as follows, viz : "The first six officers of this Grand Council shall be elected at the Annual Assembly, by ballot, and by a majority of votes; and the remaining officers shall be ap- pointed by the Grand Master and hold office during his pleasure; but no companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand blaster. Deputy Grand Alaster, Grand Illustrious blaster, or Grand Principal Conductor of the \\'orks, unless he shall be a present or Past ^Master of a Subordinate Council ; provided nothing herein §hall be so con- strued as to render ineligible any companion who has heretofore served in either of those offices." Resolved, That the Constitutions of this Grand Council be amended by striking out the words, "Thrice Illustrious" and "Right Illustrious,'' where they, or either of them occur in Article I, Section I, 2, and 6; and in Article II, Section '7, 8. and 9 ; and inserting the word "Deputy" in place of the words "Right Illustrious" hereby stricken out. Resolved, That Article II, Section i, be amended so as to read as follows : "A Council of Royal and Select Masters shall consist of a ]\I aster, ■ (whose style is Thrice Illustrious), a Deputy Master, (whose style is Right Illustrious), a Principal Conductor of the \\'orks, (whose style is Illustrious), a Recorder, Treasurer, Captain of the Guard, Conductor, Steward, and Sentinel, and as many mem- bers as mav be convenient, congregating and working by virtue of a warrant held under the Grand Council, and at the place desig- nated in the warrant or by the Grand Council. Resolved. That Section 5 of Article II, he amended so as to read : "No Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the degrees in a less interval than two weeks from the time of receiving the proocsition, except by dispensation from the Grand Master, as here- inbefore provided for." T. I. Comp. Mead ofifered the following resolution, which was adopted : 224 Resolved, That the Committee on Insignia and Jewels embody in such regulations as they may report concerning the same, the sta- tions of the various officers of Councils. The Committee on Warrants presented the following Reports, which were received, and the resolutions accompanying the same were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations respectfully report, that they have examined the returns and noted the requests of Oneida Council, U. D., at Rome, N. Y., and cheerfully recom- med the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. George F. Bick- nell. Master, R. I. Sanford Adams, Deputy Master, and I. Harman G. Utlev, Principal Conductor of the Works, and others, to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the Village of Rome, County of Oneida, and State of New York, by the name and style of Oneida Council, No. 12. W. T. Marvin ^ S. W. Thomas, \ Committee. R. G. Millard, ) New York, June 6th, A. Dep. 2860. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: In the matter of a Petition for a Dispensation or Warrant from nine companions of well known high standing at Buffalo, Erie County, State of New York, and in answer to their prayer, your Committee on Warrants and Dispensations do respectfully report and earnestly recommend the following resolution: Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to Companions William Gould, as Master; James McCredie, as Deputy Master; James In- glis, as Principal Conductor of the Works;' and six others, in said petition, named to form and hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters, in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, and State of New York, fo be known and designated as Buffalo Council, No. 17. W. T. Marvin, S. W. Thomas, \ Committee. R. G. Millard, New York, June 6th, A. Dep. 2860. 22s Bills for $52,62 and for $17.00 were read and referred to the Finance Committee, and if found correct, ordered paid. On motion, a committee was ordered app>ointed to procure a room for the further meetings of this Grand Council. The M. P. appointed as such committee R. P. Comps. Shove, jMarvin and McKeon. The Grand Council then took a recess until 8.30 o'clock, P. M. GRAND COUNCIL AS UNITED. 8.30 o'clock, P. M. The United Grand Council met. R. P. Comp. . Godfrey, the Master of the oldest Council, in the East. Present : M. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin P. G. "SI. M. P. Comp. Jno. B. Willis P. G. M. M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers P. G. M. R. P. Comp. Vincent W. Bate P. Dep. G. Al. R. P. Comp. Augustus Willard P. Dep. G. AI. R. P. Comp. Wm. W. Sexsen P. Dep. G. M. R. P. Comp. George Godfrey P. Dep. G. U. R. P. Comp. Bradley Parker P. G. 111. AI. R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris P. M. R. P. Comp. Josiah Shove P. M. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i. Oneida, No. 12. Brooklyn, No. 4. Central Cit\-, No. 13. Adelph'ic, No. 7. Bloss, No. 14 Eureka, No. 8. Bruce, No. 15. Kane, No. 11. Southern Tier, No. 16. Buffalo, No. 17. On motion, M. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin was elected to pre- side over United Grand Council until the annual election for officers shall have been held. The M. P. announced the appointment of the following Com- mittees : On Credentials and Returns -.^R. P. Comp. J. Shove, R. P. Comp. R. G. Millard and R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris. On Finance : — 111. Comp. John Cameron, T. I. Comp. Wm. Mead and T. I. Comp. S. H. Stone. On Insignia and Jewels ; — T. I. Comp. S. H. Stone, R. I. Comp. George Babcock and T. I. Comp. S. W. Thomas. 226 On Constitutions and General Regulations : — R. P. Comp. V. W. Bate, T. I. Comp. C. E. Gillett and T. I. Comp. William Mead. On Jurisprudence: — R. P. Comp. Geo. Godfrey, R. P. Comp. Bradley Parker and R. I. Comp. H. F. Phillips. M. P. Comp. Sommers, from the Committee on the death of M. P. Comp. Dunlap, of Maine, presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and the resolutions accompanying it were adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. The Committee to whom was referred the sad duty of express- ing in a series of Resolutions, on behalf of this Grand Council, its sense of the great loss sustained by the Fraternity in the death of the Hon. Robert P. Dunlap, of Maine, would repectfully offer for consideration and adoption the following preamble and resolutions : Whereas, It has pleased our Supreme Grand Master, whose "ways are to us unsearchable and past finding out" again to lay His hand upon our Fraternity, and to snatch by a sudden and afHicting Providence from our mystic circle one of the purest and noblest patrons of the Order ; therefore. Resolved, That in the death of the beloved and venerated Robert P. Dunlap, Most Puissant Past Grand Master of Maine^ we experience the loss, as individuals, of a friend and father ; and as Masons of a wise and experienced counselor and guide, whose long life of usefulness and fidelity to his Masonic professions had en- deared him to his brethren, and whose place cannot soon, or easilv be filled. Resolved, That we hereby tender to the Grand Council of Maine, and especially to the family and personal friends of our de- parted and lamented brother, who are most heart-stricken at the loss we have all sustained, our most earnest sympathies with them in their great bereavement. Resolved, That the R. P. Grand Recorder be, and he is hereby directed, to send duly authenticated copies of the foregoing pre- amble and these resolutions to the family of our departed friend and brother, as well as to the M. P. Grand Council of Maine. All of which is most respectfully submitted. . J. B. Yates Sommers, Geo. Babcock, [ Committee. Charles H. Piatt, Dated, New York, June 6th, i860. 227 On motion, the election of officers was made the special order for 8.30 o'clock, to-morrow evening. On motion, it was Resolved, That when this Grand Council adjourns, it do so to meet at 594 Broadway, at 3.30 o'clock P. M., to-morrow. The Grand Council then took a recess. Thursday, June 7th, 3.30 o'clock, P. M. The United Grand Council resumed its session. Present: M. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin; Officers and Repre- sentatives of the United Grand Council as before. ■ M. P. Comp. Benjamin made the following appointments pro tcm : R. P. Comp. Godfrey as Dep. Grand Master. R. P. Comp. W. T. Marvin as Grand 111. Master. T. I. and Rev. Comp. C. H. Piatt. as G. P. C. of the W. T. I. Comp. S. H. Stone as Grand C. of the G. R. P. Comp. J. Shove as Grand Recorder. The Committee on Installation Service presented the follow- ing Report, which was, on motion, received and adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M., of the State of New York. Your Committee to whom was referred, at the last Annual Assembly, the duty of preparing a suitable service for the installa- tion of the officers of this Grand Body, and of the Subordinate Councils under this jurisdiction, as well as an Order of Cere- monies for the Constitution and dedication of Councils of R. and S. Masters, would respectfully report, that they have had the sub- jects so referred to them under their careful consideration, and now beg leave to submit the following as the result of their labors : INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. At the time appointed for the Installation, the Grand Council being regularly opened, the Chair must be taken by some Grand or Past Grand Master ; or, if none be present, by the highest Grand or Past Grand Officer, who is, or has been, a presiding officer in a Subordinate Council. 228 The R. P. Grand Marshal shall then introduce the Grand Master-elect to the Installing officer, saying : Most Puissant : — I present to you Companion , who having been duly elected Grand Master of the Grand Coun- cil of the State of New York, for the ensuing Masonic year, now declares himself ready for installation. The Installing officer shall then address the members of the Grand Council, saying : Companions of the Grand Council : — Companion having been duly elected to preside over you, as your Grand Master, now declares himself ready for Installation. If any of you can show just cause why he should not be installed, you will make your objections now known, or forever hold your peace. If objections are made, the Grand Council shall proceed at once to hear and determine the same. If no objections are made, he shall continue to say : No cause being shown to the contrary, I shall now proceed to install him. The installing officer shall then administer the following obli- gation of office, all the Companions standing: I, , do solemnly promise and swear, that I will serve as Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York, for the term for which I have been elected, and will, to the best of my abilities, faithfully discharge the duties appertaining to that office. I do furthermore promise and swear, that I will sup- port and maintain the Constitution of this Grand Council and inviolably preserve the ancient landmarks of the Order, So help me God. f The Grand Council shall then offer the following prayer : • O thou most holy and omnipotent Lord God of Heaven and Earth ; we do most humbly beseech Thee to smile upon and bless this Grand Council, now assembled. Sanctify unto each one of us now present the transactions of this hour. Make us humble and thankful recipients of all the bounties Thou art continually be- stowing upon us, and move our hearts with impulses of tenderness and charity towards all men, and especially towards those who have wrought with us their regular hours in the secret vault. Bestow upon us, we beseech Thee, a portion of Thine infinite Wisdom, and especially upon him who has been selected to preside over this Grand Council. Take from him all pride of heart, stubbornness of will, and self-sufficiency of understanding, and all vanity, osten- tation, and arrogance, if any such he have, and give him in their stead a meekness and lowliness of heart, and a kindness and gen- tleness of disposition, that shall cause him to rule and govern his Companions with love and affection, and in Thy fear. 229 And we pray Thee, O Lord God, that when our labors here are over, and the hour of everlasting rest has arrived, we may be received into the Grand Council above, and hear the thrilling welcome, Come, ye blessed of my Father, into the mansions pre- pared for you, from the beginning of the World. Amen. The installing officer then invests the Grand Master elect with the insignia of his office, and proceeds with the following CHARGE : By the voice of your Companions, you have been elevated to the highest office within their gift, and as they rely with entire con- fidence upon the rectitude of your intentions, and the integrity of your character, it becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, industry and fidelity ; to see that the officers associated with you faithfully perform their respective duties, and that the reputation and interests of this Grand Council are not endangered by imprudence or neglect. The important trust committed to your charge will call for your best exertions, and the exercise of your best faculties. As the representative of the wise King of Israel, it will be your duty to recite the secret traditions, to illustrate the moral principles of the Order, to cherish the worthy, and to hold in due veneration the ancient landmarks of our time-honored institution. The purple robe, the crown and the sceptre, are emblems of union and authority. They |re to indicate to you while you govern 3rour Companions with mildness, firmness and impartiality, you are to teach them lessons of union and harmony, which are the chief supports in our great Masonic edifice. And as you are seated in the East, the place of light and heat, so you are to be the source of light and heat to those under your charge. Enlighten them with a knowledge of our traditions, our forms and ceremonies ; the sig- nification of our tools and emblems, and the general arts and mys- teries of our Craft ; and impart to them a portion of the warmth of zeal and devotion that burns in your own bosom. By a frequent recurrence to the Constitution of this Grand Council, and the general regulations of the Fraternity, together with a constant observance of the great principles inculcated in the various lectures and charges, you will be enabled to fulfill the im- portant obligations resting upon you, with honor to yourself, and credit to the Craft. And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are all in vain, give strength to your endeavors and support to your exertions. 230 The Grand Master-elect shall then take his seat in the East and assume the gavel. After which (all the Companions standing), the Grand Captain of the Guard shall make proclamation, thus : Companions : — In the name of the Most High God, I do pro- claim Most Puissant Companion , Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York, for the term pre- scribed by the Constitution. The remaining Officers-elect, standing in order before the Officiating Officer shall then make the following declaration: I, , do solemnly promise, that I will faithfully and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements of the Constitution of the Grand Council of the State of New York, together with the General Regulations of the Order, so far as they may come to my knowledge. After which, the Officers-elect shall kneel (the rest of the Companions present standing), while the R. P. Grand Chaplain repeats the following PRAYER : Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of Heaven and Earth, we approach Thee with reverence, and implore Thy blessing on these Companions selected to assist our presid- ing officer in conducting the business of this Grand Council, and now prostrate before Thee. Fill their hearts with Thy fear, that their tongues and actions may promote Thy glory. Make them steadfast in Thy service. Grant them wisdom, that they may teach Thy judgments and Thy laws ; animate their hearts and strengthen their endeavors. Bless them, O Lord, and bless the work of their hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear Thou from Heaven, Thy dwelling-place, and forgive our transgressions. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. The R. P. Grand Marshal will now present each of the remain- ing Grand Officers-elect in order, according to rank, when they shall be charged by the Installing Officer, respectively, as follows : (After each charge, the R. P. Grand Marshal shall conduct the officer-elect, so charged, to his proper position in the Grand Coun- cil Chamber.) 231 CHARGE TO THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. Right Puissant Companion . Have you attended to the important obhgation taken by your superior, and do you promise to support all the ancient charges and regulations as freeh- and fully as he has done? Answer — I do. The duties of the important office to which your Companions have elected you will require your constant and earnest attention. You are to occupy the second seat in this Grand Council, and it will be your duty to aid and support your chief in all the require- ments of his office. In his absence, you will be called upon to pre- side in the Grand Council, and to discharge all those important duties which now devolve upon him. Let it, therefore, be your unremitting study to acquire such a degree of knowledge and in- formation, as will enable you, when called upon, to discharge with promptness and propriety all those important duties annexed to your station. CHARGE TO THE GRAND ILLUSTRIOUS MASTER. Right Puissant Companion : — You have been elevated to the third office in the Grand Council. The duties of the important office to which your Companions have elevated you will require your constant and earnest attention. It will be your duty to aid and support your superior officers in all the requirements of their offices. In their absence you will be called upon to preside in the Grand Council and to discharge all the important duties annexed to that station. Although the representative of a King, you should never forget that in all the duties you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself, you stand upon the same level of equality with the rest of your Companions. Let the bright example of your illus- trious predecessor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem, stimulate vou to the faithful performance of every duty, and when the King of kings shall summon you to His immediate presence, from His hand may you receive a crown of glory that shall never fade away. CHARGE TO THE GRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORKS. Right Puissant Companion: — As the fourth officer of this Grand Council, it will be your duty to sound the silver trumpet at earlv dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first and last beams gild the mountain-tops, to announce high noon, and proclaim the time of rest and labor. In the absence of your superiors, you will be required to per- form their duties; and as the interest of the Grand Council should 232 never be permitted to suffer through want of intelligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon you the necessity of being always qualified and prepared to meet the emergency, should any arise. Having been admitted to the fellowship of Kings, you will be frequently reminded that the office of mediator is both honor- able and praiseworthy. Let it, therefore, be your constant care to preserve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the mem- bers of the Grand Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to create division and dissensions among the Companions in any of the departments of Masonry. And as the glorious sun at its meri- dian dispels the mist and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and discord, should any such ever unfortunately arise. CHARGE TO THE GRAND RECORDER. Right Puissant Companion : — It is with much pleasure that I instal you into the office to which you have been elected by your Companions. The qualities which should recommend a Recorder are correctness in recording the proceedings ; judgment in dis- criminating between what is proper and what is improper to be written ; regularity in attendance upon the Grand Council ; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass through his hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Grand Treasurer. The possession of these qualities, I have no doubt, has designated you as a suitable Companion for this important office. I have the ut- most confidence, therefore, that you will discharge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. May God grant that when you shall have completed the record of your transaction here below, you may be admitted into the Grand Council above, and find your name recorded in the Book of Life. CHARGE TO THE GRAND TREASURER. Right Puissant Companion : — You have been elected to an im- portant and responsible station in this Grand Body. It will be your duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary, and to provide for the helpless and the destitute. The qualities which should distinguish you, are accuracy and fidelity — accuracy in keep- ing a true and fair account of the receipts and disbursements ; fidel- ity in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Grand Council, and in rendering a just account of the same when required. Your interest in this Grand Council, your attachment to the Craft, and your known integrity of character, are a sufficient guarantee that these duties will be faithfully performed. 233 CHARGE TO THE GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. Right Puissant Companion : — Having been appointed Captain of the Guard of this Grand Council, I present you with the insignia of your office. Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass in but the select, the faithful and the true. Be ever attentive to the com- mands of your Chief, and be always near at hand to see them duly executed. CHARGE TO THE GRAND CHAPLAINS. Right Puissant and Rev. Companions : — You have been ap- pointed Chaplains of this Grand Council. Your good inclinations will undoubtedly aid you in the performance of those solemn ser- vices which created beings should constantly render to their Great Creator, and which, when offered by one whose holy profession it is to point to Heaven and lead the way, may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues and purifying our minds, pre- pare us for admission into the presence of our Supreme Grand Master, where happiness will be as perfect as it is endless. CHARGE TO THE GRAND MARSHAL. Right Puissant Companion : — The office to which you have been appointed is one of much importance in the proceedings of this Grand Council. In the discharge of the duties appertaining to it, and with which you are familiar, be fervent and zealous. Let uprightness and integrity attend your steps ; let justice and mercy mark your conduct and predominate in all your actions through life. You will now assume your station. CHARGE TO THE GRAND STEWARD AND SENTINEL. Puissant Companions : — You are appointed respectively to the office of Grand Steward and Sentinel of this Grand Council, and I now invest you with the implements of your office. As the sword is placed in the hands of the Sentinel to enable him to guard the sanctuary and entrance to the secret passage with sleepless vigi- lance against intruders, so should it morally serve as a constant admonition to us all to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips, to post a sentinel at the avenues of our actions, thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word, and deed, and enabling us to preserve our consciences void of offence towards God and man. You will now assume your re- spective stations. 234 CHARGE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. Companions : — From the nature of the constitution of every society, some must of necessity rule, and others obey. And while justice and moderation are required of the officers, in the discharge of their official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are equally demanded of the members. The relation is reciprocal ; the interest of both are inseparable ; and without mutual co-opera- tion, the labors of neither can succeed. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Let, therefore, brotherly love prevail among you, let each be emulous of the others in all good works and in no other way. Let the avenues of your passions be strictly guarded ; let no curious intruder find his way into the secret recesses of your retirement to disturb the harmony which should ever prevail among the select and chosen. In so doing you will secure the prosperity of this Grand Council, the respect of your Companions, the com- mendations of your own consciences, and finally the approval of your Supreme Grand Master, and a Crown of Life. The Grand Marshal shall then make the following PROCLAMATION : I am directed by the Most Puissant Grand Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, the officers of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York duly and regularly installed in Ample Form. The Right Puissant Grand Chaplain shall then offer the fol- lowing or suitable prayer, which shall conclude the ceremonies of installation of the Grand Officers : To Thee, O God, we now commend ourselves, and the varied interests committed to our charge. Ever keep and preserve this Grand Council in purity and usefulness, and may its proceedings tend to Thy glory and the benefit of our race. Amen. , Response : — So mote it be. 235 ORDER OF CEREMONIES IX CONSTITUTING AND DEDICATING COUNCILS OF R. and S. MASTERS. The new Council shall assemble in their Hall and be called to order by their presiding officer. The Grand Council will meet and open in an adjoining room. A committee from the new Council shall inform the Right Puis- sant Grand Marshal that the new Council is prepared to receive the Grand Council. The Grand Marshal will announce the same to the ]\Iost Puissant Grand Master. • The Committee shall then conduct the Grand Council to the hall of the new Council, where they shall be received with the usual honors. The Officers of the new Council shall then resign their seats to the Grand Officers, and cause their jewels to be laid upon the altar and covered. An ode shall then be sung, or an appropriate piece of music be performed ; after which the Right Puissant Grand Chaplain shall repeat the following, or some other suitable form of PRAYER : Almight}- and Supreme Architect of the Universe, Maker and Ruler of all things, who is there in Heaven but Thee, and who upon earth can stand in competition with Thee? Thine omniscient mind brings all things in review, past, present and to come. Thine omnip- otent arm directs the movements of the vast creation. Thine omnipresent eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart. Thy boundless beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoy- ment. Thy unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the under- standing of the children of men. We do most humbly invoke Thy special blessings upon the purpose of our present assembly. Let this Council be established to Thy honor and glory. May its offi- cers be endowed with wisdom to discern, and fidelity to pursue its true interests. May its members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their God, the obedience they owe to their superiors, the love they owe to their equals, and the good-will they owe to all mankind. May this Council be erected to Thy glory, and may its members ever exemplify their love to Thee by their beneficence to their fellow-man, and eventually enjoy the rewards of a well-spent life in the sacred sanctuary on high. Glory be to God, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. 236 Should time permit, an oration, or some suitable address, may now be delivered. The Grand Marshal shall then address the Grand Master, in words following, viz : Most Puissant Grand Master : — A constitutional number of Companions, duly instructed in the sublime mysteries, having re- ceived from the Grand Council a Charter, authorizing them to open and hold a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters in this place, are now assembled for the purpose of being legally consti- tuted and solemnly dedicated in Ample Form. The Charter granted the new Council shall then be read by the Right Puissant Grand Recorder. The Grand Master will then address the Companions forming the new Council as follows : Companions : — Do you accept the Charter, which has just been read in your hearing by the Right Puissant Grand Recorder, and do you promise to perform all the requirements therein contained, conforming in all your Masonic workings to the Constitution, By- Laws and General Regulations of the Most Puissant Grand Coun- cil of the State of New York? The answer being in the affirmative, the Grand Master shall proceed as follows : By virtue of the high power in me vested as Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, I do now form and constitute you, my worthy Companions, into a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters, by the name of Council, No. ; and I hereby authorize and empower you and. your successors to open and hold said Council, and to do and perform all such things as may appertain thereunto, conforming in all things to the Constitution, By-Laws and General Regulations of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York. And may the God of our Fathers be with you, to guide and direct you in all your doings. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. An Ode or Hymn shall then be sung, or a suitable piece of music performed, during which the Grand Marshal shall uncover the Jewels. The following Dedicatory Declaration shall then be pro- nounced by the Right Puissant Grand Master : 237 To our Ancient and Alost Puissant Grand Master Solomon, King of Israel, we solemnly dedicate this Council. May the bless- ings of Him, who presides in the Grand Council above, rest upon all the members thereof, and may He so direct their labors that His name may be magnified now and ever. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. The following proclamation shall then be made by the Grand Marshal : I am directed by the Most Puissant Grand ^Master to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim this Council by the name of Council, No. , duly constituted and dedicated this day of A. D., . Should it be deemed desirable, another suitable piece of music may be now performed, when the ceremonies shall close with the fol- lowing benediction, to be pronounced by the Grand Chaplain : BENEDICTION. Alay the blessing of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob rest upon and be with you always, now and forever. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. Should any other officer than the Grand Master officiate at the dedicatory ceremonies, the word ample is to be omitted wherever it occurs in the service, and in place thereof shall be used the words "in due and ancient form." INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A SUBOR- DINATE COUNCIL. Officers of Subordinate Councils may be installed by any ores- ent or Past Grand Officer, or by any present or Past Thrice Illus- trious Master in good standing in any regularly constituted Coun- cil of Royal and Select Masters. The Council being duly assembled and in working order, the installing officer shall direct the Recorder to read so much of the records as refer to the election of the officers presenting them- selves for installation. After which he shall say : Companions of Council, No. , do you re- main satisfied with the choice you have made in the selection of your officers for the ensuing Masonic year? 238 The answer being in the affirmative, the officers elect shall be arranged by the Marshal (an officer to be appointed for the occa- sion) in due form in front of the installing officer, when they shall be required to make the following DECLARATION. I, , do solemnly promise that I will faithfully and to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I have been elected in this Council, and that I will strictly conform to the requirements of the By-Laws of this Council and the Con- stitution and General Regulations of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York, so far as they may come to my knowledge. The officers-elect shall then resume their seats among the Companions. The following, or some suitable prayer shall then be delivered bv the Chaplain : . PRAYER. Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great and Mighty Father of all men, we, Thy humble servants, desire to approach Thee with all reverence and to implore Thy blessing upon the Companions selected to preside over and conduct the affairs of this Council and now before Thee. Fill their hearts, we beseech Thee, with Thy fear, that their tongues and actions may promote Thy glory. Make them steadfast in Thy service. Grant them firmness of mind. Animate their hearts, and strengthen their en- deavors. May they be enabled to teach Thy judgments and Thy laws. Bless them, O Lord, and bless the work of their hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear Thou from Heaven, Thy dwelling place, and forgive our transgressions. Glory be to God, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. The Marshal will then present the officers-elect severally ac- cording to rank for installation. Addressing the installing officer by his proper Masonic title, he shall say : , I present to you Companion for in- stallation as of this Council. I find him to be well skilled in the Royal Mysteries, zealous in diffusing the sacred principles of our fathers, and in whose integrity and fidelity his Companions of Council, No. , repose the highest confidence. 239 The installing officer will then complete the ceremonies by delivering the following Address and Charges, severally, to the officers-elect, as they are severally presented to him, according to rank, by the Marshal. ADDRESS AND CHARGE TO THE jNIASTER. Thrice Illustrious Companion : — I feel great pleasure in receiv- ing you as the presiding officer of this Council. It is a station highly honorable to him who diligently and faithfully performs the duties it imposes upon him. Before investing vou, however, with the appropriate insignia of your office, I must require your un- equivocal assent to the following interrogatories : 1. Do you solemnly promise that you will use your best en- deavors to correct the vices and purify the morals of your Com- panions, and to promote the peace and prosperity of your Council? 2. That you will not suffer your- Council to be opened when there are less than nine or more than twenty-seven Select blasters present? 3. That you will not sufifer any one to pass the circle of per- fection in your Council in whose integrity, fervency and zeal you have not entire confidence? 4. That you will not acknowledge or hold intercourse with any Council that does not work under some regular and Constitu- tional authority? 5. That you will not admit a visitor into your Council, who has not been regularly and lawfully invested with the degrees con- ferred therein, without his having previously been formally healed? 6. That vou will faithfully observe and support such By-Laws as mav be made by your Council, in conformit}' with the Constitu- tion and General Regulations of the Order? 7. That you will pay due respect and obedience to the Grand Officers, when duly installed, and sustain them in the discharge of their lawful duties'? 8. Do vou submit to these requirements, and promise to observe and practice them faithfully? Response : — I do. With entire confidence in the rectitude of your intentions, and in the integritv of your character as a Select ^Master, I now invest vou with the appropriate insignia of your office. Having been honored with the free suffrages of your Companions, and elevated to the highest office within their gift, it becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, industry, and fidelity; .to see that the officers associated with you faithfully perform their respective 240 duties, and that the mterest and reputation of your Council are not endangered by imprudence and neglect. The important trusts committed to your charge will call forth your best exertions, and the exercise of your best faculties. As the representative of the wise King of Israel, it will be your duty to recite the secret traditions, and illustrate the moral principles of the Order, to cherish the worthy, and hold in due veneration the ancient land-marks. By a frequent recurrence to the By-Laws of your Council, and the General Regulations and Constitution of the Grand Council, you will be enabled to fulfill the important obligations, resting upon you with honor to yourself and with credit to the Craft. And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are all in vain, give strength to your endeavors and support to your exertions. CHARGE TO THE DEPUTY MASTER. Right Illustrious Companion : — Having been elected to the second office in this Council, I, with great pleasure, invest you with the insignia of your office. The duties of the important office to which your Companions have elevated you will require your con- stant and earnest attention. You are to' occupy the second seat in the Council, and it will be your duty to aid and support your chief in all the requirements of his office. In his absence you will be called upon to preside in the Council, and to discharge all the important duties annexed to his station. Although the representa- tive of a King, and elevated in rank above your Companions, yet may you never forget, that in all the duties you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself, you and they stand upon the same level of equality. Let the bright example of your predecessor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem stimulate you to the faithful performance of every duty, and when the King of Kings shall summon you to His immediate presence, may you receive from His hand a crown of glory that shall never fade away. CHARGE TO THE PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORKS. Illustrious Companion : — As the third officer of this Council, I now invest you with the insignia of your office. It is your duty to sound the silver trumpet at early dawn and eve of day, when the suns first and last beams gild the mountain-tops, to announce high noon and proclaim the time of rest and labor. 241 In the absence of either of your superior officers, you will be required to perform the duties annexed to his station respectively ; and as the interest of your Council ought never to suffer from the want of intelligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon you the necessity of being always qualified and fully prepared to meet the emergency, should it ever arise. Having been admitted to the fellowship of Kings, you will be frequently reminded that the office of mediator is both honorable and praiseworthy. Let it, therefore, be your constant care to pre- serve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members of your Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to create divi- sions and dissensions among the brethren in any of the departments of Masonry. And as the glorious sun, at its meridian, dispels the mist and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and discord, should any such ever unfortunately arise in your Council. CHARGE TO THE RECORDER. Companion : — I now invest you with the insignia of your office. The qualities which should distinguish you in discharging the vari- ous duties annexed to your station are, correctness in recording the proceedings of your Council ; judgment in discriminating between what is proper and what is improper to be written; regularity in making the returns to the Grand Council ; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass your hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the Treasurer. The possession of these qualities has designated you as a suitable Companion for the important office to which you have been elected, and I entertain no doubt, but that you will discharge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. And when you shall have completed the records of your transactions here below, and finished the term of your proba- tion, may you be admitted to the Grand Council above, and find your name recorded in the book of life. CHARGE TO THE TREASURER. Companion : — You have been elected to a very important and responsible office in this Council, and I now, with pleasure, invest you with the insignia of your office. It is your duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary and to provide for the help- less orphan. The qualities which should distinguish you are ac- curacy and fidelity ; accuracy in keeping a fair and true account of the receipts and disbursements ; fidelity in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Council, and in rendering a just account of the same when required. 242 Your interest in this Council, your attachment to the Craft and your known integrity of character, are a sure guarantee that your duties will be faithfully performed. CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN OF THE GUARDS. Companion : — Having been appointed Captain of the Guards in this Council, I present you with the insignia of your office. Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass it but the select, the faithful and the worthy. Be ever attentive to the commands of your chief and be always near at hand to see them duly executed. CHARGE TO THE CONDUCTOR. Companion : — ^The office to which, you have been appointed is one of much importance in the proceedings of this Council. In the discharge of the duties appertaining to it, and with which you are doubtless familiar, be fervent and zealous ; you will thus secure the respect and esteem of your Companions, and the approbation of "your own conscience. You will now assume your station. CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN. Rev. Companion : — You have been appointed Chaplain of this Council. Your good inclinations will undoubtedly aid you in the performance of those solemn services which created beings should constantly render to their Great Creator, and which, when ofifered by one whose holy profession it is to point to Heaven and lead the way, may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into the presence of our Supreme Grand Master, where happiness will be as perfect as it is endless. CHARGE TO THE MARSHAL. Companion : — ^The duties of your office require but little eluci- dation. It is your duty, in connection with the Conductor, to at- tend to the examination of visitors, and to take special care that none are permitted to enter but such as have proved their title to our favor and friendship. I present you with the implement of your office, in the confident belief that it is intrusted to competent and faithful hands. CHARGE TO THE STEWARD AND SENTINEL. Companions : — ^You have been appointed to the office of Steward and Sentinel respectively, and I now, with pleasure, in- vest you with the appropriate insignia of your offices. Let the sword placed in your hands serve as a constant admonition to you 243 to set a guard at the entrance of your thoughts, to place a watch at the door of your lips, to post a Sentinel at the avenues of your afifections, thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word, and deed, and enabling you to preserve your consciences void of of- fence towards God and man. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL. Worthy and beloved Companions : — From the nature of our beloved institution, some must of necessity rule and others obey. And while justice and moderation are required of the officers in the discharge of their official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are equally demanded of the members. The relation is reciprocal. The interests of both are inseparable, and without mutual co-operation the labors of neither can succeed. Let the avenues to your passions be strictly guarded. Let no curious in- truder find his way into the secret recesses of your retirement, to disturb the harmony which should ever prevail among the select and the chosen. In so doing you will best secure the prosperity of your Council, the respect of your Companions and the com- mendation of your own conscience. The installing officer shall then make the following declaration : By virtue of the powers in me vested, I do now declare the officers of Council, No. , regularly installed, in due and ancient form. The Chaplain shall then conclude the installation ceremonies by delivering the following, or some suitable form of PRAYER : Eternal and ever blessed Jehovah, most humbly do we beseech Thee to look down with an eye of favor upon this Council, now as- sembled before Thee. Bless, if it shall please Thee, the proceed- ings of this hour, and grant that every transaction of this Body may tend to Thy glory and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue and to Thy great name shall be ascribed eternal praises, world without end. Amen. Response : — So mote it be. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. B. Yates Sommers, ") Josiah Shove, >■ Committee. Bradley Parker, ) Dated, New York, June 7th, i860. 244 The Committee on Insignia and Jewels presented the follow- ing Report, which was received, and on motion, it was adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Your Committee, to whom was referred so much of the Grand Master's Address as refers to Insignia and Jewels, also the resolu- tion offered by T. I. Comp. Mead, in regard to the rank and sta- tions of the Officers of a Council, would respectfully report : That they have given the subject that attention which its im- portance demands, and have prepared a series of drawings of the Jewels of the Officers of Grand and Subordinate Councils, which they herewith submit as a part of this report; and that they have drawn up the following Regulations in regard to the matters in- trusted to their charge, which they now present for your consider- ation : STATIONS, INSIGNIA AND JEWELS OF THE OFFI- CERS OF THE M. P. GRAND COUNCIL. FIRST— STATIONS. The Station of the Grand Master is in the East ; of the Deputy Grand Master on the right of the Grand Master ; of the Grand Illustrious Master, on the right of the Deputy Grand Master; of the Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, on the left of the Grand Master; of the Grand Recorder, in front of the Grand Principal Conductor of the Works ; of the Grand Treasurer, in front of the Grand Illustrious Master ; of the Grand Captain of the Guard, in the West ; of the Grand Chaplain on the left of the Qrand Principal Conductor of the Works ; of the Grand Marshal, in the South ; of the Grand Steward, at the door inside ; and of the Grand Sentinel, at the door outside. SECOND— INSIGNIA. The Insignia of each of the officers of this Grand Council con- sists of a Collar, or hangins^ for the Jewel, of purple velvet, trim- med with gold lace and fringe and of an apron of the same material with the appropriate Jewel wrought in the centre thereof. THIRD— JEWELS. The Jewels of all the officers of this Grand Council are in- 245 closed in a triangle, which is encircled by a wreath, the whole to be of gold or some metal resembling it in color. In the triangle worn by the Grand Master is suspended the Square, Compasses and Trowel ; in that of the Deputy Grand Master, a Square and Trowel; in that of Past Grand Masters, the Compasses extended upon an arc of 60 degrees, with the Trowel in the centre ; in that of the Grand Illustrious blaster, the Trowel and Level ; in that of the Grand P. C. of the Works, the Trowel and Plumb; in that of the Grand Recorder, the Trowel and Cross Pens ; in that of the Grand Treasurer, the Trowel and Cross Keys; in that of the Captain of the Guard, the Trowel and Battle-axe; in that of the Grand Chaplains, the Trowel and Holy Bible open; in that of the Grand Marshal, the Trowel and Baton crossed upon the scroll ; in that of the Grand Steward, the Trowel and Cross Swords ; and in that of the Sentinel, the Trovj,el and Scimeter crossed. STATIONS, INSIGNIA. DRESSES AND JEWELS OF OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. FIRST— STATIONS. The Station of the ^Master is in the East ; of the Deputy ^Master, on the right of the Master; of the Principal Conductor of the \\'orks, on the left of the blaster ; of the Recorder, in front of the Principal Conductor of the \\'orks ; of the Treasurer, in front of the Deputy blaster ; of the Captain of the Guard, in the ^^'est ; of the Conductor of the Council, near the South, on the right ; of the Chaplain, on the left of the Principal Conductor of the Works ; of the Marshal, near the South, on the left ; of the Steward, at the door inside ; and of the Sentinel, at the door oflt- side. SECOND— INSIGNIA. The hangings for Jewels are of purple and may be trimmed with gold; the Aprons are of lambskin, trimmed with purple. THIRD— DRESSES. The [Master is clothed in a Robe of Royal Purple trimmed with ermine, a Crown upon his head and a Sceptre in his hand ; the Deputy Master, in a Robe of Scarlet trimmed with ermine, a Crown upon his head and a Sceptre in his hand; the Principal 246 Conductor of the Works in a Robe of Yellow, a Turban on his head and a Trowel in his hand ; and the Captain of the Guard in the military dress of the Eastern nations 3,000 years ago. All the other officers are clothed in Purple Tunics and Turbans with a Trowel in one hand and a Sword in the other. FOURTH— JEWELS. The Jewels of each of the officers of a Subordinate Council are suspended in a triangle and are as follows, viz : that of the Master, the Square, Compasses and Trowel ; that of the Deputy Master, the Trowel and Level ; that of the Principal Conductor of the Works, a Trowel and Plumb ; that of the Past Master, a Trowel and the Compasses extended on an arc of sixty degrees ; that of the Recorder, the Trowel and Cross Pens ; that of the Treasurer, the Trowel and Cross Keys ; that of the Chaplain, the Trowel and open Bible; that of the Captain of the Guard, the Trowel and the Battle-axe crossed ; that of the Conductor of the Council, a Trowel; that of the Marshal, the Trowel, Baton and Scroll ; that of the Steward, the Trowel and Cross Swords ; and that of the Sentinel, the Trowel and Scimeter crossed. INSIGNIA OF MEMBERS OF COUNCILS. The members of a Subordinate Council wear a Lambskin or White Apron, trimmed with purple. All of which is respectfully submitted. Seymour H. Stone, j Geo. Babcock, > Committee. S. W. Thomas, I New York, June 7th, i860. T. I. and Rev. Comp. Piatt presented the following resolution, which was on motion, received and referred to the first three officers, with power: Resolved, That the Committee on Foreign Correspondence be instructed to represent to the Grand Council of Vermont the pro- priety of exercising the most vigilant caution in conferring the Royal and Select Master's Degrees upon persons who may be reasonably presumed to be legitimately subject to the jurisdiction of this Grand Council. 247 R. P. Comp. Bate, from the Committee on Constitutions and General Regulations, presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and unanimously adopted : The Committee on Constitutions beg leave to report, that they have compared the two Constitutions now in force in this United Grand Council, viz : The Constitutions of Royal Master Masons of the State of New York, adopted A. L. 1823, An. Dep. 2823; and the Constitutions of Royal and Select Masters, adopted A. L. 5855, An. Dep. 2855, together with the "Articles of Union" adopted by this United Grand Council at this Annual Assembly ; and they are of the opinion that inasmuch as the respective Constitutions con- flict in one or two particulars, and your Committee being desirous to see this Grand Council heart and hand, an unit, do recommend the following for your adoption ; and moreover, that if unani- mously adopted, shall be considered abiding clauses in the Con- stitution of this Grand Council until amended, as further provided by the Constitution : That Article I, Section 7, of Constitution of 1823, wherein it says, "This Grand Council shall be held in the City of New York, on 2ist day of June, in each year, when the election of ofHcers shall take place, etc., etc.," shall read, instead of 2Tst June, "at such time and place as the Grand Council shall from time to time desig- nate." All of which is respectfullv submitted. Vincent W. Bate, ^ William Mead, r Committee. Charles E. Gillett, ) The Committee on Constitutions, to whom were referred the following resolutions, to wit : I. Resolved, That Article I, Section 4, of the Constitutions, be amended, so as to read as follows, viz. : "The first six officers of this Grand Council shall be elected at the Annual Assembly, by ballot and by a majority of votes ; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and hold office during his pleas- ure ; but no Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Illustrious Master, or Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, unless he shall be a Present or Past Master of a Subordinate Council ; provided, nothing herein 248 shall be so construed as to render ineligible any Companion who has heretofore served in either of those offices." 2. Resolved, That Article II, Section 6, be amended so as to read : "The first five officers of a Subordinate Council hereinbe- fore named, must be chosen annually by ballot, and by a majority of votes, at the Regular Assembly immediately preceding ^ the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, and must be installed on or before the next Regular Assembly thereafter; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Master and hold office during his pleasure." T,. Resolved, That the Constitutions of this Grand Council be amended by striking out the words "Thrioe Illustrious," where they or either of them occur in Article I, Sections i, 2 and 6, and in Article II, Sections 7, 8 and 9; and inserting the word "Deputy" in place of the words Right Illustrious, hereby stricken out. 4. Resolved, That Article II, Section i, be amended so as to read as follows: "A Council of Royal and Select Masters shall consist of a Master, (whose style is Thrice Illustrious ;) a Deputy Master, (whose style is Right Illustrious ;) a Principal Conductor of the Works, (whose style is Illustrious ;) a Recorder, Treasurer, Captain of the Guards, Conductor, Steward and Sentinel, and as many members as may be convenient, congregating and working by virtue of a Warrant held under the Grand Council and at the place designated in the Warrant, or by the Grand Council." 5. Resolved, That Section 5, of Article II, be amended so as to read : "No Council undter this jurisdiction shall confer the de- grees in a less interval than two weeks from the time of receiving the proposition, except by Dispensation from the Grand Master, as hereinbefore provided for." Would report in favor thereof, and recommend the following resolution : Resolved, That this Grand Council approve - the foregoing amendments to the Constitution and give their affirmative vote thereto, and that this Grand Council do so far adopt and sanction the same as it is in their power to adopt and sanction any amend- ment in view of Article II, Section 14, of the Constitutions of Royal and Select Masters. All of which is respectfully submitted. Vincent W. Bate, Charles E. Gillett, )■ Committee. William Mead, 249 'I On motion, a committee of two was ordered appointed to act in conjunction with the Grand Master in collating the various amendments made to the Constitutions, to be published with the proceedings of this Annual Assembly. The M. P. appointed as such committee : R. P. Comps. V. W. Bate and J. Shove. T. I. and Rev. Comp. Piatt offered the following resolution, prefacing it with eloquent and feeling remarks upon the effect which the union of this, the highest branch of Ancient Craft Masonry, must have upon the influence of the Fraternity at large ; and, on motion, the resolution was unanimously adopted : Whereas, the consolidation of the Craft in the jurisdiction of this United Grand Council has been happily accomplished : Resolved, That this Grand Council would gratefully and rever- entially commit to its record the acknowledgment of this signal favor from the G. A. O. T. U., for the preservation of that harmony which in all His beneficent purposes, is designed to irradiate the counsels of His secrecy. Resolved, That this Grand Council recommends to each of the Subordinate Councils within its jurisdiction the unanimous adop- tion of a resolution expressing the same devout acknowledgment, which has been by the above resolution ordered upon record. On motion, a committee of three was ordered appointed to prepare a History of the Grand Council of the State of New York from its inception to the present time ; said committee to report at the next Annual Assembly. The M. P. appointed as such committee R. P. Comp. Vincent ^^^ Bate, r\l. p. Comp. Jno. B. Willis and M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers. The Finance Committee presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. Your Finance Committee would report that they have exam- ined the accounts and vouchers of the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer, and find the same correct, as appears by their reports. They would also recommend that warrants be drawn for the bills presented of $52.62 and of $17.00. Respectfully submitted, John Cameron, ) \\m. Mead, \ Finance Committee. S. H. Stone, ) 250 On motion, a committee was appointed to fix the compensa- tion of the Grand Recorder and Grand Sentinels. The M. P. appointed as such committee : M. P. Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers and T. I. Comps. S. H. Stone and C. E. Gillett. R. P. Comp. Bate from the Committee on Constitutions and General Regulations, presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. Your Committee, to whom was referred that portion of the Grand Master's Address which relates to Rules of Order and Order of Business for the Grand Council, at its Annual Assemblies, would report that they have had the subject under consideration, and have drawn up a Code of Rules as follows, which they respect- fully submit to you for your action thereon : RULES OF ORDER. 1. At the stroke of the Grand Master's Gavel there shall be a general silence ; and he who breaks silence without leave from the presiding officer, shall be subject to a public reprimand. 2. Under the same penalty, every Companion shall keep his seatj and observe strict silence whenever the Grand Master shall call to order. 3. No Companion is to speak more than once to the same question, unless by permission. 4. If, in the Grand Council, any member is twice called to order, at one Assembly, for transgressing these rules, and is guilty of the third ofTence of the same nature, the Grand Master may peremptorily order him to leave the Council Chamber for that session. 5. Whoever shall be so rude as to ridicule any Companion, or what another says, or has said, may be forthwith solemnly ex- cluded the Assembly, and declared incapable of ever being a mem- ber of this Grand Council, unless he publicly own his fault and he be excused. 6. All, motions are to be decided by a majority of votes, each member having one vote, each Council having three votes, and the Grand Master two votes, in case an equal number shall re- quire his decision. 251 7- The opinions of votes of the members may be signified by holding up the left hand, unless some member shall call for a vote by Councils, which shall be sustained by at least three mem- bers. 8. x-\ll members shall keep their places, except the Grand Captain of the Guard and Grand Marshal, who are allowed to move from place to place, in the discharge of their duties. 9. Every one who speaks shall rise and remain standing, ad- dressing himself to the Grand Master ; and no member shall inter- rupt him, unless to call him to order; but after he has been set right he may proceed, if he observe due order and decorum. ID. In case of the absence of the Grand Illustrious Master and Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, when they, or either of them shall be entitled to take the chair by succession, the Past Grand Officer present, who is highest in rank, (if his office shall have been elective), shall take it ; and in case of the absence of both Present and Past Grand Officers entitled to take the chair, the Master of the Senior Subordinate Council present shall take it. 11. Every proposition offered for consideration shall be in writing, if required by any member. 12. At any Annual Assembly of the Grand Council, the fol- lowing Standing Committees shall be appointed, to consist of three members each : 1. A Committee on Credentials of Members and Returns of Councils. 2. A Committee on Warrants and Dispensations. 3. A Committee on Foreign Correspondence. 4. A Committee on the Constitution and By-Laws of Coun- cils. To this Committee shall be referred all propositions to amend the Constitutions, General Regulations and Rules of the Grand Council ; also all questions relative to the usages, privileges, customs and work of the Fraternity. 5. A Committee on Grievances and Appeals. 6. A Committee on Finance. 7. A Committee on Unfinished Business of the previous An- nual Assembly. 13. The Standing Committees shall not sit while the Grand Council is actually in session, unless on leave obtained, and shall all report at the same Assembly at which they were appointed, and be discharged at the close thereof, unless otherwise ordered, ex- cept the Committee on Foreign Correspondence and the Commit- tee on Unfinished Business. 252 14- The following shall be the Order of Business and pro- ceedings of the Grand Council, at each session of the Annual As- sembly, except that the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth shall not be observed after the first session : 1. Prayer by the Grand Chaplain. 2. Calling the Roll of Councils by the Grand Recorder. 3. The usual ceremonies of opening the Grand Council in Ample Form. 4. Reading and approving the Minutes of any previous Special Assembly of the Grand Council, not before read and approved. 5. Address of the Grand Master and action thereon. 6. Report of the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer and action thereon. 7. Appointments of Committees. 8. Reports upon Credentials of Members. 9. Reports on Unfinished Business of the previous As- sembly. 10. Presentation and reference, or other disposition of Memorials, Petitions and Communications. 11. Motions and Resolutions, and reference or other dis- position of the same. 12. Reports of Standing Committees, and action there- on ; the Committees on Foreign Correspondence and Consti- tution and By-Laws having the preference. 13. Reports of Special Committees and action thereon. 14. Special Orders (if any.) 15. Consideration of Amendments to the Constitution, General Regulations and Rules (if any.) 16. Unfinished Business of previous sessions (if any.) 17. Miscellaneous Business, not included in the above. 18. Reading and approval of the Minutes of the session. 15. Should the Order of Business not be concluded at the session at which it is first called, it shall be commenced at the suc- ceeding session where it was left off, and so on throughout the As- sembly ; taking up the Order of Business as in Rule 14, again when once finished, and going through with it in the same man- ner : Provided, nevertheless, that the reading and approval of the minutes shall be the last business in order at each session ; and that the appointment of a time for, and the election and installa- tion of officers, and the lectures, shall be in order at any time desig- nated by the Grand Council. 2S3 i6. At each session of the Annual Assembly the Grand Coun- cil shall determine the time of holding the next session. 17. The Rules of Order shall not be suspended at any time except by unanimous consent. 18. These Rules may be amended at any time by a vote of two-thirds of the Grand Council. 19. All former Rules of Order of the Grand Council, incon- sistent herewith, are hereby abrogated. All of which is respectfully submitted. \'incent W. Bate, \ ■ Wm. Alead, - Committee. Chas. E. Gillett, ) New York, June 7th, i860, A. Dep. 2860. On motion, it was Resolved, That the Grand Recorder be authorized to have five hundred copies of the Proceedings printed, and that he distribute the same in the usual manner. The Committee appointed to fix the compensation of the Grand Recorder and Grand Sentinels reported in favor of paying the Grand Recorder fifty dollars and the Grand Sentinels seven dollars, and the committee discharged. R. P Comp. Godfrey from the Committee on Jurisprudence, presented the following Report : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. The Committee on Jurisprudence, to whom was referred that portion of the M. P. Grand Master's Address in relation to certain decisions made by him during the past year, respectfully report, that decision ist be adopted, being a correct view of the matter presented. 2d and 3rd. The Committee coincide with the ^'iew taken bv M. P. G. M. 4th. The Committee would suggest that no such power be given to Subordinate Councils as alluded to in the jNI. P. G. blaster's Address, so as to prevent dissensions and unfavorable conclusions. 5th. The Committee would recommend that a time, say at least one month, elapse before a candidate can again be proposed as a member of a Council after he has once been rejected. All of which is submitted by your Committee. Bradley Parker, ) Geo. Godfrey, \ Committee. H. F. Phillips, ) New York, June 7th, A. D. i860. 254 And on motion, the report was received and the ist, 2d and 3rd recommendations were adopted; and the 4th and 5th reconi- mendations, together w\J:h the decisions of the Grand Master, were referred to the Committee on Constitutions and General Regulations. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the follow- ing Report which was, on motion, received and adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Your Committee on Credentials and Returns would report, that they have examined the returns of the various Councils and find them correct, and that the following Past Grand Officers and Repre- sentatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council : M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin P. G. M. 'M. P. John B. Willis P. G. M. M. P. J. B. Yates Sommers P. G. M. M. P. H. F. L. Bunting P. G. M. M. P. Jonathan Jarvis P. G. M. R. P. Augustus Willard P. Dep. G. M. R. P. Charles Watkins P Dep. G. M. R. P. Wm. W. Nexsen P. Dep. G. M, R. P. George Godfrey P. G. 111. M. R. P Wm. H. Norris P. G. 111. M. R. P. T. T. Brush P. G. 111. M. R. P. Bradley Parker P. G. 111. M. R. P Robert Roberts P. G. P. C. R. P. Vincent W. Bate P. G. P. C. R. P. W. T. Marvin P. G. P. C. R. P. David Wagstafif P- G. P. C. R. P. John B. Harris P. T. 111. M. R. R Josiah Shove P. T. 111. M. f George Godfrey, M. Columbia Council, No. i, | y ^^_ g^^e, P. C. of W. Brooklyn Council, No. 4 Joseph Wright, M. C S. W. Thomas, M. Adelphic Council, No. 7 i H. F. Phillips, Dep. M. ( John Cameron, P. C. of W. Eureka Council, No. 8 Augustus Willard, M. Grass Valiev Council, No. lO.No representative present. Kane Council, No. 11 William Mead, M. Oneida Council, No. 12 H. C. Vogell, proxy for M. Central City Council, No. 13 S. H. Stone, M. f Richard Bloss, M. Bloss Council, No. 14, | ' q^q Babcock, Dep. M. 255 Bruce Council, No. 15 C. H. Piatt, M. Southern Tier Council, Xo. 16 C. E. Gillett, M. Buffalo Council, No. 17 William Gould, i\I. Respectfully submitted, J. B. Harris, ) Josiah Shove. ) R. G. Millard, [ Committee. New York, June 7th, i860. On motion, the Grand Council took a recess until 8 o'clock, P.M. Thursday, June 7th,, 8 o'clock, P. IM. The Grand Council resumed its session. Present: ^I. P Comp. Benjamin, Officers and Representatives as before. M. P Comp. J. B. V. Sommers offered the following- amend- ment to Section 4, Article I, of the Constitution, which was laid on the table : Section 4, Article I, after the word "votes" insert "unless there shall be but one companion put in nomination for an office, when the vote may be taken by show of hands." The hour having- arrived for the special order, being the elec- tion of officers for the ensuing year, the Grand Council proceeded to such election; R. P Comp. Geo. Godfrey and T. I. Comp. S. W. Thomas being appointed Tellers. M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin was unanimously elected . Grand Master. T. I. Seymour H. Stone was elected . Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Vincent \V. Bate was elected Grand 111. Master. T. I. C. H. Piatt was elected Grai^ P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove was elected *. Grand Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris was elected Grand Treasurer. JM. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers installed the Grand Master elect, and the Grand Master then installed the remaining officers. The Grand Marshal then proclaimed the installation of the offi- cers of the M. P. Council of Royal and Select blasters, in Ample Form. 256 The Grand Master then announced the following appointments : T. I. Richard Bloss Grand C. of the G. T. I. Charles E. Gillett Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. Henry G. Vogell. . . .Grand Chaplain. P. Joseph Wright Grand Steward. P. Greenfield Pote Grand Sentinel. M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers, R. P. Comp. V, W. Bate and R. P. Comp. J. Shove as Committee on Foreign Correspondence. On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the City of New York, on the first Tuesday in June, A. D. 1861, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. at such place in said city as may be selected by the Executive Officers of this Grand Council. The Amendment to the Constitution offered by M. P. Comp. J. B. Y. Sommers was taken from the table and on motion, it was adopted, so far as it could be at this Annual Assembly. The Grand Master appointed as Commitee on Unfinished Busi- ness of the Grand Council : R. P. Comp. C. H. Piatt, R. P. Comp. S, H. Stone and R. P. Comp. J. B' Harris. On motion, a committee of three was ordered appointed, of which the Grand Master should be chairman, to complete the set of Regalia and Jewels for the use of this Grand Council. The M. P. appointed as such committee M. P. Comp. N. O. Benjamin, R. P. Comp. J. Shove, and R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris. The Committee on Constitutions and General Regulations pre- sented the -following Report, which was on motion accepted and adopted : The Committee on Constitutions, to whom was referred the con- sideration of the mode to be pursued towards those who may have received the degrees of R. and S. M. from a Chapter of R. A. M. and therefore in an illegal and clandestine manner, beg to report, that m such case the M. P. Grand Master should be empowered to direct such a process of healing as is vested by ancient usage in the Grand Master of any other Masonic body. All of which is respectfully submitted. Vincent W. Bate, ^ Wm. Mead, > Committee. Chas. E. Gillett, ) No further business appearing the Grand Council was closed with prayer, and in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 257 ]\IOXEYS RECEIVED DURIXG THIS AXXUAL ASSEMBLY. Brooklyn, Xo. 4. Dues $9.68 Adelphic, X'o. 7. Dues 74.31 Eureka, Xo. 8. Dues .• 5.50 Grass ^'allev, Xo. 10. Dues 15.00 Kane, Xo. 11. Dues 19-94 Kane, X"^o. 11. Balance on ^^'arrant 10.00 Oneida, No. 12. Dues 5.56 Oneida, Xo. 12. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Central City, Xo. 13. Dues 17.69 Central City, Xo. 13. Balance on Warrant... 10.00 Bloss, Xo. 14. Dues 9.37 Bloss, Xo. 14. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Bruce, Xo. 15. Dues I5-40 Bruce, X'^o. 15. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Southern Tier, Xo. 16. Dues 9.93 Southern Tier, Xo. 16. Balance on Warrant. . 10.00 Buffalo, No. 17. Warrant 30.00 $272.38 258 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. Section 4, Article I. After the word "votes" insert, "unless there shall be but one Companion put in nomination for an office, when the vote may be taken by show of hands,'' so that the Section will read, "the first six officers of this Grand Council shall be elected at the Annual Assembly, by ballot and by a majority of votes ; unless there shall be but one candidate put in nornination for an office, when the vote may be taken by show of hands ; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and hold office during his pleasure; but no Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Illustrious Master, or Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, unless he shall be a present or Past Master of a Subordinate Council ; provided nothing herein shall be so construed as to render ineligible any Companion who has heretofore served in either of these offices." 259 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL, 2860-2861. ]\I. P. Nathan O. Benjamin, Grand Master. New York R. P. Seymour H. Stone, Dep. Gd. Master. .Syracuse R. P. Vincent W. Bate? Gd. Illus. Master . . New York R. P. Charles H. Piatt, Gd. P. C. of the W. . .Auburn R. P. Josiah Shove, Grand Recorder ... . New York R. P. John B. Harris, Grand Treasurer. .. .Brooklyn R. P. Richard Bloss, G. C. of G Troy R. P. Charles E. Gillett, Grand Marshal Elmira R. P. and Rev. Henry C. Vogell, Gd. Chaplain . Rome P. Joseph Wright, Grand Steward Brooklyn P. Greenfield Pote, Grand Sentinel .... New York Sewal T. Fisk, Grand Lecturer New York Grand Master, N. O. Benjamin. Artisan's Bank, New York Grand Recorder, J. Shove 31 Nassau St., New York N. B. — Documents sent to the Grand Master or Grand Recorder at New York should have the address as above. 260 ^ u o ^ ^ ' ' C/i 0) 1-1 (L» f* (-< o CD c/1 ' ' 3 r] ^1 JS f? 0) a rt S -. w ^ rt >. •S si O M-i P^ '■4-» a o >1 o 1 — 1 « a Pi .■S OJ o a O tS 11 'O hn pl a o m (U rCl 4-J M-H O (/I V^ — ' o o ^* •— ^ *— ^ nJ t— ] t— ] j_^ rt rt ^ ■" « i; § i O cS CS i O O -C -72 — ' ~ jn j:: „• C 4J C T3 3 3 g^^-c i- 3 1-3 ,-■ J" ,'- ra 3 c ,>" -c r a 1 mi '-l'-l'-l,-('-''-lOO ..rt.— 1,-H 3 3 333 3 33333 t%.gOQ\O^CMr^xhiO\Or^OOOO'-'r^lr^^ OOO-— I"— iT-i^H.— ci— 1>— I.— (,— (,— iCMtMtNirMCV) 0O0O0O00CX3000OOO000O000OO0OOOOOOOO0O 262 be O M W Crt -o -o -d .www t/i 1) !> I> l> '3 'rt 'S "c3 'c3 'S 'rt 'S 'c3 '3 '3 ,■ ,• >->W W W >< jjvjWMMraweqmmwwpqi-ii-i g^^-^ g iJ "S "S "S m m m' m p^' Pi' p^' pci (i:j P^' eci "^ "S -S g g g ->< C/5 LO t/1 ^ ^ rt (Tl rrl ^^ ^ a! cn f/i Jl (D OJ -rt C « .f 1 — . UU CO cn /fl _« w w w en T3 -d -O T3 1) OJ D CU 1) happle happ'le happle ili W ard E ard E ard E ^' ^' ^' ^' jiij ^' jiyLi PiOi C^ (i^pL|[i^[i^|x^(x^(x^[i^|i^[x^[x^t[^[i^ en <;<;< aj 1^ I^ tr" +-• -t-* 9^ C C rt u oj ,j= ft a, <:uu TI)'' 'tncncntnt/).. c-±i .TD'OTS-dTa > "S'' (U'"' ^P 'O'O'O'O'O'O'O'Tj'd'O'O'd'd rtrt fe-ti.S uuPuPni t« n! rt rt rt nj ni tjj rt nj n! a35*^£^r*r''5'5 > h=l C S S^^^-CJ3J=l42J2-CJ2j::j:j3'dT3-c!-d'T3 ri n! oo^KEESSSSSSSSSSSSSwwwww h^hH. -■ -y o J^ :•« c"^ ,— iro"^^^^'^'— '"^'— '"— '■— iC)"— ''"''— '^^d'"''— •'— I'— I"— lO'— I'— ION-— I ogi_!ogrg(N(va'--ic\ir-0\OtN.OOO\0'-iJ^vOr^OOCNO OOOOOOOOOOOOCXJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 263 1-1 o > > ^ m cu o o U3 tJ en £ 'oJ o OJ tn tS rt -^ ^ -a Tj ^^ s -'S Si n 7J o WJ W ^ m (-1 , .^ f, o O n P^ -5 PI pi o O n u O o o § -^ Vh OJ o z i K H C tfi . \ND War III. Ma Watkins Norris Norris Norris Tinsdale Norris Tinsdale Norris '. Brush Willis enjamin Willis s Willarc Godfrey Parker W. Bate OS M < [/] . c/) ' . " o tn t>JO ^ 'O'cn'rj^c a < ucncncrtHcflncoHt/iHrn'^rlt^G arpente Watkin Watkin Watkin Somme Watkin . Buntii Watkin . Edwa Watkin . Edwa Watkin! Ed war . Nexse s Willa IT. St H Q ►^ 'u 'H tH ^ ' T! [Jh 'u tfi T^ crt tn «' • El- E « ■ ■ m • bi • tl ! ! OJ ! .S ! H _- C J-: rt CO ' '-' ^ C -1 ' < c: c b u — • „ _ •> •> •> •>: g -^ o -^ pq -j: rt .- -g -^ -g ^ < 1— >l— >l ,1 .rS; 1 ,1 ,1 .^M 1 ,1 ,1 .Z 1 — ,Z Z ^ .^.^.^.^J ^ ^> ^> ^J ^> H r^r:'~'^ON ----^ "o "--^ •-,!?■-•- < COCMCMO^l'-itsjVOr^l^rMrOo^lroCMOOf^ Q ajuqjtya;., cj^ & o O !^ t; 02 •V (U Pi (U O 05 Si s J3 3 ^ )H ^ ^ a 02 4J o rt M S •tij *-(-( o w u dj > O' E S o o- o o u u -(-» -4-> -^ plh' fc fi; s 5 i-j 8 S c c c = > M O & "i ,9 ^^ !ii c7^ cJ p^ ■3 n CdwJ OJ a; > > p 8 ."S ."S .y -S? Sd fe ii ii ^ ^ 45 • • • -^S^P^ 1^ • • E o o C C d c c J= ^ ^ ^ J3 _, m r p d) c H C C r^ C C c P ^ ' c p C OJ 3 P 3 3 n p P p ^ (7J ^i — 1 , 1— . ■>! — . •— . t— 1 %l — ■>! . 1 — . 1 — 1 ►— -, I^OOCTNO--''^lcOThuovOtxCJOONO'-iCMro^ OOO-— !■— 1^^'— !■— '•— I"— I'— I-— '.— IC^^C^1CMCMCM 00COO0000OC0CO0OCO0O00O0CX1000OO0CX)O0 265 u o > ^ m Ji i ■ r- •;-; o M .^ C^ O 5! c2 -ti ^ uu h— , CCCCcHCHCC OOOOOOOOOO ^c/^ c7} (7^ c7^ c/5 c75 c/5 c75 c75 c75 o (S; J CJ « ;z; c« ^ r;:^ rt mu-i -w -tj Ji o 3 .„• 4J . -M -M +J ^ DUO . ^^^ S a a a OJ OJ E S 6 U) c/) c/l c/) t/) w X) TJ TJ 'O XJ n-J 'u! > o o S! i! Ji a H'^ Jfo Ji "o .5 '" ? ■" F^ ■« ■« C c/: ,U .^ .U ' c ' ^ ' '^'t +j4_»+j+j+j^_.^_j4_.+j+j^_.+j oJ-'-' cti-t-* ni-*-» '^-^-''0+-' !r: frt "S "E 'S 'a 'a 'a 'c "S 'S '5 'c "S ^ 'S ^ 'H ^ 'E _g "S g 'S ^ S rtcdrtrtrtrtrtrtc^rtrtrt .cd .rt -co 'v^ rt rn ni . '7^ u en "C X XI j: j: J2 (U 0) (J o o u > *37 rt cd rt rt 1 ^ C C • ■ ■ M (f> j; .„• +j 4-: o ■" •'^' — ■ ti o Si S! -t-! c •« -!-■■ -a ^- T3 s t! <" "c 5 CMCMCMCMCMC^lCMC^lCMCMCSICVjT-i^vOCM^CM^OcsjroCMOOf^ (L), ccccccnccc 33P333S333 ro^iovO^^OOa--0'-i(MrOTt- in VO t^ 000000000000000000000000 00 00 00 00 On O 00 00 00 m u rt 1) O X 5 "^ tj Pi F! rn aj CU .IS H ►=1, C 3 ■ 2 .ii tu o o 5 it: ^ 53 1 "^^ (Li )-i > , m ON O OJ >o [J W ■^ 2 >-. ■2 3 o S "-^ ^ O rrt O tti c -t: oi o I- c O ;=* n- :? H •§ 267 u o P a O o t— ( Q P^ O pq O W o o o J3 -a a r] « (U S c o 1^ 5 a, a 11 ^ o O S o in rt fq CU r-* C T^ o o U ID 1 . u w 1-^ E l-H 5 d c u 5 CQ o d s 1 O 1— ^ 6 o Q ;-< X. u 'i2, J4 s Q w H o CQ u CL) o -a u u PQ u o in -t-J |3 i o c CO O H §: C u m ^ s ^ tfl d c i^ w -<■ 1 — 1 o > o O c O CD O Q 'H P 6 o 5 in •> o r-; •Si .il ■- S s N 5 S -^ o c LO CO 5 O ■a < 5 bo CcJ a u c in S CO 2 = -^ U fyj CO o s i tUJ o CO, o C3 CO 5 P < d K ;S 6 5 J-J CO CO C3 Pi bX) ^ rt n3 — •S ■:>■ -t-j a; nJ — Ui X >^ OJ (D H J >-l u ^; D o >^ 3 o o 1. > C ^ _o 13 Cj o u TD ^ c u il O 3 u m < u. O w L. U p: p: CO PQ -I ■^ t^ OC O 1 — 1 1 — 1 tv ^ LT o r^ 268 o > m aj ^ m -M M-t o o C z^ o o O o U (U -i!-> T) n1 C Oi o ;h o JO 0) d C4-< w o c n o V3 a d 13 ;h -U 3 qj P^ 11 J3 4~t o u T3 c C3 ■*-» tn paia JBaX 3nunp pajBiuBV JB3i^ am Suijnp p9)39i3 puB p3AT933^ D O U o D O r^Mri-wooji-ifoO'-'MaN 01 W COIOM C (U nj ^ e 2:cQ;z;oo;z;Q^cof-'i-lixlcQ a! c ^ 8 O 1- IS nl •a 3 > I T3 tn li . f= >" c S 5 OMOumeq oj c p it! o n cnpQ ■-iTtt^OOO'— iCMrO^u^vOI^ o (Ll.SDr-Dl^CCcU.SrHC 269 -4-) ■ i-H - I-H a o o o a CO ipimoo 3SeJ3AY sjaqmaui Suijnp paiQ Suunp ijoj aqi jEaX aq:j Siiunp panadxg JEaX aq:j 3iiu.np papnadsng aq:^ Suunp psiliniia aqi Suunp JE3X aq; Sni-inp pa}33j3 puB paAiaoaa su-injaj JSai^Enj sipnno^ Oil rot^04 too* rooi c^tnoi OO'O lOr^rOCN fOO IOCS ^Or^'-' '^•-' rO'-' lOi-H t-t o^ ro ' O <:^ I 00 "-H vD rO ^O to lO O ID lO ' 0^0^0 O^a^C^0000 OG^ lO lO'JD lO to lO lO lO "0 ID 00 GOCOOOQOOOGOOOCOOO ■72 z; O Q ^ e: w •5 ^ ^. H :$ w ^> ^ 'i (U CJ cti Cj '^ l^ V- >-v ^^i ^ ^ r^ "^ • Q^ (/: ^ ^ uoi^bziubSjo ;i; siiDiino3 ^ f^. nOT^BZllIESjO JO aviSA CO a\ o^ lo CO LO r^ r^vo lo rO^ lOCN 101010(N lOlO 00X0000000000000000 270 rt • - n! be-: -^ ^ ^ „ . -^ I-H HM l-J I t^ lo r^ ^00 m ■ rooo o n lO M M ro 01 CS ■ ro 01 ^ 01 NO o NO rO ON 01 Tl- ■ 01 ":*- w lO O "0 ^ 01 • '^^ vO ■* ^ " ^ ^00 r^ • ■:)- VO Tt- ro * * ■* C^ . ON M VO ■ ^ ^ NO r^ O '^l- ' lO " : ro Ol ro • ro ro •*■ 01 00 ■ O) in ^ NO t-t ■ ^ ^ <^ rO ■ NO Ol • lO ro lO ^ 1— ( ■ 00 ON 01 lO HH >o HH M ■ w 00 r^vo lo 01 ON r' ^ ■ 01 On ^ ■> lO M M Ol M 1 ^H »-( 1— ) 01 01 • O ON Ov • CO 0^ On O M3 too lO lO lO ID U" ) 00 00 00 00 ■ 00 00 00 00 >— ( HH 1— t 1— ( a •M o : ^ >. * u . . 4 3 +■ , 1. 1 a 3 G3 J2 . . J= 2-^ : 3 •>, H Oj .^ -« f1) r^ o c 13 n !i.' re en 9 o h s C.2 OJ ■— 1 ,"":> >> * 271 t/1 u w T) l-H o CJ 5 S [X. p3 L O a o y. ° jS 5 -t-» +j t^ O rt 1) to 3 C en O n! CJ CS --I I — ,ro S 5 rt O (LI ■ . in* : ■ ■a .^ r"^!^ .^iN^ -'^ • •« .-M . ^ . o ■ . o I — . i . .eg M Cx< g < LP o r C • nJ P ^ . C CO a cii 3 C O o _ (U ^- - •gx o •a r=i in^CD-^oi^ ^HK (U <" _, - — w. C <^ o rt x: c 'nJ= curs ctl-r.y « M >.'■§ •§ O g ■rv, « > 3 in C o a S • •- « O c C te c= --a c t: ta OJ.bjS o (U O lU ^^ o o rag j= . .<:c£i >- H S [IhQ TO a; fi ^ -'". f-~ c ^ a -. ^ ^ yG (D Q dj aj ^ COif)- E y .i:'55'-'3'3!ii""''^"~C3 n»5^S:^j;^;gs;^:z;O(iHC0HH>> 272 PREAMBLE. We, the several Councils now hailing from and constituting the jurisdiction of the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, for the purpose of pro- moting harmony and brotherly love ; advancing our Order ; diffus- ing Masonic instruction, and regulating our labors by one uniform standard, do ordain and declare the following Articles to be the Constitutions of this Grand Council. CONSTITUTIONS. ARTICLE I. OF THE GRAND COUNCIL. Section i. 'This Grand Council shall be composed of a Grand Master, (whose style is Most Puissant), a Deputy Grand Master, Grand Illustrious Master, Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, Grand Recorder, Grand Treasurer, Grand Captain of the Guard, Grand Chaplains, Grand Marshal, (the style of all of whom is Right Puissant), Grand Steward and Grand Sentinel, (whose style is Puissant.) All Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Illustrious Masters, Grand Principal Conductors of the Works, and all Masters, Deputy Masters, and Principal Conductors of the Works for the time being, of the several Coun- cils under its jurisdiction, with all Past Masters of such Councils, so long as such Past Grand and subordinate officers shall remain members of any Council under the jurisdiction of this Grand Council. Sec. 2. Each regular member of this Grand Council has one vote, and the acting Grand Master an additional vote in case of. an equal division, and each Council is entitled to three votes, without reference to its representatives present ; and a Grand Officer, Past Grand Officer, or a Past Master, may vote as such, and as a representative. Sec. 3 Any Subordinate Council entitled to representation in this Grand Council, may appoint, as their proxy, any member of this Grand Council ; provided always, that no one member shall represent more than two Subordinate Councils. 273 Sec. 4. The first six officers of this Grand Council shall be elected at the Annual Assembly, by ballot, and by a majority of votes ; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master and hold office during his pleasure. But no Companion shall be eligible to the office of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Illustrious Master, or Grand Principal Conductor of the Works, unless he shall be a present or Past Master of a Subordinate Council; provided nothing herein shall be so con- strued as to render ineligible any Companion who has heretofore served in either of those offices. Sec. 5. The Grand Council shall have the sole government and superintendence of the several Councils under its jurisdiction ; shall have power to assign their limits ; prescribe the fees for ad- mission, and settle controversies that may arise between them. It shall also have power to grant Charters to new Councils within the State of Xew York ; or in any other State or Territory unoccupied by a Grand Council. Sec. 6. The Grand Master has power to convene any Coun- cil within this jurisdiction, to preside therein, to inspect their pro- ceedings and require their conformity to Masonic rules ; he may require the attendance of and information from, any Grand Officer, respecting his office ; he may make Royal and Select Masters at sight, in a Council, and may, by written dispensation, delegate this power to the Master of a Council ; he may grant dispensations for new Councils on proper application when the Grand Council is not in session ; and during the recess of the Grand Council may exercise all its functions. Sec. 7. In case of the death, absence, or inabilitv of the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, Grand Illustrious Master and Grand Principal Conductor of the Works will, in succession, succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all purposes. Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Grand Recorder : 1. To record the transactions of the Grand Council; 2. To register the members of Councils under this jur- isdiction, returned to him for that purpose, with the particulars set forth in such returns ; 3. To receive, duly file and safely keep all papers and documents of the Grand Council; 4. To sign and certify all instruments from the Grand Council ; 5. To prepare, for the Annual .\ssembly, a correct list of the officers, past officers and members of the Grand Coun- cil entitled to vote, together with the names and numbers of all Subordinate Councils entitled to representation in this Grand Council; 274 6. To receive and keep a proper account of all moneys belonging to the Grand Council, and pay over the same, with- out delay, to the Grand Treasurer ; 7. To report annually to the Grand Council the amount of moneys received by him, by items, and the specific sources from which it was received ; also the Councils that have neg- lected to render oroper returns of their elections, members, and dues, and such general information as to the state of the Councils as may be proper for the information or action of the Grand Council ; 8. To conduct the correspondence of the Grand Coun- cil under the direction of the Grand Master, and in a Masonic manner ; 9. To attend, with all necessary writings, papers and documents under his control, on all assemblies of the Grand Council, on the requisition of the acting Grand Master ; and also, to attend upon the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Master, on Masonic business, when required ; 10. To transmit to the several Grand Councils, in cor- respondence with this Grand Council, a certificate of the elec- tion of the Grand Officers, immediately thereafter, containing their signatures respectively, and authenticated under his hand and the seal of the Grand Council, with a request for a similar document from each of said Grand Councils, and 11. To attend to all such other matters and duties, as by Masonic usage appertain to his office. Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer : 1. To take charge of all the funds, property, securities and vouchers to the Grand Council ; 2. To pay all orders duly drawn and attested, under general regulations or special directions of the Grand Council ; 3. To attend on the Grand Council or its presiding officer, when required, with the books and all necessary docu- ments relating to his office ; and to attend, when required, the meeting of any Committee whose duty it may be to act in relation to the fiscal affairs of the Grand Council ; 4. To report annually to the Grand Council the amount of his receipts and expenditures by items, and from whom re- ceived and to whom paid, and the amount of securities in his hands, for funds invested by the Trustees ; 5. To execute and file with the Grand Recorder an official bond with two or more sufficient sureties, to be ap- proved by the Grand Master, conditioned that he will pay or deliver on demand to the Grand Council or to his successor 275 in office, all funds and property of the Grand Council that shall come into his possession as Grand Treasurer ; and 6. To pay and deliver at the expiration of his term of office to his successor, or such person as shall be designated by the Grand Council, all moneys, securities, evidences of debt, books, writings, and property of the Grand Council under his control, with all proper assignments when necessary. Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the Grand Officers, whose duties have not been hereinbefore specifically set forth, to dis- charge such functions as, by ancient usage, pertain to their office. Sec. II. The Grand Council shall, by resolution, at each Annual Assembly, fix the time and place for holding the next An- nual Assembly; but a especial Assembly may be called, whenever the Grand Master, or any three of the other Grand Officers, may deem it necessary, and also, whenever it shall be required by a majority of the Councils under this jurisdiction, provided such requisition be made in writing to the Grand Master or his Deputy. Sec. 12. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master, as soon after his installation as may be practicable, to appoint a committee of three to be called the Finance Committee, whose duty it shall be to superintend the financial concerns of the Grand Council, to audit all bills against it, and to certify them by their signatures, when correct, and to report at the Annual Assembly, or whenever required by the Grand Council. Sec. 13. The Grand Master shall appoint, at the Annual Assembly, as soon after his installation as may be practicable, a Grand Lecturer, whose duty it shall be to attend the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council, and shall be a member thereof, and shall, during the session, exhibit to the members the standard of work which is approved and determined by the Grand Council for the practice of the Councils under its jurisdiction. It shall also be his duty to impart said Lectures to the said Councils, or to Companions authorized to receive them, whenever he shall be inyited so to do, and may receive such compensation therefor as mav be fixed by the Grand Council before his appointment, and which compensation shall not be changed during his cotinuance in office. He shall make an annual report of the state of pro- ficiency of the Councils he may visit. Sec. 14. The Grand Recorder, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Sentinel, shall receive such compensation as this Grand Council may, from time to time, determine upon. Sec. 15. The revenues of this Grand Council shall be de- rived from the following sources : 276 For every Charter or Warrant $30.00 For every Dispensation to form a new Council, 20.00 And if a Charter or Warrant is* afterward granted, the additional sum of 10.00 For every Dispensation to confer the Degrees sight i.oo For every other Dispensation 50 For affixing the seal to every Grand Council Dioloma 50 For every Companion received and greeted in a Subordinate Council 25 For adjoining fee of every Select Master 25 Every Council shall pay for each of its mem- bers, annually 25 For registry fee of every Select Master 25 Sec. 16. Every Council shall be accountable to the Grand Council for the dues of each of its members embraced in its returns. Sec. 17. The management of the permanent funds is vested in a Board of Trustees, denominated the "Trustees of the Perma- nent Fund," whose duty it shall be to take the best measures for the security and increase of said funds and of all the invested funds of this Grand Council and to invest from time to time, as a majority may decide upon, au money which shall come into the hands of the Grand Treasurer, after paying the necessary cur- rent expenses, and leaving in his hands such sum or sums for contingent purposes as the Grand Council may, from time to- time, direct. The said Trustees shall deposit in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, the securities and vouchers of the said invested funds, and shall not have power to transfer, sell, dispose of, or appropriate any part of the invested or permanent fund, without a vote of the Grand Council at its Annual Assembly. Said Board of Trustees shall consist of three members of the Grand Council and shall be elected annually, at the Annual Assembly, by ballot, (unless it be unanimously resolved at the time to take the vote by show of hands), and by a majority of votes. Sec. 18. There shall not be a greater number of Councils established in the State than there are Royal Arch Chapters, nor more than one Council within the jurisdiction of each Chapter. Sec. 19. Any Council neglecting or refusing to make returns and pay dues for more than one year, shall be punished by the forfeiture of their warrant, and only restored by paying all back dues, and offering sufficient apology for violation of the constitu- tional regulations of this Grand Council. 277 Sec. 20. All governmental powers, whether executive, legis- lative, or judicial, not expressly delegated by the Grand Council, are inherent in amd reserved to it as the Supreme governing body. ARTICLE II. REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERXMENT OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS. Section i. A Council of Royal and Select blasters shall con- sist of a Master, (whose style is Thrice Illustrious ;) a Deputy Master, (whose style is Right Illustrious ;) a Principal Conductor of the Works, (whose style is Illustrious;) a Recorder, Treasurer, Captain of the Guard, Conductor, Steward and Sentinel, and as many members as may be convenient, congregating and working by virtue of a Warrant held under the Grand Council, and at the place designated in the Warrant, or by the Grand Council. Sec. 2. Xo Council of Royal and Select Masters in this State shall be considered legal, unless they have a charter from this Grand Council, or a dispensation from the Grand ]\Iaster ; and Alasonic communication is hereby forbidden between any Council under this jurisdiction, or any member thereof, and any Council or Assemblage that may be working without such charter or dis- pensation, or with any of the individual members of such illegal Council or Assemblage, or with any Companion received or greeted therein until such Council or Councils, person or persons, shall have been regularly healed. Sec. 3. The powers and privileges of a Svibordinate Council are such as are defined in its warrant, by this Constitution or by the Ancient Landmarks. Sec. 4. Xo ^^'arrant of a Council can be forfeited except upon charges regularly made in the Grand Council at the Annual Assembh', of which due notice shall be given the Council, and an opportunity of being heard in defence, and then only for disobed- ience to this Constitution, ceasing to meet for one year or more, or for contumacy to the authority of the Grand blaster, or Grand Council, but a warrant may be suspended by the Grand Council or Grand blaster at any time, upon proper cause ; which suspen- sion shall not extend beyond the next Annual Assembly. Sec. 5. Xo Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the degrees in a less interval than two weeks from the time of receiv- ing the proposition, except by dispensation from the Grand Master, as liereinbefore provided for. Sec. 6. The first five officers of a Subordinate Council, here- inbefore named, must be chosen annually, by ballot and by a major- ity of votes, at the regular Assembly immediately preceding the 278 Festival of St. John the Evangelist, and must be installed on or before the next regular Assembly thereafter; and the remaining ofificers shall be appointed by the Master and hold office during his pleasure. Sec. 7. A Council may fill vacancies in office, except those of Master, Deputy Master, and Principal Conductor of the Works, at any stated Assembly, upon notice to the members ; but in case of vacancy in the offices in this section mentioned, an election can only be held by virtue of a dispensation from the Grand Master, which is to be applied for by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, and is to be so certified by the Recorder. Sec. 8. The Master shall not be responsible for his official acts, or otherwise, to the Council over which he presides ; but shall be at all times subject to discipline from the Grand Council, or Acting Grand Master. Sec. 9. It shall be the duty of a Recorder of a Council : 1. To record the proceedings of the Council under the direction of the presiding officer, which shall be read and ap- proved by the Council before it is closed, and such proceed- ings shall be submitted to the Grand Council whenever re- quired ; * 2. To receive all moneys paid "into the Council and pay the same to the Treasurer; 3. To transmit immediately after every election a cer- tificate thereof to the Grand Recorder ; 4. To make a full and complete return to the Grand Council annually, (previous to the last Wednesday in May of each year), of all the members of the Council in the form here- after mentioned in Section 13; 5. To certify and affix the seal of the Council to all returns and certificates of election rendered to the Grand Council ; and 6. To attest the official signature of the Master to all other Masonic documents, when necessary. Sec. id. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of a Council: 1. To receive all moneys paid into the Council from the hands of the Recorder; 2. To keep a just and correct account thereof ; and 3. To pay them out by direction of the presiding officer and consent of the Council. Sec. II. A Council has full power and authority to enact By-Laws for its own government, not unconsistent with this Constitution. 279 Sec. 12. No Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the degrees for a less sum than five dollars, nor upon any one who shall not have received in a regular manner, the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason. Sec. 13. The Returns to the Grand Council shall contain the following items, viz : I, Council number of each Companion ; 2, Name ; ;;. Age ; 4, Occupation; 5, Birth-place; 6, Residence; 7, Time of receiv- ing the degrees ; 8, Time of adjoining; 9, Lodge ; 10, Chapter : II, Council in which degrees were received; 12, Connection dissolved, when and by what; 13, Dues, viz.: Reception fees; Adjoining fees ; Registry fees ; and Quarterly dues. ARTICLE in. AMEXDMEXTS, ETC. 1. This Grand Council is competent at any time to alter or amend this Constitution on the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present at an Annual Assembly ; provided, the proposed alteration shall have been submitted in writing at one Annual As- sembly and laid over until the next for consideration, unless such proposition should be unanimously concurred in, and in that case it may be adopted at once. 2. No general regulation shall be adopted inconsistent with this Constitution ; and all former written Constitutions and Gen- eral Regulations heretofore made and adopted are hereby repealed. FORM OF RETURN OF ELECTION. The Certificate of Election should be in' the following form, and must be filed in the Office of the Grand Recorder, before the elected officers of the Subordinate Councils can be recognized as members of the Grand Council. Be it known, That on the day of A. Dep. 28- at a regular Assembly of Council, No. , Comp. was elected Master; Comp. , Dep. ^Master, and Comp. , Principal Conductor of the Works, for the ensuing year, and that the said officers have been duly installed. In Testimony whereof, we, the members of said Council have caused the seal hereof to be hereunto affixed, and our Recorder to sign the name. Recorder. 280 THE PROXY of the Subordinate Councils should be in the following form, viz : At a regular Assembly of —Council, No. , held on the day of A. Dep. 28 — . Resolved, That our Comp. , (Present or Past Grand Officer, Present or Past Master, as the case may be), be, and he is hereby appointed Proxy, to represent this Council in the Grand Council of the State of New York, and he is fully empowered to act in our behalf, in all the transactions of the Grand Council, as effectually as if we ourselves \yere personally present. All which we have caused to be certified by our first three officers, and the seal of our said Council to be affixed. , Master. , Dep. Master. , P. C. of the W. Attest, , Recorder, FORM OF A PETITION FOR A NEW COUNCIL. To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of The undersigned petitioners, being Royal and Select Masters, having the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, and being willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse the genuine principles of Cryptic Masonry, respectfully represent, that they are desirous of forming a new Council in the town of ■, County of , and State of , to be named Council, No. . They, therefore, pray for letters of dispensation, or a Warrant of Constitution, to empower them to assemble as a legal Council, to discharge the duties of Masonry in a regular and constitutional manner, according to the original forms of the Order, and the regulations of the Grand Council. They have nominated and do recommend Comp. A. B., to be the first Master; Comp. C. D., to be the first Dep. Master ; and Comp. E. F., to be the first Principal Conductor of the Works of said Council. If the prayer of the petitioners shall be granted, they promise a strict conformity to the Constitution, Laws, and Regulations of the Grand Council. Dated at , A. Dep. 28 . N. B. — (The above petition must be signed by no less than nine Select Masters.) 281 GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEAIBLY. Grand Council Room, cor. Broadway and Thirteenth Street, Tuesday, June 4th, 7.30 P. M., A. D., 1861, A. Dep. 2861. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select blasters of the State of New York, convened in Annual Assembly in the City of New York, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, June 4th, A. D. 1861, A. Dep. 2861. Present: ^L P. Nathan O. Benjamin Grand ^Master. .R. "P. Seymour H. Stone Deputy Grand Master. 'T. I. E. P. Breed, as Grand Illustrious :\Iaster. R. P. and Rev. Chas. H. Piatt. .G. P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris Grand Treasurer. T. I. M. Pinner, as Grand C. of the G. R. P. Charles E. Gillett Grand Alarshal. R. P. and Rev. Henry C. \'ogell. . . .Grand Chaplain. T. I. ^^'m. Gould, as Grand Steward. P. Greenfield Pote Grand Sentinel. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. ^I. P. J. B. Yates Sommers Past Grand IMaster. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i. Central City, No; 13. Brooklyn, No. 4. Bloss, No. 14. Adelphic, No. 7. Bruce, No 15. Eureka, No. 8. Southern Tier, No. 16. Oneida, No. 12 Buffalo, No. 17. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the jSI. P. Grand blaster. On motion of R. P. Comp. J. Shove, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters, in good standing in the Order, be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. On motion of R. P. Comp. C. E. Gillett, the reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with. The M. P. Grand Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion of R. P. Comp. C. H. Piatt, ordered to be spread at length upon the Minutes, and referred to a committee of three, to apportion the various subjects therein treated of to appropriate committees. 282 THE ADDRESS. Companions of the Grand Council : At this, the opening of the fifty-fifth Annual Assembly of the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York, we meet under extraordinary circumstances. Into the short space of time which has elapsed since last we assembled, the events of years seem to have been crowded. Our g-overnment is struggling to maintain its integrity, the na- tion is engaged in a civil war, companion is arrayed in arms against companion and brother against brother, the Temple of James is opened and horrida hella .stalks abroad. In this trying emergency, it behooves us all to inquire what our "duty as members of our ancient and time honored Fraternity re- quires of us ; and to obtain light on this subject, I know of no better region to explore, than the most ancient laws promulgated for the government of the Craft in cases like the present. The second of the Ancient Charges reads as follows : "A Ma- son is a peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in Plots and Conspiracies against the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior Magistrates ; for as Masonry hath been al- ways injured by War, Bloodshed, and Confusion, so ancient Kings and Princes have been much disposed to encourage the Craftsmen, because of their Peaceableness and Loyalty, whereby they practi- cally answered the Cavils of their Adversaries, and promoted the Honor of the Fraternity, whoever flourished in Times of Peace ; so that, if a Brother should be a Rebel against the State, he is not to be countenanced in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy Man, and if convicted of no other Crime, though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his Rebellion and give no Umbrage or Ground of political Jealousy to the Government for the time being, they cannot expel him from the Lodge and his Relation to it remains indefeasible." This, to my mind, covers the whole ground and clearly points out our duty as Masons and members of a fraternity, one of whose objects is to promote peace and good- will throughout the world. While war and tumult are without, peace reigns within the sacred retreats of the select throughout our great jurisdiction, and no case requiring the interference of the disciplinary powers of the ■Grand Master has been brought to my notice. Our Councils are as actively at work as is compatible with their healthful progress, and 283 I am gratified to see them exercising great caution in the selection of their material. I have visited, and presided in during the year: King Hiram Council, U. D., at Auburn, De Witt Clinton Council, U. D., at Al- bany, Hudson River Council, U. D., at Rondout, Brooklyn Council, No. 4, at Brooklyn, Columbian Council, No. i, Adelphic Council, No. 7 and Pennell Council, U. D., in New York ; and it afforded me pleas- ure to witness the zeal and activity that most of them displayed in the acquirement of the work and lectures, as prescribed by this Grand Council. DISPENSATIONS FOR NEW COUNCILS. I have granted a number of dispensations for new Councils dur- ing the year, and I am sure, from the evidence in my possession, that in no case have our mysteries been intrusted to unworthy or im- proper hands. On the thirteenth day of July, i860, I issued letters of dispensa- tion to T. III. Joseph M. Morris, Master, R. 111. Thomas Y. How, Deputy Master ; 111. William H. Barnes, Principal Conductor of the Work, and si.x others, to open a Council to be called "King Hiram Council," and located in the City of Auburn, and County of Cayuga. On the second day of November, i860, I issued like letters of dispensaion to T. 111. William E. Lathrop, Master; R. 111. William F. Holmes, Deputy Master; 111. Wm. S. Ailing, Principal Conductor of the \Vork, and seventeen others, to open a Council in the City of Rochester, and County of Monroe, to be called "Doric Council." On the twenty-second day of November, i860, I issued like let- ters of dispensation to T. 111. Michael Pinner, Master; R. 111. Wil- liam Fleming, Deputy Master ; 111. Abram S. Swartz, Principal Con- ductor of the Work, and six others, to open a Council in the City of Buffalo, and County of Erie to be called, "Keystone Council." On the thirteenth day of December, i860, I granted a dispensa- tion to T. 111. George F. Von Beck, Master; R. 111. Johannis D. Hasbrouck. Deputy Master ; 111. Jackson H. Chase, Principal Con- ductor of the Work, and seven others, to form and open a Council in the City and County of Albany, to be called "De Witt Clinton Council." On the eighteenth day of Mav, 1861, I issued like letters of dis- pensation to T. 111. Enoch P. Breed, Master; R. 111. Elijah W. Whip- ple, Deputy Master; 111. William J. Scott, Principal Conductor of the Work and eleven others, to form a Council in the City and County of New York, to be called "Pennell Council." The petition on which the last named dispensation was granted is signed by nine who were once members of Pennell Council, No. 284 2, and prays for the restoration of the Warrant of said Council. In all the cases of dispensations, I have no doubt but that the Councils will present such specimens of their labor as will induce the Grand Council to continue their existence by granting them Warra,nts of Constitution. GR.'VND COUNCII,S. Since our last Annual Assembly there have been four Grand Councils added to the number already in existence on this continent, viz. : California, Rhode Island, Arkansas, and New Jersey; and it will be perceived that two of them, California and New Jersey, were formed in States in which we had Councils located. Of the exis- tence of the Grand Council of California, I was informed by the Deputy Grand Master thereof, who visited me personally, and stated that the four Councils in his State had assembled in June last, and regularly formed and opened a Grand Council and that Grass Valley Council, No. lo, of our jurisdiction participated therein. By invi- tation, I assisted in the formation of the Grand Council of New Jer- sey on the twenty-sixth of November last, at the City of New Brunswick, and I doubt not that it will prove itself a worthy daugh- ter of New York. Kane Council, No. ii, is now under the jurisdic- tion of the M. P. Grand Council of New Jersey, and its zealous and efficient Master, M. P. William Mead, is the Grand Master. I would recommend that the four aforementioned Grand Coun- cils be formally acknowledged by this Grand Council. THE UNION OF i860. During the year that has passed, I have seen the good effects arising from the Union which was accomplished in June last. It was the reuniting, the last and only dissevered link in the fraternity of this State, and its tendency has been to promote that peace and harmony without which our institution cannot flourish. I have re- ceived many congratulatory epistles from other jurisdictions, which it would afford me pleasure, did time permit, to give in extenso, but I must be satisfied with making a few extracts. R. P. Charles A. Fuller, Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Tennessee, in his letter of July loth i860, says : "I have read your Proceedings with much interest and gratification, and especially that portion referring to the union of the two bodies claiming sovereignty in your State. Success to the united body. Masonry in New York, in all its departments, has had particular attractions to mej as it is my native State." 285 M. P. William Hacker, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Indiana writes, July nth, i860. "I rejoice to see from your Pro- ceeding's, that you have affected a union of all the Councils in your State under one grand organization. Tliis has welded the last link that binds the Craft on the continent of North America in one united bond, without any fragment whatever. How cheering, how consol- ing the thought! May the God of our Fathers grant that Union, Harmony and Peace may ever prevail amongst us throughout our entire fraternal brotherhood." From the Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters of Wis- consin, July I2th, i860, M. P. A. Sidney Wood, we have the follow- ing: "I cannot sufifer this opportunity' to pass without offering you and all the Illustrious Companions of 3'our noble State my cordial congratulations upon the happy union of the two Grand Councils, effected at your last Grand Convocation. It is as it should be ; and may you ever be able to say, with a realizing sense, as I am happy to believe vou now can, 'Behold, how good and pleasant it is for breth- ren to dwell together in unity.' I thank you and the worthy com- panions of your Grand Council for their friendly greeting and recog- nition of the Grand Council of Wisconsin. May our friendly and brotherly intercourse strengthen with time." July 15th,, i860. M. P. E. B. Moore, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Massachusetts, writes : "I rejoice with you that all diffculties and differences have been healed in j'our two Grand Councils, and that hereafter they are to exist as a unit. May noth- ing ever occur again to mar the happiness and prosperity of the united Grand Bodies. I have read the Proceedings of your Grand Council with much interest and pleasure. The document is one of the 'precious treasures,' and I keep it safely in my archives as a sacred deposit, from which I may draw matters 'new and old' for the edification of my associates in the Cryptic Art." July 16, i860, M. P. R. C. Torrey, Grand Master of Alabama writes as follows : "Allow i-ne to congratulate you upon the happy union of the recent two Grand Bodies, and to express the hope that the fervency and zeal which seem to characterize your proceedings will pervade all parts of your extensive jurisdiction, and increase the number and influence of your Subordinate Councils to an extent commensurate with the size and importance of your Empire State." July 18, i860, M. P. John M. Parks, M. D., Grand INfaster of Roval and Select Masters of Ohio, says : "I congratulate the Grand Councils of New York on their happy union." July 30th, i860; from M. P. Stephen H. Pierce, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Vermont, we have the following: "I was well pleased to hear of the union of the two Grand Councils of your 286 State, and trust that the interests of Cryptic Masonry will be greatly advanced thereby." Thus I might go on, Companions, adding extract to extract, but I think I liave quoted enough to show what those of position and Influence in the Order think of your action of last year. Approval comes from every quarter ; disapproval from none. GENERAL GRAND COUNCIL. I have received several letters from other States suggesting to me as the Grand Master of the oldest Grand Council to call a con- vention for the purpose of forming a General Grand Council, to which I have invariably replied that the evils of such a body would in my opinion, more than counterbalance any good which might arise therefrom. There is only one way in whicb I can see that such a body could be at all beneficial, and that is, in producing uni- formity of work and lectures throughout tlie States ; and this could only be done by clothing the General Grand Cotuicil with supreme powers to enable it to enforce the adoption by its subordinates of the standard work when once agreed upon. A General Grand Council with onlv advisory authority would, as I view it, be worse than use- less, entailing upon the Craft an expense without a corresponding benefit. CONSTITUTIONS. Our Constitutions as codified by the Committee, appointed for the purpose, were published with the transactions of last year; but for the convenience of your subordinates, I would recommend that an edition be published separately from our Proceedings this year, and that the said edition embrace all the General Regulations now in force, the Rules of Order of the Grand Council, and the Installa- tion and Constitution Ceremonies adopted by you in June last. DOINGS OF GRAND OEFICERS. I have been very much aided in the discharge of my duties by R. P. Seymour H. Stone, Deputy Grand Master, and R. P. Charles H. Piatt, Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, who have both shown themselves efficient and able officers. I have received from each an account of the official acts performed by them, but as some portions of their letters are of private nature, I am enabled to give only extracts therefrom. In December last I directed the Deputy Grand Master to con- stitute Oneida Council, No. 12, and install its officers, that duty not having been performed by the proxy appointed by me in June last. His report to me on the matter is as follows : "After corresponding 287 with T. 111. George F. Bicknell (as reported to you at the time), I. at your sugg^estion, ordered him to convene his Council for the pur- pose of being constituted, and to notify me when they were ready, which he did ; but the letter reaching my address while I was in the City of New York, I failed to meet them on the appointed evening! December 13th, which would have been, by the Constitution, their regular election night ; but during the next week on December 20th, 1 met with them and constituted Oneida Council, No. 12, in due form. I then granted a dispensation to hold an election, which was had, whereupon I installed T. I. George F. Bicknell, as Master for the ensuing year, leaving him to install the other officers." The Grand Principal Conductor of the Work reports to me as follows : "I have the honor and pleasure to report to you that in compliance with your instructions, I proceeded on the 20th day of June, i860, to constitute Buffalo Council, No. 17, and to install the Master and other officers of the same. In accordance with like instructions, on the evening of the same* day I constituted Bruce Council, No. 15, and installed the Deputy IMaster and other officers of the same. My signature, as Grand Principal Conductor of the ^^^ork, was, on the i.'^th day of June, i860, appended to the proper circulars certifying to other Grand Councils the election of Grand Officers in the Grand Council of the State of New York, and the documents were duly transmitted to you. On the 17th day of July, i860, I received authority, under your seal, to act in certain functions as your proxy, by virtue of which I healed Companion Mathew Sittser, (since deceased at Auburn, N. Y. ), and Companion Plarvey Wilson, now Recorder of King Hiram Council, U. D. By virtue of the same powers on the organizing King Hiram Council, U. D., which took place on the 30th day of August last, I appointed R. I. Samuel Graves, Deputy Ma.ster, to supply the place of deceased Comp. Thomas Y. How named in the dispensation for that office. Under like authority which }0U committed to me, I have conferred at sight the degrees of Royal and Select Masters as follows: At an emergent Assembly of Bruce Council, No. 15, held on the Qth day of August last, upon Companions duly accepted by said Bruce Council, No. 15, William F. Holmes, Daniel Warner, William H. Burtis, John C. Holland, George Shelton and Wm. S. Ailing, Jr., all of Rochester, N. Y. At an emergent Assembly of Bruce Council, No. 15, held on the 13th day of August last, upon the following Companions duly accepted by that Council, viz.. Com- panions, G. B. Redfield, John Heywood, A. J. Warner. Wm. W. Bruff, E. Trimmer, S. C. Steele, and L. C. Spencer, all of Rochester, N. Y., together with Comp. Daniel Seaver, of Batavia, N. Y., and Comp. Andrew R. Ferguson, of Lockport, N. Y. .-Xt a regular As- sembly of King Hiram Council, U. D., held on the 30th of August 288 last, upon Comp. Moore Conger, W. H. Brown, George Brown, James H. Hoskins, and Jas. R. L,angham, duly accepted by said Council. My attention has been directed to the proper measures for the establishment of Councils throughout the State, and correspondence with that intent has been maintained with numerous companions. There were prospects that the lig-ht from S'. V.'. would pene- trate the various precincts of R-' A;., but public distraction and com- motion have exchanged the peaceful echoes of the cementing and shaping implements for the dismal sounds of strife. It behooves us devoutly to supplicate the Grand Architect of the Universe that He may hush these tones of confusion, and again unite His Royal and Select Workmen in the labors of reconstruction, reconciliation, fraternity and order. Such, Companions, are the reports which I have received from your very zealous and faithful Deputy Grand Master and Grand Principal Conductor of the Work. They show an activity and zeal in the diffusion and spread of the sublime myster- ies of Cryptic Masonry, which is worthy the imitation of others ; and if your Grand Body has always at its helm such officers, her course must of necessity be upward and onward. THE RAVAGES OF DEATH. Death has invaded our Grand Council, and laid his icy hand upon some of its brightest ornaments. The Hon. and R. 111. Thomas Y. How, of Auburn, departed this life on the 15th day of July, i860. In regard to his death, the Grand Principal Conductor of the Work writes : "He was stricken down during the work in a M. E. M. Lx)dge, on the evening of the 14th of July, and remained uncon- scious until he expired, when the Grand Architect of the Universe decreed to its dissolution the earthly tabernacle of a spirit almost un- rivaled in brilliancy, generosity and fraternal zeal, to be recon- structed when the labors of the S.". V-'. are forever closed and a greater glory inhabits the second temple." In March, 1861, R. P. and Rev. John Gray, Past Grand Chap- lain of this Grand Council was taken from the labors of the Terres- trial Council to be employed in the Celestial Council where dwell life and light eternal. The character of our R. P. and Rev. Com- panion is too well known to you all to need at my hands any eulogy, were I capable of pronouncing one. His assiduity in his profession and his unblemished reputation as a man and a Mason, are, with the Craft in this State, "as familiar as household words." Death, as ever inexorable, was not satisfied with these two vic- tims, but seized another with his unyielding grip. T. 111. and P. Joseph Wright, Grand Steward of this Grand Council, died at his 289 residence in Brooklyn on the 7th day of May last, and was in- terred with Masonic honors in Greenwood. He was zealous and indefatigable in the discharge of all his duties as a Mason, a hus- band and a father, and he kaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. His vacant seat in this Grand Council, where he was al- ways punctually at his post, reminds us most forcibly that he has gone to "that bourne from which no traveler returns." I would respectfully suggest to this Most Puissant Body, that special committees be appointed to prepare a report, which shall give expression to the feeling and sentiment of the Grand Council in view of these afflicting dispensations of our Supreme Grand Master. Companions, in closing this my Third .\nnual Report as your Grand Master, I cannot refrain from referring to the many cheering circumstances which surround and encourage us to renewed exer- tions to disseminate the light and instruction of the Cryptic branch of the Order, ^^■he^e we had three years ago three Councils strug- gling to maintain a feeble and sickly existence in this State, we now behold sixteen full grown bodies vying with each other in "that noble emulation of who can best work, who best agree ;" and instead of a jurisdiction the least in number of its affiliated companions, we are now among the largest. Peace and Unity reign amongst us, and there are now no obstacles in the way of our continued prosperity. In a few hours you will be called upon to select your Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and in regard to this responsible duty allow me to say a few words. The lusting after office is fast be- coming. I fear, in the ^lasonic Fraternit}- as in the outer political world, the cause of many evils. Men are seldom apt to estimate their own qualifications at their true value, and will either rate them too high or too low. I hold it, therefore as true Masonic doctrine, that no one should seek office in the Order, nor it being tendered to him by his Companions unsolicited, should he refuse, unless there are reasons known to himself which will disable him from faithfully performing his duty. Thus, Companions, I have endeavored to give an account of my stewardship and to make such suggestions as seemed to me likel>' to advance the welfare of this Grand Council : and having done so, I throw mvself on your kind indulgence ; knowing from past exper- ience you will judge justly, and ascribe my shortcomings to a want of ability rather than to willful neglect. May our session be a har- monious' and pleasant one. and may we separate with satisfactory feeling of having well performed the duties intrusted to us by our constituents. N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand jMaster. 290 The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address, R. P. Charles H. Piatt, R. P. Charles E. Gillett, and T. I. William Gould. The M. P. also appointed the following Standing Committees : On Credentials and Returns : — R. P. Josiah Shove, R. P. John B. Harris,, R. P Seymour H. Stone. On Warrants:— T. I. William Gould, T. I. David B. Howell and R. I. Stiles M. Rust. On Constitutions :— R. P. Sevmour H. Stone, R. P. Charles H. Piatt and R. P. George Godfrey. ' On Grievance :— R. P Charles E. Gillett, T. I. William Gould and R. P. John B. Harris. On Finance:— T. I. David B. Howell, R. I. Stiles M. Rust, and T. 1. William Gould. The Committee on Grand Master's Address presented the fol- lowing Report, which was on motion received, the Committee was discharged, and its recommendations adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The Special Committee to whom was referred the Grand Mas- ter's Address respectfully report, that they appreciate the embar- rassments under which the M. P. Grand Master has recapitulated the proceedings of the past year, while surrounded with the perplex- ities of public confusion, and at the same time commend his careful collation of topics interesting to this Grand Body. We recommend the reference of the various topics embraced in the Address as follows : First. That so much of the Grand Master's Address as refers to Dispensations for Councils be referred to the Committee on War- rants. Second. That so much thereof as refers to the four new Grand Councils be referred to the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. Third. That so much thereof as refers to deceased members be referred to a Special Committee of three. Fourth. That so much thereof as refers to Constitutions be re- ferred to Committee on Constitutions and By-Laws of Councils. Fifth. That so much thereof as refers to the subject of a Gen- eral Grand Council be referred to a Special Committee. C. H. Piatt, ) Chas. E. Gillett, [ Committee. W. Gould, ■ ) 291 The M. P. appointed as Special Committee on so much of the Grand Master's Address as relates to deceased Companions, R. P. Charles H. Piatt, T. I. .Michael Pinner and R. I. Johannes D. Has- brouck. And on so much as relates to a General Grand Council to T. I. Enoch P. Breed, R. P. Sewall T. Fisk and R. P. Charles E. Gillett. T. I. Comp. D. B. Howell from the Committee on Warrants, presented the following- Report, and on motion, the report was re- ceived, and the resolutions accompanying' the same were adopted. To the M. P Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of Xew York : Your Committee on ^^'arrants and Dispensations to whom was referred the petition of a constitutional number of Companions pray- ing- for a Warrant to continue a Council of Royal and Select !Mas- ters in Auburn, X. Y., to be called King Hiram Council : Also, for a like petition for a Council in Rochester, to be called Doric Council ; Also, for a like petition for a Council in Buffalo, to be called Keystone Council ; Also, for a like petition for a Council at Rondout, to be called, Hudson River Council ; Also, for a like petition for a Council in Albany, to be called De ^^■itt Clinton Council ; Also, a petition for the revival of Pennell Council, Xo. 2. lo- cated in the Cit>' of Xew York. A\'ould respectfully report, that the above named Councils have been working under Dispensation duly granted by the Grand ]\Iaster ; and on due examination, we find that their proceedings have been regular, and in conformity with the Constitution and Regulations of this Grand Council. Your Committee therefore offer the following resolutions : Resolved. That a ^^'arrant be granted to T. I. Joseph ^I. ^Mor- ris, iMaster; R. I. Samuel Graves as Deputy Master; and 111. \\'m. H. Barnes as P C. of the ^^'. ; and others, to hold a Council of Roval and Select Masters in the City of Auburn, X. Y., by the name and style of King Hiram Council, Xo. 18. Resolved, That a ^^'arrant be granted to T. I. Wm. E. Lathrop, ^Master; R. I. ^^'m. F. Holmes, Deputy iMaster; 111. ^^'m. S. Ailing, P. C. of the \\'. ; and others, to hold a Council in the City of Roch- ester, X. Y., by name and style of Doric Council, Xo. 19. 292 Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Michael Pinner, Master; R. 111. Wm. Fleming, Deputy Master; 111. Abram S. Swartz, P. C. of the W. ; and others, to hold a Council in the City of Buffa- lo, New York, by name and style of Keystone Council, No. 20. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Geo. F Von Beck, Master ; R. 111. J. D. Hasbrouck, Deputy Master ; 111. Geo. W. Smith, P. C. of the W. ; and others, to hold a Council in Rondout, N. Y., by name and style Hudson River Council, No. 21. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. Edward H. Jones, Master; R. 111. Peter P. Wendell, Deputy Master; 111. Jackson H. Chase, P. C. of the W. ; and others, to hold a Council in the City of Albany, N. Y., to be called De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22; when the Council has made the proper returns to the G. C. Resolved, That a Warrant be granted to T. I. E. P. Breed. Mas- ter ; R. 111. E. W Whipple, Deputy Master; 111. Wm. J. Scott, P- C. of the W. ; and others, to hold a Council in the City of New York to be called Pennell Council, No. 2. All of which, is most respectfuly submitted. W. Gould, ) S. M. Rust, \ Committee. D. B. Howell, ) New York, June 4th, A. Dep. 2861. 293 The Grand Recorder- presented the following Annual Report, which was received and referred to the Finance Committe : To the Officers and jMembers of the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M., of the State of New York. Your Recorder would beg leave to present the following as his Annual Report : Received during the last session of the Grand Council, as per printed transactions $272.38 July 13, i860. Received for Dispensation for "King Hiram Council" 20.00 Sept. I, i860. Received for Seal to two Certifi- cates 1. 00 Nov. 2, i860. Received for Seal to one Certifi- cate .50 Nov. 2, i860. Received for Dispensation to "Doric Council" 20.00 Nov. 22, i860. Received for Dispensation to "Key- stone Council" 20.00 Dec. 13, i860. Received for dispensation to "Hudson River Council" 20.00 Received for Seal to two Certifi- cates 1. 00 Feb. 6, 1 861. Received for Seal to two Certifi- cates 1. 00 Received for Dispensation to "De Witt Clinton Council" 20.00 JMav 28, 1861. Received for Dispensation to "Pen- nell Council" 20.00 Received for Seal to two Certifi- cates 1 .00 $396.88 All of which has been paid to the Grand Treasurer and his receipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 294 The Grand Treasurer presented the following Annual Report," which was received and referred to the Finance Committee. To the M. P. Grand Master, Grand Officers and Members of the M. P. Grand Council, of R. and S. M., of the State of New York. Your Treasurer would respectfully present the following An- nual Report : June 5, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Treasurer $22.47 June 5, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 272.38 July 13, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 20.00 Sept. I, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder i .00 Nov. 2, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 20.50 Nov. 22, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 20.00 Dec. 13, i860. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 21.00 Feb. 6, 1 86 1. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 21.00 INIay 28, 1861. To Cash received from the late Grand Recorder 21.00 $419-35 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 5 $30.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 6 24.30 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 21 17.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 22 7.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 23 52.62 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 24 50.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 25 9.50 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 26 ^7?>-00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 27 20.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 28 8.00 Paid on account of Warrant, No. 29 13.16 404.58 Leaving: balance in my hands $14-77 Respectfully submitted, JOHN B. HARRIS. 295 Xcw York, June 4th, 1861. Al. P. Comp. J. B. "\'ates Sommers, from tlie Committee on For- eig-n Correspondence, presented the following Annual Report which was, on motion, received and ordered spread upon the Minutes,- and the resolutions accompanying- the same were adopted : To the ]\Iost Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select [Mas- ters of the State of Xew York : Your Committee on Foreig-n Correspondence respectfully sub- mit the following- Annual Report : They have, during- the past Masonic year, received in the Order and at the dates mentioned below the proceedings of the following Grand Councils, viz. : Grand Council of Date of Meeting Date of Reception 1. Florida January, i860 April 28, i860 2. Alabama December 6, 1859. . May 15, i860 ,^. Michigan January 10, i860. . .June 10,1860 4. Kentucky October ig, 1859... June 20,1860 5. Tennessee October 10, 1859. . . Jvfly 16,1860 6. Ohio October 14, 1859. . .July 21,1860 7. Pennsylvania. . .June 22, i860 August 6,1860 8. ^[ississippi January. 13, i860. . .August 8, i860 9. Texas June 22, i860 August 20, i860 10. Georgia April 25, i860 August 20, i860 11. Connecticut. . . . [May 9, i860 August 21, i860 12. Louisiana February 16, i860. .August 25,1860 13. Indiana Alay 22. i860 September 8,1860 14. Maine May 2. i860 October 3, i860 15. South Carolina. February 15, i860. -October 25,1860 16. Illinois September 27, i86o.December i, i860 17. Iowa August 15, i860. .. Decemberio, i860 18. New Jersey . . . Xovember 26, i86o.Deceniberig, i860 19. Vermont August 10, i860. . . January 10, 1861 20. Massachusetts. . December 11, i860. February22, 1861 21. Michigan January 8, 1861 . . . .February23, 1861 22. Arkansas Xovember 6, i860. .February 22, 1861 23. Rhode Island. . .October 30, i860. . .February 23, 1861 296 In their last Annual Report your Committee had the pleasure of reviewing the proceedings of nineteen Grand Councils, there being then but twenty-one in the United States. By the above list it will be seen that they have this year received the proceedings of twenty-three Grand Councils; and from this fact alone your Committee feel justified in claiming that Cryptic Masonry not only "holds its own," but is making rapid strides towards that position which, as the head of Ancient Craft Masonry, she is en- titled to assume. It will also be noticed from the data given above, that the printed proceedings of certain Grand Councils were not received until many months after their Annual Assemblies were respectively held, so that information which might have been communicated to your Most Puissant Body at your last Assembly has been withheld until the present. Your Committee regret this delay, and trust that the Grand Recorders of the several Grand Councils will hereafter see that the proceedings of their respective Grand Bodies are as promptly printed, and forwarded to the Grand Councils with which they are in communication as the nature of the case will admit. Without further preface, your Committee call attention to the following review of the proceedings of the Grand Councils above enumerated, which they have endeavored to make as concise as justice to the subject treated of would permit, and as was con- sistent with the proper information of the Craft, etc. R. P. Vincent W. Bate, from the Committee appointed at the last Annual Assembly to prepare a History of the Grand Council of the State "of New York, from its inception to the present— time, forwarded from his present residence, London, England, the fol- loMng Report, which was on motion, received and ordered spread upon the Minutes, and the thanks of the Grand Council were ten- dered to the Committee for the efficient manner in which they had performed the duty assigned them. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Thrice Illustrious and Illustrious Companions : — Having been selected by you, at your last Annual Assembly to collate the His- tory of your Illustrious Body, I beg leave to hand you the manu- script, which I think will afford you sufficient matter whereby you and the sister Grand Councils of the United States may intelli- gently trace your relationship and origin. Although much more matter might have been interpolated, to have lengthened the pro- 297 duction, and given it more seeming importance, I have deemed it unnecessary to tire the attention of the reader or to add unneces- sary expense by burdening your Archives with useless verbiage and waste letter-press ; and I trust, in acting thus, I shall not be deemed guilty of neglect or indolence by your illustrious Body. I am Illustrious Companions, with entire respect and con- sideration. Yours Fraternally, VINCENT W. BATE, Chairman. The Degrees of Royal, Select and Super-Excellent Master, as conferred under the authority of the Grand Council of the State New York, derive their origin from authority of Frederick III., King of Prussia, who was in 1761, Alost Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the 33d Degree at Berlin, where the Supreme Grand East of the Ineffable Degrees was then held. The Ineffable Degrees are those conferred in the Lodge of Perfection, eleven in number, and in which were formerly conferred several detached or side Degrees, among them the De- grees of Royal Master, Select Alaster, Mark Master, Grand Patri- arch, Most Excellent iMaster and Super-Excellent Master. These Degrees (Ancient and Accepted Rite) were introduced into this country by Henry A. Franker, who emigrated from France, hav- ing been there appointed a Deputy Inspector-General of the 33d Degree bv Bro. Stephen Morin, who in 1761, was constituted, in Paris, a Sovereign Grand Inspector-General by a Grand Consistorv (or Grand Council) of the 33d Degree held by order of Frederick King of Prussia, from Berlin, the then seat of the Supreme Grand East. Under Bro. Franker's auspices, these degrees were introduced into New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The De- tached Degrees, however, were never cultivated to any great ex- tent in these States, but the Royal and Select Degrees were very extensively promulgated at the South, under the auspices of the Southern Jurisdiction, or Supreme Grand Council of the 33rd De- gree, at Charleston, S. C, from 1782; the Northern Jurisdiction being stationed in New York City. The Northern Jurisdiction did not cultivate the Detached De- grees, and hence it was, that in 1807, Franker, having been dead several years, Bro. Joseph Cerneau, Dep. Ins. Gen. 33rd Degree, and a member of Washington Lodge, No. 85, conferred the De- grees of Royal Master upon several brethren in New York, and by his authority, derived from the Grand Consistory in France, 298 formed, in September of that year the Council of Royal Master Masons of the City of New York, and installed Companion Thomas Lownds as first Grand Royal Master. No mention is made of the Select Master's Degre until December 26, 1821, when a com- munication was received from "the Council of Select Masters, in- forming them, that they are willing" to be united and come into the Council of Royal Masters. The question being taken, it was unanimously agreed that we accept the "proposal." Resolved, That the fees for the Degree of Select Master be two dollars. The Council of Select Masters of New York, whose members were healed, and came into the Council of Royal Masters, under one jurisdiction, owed its origin to Philip P. Eckles and Heze- kiah Niles of Baltimore, Maryland, who received their authority, primarily, from the representatives of the Grand Consistory at Berlin, and was established in the City of New York in 1820. The Records of the Grand Council of Royal Masters of New York, September 2d, 1810, say : "This Grand Council by resolution granted a Warrant to Columbian Council, No. i, for the City of New York, Comp. Thomas Lownds, Thrice Illustrious Royal Master; John E. Ruckel, Deputy Illustrious Royal Master; Wil- liam Craig, Illustrious Royal Warden." From this date to 1821, that of Royal Master was the only regular degree conferred, for which a fee of $5.00 was charged; there were, however, Detached Degrees conferred, viz., "Knights of the Round Table," "The Il- lustrious and Invincible Order of the Knights of the Garter," and "Knights of St. George of Cappadocia." Upon the assumption of the Select Degree by the Grand Council, the Detached Degrees are never again mentioned ; they seem to have fallen into immediate disuse, and not until 1842, under Comp. Richard Ellis, as Grand Master, was the Super-Excellent Degree very frequently conferred, and then as a Detached or Honorary Degree ; which practice has prevailed ever since, both in New York and Massachusetts. Al- though an attempt has been twice made to raise the fee to ten dollars, no more than five dollars have ever been paid for the Council Degrees. The following are literal extracts from the records of the Grand Council and Columbian Council, No. i, respectively: 1810. Sept. 2. "Resolved, That the Annual Election of Offi- cers of Columbian Council, No. i, shall take place at the time the sun enters Cancer, about June 21st." 299 Dec. 5. "Resolved, That the Knights of the Round-Table meet on the tenth of the present month Kislen." Dec. 7. "A Council of Knights of the Round-Table was opened by the Illustrious Abbot Lownds." 181 1. March 4. "A Chapter of Knights of the Honorable Order of the Garter was opened by the Grand Prelate Lownds." Oct. 30. "A Council of Knights of the Ancient and Honor- able Order of Knights of the Round-Table w:as held at St. John's Hall, Thrice Illustrious Abbot, Sir Thomas Lownds ; Sir Robert Young, Sword Bearer ; Sir Peter Roome, Verger. The following Companions were dubbed Knights of the Order," etc., etc. Year of the Order 1295. Nov. 3. "A Chapter of Knights of the Garter held Year of the Order, 454-" Nov. 10. "A Chapter of the Illustrious and Invincible Order of Knights of the Garter was opened. The following Companions were installed Knights of the Order of St. George of Cappadocia," etc., etq. 1812. June 21. "Election of Officers. A draft of revised Constitution was submitted ; in it the following appears : 'No per- son can be admitted a member, except he has regularly passed through the Symbolic Degrees of Masonry.' " "The stated meetings of the Council shall be holden on the eighth day of every lunar month, when the sun is at meridian." "The annual election shall take place on the 21st day of June, when the sun is at meridian." "More than two candidates shall not be received at the same time in any Council, as there were but two Grand Masters when H. A. B. was" * * * (here the remainder is obliterated by age). "Every member shall pay into the funds of the Council the sum of a didrachm on the 8th day of every lunar month. If on the 8th day of Tamus, (19th June), if it so fall out, if not on the elec- tion day, (21st June), after all the expense of the Council be paid, there appear any funds left in the treasury, it shall be distributed among the poor members." "A Hebrew didrachm is equal to twenty-five cents United States currency." 1817. Dec. 6. "The following letter from Thr. Illus. Benj. Gleason was received : 300 New York, Nov. 27, 5817. "To the Officers and Decemvirs of the Council of Royal Masters in the City of New York. This petition respectfully showeth that a Council of Royal Masters has been established in the town of Boston within the present year; is duly organized and in successful operation, having their regular meetings quarterly — the last Tuesday of January, April, July and October ; they acknowledge with much respect the senior establishment in New York, and with their associates do honor the same. It is their wish to obtain written sanction from your respected Council, that they may be confirmed in their Masonic labors and be in fraternal correspondence with each other. In behalf of the Boston Council, I am, Brethren and Com- panions, Respectfully and Fraternally yours, BENJ. GLEASON, Thr.-. 111/. R:. M;. 1823. Jany. 5. "The following communication was received : "To Comp. Thomas Lownds, Thr.-. 111.-. G.-. Puissant: "The undersigned, being Royal and Select Master Masons, and desirous of diffusing light and kowledge to the unimproved Masons, have determined to establish a Council of Royal and Select Masters in this city. They, therefore, pray you. Thrice Il- lustrious, to grant us a Charter for that purpose, and they recom- mend Illustrious Companion Samuel Edmonds to be appointed to the office of First Ma'ster thereof; Comp. John W. Edmonds to be Deputy Master, and Comp. Cyrus Curtis to be Principal Con- ductor. Dated in the City of Hudson, January 3, A. L. 5823. "Signed, Samuel Edmonds, John W. Edmonds, John Barney, Richard Hill, Cyrus Curtis, Campbell Bushnell, Darius S. Colvin, Thomas Blank, Ephraim T. Blank." 1824. June 21. "In response to the above, at the annual meeting of the Grand Council, June 21st, 1824, a Warrant was granted for Hudson Council, No. 2, but to Campbell Bushnell, as T. I. R. M.; Charles Waldo, as 111. Dep. R. M., and Charles Smith, as Royal Warden." "Canaan, Conn., June 2d, 1824. "Comp. L. Q. C. Bowles, New York : "I send you herewith inclosed, a petition for a Charter to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass. The reason of our applying to your Grand Council is, there being no Grand Council in this State and the nearest Coun- cil is in Springfield, which is more than forty miles from Sheffield, 301 whose approbation we send inclosed, together with ten dollars, which is the sum you informed me would be required. Have the goodness to la}- the petition and our case before the Grand Puis- sant, and obtain a Charter for us, if possible, so as to send by bearer, or b}' mail and oblige. Yours Fraternally, JOHN BARNEY." "To all whom it may concern : The subscribers, presiding offi- cers of the Hampden Council of Royal and Select Masters, hereby certify their consent that Companion John Barney, and a competent number of his associates, should be organized and formed into a Council of Royal and Select Masters under authority of the Grand Council of the State of New York, to be established at Sheffield, in the County of Berkshire, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. ''Springfield, ]\lass., April 26, 1824. George Bliss, T. I. M. Elisha Tobev, Dep. I. M. Calvin Shattuck, P. C." "The petition, as above- mentioned, asks for a Warrant for a Council of Royal and Select Masters, to be held in Sheffield, Berk- shire County. Alass., and recommending 'SI. E. Comp. John Barney, High Priest of Meridian Chapter, No. 15, held in Canaan, Conn., to be the first Thr. 111. M., and Comp. Edward T. Ensign, first Dep. 111. M., and Comp. EHsha W. Cleaveland, first P. C. "Dated at Sheffield, May 31, 1824. ''Signed, John Barney, Edward T. Ensign, Elisha ^^'. Cleave- land, George Kellogg, Jonathan Church, Warren Burwell, John Edmondson, Guy Loomis, Jonah Lawrence, Harvey Treat, Harvev Lawrence." This \\'arrant bears date June i8th, 1824. "At an extra Communication of Ames Chapter, No. 88, held at ^Masonic Hall, in the Milage of Lockport, on Thursday, October 2 1 St, A. L. 5824, pursuant to adjournment, the within petition hav- ing been read, it was, on motion of Comp. \"an Durn, Resolved, That this Chapter do recommend the same to the favorable consideration of the Grand Council of the State of New York. And for want of a seal for this Chapter, it was Resolved, That the M. E. H. P. be authorized to sanction these proceedings under his hand and private seal. H. w. ca:\ipbell, h. p. John G. Bond, Secretary.^" 302-, "The petition above "referred to, asks for a Council to be es- tablished at Lockport Village, N. 'Y., recommending Harvey W. Campbell to be first/Thr. 111. Royal Master; Almon H. Millard to be Deputy Royal Master, and Hiram Gardner to be Royal Warden ; the desire to confer by their Warrant the Degrees of Royal Master, Select Master, and Super-Excellent Master. "Signed, Almon H. Millard, H. W. Campbell, Norman Shep- hard, Paul Hawes, Seymour Scovill, Devi E. Rounds, John G. Bond, Hiram Gardner, Joel M. Parks, Wm. Buel, EH Bruc>., John Gooding." This Warrant is dated November, 1824. 1825. "To all whom it may con£ern : At a Regular Com- munication of King Hiram Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, holden at the Masonic Chapel, in Greenwich Village, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 20th, A. D. 5825, Companions Warren P. Wing, John War- ren and others, being Royal and Select Masters, requested the ap- probation of this Chapter for establishing a Council of Royal and Select Masters in this place; and after deliberating upon the subject, the Chapter cheerfully granted their approbation, without a dis- senting voice. JAMES HINDS, Secretary of said Chapter." "The petitioners above alluded to ask for a Warrant for a Council of Royal and Select Masters, to be held in Greenwich Village, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, recommending M. E. Comp. John Warner to be first Thr. 111. Royal Master; Warren P. Wing, P. H. P. of King Hiram Chapter, to be Dep. 111. Royal Master, and Comp. Edward Raymore, to be Royal Warden, or Principal Conductor. Dated, Greenwich Village, May 6th, 1825. "Signed, John Warner, Warren P. Wing, Edward Raymore, James Hines, Warren Smith, John J. Jurden, Lewis R. Peige, David Mellen, Aaron Johnson, Allen Wing, Wm. Walker." "Sheffield, May 14th, A. L. 5825. "To Thomas Lownds, Esq., Most. Illus. G. R. M. of the Grand Council of the State of New York. "M. 111. Comp. : — "The above petitioners are most of them well-known to me as Royal and Select Master Masons of respec- tability and have long had a Council of Royal Masters among them and have conferred the degree in a proper manner ; but have never conferred that of Select Master, and have, therefore, petitioned for a Charter or a Warrant, empowering them to confer both of these degrees in a regular and constitutional manner, which Warrant they are desirous of obtaining from your Grand Council, if they can obtain it for the sum of ten dollars ; therefore, I would solicit 303 vou, if consistent, to direct your Grand Recorder to write to Comp. Warren P. Wing, Postmaster of Greenwich Milage, and inform him whether the)' can have a Charter by sending that sum; if so, it will be sent immediately. \'ery respectfully, your Friend and Companion, JOHN BARNEY, G. M. of Warren Council of R. and S. M., Sheffield, Mass." This Council was named Washington Council, and the \\'ar- rant is dated October 14, A. L. 5825. "A petition to hold a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the town of North East, Dutchess County, New York, asking for a Warrant, and recommending M. E. Comp. John Duel, H. P. of North East R. A. Chapter , to be the T. I. R. j\I. ; Frederick J. Curtis, King of North East Chapter, to be Dep. 111. R. M. ; and Epaphroditus Taylor to be Royal Warden ; the Council to' be named Lafayette Council. Dated, North East, Anno Dep. 2824, Anno Dom. 1825. "Signed, John Duel, Philip Chase, Epaphroditus Taylor, David Dakin, Henry Hoysrast, Stephen G. Garnsey, Hiram Reynolds, Thomas H. Dunning, David West, Homer Dakin, Samuel Stephens, F. J. Curtis." "And it is the request of the petitioners that Comp. John Barney be appointed to install the Council, if their prayer should be granted." "I hereby certify that the above petitioners are Royal and Select Masters, and do most cordially recommend them to the Grand Council, hoping their prayer will be granted. JOHN BARNEY, "Sept. i8th, 1825. G. M. of Warren Council." 1826. "To the M. 111. O. M. Lownds, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal Master Masons of the State of New York. "This may certify, that on the 25th day of January, 1826, agreeably to the instructions contained in your Warrant, I, with the assistance of a suitable number of Companions, congregated the members of Lafayette Council in North East, and proceeded to constitute them into a regular Council ; also installed the officers of the same, delivering to each of them the accustomed charges, agreeably to the immemorial usages of the Order. Canaan, Conn., Febr. 28th, Anno Dep. 2826, A. L., 5826. JOHN BARNEY, G. M. of Warren Council." This Warrant is dated October 14th, 1825. 304 1827. "To the Most Illustrious, Deputy Illustrious and Grand Principal Conductor of the Grand Council of Select and Royal Masters of the State of New York, Greeting: "We, the undersigned, Select Masters, residing in the Village of Cleaveland, State of Ohio, having been duly admitted within the ninth arch, having the good of the Fraternity at heart, and con- ceivingf the best interests of the Craft may be promoted by the establishment of a Council of Royal and Select Masters in this village (there being no organized body of this Order in the State), most respectfully pray, that you may deem it expedient to grant us a Warrant or Dispensation, authorizing us to open and hold a Council, to confer the Degrees of Royal and Select Master, to make our own By-Laws, and do such other things as rnay be law- ful and right. And we do hereby nominate and . recommend our worthy Companion, Daniel Wooley, as our first Thr. 111. R. M. ; Comp. J. F. Hawks, Dep. 111. ; Comp. J. Gallup, as Principal Con- ductor, Comp. H. H. Sizer, as Captain of the Guards ; and Comp. John Knapp, as Grand Steward. We wish to have the Council denominated King Hiram Council. And we do hereby pledge ourselves that we will acquiesce in all the Laws and Edicts of the Grand Council of the State of New York, and conduct ourselves in all respects as become Select Masters. Respectfully yours, J. F. HAWKS, H. P. of Webb Chapter." ■■Daniel Worley, H. H. Sizer, Jabesh Gallup, P. M. Weddell, M. Oviatt, Edwin Clark, John Knapp, Walter Fillig, Capt. of Host." This Warrant bears date January 6th, 1827. July 25. A communication was received from a Council of Royal and Select Masters in the City of Washington, D. C, re- questing to be recognized as a regular Council. The following was adopted : Resolved, That this Grand Council acknowledge the Council of Royal and Select Masters in the City of Washington, D. C, of v/hich William Lambert is R. M., and that they be presented with a Warrant free of expense. That Comps. William F. Piatt, Leb- bens Chapman, Silas Butler, Jr., and F. S. Wilsey, be a Committee to communicate our proceeding to said Council." The Warrant bears date July 25th, 1827, under the name of Washington Council. 1847. Dec. 10. "A Warrant was granted to Houston Council, No. 10, Houston, Texas- William D. Smith, T. I. R. M., Ebenezer L. Nichols, John N. Reed and others." 305 1827. June 21. "The M. I. Gerrit Morgan, G. M. of this Grand Council, received a letter from James Cushman, then re- siding in the State of New Jersey in regard to his (James Cush- man's), granting \\'arrants to establish Councils under authority of the State of ^Maryland, and the following resolution was adopted, viz. : Resolved, That 111. Comps. WilHam F. Piatt, Henry Marsh, and Lebbens Chapman, be a Committee to confer with James Cushman on the subject of his granting \\'arrants for Councils of Select and Royal Masters, and to answer his letter to the ]\I. 111. G. M. Gerrit Morgan on that subject, with a view to a suspension of such illegal acts on his part, and report the proceedings thereon to this Grand Council as soon as practicable. The Committee were not enabled to find said James Cushman, and consequently there was no report in regard to him. It appears, however, that he did grant a Warrant for Ohio." 1841. Sept. 16. "At the Communication of several Grand Bodies of Masons, held in Xew York City, September 16, 1841, there were present, the Most Puissant of the Grand Council and the T.-. I;, of a Subordinate Council of the State of Ohio, as they styled themselves, who made application to visit Columbian Coun- cil, Xo. I. On examination, thev stated that they had received a ^^'ar^a^t from Xew Jersey, to form a Council, and from that Coun- cil their present Grand Council had been formed. They were in- formed that this Grand Council did not acknowledge their author- it^ as legal ; they were consequently refused admission. In none of the proceedings of the Grand Council, nor of Columbian Coun- cil, Xo. I, does the name of Jeremy L. Cross appear, as a visitor. As a Select and Royal Master he was unknown and unrecognized by them. To explain the position of Jeremy L. Cross to the Grand Council of Xew York, and their disavowal of the genuine- ness of the source whence he derived the degrees, I quote from the letter of Comp. Jos. K. Stapleton, G. H. P. of Maryland, and D. G. G. H. P. of the United States, dated 25th February, 1850. "It was on the first introduction of our representatives, Philip P. Eckel and B. Eddes, then respectively G. H. P. and G. Secretary of the G. Chapter of ^Maryland, in the General Grand Chapter at Boston (1816), that the acquaintance of J. L. Cross was made, and as he had been appointed by the General Grand Chapter their Grand Lecturer, together with the exertions then making to diffuse a more general knowledge of Royal Arch ^Masonry, induced our worthy chiefs, Eckel, G. H. P., Keating, G. K.. and Hezekiah Xiles. G. Scribe, to confer the degrees upon Cross, that he might be qualified and instructed therein. These Companions took great pains with him, and upon his leaving Baltimore, they furnished him with a certificate of qualification, enjoining him to give those 306 degrees (Royal and Select) to any member of a regular Chapter, wherever he might be called upon to lecture and instruct Chapters. As soon as he was beyond the limits of our State, he forfeited his covenants to our Grand Officers, and turned the trust reposed in him to a merchandise account, charging five dollars for the de- grees, and twenty-five dollars to thirty dollars for a Council War- rant. And not satisfied with this, he deputed authority to others to go forth and trade in his name and for his emolument, much to the regret and mortification of our Chiefs for having confided in one so unworthy and regardless of his covenants given to them. To J. L. Cross may be traced all the injury and injustice done to the Masonic family in the Southern, Western and Eastern sections of the United States. J. L. Cross represented that he received his de- grees and authority from a Council ; whereas he received them from officers of a Grand Chapter, in their capacity as Chapter Officers, and not as individuals or as a Council; and his authority to confer them he received from the General Grand Chapter, by virtue of his commission as Grand Lecturer. Neither he nor Cushman, nor any other of his deputies,- therefore, had a right to grant Warrants, as has already been noticed in the case of Ohio." An inquiry having arisen in the Grand Chapter of New York, "is there a legitimate and regular Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in the State of New York?" the Grand Council of New York was applied to in November, 1849, with the view of obtaining their consent to surrender the jurisdiction of these de- grees to the Grand Chapter of the State. This was answered by a condensed history of its origin, and the assertion of its suprem- acy and jurisdiction in the State, and also the following: Protest ; "This Grand Council have unanimously Resolved, That they will never surrender any of their rights to the Grand Chapter of this State, or right of conferring the Degrees of Royal and Select Masters in any Subordinate Chapter, and solemnly protest against the right of the Grand Chapter of this State to issue edicts, authorizing the conferring of those degrees in any Chapter under its jurisdiction. This Grand Council have learned' with regret that Companion Ezra S. Barnum, H. P. of Utica Chapter in this State, has been conferring said degrees in his Chapter, which we consider a gross injustice to us and an in- fringement upon our rights without any legal authority, subversive of the ancient landmarks, and tending to make discord and di- visions in the Fraternity, unnecessary and uncalled for, and which, sions in the Fraternity, unnecessary and uncalled for and which, if persisted in, will materially affect the harmony of the Compan- ions in this State." The Grand Council of New York fully concur in the follow- 307 ing extract from a letter of William T. Gould, G. H. P. of Georgia, addressed to the H. P. of Magnolia Chapter, No. i6, Florida, in reply to its circular (see Droceedings of G. C. of Florida, January 15th, 1849), dated, Augusta, Ga., June 6th, 1848: "The only source of authority to confer these degrees which we know of, is the Council of the 33d Degree in the first instance, and Grand Council subsequently organized. "I hold the rule to be fundamental, that we are to use afld transmit to others, Masonic knowledge in no other manner than that in which we have received it. I cannot, therefore, consent to the jurisdiction of the Royal and Select Degrees passing to Royal Arch Chapters. They ought to have had it from the beginning, but not having it, how can they get it by their own act? If all the Grand Councils, and the Supreme Councils of the 33d Degree, will concur in yielding these degrees to the control of the Grand Chap- ters, I am content. But till that is done, I insist on an adherence to old landmarks as the only proper and safe course." Extract of a letter from Ebenezer Wadsworth, P. G. L. R. A. C, of New York, dated West Troy, June 5th, 1848: "In 1819, at the meeting of the General Grand Chapter at New York, I at- tended as a proxy of the G. G. H. P. De Witt Clinton, when I raised the question of the General Grand Chapter taking some of these degrees, and particularly those of Royal Master and Sublime Firm Master, under its jurisdiction, to prevent their being handed round without selection of character, or providing funds for the benefit of the indigent. M. Es. Thomas Smith Webb and Ezra Ames, who were Or- acles of the Order, as Companions Eckel and Eddes, from Balti- more, and a full representation from the Northern States, united in saying, that it was inexpedient for the General Grand Chapter to recognize in any way any degrees except those of E. A., F. C, M. M., Mark M., P. M.^ M. E. M., and Royal Arch. That to do so would be an inroad upon the original compact, and would open a door to the admission of evils that might occasion great difficulty thereafter ; that the Grand and General Grand Chapter were organ- ized for the four last mentioned degrees, the frrst three being recog- nized as necessary to be possessed by candidates for advancement to the last four. "These opinions being expressed by Comp. Webb, who was presiding when I raised the question, and being acceded to by the Body, I withdrew the proposition and no record was made of the matter, to my recollection. "Thus it was at that time the settled opinion of the General Grand Chaper, that no cognizance w.hatsoever ought to be taken of any degrees except those mentioned." 303 The Protest, a manuscript copy of which from the archives of the Grand Council, I have before me, concludes thus ; "The Grand Council of the State of New York, might pro- duce many other authorities in evidence against any Grand Chap- ter or Subordinate Chapter's usurpation of these degrees. They will, therefore, in conclusion say, that as Royal Arch Masons, and as Grand Officers of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York, we respectfully request your honorable Body to discountenance and prohibit any innovation of or inter- ference with our just and legal rights, either by the Grand Officers, or Subordinate Chapters under your jurisdiction. In 1849, the well-known schism in the Grand Lodge of New York occured, and the vexed question of Grand Lodge government — ^the Past Master question — severed two invaluable components of its juris- diction. The Grand Council of New York consisted almost en- tirely of members of the Phillips Grand Lodge, while the Willard Body, having few Select Masters in their fold, had no Council duly organized. In 1854, many R. A. Masons belonging to the Willard Body, desirous of advancing the cause of Select Masonry in the State, had obtained successively Warrants for Washington, Pen- nell.and Oriental Councils from the Grand Council of Connecticut, under whose auspices a new and second Grand Council was formed in the City of New York, notwithstanding that the Grand Council of Connecticut had always been treated as spurious and clandes- tine by the old Grand Council of New York, inasmuch as they had derived their existence from J. L. Cross in the manner before al- luded to. In 1859, the schism being healed in the Grand Lodge, a Committee was empowered by the new Grand Council of 1854, to effect a union with the Senior Council ; accordingly, at the Annual Assemblies of these Bodies in June, i860, thev were united under proper "Articles," and thus the illegitimacy which had existed in the new organization, was entirely healed. The Grand Council of the State of New York, as united, is therefore the oldest in the Union, and one of the most prosperous in numbers and respecta- bility." The officers of a Council of Royal Master Masons are as fol- lows : Royal Master, whose style is Thrice Illustrious ; Deputy Royal Master, whose style is Illustrious ; Royal Warden ; Royal Marshal ; Senior Royal Marshal ; Junior Royal Marshal ; Treas- urer; Recorder; Herald; Sentinel. In the Grand Council of Royal Master Masons, the style of the Grand Master is Most Illustrious, and that of the. next five officers, Illustrious. 309 The officers of a Council of Select Masters in 1821, were as follows : Puissant Master ; Deputy Master ; Illustrious Master ; Principal Conductor; Recorder; Treasurer; Captain of the Guards; Marshal ; Steward ; Sentinel. The Committee on Unfinished Business presented the follow- ing report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread on the Minutes and the Committee were discharged. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: The Committee on Unfinished Business find pleasure in re- porting that their examination of the proceedings of the Grand Body discloses such a masterly activity in the administration of this Body, that no unfinished business appears on the record. C. H. Piatt, ) S. H. Stone, f- Committee. Jno. B. Harris, ) R. P. Comp. S. H. Stone offered the following resolution, which was, on motion, unanimously adopted : Resolved, That Section i, of Article I, of the Constitution be amended by inserting, after the words Grand Chaplains, the words "Grand Lecturer." On motion, the election of officers was made the special order for three o'clock on Wednesday, the 5th inst. On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Session of this Grand Council be held at two o'clock, P. M., on Wednesday. The proposed amendment to the Constitution offered at the last Annual Assembly, was taken up for action, and on the vote being taken, the same was declared lost. The Grand Council then took a recess. 310 Wednesday, June 5th, 2 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its Session. Present: R. P. Seymour H. Stone, as Grand Master. Officers and Representatives as before, witfi the addition of the Representatives of the following Councils, to which Warrants were granted on Tuesday: Pennell, No. 2; King Hiram, No. 18; Doric, No. 19; Keystone, No. 20; Hudson River, No. 21. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received and the Commit- tee discharged : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Credentials and Returns would report, that they have examined the returns of the various Councils, and find them correct, and that the following Grand Officers, Past Grand Officers, and Representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council : M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin G. M. R. P. Seymour H. Stone Dep. G. M. R. P. Vincent W. Bate G. 111. M. R. P. Charles H. Piatt G. P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove G. Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris G. Treasurer. R. P. Richard Bloss G. C. of the G. R. P. Charles E. Gillett G. Marshal. R. P. and Rev. Henry C. Vogell G. Chaplain. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk G. Lecturer. P. Greenfield Pote G. Sentinel M. P. John B. Yates Sommers P. G. M. M. P. John B. Willis P. G. M. M. P. H. F. Iv. Bunting P. G. M. M. P. Jonathan Jarvis P. G. M. R. P. Augustus Willard P. D. G. M. R. P. George Godfrey P. G. 111. M. R. P. J. T. Brush P. G. 111. M. R. P. Walter T. Marvin P. G. P. C. R. P. David Wagstafl P. G. P. C. Columbian Council, No. i D. Wolfif, P. C. of W. Pennell Council, No. 2 Enoch P. Breed, Master. Brooklyn Council, No. 4 John B. Harris, Master. 311 Adelphic Council, No. 7 David B. Howell, Master. Eureka Council, No. 8 Aug. Willard, Master. Oneida Council, No. 12. . . .Sanford Adams, Dep. Master. Central City Council, No. 13. .Seymour H. Stone, Master, and Stiles M. Rust, Dep. Master. Bloss Council, No. 14 Charles Teson, P. C. of the W. Bruce Council, No. 15. . . .Rev. Charles H. Piatt, Master. Southern Tier Council, No. 16. .Chas. E. Gillett, Master. Buffalo Council, No. 17 ^^'illiam Gould, Master. King Hiram Council, No. 18. .Rev. Chas. H. Piatt, Proxy. Doric Council, No. 19 Wm. E. Lathrop, Master. Keystone Council, No. 20 Michael Pinner, Master. Hudson River Council, No. 21, J. D. Hasbrouck, Dep. Master. Respectfully submitted, Tosiah Shoi Jno. B. Ha..-. S. H. Stone, \ Josiah Shove, \ Jno. B. Harris Committee. The Committee on Grievances presented the following Report, which was on motion, received : , To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. Masters of the State of York : Your Standing Committee on Grievances and Appeals re- spectfully beg leave to report, that no matters of appeals or griev- ances having been presented for their consideration, proves that "the Union of i860," was truly a Union "of Hearts," as well as "of Hands ;" and while we, as true Men and Masons — true to the Government under which we live, "and to our obligations as Select Masters" must, and do, most deeply deploie the dissensions, discord, and disunion that agitate and convulse our beloved coun- try — we congratulate the Grand Council of the State of New Yoik, upon the harmony, union and prosperity of Cryptic Mason- ry throughout its jurisdiction. All of which is respectfully submitted. Chas. E. Gillett, ) John B. Harris, Committee. W. Gould, ) 312 A petition was received from Columbian Council, No. i, ask- ing that it be allowed to hold its Annual Election for Officers on or before the 24th of June, in accordance with their former custom ; and on motion, it was received, and referred to the Committee on Constitutions. The Committee on Constitutions reported that they had taken the matter into consideration, and offered the following proposed amendment to the Constitutions : Resolved, That Section 6, Article II, of the Constitutions be amended, by adding "except in the case of Columbian Council, No. I, which shall be permitted to hold their election as always heretofore, at the regular Assembly on or next preceding the Festival of St. John the Baptist." And on motion, the same was adopted, so far as it can be at one session. The hour for the special order of the election of officers having arrived, M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers, P. G. M., was invited to preside. The M. P. appointed as Tellers, R. P. Charles H. Piatt and R. P. George Godfrey. M. P- Nathan O. Benjamin was re-elected . Grand Master. R. P. Seymour H. Stone was re-elected. Dep. Grd Master. R. P. Charles H. Piatt was elected Grand 111. Master. T. I. William Gould was elected Grd. P. C. of the W. R. P Josiah Shove was re-elected Grand Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris was re-elected. . . .Grand Treasurer. M. P. Comp. J. B. Yates Sommers duly installed the Grand Master-elect, and the Grand Master then installed the remaining officers. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : R. P. Charles E. Gillett, as Grand C. of the G. T. I. William E. Lathrop, as Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. Henry C. Vogell, D. D "^ Rev. Amos B. Beach, D. D., > Grand Chaplains. Rev. James Freeman, ) R. P. Sewall T. Fisk, as Grand Lecturer. 111. Charles Teson, as Grand Steward. P. Greenfield Pote, as Grand Sentinel. And the above named Companions were duly installed by the G. M. The Grand Marshal then proclaimed the installation of the officers of the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in Ample Form. 313 The following Standing Committees were announced by the Grand Master : On Foreign Correspondence : — T. I. Enoch P. Breed, R. P. Josiah Shove and R. P. John B. Harris. On Unfinished Business : — R. P. Seymour H. Stone, R. P. Charles E. Gillett and T. I. Michael Pinner. The Special Committee to whom was referred so much of the Grand 2vlaster's Address as referred to deceased Companions, pre- sented the following report, which was, on motion received, and ordered spread upon the Alinutes and their recommendation was adopted. To the JNI. P. G. Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : The attention of your Committee was directed to the mention by our AI. P. G. Master, of deceased Companions. The melan- choly duty is deputed to us of recalling the record of thefr useful- ness and merit. Justice to the living as well as to the dead prompts us to join our full accord with the tribute to the memory of honored and worthy Companions,which our AI. P. G. Master has expressed in fitting, chaste, and touching language of eulogy. We deplore the rupture from the earthly body of three such souls, as those of the talented — how brilliant alike in legislation, law, and literature — of the Reverend and R. P. Grand Chaplain Gray, whose memory is the fragrance of sanctifi,ed purity ; and of the Most \\'orthy Steward of this Grand Council, the lamented \\'right — illustrious no less by his personal virtues than by ofificial title. The loss of, these cherished Companions from our earthly fellowship is the extinguishment of three burning and shining lights. But the trowel of our Omnipotent Grand Master still re- mains to ring the promises of reconstruction through the arches of the sepulchre, and the sound of His unceasing labor assures us that He has assigned them to refreshment and rest, as workmen that need not to be ashamed. The sudden summons of one of these Companions to relinquish the implements and wait for the de- scending glory is the admonition to us to be also ready ; and that we, mayhap, shall experience, what a good man once implored, and "cease at once to work and live." In the demise of our Reverend Companion, we taste the grief of them that mourn, but who sorrow not without hope, while the voice of the dead yet speaketh, and exhorted us to patience and perseverance in well-doing. And in our sympathy with the friends that cherish the name of our departed Companion Wright, we are aware that the grave does sometimes justify the epitaph, " 'Tis the survivor dies." But the majesty and the mystery of Death hush our human languages. 314 Omnipotence must speak to immortality. To the Father of Mer- cies we have consigned the dead, and we now commend the an- guished and the bereaved. Your Committee, recognizine" the simple and unostentatious virtues of the Companions we commemorate, would recommend that a copy of this report be transmitted to the families of each of our three lamented Companions, as a suitable expression of our condolence. Chas. H. Piatt, \ M. Pinner, !- Committee. J. D. Hasbrouck, ) > < New York, June 5th, 2861. The Special Committee to whom was referred so much of the Grand Master's Address as referred to a General Grand Council, presented th,e following report, and, on motion, it was received and ordered spread upon the Minutes, and the resolution accompanying the same was adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : The undersigned Committee, to which was referred so much of the Grand Master's Address as relates to proposed formation of a General Grand Council, having given the subject such attention as the limited time has allowed, respectfully beg leave to report : In January, 1798, several Royal Arch Chapters, by their repre- sentatives met at the City of Plartford, and by the election of offi- cers and adoption of a Constitution, formed the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States of America, under the advice of which the several Royal Arch Chapters within the State of New York met at Albany in March following, and formed what was then styled the Deputy Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of New York, the presiding officer of which was Deputy Grand High Priest. At the first subsequent meeting held in March, 1799, the name of that Grand Body was changed and it became the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of New York. It will be observed that the General Grand Chapter, as well as the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, was the creature of Subordinate Chapters. Under the present Constitution of the G. G. Royal Arch Chap- ter, its powers and authority have little influence upon or control over the Grand or Subordinate Chapters, and it accomplishes little save fostering petty discord and giving high-sounding titles to men, who do not need them, and the tendency of legislation in that dis- tinguished body is to diminish its powers and reduce its authority. 315 The Grand Encampment of the United States derives its origin from the Supreme Body in the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and by Its authority all conclaves of Templars, whether Grand or Subordi- nate, have been formed. The proper maintenance of law and sub- jection in an institution semi-military in its character may require a supreme head, a Grand Encampment and a Grand Master. Sev- eral attempts have been made to establish a General Grand Lodge, or failing in that, a Convention or Congress of Representatives of Grand Lodges, with greater or less powers. At Chicago in 185Q delegates from many of the more promi- nent Grand Lodges, met and agreed upon a plan for the formation of a Congress, but when the plan was submitted to the several Grand Lodges, it was with great unanimity rejected^ So much has been said for the purpose of showing that no Gen- era! Grand Council can be formed in accordance with the course pursued by Royal Arch Alasons or Knights Templar, and that the sentiment of Masons is averse to controlling bodies having a juris- diction co-extensive with the territory of the United States, exem- plified in the case of a proposed General Grand Lodge, or substitute therefor, and for the further purpose of furnishing an excellent basis for making some remarks expressive of the opinion of your Committee upon the subject before them. The great object to be attained by a General Grand Council seems to be the formation of a body, to which shall be referred all questions of jurisdiction of constitutional law, and of differences in work and lectures. Your Committee ask pardon for adding, by way of suggestion, that the hope of finding a superlative addition to ]\Iost Puissant mav be another great reason for the establishment of a Supreme Government in Cryptic Masonry, which shall spread its Arch over the whole country. Xeither the history of Royal Arch IMasonry for the last twenty years, nor that of Knighthood for a like period, give any force or weight to the affirmative arguments upon this question. L'niformity of work is not established by the General Grand Chapter, nor will it be until some yet unpracticed means and agen- cies are discovered. A few States may have a similar work, but not because of any power of the General Grand Chapter. Questions of jurisdiction are settled not by the edicts of General Grand Bodies, but by the co-operation of the fraternal spirits of the parties. Constitutional law finds its best exponent in Grand Chap- ter authorities, and is rarely aided by the confused hght of the Su- preme Head. And the interests of Cryptic Masonry in this behalf may be better referred to ^^'el^s settled ^lasonic law, than to anv extraordinary and irresponsible Congress of Select IMasons, holding 316 no power to enforce an edict. Your Committee would not be under- stood to beg the question. A simple reference to the obligations of Royal and Select Masters will convince any one that a Select Mason as such, cannot be bound by any alleged Masonic law to which he has not given his assent. Constitutions differ in the several Ma- sonic jurisdictions ; so do the atmospheres, so do the geological con- formations ; and it would be quite as wise and quite as likely to meet with success, to attempt to produce similarity in the one as in the other. But to those Constitutions the Select Masters under each are severally bound. Their authority is supreme — cannot be changed- — cannot be set aside. Your Committee do not believe that any G. G. Council Congress, or Convention with any real authority whatever, can be organized. Subordinate Councils and members of such know no such power and will not recognize its existence. Such a body would be a complete innovation ^ipon all principles of Masonry and no ad- vantage to Select Masters would result ; on the contrary, conflict between the real power of the Grand Council and the gossamer power of the General Grand Council, and between both and Subordinates, would continually furnish cause of bitterness, dissatisfaction and disobedience. Respect for law and edicts would vanish, and the beauty and symmetry of the Masonic edifice would be marred by an overhanging superstructure, costly, useless and of imminent danger to all. Your Committee submit to your consideration the resolution hereto appended. Fraternally, E. P. Breed, ) Chas. E. Gillett, [ Committee. Sewall T. Fisk, ) Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Council, the forma- tion of a General Grand Council of the United States is inexpedient. The Committee on Regalia and Jewels presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and the Committee were continued, with power to procure the remaining Regalia wanted, as fast as the funds of the Grand Council would warrant : 317 To the M. P. Council of R. and S. ^f. of the State of New York : Your Committee, appointed at the last Annual Assembly, to complete the set of Regalia and Jewels for this Grand Council, would respectfully report ; "That they have completed the set of Jew- els which are now in use by this Grand Body ; but fearing that the expense of filling up the set of Regalia in the same style, as that we now have, might prove more expensive than the exchequer of the Grand Council would now warrant, they have not deemed it advisable to act further in the matter, without the order of this A I. P. Grand Body." All of which is respectfully submitted. New York, June 4th, 1861. N. O. Benjamin, \ Jno. B. Harris, - Committee. J. Shove, I The Finance Committee presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received : To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of New York: Your Finance Committee would respectfully report that they have examined the accounts of vouchers of the Recorder and Treas- urer and find them correct. D. B. Howell, ) S. M. Rust, r Committee. Wm. Gould, \ Dated, New York, June Sth, 1861. Bills for $120.00 and $14.16 were presented, and on motion they were received, and referred to the Finance Committee with power. On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the City of New York, on the first Monday in June, A. D. 1862, at 2 o'clock, P. M., at such place in said City as may be selected by the Executive Officers of the Grand Council. On motion, the salary of the Grand Recorder for the past year was fixed at $75, and of the Grand Sentinel at $7. 318 On motion, it was Resolved, That the Recorder be authorized to have five hundred copies of the Proceedings printed, and that he be directed to distri- bute the same in the usual manner. « On motion, it was Resolved, That one thousand copies of the Constitutions of the Grand Council of this State, together with the General Regulations, Rules of Order, Installation Service and the Report of the Commit- tee on History, be published and furnished to the Subordinate Coun- cils, in numbers sufficient to furnish each member with a copy. No further business appearing the Grand Council was closed with prayer and in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 319 .MONEYS RECEIVED DURING THE ANNUAL ASSE.MBLY. Columbian, No. i. Dues $7.00 Pennell, No. 2. Dues 6.50 Pennell, No. 2. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Brooklyn, No. 4. Dues '. 16.38 Adelphic, No. 7. Dues 54-75 Eureka, No. 8. Dues 5.00 Oneida, No. 12. Dues 2.25 Central City, No. 13. Dues 9.61 Bloss, No. 14. Dues 12.63 Bruce, No. 15. Dues 20.00 Southern Tier, No. 16. Dues i3-io Buffalo, No. 17. Dues 19.13 King Hiram, No. 18. Dues 15-25 King^ Hiram, No. 18. Balance on Warrant. . . . 10.00 Doric, No. 19. Dues 10.50 Doric, No. 19. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Keystone, No. 20. Dues 7.24 Keystone, No. 20. Balance on Warrant 10.00 Hudson River, No. 21. Dues 8.75 Hudson River, No. 21. Balance on Warrant. . 10.00 $258.09 320 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. Section 6, Artice II. To add these words ; "Except in the case of Cokimbian Council^ No. i, which shall be permitted to hold their election as always heretofore at the Regular Assembly on or next preceding^ the Festival of St. John the Baptist, ;" so that the Section shall read : Section 6, Article II. The first five officers of a Subordinate Council heretofore named, must be chosen annually, by ballot and by a majority of votes, at the Regular Assembly immediately preceding the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, and must be installed on or before the next Regular Assembly thereafter; and the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Master, and hold office during his pleasure ; except in the case of Columbian Council, No. i, which shall be permitted to hold their election as always heretofore at the Regu- lar Assembl}' on or next preceding the Festival of St. John, the Baptist. 321 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL, 2861-2862. M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin, Grand Master New York R. P. Seymour H. Stone, Dep. Gr. Master Syracuse R. P. Charles H. Piatt, Gr. Illus. Master Auburn R. P. William Gould, Gr. P. C. of the W Buffalo R. P. Josiah Shove, Gr. Recorder New York R. P. John B. Harris, Gr. Treasurer Brooklyn R. P. Charles E. Gillett, Gr. C. of the G Elmira R. P. William E. Lathrop, Gr. Marshal Rochester Grand Chaplains. R. P. and Rev. Henry C. Vogell, D. D., Utica R. P. and Rev. Amos B. Beach, D. D Syracuse R. P. and Rev. James Freeman, New York R. P. Sewall T. Fisk, Gr. Lecturer New York P. Charles Teson, Gr. Steward Troy P. Greenfield Pote, Gr. Sentinel New York ADDRESSES: Grand Master, N. O. Benjamin. .424 Broadway, N. Y. Grand Recorder, Josiah Shove. . .33 Nassau St., N. Y. [N. B. — Documents sent to the Grand Master or Grand Recor- der, at New York should have the number and street as above.] 322 u o +-> Jl oi tn (L) o Pi pi o O a u O V-i o iB O a s ,5^ o CO S ^ Pi .Sf ^ oi -5 -^ o a o o 5 (>, u oj 13 a o < 'S 43 S § 1^ bcbtibc be be b/j C_) 'S 0>^OCoXi<_noo t/] 5 1 — 1 O W < Q w w -H trt c/1 c/j < tr 'bo'bb d h/i hr '5 .S .S .S § Sf ?fn- bebjobjo M ^ i^ S S § fe hij b/1 C 3 .S .S " biO be be O >- — ■h^ii:^ fij Pi pei <; w w J ^£,0 o ^ w w a H D 1- c o '^1-'— I-— 1.— i,-i.-H^.— ii— i.jl-j J nl J2 .^- ^- ^• OJ QJ OJ o 1) >, >. >. >. >. >. >>feH fe-i r=, ^ J«! ^ ^ jC I> l> 1^ 'rt 'S 't5 '5 'S 'rt 'c3 '3 '5 'c3 '5 ,• •; >^fc fe fe ^>- . . . cc C2 P2 ca CQ cq e P2 c:; c: ra i-J '-' c _^ g J' "S "S "2 Pi' f^" eci (:^' cti d d Pi ii:; oiiij ^ S ■£ % % % J3 1> en m w M ^ ^ t/1 cn t/i •o -^ T3 TD -a a; SJ HJ 1) (U OJ C; (U 01 nj U u J J w en T3 -a 1) a; dJ ^ ^ ^ ^ (U CI ID -3 T3 C I , rt )-< Ui u< u u ex ft a. a. a a ft ex rt rt rt rt jr x: j: j= UUUU -4-1 C Anthony Anthony Anthony Anthony C. W. C C.2 J^ J^ ^ c/} en in Wi rJi -^ -^ ■ tn in t/) m ■^ in m tn m ^ 'O -o -o -o J J J J J <^ r-'^'^'^n-l'T-l-r-l-T^n-t-T-l-T-t'T-lT-i-ri'r^-T-i-T^'''^''^ r^ g U J- ! -a tij OOCJOOOtJO!JOOOO> 11 -M -4-1 -M tn rt u !3 ,^ ^< O m > u „ m M C d^ 1) 1> O W ^_4 .^ ^ rt >i o ■K O -M -a 'S c I PI S C8 T1 pi i^ 1; <- c ;H H H C C H o V p s o o o C3 p^p^ u u 01 tl) -i-t -;-> (U dJ CuCu S B o o o o OiPi o c OJ u dj S E E bc^ o o o •= Jl o o o S r* . . o . . rt . u o c'^ l-J > o V £piSSSs|||o«a ^ t P " ' - H H rt cAi 3 "= c/2 c c c c c "o "o "o "o "o 11 |> +J 4-> -t-J -M 3- ^ en en en en "^ "^ (U D (L) 1) ^ ^ _>; ^ minmin', en en X X E E S E en en en 13 -a T3 (U (L> CI (U n; 1) J J J M ^' ^' •b -b -a eu < ^3i c (J O eu •r* T* en l-H l-H IJ i; eu ^ > ■ J3 43 /3 . rt rt rt S g c c c P P o o o cs cs 2 lu eueu. 5 3 3 (J in ^^-^ (>'^-' ^ > > ca .o^-o,_-ooo "^ "^ n . '^ << '^ 1=^ _ rA} - ^/^ - rn m rn m ■ in cinmm T3T3::3T3 ij-S iJ— rtS ri::3 nj rt c« V « -3 - p c2^^^£.^ o o o C u • • • ^-g^ rt nl rt cfl w^ cfl^ cn^ wr/l «,^ w^, , ajcu ."ci .0; ■'i3 iLi — ^"u.M •g -g C/} •£ C/} -g 00 -g c -g -g -g O C c PQQPQPQP^2.Qy^Pp:J A^^ CO t/i --H (M On ... --.-h --O --^ --^ - ro Tt- u^ VO t^ 00 On '-< toio^ lO- to- lo^ ir;;: lo^ vovo 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 328 en 0) S^ rt LU >, O rt :? «4-l en O (U ^ u c 3 ^ V lo o en t/1 pt 'J-t :z; n 1=! ?i o o S3 3 o 4-> u nj tS PI O (U ^ f, pi <4-l C/i MH o o -!-> in nj u w o hj M <: ffi K c/) cAi • • • C 'O • • ' • • ■ o b f*^ S ■ c^— ■ ■ tuo js • M . ^-1 en 4-1 ni HJ K CLT" • "> C V • ni ■ iiH ■•-' <1> C U( u. '"-^ ™ 1> ■ • rt E5 C=!o'„--^bnln!CbJ0CpSud-f1 W ^ • o Wi I P o 1) C -^^ 'J si ^.„&^^ 1^ — o ca o (11 "^ EffipH I '^ . rt 1 Q ' " '^ O ;; -^ h: P , in P-i • r 1 O sra^pq „ u C oj 3 1) 3 -a O >3 • -.2 a- r^ (Li , • t) U g £ -d 3 c a3 i3 w CL, pq < W O U eq m fe o •Sit; O 3 CAipq s MP M3 t^ 00 ON (U o 5 V 3 CM CM c o -*~t c 329 4i! ^H o >< & a; ^ M-« o U1 ,__, o o a PI 3 1 o O u U T) C <\> C3 rt r*) C u 'T-l ^ ;-. o t+H ^ o ^ a t/; o ■4-> M-i ^ O ro CO »0 rO CO c^ VD ^ O M r^ -^00 H ^ ^ rOMOO w cOU0O^r^ w M M « p- ?r ^ bJ5 c c CO c t;; ;5-i2 „) u c! C 0) I. &> t/:j jZi 1-. U r- 1-. O O r o o ^ o c ;>, & h t^ 5 T, a= ^ rt :z;Xc2;gOpgic/^Hi-IMm<;cdc:c!:>< O E s -g :&^ .-5 2 . a ^c8Si=^cSa 5_o O 3 U bJC- ■ =; c S c .-t: ■^ — > O -^ O 330 t/1 *-l a; T-J u O o a; P< Tl s a ■s 2 05 O 1 T) o a & rt lit ja i/i -t-» 1-1 t4H (i> -t-> CO tn as CJ S 3 o 1:3 O PI 13 rrl 3 1-1 t^ o O V 5 -4-1 f) o r/1 tfi . bO WW iH,H ??^ u cl< Hh u a o o CO Ki -S bo E ov C ^"3 S i3 " M O ^ — - - bi) J. (u " --a u >-, a O "P bfi bD^ 'n • -J i:^""! :=i h . .^ 2U Q-Sfei^rffi c "O . r- . o r 1 ^ 3 o'-3 m pq go o 5 "J •5 S rt^^-^ S<-''£;On!rQw^----_- ^: H CT! U t/i >3faa eq^Dny ^^Q > Ph u a<^§ OU J- JI, , — I -^ r- ■ C "i ■"" „ S 5 ;-3.^ jj >.c c 5 mw >— .J c c gii boS fe ^ 13 ^ — KhClhO> ■ 5 >-. '^ ' S S " :ti rjGU a] .3t- r^'+J a I-; t«^.2.2 -• -^ rt rt 8^SSSlS30s^|0|| ■" 8 bo 3 >, E< rt >>2 j; „, £ O rt.2 Ul IS V^ .x - Oh W I- r-l (/I <-■ T! ^ &.2 s g e r^ *^ L) « o B 331 o O w o 4-1 CO <:^ O o cc lo as loco m ro . CS 0* t-< uo ON t^ rO\0 O •3f -X- 3nunp paia M t^ N l-l Snpnp xxoj tno-ij u33iDp;s '■ JB3^ 3nunp panadxa " jBaX Suunp papuadsns " w « JB3X Suunp psniinia vO lO ■ jb3jC Snunp pajETiigv 00 " : jBaX Snunp pa^sajS puB paApoaH O t^ lO ■ snjn;3J Sui:!lBra sxpurioo 'OM M Ol -t M W X fu OO 'OOOOOO 0000 ■oooooooooooox ^ ■ 1:2; s 3 -9 aoi^BziuBS-io ^B sipunoo JO Js'qmnM 2 — >" -J -s :g H^-< c^ s < o cj Th -^ M ro UOpBztUBSJO JO JB3A w CO 332 00 O O O^00 iOr>^u-)f^r^ 00000000000000000000 3 t! aJ.2 w Go O O C C C mrOO ioO\0 rOO Ooo "TC 00 * * * * * M 0^ r^ to lO lO 00 ^ ^ HH " : ID r^ O M lO CI vO ^ M lO ■ CO 1— 1 SB M . ^ 00 00 "CM MCSM l-lP)l-l 00 (M OO OmOOmOO KD ^ ^ ^ ^3 ^ vo lo^ 0000 oooooooooooooo •Sd ^ S S o gli § O 0^ O O 0> CO 00 00 00 00 b O 0) (U o H fcOi- iS-. Ti- CO r^ CO t-^ fO Tj- •* to vo lovooovo O ^^o^r^0 O r^'O ^r^ OOOO oooooooooooooo 000000000000 OJ C rt o C 2 3 c ■ ■ o E 333 GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Monday, June 2d, A. D. 1862. A. Dep. 2862. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of New York, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Monday, June 2d, A. D. 1862, A. Dep. 2862. Present : M. P. Nathan O. Benjamin Grand Master. R. P. Charles H. Piatt Deputy Grand Master. R. P. William Gould Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris Grand Treasurer. R. P. Charles E. Gillett Grand C. of the G. R. P. William Lathrop Grand Marshal. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. P. Charles Teson Grand Steward. P. Greenfield Pote Grand Sentinel. M. P. Jonathan Jarvis Past Grand Master. R. P. George Godfrey Past Gr. 111. Master. T. I. E. P. Breed Past Master. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, Bruce, No. 15, Brooklyn, No. 4, Southern Tier, No. 16, Adelphic, No. 7, Buffalo, No. 17, Central City, No. 13, King Hiram, No. 18, Bloss, No. 14, Keystone, No. 20. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand Master. On motion, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing in the Order be invited as visitors in this Grand Council. The M. P. Grand Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion, ordered to be spread at length upon the Minutes, and referred to a Committee of three to apportion the various subjects therein treated to various Committees. The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address, R. P. Charles H. Piatt, R. P. J. B. Harris, and R. P. Sewall T. Fisk. The Committee on Grand Master's Address presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, the Committee was discharged, and its recommendation adopted : 334 The Committee to whom was referred the Grand Master's Address, respectfully recommend that so much as relates to War- rant of De Witt Clinton Council be referred to the Committee on Warrants, and so much as relates to Records of Grand Council of R. M., be referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws, and the subject of Grand Council indebtedness be referred to the Finance Committee for inquiry as to the proper expedient for re- lief. Respectfully submitted, C. H. Piatt, ) John B. Harris, ,-- Committee. Sewall T. Fisk, ) The Grand Council took a recess until 7.30 o'clock P. M. Tuesday, June 3d, 7.30 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its Session. Officers and Repre- sentatives as before. The Grand Master appointed the following Standing Com- mittees : On Credentials :—R. P. J. Shove, R. P. J. B. Harris and M. P. Jonathan Jarvis. On Warrants:— R. P. Charles H. Piatt, T. I. D. B. Howell and R. P. Richard Bloss. On Constitutions:— T. I. R. J. Spink, T. I. S. M. Rust and R. P. S. T. Fisk. On Grievances and Appeals : — R. P. William Gould, R. P. Chas. E. Gillett and R. P. Sewall T. Fisk. On Finance:— R. P. Richard Bloss, T. I. D. B. Howell and T. I. S. M. Rust. The Committee on Unfinished Business presented the fol- lowing Report : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Committee on Unfinished Business respectfully beg leave to report that they have examined the proceedings of the Grand Council at the last Annual Assembly, and find that the business was transacted with such harmony, energy and dispatch, 335 that its business was finished, leaving nothing for your Committee to do, but express the hope that the present Session may be con- cluded with Hke results. Chas. E. Gillett, ) ^ M. Penner, } Committee. The Grand Recorder presented the following Annual Report, ^vhich was received, and referred to the Finance Committee. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York Your Recorder offers the following Annual Report : Receipts June 5, 1861, during the Session. . . .$258.09 Receipts June 2, 1862, during the Session. . . . 3.00 $261.09 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer, and his receipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, J. SHO\'E. Grand Recorder. The Grand Treasurer presented the following Annual Report, w hich was received and referred to the Finance Committee. To the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. Your Treasurer would beg leave to present the following Re- port: June 5, 1861. Received from the Grand Recorder. $258.09 June 2, 1862. Received from the Grand Recorder. 3.00 Amount received from the late Treasurer 14-77 Paid the following Warrants : $275.86 No. 30 $120.00 31 75-00 32 7.C0 33 6.00 34 14-16 35 30-00 36 5-78 $257-94 Balance cash in my hands $17.92 J. B. HARRIS, Grand Treasurer. 336 T. I. Comp. E. P. Breed, from the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, presented the following Annual Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered to be spread upon the Minutes : To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence fraternally pre- sent the following Report : During the year your Committee have received the proceedings of the following Grand Councils, viz. : Alabama, Connecticut, In- diana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, (two sessions) and New Jersey, (two sessions). That no more have been received is owing, perhaps, to several causes, all probably resulting from the un- settled state of the country. The financial powers of the Order have been crippled and the usual postal facilities have been restricted by Governmental authority. The intercourse with our Companions in other jurisdictions, by means of published proceed- ings, has in time past afiforded us great pleasure, and we have re- ceived much valuable instruction ; and to be deprived of so much pleasure and so much instruction adds to the many regrets all must feel in these times of unhappy excitement. Let us here unite in the hope that peace may right speedily reign throughout the country, and the former relations of friend- ship and fraternity be renewed— when we shall be permitted to meet all members of our perfect Order in that vale where the lillies bloom, where no sounds of tumult or discord jars upon the ear. In entering upon the task now before them, your Committee would fail to express their first thoughts, did they not pay their tribute of high appreciation to the able and faithful manner in which like duties have been discharged by their predecessors, and proceed to the labor before them with a sense of great delicacy. Your Committee will endeavor to present to your consideration such points as they have deemed of general interest. If they disap- prove, it will be their study to do so in a fraternal spirit. If they approve and concur, they will try to do so in such a manner that others may not take offense. Waiving further remarks, your Com- mittee hasten to introduce you once more to the Companionship of those of our Order in other jurisdictions. * * * * h= * 337 The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report : The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the following Councils have made returns and paid dues : Columbian, No. i M. P. Jonathan Jarvis. Brooklyn, No. 4 T. I. E. J. Spink. Adelphic, No. 7 T. I. D. B. Howell. Central City, No. 13 T. I. S. M. Rust. Bloss, No. 14 T. I. Richard Bloss. Bruce, No. 15 R. P. and Rev. C. H. Piatt, Proxy. Southern Tier, No. 16 R. I .Isaac S. Marshall. Buffalo, No. 17 R. I. William. Gould. King Hiram, No. 18. R. P. & Rev. C. H. Piatt, Proxy. Doric, No. 19 R. 1. W. E. Lathrop. Keystone, No. 20 R. I. M. Pinner. Your Committee would state that they find the returns very generally correct and in due form, with the single exception of King Hiram, No. 18, which has no signature or seal attached there- to. On motion, it was Resolved, That the proxy given by King Hiram Council, be deemed valid, although not strictly complying with the require- ments of the Constitution. J. Shove, \ J. B. Harris, ]- Committee on Credentials. Jonathan Jarvis, ) The Committee on Grievances and Appeals presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received : The Committee on Grievances and Appeals respectfully re- port that there have been no matters of grievance or appeals re- ferred to them, and congratulate the Grand Council on this evi- dence of harmony and good feeling prevailing throughout the subordinate Councils under this jurisdiction. William Gould, ") r^^ „•., Charles E. GiUett, ^ . Committee on S. T. Fisk ' 3 Grievances and Appeals. 338 The Committee on Warrants presented the following Report : To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee on Warrants respectfully report, that the only subject submitted to their consideration was that presented in the Address of the M. P. Grand Master, in regard to the disposition of the warrant constitutionally granted to the De Witt Clinton Coun- cil, No. 22. The condition imposed at the last Annual Assembly of the Grand Council was simply the requirement that the Coun- cil make the proper return, with the Grand Council dues, as en- joined by the Constitution. A sufficient extenuation of their neg- lect to comply with this condition is stated in the Grand Master's Address. In consideration of the fact that the neglect is thus excusable, we perceive a fraternal propriety in the course sug- gested by our M. P. Grand Master, and would recommend that he be requested to deliver the warrant already authorized, upon the presentation of proper returns and dues for both the last two years. Signed : Charles H. Piatt, ^ D. B. Howell, > Committee on Warrants. Richard Bloss, ) The Committee on Constitution offered the following Amend- ment, which was unanimously adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. : The Committee on Constitution would propose an amendment to Section 13, of Article I, of the Constitution, by inserting after the words, "under its jurisdiction," the words "unless the Grand Council shall otherwise order." . E. T- Spink, 1 _, . _, . . S M Rust 1 Committee on Constitution. The Finance Committee presented the following Report, which was received, and the recommendation adopted: 339 To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : Your Finance Committee would respectfully report, that having examined the accounts of the Grand Secretary and Treas- urer, they lind them correct. In relation to the indebtedness of this Grand Council for printing the Constitution and General Regulations and Proceed- ings of last year, which amounting to a much larger sum than can again be expected for many years, they would recommend, as a matter of economy, the Grand Recorder be directed not to pub- lish the proceedings of the present year until after the session of our next Annual Grand Council, which will leave in the hands of the Grand Treasurer a considerable sum to be applied in extin- guishing the debt, and which, in the opinion of your Committee, will be more satisfactory than a resort to assessment. William Bloss, \ S. M. Rust, [ Committee on Finance. D. B. Howell, ) On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of the Grand Coun- cil be held on the first Tuesday of February, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M., in the City of Albany. The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year. R. P. Comp. J. B. Harris and R. P. Richard Bloss were appointed Tellers. M. P. N. O. Benjamin was elected. . . .Grand Master. R. P. C. H. Piatt was elected. . .Dep. Grand Master. T. I. Richard Bloss was elected Gr. 111. Master. R. P. Chas. E. Gillett was elected. G. P. C. of the W. P. J. Shove was elected Grand Recorder. P.J. B. Harris was elected. .. .Grand Treasurer. M. P. N. O. Benjamin, R. P. Charles H. Piatt, and T. I. Richard Bloss were elected Trustees of the permanent fund. The M. P. made the following appointments : T. I. William E. Lathrop Grand C. of the G. T. I. S. M. Rust Marshal. Rev. Henry C. Vogell ] Chaplains. Rev. A. B. Beach ) ^ R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Lecturer. T. I. E. J. Spink Steward. A. G. Dart Sentinel. 340 The M. P. appointed as Committee on Foreign Correspond- ence : — E. P. Breed, J. Shove and John B. Harris. On Unfinished Business:— C. E. Gillett, C. H. Piatt and R. Bloss. M. P. Jonathan Jarvis then installed the G. M. -elect, and the M. P. G. M. installed the remaining officers. R. P. Comp. C. H. Piatt offered the following Resolution, which was adopted : Resolved, That the Recorder of each Council in this jurisdiction be requested to make a full and complete return to the Grand Council, previous to the last Wednesday in January next, of all the members of the Council, in the form mentioned in Article II, Section 13, of the Constitution. On motion, Section 9, paragraph 4, of Article II, was amended by striking out the word "May," and inserting "January," as far as it can be at this Assembly. On motion, the Grand Lecturer was excused from exempli- fying the work at this Annual Session. On motion, the salary of the Grand Recorder was fixed at fifty dollars, and the Grand Sentinel at seven dollars. Sundry bills were presented and referred to the Finance Com- mittee, to be paid, if found correct. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed with prayer and in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. [It will be noticed that the Address of the Grand Master does not appear in the foregoing Minutes. After its delivery, it was taken by him for revision, and was never returned to the Grand Recorder.] 341 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, ^lasonic Hall, Albany, February 3rd, A. D. 1863, A. Dep. 2863. The JMost Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, February 3rd, A. D. 1863, A. Dep. 2863. Present : R. P. Rev. Charles H. Piatt, D. G. M., as. .Grand Pilaster. R. P. Richard Bloss Grand Illustrious ^Master. R. P. Charles E. Gillett Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. M. Pinner as Grand Recorder. R. P. W. E. Lathrop, Grand C. of the G. R. P. S. M. Rust Grand :^rarshal. P. D. A. Knapp Grand Steward. P. A. G. Dart Grand Sentinel. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Brooklyn, No. 4 J. ^1. Weeks. Adelphic, No. 7 John Hoole. Central City, No. 13 S. M. Rust. Bloss, No. 14 Richard Bloss. Bruce, No. 15 C. H. Piatt. Southern Tier, No. 16 J. D. Williams. Buffalo, No. 17 James McCredie. Doric, No. 19 ^^^ E. Lathrop. Keystone, No. 20 ^L Pinner. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand blaster. The reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with. The following communication was read, and ordered to be entered on the Alinutes. Headquarters, Gen. Grover's Division, Gen. Bank's Expedition, Baton Rouge, La, Dec. 29th, 1862. Companions of the Grand Council : — Aly connection with the Army of the Southwest renders it impossible for me to meet with you at your Annual Assembly, but you may rest assured that my heart, if at that time it beats at all, 342 will pulsate in unison with yours. I have been so long associated with you at your Annual Assemblies that it seems unnatural that I should be absent, but "necessity knows no law." For many courtesies that I have received at your hands, dur- ing the years I have been officially connected with you, accept my grateful acknowledgments, and allow me to wish yqurselves and the Grand Council every prosperity. Receive this from one whose official connection with your Grand Body has ceased, and one who, in the vicissitudes of a soldier's life, may never meet with any of you again in this world, but trusts to see you all in the Grand Council above, where there is no more parting. Officially, I have done nothing since the last Annual Assembly, having joined the army immediately after that time. God bless you all; farewell. • N. O. BENJAMIN, Grand Master. The Grand Master appointed the following Committees : On Warrants and Dispensations : — Comp. John Hoole, Comp. J. McCredie, and Comp. W. E. Lathrop. On Foreign Correspondence : — Comp. S. H. Stone, Comp. S. T. Fisk, and Comp. J. M. Weeks. On Constitution and By-Laws : — Comp. M. Pinner, Comp. S. M. Rust and Comp. Williams. On Grievances and Appeals : — Comp. Richard Bloss, Comp. C. H. Gillett, and Comp. W. E. Lathrop. On Unfinished Business : — Comp. S. M. Rust, Comp. M. Pinner, and Comp. S. H. Stone. On Credentials : — Comp. S. M. Rust, Comp. M. Pinner and Comp. J. McCredie. 343 The Grand Recorder presented the following Annual Report, which was received, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : Your Recorder would present the following Annual Report: June 2d, 1862. Receipts. From Columbian Council, No. i $7-25 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 11. 12 Adelphic Council, No. 7 40.12 Central City Council, No. 13 . . 8.87 Bloss Council, No. 14 9.88 Bruce Council, No. 15 10.50 " Southern Tier Council, No. 16 12.62 Buffalo Council, No. 17 8.81 King Hiram Council, No. 18 3.75 Doric Council, No. 19 9.00 Keystone Council, No. 20 3.50 $125.42 June 5. Seal on Certificate .50 June 23. Dispensation to King Hiram, No. 18, .50 Dec. 13. Dispensation to Bruce, No. 15 50 $126.92 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer, and his receipt taken therefor. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. Albany, February 3rd, 1863. 344 The Grand Treasurer presented the following Annual Report, which was received, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the M. P Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : Your Treasurer would present the following as his Annual Report : June 2d, 1862. Balance cash on hand as per last report $17.92 June 2d, 1862. Received from Grand Re- corder 125.42 Feb. 2d, 1863. Received from Grand Re- corder 1.50 $144.84 Paid the following Warrants ; No. 37 $7.00 No. 38 $6.00 No. 39. On account of 50.00 No. 40. On account of 50.00 I No. 41. On account of 25.00 $138.00 Balance of cash in my hands this date $6.84 J. B. HARRIS, Grand Treasurer. New York, February 3rd, 1863. 345 The Committee on Credentials presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received : The Committee on Credentials would respectfully report, that the following persons have presented their credentials, and are en- titled to seats in this Grand Body : Pennell, No. 2 Adelphic, No. 7 John Hoole. Central City, No. 13 Stiles M. Rust. Bloss, No. 14 Richard Bloss. Bruce, No. 15 C. H. Piatt, Proxy. Southern Tier, Xo. 16 J. D. Williams. Buffalo, No. 17 James jMcCredie. Doric, No. 19 W. E. Lathrop. Keystone, No. 20 i\I. Pinner. S. M. Rust, ) M. Pinner, - Committee. J. McCredie, ) On motion, the compensation of the Grand Recorder was fixed at fifteen dollars. On motion, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That th.e balance remaining, after paying all debts, be paid towards liquidating Warrant No. 39. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : I\I. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. Richard Bloss Dep. Grand Master. P. Charles E. Gillett Grand 111. Master. P. John Hoole G. P. C. of the W. P. Josiali Shove G. Recorder. P. J. B. Harris G. Treasurer. The Grand Master appointed R. P. William E. Lathrop G. C. of G. R. P. Stiles M. Rust G. iMarshal. P. Charles Craig G. Steward. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk G. Lecturer. C. H. Piatt, -\ Richard Bloss, > Trustees. C. E. Gillett, ) Rev. H. C. Vogell, Rev. A. P. Burch, , a nx, ^ ■ Rev. John N. Parker, { ■ ■ -Grand Chaplams. Rev. James Freeman, 346 R. P. S. H. Stone duly installed the elected and appointed offi- cers. The Grand Marshal then proclaimed the installation of the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in Ample Form. On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the City of Albany, on the first Tuesday in February next, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. On motion, two dollars was appropriated to Comp. Crosbie for his attendance. The Grand Master appointed R. P. John Hoole, T. I. J. M. Weeks, T. I. D. B. Howell, Finance Committee. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed with prayer, and in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. M7 GRAXD COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Masonic Hall, Albany. Feb. 2d, 1864, A. Dep. 2864. The Alost Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly, in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, February 2d, A. D. 1864, A. Dep. 2864. Present: AL P. Charles H. Piatt Grand }>Iaster. R. P. Bradlev Parker Grand Illustrious ^Master. R, P. John Hoole Grand P. C. of the ^^'ork. \Mlliam B. Shove as Grand Recorder. Lorenzo Lombard as Grand C. of the G. R. P. Georee H. Ravmond Grand Marshal. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. P. L. G. Dart Grand Sentinel. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No, i, Southern Tier, No. 16, Brooklvn, No. 4, Buffalo, No. 17, Adelphic, No. 7, King Hiram, No. 18, Eureka, No. 8. Doric. No. 19, Central Citv, No. 13, Kevstone, No. 20, Bloss, No. 14, ' De Witt Clinton, No. 22. ^ Bruce, No. 15, The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the ^I. P. Grand Master. On motion, the Committee on Credentials of last year was con- tinued, and power given to sit during the session. On motion, the reading of the minutes of the last Annual As- semblv was dispensed with. The M. P. Grand ■Master then presented his Annual Address, which was, on motion, ordered to be spread at length upon the min- utes, and referred to a Committee of three, consisting of Comps. Saf- ford, Teson, and Watson, to apportion the various subjects therein treated of to appropriate Committees. 348 THE ADDRESS. Companions, Members of the Grand Council : The honored position which your favor had assigned me, de- mands now from me a review of the important events affecting Cryptic Masonry in our jurisdiction, during the period of my re- sponsibility as your chief ofificer. The actual labor required in the discharge of this trust does not appear in the present results. But T am persuaded that foundations have been laid on which our manifold arches will yet be reared to resound with the echo of many a well-tempered trowel. Much of the frustration that disappoints our efforts is occasioned by the com- motions of society, attending our fearful condition of war. Brethren are arrayed against each other in the strife of arms, and they that exchanged the courtesies of Cryptic fellowship contend now in deadly rage. Under this condition of military necessity, our correspondence has been discontinued. The interchange of sentimnet and reflec- tion from one to the other, of each year's additional light, have yielded to silence and to a mournful brooding within our own vaults over the calamity that separates brethren, suspends the offices of mu- tual respect, shrouds the names of those whom we had ever men- tioned with honor, reduces our fellowship to the limits of a section, instead of carrying it joyously and equally over the whole land, and mocks us with grim uncertainties, instead of assuring us that the next moon or the next solstice shall find us clasped in the embrace of re-united friends. When that day of restoration shall come, how will that first Masonic sound, which thrills with the sound of the first footfall upon the ground floor of the Temple ; how will that earliest lesson of brotherhood startle glad echoes from the middle to the Holy of Holies, and from the vault of the finished Temple to the arches, where the select and faithful gather : "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." t The malign influences of our public agitations have not been confined to our relations with other Grand Councils. We have en- countered its detriment in all our efforts at home. As the good old Leighton said, "In times of peace we are enlarged and build wider and wider, but when the conflict comes, we are straitened for room and build upward." The effect of the unsettled and restless state of affairs has been to cripple our energies, to discourage progress, to baff!e projects of enlargement, and to threaten disbandment, where 349 th.e heart of zeal and hope was not alive. As the year has ad- vanced, we have g-radually rallied from our universal feeling of de- pression. Those that crept back from exertion into some compla- cent theory, that these Cryptic degrees might just as properly be con- signed to the custody of Capitular Masonry have received better light, have conversed with the ancient standards of the Craft, have felt the necessity of falling back upon landmarks, and have yielded gracefully and manfully to the confession, that Cryptic knowledge implies Cryptic authority; that the privileges of the Select are not inherently those of the Royal Arch, and that the preservation of these traditions has been due to the jealousy with which Counciliar Masonry has preserved its trust and guarded it against impertinent curiosity. As we have thus recovered from the blow inflicted by civil war, a new energy has been infused into our Subordinate Councils. Num- bers are soliciting the privileges of our light. INIagnanimous Sir Knights, that had been dubbed without admission to our Councils, have discovered that there was a link wanting in their chain of knowledge, and that link Councils must supply. The augury of growth and firmness appears in many of our Councils. The dawn of a better era is surely glowing in our sky. Tlie languid are re- vivine: the newer Councils are threatening to outstrip those that have grown supine, and from venerable Columbian to valiant Bruce, the greeting goes, while the palms of victory vibrate between the sturdy Central City, suited by its very location for preservation, and the ambitious De Witt Clinton aspiring to vie with its honored neigh- bor in Troy. You may not perceive the evidences here of this approaching success, but I hear the pibroch in the distance, and I tell you that the reinforcement comes, if we but make ourselves worthy of it. It onlv remains for us to substitute a brave, efficient, earnest, cap- able Master for the inexperience and inactivity that has faltered through the year, doing but little, yet that its best, and to surround vour leading representatives with auxiliaries so placed and so qualified that they can exert themselves and can help, by their exertions ; and the grand result for which others have labored and others have hoped, will be our enjoyment. During the past year the organization at Albany has proceeded' with its labors, and under a warrant as De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22, has assumed an atti- tude that gives promise of vigor in this heart of our Common- wealth. Initiatory measures have been taken at various points in this State for the estabhshment of new Councils, but none have matured into Dispensations. Unless some serious loss should be- fall us, another year will witness the ripening of several of these projects. 350 The question much discussed among us for several years, is that respecting the most feasible plan for locating the place and time of our Annual Assembly. The Companions will observe that we are, by our Constitution, committed to no other policy on the subject but this, that once within the Cryptic year, those authorized to manage our Cryptic interests will assemble, consult, elect, appoint and co-operate for the best interests of the Subordinate Councils. The dictate of our best judgment is all our policy. But in that is now included the fortune of the Grand Council. We must so order on this subject, that our decision shall commend itself as originating in no personal preferences, but as solely concerned in rendering the Annual Assembly most eftective, and securmg to our Grand Officers the best opportunity for advancing their work. My own private opinion has been, that we needed to bring the Grand Council nearer to its remote members, rather than to force certain Western portions to traverse great distances. I have believed that we had reached a degree of extension which would, at least for one or two years, have rendered it profitable for us, like the Grand Commandery, to migrate and to privilege the var- ious sections of our jurisdiction. But I have never pressed, and would scarcely now obtrude my private views. Whatever our best discretion shall decide will have my indorsement, and if we all act generously and unselfishly, the conclusion of the majority ought to arouse no remonstrance. My Companions, it is a most impressive fact, that almost the only tones which we can hear sounding throughout the Cryptic year are those of funeral woe. Much of the zeal and animation which had pervaded our Annual Assemblies in later years was derived from the personal presence, with all their stores of Masonic learning and zeal, with all their attractions of cultivation and amenity of two Companions whose names now stand conspicuous upon our record of the dead, the late M. P. Grand Master Benjamin, and his hon- ored predecessor, the intelligent and accomplished Sommers. Par nobile fratrnm. Sorrow vibrates in the voice that proclaims them dead. Early in the march of life, with many of its possible glories unattained, but with large measures of its achievement in promise, they have fallen. The genius of Masonry weaves chaplets to their memory, and drops the friendly tear. At our last Annual Assem- bly the absence of our M. P. Grand Master was an obstruction to our proceedings, which we scarcely felt competent to surmount. His letter of regret, conveyed to us, counsels that were valuable, but under the fear that the fortunes of war would not permit him to exercise his functions, we were contrained to place him among those Past Grand Officers who have wielded the sceptre most il- 351 lustriously and surrendered it to others. Friends watched his career as an officer in our volunteer army, engaged in the critical enterprises along the lower Mississippi. They found him resolute and daring. They were greeted with the report that he honored his name, and bore the reputation of a diligent officer, a heroic soldier, a noble gentleman and a magnanimous friend. It was not unexpected then, to hear that he was at all times ready for peril, as he was prompt in duty. But it was a shock that sent the tremors of distress through his associates in their Cryptic toils, when the tidings came of that deadly assault at Port Hudson, on the second Sunday in June, and that the fatal bullet there pierced his brain, and silenced the manly voice, which waits for the greater than Solomon to speak from the glories of the Perfect Arch, "Young man, I say unto thee, arise." Life was not extinct until the after- noon of the fifteenth, but unconsciousness had prevailed from the hour of his wound on the preceding day. He is truly described by our R. P. Grand Recorder as, "the one to whom the Cryptic De- grees owe so much of the vitality of late years instilled into them." My Companions, this Grand Council recognizes a debt of gratitude to him ; various Masonic Bodies have felt the influence of his energy. There was something of majestic power in his vigor of effort ; there was an instinctive discretion in the man, and in execu- tion there was a power of will which ordinary difficulties could not paralyze. His example, in this respect, commands our honor and our emulation. It was intended to transport his remains to South Egremont, Berkshire County, Mass., his native place, for inter- ment, with full Masonic honors, but I am not advised that this pur- pose has yet been accomplished. At the time of our first grief at this irreparable loss, we were also agitated with reports of imminent danger that our "R. P. Deputy Grand Master, Dr. Richard Bloss, would be taken from us. Our forebodings were realized on Sunday, the 13th of Sep- tember. It is stated that the disease which caused his death was contracted some twenty-three years ago, while he was engaged in making a post-mortem examination, when he accidently received into his system the fatal virus. He narrowly escaped death at the time, and never recovered from the effects of the poison. His early life, prior to this accident, had been spent in Vermont, but for the last quarter of a century his name was honored among the most respected and intelligent citizens of Troy. Under his aus- pices. Lodge, Chapter and Commandery had flourished, and from his zeal, one of our most extensive Councils derived its origin, and such was his invulnerable character, that every objection to the precedent was waived, in complimenting him and honoring the Council, with the designation of its living Founder and Head. It remains as a beautiful monument to his memory, and we trust that 352 his virtues may survive there, with his name, rendering credit to the institution of Masonry, and transmitting to generations yet to come, the record of one whose praise is in all our Masonic Bodies. The transparent candor, the genuine benevolence, the unblemished piety, the meek reverence, the judicious caution, the unwearied zeal, the tongue of kindness and the ear of patience — all these were his — a complex of character that moved among men like healing virtue, and which vanishes from us like the burial of bless- ings. Vanishes, did I say? Nay, it shall survive while Cryptic memories are just, or Cryptic models are to be depicted. Many of you will recall the spare figure that for years has graced our Grand Councils, carrying on its front eyes that be- spoke intelligence, showing in every gesture a cultivated gentle- man, and in its utterances always disclosing an intellect well fur- nished, that acted under the promptings of a warm and generous heart. That form has been consigned to its kindred dust. It bore the honors of our Grand Mastership with a courtesy not to be forgotten. It was clad within the last year with the regalia of a R. W. Deputy Grand Master in our Grand Lodge. On the 23rd of November last he yielded his soul to the God who gave it, and all Masonry joined with us in lamenting the gifted Sommers. The immortality within brooked not the delays of time, but hurried through the delicate frame-work that would imprison it, to the regions of a greater light. Mournfully do we rehearse these shrouded names — Benjamin, Bloss, Sommers. Let it be our pleasure to prove that their labor was not misapplied — that they planted not their hopes on blank and barren ingratitude. During the term of my office I have been privileged with visiting and presiding in Bruce Council, at Lockport; Central City, at Syracuse, and King Hiram Council, at Auburn. Our R. P. Grand Illustrious Master has devoted most' of his atten- tion to Southern Tier Council, at Elmira. He has transmitted a communication full of cordial feeling, which I commend to your consideration. Our R. P. G. P. Conductor of the Work has kept under his special observation the Councils laboring in New York and vicinity. His report indicates that Adelphic Council, though blighted by two of the sad fates we have recalled, still flourishes and reaches after the palm of superior merit ; that Brooklyn Council thrives despite the inroads of public commotion, and that venerable Col- umbian clings with unflinching tenacity to the honor which age has legitimately conferred. Indulge me. Companions, in' directing attention to one phase of our duties which ought not to be dis- missed from our minds. 'Masonry is intrinsically historical. The 353 value of the whole system — from the untutored rudiments of Ap- prenticeship to the Cryptic crown of the Ancient Craft ; from the stone first laid at the northeast corner to the winged glories of the 33rd degree — the value of the whole is, that it contains and expresses and preserves history. Our fidelity then, as Ivlasons, is involved in the scrupulous care with which we collect and deposit and shelter from oblivion the flitting items of Masonic history. You know Cicero's observation, "That to be ignorant of what happened before we ourselves came into the world, is to be always children." You know that the manly maturity is what we honor, with the traditional history treasured by the Craft. Let us then, give it our heed and our care, that the archives of our Grand Coun- cil in no year fail to receive the full deposit of all those minute statements which our Cryptic history gleans in every portion of the State. Let our Subordinate Councils give fullness and pre- cision to their records, and a frequent compilation of personal memories in their archives, as the least homage we can render to the Ancient Grand Masters, whose forethought for future genera- tions has rescued the very illuminations of Heaven from the dark- ness that steals upon the highest brilliancies of man. What have been all the valuable sources of history to man, but the efforts of the profane to imitate this intrinsic virtue of the Craft? What an enigma would Babylon have always remained, had not Berosus, the priest of Bel, transcribed those public archives. Egyptian life would have been no more to us than a broken shaft and a mummy, had not Thouth recorded hieroglyphics upon tomb and pillar, and Manethos collected his three books of Egyptian Dynasty from sacred characters. And who would have known the chain that links European history with Phoenician adventure, had not San- choniathon digested a connected narrative out of the annals of cities and out of the books kept in the Temple, which were un- rolled to his eye by Jerom Baal, priest of the God Jao. Roman history brings to us its pregnant examples through the annals maximi which the Pontifix prepared every year, recording every public act. All the erudition of our age recognizes this sacred duty ; and civilized people now claim the name only as they are rescuers of history, moved to make it for generations, because they have felt the power of it as derived from the past. Let us see that in noble, manly, zealous fulfillment of our part as Masons, we make elements of history in our conduct, and transmit the records of our worthy example, and of examples that have inspired us to them, that shall walk through the arches of living humanity, when we are "mouldering neath the silent urn." Comp. S. H. Stone was duly installed as 111. P. C. of Work in Central City Council, No. 13. 3S4 The Grand Recorder presented the following Annual Report, which was received, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Receipts of the last Annual Assembly : Dues from Columbian Council, No. i $4-87 Dues from Brooklyn Council, No. 4 8.00 Dues from Adelphic Council, No. 7 25.71 Dues from Eureka Council, No. 8 6.15 Dues from Central City Council, No. 13 5.34 Dues from Bloss Council, No. 14 7.46 Dues from Bruce Council, No. 15 8.64 ': Dues from Southern Tier Council, No. 16. . . . 6.66 i Dues from Buffalo Council, No. 17 7.32 Dues from Doric Council, No. 19 5.50 Dues from Keystone Council, No. 20 3.43 Dues from De Witt Clinton CI., No. 22. $5.00 Balance on Warrant " " " . 10.00 15.00 Nine seals affixed to certificates 4.50 Dispensation to elect officers in No. 13 50 Dispensation to elect officers in No. 15 50 $109.58 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 3SS New York, February ist, 1864. The Grand Treasurer presented the following Annual Report, which was received, and referred to the Finance Committee : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : Your Treasurer offers the following Annual Report : Balance cash on hand as per last report S6.84 Received from Grand Recorder 109.58 $116.42 Paid on account of \\'arrant No. 39. .$75.00 Paid ^^'arrant No. 42 2.00 Paid Warrant No. 43 15.00 92.00 Balance cash on hand. . $-4-42 Balance due on Warrant No. 39 is $113.21. All of which is respectfully submitted, J. B. HARRIS, Grand Treasurer. The Grand ]\Iaster appointed the following Committees : On Grievances : — ^I. ^I. \^'ood, L. Lombard, B. Parker. On Constitutions and Bv-Laws : — James McCredie, C. W. W^atson, D. F. Day. On Credentials : — S. H. Stone, L. Lombard, S. T. Fisk. On Warrants : — Geo. H. Raymond, John Hoole, Charles Teson. The Committee to whom was referred the Grand Master's Address presented the following report, which was received and adopted, and the Committee discharged. The Committee to whom was referred the AL P. Grand Master's Address would beg leave to report, that a blank page be left for each Grand Officer deceased, and that suitable resolutions be adopted by this Grand Body relative to the death of our Illus- trious Companions, and a copy thereof sent to the families of the deceased. All of which is respectfully submitted. J. S. Saflford, ) ^ Chas. Teson, | Committee. 356 A communication was received from Charles E. Gillett, Grand 111. Master, which was read and ordered to be placed on file. The Committee on Unfinished Business reported that there was none remaining over from the last Annual Assembly. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence stated that they had no report to make at this Assembly. On motion, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the City of Albany, on the first Tuesday in February next, at 7 :30 o'clock, P. M. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Committee on Credentials and Returns would report, that they have examined the returns of the various Councils, and find them correct, and that the following Representatives are en- titled to seats in this Grand Council, together with the Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers : Columbian, No. i George H. Raymond. Eureka, No. 8 Central City, No. 13 Seymour H. Stone. Bloss, No. 14 Charles Teson. Bruce, No. 15 Charles H. Piatt. Southern Tier, No. 16 J. D. Williams. Bufifalo, No. 17 James McCredie. King Hiram, No. 18 L. Lombard. Doric, No. 19 C. W. Watson. Keystone, No. 20 D. F. Day. Adelphic, No. 7 J. S. Safiford. James McCredie, George H. Raymond, [ Committee Robert Bell, The hour for the election of officers having arrived, the M. P. appointed Comps. Bell and Seaver as Tellers, and the following officers were elected : 357 M.P.Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole .Dep. Grand Master. R. P. Tames McCredie Grand 111. Master. R. P. John D. Williams Grand P. C. of W. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. J. B. Harris Grand Treasurer. David F. Day, ^ J. S. Safford, [ Trustees. Chas. H. Piatt, ) R. P. Companion Bradley Parker duly installed the Grand ^Master-elect and the Grand Master then installed the remaining officers. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : George H. Raymond Grand C. of G. C. W. Snow Grand Marshal. C. W. Watson Grand Steward. L. G. Dart Grand Sentinel. Comps. Vogel, Beach, Parker and Freeman, Grand Chaplains. And the above Companions were duly installed by the Grand Master. The Grand Marshal then proclaimed the installation of the officers of the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in Ample Form. The following Standing Committees were announced by the Grand Master: On Foreign Correspondence : — Charles Craig, J. D. Williams, P. P. Murphy. On Unfinished Business : — Bradley Parker, F. Chamberlain, S. H. Stone. On Finance : — John Hoole, Jam'CS McCredie, J. Shove. On motion, the salary of the Grand Recorder was for the past year fixed at $25.00, and the Grand Sentinel at $2.00. On motion, it was voted that the funds in the hands of the Grand Treasurer, not otherwise appropriated, be paid on account of Warrant No. 39. The Finance Committee reported, that they had examined the accounts and vouchers of the Recorder and Treasurer, and found them correct. 358 On motion, the Grand Master and Grand Recorder were ap- pointed a Committee to draft suitable resolutions relative to the decease of P. G. Officers, and furnish certified copies to the families of the deceased. The following Committees were announced : On Grievances : — M. M. Wood, L. Lombard, B. Parker. On Constitution and By-Laws : — James McCredie, C. W. Wat- son, D. F. Day. On Credentials :—S. H. Stone, L. Lombard, S. T. Fisk. On Warrants : — Geo. H. Raymond, John Hoole, Charles Teson. No further business appearing, the Minutes were read and approved, and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. JOSIAH SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 359 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Albany, Tuesday, Feb. 7th, A. D. 1865, A. D. 2865. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly, in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution adopted at the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, February 7, A. D. 1865, A. Dep. 2865. Present : M. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. J. D. Williams Grand P. C. of the Work. R.P.J. Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. G. H. Raymond Grand C. of the G. R. P. C. H. Snow Grand Alarshal. P. C. \\'. Watson Grand Steward. P. Amasa J. Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. R. P. Augustus Willard Past Dep. Gr. Master. R. P. Seymour H. Stone Past Dep. Gr. Master. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i , Bruce, No. 15, Brooklyn, No. 4, Southern Tier, No. 16, Adelphic, No. 7, Buffalo, No. 17, Eureka, No. 8. King Hiram, No. 18, Central City, No. 13, Keystone, No. 20, Bloss, No. 14, DeWitt CHnton, No. 22. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand Master. On motion of R. P. Comp. Josiah Shove, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good stand- ing, in the Order be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. The M. P. Grand Master then read his Annual Address, which was, on motion of R. P. Comp. Stone, ordered to be spread at length upon the Minutes, and referred to a Committee of three, to apportion the various subjects therein treated of to appropriate Committees. 360 THE ADDRESS. Companions in the Cryptic Light : The revolving year summons us again to reminiscence, and to the careful discharge of responsible duties. We assemble in a pro- found sense of our dependence upon that Wisdom and Supreme Power which devises in secret chambers the purpose of goodness, and treasures among its select intimates the mysteries of celestial light. The principle of Masonic transmission is the resemblance and the product of that Divine Wisdom. We imitate and we obey the Sovereign Father of the Universe, while we practice among all men the virtues He favors, and hold in perpetual guardian- ship the traditions of knowledge and truth. To promote these objects is the purpose of our assemblage. We join in annual retrospect. We renew the pledges of fraternity. We recognize our stewardship as no achievement of a groveling or sordid personal ambition, but as the performance of a sacred trust. In the spirit of devotion to a lofty enterprise we engage in these deliberations. Eeeling that humanity needs these- institu- tions, and that everlasting truth asks for the shelter of our sym- bolic arches, we gratefully recall the benefits of the year that closes its account, and thoughtfully ponder our plans for future fidelity and usefulness. No justly balanced mind can entertain without emotion the facts of convulsion and discord, which stare upon us from the furious features of our shattered and frenzied country. Battles that bristle- with grim horror, and revolution that wrenches the virtues of community, and agitations that dislocate the rela- tions of brotherhood — these are the portentous evils which are infesting the society where our actions lie, and are throwing their baleful shadow even over our sequestered retreats. Grand Coun- cils of jurisdiction like our own, in whose fellowship we found in former years the source of refreshment, and with whose brilliant examples of ardent zeal we rekindled our own flickering energies, are exscinded from the association of fraternal concord, and sil- enced to us as if separated by a wall of death. The demands of war snatch from our assemblies many a Companion who sounded the silver trumpet or guarded well his post, or wrought his regular hours in the kind utilities of social peace. Conscription tasks the energies or public emergencies engross the attention of those who ^would in other times be wielding the trowel of unity and multiply- 'ing our depositories of light, and our laboratories for the chief skill of the ancient Craft. It is an occasion of congratulation, that amid all these discouragements and these distracting events, and these abrupt upliftings of repeated surprises to impede our work, the subordinate Councils of this jurisdiction maintain themselves 361 so steadfastly, strengthen in spite of difficulties, recover from re- verses, and with fissiparous vitality convert fragments into organ- ized Bodies. As exemplifications of this prosperity in Cryptic Masonry, I would refer to the returns of several of our larger Councils. They exhibit not only the addition of numbers well comparing with other and more peaceful years, but also the assimilation of mater- ials that have been illustrious in the lower degrees of the Craft, and will emulate the attainments of the brightest among the select and chosen few. The attention of your R. P. Deputy Grand Master has been directed to the reviving and vigorous establishment of Pennell Council, No. 2. His zeal and discretion have been successful. With the co-operation of worthy Companions, the labors of that Council have been resumed. It aspires to its position in the van of our column. But financial embarrassment cripples its efforts. Heavy obligations cumber its treasury. In this condition of am- bition for the future, but of arrears hampering its progress, it appeals to the indulgence of this Grand Body, and undertakes to be the custodian of its own high honor hereafter, if we will gener- ously overlook the delinquencies of its prostrate years, and remit the dues which accrued during those days of inactivity and decline. I commend the subject to the liberal action of this Grand Council. On the 23d day of February last, I granted a Dispensation to Th. 111. Corydon Wheat, blaster; R. 111. Willard N. Smith, Deputy IMaster ; 111. Henry W. McGonegal, Principal Conductor of W., and Companions Wm. F. Eddington, Ami Whitney, Jr., John Shook, Wm. E. Hayes. Wm. B. Dunning and David P. Dey, to hold a Council in the Village of Geneva, County of Ontario, and State of New York, by the name of Ontario Council. On the 14th day of January, A. Dep. 2865, I granted a Dis- pensation to Th. 111. Charles M. Brown, Master; R. 111. Geo. W. Seymour, Deputy Master; 111. Chauncey Marvin, Principal Con- ductor of W. ; and Companions Clinton F. Paige, H. Clay Pres- ton, Solon Stocking, J. jM. Reid, A. W. Tyler, H. S. Sloan, Joseph B. Chafifee and Wm. M. Crossby, to form and hold a Council in Binghampton, Broome County, N. Y., by the name of Binghamp- ton Council. I trust that both these Councils will exhibit such proficiency and promise as to justify the rendering to them the maturer power of Warrant of Constiution from this Grand Council. During the year I have presided and installed officers in Central City Council, No. 13, and in Bruce Council, No. 15. I have also vis- ited and presided in Ontario Council, U. D., and Binghampton Coun- cil, U. D. 362 I have proposed visitations at several other Councils, but have not been able to conclude appointments that would serve the conven- ience of those concerned. The Councils in the vicinity of New York, I have committed to the special attention of R. P. Comp. Hoole, who has faithfully discharged his duties by visitation and by report to us. Southern Tier Council, No. i6, I have especially commended to the oversight of R. P. Comp. Williams, who is residing in Elmira. He reports the exercise of consummate zeal and circumspection in the guardianship of Cryptic Light within that Council. Under the auspices of faithful officers it has prospered, and with our R. P. Comp. now exercising the Master's function, its future will not be dimmed. Buffalo Council, No. 17, and Keystone, No. 20, have received the benefit of R. P. Comp. McCredie's personal presence. He has care- fully scrutinized their work, and cheers us with the report of flatter- ing prospects for those important branches of our jurisdiction. Efforts have been made by some worthy Companions to accom- plish the organization of a new Council in the City of Oswego. The plans were matured too late to anticipate this Annual Assembly. But the project is still cherished by our R. P. Grand Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Beach and Comp. A. D. Brigham. It has,my cordial en- dorsement, and is commended to the immediate consideration of niy successor in these grand powers. There has been no authoritative representation to me that any of our subordinate Councils have been delinquent in returns to the Grand Council; but I suspect that our thoughts ought, in justice, be directed to this subject. I would recommend the submitting to a Committee the facts in this respect as they appear upon the Rec- ords of the Grand Council, and as confronted with Art. I, Sec. 19. Art. n, Sec. 4, of our Constitutions. Forfeiture of Warrant is not incurred without charges in Grand Council, but the duty of preferring charg^es is nowhere devolved, and is not likely to be gratuitously assumed, unless under great aggravations. The question of pub- ication should at this time receive our consideration. Our pro- ceeding's have not been printed since 1861. It may be advisable to p^ace now in print the Record of our transactions during the interim, and to append such tabulated statements as our Grand Recorder may find it practicable to prepare. And now. Companions, to your indulgent consideration, do I present this suggestion of topics connected with my exercise of high functions, and to your wise judgments do I commend the devising of measures for the prosecution of our important work. Time may not spare us all, to re-unite in these brotherly offices when the sea- sons ag'ain have gone their round. One that was eminent in the 363 history of Masonic championship for the past half century, venerable alike in years and in the chastened graces of an enviable character, tracked the dark way into the serenities of eternity soon after we dis- persed from the harmonious and pleasant interview of our last As- sembly. In a distant State he passed from the labors of the patient to the rest of the beloved; but within our jurisdiction, where the ruffled Cayug-a whispers a gentle requiem, slumbers till raised again, the dust of the unforgotten, faithful man, Salem Town. Nearer to our own immediate fellowship of official function, and nearer to this scene of his Masonic labors, was that lamented companion, our late Puissant Grand Sentinel, the cheerful, the fervent, the magnetic, the unswerving, the ever faithful, the pure hearted, and the brotherly- minded associate in the labors of De Witt Clinton Council, Lyman G. Dart. On the nth of January just past, he was summoned to the pres- ence of the Most High. Deprived thus, on the eve of our Annual Assembly, of his valuable services, I proceeded to supply the melan- choly void by appointing Puissant Comp. Amasa Fuller, Grand Sen- tinel. Let the event not fail to sound in the chamber of our reflec- tions the admonition that echoes through every arch of wisdom, to guard with sleepless vigilance the sanctuary of our immortality. It may be you, it may be I, that shall be mentioned with a tribute of a .friendly tear, when another voice rehearses the history of another year. Let it only be with the eulogy sighed from the breast of can- dor, that fervency and zeal illuminated and beautified a character, whose memory Masonry honors, and humanity admires. The l\f. P. aooointed as Committee on Address. R. P. Seymour H. Stone, 111. R. P. Barnard, and R. 111. G. W. Harwood. The M. P. also appointed the following Standing Committtees : On Credentials and Returns : — R. P. Seymour H. Stone, R. 111. Uriah Woodruff and R. P Sewall T. Fisk. On Warrants :— R. 111. Daniel Wolff, R. P. John Hoole and T. I. M. W. Campbell. On Constitutions and Bv-Laws : — 111. Henry E. Gilbert, T. 111. C. W. Watson and R. I. David F. Day. On Grievances : — R. P. Aug. Willard, 111. James W. Morange and 111. H. W. McGonegal. On Finance :— R. P. John Hoole, T. 111. James McCredie and R. P. Josiah Shove. 364 The Grand Recorder presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Committee : New York, February ist, 1865. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York : Your Recorder presents the following as his Annual Report : RECEIPTS OF LAST ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Dues from Columbian Council^ No. i $10.00 Dues from Adelphic Council, No. 7 48.90 Dues from Eureka Council, No. 8 5.00 Dues from Central City, No. 13 8.00 Dues from Bloss Council, No. 14 3-88 Dues from Bruce Council, No. 15 12.62 Dues from Southern Tier Council, No. 16 16.09 Dues from Buffalo Council, No. 17 8.50 Dues from King Hiram Coimcil, No. 18 16.56 Dues from Doric Council, No. 19 9.75 Dues from Keystone Council, No. 20 4.41 Dues from De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22. . . . 19.00 $191.71 1865. — Jan. 3. Dispensation Ontario Council 20.00 Jan. 12. Dispensation to elect officers Bruce C, No. 15 50 Jan. 18. Dispensation to Binghamton Council 20.00 Nine Seals affixed to certifi- cates 4.50 Total Receipts $236.71 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 365 The Grand Treasurer presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Committee : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. AI. of the State of New York: Your Treasurer offers the following as his Annual Report : Balance cash in my hands as per last report . . . $24.42 Received from Grand Recorder during the year. . 236.71 $261.13 Paid balance due on Warranty No. 39. $113.21 Paid Warrant, Xo 44 2.00 Paid \\''arrant, Xo. 45 25.00 Paid Recorder for disbursements for postage and express charges, etc. . . 12.67 152.88 Balance cash in my hands $108.25 All of which is respectfully submitted, J. B. HARRIS, Grand Treasurer. New York, February ist, 1865. The Committee to whom was referred the Address of the ~\l. P. Grand blaster, presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and the recommendations therein contained were adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of Xew York : The Committee to whom was referred the Annual Address of the M. P. Grand Master, respectfully report, that they have exam- ined the same, and would recommend the reference of. so much of the address as refers to delinquencies in returns to this Grand Coun- cil to the Committee on Finance. Also the subject of remitting the dues of Pennell Council, No. 2, to the same Committee. The ques- tion of publishing the proceedings of this Grand Council since 1861, having been made the subject of special mention and resolution by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, and their suggestions and resolutions being in accordance with the sentiments on that subject expressed by the Grand Master in his address, your Committee would 366 recommend that the subject be left with that Committee, and unite with them in asking- the passage of the resolutions presented by them. Respectfully submitted, S. H. Stone, R. P. Barnard, G. W. Harwood. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received and the resolutions appended thereto were referred to the Finance Committee : To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Mas- ters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence beg leave to re- spectfully report : That, during the lapse of time that has occurred since the last Assembly of this Most Puissant Grand Council, there has nothing whatever come within the province of the observation of your Com- mittee, having the least resemblance to correspondence, either For- eign or "Domestic," consequently, as to advising this Grand Council of the state of Cryptic Masonry, in jurisdictions foreign to itself, your Committee have found themselves without compass, chart or trestle-board, and as wanderers in a desert. There are, perhaps, sev- eral causes, to which this apparent phenomenon may be attributed, but what particular one, if any to emphasize, your Committee are at loss to determine. Perhaps the unhappy state of our loved country, in which an unnatural, internecine strife is raging, where comparatively but quite recently the olive branch suddenly withered before the uplifted sword, and white robed Peace fled terror-stricken at the approach of "grim-visaged War," may account for the non-reception of printed tidings from the Crvptic Craft of sister Grand Jurisdictions. With all due respect, your Committee would suggest, that there is a possibility that the cause of this apparent reticence of such Grand Ju- risdictions may arise from the fact, that this Grand Council failed to commit the proceedings of its last Assembly to the hands of .the dis- ciples of the "noble Art preservative ;" the result of which, as a natu- ral consequence, has been to prevent our Right Puissant Grand Re- corder from furnishing the Cryptic galaxy of sister Grand Councils with tangible evidence of the vitality of this Grand Council. In view of this last reflection your Committee would respect- fuHy and earnestly suggest the propriety and importance of this Grand Council instructing its Grand Recorder to prepare, at th,e ear- 367 liest practicable moment after this Annual Assembly shall have closed its labors, a full and complete record thereof, and cause the same to be printed in a proper style and manner, as early as possible, and to transmit copies thereof to all Grand Councils, thereby ren- dering an assurance that it "still lives," and moves and has an active being. Should this suggestion receive a favorable consideration, your Committee have no doubt that the result would be a mutual recipro- cation, and in consequence thereof our Grand Recorder would not, in the future, be without the proper materials to place in the hands of your future Committees on Foreign Correspondence, the necessary documents and information upon which to base a Report that may "prove of essential service to the Craft." In conclusion, your Com- mittee beg leave to offer the following resolutions : Resolved, That the Grand Recorder be, and he is hereby author- ized and directed, to prepare immediately after the close of the pres- ent Assembly of this Grand Council, the proceedings thereof, and of the three last Assemblies, and cause the same to be printed. Resolved, That the Grand Recorder be directed to transmit six copies of such printed proceedings to each of the subordinate Coun- cils under the jurisdiction of this Grand Council, immediately upon the reception thereof by him. Resolved, Tliat the Grand Recorder forward to each of the Grand Councils heretofore in correspondence with this Grand Coun- cil wherever practicable, three copies of the printed proceedings of this present Grand Assembly, and those of the three past years. All of which is respectfully submitted. C. Craig, ■) P. P. jMurphy, > Committee. J. D. Williams, ) The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered on file : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters : Your Committee would respectfully report, that they have ex- amined the various credentials and returns of the subordinate Coun- cils, and present herewith a tabular statement of the same : 368 Columbian No. i R. 111. Daniel Wolff Brooklyn, No. 4 R. P. John Hoole, Proxy Addphic. N„.v { ;;;;::::::::::::S; VrJlS^n ce„,n.i cf.,, No. ,3 { .■;;.;:'':"': i^pH-sTo™ Bloss, No. 14 T. 111. M. W. Campbell Bruce, No. 15 M. P. Charles H. Piatt, Proxy Southern Tier, No. 16 T. 111. John D. Williams Buffalo, No. 17 T. 111. James McCredie Kinsr Hiram, No. 18 R. 111. Uriah Woodruff Doric, No. 19 T. 111. C. W. Watson Keystone, No. 20 R. 111. David F. Day .T. 111. Frank Chamberlain De Witt Clinton, No. 22 ] R. 111. H. J. Fellows ( 111. J. W. Morange Ontario, U. D 111. H. W. McGonegal Binghampton, U. D T. 111. C. F. Paige Respectfully submitted, S. H. Stone, Uriah Woodruff, [ Committee. S. T. Fisk, The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and its recom- mendations were adopted. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York : The undersigned Committee on Warrants respectfully beg leave to report, that they have considered the application for warrants from Ontario Council, of Geneva ; Binghampton Council of Bing- hampton, under dispensation, and recommend that Charters be is- sued to said parties, under the name of Ontario Council^ No. 23, and Binghampton Council, No.. 24. All of which is respectfully submitted, Daniel Wolff, \ John Hoole, > Committee. W. W. Campbell, ) 369 The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers, the M. P. appointing as Tellers, R. P. SejTiiour H. Stone and 111. R. P. Barnard. , M. P. Charles H. Piatt was re-elected. Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole was re-elected. .Dep. Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie Grand 111. Master. R. P. J. D. M'illiams Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. John B. Harris Grand Treasurer. R. P. Augustus Willard then installed the officers-elect. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : R. 111. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the G. T. 111. Mead Belden Grand Marshal. Rev. Comp. A. B. Beach, D. D. | ^ , r., , • Rev. Comp. John W. Parker | • -Grand Chaplams. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. T. III. C. W. Watson. Grand Steward. Comp. Amasa J. Fuller Grand Sentinel. And the above named Companions were duly installed by the Grand JMaster. The Grand jMarshal then proclaimed the installation of the officers of the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Mas- ters in Ample Form. The Committee on Grievances presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and ordered on file: To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. : Your Committee on Grievances and Appeals beg most respect- fully to report, that no case of Grievance and no Appeal, on any sub- ject, has come before them for consideration. Your Committee, therefore, feels great pleasure in congratula- ting the Grand Council on the perfect harmony which exists in all the branches of Cryptic Masonry throughout the jurisdiction, and would express the hope that such harmony may continue to be found in every succeeding Anniversary Assembly of this Grand Body. Respectfully submitted, A. Willard, \ James M. Morange, [ Committee. H. W. McGonegal, ) 370 The Committee on Finance presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and the recommendations therein contained were adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters : Your Finance Committee would respectfully report, that they have carefully considered the various subjects referred to them, and beg' leave to make the following recommenda^tions : First. That the back dues of Pennell Council, No. 2, be re- mitted. Second. That, whereas, Oneida Council, No. 12, has failed to make returns and pay dues to this Grand Council for the last four years, the Warrant be declared forfeited, and the Grand Recorder be directed to demand its surrender. Third. That, whereas, Hudson River Council, No. 21, has neglected to make returns and pay dues to this Grand Council for the last three years, the Grand Recorder be directed to notify the Council that if they fail to make returns and pay dues during the next sixty days, the Warrant will be forfeited and demanded. Fourth. In the matter of printing the Proceedings of th.e pres- ent and the last three Annual Assemblies of this Grand Council, your Committee would recommend that the Grand Recorder be authorized to have three hundred copies of the same printed ; and that he send three copies to each Subordinate Council in the United States, so far as is practicable. Your Committee would further report, that they have examined the reports of the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer referred to them, and find the same correct. Respectfully submitted, John Hoole, James McCredie, [ Committee. J. Shove, On motion of R. P. Comp. Stone, it was Resolved, That the salary of the Grand Recorder for the past year be fixed at $50, and of the Grand Sentinel at $10. On motion of R. P. Comp. Hoole, it was Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the City of Albany, on the first Tuesday of February, A. Dep. 2866, at 7 o'clock, P. M. 371 The Grand Master appointed the following Committees : On Foreign Correspondence :—T. 111. Charles Craig, T. 111. John D. Williams and R. 111. Jason Collier. On Unfinished Business :— T. 111. John D. Williams, R. 111. G. W. Harwood and R. P. Seymour H. Stone. On motion, the thanks of the Grand Council were returned to T. 111. Comp. Frank Chamberlain and Comp. Dickerman, for their generous hospitality extended to us this evening. No further business appearing, the Minutes were read and ap- proved, and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. JOSIAH SHOVE, Grand Recorder. Moneys received during the Annual Assembly. Columbian Council, No. i -$6.25 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 for two years 22.75 Adelphic Council, No. 7 65.64 Eureka Council, No. 8 4.25 Central City Council, No. 13 14.00 Bloss .Council, No. 14 43-88 Bruce Council, No. 15 25.80 Southern Tier Council, No. x6 24.20 Buffalo Council, No. 17 18.92 King Hiram Council, No. 18 9.25 Doric Council, No. 19 20.50 Keystone Council, No. 20 5.00 De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22 : . 7.50 Ontario Council, U. D 6.50 Ontario Council, U. D., Balance on Warrant. . . 10.00 Binghampton Council, U. D., balance on Warrant 10.00 $294.44 372 OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL, 2865-2866. M. P. Charles H. Piatt, Grand Master Binghamton R. P. John Hoole, Dep. Gr. Master New York R. P. James McCredie, Gr. Illus. Master Buffalo R. P. J. D. Williams, Gr. P. C. of the W Elmira R. P. Josiah Shove, Grand Recorder New York R. P. John B. Harris, Gr. Treasurer Brooklyn R. P. Daniel Wolff, Gr. C. of the G New York R. P. Mead Belden, Gr. Marshal Syracuse R. P. and Rev. A. B. Beach, iarker, ) .Gr. Chaplains R. P. and Rev. John W. Barker, ' R. P. Sewall T. Fisk, Gr. Lecturer New York P. C. W. Watson, Gr. Steward Rochester P. Amasa J. Fuller, Gr. Sentinel Albany Addresses. Grand Master, Rev. C. H. Piatt Binghamton Grand Recorder, Josiah Shove, Box, 3,737. New York / 373 o O -M m Pi < 5 b c^ [/) M-l Mh •M-5 ^- ^ 3 ^ c o C P P d . -a CD ■ n! OJ O rt • o t =! J= J2 P i; 5 V ^ C cTj < Di O i-^Q fe^ ob^ ^-w^>^^g| 'Mcl o o '• ■ "o ttl s ■ O 3 OS . si o p-( g^d .S-o ^ s , ■ in ~ ^ • C (U 1- OJ c rt ir u o be c be e a! 5 C 1- O rt o ti o-" -- e :s ^^ fe e c g u c .S 'Co S-e 3 c O 3 -T O U o O o U I ^ iS "bo up;pq G + c o 1- 43 Spi^KQOm (CM'+f^OOCM'^'^iO^t^OOONp^OJro^- 375 ON o o c o u 4- c ;z; * The following amendments to the Constitution were unani- mously adopted at this Annual Assembly: Article I, Section 15: — For every Comp. Received and Greeted in a Subordinate Council, 50c. For adjoining Fee of a Select Mas- ter, 50c. Every Council shall pay for each of its Members annually, 50c. Article II, Section 12 : — No Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the Degrees for a less sum than ten dollars, etc. 376 GRAND COUNCII.— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room. Albany, Tuesday Feb. 6, A. D. 1866, A. Dep. 2866. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution of the last Annual As- sembly, on Tuesday, February 6th, A. D. 1866, A. Dep. 2866. Present : M. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie .... Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. J. D. Williams Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the Guard. T. L C. M. Brown Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. R. H. Robinson Grand Chaplain. R. L G. W. Harwood Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller '. .Grand Sentinel. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting Past Grand Master. R. P. Seymour H. Stone. Past Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Bradley Parker. Past Grand Illustrious Master. And the Representatives of the following Councils: Columbian, No. i, Buffalo, No. 17, Pennell, ISJo. 2, Doric. No. 19, Brooklyn, No. 4, De Witt Clinton, No. 22, Adelphic, No. 7, Ontario, No. 23. Central City, No. 13, Binghampton, No. 24, Bloss, No. 14, Palmyra U. D. Bruce, l^o. 15, Dunkirk, U. D. Southern Tier, No. 16, The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form by the M. P. Grand Master. On motion of R. P. Comp. Josiah Shove, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing in the Order be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. On motion of R. P. Comp. Jas. McCredie the reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with. 377 The M. P. Grand Master then delivered his Annual Address, which was, on motion, orderd to be spread at length upon the Min- utes, and was referred to a Committee of three to apportion the various subjects therein treated of to appropriate Committees. THE ADDRESS. Companions — Associates in these Masonic Duties. The first lesson that glimmers upon the initiate, after passing the ordeal of access, is the assured confidence with which one ought to proceed who has put his trust in God. It is made primary, not that it may be dispensed with as we advance beyond the rudiments of instruction, but that it may, most unobstructedly, lodge itself in our hearts, and maA' not cease to reside in our thoughts and influence our conduct. We make every step in advance, in every circuit to- wards the brighter light, with this original impression recorded upon our memory and recognized by our faith. But a reasonable trust in Divine Providence implies an intelligent recollection of Divine favors. He has no loving trust in that for whose goodness he has no cheerful thanks. The art of seeking favors is the habit of re- collecting favors. A disposition that expects kindness, is a prompt- ness to discern and acknowledge such tokens as it has received. The shortest memory makes the poorest faith. And that degree of faith which ladders our heavy hearts up towards the Highest, is measured by the extent of view to which it lifts us, for our back- ward look over the benefits of the past. And so benignantly are we constructed by the Adorable Architect of our immortality, that the grateful memorv and hopeful trust strengthen, and animate, and sustain ear-h other. The mind that museth on many things and warms in its reflections with gratitude, returns to the sanctuary of its rroft spcred feelings with a clearer, stronger, braver trust in God. Reverse the journeying and call the soul forth, to survey the words of Providence, with its sense of God's superintending and pervading goodness all alive, and how instantly the light of that inner sanctu- ary breaks upon the whole scene ! That soul has been walking with, the Sun in the East and when it cometh forth it is with the gladness of the bridegroom, and the whole landscape brightens with the day that travels with such a soul. While our professed trust in God is thus denoted by our re- collection of benefits received, its firmness of tone and its clearness of vision are also heightened by this exercise of grateful memory. The first item of our profession as brethren and the ceaseless duty of 378 our fidelity as Companions, summon us to assist and encourage each other in reminiscences which are occasions of congratulations. Indulge me, then, in some expansion of those subjects which should at this time be occupying our minds in the act of glad and grateful remembrance. Foremost of these challenges for our acknowledgment, is the recurrence of this our annual assemblage from remote parts of the State, with no melancholy record of those saluting us a year ago, and now gathered to the silent vaults. Not that we can exult in all our Councils being exempt from that intruder whose stealthy an 1 fatal step defies our sleepless vigilance. But the roll of associates gathered here for cryptic consultation one year ago, bears no testi- mony to start the friendly tear. It is otherwise with that lengthened catalogue which exhibits our record of those living among the active and valued supporters of our various vaults. The vail that is suspended between the realms of light and the mortal eye, has been symbolized to us by the funeral pall that has lain upon the breathless body of our com- panions. Personal acquaintance and admiration impel me to regis- ter among our sorrows, and justice to a bright and shining light re- quires me to recollect among our lost privileges, a departed compan- ion, who was serving, until his demise, in the capacity of Recorder, in Bruce Council, No. 15. With faculties always on the alert, with avidity for knowledge, which made him as zealous as he was an intelligent Free Mason, with a conscience carefully guarded from offense, with a warmth of natural feeling which made his sympa- thies as a companion keen and fervid, he was one of those glowing examples, as a young man, around whose future the most honorable expectations would cluster. When our fellowship in these labors of life is ended, and one and another of such useful associates is re- ceived into the Temple not made with hands, we confess the priva- tion thus allotted to us survivors, we render the tribute of praise to their merits, and of a sigh at their departure. But that is not all which, becomes us. Their virtues are to be extolled as their separa- tion from the living is deplored. A thankful sense of the incite- ment which our zeal has derived from their example, is no meagre element of our dutv. We owe their memory at least the acknow- ledgment, that while Masonry has conferred honors upon them, it has been their part to illustrate its annals. We, that now carry for- ward the ark of the testimony, have occasion to rejoice that other comoanions have faithfully pursued their calling, and creditably fin- ished their course. We measure the dimensions, of a true dignity, not by the elastic fallacies of a misjudging populace, but by the reed fitted for the 379 sanctuary and shown in vision to the prophet-priest by the river of Chebar, and Jonson phrases it for us in his rhythm : "It is not growing like a tree In bulk, doth make man better be, Or standing long an oak, three hundred year. To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sere. A lily of a day. Aye, fairer far in May, Although it fall, and that night It was the plant and flower of light. ' ' It is no slight recommendation of our institution, that froir. generation to generation, men of high character and of enviable culture, impelled by no mercenary motives, have sought the illu- mination of Masonic privilege, and have at length passed the veil of the eternal sanctuary, rejoicing at what they had through our institution attained, and eager for the light that lies beyond, a light that darts its premonitory rays even into the caverns of the dead. That institution is not only a benefit to mankind, but an imposing power among men, which can thus enlist the worthiest and satisfy the most acute, and be hailed and honored by the great and the noble, while it steadfastly maintains its principle that levels all factitious distinctions, rallies for mankind's good the freeborn of men, and prefers the sanctity of brotherhood to the aggrandize- ment of self. Among the gratulations of the hour, therefore, we record the testimonies of a more favorable regard towards our Masonic institution. It is ceasing to be tabooed among the eru- dite, as if its lessons were childish and rudimental. It has con- quered by its prudence and fortitude, the savage array of prejudice and suspicion. Fewer are the javelins aimed at its ribs as if it were a Trojan horse, and less virulent is the alarming philippic of the demagogue than when he feared it as the spectral ubiquity of a political cabal. Our felicitation over receding hostility may seem misplaced when confronted by that splenetic missive fiom the Vatican m which Pius IX. has emulated the anathemas as he copied the errors of the XII. Clement, the XIV. Benedict, and the XII. Leo. He inveighs against "that perverse society of men, vulgarly styled Masonic, which, at first confined to darkness and obscurity, now comes into light for the common ruin of religion and human society." But we patiently endure this goring of the Roman Bull. We leave it to impale its own cause on one of its own horse. For it admits that this Society once limited to darkness now comes into light. And the only sentence of inspiration on which this papal allocution rests is one that came from an eminent patron of 380 Masonry and an Apostle, too, who declares, "everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light." No doubt this fulmination was intended for other lands than your own. But, taken in that sense, its confession of the occasion for its utterance shows the gathered power and prevalence of the Masonic fraternity. For the groan that mingles with the curse of the Pontiff thus expresses itself : "The Masonic sect of which we speak has not been van- quished nor overthrown; on the contrary, it has developed itself, that in these troublous days it exists everywhere with impunity, and carries an audacious front." It may be possible that in the flood of accession to our traditional light amo.ng Europeans, many identified with our system have arrayed themselves against certain local phases of religion, or concerted with those attempting to sub- vert civil institutions that have grown effete or intolerable. But it is the man, the weak and misguided man, unrestrained by and unfaithful to his Masonry, who is thus disturbing religious or civil order. And it is the Mason, illumined and animated by his light coming from Solomon and St. John, who asserts his manhood and illustrates his brotherhood by exposing superstition and denouncing tyrany. "All men have' erred, and all who err need repentance;" but no Mason need repent of that mystic ceremonial which has fortified his faith, enlarged his charity, reproved his ir- religion and concentrated his affections in that heaven where there is no darkness at all. We are restricted, however, by our own special business of the hour, to a narrower field of observation. Let us, then, encourage ourselves with the solid results of Cryptic Masonry within our own jurisdiction and that in its mere limitation to our own State. Compare the vigor and auspice of the present with the re- sources and prospects of Cryptic Masonry less than nine years ago. The returns at that period indicated the active existence of but six Councils, and one-half of those soon afterwards were extinct. Now WiC have within our State at least twenty active and thrifty organ- izations, and some of these larger in numbers than the aggregate within our jurisdiction ten years since. Nine years ago, and the members of all our Councils were not 150; now the Grand Record exhibits more than 800. Then the whole weight of our jurisdictioi: lay within the suburbs of New York, and inextinguishable Eureka, with her indomitable and warm-hearted supporters, is the only sur- vivor of our Central, Western, or Northern light at that time. But now the South, and the Centre, and the West, join hands in fervency and zeal. Wherever Masonry flourishes, achieving har- mony, and assuming its rightful place in public honor and private influence, there our Cryptic privilege displays itself like the blessed 381 mountain tops in wholesome, fertile lands, first greeting the light of the East, inviting the heavenly chariots of refreshing dew and rain, the summits (once so honored) of the ancient craft. I trust we shall not long continue to report that in our Grand Council the North is territorially the place of darkness. Six vears ago one of the blemishes upon our Cryptic Shield was, happily, effaced in the exercise of Masonic virtues, each conceding a little and all gaining much, and from that time, with no contesting claimant, with no clandestine bodies thorning its side, the United Council, invigorated by the ancient material added to its force, cherishing the historical merits of its super-excellent degree, has advanced in its recognition as holding the key to the secret repository of the ancient Craft. The four years of social quaking have disconnected the bands that gave us constant communication throughout the United States. But through all that spasm of society we have gone, unshattered and undiminished, with the same heart of brotherhood that first quivered in distress at the sound of war, and with our hands outstretched to reach the shoulders of our unforgotten brethren and greet them with a royal fidelity. During the past year I have issued Dispensations for four new Councils, located respectively at Batavia, Genesee Co., Pal- myra, Wayne Co., Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., and Watertown, Jefferson Co. Application is made on behalf of each of these for a Warrant from this Grand Council. There are other points where organizations are projected, which will no doubt be soon submitted to the consideration of this Grand Body, or of the functionaries acting on its behalf. Our R. P. Dep. G. Master represents most satisfactory pro- gress in Columbian, Pennell, Brooklyn, and Adelphic Councils. They fall within the near circuit of his observation. He has vigi- lantly noted their condition and duly reported their aspect as our Cryptic year drew towards its close. Our R. P. Grand Illustrious Master has devoted energies with good success to the establishment of promising Councils at Batavia and Dunkirk. In accompHshing the promulgation of our work, under intelligent management at Palmyra, great credit is due to our P. Grand Steward. During the past year I have, in the exercise of my high powers, constituted and dedicated Ontario Council, No. 23, and Binghampton Council, No. 24, installing the officers in both Coun- cils. I have officially visited Bruce Council, No. 15. I have also visited and presided in Eureka Council, No. 8. This organization, sustained through great difficulties, continues to reflect credit upon its few but sturdy and determined adherents, Masons whose his- 382 tory is the renown of the Craft and is identical with the memorials of heroism and fortitude. I have on two occasions visited South- ern Tier Council, No. i6, and have presided therein. On the 29th of May last, I was present at the Assembly, in the same Hall of Buffalo Council, No. 17, and Keystone Council, No. 20. Special assemblies were opened by each for the trans- action of business pertinent to each organization, but they wrought in unison while conferring degrees. Disaster had compelled them to resort to the same place for their work; brotherly harmony rendered it a verification of what is symbolized by the two Cheru- bim looking inward and seeking the Shekinah. I have also visited and presided in Doric Council, No. 19, Binghampton Council, No. 24, and Watertown Council, U. D. There are several topics of general interest in Cryptic Masonry, suggested by the action of other Grand Councils and by the language of their officials. Such was that suicidal whisper in Ohio for launching the immortalities of Cryptic Masonry into darkness. More practically worthy of our notice was the proposed pub- lication of a Manual for Councils, with monitorial items of impor- tant history. And still more seasonable to us is the inquiry as to the precise order we shall observe in the collocation of our three degrees. But I have reserved all these subjects as more germane to the discussions of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. I would submit the propriety of so conforming our Constitution to be changed rate of values, that no Council shall confer the degrees for a less sum than ten (10) dollars, and that in Sec. 15, of Art. I, specifying the sources of the revenues of this Grand Council, each item now noted at twenty-five cents, be changed to fifty cents, thereby enabling us to render some compensation to those officers of the Grand Council necessarily in attendance here, who do not appear as representatives, and therefore no provision made for their expense and labor. With the elation of the proudest hopes do I now remit these responsible functions to those who shall suc- ceed to our station and authority, and I utter the wish for the prosperity of this new firmly established summit of Masonry, under the persuasion that every augury justifies the prayer. ESTO PERPETUA. 383 The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address R. P. Comps. Stone, Fisk and Parker. The Grand Recorder and Grand Treas- urer presented the following Reports, which were, on motion, re- ceived and referred to the Finance Committee. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Grand Recorder begs to present the following Annual Report : Received, during last Annual Assembly $294.44 Received, during the year for 27 seals to Certif 13.50 Received, April 18. Dues for Binghampton Council 3.00 Received, October 18, for Dispensation Bata- via Council 20.00 Received, October 20, for Dispensation Palmyra Council 20.00 Received, Nov. 23, for Dispensation for Grand Master 7.00 Received, Dec. 14, for Dispensation Dunkirk Council 20.00 Received, Dec. 28, for Dispensation Water- town Council 20.00 Received, Jan. 6, for Dispensation Central City Council .50 $398.44 All of which has been paid to the Grand Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. New York, February 5th, 1866. 384 To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Treasurer submits the following as his Annual Report of the Receipts and Disbursements during the past yeir. Balance cash in hand as per last report $108.25 Received February 7th, 1865, from Grand Recorder- 294.44 Received during the year from Grand Re- corder 104.00 $506.69 Paid Warrant No. 46 $50.00 Paid Warrant No. 47 10.00 Paid Warrant No. 48 188.92 — 248.92 Balance cash in my hands $257.77 All of which is respectfully submitted. JOHN B. HARRIS, Grand Treasurer. New York, February 5th, 1866. The M. P. Grand Master appointed the following Standing Committees : On Credentials and Returns : — R. P. John Hoole, R. P. Josiah Shove, R. P. S. T. Fisk. On Warrants and Dispensations : — R. P. Daniel Wolff R I. H. W. McGonegai and T. 111. H. B. Harvey. On Constitution and By-Laws : — M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting, R. P. Bradley Parker, R. P. John D. Williams. On Grievances and Appeals : — T. 111. Henry E. Gilbert, T. 111. J. W. Morange, R. I. W. H. McCoy. On Finance :— R. P. James McCredie, R. 111. F. H. Marshall, T. 111. C. M. Brown. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread upon the Minutes. 385 To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the following Councils have made returns and paid dues, and their representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council: Columbian, No. i R. P. Daniel Wolff. Pennell, No. 2 R. I. Wm. H. Jahne. Brooklyn, No. 4 R. P. Bradley Parker. Adelphic, No. 7 T. I. Henry E. Gilbert. Central City, No. 13 R. I. Geo. W. Harwood. Bloss, No. 14 T. I. H. B. Harvey. Bruce, No. 15 R. I. Warner H. McCoy. Southern Tier, No. 16 R. I. J. K. Nichols. Buffalo, No. 17 R. P. James McCredie. King Hiram, No. 18 Doric, No. 19 R. I. F. H. Marshall. De Witt Clinton, No. 22 T. I. James W. Morange. Ontario, No. 23 R. I. H. W. McGonegal. Binghampton, No. 24 T. I. C. M. Brown. J. Shove, John Hoole, }- Committee. S. F. Fisk, The Committee on Unfinished Business reported that there had been nothing brought before them requiring any action on their part, and, on motion, the Report was received and the Com- mittee was discharged. The Committee on the Grand Master's Address presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and its recom- mendations were adopted : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters : The Committee to whom was referred the Address of the M. P. G. M. respectfully recommend, that so much of the same as re- fers to Dispensations be referred to the Committee on Warrants. And so much as refers to Amendments of the Constitution to the Committee on Constitution. And the last clause of the Address, referring to the successor of the M. P. G. M., to the Committee of the Whole, with power. S. H. Stone, \ S. T. Fisk, [ Committee. B. Parker, ) 386 The Committee on Ti'oreign Correspondence presented their Report, which was, on^ motion, received and ordered spread upon Minutes. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Foreign Correspondence respectfully ask leave to present the following Report, as the result of their labors in that capacity. We have been put in possession, by our Right Puissant Grand Recorder, of the printed proceedings of the fol- lowing named State Grand Councils, viz: Iowa for 1864; Illinois for i864-'6s; Kentucky for i864-'65; Louisiana for 1865; Maine for i864-'65 ; Michigan for 1863 ; Pennsylvania for i863-'64-'65 ; Vermont for i864-'6s ; Wisconsin for i862-'63-'64 ; making out the "sacred number nine," of our sister Grand Councils that have thus far greeted this Grand Council with evident tangibility of their ac- tive existence. But, now that grim visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front, a^d bruised arms are hung up for monuments, stern alarms are changing to merry meetings, and dreadful marches to delightful measures, we trust that ere long this Most Puissant Body will be greeted by the still small voices of such of its sister Grand Councils in our Union of States as have not recently been heard above the din of fraternal strife and clash of arms, that has resounded throughout the length and breadth of our fair land. It is a source of pleasure to learn from such Grand Councils as have favored us with their printed proceedings, that the Cryptic Brotherhood within their re- spective jurisdictions, are firm in their faith and unswerving in their fidelity to the trusts reposed in them, and that the ring of the Trowel is heard reverberating throughout the Arches far and near. Still, this pleasure comes to us not altogether unalloyed. In sev- eral of such proceedings, we observe, with emotions of pain and fraternal sympathy, are memorial pages set apart, enshrouded with heavy lines of sombre hue, containing names, and modest allusions to their manly virtues, of illustrious and cherished companions, who have shaken off this mortal coil and gone to eternal rest. Some of them, from the natural causes that flesh is heir to, and some by the fatal bullet on the battle-field, wither they had been drawn by a sense of personal duty. Indeed, our own Grand Coun- cil has an unhealed wound that gapes afresh at the mientioning of this painful subject, when thought instinctively reverts to our lamented Benjamin, who fell pierced through the brain by the fatal bullet, in a dreadful charge at Port Huron. But thanks to the great Architect of the Universe, war, that has stalked abroad in our land with such relentless fury, has now ceased to exist, and Peace once more asserts her rule and sway, and extends the olive 387 branch to all, and invites such Companions as may have been en- gaged in heated, deadly strife, to beat their svi^ords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, to forget their animosity, and again, as in happy days of yore, to assemble in fraternal concord around the sacred altar, and there renew their solemn vows of fealty, and exert their united efforts in relieving the poor, oppressed and distressesd — the bereaved widow, and especially the helpless orphan. May He, who keeps us as in the hollow of His hand, grant all this and even more, for "Peace hath her votaries no less renowned than war." Your Committee much regret that so few of the Grand Coun- cils of the United States have been heard from, through their pub- lished proceedings, during the past year. But we suppose the reason may be attributed to the recent long continued disruption of the Union of States, which must, of necessity, have caused most serious inconvenience and disturbance, not only to the entire Masonic craft, but particularly so to those of the more southern portion of our Union, whose hours of active operations, in times of tranquility and repose, were when all prying eyes should be closed in sleep. To all such, we say, be not wearied in well-doing. Happy and prosperous days are yet in store for you, and we bid you God- speed in the cause. Your cause is our cause, and again we say be not weary, "for there is hope of a tree, if it be cut dcwn, that the tender branch thereof will not cease, but will sprout again, etc. The Committee on Constitutions and By-Laws presented the •following Report, embodying amendments to the Constitution, and, on motion, the Report was received and the amendments were unanimously adopted, thus bringing them into immediate efTcct. To the Most Puissant Grand Council : In accordance with the recommendation of the Most Puissant in his Address, the Committee on Constitutions and By-Laws beg leave to ofifer the following resolutions for adoption : Resoh'cd, That Article I, Section 15, be amended so as to read, "For every Companion received and greeted in a subordinate Council, fifty cents," instead of twenty-five; also for adjoining fee of every Select blaster " fiftv cents.'' Every Council shall pay for each of its members annuallv fiftv cents. Rcsohcd, That Article H, Section 12, be amended in the second line, so as to read, "Ten" instead of Five dollars. Fenry. F. L. Bunting, "^ John D. Williams, V Committee. Bradley Parker, ) Albany, February 6th, 1866. 3S8 The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following' Report, which was, on motion, received and its recom- mendations were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters : Your Committee on Warrants and Dispensations beg leave to report favorably on granting Warrants to Companions Frederick F. Dripgs, Walter C. Smith and A. H. Libby, to form a Council of Royal and Select Masters in Dunkirk^ N. Y., to be called Dunkirk Council of Royal and Select Masters, and to be numbered 25. To Companions Elijah Ennis. Thomas L. Root and Mark C. Finley, to form a Council of Royal and Select Masters in Palmyra, N. Y., to be called Palmyra Council of Royal and Select Masters, and to be numbered 26. All of which is respectfully submitted, D. Wolff, H. B. Harvey, H. W. McGonegal. The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing vear, with the following result: M. P. and Rev. Chas. H. Piatt was re-elected. . .Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole was re-elected Deputy Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie Grand 111. Master. R. P. Jno. D. Williams Grand P. C. of the W, R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting Grand Treasurer. The officers-elect were then installed in Ample Form, by M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting, Past Grand Master. The M. P. Grand Master made the following appointments : R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the G. R. P. Mead Belden Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. R. H. Robinson Grand Chaplain. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. P. F. F. Driggs Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. All of whom were duly installed. As Committee on Foreign Correspondence : — T. 111. Chas. Craig, R. P. Jno. D. Williams, R. P. Jas. McCredie. On Unfinished Business: — R. P. Seymour H. Stone, R. P. James McCredie, R. I. Wm. H. Jahne. 389 The Finance Committee presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and its recommendations were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Finance Committee would respectfully report that they have examined the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, and find them correct. Your Committee would further report, that in view of the state of the funds of this Grand Council, the amount now on hand, inclu- ding the receipts for the present session, being about six hundred and fifty dollars ($650), would recommend that some compensation be paid to the Grand Officers and Representatives. The Committee do not feel willing to name any specific amount, but leave the mat- ter to the judgment of the Grand Council. They would also recom- mend that the sum of $75. be paid the Grand Recorder for his ser- vices the past year, and $10. to the Grand Sentinel. All of which is respectfully submitted, James McCredie, F. H. Marshall, C. M. Brown. On motion, it was Resolved, That one Representative from each Council making returns and paying dues, the Grand Officers and members of this Grand Council, be paid five cents per mile for their attendance at this Annual Assembly. The Committee on Grievances and Appeals reported that no ap- peals and no matters of grievance had been brought before them ; and, on motion, the Report was received and ordered spread upon the Minutes. The M. P. Grand Master appointed the following Special Com- mittee on Finance: — R. P. Daniel Wolff, T. I. Henry E. Gilbert, and T. I. Stephen Merrett, Jr. On motion, the Grand Recorder was authorized to have 250 copies of the proceedings of this Annual Assembly printed, to be sent in the usual number to the Subordinate Councils and Grand Officers of this jurisdiction, and to our sister Grand Councils. 390 On motion, the subject of Work and Lectures was referred to the first four officers of the Grand Council. On motion of R. P. Comp. Hoole, it was. Resolved, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil to be held in the City of Albany, on the first Tuesday of February. A. Dep. 2867, at 7 o'clock, P. M. No further business appearing, the Minutes were read and ap- proved, and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. JOSIAH SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 391 ^lONEYS RECEIVED DURING THE ANNUAL ASSE^IBLY. Columbian Council, No. i $25.25 Pennell Council, No. 2 18.48 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 19-75 Adelphic Council, No. 7 69.38 Central City Council, No. 13 i7-50 Bloss Council, No. 14 39.21 Bruce Council, No. 15 17-78 Southern Tier Council, No. 16 20.30 Buffalo Council, No. 17 47-8i King Hiram Council, No. 18 14-75 Doric Council, No. 19 33-00 De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22 23.75 Ontario Council, No. 23 5.50 Binghampton Council, No. 24 14-85 Dunkirk Council, No. 25 6.00 Dunkirk Council, No. 25, Balance on Warrant. . 10.00 Palmyra Council, No. 26 7.31 Palmyra Council, No. 26, Balance on Warrant. 10.00 Batavia Council, U. D 12.00 $412.62 392 O >< 02 S (» z d C4-< ;3 o U a 3 o o rt Tl c 2 O o U t— » Jfi f3 N S3 13 .3 r3 Td .!i "TS CU c a, ^ c o oU >^H" •vi lu M .y • ■a o g • be • "o ttJ =! P It- rt • O s oi !_ aj O <" y d "O ii '^ j3 ^ o g =1 .-■ o :^ . O ^ o ' -o £ ■" s >. , .2 --s ^ 5m^ «o^ 2 n! 43 C r 'in '^ 6 >u &/;■ u C O >. O << a" Q -, c .5 Co ^ c o «i h U rt 0) e Ph U. O 3 •-! P .K c o D -!-> O +-» C c o -t-l b/j c C „ 3 ucLlcq^wOumpQc^^cSMPWffiPdffiP .-(Cgrl-tv.00f^<^'*lJ^'Ot^00O\O'-iC\ir0^"-)^ r-H ^ ,-1 ^ .-1 ,-1 ^ rt CM tM CM CM CM Cs) CM P "i _ o :P 393 o > ^ tn ^ «< Jdqninn S98I aonis paja S98I S98I S981 S98I 33ms pd)33J3 pnB*p3Ald33H lO rO "O - O t^ ■^ 'O >< H z D O o H u D o U o o o 10 o a rt lu j3 a •a c o a •Z'Zi4'Z(JiOO u ^ ^ u. o o r o ^ ^ 8 ^ - m 3 E S i) u t; a; !^ O >L Z a: eg Iz: o pg; LP a - • r"i ^ C O --^ dJ ••=* ij o lu u ~ a c 1) "-I CM rl- rx 00 CM fO 394 O rt- rj- r^ N O O) lOVO 00 ■^ CJN o 1-. o «0 g ^rt ciu i-.S-M ^■a'SosqSaj.Ss'rtrt Mpq<;p:iCQp:! C C O 1> 3 -■ ^rxooa\0>-icMfo Q c . PL,M^ o CM 39S OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL, 2866-2867. M. P. Charles H. Piatt, Grand Master. Binghampton. R. P. John Hoole, Dep. Gr. Master New York. R. P. James McCredie, Gr. 111. Master Bufifalo. R. P. John D. Williams, Gr. P. C, of the W. .Elmira, R. P. Josiah Shove, Gr. Recorder New York. M. P. Henry L. Bunting, Gr. Treasurer. .New York. R. P. Daniel Wolff, Gr. C. of the G New York. R. P. Mead Belden, Gr. Marshal Syracuse. R. P. and Rev. R. H. Robinson, Gr. Chaplain . Albany. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk, Gr. Lecturer New York. P. Frederick F. Driggs, Gr. Steward. . . .Dunkirk. P. Amasa Fuller, Gr. Sentinel Albany. Addresses. Grand Master, Rev. C. H. Piatt Binghampton. Grand Recorder, Josiah Shove, Box 3737. .New York. All Communications for the Grand Recorder should be ad- dressed as above. 396 GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room. Albany, Tuesday, Feb. 5th, A. D. 1867. A. Dep. 2867. The Most Puissant Grand Council oi Royal and Select Mas- ters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, February . 5th, A. D. 1867, A. Dep. 2867. Present : M. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Tames McCredie. .. .Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. John D. Williams Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. M. P. Henry F. L. Buntinsc Grand Treasurer. R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the Guard. T. I. Joseph B. Chaffee as Grand Marshal. Rev. J. G. Websters as Grand Chaplain. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. P Frederick F. Driggs Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Seymour H. Stone . Past Deputy Grand Master. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, King Hiram, No. 18, Pennell, No. 2, Doric, No. 19, Brooklvn, No. 4, Keystone, No. 20, Adelphic, No. 7, De Witt Clinton, No. 22, Eureka, No. 8, Ontario, No. 2-^, Central City, No. 13, Binghampton, No. 24, Bloss, No. 14, Dunkirk, No. 25, Bruce, No. 15, Palmyra, No. 26, Southern Tier, No. 16, Batavia, No. 27. Buffalo, No. 17, On motion of R. P. J. D. Williams, the reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Assembly was dispensed with, printed copies of the same having been furnished to all the Councils. 397 The foltowing Minutes of Special Assemblies of this Grand Council were read and approved : SPECIAL ASSEMBLY of the Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York, held by Order of the M. P. Grand Master, in the City of New York, June tjth, A. D. 1866, A. Dep. 2866. Present : R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. John D. Williams Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting Grand Treasurer. R. P- Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the G. R. P. Sewall T. Fisk Grand Lecturer. And the Representatives of Columbian Council, No. i, Adelphic Council, No. 7, Bloss Council, No. 14, Southern Tier Council, No. 16. The Grand Council was opened without form. The M. P. Grand Master was reported in the city, but detained from this Assembly by sickness. An application was received from Batavia Council, U. D., for a Warrant, and', on motion, the same was granted. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was called from labor to refreshment until the 8th instant. New York, Friday, June 8th, 2866. The Grand Council resumed its Session. Present: M. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the Guard. And the Representatives of Columbian Council, No. i, Brooklyn Council, No. 4, Adelphic Council, No. 7, Binghampton Council, No. 24. 398 Labor was resumed by the M. P. Grand Master. M. P. Com- panion C. H. Piatt, from the Committee on Work and Lectures, pre- sented a report of progfress, detailing the result of their labors and researches thus far, and recommending that the Grand Lecturer be called on to exemplify the work of the Super-Excellent Master's de- gree before the Grand Council. On motion, the report was received and the recommendation was adopted. At the conclusion of the exemplification of the work, no further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. The ,M. P. Grand Master then delivered his Annual Address, which was, on motion, ordered to be spread at length upon the minutes, and was referred to a committee of three to apportion the subjects therein treated of to appropriate committees. THE ADDRESS. Cryptic Companions : To the Father of Lights, who has illumined our darkness and granted us the peaceful enjoyment of our privileges, our thanks are rendered with the recurrence of another year. A genuine prosperity has attended our efforts. Tranquility and harmony has been signally allotted to the select few. We pursue our work in the methods of unobtrusive quietude, and at the seasons of un- observed diligence, which are so impressively symbolized by the ceremonies of our Royal and Select Art. In the stillness of the night, "when deep sleep falleth upon men," then does our parable represent the Great Builder of human hopes, the Almighty Founder of man's brightest destiny, as drawing nigh to disclose the mystery of truth's guard and preservation and perpetuation. And so we recognize the presence of a blessing that shall solidify our work, not amid the reverberations of employment that chal- lenges the attention of the world, but in the calm silence of our imperturbed peace and contentment. In appeals to public atten- tion, in stunning vindications of our system, in rapid and surpris- ing multiplication of our Councils, or in energetic discussion of our jurisprudence, we have not challenged the observation of men. But the interior work has meantime progressed and flourished, and the quiet fact of our stabiHty is the irrefutable argument of our work. 399 During the past year I have granted a Dispensation for but one new Council. It is known b}' the name of Utica Council and is located in the city of Utica. T . 111. Rees G. Williams presiding as Master, and having as his associates in the East, R. 111. T. W. Bolles and 111. Chas. B. Foster. Indirect intelligence of their suc- cess in establishing Cryptic Masonry at this centre of our jurisdic- tion has been conveyed to me, and I trust they will permit this Body to place its endorsement upon their selection of material and their exactness in work by authorizing the seal upon a A^'arrant. The Companions who have actively sustained this important experiment were prompted and encouraged and are still favored by two most worthy names upon the records of ^lasonry in Cen- tral Xew York, the venerable Barnum, and our zealous Companion Zenas C. Priest. Our R. P. Companion J. McCredie has duly reported to me his action in constituting and dedicating Dunkirk Council, Xo. 25, and Batavia Council, Xo. 27, and installing their officers respect- ively, the former on the 23d of February, 2866, and the latter on the '8th of August, 2866. During the month of June last, at the city of Xew York, at the time of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, spec- ial assemblies of the Grand Council were held for the purpose of drawing particular attention to the exemplification of the Super- Excellent jNIaster's Degree. Sickness detained me from the first appointed of these assemblies. And the report at the second oc- casion only resulted in recommending to the consideration of Sub- ordinate Councils a Ritual corresponding substantially with that carefully prepared and adopted in the jurisdiction of ^Massachusetts. I should regard it as judicious to continue this recommendation, and to provide for the submission of a complete Ritual at our next Annual Assembly. I have constituted and dedicated Palmyra Council, X"o. 26, and installed its officers on the 20th day of February, 2866. I have since — )'. e., on the 8th ult. — visited and presided in the same Coun- cil, and installed T. 111. Comp. Ennis, who still imparts to this Body his own zeal and discretion, and renders one of our most recent organizations an emulous competitor for the distinction of the experienced and most skillful. I have also enjoyed the pleasure of installing our distinguished Comp. J. B. Chaffee as T. 111. blaster of Binghampton Council, Xo. 24. Yielding to repeated and special request, I have also visited Central City Council, No. 13, and presided therein during the reception and greeting of ten candidates. Under the auspices of Freemasonry, fostered and promoted as it is at this Central 400 City, by brethren and Companions who honor its moral instruction and are resolved to maintain the degrees in their just sequence, there may be some transient languor in the exhibition of the work ; but it is only the intermission of caution and circumspection. It is not the abatement of fervency and zeal. The assemblies may be for a time less frequent, but it is for the purpose of scrutinizing well the material that is to serve the valuable uses of the secret vault. There are other portions of our jurisdiction where the gradual unfoldings of our Masonic mysteries are either neglected or involved in deplorable confusion. The temporary custody over the Royal and Select Degrees in a former period by Chapters was the occasion of vague, imperfect and unworthy views as to their relation in the Order of Masonic Lights. The instruction was communicated unintelligently by those who neither appreciated the source of the authority, under which they acted, nor the crowning symbolism of the Ancient Craft with which our Cryptic trust is properly invested. There is consequently, a remnant of those, who have faithfully and gloriously labored in the Royal Arch that retain the traditional misconception of Cryptic Masonry. The lustre of their career gives emphasis to their indifiference. Their high attainments in Capitular knowledge and their unblemished record in all that befits the citizen or the candidate for immortality, constrain us to silence. But that noble generation descends to the vault where the Almighty Master holds in reserve the mvsteries of His resurrection power. As they vanish from the earthly com- panionship, that bewildering confusion of authority will be no more than the recollection of history, and the salutary adjustments of Masonic degrees will be universally and unhesitatingly accepted, never again to be disturbed, we hope, until the Supreme Archi- tect of the Universe shall utter throughout the darkness of human- ity His all-compelling fiat, "Let there be light." Information has also reached me of a more serious evil, which militates against the just dignity of our degrees and summons us to vigilance. There is reason to apprehend that either in wanton defiance of our discipline, or inculpable oblivion of obligations, Com- panions have received the light of the vault only to disseminate it in unauthorized forms, without due examination to improper per- sons, in violation of our regulations and their own promises. Rituals thus travestied are but mutilated and disfigured caricatures of our beautiful system. Laws thus distained claim their vindica- tion. Companions thus recreant disgrace the sacred harmony which meets the novice at the door of the Entered Apprentice Lodge. It behooves us to scrutinize thoroughly the claimant of Cryptic privilege, and know whether he has been thus clandestinely foisted upon our acceptance. And it devolves upon us, with mor- tification and yet with fidelity, to warn our sister Grand Jurisdic- 401 tions that such treachery breathes its infection around us. Com- panions^ let us heed the lesson of our art ; there is no true mercy where justice is unknown. Rise to some conception of the dignity that should grace the summit of the ancient Craft. Be faithful to the trust we guard, and its unsullied splendor will shed honor upon us who prize and who guard it. The M. P. appointed as Committee on Address, R. 111. Comp. R. G. Millard and T. 111. Comps. J. \V. Morange and WiUiam B. Crandall. The Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer presented the fol- lowing Reports, which were, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Committee. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: Your Grand Recorder would offer the following Annual Re- port : Received during last Annual Assembly $412.62 Received for 30 Seals on Certificates 15.00 Received March i, for Dispensation, Utica Council 20.00 Received June 5th, for Warrant, Batavia Council, No. 27 10.00 Received Jan. 22, '67, for Dispensation i.oo $458.62 All of which has been paid to the Grand Treasurer. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. New York, February 5th, 1867. The undersigned Finance Committee respectfully report, that they have examined the above report and find the same correct. H. E. Gilbert, H. W. Mclntire, J- Committee. W. F. Edington, 402 To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. Your Grand Treasurer would beg leave to present the fol- lowing Annual Report : To Balance cash in hand, February S, 1866. .$257.77 To Cash Received Feb. 7, 1866, from Grand Recorder 153-72 To Cash Received May 28 258.90 To Cash Received June 28, 1867 46,00 To Interest 10.81 $727.20 Cr. 1866. Febry. 7. By Cash paid Warrants from No. 49 to 70 inclusive $287.20 March 28. By Corlies and Macy, printing 124.29 411.49 Balance on hand $315.71 Respectfully submitted, HENRY F. L. BUNTING, Grand Treasurer. New York, February 5th, 1867. The undersigned Finance Committee hereby, respectfully re- port that we have examined the above report and find the same correct. H. E. Gilbert, ) H. W. Mclntire, y Committee. W. F. Edington, ) The M. P. appointed the following Standing Committees : On Credentials and Returns : — R. P. John Hoole, R. P. Josiah Shove, T. 111. Joseph B. Chafifee. On Warrants and Dispensations : — R. P. Daniel Wolff, T. 111. Wm. B. Crandall, R. I. George B. Baker. 403 On Constitutions and By-Laws : — R. P. James McCredie, R. P. John D. Williams, T. I. Lorenzo Lombard. On Grievances and Appeals :—R. 111. R. G. Millard, T. 111. D. F. Day, R. 111. Thomas L. Root. On Finance :— T. 111. Henry E. Gilbert, 111. H. W. Mclntire, 111. W. F. Edington. On motion, it was unanimously Resolved, That R. P. Seymour H. Stone be received as the Representative of Central City Council, No. 13, the Master having been called away from the city unexpectedly. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing report, which was, on motion, received and accepted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the following representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Coun- cil. Columbian, No. i Daniel Wolff. Pennell, No. 2 John Hoole. Brooklyn, No. 4 .* John Sheville. Adelphic, No. 7 H-^nry E. Gilbert. Eureka, No. 8 Geo. W. Baker. Central City, No. 13 S. H. Stone. Bloss, No. 14 Geo. Babcock. Bruce, No. 15 \\ arner H. McCoy. Southern Tier, No. 16 H. W. Mclntire. Buffalo, No. 17 James McCredie. King Hiram, No. 18 L. Lombard. ' Doric, No. 19. .Wm. B. Crandall and F. H. Marshall. Keystone, No. 20 D. F. Day. De Witt Clinton, No. 22 J. W. Morange. ' Ontario, No. 23 W. F. Edington. Binghampton, No. 24 J. B. Chaffee. Dunkirk, No. 25. . .F. F. Driggs and W. H. Wyman. Palmyra, No. 26 Thomas L- Root. Batavia, No. 27 Homer Bostwick. John Hoole, \ J. Shove, \ Committee. J. B. Chaffee, ) 404 The Committee on Unfinished Business reported that there had been no business of that kind left over from the last session to come before them, and on motion, the report was received and the Committee was discharged. The Committee on the Grand Master's Address presented the following- Report, which was, on motion, received and its recom- mendations were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. Masters : The Committee to whom was referred the Address of the M. P. G. M. respectfully recommend, that so much of the same as re- fers to Dispensations be referred to the Committee on Warrants ; and so much as refers to Ritual, to the Grand Council and Grand Lecturer. Royal G. Millard, | Tas. W. Morange, [ Committee. W. B. .Crandall, J The following Amendments to the Constitution were offered and, on motion, they were unanimously adopted. By R. P. Comp. J. D. Williams: Amend Section 15, of Article I, by striking out the words, "For Registry Fee, 50 cents," and inserting "75 cents," so that when amended, the sub-division will read as follows : "For every Companion received and greeted in a Subordinate Council, 75 cents." By T. 111. Wm. B. Crandall : That Section 5, of Article II, be stricken out. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the following Report : To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : The Committee on Foreign Correspondence respectfully ask leave to report that they have had the pleasure of perusing the printed proceedings of the following Grand Councils, since our Annual Assembly of Anno Dep. 2866, viz. : Arkansas, for 1860- 1866; Alabama, for i865-'66; Connecticut, for 1866; Iowa, for 1866; Illinois, for 1866; Indiana, for i865-'66; Louisiana, for 1866; Maine, for 1866; Michigan, for 1865; Missouri, for 1866; Rhode Island, for i86o-'6i, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66. Your Committee sincerely regret that so few of our Sister Grand Councils have been heard from through the medium of their 405 printed transactions. It is gratifying, however, to learn from the proceedings of such as have been received, that Cryptic Masonry in such jurisdictions is firmly established, is winning its way to favor and renown ; and that it numbers on its rolls of workmen the names of many of the most brilliant and polished blocks of the great Masonic fabric of the United States of America. Indeed, the Cryptic section of that great fabric is now a promi- nent and important connection beween the Capitular and Chivalric, which, collectively with the Symbolic as the base, form our cher- ished Tabernacle, which has so proudly stood the test of time, and passed through so many fiery ordeals. ***** [To the proceedings before named, we invite your attention.] The following resolution was offered by 111. Comp. W. H. McCoy, which was, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Committee : Resolved, That the sum of twenty-five dollars be paid the Chair- man of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. A petition from Pennell Council, No. 2, was presented asking to have the name of the Council changed to Union Council, No. 2 ; and, on motion, it was received and referred to the Committee on Warrants and Dispensations. The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following Report, which was, on motipn, received and its recom- mendations were adopted. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York : Your Committee on Warrants beg leave to report that they have duly considered the application for a Warrant to be granted to certain Royal and Select Masters for a Council now under Dis- pensation, to be located in the city of Utica, and known by the name of Utica Council, No. 28, and would recommend that the application meet the approval of the Grand Council. That they have also considered the application of Pennell Council to have its name changed to that of Union Council, No. 2, and recommend that the application be granted. D. Wolff, Geo. W. Baker, J- Committee. W. B. Crandall, 406 On motion, it was Resolved, That the name of Rees G. Williams, be inserted as T. 111. Master in the Warrant for Utica Council, No. 28, and that the M. P. Grand Master be empowered to fill the blanks left for the names of the second and third officers. The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of ofiScers for the ensuing year, with the following result : M. P. and Rev. C. H. Piatt was re-elected. .Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole was re-elected. .Deputy Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie was re-elected. .Grand 111. Master. R. P. J. D. Williams Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting Grand Treasurer. The first five officers were duly installed by M. P. Comp. Bun- ting, and the Grand Treasurer was installed by the M. P. Grand Master. The M. P. Grand Master made the following appointments : R. P. Daniel WolfJ Grand C. of the G. T. 111. Joseph B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. Rev. J. C. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. F. F. Driggs Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. All of whom were duly installed by the Grand Master. The Committee on Grievances and Appeals and on Constitu- tions and By-Laws reported that there had been no business brought before them. The Committee on Finance presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and its recommendations were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State New York: Your Finance Committee would report that they have exam- ined the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, and find them correct. Your Committee would further report, that in view of the state of the funds of this Grand Council, the amount now on hand, including the receipts for the present session, being more than one thousand dollars, would recommend that the sum of ten cents per 407 mile, by the usual traveled route, be paid to the Grand Officers and Representatives in this Grand Council. They would also recommend that the sum of one hundred dollars be paid to the Grand Recorder for his services the past year, and ten dollars to the Gra,nd Sentinel. They also recommend the adoption of the resolution appro- priating twenty-five dollars to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. They further recommend an appropria- tion of fifty dollars to defray expenses attending the visit of the R. P. G. Lecturer to the Grand Council at Boston, for the purpose of obtaining and transmitting to the Most P. G. M. of this Grand Council the ritual of the degree of Super-Excellent Master. All of which is respectfully submitted. H. E. Gilbert, ) H. ^^^ ]\lclntire, Committee. \\'. F. Edington, ) On motion, the Grand Recorder was empowered to have 250 copies of the Proceedings and of the amended Constitutions printed, to be sent in the usual manner to the Subordinate Coun- cils and to our sister Grand Councils. The j\I. P. Grand Alaster appointed the following Committees : On Foreign Correspondence : — T. 111. Charles Craig, R. P. John D. \Mlliams, R. P. James McCredie. On Unfinished Business : — R. P. Seymour H. Stone, R. P. James McCredie, 111. W. H. McCoy. Special Committee on Finance : — R. P. Daniel WolfT, T. 111. John B. Harris, T. 111. H. E. Gilbert. On motion, it was Rcsok'cd, That the next Annual Assembly of this Grand Coun- cil be held in the Citv of Albanv, on the first Tuesday of February, A. Dep. 2868, at 7.30 o'clock, P. M. No further business appearing, the Minutes were read and ap- proved and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 408 MONEYS RECEIVED DURING THE ANNUAE ASSEMBLY. Columbian Council, No. i $49.00 Pennell Council, No. 2 32-93 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 46.25 Adelphic Council, No. 7 127.37 Eureka Council, No. 8 12.75 Central City Council, No. 13 37-50 Bloss Council, No. 14 101.38 Bruce Council, No. 15 32.97 S'^uthern Tier Council, No. 16 40.00 Ljffalo Council, No. 17 51-82 King Hiram Council, No. 18 20.25 Doric Council, No.. 19 55-00 Keystone Council, No. 20, two years 21.45 De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22 34-25 Ontario Council, No. 23 26.75 Binghampton Council, No. 24 22.25 Dunkirk Council, No. 25 45-00 Palmyra Council, No. 26 13-76 Batavia Council, No. 27 20.50 Utica Council, U. D 7.50 " " Balance on Warrant. . . 10.00 $808.68 409 sjdqmsm rOOO vO. CvvO O Jdqmna JOSSS-IJ psja ; ro w : : u o X|oa raojj : fo : CJ ■o 'o n n33[DUlS psHiraja : ^ psiBnssv JB3X dq:^ 3nunp psjssoS puB paAl3D3^ M lO Ov On " O (S « _, I-. I-H o . 3 ;=! o o O O s H ■'S ^ D ■4-J o 5 o o =! G >H >H > ^ S- t/2 .2 « ni ^ M-H 4-» ^, ^ ^ & s § o CU 1) .S ^ >^ >^>H i; " o •^ Co ■>-> g3 2; :2; ca :2; o (^ u -t-> in ^ < J u >-, ^ _+-' o a u -U U Columb Union Brookly Adelphi Eureka Central r-~t ^lOl-|fO-^r^o^ V0>0t->.0\f00 M 'OtOrt-'^IN cow r^ \o >-i vo w 0"NPOO^oo>0 ■^ t-H HH t-i h-l (H HH CO Co— 3303i2vOl^OO 411 / *: t/l ;ij •T-t ;z; O C b ;:! _, o o O 1 o (ij t.J -M rrt T3 a C ^ c o u ^ M pi en ^ <-)-( o ^1 -^ lU u S ^ 7 Ik ii u rt ji i_ J M2 3 .i; . . . -u -s, ji: ^* u -w . ► cii w Di Q w o o en i-;o > U > O O > ?^ c - o p •.2 : := &S : :«>£ i- § ■ ^ ■ in ►^u ^^<; rt 1= it I- ^ - oj -n clip's oti.2 5' t-T-l OS ii-o 3 u^ u o 3:^0 «J u c- S'rtrt'-" u;Dcq<;wueQrawcQWQWQOmpfi,m^;D CO CM ^^rt«„rt,-,C\ltMCMCMr-)(NCM! 412 tfl u V Ti u O u w u:2:o be = • ^ ■"c — o . no ^SS^S,,2 u 3 ~ 3 (u il^ rt o -S >i^ Or • Tt XI OJ g (U 3 ^ o en i> u J3 MfL( U > l* - c«ffi « c .2 « - c S 3 o '; ^ 1> o- o 2 o = tic o^ c^ f.rp. C 5 rH ^ ^ ^— , - o« §■-.'2 K > •c-^ fe— « o'c_o c fei^-c^-o °c botl'S'S'H-S J5.t;^ rt a-~ rt3 Eu o o3 rt^ ^-HrtiS Cj:rt kT rT: T3 > tfflt; (u jn is W^ w *J o c ii O M tn . — 1 o >i CO . r- n! "5. E S'-g rt.2 « rj rt C -r u 2 •^Ji! C S O.g ,^ ^ , ^ ot^u-)r^i-ioo ^M MOO N O 0^ H-i h-l t-l M rO *-* ■ \0 O a 3 bo . . ■ cr n w o Si-!.™ c o >> rt rt 1-. ^33oa£-. McQ" C 1) C g 3 .5 O 5? u C .S 3 n! rt S ° ^ :t ^- _• 431 ^ s (/I QJ •z o t*H O ^ ^H o u O o <\) t; ->-> rt TJ e: n > = ■^ t- o o °c;)-th' hA«^^W^ 1- tn > 1- ty b ■^ tflr/i c/i nl Cln < § (/) o^ H p ■^ i; p: ^ ■l r-r >^' ■fc. • Q ^fiiK S 3 _ s.o c c > c <3 C c OJ o <= t! I- I" o II il s'^ si '^Zq oj c.S 3i3 M-zi o s.£ . - - QOcqQfcpqDSOt^ •o55°Cos-So£^3^c.Ss13m-zioS.5 . c rt [« .^ "^ . n o ^ Cf p., c 1 J7 r- S t-S r i ^ -'^ Si ° S c «J -o (^ ■ I- • ►^ [/5;r:aj:r S^Jcuj win C£ -r* I-h 3 . . o „ oPP =« 5 .3i^P'-'t! .ii <£^^"oot; 2 § .u - "^ o n ■3 r-" "^ g o . . N EH '^ '-" >■':>■ CJ (1) tiJ 2^ B 6^^ .2 "2 ■ c piK rt b£iS>2o H ^ g ?i rt S pl| <; (5 iJ fe S t}5 m-td ffi u\ o ^ ni O 1- ?! • Ph C3 ■ d^ — . c« .S E c o cij J3 o o CO OJ &6" c* 55"? c 1- =: Gj «— < j:^ i-i r! 7, ra . g 1^ p^ i^M U h^i-AH C tn C u r!,2 § C O «iT3 IX •9^-^ C b O g rt rt SCO a: g — P-i-C UPiPi Ph Uffi "■a m u ^'-'U Vic. s w ^ r- OJ z; o s i^-g-^ s S ^ s &t;.2 S'El I 6 !;: bcS eft u^ 3 Khi:!,>Hpq CT3 l- 3 E'3 rf 433 REPRESENTATIVES NEAR SISTER GRAND COUNCILS. James H. Drummond of Portland Grand Council of JNIaine. Rev. Thomas D. Lawson of Bastrop. .Grand Council of Louisiana. Rev. Levi H. Corson of Jonesville Grand Council of Michigan. ]\Jarcus Higginbotham of Jersey City. . .Gd. Council of New Jersey. James J. Gould of Bridgeport Grand Council of Connecticut. 434 GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Albany, Feb. 2d, A. D. 1869, A. Dep. 2869. The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Mas- ters of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the City of Albany, in accordance with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, February 2d, A. D., 1869, A. Dep. 2869. Present : M. P. Charles H. Piatt Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Tames McCredie. . .Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. John D. Williams Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. M. P. H. F. L. Bunting Grand Treasurer, R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. Joseph B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. R. P- and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Seymour H. Stone Past Dep. Master. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, De Witt Clinton, No. 22, Union, No. 2. Ontario, No. 21,, Brooklyn, No. 4 Binghampton, No. 24, Adelphic, No. 7 Dunkirk, No. 25, Bloss, No. 14, Palmyra, No. 26, Bruce, No. 15, Batavia, No. 27, Southern Tier, No. 16, Mohawk, No. 29, Buffalo, No. 17, Owego, No. 30, King Hiram, No. 18. King Solomon, No. 31, Doric, No. 19, Chautauqua, U. D. Keystone, No. 20, Olean, U. D. Hudson River, No. 21, The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form. On motion of R. P. Comp. Hoole, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. The Grand Master then delivered the following Address : 435 THE ADDRESS. Honored and ^^'ORTHY Compaxioxs : A year closes which has witnessed the planting of the seeds of great results for the cause of Cryptic ^lasonry. The Glorious Keeper of Israel, that hideth Himself, has mani- fested favcr towards us in continued harmony, and in obvious ad- vance towards a more intelligent and vigorous use of our moral in- struction. I would not assume that placidity and silent harmony are in- variable tokens of genuine strength. Arbitrary and imperious au- thority may give temporary quietude ; moody discontent may silently bide its time, and crafty treachery may simper in disguise while cruel plots are nursed. But none of these evils attend upon our pros- peritv. We hail it without a misgiving. Xo blemish of distrust im- pairs the perfectness of our thank-offering to Him who hath made peace in our time. 1 am now prepared to surrender to you the high sovereignty with which your favor has repeatedlj' and indulgently honored me. I am grateful to every member of this Grand Body, not only for the honorable position in which I have been continued, but for the unswerving support, respect, encouragement and aid universally bestowed. I entreat you now, to dismiss me as a good and faithful servant, as a gentle and considerate Master. Let the noble emula- tion of others have its scope and its reward. Let the faithful per- severance of the good workman be permitted a wider effect b\- the trust of a higher station. Let the interest of new Companions be enlisted in our Grand Council work, and the very engagement will enlarge their sense of its importance and its labor. I will not dic- tate to you your suffrages, but content myself with acknowledging that your gifts of honor have more than filled m}- measure of merit, and that I desire to witness the lustres of office upon another brow. The Report of duty discharged by my Right Puissant Deputy, regales us with the intelligence that Hudson River Council, Xo. 21, some time delinquent and dormant, has resumed active functions and determined to rekindle a light not to be quenched. I have issued Dispensations for four new Councils. On the ist of ^lav for Chautauqua Council at Jamestown, Chautaqua County, and for Sandy Hill Council, at Sandy Hill, Washington County; on the 7th of December for Olean Council, at Olean, Chautauqua CountA-, and on the 26th of January, 1869, for Wyoming Council, at Pike, Wyoming County. 436 Applications for Warrants will be made by several Councils under Dispensation. I trust that their evidence of proficiency and usefulness will find your favor. The competent Committee to whom was referred the revision of our ritual for the three degrees conferred in Councils gave prompt and judicious attention to their serious duty. The result was reported to me, and our ritual now stands complete, accepted and promulgated by due authority, and in the possession of our effi- cient Grand Lecturer. I recommend recourse to him for full in- struction. The object is uniformity in our exemplifications. We have approached the gioal of a long journey and a patient, pro- tracted eflfort. We have eschewed changes, but sought improve- ments. We have claimed that Cryptic Masonry must have its pecu- liarities, and yet ought to assimilate to the phraseology of the Chap- ter. Wanton diversities create needless confusion. Mere novelties of language are puerile. Language faithful to facts is wise.^ Our ritual now stands upon this reasonable basis, simpler in expression, easier to acquire, more conformable to Masonic usage, more drama- tically impressive, in closer fidelity to our traditions, and bearing a desirable analogy to the work of other Grand Councils, almost iden- tical with the rituals generally adopted. It is substantiallv what it always has been during the sixty- two years of our Grand Council history, and yet relieved of some inelegancies and inaccuracies, which time had stereotyped. Its exhibition has satisfied the critical scrutiny of other jurisdictions. They have indorsed its propriety, and it now gives promise of being the nucleus around which will crystallize a beautiful uniformity in Cryptic Masonry throughout our land. By your confidence, I was delegated to the important mission of representing you in an assemblage of Grand Council delegates at St. Louis, simultaneously with the General Grand Encampment and General Grand Chapter. You had fortunately provided for substitu- tion in the event of my inability to attend. It was my purpose to have participated in those delibera;tions. My preparations were) made with that intention and desire, but sickness prostrated mp and chained me to my place. The opoortunity was lost, so far as mv personal attendance was concerned. In yielding to this interdict I consulted wisely your own interest, and gratified myself bv deputing our Ri^ht Puissant Grand Lecturer to represent us. He set forth upon very brief notice, and admirably accomplished all that could have been done in the prosecution of our own plans. To the parti- culars embraced in his report, submitted herewith, I would direct your especial attention. The Convention for Cryptic Masonry, to represent the several Grand Jurisdictions, failed to afifect all that was contemplated in the 437 original scheme. It did amount to a valuable conference of Com- oanions and to a comoarison of views and projects, from which each derived new animation, and all recieved the impress of the most in- telligent and best illumined. Two measures to be discussed and promoted in each jurisdiction were ventilated, and are returned from the centre to be pondered and cherished by each sovereign part. It was first deemed opportune to create in each Grand Com- mandery, a disposition to restore and dignify the injured and dis- credited summit of Ancient Craft i\Iasonry. That crown of the olden mystery is treasured in the secret recesses of the Council. Its legitimate custody, and, as experience has proved, its only im- munity from dishonor, is there. The York Rite must droop into merited disparagement, unless it can consent to guard and foster the Royal and Select Degrees by Council obligations and by Grand Council symbolism. And chivalric Masonry abets and instigates this corrupting process, so long as it disdains the advice and scorns the accrediting of those who sustain the foundations of the Royal Arch, by keeping unimpaired the cryptic walls. Reform will come; it must come, or the Arch itself will degenerate. And one of those elements, not of wild and rash innovation, but of a consistent and happy restoration, will be the gradual conviction that the cour- teous Knight should be the well instructed Select Master. The day is not remote when this Grand Council will make its solemn appeal to the magnamity of the Templar, and his heart, emanci- pated from prejudices, will respond with the generous acknowledg- ment thr.t the justice denied to our degrees shall henceforth be rendered. Another subject broached in those consultations of Septer"ber last merits our notice. It is the rescue of the Royal and Select traditions from that patronage which is but the pre- lude of disaster — the usurped jurisdiction of Grand Chapters, or the temporary shelter of these degrees under capitular authority. I do not content myself with the merely evasive proposition that Chapters have now all they can well maintain, and that more in- cumbrances of labor would prove the occasion of neglected, slurred and imperfect labor. I omit all discussion of the right to encroach or of the need to absorb. Look we only at the mortifying fact that so meagre a proportion of cryptic light has been diffused throughout the territory which we occupy. Our theory would make Subordinate Councils as numerous and accessible as well ordered and substantial Chapters. We do not average one Council to five Chapters. Our Grand Lodge reports, in round numbers, 56,000 members. Of these, one out of five advances to the Chap- ter. But of Royal Arch Masons not one in seven attains member- ship in the Council. In Ohio, every fourth Royal Arch Mason is a Select Master. In Maine and Massachusetts, the same ratio 43S subsists, while in Mississippi, Indiana and Louisiana, about one- Ihird of the Chapter membership is also admitted to cryptic privi- lege. Under this last proportion, the consequence is greater vigor in Capitular Masonry, and better material interested in the Coun- cil. Redeem New York from her humiliating apathy, and a hun- dred gates will adorn the walls of the city of our solemnities ; 5,000 Companions will guard, as cryptic obligation teaches us to guarci, the trust of the Royal Arch. Our record cannot be completed without the melancholy recol- lection of our illustrious and lamented dead. The hurrying caval- cade of cares fills and oppresses our minds with the thought of living actors in these scenes and exactions of duty that levy their continued claim upon our powers. But we are not all action, nor all hope, though we delight to apply our faculties, and buoyantly rise in hope, buffeting the waves of present troubles. The be- nignity that endowed us for action and cheered us with imagina- tion, has furnished us with memory, and erected that monumental power within us to be a conspicuous portion of the present life and the perpetual token of the life to come. It recalls the names, the images, the endowments, the virtues of those that thrilled in these excitements, or sustained these cares, as Companions in our watch over treasured symbols, and have anticipated our pursuing steps in closing the hours of labor and entering upon the eternity of refreshment. No human being is so degraded or insignificant, that the volume of the hidden life is despised by the All-seeing Eye. Every immortality is a particle in_that Star of the Universe, the luminary of Providence. And yet many a sharer in this human lot vanishes away unheeded in his departing, as he was unobserved in his career. To the unforgetting memory of God we consign those who were, by the very gift of human nature, sublime, though the world knew them not. But our memorial is the tribute of due recollection for men distinguished and useful in their day, and named now with gratitude for their high qualities, and sorrow that in these earthly assemblies they are to be seen no more. The first of these, our losses during the year, was that of our Right Puissant Past Deputy Grand Master, Dr. Augustus Willard, whose welcome presence honored our last Annual Assembly. He had filled in succession three offices in this Grand Council, enlist- ing with resolution and ardor in the effort to revive and honor Cryptic Masonry and disseminate its instruction among those worthy to receive it. Eureka Council owed its origin and period of brilliancy to his personal endeavors, and almost swoons into dis- couragement at his loss. The adhesion of our Right Puissant Grand Officer to the interest and support of the Cryptic Degrees was a most substantial aid in securing from the indififerent or the adverse, a proper respect for these neglected elements of Ancient 439 Craft Masonry. His eminence in the profession of medicine, wherein he was no sciolist or pretender, and his repute in the land as a generous and honorable citizen, gave importance to his ex- ample. Even this was enhanced by the personal character of the good man, devoted to a useful life, and employing in his beneficent work no other arts than those of rectitude, fidelity and courage. In the critical era of our Grand Council history, he was recognized as a valuable supporter. W'e derived additional advantages from his participation with us, because it was conceded that he had been deservedly eminent and influential in other Masonic relations. When the problem was to rescue our secret traditions from general oblivion, and to vindicate our jurisdiction against assumption and encroachment, his aid was worth ten thousand men. He knew all the legitimate functions of Capitular Masonry ; he was versed in the fortunes of the craft during the terrific ordeal that confused and contaminated all degrees ; and his unqualified support of the Cryp- tic authorities rallied the wavering, roused the despondent, and set the wheels of salutary progress in motion. The debt of recol- lection and grateful praise due to such a faithful associate we cheerfully rendered during the last few years of his declining vigor, nor shall we fail to renew our tributes now, that the sacredness of death veils the human form, and enrobes with recompense the re- leased spirit. Similar terms of commendation might be applied to our Right Puissant Companion, Dr. Bradley Parker. He died at his resi- dence in Brooklyn on the i6th of the month just closed, an honored citizen, a zealous Mason, an upright and influential man, useful in his generation, and peaceful in his death. The office last filled by him in this Grand Council was that of Grand Illustrious Master, the third in our order of officers. On retiring from this station in 1861, he still retained his solicitude on our behalf, and persevered in his cordial attachment to institutions that serve to illumine and consolidate the virtuous and the worthy. We bow to the decree that has terminated his labors, with the fortitude that Masonry inculcates, and the submission that faith imparts. The fatal shaft that has reached the ripe and declining, spared not the younger and immature. One of these has fallen in the flush of a promising manhood. It was the fortunate auspice of Owego Council to undertake its novitiate in Cryptic work under a youthful Master, who commanded the respect as he deserved the favor of discerning Companions clustered around him. Be- cause I admire such uncorrupted integrity ; because I feel the sacredness of such an undefiled conscience ; because I honor fer- vent zeal the more when it heeds the restraints of moderation, I cannot suppress the sigh that attests the early fate of him, who will live upon our records as first entrusted with the Warrant of Owego 440 I- Council, a man of purity, piety and prudence, Royal A. Allen. Upon the embowered cliff that, overlooks the Susquehanna sleeps his mortal frame ; in serener heights, by the margin of the river of life, reposes his untroubled spirit. Other Grand Jurisdictions have met their calamities. We cannot pause to linger upon such themes. Nor can we omit to mention the sorrow that has befallen our whole Masonic brother- hood in Tennessee. Companion Charles A. Fuller of Nashville, had for twenty years faithfully discharged the responsible duties of Grand Recorder. His associates place him upon record as one in- dustrious in acquiring extraordinary Masonic knowledge, and bril- liant in its communication by speech, and by pen, to the honor of the Craft and the credit of his own illustrious name. We are bound to him by the ties not only of common knowledge in the Cryptic science, but those of nativity. He was born at Spring- field, Otsego County, in this State. We cannot claim the privilege of having witnessed his progress in Masonic usefulness, but we can bedew his dust with our tear of sympathy as we recollect that he sprung from our own soil, and earned the afTection and esteem of our universal brotherhood. " Time cannot teach forgetfulness While Grief's full heart is fed by fame." The dread catastrophe that hovers in the very atmosphere of Masonry is Death. But the Light that beams through the same atmosphere is Life — Life at the command of the Master — Life ris- ing out of the ashes of the dead. " To die, is landing on some silent shore Where billows never beat, nor tempests roar ; Ere well we feel the friendly stroke, 'tis o'er." One of the ever honored patrons of Freemasonr}^ has con- densed its instruction into these few golden syllables : "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." Companions, be this our ideal. Let us be faithful to this ex- alted pattern. It will admit diversities of sentiment. It tolerates kind and enthusiastic discussions. It prompts us to be manly first, that there may be play for brotherly concession. But it harbors no malignities, permits no hyprocisies, and endures no frauds. Whenever my name shall wear l:he funeral drapery upon your record, and the silence and darkness of the grave shall forbid me to vindicate myself, let the fidelity, to which we are pledged be the surviving voice, to attest that fervency and zeal were the imperish- able inmates of my heart. 441 On motion of R. P. and Rev. Comp. Webster, the Address was referred to a Committee of three, to apportion the matter con- tained therein to the appropriate Committees. The Grand Master appointed as said Committee : — R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster, T. 111. W. P. Durant, T. 111. G. F. Wiltsie. The Grand Lecturer presented the following report, which was, on motion, received and referred to the same Committee : To the M. P. Rev. Charles H. Piatt, Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York : I have the honor to report that during the past year, I have visited and imparted the work of the Council as follows : Southern Tier, No. i6 Elmira. Binghampton, No. 24 Binghampton. Palmyra, No. 26 Palmyra. Owego, No. 30 Owego. Hudson River, No. 21 Kingston. Many of the Councils in the Jurisdiction are suffering for the want of proper attention on the part of the officers, who either absent themselves from the regular assemblies, or neglect to per- fect themselves in the rituals. It is to be deplored that such is the case while so many means are provided to enable the Councils to secure a correct knowledge of the beautiful and impressive cere- monies of Cryptic i\Iasonry. The work as approved by you has given entire satisfaction to all who have examined it, and has awakened enthusiasm and zeal among those of the votaries who have the Cryptic Rite at heart. On the nth of September last, I received your proxy author- izing me to represent you at the Convention called to meet at St. Louis at the time of the meeting of the Grand Encampment and General Grand Chapter. While deeply regretting that the state of vour health prevented you from being in attendance, and where, I am confident, you could have done so much good, I ac- cepted the proxy with great misgiving, and resolved to at least see that the Empire State was represented in the Convention. On arriving there I found great difficulty in ascertaining who had called the meeting, and who were the representatives. It was found to be impossible to accomplish anything definite, and, after 442 consultation, it was decided to bring the subject of recognizing the Council Degrees and making them prerequisite to the Orders of Knighthood before the several State Grand Commanderies, and thus pave the way for some decisive action at the next triennial conclave, to be held at Baltimore, in 1871 ; and it was thought that if the Companions of the Cryptic Rite only exercise proper fervency and zeal, the representatives to that conclave can be so instructed as to secure the desired recognition. If this is to be done, no time should be lost. Correspondence should at once be opened with the several State Grand Councils, that all may act promptly, harmoniously and efTectively ; and the result will be, that the Councils will be placed where they rightfully belong, thus per- fecting the chain and adding stability and strength to the Grand Masonic plan. I would respectfully suggest that something may be done by the Grand Council to facilitate the formation of Councils. I find many cases where the Companions would be glad to organize Councils, were it not attended with the loss of time and expense in visiting nearest Councils to receive the Degrees. It seems to me that the Grand Master should be allowed to appoint a proxy to make R. and S. Masters at sight, for the purpose of forming new Councils. There is no good reason why there should not be a Council wherever there is a Chapter. Indeed, I contend such should be the case, then the instruction imparted to the Companion of R. A. may be completed in the history of the S. V. In fact, the R. A. is incomplete without such instruction. With my personal acknowledgments for the honors you have conferred on me, and my best wishes for the ultimate success of Cryptic Masonry, I remain, etc. J. H. CHASE, Grand Lecturer. 443 The Grand Recorder presented the following Annual Report, which was, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Com- mittee : To the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Recorder presents the following as his Annual Report of the receipts during the past year. Received during the last Annual Assembly $822.43 Received April 4th, '68, for back dues, Hudson River Council, Xo. 21 3i-50 Received June 2Sth, '68, Dispensation Chautau- qua Council 20.00 Received June 25th, '68, Dispensation Sandy Hill Council 20.00 Received Jan. 12th, '69, Dispensation Olean Council 20.00 Received Feb. i, '69, for Seals to Certificates. .. . 13.50 Total receipts $927.43 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer and his receipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 444 The Grand Treasurer presented the following Aqnual Report, which was received and was also referred to the Finance Com- mittee : To the Grand Covmcil of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : The Grand Treasurer respectfully presents the following re- port of the financial affairs of the Grand Council: 1868. Feb. 4. To Cash, Balance on hand $242.23 Feb. 4. To Cash, Received from Grand Recorder 87.00 June 20. To Cash, Received from Grand Recorder 822.43 June 27. To Cash, Received from Grand Recorder 80.50 June 30. To Cash Received from Grand Recorder 24.50 1869. Jan. 30. Interest 18.69 Cr. t868. $1,275-35 Feb. 5. By Cash paid Warrants loi to 136, (omitting 125) $926.83 Sept. 5. By Cash paid M. P. Rev. Chas. H. Piatt for at- tendance Cryptic Con- vention at St. Louis, per Resolution G. C, Feb. 4, 1868 94.60 Sept. 5. By Cash paid Quota G. C. toward Cryptic Con- vention 5.00 1,026.43 1869. Jan. 30. To Balance on. hand $248.92 All of which is respectfully submitted, HENRY F. L. BUNTING, Grand Treasurer. New York, January 30th, 1869. 445 The Grand Master appointed the following Committees : Credentials and Returns : — R. P. Josiah Shove, R. P. John Hoole, R. P. Jackson H. Chase. Warrants and Dispensations : — R. P. Daniel Wolff, R. P. Sey- mour H. Stone, T. 111. Wm. B. Crandall. ■ Constitutions and By-Laws : — T. 111. Rees G. Williams, R. P. Joseph B. Chaffee, T. 111. J. A. Sumner. Grievances and Appeals :— T. 111. David F. Day, T. 111. H. W. jNIcIntire, T. 111. Howard Cockburn. Finance :— T. 111. H. M. Drake, R. 111. John B. Sackett, T. 111. Edward H. Brown. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion received, and the Com- mittee was discharged. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. Masters of the State of New York: The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the following Councils have made correct returns and paid dues and their Representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council : Columbian, No. i Wm. S. Paterson, M. Union, No. 2 H. E. Gilbert, Proxy. Brooklyn, No. 4 John Sheville, AI. Adelph'ic, No. 7 John T. ^Martin, M. Central Citv, No. 13 E- H. Brown, j\I. „, , , f H. B. Harvey, M. Bloss, No. 14 I ^^y Richardson, Dep. M. Bruce, No. 15 W. H. McCoy, P. C. of W. c ,.u T- M A f H. W. Mclntire, M. Southern Tier, No. 16 | _^^^^,-^ Spencer, Dep. M. Buffalo, No. 17 S. M. Evry, Proxv. J.. TT- A- Q 1 J. H. Hoskins, M. Kmg Hiram, No. 18 | . . . .h. M. Drake, Dep. M. ^ . ., ( Wm. B. Crandall, M. Done, No. 19 I ^^ gj^^jp^ p^p' ^^_ ^ ^ ^j f David F. Dav, M. Keystone, No. 20 ^ j^j^„ g g^^j^^^^^ p ^ -^^ ^_ Hudson River, No. 21 Howard Cockburn, M. r Jackson A. Sumner, M. De Witt Clinton, No. 22 John J. Martin, Dep. M. ( S. M.Craven, P. C. of W. Ontario, No. 23 W. P. Durant, M. Binghampton, No. 24 C. F. Paige, P. C. of W. Dunkirk, No. 25 W. H. Wyman, M. 446 I Palmyra, No. 26 M. C. Finley, M. Batavia, No. 27 J. M. Showerman, Dep. M. Mohawk, No. 29 I ^^°A%^ Chadwick, M ^ ( L. D. Sanborn, Dep. M. Owego, No. 30 .J. B. Judd, Dep. M. King Solomon, No. 31 G. Fred. Wiltsie, M. Chautauqua, U. D. J A" w vA/" S"?"',,^/ ^ ( G. W. Norton, P. C. of W. Clean, U. D : F. L. Stowell. Respectfully submitted, J. Shove, ) Jno. Hoole, [ Committee. J. H. Chase, ) The Committee on Unfinished Business reported verbally that there had been no business left unfinished at the last Annual As- sembly for them to act on, and, on motion, their report was re- ceived, and the Committee was discharged. The Special Committee on the Address of the Grand Master presented their report, and, on motion, it was received, and the recommendations therein contained were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee to which was referred the Address of the M. P. Grand Master, also the report of the Grand Lecturer, beg leave respectfully to report : That they have examined the docu- ments referred to, and find them complete and satisfactory, evin- cing a degree of prosperity for Cryptic Masonry in this Jurisdic- tion, which warrants our congratulations to him under whose wise, able and judicious Grand Mastership it has reached it. Your Committee would recommend that a memorial page of our printed Transactions be devoted to the meritorious dead who have been taken from the number of those Past Grand Officers of this Grand Council, so touchingly alluded to in the M. P. Grand Master's Address. Touching that portion of the Address which refers to the making of the Cryptic Degrees a prerequisite to the conferring of the Orders of Knighthood, your Committee would recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That the Grand Council be earnestly requested to urge upon the representatives to the Grand Commandery of this jurisdiction, the proper recognition of the Cryptic Degrees, in accordance with the Address of the M. P. G. M. and the recom- mendations contained in the Report of the Grand Lecturer. 447 The Committee would also respectfully recommend that the Grand Recorder be directed to have printed three hundred copies of the j\l. P. G. i\I.'s Address, aside from the regular Proceedings. Your Committee would also recommend that so much of the Address as refers to the revised work, be referred to the whole Bod)' of the Grand Council, earnestly commending it to their best endeavors, one and all, that it be disseminated and followed. All of which is respectfully submitted. John G. M'ebster, ) \\'. P. Durant, Committee. C. Fred. \\ iltsie, ) The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received and ordered spread at length upon the minutes. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Xew York : The undersigned, your Committee on Foreign Correspond- ence, respectfully report : That they have received and had the pleasure of reviewing the Proceedings at the following named Grand Covmcils : Alabama, 1867; Arkansas, 1867-8; Connecticut. 1868; Iowa, 1867-8; Illinois, 1867-8; Indiana, 1868; Kentucky, 1867; Louisiana, 1868; Maine, 1868; Massachusetts, 1868; Mis- souri, 1867; Mississippi, 1868; Tennessee, 1868. From the general tone of these proceedings, the cryptic sec- tion of the great Masonic temple of the United States seems to be sound and unimpaired. "It still lives," and has an emphatic and active being, and is exerting its mystic power and influence in a manner "that good may come out of it." The Grand Bodies having exclusive control of the cryptic mysteries thus far retain intact their controlling powers and juris- dictions, notwithstanding the many attacks and attempts, in some infected localities, to superinduce their dissolution, for the avowed purpose of surrendering their inherent rights and vestments to the several State Grand Chapters. Why any Companion or Body, claiming Masonic loyalty to our branch of Masonry should have a desire to be continually agitating the subject, with a view to eventually cause our "Masonic stone of foundation" to crumble into ruins and pass into oblivion, we must confess ourselves at 448 utter loss to divine, unless it arise from a smouldering hatred they entertain toward capitular bodies, and they thus seek an oppor- tunity to gain a "sweet morsel" of revenge by lumbering up the Subordinate Chapters, by forcing upon them the elimination of the Cryptic Degrees, thus virtually producing such a conglomera- tion of affairs, that the neophyte seeking for "further promotion," when informed what labyrinthian paths he must travel and what amazing scenes and trials he must necessarily pass through be- fore reaching the goal of his desire, would shrink back aghast and "flee as from the wrath to come." With th^ same propriety might these persistent croakers seek to amalgamate the Cryptic and Capitular with the symbolic degrees. Should such an attempt as the on'e last 'referred to ever be made, a friend at our elbow sug- gests that, should he be present, he will move an amendment to the efifect that the mysteries of the "Sons of Malta," the "Order One Thousand and One," the "Knights of Pythias" and "En- clampsus Vitus," be added thereto, in order to produce one of the most ponderous and gigantic combinations of mysteries the world ever contained. Verily the inventive genius of the biped, man, knoweth no rest, and is boundless in its aspirations for aggrandize- ment and eclat. It utterly ignores the long established maxim that, "It is not in the power of any man or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry." When shall we be allowed to settle down in quietude, and enjoy in its ancient purity, the mystic boon our venerable fathers bequeathed us, with the faith that we in turn should transmit it, unimpaired, to our successors? Away with these ritual tinkers ! say we ; avaunt ! and let well enough alone. Talk of Subordinate Chapters conferring seven degrees ! Would not that be a state of affairs strongly reminding one of the condition of one of old time, who was said to have been possessed of seven devils? We trust our Chapter may never become preg- nant from such a cause ending in such a result. If there is any cause for complaint with reference to our vener- able brotherhood, we cannot see that it rests with those of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and the Scottish Rite has long since surrendered its claim to authority over us, if we may believe the enunciations of such of its adherents as are addicted to writing on the subject, whose final conclusions may be summed up to corres- pond with the terse phrase, "So mote it be," etc., etc. * * * ■* The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following Report, and, on motion, it was received and its recom- mendations .were adopted : 449 To the M. P. Grand Council of the State of New York : Your Committee on Warrants and Dispensations would re- port, that they have had under their consideration the petitions for Warrants, together with the returns made of work done, and they would respectfully recommend that a Warrant be granted to Anson A. Burlin as T. 111. Master, Wilford W. Barker as R. 111. Master, and George W. Norton as 111. P. C. of the W., and their associate petitioners, for a Council to be located at Jamestown, Chautauqua County, to be known and designated as Chautauqua Council, No. 32. They would also recommend that a Warrant be graijted to John T. Shaw as T. 111. Master, Horace P. West as R. 111. Master, and Milton B. Fobes as 111. P. C. of the W., and their associate petitioners, for a Council to be located at Olean, Cattaraugas County, to be known and designated as Olean Council, No. 33. Respectfully submitted, Daniel Wolfif, ^ Seymour H. Stone, [ Committee. W: B. Crandall, ) The Committee on Constitutions and By-Laws presented the following Report, which was, on motion, received, and the resolu- tion accompanying the same was unanimously adopted as one of the Standing Regulations of this Grand Council. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York. The Committee to whom was referred the subject of Constitu- tion and By-Laws respectfully report, that after carefully examin- ing the Constitution of this Grand Council, we find no provision for the incipient steps toward organizing Subordinate Councils in this jurisdiction, and the present desire to multiply such organiza- tions requiring that a rule be established by this Grand Body to govern such cases, we recommend the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That hereafter all petitions in this jurisdiction for a Dispensatten to organize a Council, should have endorsed thereon ■the consent and recommendation of the nearest Council. Respectfully submitted, Rees G. Williams, J. B. ChaiTee, ]■ Committee. J. A. Sumner, 4S0 The Committee on Grievances and Appeals presented the fol- lowing Report, and, on motion, it was received : To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of New York: The Committee on Grievances and Appeals report that noth- ing requiring the action of this Committee has been brought before them. David F. Day, H. W. Mclntire, f Committee. Howard Cockburn, The Committee on Finance presented the following Report, and, on motion, it was received and the recommendations em- bodied therein were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of R. and S. M. of the State of N. Y. : Your Finance Committee would report that they examined the Reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder. Your Committee would recommend that, in view of the state of the funds of this Grand Council, the sum of ten cents per mile by the usual traveled route be paid to the Grand Officers and Rep- resentatives of this Grand Council. They would also recommend that the sum of one hundred dol- lars be paid the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence. All of which is respectfully submitted. H. M. Drake, J. B. Sackett, [ Committee. Edward H. Brown, The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, with the following result : M. P. and Rev. Chas. H. Piatt was re-elected. .Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole was re-elected Dep. Grand Master. R. P.James McCredie was re-elected Grand 111. Master. R. P. John D. Williams was re-elected. Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove was re-elected Grand Recorder. M. P. H. F. L. Bunting was re-elected Grand Treasurer. The above officers were then duly installed. 451 R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the G. R. P. Joseph B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. F. F. Driggs Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. All of whom were duly installed by the Grand Master. The Grand Master appointed the following Committees : On Foreign Correspondence : — T. 111. Charles Craig, T. 111. John S. Shaw, R. P. James McCredie. On Unfinished Business :—T. 111. M. C. Finley, 111. W. H. McCoy, T. 111. John Sheville. Special Finance Committee :—R. P. Daniel Wolff, R. 111. R. G. Millard, T. 111. John T. Martin. Grand Lecturer, Jackson H. Chase. On motion, the next Annual Assembly was ordered to be held in the City of Albany, on the first Tuesday in February, 1870, at seven o'clock, P. M. On motion, the Grand Recorder was empowered to have two hundred and fifty copies of the Proceedings printed, to be sent in the usual manner to the Subordinate Councils, and to our sister Grand Councils. No further business appearing, the Grand Coun- cil was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 452 RECEIPTS AT ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Columbian Council, No. i $44-50 Union Council, No. 2 32.85 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 40.00 Adelphic Council, No. 7 Ii5-i3 Central City Council, No. 13 38.25 Bloss Council, No. 14 101.25 Bruce Council, No. 15 18.00 Southern Tier Council, No. 16 55.75 Buffalo Council, No. 17 ■ 62.83 King Hiram Council, No. 18 i5-5o Doric Council, No. 19 73-25 Keystone Council, No. 20 27.36 Hudson River Council, No. 21 17-25 De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22 40.25 Ontario Council, No. 23 '. 18.65 Binghampton Council, No. 24 20.75 Dunkirk Council, No. 25 49-25 Palmyra Council, No. 26 18.39 Batavia Council, No. 27 16.00 Mohawk Council, No. 29 17-23 Owego Council, No. 30 9.00 King Solomon Council, No. 31 26.75 Chautauqua, U. D 12.65 " Balance on Warrant 10.00 Olean, U. D., Balance on Warrant 10.00 Wyoming, U. D., for Dispensation 20.00 $910.84 4S3 ^ o > ^ 11 o o ;i o O o n (U o 4-1 r ) rt G •a Tl « O O ,£2 01 X. ux <*-! <-l-l O o c t/J o « ri -a en (U f^ 3 , — 1 01 CvJ A ^ +-» r; I-. c 13 < a o u lO C) O ■^ PSTQ Iioj rao-ij pajjiuiTa P31E;[!SV Snunp pd;33x3 pUB p9AIdD9){ r^ ro r^ M \o i-i\o mo "00 loc^-*"-^ H D O U 2; [2 u D o U -^^ ^ -* o o u. O p O) >,„ O O '^ " N CN w i-i i-H u u. ^ u o o 5 o ^ ^ 8 ^ g."!^ .h rt O c oio'u;oic;tc,o^33o II 3 O -4-1 •u .2 'Co i2 O n J^ 0> J:3 ,„ ^ "S o !{ t= c S rt 3 3* P o .^ CO ■r+- 1^ QO ro ■^^- 11-1 ^r\ r^ ^v^ /-^ O) O o u -J o _c U n PC CM CD CM CM r^ M N M -d- On ro fO 00 _rO. CO 0\ i> 1) n) cS .2 a! rt 3 3 1- s s § rt rt rt o o b/s" p 3 be ^ ' O K raQfiiPql^UO^ — 1-1 en ;>^ ,0^i_|[/)S S ^ < — I -4-t C O £ oi O 3 o §^ "i S ?f bfl 3 •^ o ^.S_g^ . . rt .3 bJD-g C 3 T+io^rN.oooO'— lOsiro (Mrgog(>)C\icgrororor^ 13 O PP 4SS o CJ ■3 n (U r) rt t! C C IS 13 ^1 o O OJ rn 1^ m ■s c n o t a; •c o 3 O 5 11 iH» -^ g .-a S = " & ^P^oSgHcii ;a 3 So^s,„y .-B"? X E «•- -.£'5 ■" So .— . '■ " rt . ? P=: c en "^ .. - o •a t o •a- P a'C rtCn o rt 3 Oi ffl S ^- u to ~ o "C.-5 : i^ p § m K "M . .^^' J§°i^'> ^ mM .to O .i^-^ . J= S W ^ fc CJ H CU >2,p:i i/j ^ U < o d o -— ly j: 5 E ° 3 — o 5;3 •a ^ o E g.yS ^_. ^ ■ rt a. bcQ- c >- o " •¥, 5 o>-' Ktt^S^fi; w « c -• ci Tj '^ Sa C ■" CO . CM J ".£| o & i& (- (U . , 1; ra o ^ c io^.-a -fe: S EEE> - P'55 3 &, . 3 - H I U E ►^-^ .= ■-.■^o 3 p ^ a; ■3 • -to '-•^ 5 . C u •a ■ °-QO 3 S:-a H 3 •- 11 J=~" 3 u o 3 5n 5 5 S.° 3 • • o o E s O 3 ^ --og .^ >,#> "H 3 ■ 5 S' S >>'e >, 3 >> oq'q ^:go5uo;z);z)^'^' 456 u (U u o o '^ PI ^1 PI 03 tn Pi u u O 1 o u c o ^ O a o-d o P3 H S :a- cs UriJ^jS o'o Q E o o i! c !^ w " bo p " > C rt <;[/jt5SH-)faaPHCQQc/3Ua}UH^>UFLip::!&^u2:mS m J" u >, -7? 5 bo • &Q Z "^F ^ aj rt *C^ M Q^ >— ^ ^ o -. ^ Co Ui ' — ' dJ ™ ^M ■ip^ ^m-^'- 3 5°>,i • c ; o ■ O •A! ■ C _e f3 o w ^^ O o .^o<: P ?* O 5 .St; u rtPq c S . -=? c cn 5i-lfaaP^mffii/};gcyiCLiHPQ^U g bp 2 =^.s s bo_B'o S o c S « o . n. rt Q C^ a ^ o CO tn is QJ en b{ OJ o • rt >i ra rtl rt >i rt ^" § _ 5 to (u 2 "d-Q J=r3 o o il mffi«m ei m m " m OJ (U ™ OJ S rt « o ca >2,UCJHU (fl cj rt g C Ji o'O'bi-S 5 ^ "i 3'5; ■" «-™o ^ S)3 Smffi- l^" ting's -s .g-O ^ 457 REPRESENTATR'ES NEAR SISTER GRAND COL'XCILS. I osiah H. DiuiTiniond of Portland Grand Council of Maine. Ktrv. Tlionias D. Lawson of Bastrop. . .Grand Council of Louisiana. Rev. Levi H. Corson of Jonesville Grand Council of ^lichigan. Marcus HisfS'^botham of Jersey City. Grand Council of Xew Jersey. James L- Gould of Bridgeport Grand Council of Connecticut. D. R. Munro of St. John Grand Council of Xew Brunswick. 458 OFFICERS OF GRAND COUNCIL, 1869. M. P. Charles H. Piatt, Binghampton .... Grand Master. R. P. John Hoole, New York Dep. Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie, Buffalo Grand 111. Master. R. P. John D. Williams, Elmira. . .Grand P. C. 'of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove, Box 3737, New York. .Gd. Recorder. M. P. Henry F. I_,. Bunting, New York. Grand Treasurer. R. P. Daniel Wolff, New York. . .Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. Joseph B. Chaffee, Binghampton. . .Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster, Palmyra . . Grand Chaplain. P. F. F Driggs, Dunkirk Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller, Albany Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase, Palmyra Grand Lecturer. 459 To the Members of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York. In the midst of life we are in death. Scarcely have tlie echoes of your retreating feet ceased to reverberate from the walls of our secret vault, ere the cry of distress is heard, proclaiming the death of our honored and beloved Grand Master. He had just been with us in the Sanctum Sanctorum, where he had offered up our united devotions to Deity, and where the designs had been drawn out on the Masonic trestle board for the coming year, and as he passed out from thence to mingle again with the Craft, he was met by the bright angel of death, summoning him from the scene of hi^ labors to the place of his great reward. So closely do the glories of the world, that is to be, at times, impinge upon the shadows of this world, that the spiritual minded oftentimes seem to be gifted with a spirit of prophecy, knowing, or rather feeling, without clearly know- ing that their change is near. Thus witness the touching appeal of our beloved Companion, to be relieved from the cares of the office he had zealously and so conscientiously filled for the past six years, as also the closing sen- tence of his last address to us:. "Whenever my name shall wear the funeral drapery upon your record, and the silence and darkness of the grave shall forbid me to vindicate myself, let the fidelity to which we are pledged, be the surviving voice to attest that fervency and zeal were the imperishable inmates of my heart." The Most Puissant and Reverend Charles H Piatt, died at his residence, in Binghampton, on Thursday, February 25, at 12.15 A. M., after a short but very painful illness, in the midst of a life filled to overflowing with usefulness. No words of mine can add to your appreciation of the loss' thus sustained by the special branch of our Masonic family of which he was the head in this State. Who, so earnest, so patient, and so persistent, in forwarding its interests as he ; who so affable, so courteous, so conciliatory, when difficulties were to be encountered and smoothed awav ; who so well upheld our banner and with dignity contended for our rights aeainst those upon whom conciliation proved to be thrown away'' His motto was ever, "First pure, then peaceable." Throughout the Masonic world his name was for us a tower of streng-th, and we may truly say that in losing him, we have lost not only the sympathizing friend and brother, but also the sure and steadfast guide and counseler. Let us hope that the mantle he so long and so worthih' wore, will fall upon shoulders as able and as willing as his. New York, March i, 1869. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 460 Jtt Memory OF Most Puissant and Reverend CHARLES H. PLATT Grand Master of Royal and Select Masons of the State of New York. Died Feb. 25, A. D. 1869. Right Puissant AUGUSTUS WILLARD, M. D. Past Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York. Died September 20th, A. D. 1868. Right Puissant BRADLEY PARKER, M. D. Past Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of the State of New York. Died January i6th, A. D. 1869. T 461 GRAND COUNCIL. Annual Assembly, Grand Council Room, Albany, Tuesday, Feb. ist, A. D. 1870, A. Dep. 2870 The Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York convened in Annual Assefnbly in the City of Albany,, in accordance with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, Febru- ary, 1st, A. D. 1870, A. Dep. 2870. Present: R. P. John Hoole as Grand Master. R. P. James McCredie .... Grand Illustrious Master. R. P. John D. Williams. . .Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove ': Grand Recorder. R. P H. F. L. Bunting Grand Treasurer. R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. Joseph B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. ' P. F. F. Driggs Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, De Witt Clinton, No. 22, Union, No. 2, Ontario, No. 23, Brookl}m, No. 4, Binghampton, No. 24, Adelphic, No. 7, Dunkirk, No. 25, Central City, No. 13, Palmyra, No. 26, Bloss, No. 14, Batavia, No. 27, Bruce, No. 15, Utica, No. 28, Southern Tier, No. 16, Mohawk, No. 29, Buffalo, No. 17, Owego. No. 30, King Hiram, No. 18, King Solomon, No. 31, Doric, No. 19, Chautauqua, No. 32, Keystone, No. 20, Olean, No. 33. Hudson River, No. 21, The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form. On motion of M. P. Comp. H. F. L. Bunting it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing be invited to take seats as visitors, in this Grand Council. R. P. Comp. John Hoole, acting Grand Master, then delivered the following address. 463 THE ADDRESS. Companions of the Grand Council : — Assembled again for consultation and action, touching the in- terest of the jurisdiction, I find myself, by a sad dispensation of that Supreme Authority from which there is no appeal, standing in the place of our late honored chieftain and attempting, as I may, to dis- charge the duties allotted to him — duties which, by education and natural ability, he was so well fitted to discharge; which under his skillful direction, moved as under the hand of a master workman. Scarce had the echoes of our last Annual Assembly ceased, ere we were called to mourn the loss of our Most Puissant Grand Mas- ter, who, after a brief illness, yielded to the mandate of the de- stro3'er, on the 25th of the month in which we had, in this place, listened to the accents of his last annual address. In almost the first paragraph of that document he said, after referring to his re- peated elections to the highest office in our gift, "I entreat you, now, to dismiss me as a good and faithful servant, as a gentle and considerate Master;" and again, as if in concluding his address the angel of death had guided his pen, "whenever my name shall wear the funeral drapery upon your record and the silence and darkness of the grave shall forbid me to vindicate myself, let the fidelity to which we are pledged be the surviving voice to attest that fervencv and zeal were the imperishable inmates of my heart," and then he returned to the bosom of his family to die. To-day his name stands upon our record in the sombre drapery of the dead, but his memory will be cherished while we can appre- ciate a noble heart, a sincere piety, unselfish devotion and the shin- ing example of an upright and perfect man. I was unable to attend the funeral solemnities, but it affords me melanchoh' pleasure to report that every honor known to the craft was paid to his honored remains. You will hardly need a recommendation to place upon your re- cords a suitable memorial of your affection for him while living, and of your reverence for his memory, now that he has entered the life beyond the veils ; nor need I urge you to participate in the effort now being made to erect to his honor a memorial that shall point out to the world how Masons love one another. Since the admin- istration of affairs has been in my hands, the utmost harmony has continued to prevail, and we have been making gradual, but safe progress. 464 I liave granted dispensations to form new Councils as follows : June 4th, 1869. To Companions H. P. Johnson, John McDou- gal, R. Cameron, and others, to form Hornellsville Council, at Hor- nellsville. June nth. To Companions Charles W. Brown, M. R. Vedder, Joseph L. Frame and others, to form Pentalpha Council at Flushing, Queens County. January 5th, 1870. To Companions Charles Holden, Lorin B. Putnam, George H. Gillis and others, to form Cryptic Council, at Saratoga Springs. And I have every reason to believe that in issuing Warrants of Constitution to them, we will secure valuable aid in the prosecution of our labors, and in consolidating and extending the influence of this Grand Council. Chautauqua Council and Olean Council, to which Warrants were granted at the last Annual Assembly, were constituted and their officers installed by P. Comp. F. F. Driggs, Grand Steward, under proper authority. I have not been called to perform any other official act. Our relations with other Grand Councils continue to be of the most cordial nature and such particulars as may be of interest in relation to their doings will be laid before you by our excellent Com- mittee on Correspondence. Considerable interest has been manifested by companions in this and other jurisdictions in relation to securing a recognition for the Sublime Degrees under our charge as a part of the regular series in what we may very properly denominate the American Rite, since it differs materially from all other rites and systems in what- ever country practiced. There is of course, strong opposition to be met and overcome, else we should long since have occupied the posi- tion due us ; but my own judgment is that we may best effect the object in view by a steady and persistent prosecution of our labors. Every Royal Arch Mason receiving the degrees taught by us is a convert gained, and a weight of influence added to our side of the question. As the good work progresses, as new Councils are formed and their influence exerted in their respective localities, the opposition will wear out, and we shall be admitted to our place. On the other hand, an aggressive policy will tend to keep alive jealousies and bitterness, and not only delay our ultimate object, but seriously impede the progress we shall otherwise make. My counsel in this matter is that we devote ourselves with zeal and assiduity to the strengthening of our household, to increasing the number of the 465 faithful, and by these means to make ourselves a power in the Craft that will be recog^nized at its proper value, when it has no favors to ask and is sufScient unto itself. Let us, then, cultivate harmony, unity and good fellowship among ourselves, keep bright our knowledge of our observances, and walk uprightly in the paths indicated by the ritual and our cove- nants, and we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that if we have not achieved success, at least we have deserved it. The paths are open before us and we shall be more likely to make progress by our own efforts than by depending on the favor of other organizations. I have received from the Grand Council of Alabama a circular suggesting a meeting of the delegates from the several Grand Coun- cils on this continent, in September, 1870, in the city of New York, or at such other place and time as may be agreed upon. I enter- tain no doubt, but that such a meeting would do much to secure greater uniformity in our proceedings and a better understanding among the several Grand Councils ; but I do not believe that the Grand Councils will be willing to incur the expense of such a meet- ing. It would in my judgment be better to defer it until the meet- ing of the National Bodies in September, 1871, and trust to a better attention to business on that occasion than prevailed at St. Louis. Beyond this I have no suggestions to make that will not be ap- parent of themselves in the regular course of business, which you will now proceed to transact with that just regard for the general welfare and the rights of individuals which has always hitherto dis- tinguished you. I should be remiss in that courtesy which should ever distin- guish us, did I fail to acknowledge the uniform kindness I have re- ceived, since placed in my present position. I do so acknowledge it, and tender to one and all my most grateful and appreciative thanks therefor. Finally, Companions, let us reverently and humbly, render to the Source of all Good, our gratitude for the protecting kindness of which we have been the recipients ; that our work has been al- lowed to progress and ourselves and families kept from sickness and death ; and let us also pray that our present proceedings may be under divine favor, and that our hearts may be attuned to praise and serve the Lord of Hosts. 466 On motion of Comp. G. F. Wiltsie, the Address was referred to a Committee of three, to apportion the matter therein contained, to appropriate Committees. The Grand Master appointed as such Committee, T. 111. Comps. G. F. Wiltsie, H. C. Parke, G. W. Thorn. The Grand Recorder and the Grand Treasurer presented the following reports, which were, on motion, received and referred to the Finance Committee. To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Recorder begs leave to present the following Annual Report : Receipts at last Annual Assembly $910.84 Receipts June 7, Dispensation, Hornellsville Council 20.00 Receipts June 14, Dispensation, Pentalpha Council 20.00 Receipts January 6, Dispensation, Cr)'ptic Council 20.00 Twenty-two Seals on Certificates during year, 11.00 $981.84 All of which has been paid to the Grand Treasurer and his re- ceipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, J. SHO\'E, Grand Recorder. Albany, February i, 1870. 467 To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select :Masters of the State of New York. Dr. 1869. Feb. I. To Balance on hand as per last re- port $248.92 Feb. 16. To Cash from Grand Recorder. . . 910.84 1870. Jan. 20. To Cash from Grand Recorder. .. 71.00 Jan. 31. To Interest iS-og Cr. $1,245-85 1869. Feb. 3. By Cash paid \\'arrants 137 to 172 $757-20 Apr. 21. By Cash paid Warrant 173 196.47 953-67 Balance on hand January 31, 1870 $292.18 HENRY F. L. BUXTIXG, Grand Treasurer. E. E. Xew York, January 31, 1870. The Grand blaster appointed the following Committees : Credentials and Returns : — Jackson H. Chase, Josiah Shove, G. W. Thorn. Warrants and Dispensations : — Daniel Wolff, H. B. Harvey, W. H. Wyman. Constitution and By-Laws : — R. G. Williams, J. B. Chaffee, J. J. [Martin. Grievances and Appeals ; — C. F. Paige, H. W. Mclntire, G. Fred. Wiltsie. Finance : — John D. Williams, H. C. Parke, David F. Day. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented the fol- lowing Report, which was, on motion, received, and the Commit- tee was discharged. 468 To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the following Councils have made correct returns and paid dues, and their Representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council, with the exception of the four Councils under Dispensation. Columbian, No. i Wm. S. Patterson, M. Union, No. 2 Henry C. Parke, M. ^ J , , . ^, ( G. W. Thorn, M. Adelphic, No. 7 I w Q Shaw, Dep. M. Central City, No. 13 A. G. Cook, M. r H. B. Harvey, M. Bloss, No. 14 ] A. W. Richard, Dep. M. (. E. B. Cox, P. C. of W. Bruce, No. 15 Jason Collier, M. Southern Tier, No. 16 H. W. Mclntire, M. Buffalo, No. 17 J. McCredie, M. King Hiram, No. 18 John H. Hoskins, M. Doric, No. 19 Wm. Shelp, M. Keystone, No. 20 David F. Day, M. Hudson River, No. 21 John P. Curtis, M. „ „,.^^ „,. ^ -., I . . .John J. Martin, M. DeWitt Clmton, No. 22 | ^ j^ g^y^j^^ p ^ ^^ ^_ Ontario, No. 23 Wm. P. Durant, M. Binghampton, No. 24. .C. F. Paige, P. C. of W. Dunkirk, No. 25 Wm. H. Wyman, M. Palmyra, No. 26 M. C. Finley, M. Batavia, No. 27 H. Bostwick, M. Utica, No. 28 Charles B. Foster, Proxy. Mohawk, No. 29 Morris North, M. Owego, No. 30. John B. Stanbrough, P. C. of W. King Solomon, No. 31 G. Fred. Wiltsie, M. Chautauqua, No. 32. Wilfred W. Barker, Proxy. Olean, No. 33 J. S. Shaw, M. Pentalpha, U. D. . .J. L. Frame, Jr., P. C. of W. Hornellsville, U. D H. P. Johnson, M. Cryptic, U. D C. H. Holden, M. Watertown, U. D. Respectfully submitted, J. H. Chase, J. Shove, }- Committee. G. W. Thorn, 469 The Committee on Unfinished Business reported verbally that nothing had come before them requiring any action, and, on motion, their report was received and the committee was dis- charged. Tlie Special Committee on the Address of the Grand JNIaster presented their report, and, on motion, it was received and its recommendations were adopted. To the ^1. P. Grand Council of the State of New York : The Committee to whom was referred the Address of the RI. P. Grand Master, beg leave respectfully to report : That they have carefully examined the document referred to them, and fi,nd it complete and satisfactory as regards the pro- gress of Cryptic ^Masonry in this jurisdiction. Your Committee would recommend that so much of the Ad- dress as refers to the demise of our late M. P. Grand j\Iaster, Comp. Charles H. Piatt, be referred to a special committee of three. Touching that portion of the Address referring to the sug- gestion of the Grand Council of Alabama, concerning a conven- tion of the several Grand Councils of the U. S., we heartily con- cur in the sentiments expressed by our M. P. G. M., deferring action until the session of the National Bodies in 1871. All of which is respectfully submitted. G. Fred Wiltsie, ) H. C. Parke, ,- Committee. Geo. W. Thorn, ) The Grand ]\Iaster appointed as the Committee on the death of M. P. Comp. C. H. Piatt, Comps. C. F. Paige, Rev. J. G. Webster, C. B. Foster. The Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented the following Annual Report, which was, upon motion, received and ordered spread at length upon the minutes. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : It is with feelings of mingled sorrow and grief that vour com- mittee again enter upon the discharge of the duties assigned them. An event of more than ordinary interest has transpired within the past }'ear, tending to produce such a state of feeling — an event which casts a gloom throughout our entire Cryptic domain. 470 Since the last Annual Assembly of this Grand Council, he, who was chosen as our chief for the ensuing year, has passed away from earth, and has been called home to his Master, who sitteth in eternal Majesty upon the great white Throne. He whom we had learned to love and obey; he whom it was our delight to cluster around; he whose genial greetings we were wont to enjoy, whose noble and gen- erous heart was filled to overflowing with kindness and affection for his fellow-companions, is not with us at this annual gathering. He is gone — gone forever. Our choicest and most brilliant jewel is dimmed and lost, and none of us can restore it. A brilliant light has been extinguished, and none, save the Most High and Holy One, can relight it. Yet we are not without hope, and are consoled with the firm belief that though lost to us, and its precious casket crum- bled into dust, it has been translated to realms of immortal bliss, and been reset in a crown of eternal life, where its radiant brilliancy will be no more dimmed forever. The closing words of his last annual address to this Grand Body seem now to have been almost prophetic, and the sentim.ent idealized therein superinduces the thought that he had been permitted to glance at the arcana of time inscribed upon the hidden pages of the great book of the mysterious and unrevealed future, which inspired him on that occasion, to say as follows : "Whenever my name shall wear the funeral drapery upon your record, and the silence and darkness of the grave shall forbid me to vindicate myself, let the fidelity to which we are pledged, be the sur- viving voice to attest that fervency and zeal were the imperishable inmates of my heart." How little did you, who listened on that occasion to those sol- emn word's, think that within so brief a period of time you would be called upon to follow his lifeless remains to the "narrow house appointed for all living," there to tenderly commit them to the bosom of his mother earth ! But so it was to be. Like a good Christian warrior that he was, "he died full knightly with his armor on." On the banks of the charming Susquehanna, where the famed and sprightly Chenango unites and contributes its waters thereto^ — at his quiet home, the beautiful "Otsiningo," within the limits of his pastoral charge, surrounded by his little family circle, but secluded from his many companions at large — on Saint Matthias Day, Feb- ruary 20, i86g, our honored and beloved Most Puissant Grand Mas- ter, Rev. Charles Henry Piatt, in the vigor of life and prime of man- hood, ceased to live. There and then he met the grim tyrant, the unrelenting conqueror of maji, and passed- from hf'e unto death, be- yond the pale "Sf mortals. As the announcement of this startling and sad event was flashed throughout our jurisdiction, his numerous companions shrank 471 aghast, and were almost paralyzed with grief. It seemed almost im- possible to realize that their chief had fallen, and the heart-strings were nearly rent asunder; for " None knew him but to love him, None named him but to praise." How beautifully opposite, the following portrays his peculiar characteristics, as known by many : Abon Ben Adhem — may his tribe increase — Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace. And saw within the moonlight in his room. Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom. An Angel writing in a book of gold. Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold. And to the Presence in the room he said : " What writest thou ? " The Vision raised its head And, with a look made of all sweet accord. Answered: " The names of those who love the Lord." " And is mine one? " said Abon. " Nay, not so," The Angel answered. Abon spoke more low. But cheerily still, and said, " I pray thee, then. Write me as one who loves his fellow-men." The Angel wrote and vanished. The next night It came again, with a great wakening light. And showed the names of those whom_love of God had blest. And, lo ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. Such, emphatically, was a prominent trait of character in him whose loss — untimely loss — we all deplore. It was the fortune of the writer to have known him long and intimately well ; also to have the privilege of meeting him at the very threshold of Masonry and to prepare him for induction therein, and to render important assistance in making him acquainted and conversant with the various grades of Masonic light, until he reached the top round of the ladder in the Ancient York Rite. But he has now gone to claim his reward, and having been faithful unto death, will receive a crown of life. Illustrious Companions of the Grand Council of the State of New York, the mortal remains of our late Most Puissant Companion, Charles H. Piatt, lie buried in a rural cemetery, near the quiet village of Lyons, in Wayne County, with nothing distinctive to mark their humble resting place, should you ever wish to find the spot. Shall that now sacred place remain barren to the vision of the visiting pil- grims ? The Grand Cdmmandery of our State, of which he was a prominent and honored member, says, No! and has tal- Committee. Charles B. Foster, J The Committee on Finance offered the following Reports, which were, on motion, received, and the recommendations were adopted. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the re- ports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, beg leave to say that they have carefully examined the said reports, and the vouchers accompanying them, and that they find the same correct. 477 Your Committee recommend, in view of the state of the funds of this Grand Council, that the sum of five cents per mile, by the usual traveled route (going and returning) be paid to the Officers and Repre^sentatives of this Grand Council. The)' would also recommend that the sum of one hundred dollars be paid to the Grand Recorder for his services during the past year, and that the sum of ten dollars be paid to the Grand Sentinel for his service and attendance at the present assembly of the Grand Council. They also recommend that the sum of twenty-five dollars be paid to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspond- ence for services and expenses on that Committee. All of which is most fraternally submitted. John D. Williams, \ David F. Day, Committee. Henry C. Parke, \ To the ]\Iost Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select blasters of the State of New York. The Finance Committee, to whom was referred the resolution offered by Companion C. F. Paige, appropriating the sum of blank dollars toward the erection of a suitable monument to the memory of our late Most Puissant Grand Master, would respect- fully recommend that the sum of one hundred dollars be appropri- ated for that purpose, and that the Grand Recorder be instructed to issue circulars to the several Subordinate Councils in this juris- diction, asking them to contribute to the same object. Fraternally submitted, John D. Williams, ) David F. Day, - Committee. H. C. Parke, \ The Grand Council then pi-oceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following named Companions were duly elected : James McCredie was elected Grand Master. John D. \\'illiams was elected. . .Dep. Grand ^Master. Daniel ^^'oli¥ was elected Grand 111. blaster. G. Fred. AMltsie was elected. . .Grand P. C. of the W. Josiah Shove was elected Grand Recorder. David B. Howell was elected Grand Treasurer. 478 The above officers were duly installed by M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : F. F. Driggs Grand C. of the G. J. B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. J. S. Shaw Grand Steward. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. All of whom were duly installed. The Grand Master appointed the following Committees : Foreign Correspondence: — C. Craig, H. C. Parke, J. J. Martin. Unfinished Business : — ^William Shelp, Chas. B. Foster, Clin- ton F. Paige. Special Finance Committee : — H. F. L. Bunting, Wm. S. Patterson, G. W. Thorn. Grand Lecturer : — Jackson H. Chase. On motion, the Grand Recorder was empowered to have two hundred and fifty copies of the Proceedings printed, to be sent in the usual manner to the Subordinate Councils, and our sister Grand Councils. On motion, the next Annual Assembly was ordered to be held in the city of Albany, on the first Tuesday in February, 1871, at seven o'clock, P. M. No further business appearing, the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 479 RECEIPTS AT ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Columbian Council, No. i $26.50 Union Council, Xo. 2 40.61 Brooklyn Council, No. 4 48.00 Adelphic Council, Xo. 7 94-75 Central City Council, No. 13 33-00 Bloss Council, No. 14 102.00 Bruce Council, No. 15 22.15 Southern Tier Council, No. 16 68.06 Buffalo Council, No. 17 55.51 King Hiram Council, No. 18 20.50 Doric Council, No. 19 74-37 Keystone Council, No. 20 37-8S Hudson River Council, No. 21 30.50 De Witt Clinton Council, No. 22 58.25 Ontario Council, No. 23 i5-00 Binghampton Council, No. 24 25.75 Dunkirk Council, No. 25 42.50 Palmyra Council, No. 26 21.38 Batavia Council, No. 27 i4-50 Utica Council, No. 28 19.00 Mohawk Council, No. 29 10.50 Owego Council, No. 30 9.75 King Solomon Council, No. 31 29.75 Chautauqua Council, No. 32 22.75 Olean Council, No. 33 55-12 Pentalpha, U. D., Dues, $9.00; Balance on Warrant, $10.00. . 19.00 Hornellsville, U. D., Dues, $18.70; Balance on Warrant, $10, 28.70 ^^'atertow^, U. D., Dues, $23.25 ; Balance on ^^'arrant, $10.00, 33.25 Cryptic, U. D., Dues, $5.25 ; Balance on Warrant, $10.00. . . 15.25 $1,074.25 480 o >< S tn V »»H % o PI o o o a 1 o dj (J en Ti C rrt •1-* ■^ ri V. o ^ JJ Ji i*-i W o u~* n o y^ Vi CO H o 3 O 5 O t/3 O c S'S D JH rt £ tH 3 ti u ,• bCHH '^^'ta. rt i-H 3 ._: XI -C O ifi ^ffi^tJ^^S 3j3 0x1^ .u^ . . .H,u Ds; U > t/^ § w w o.S t, rt rt o _ -fl 2 Si 0) i o OJ o o . J3 ■XI -a . ^ bi3 '■^ 3 . ■^-* r^ O S t- . cfi 3 t^ o ?: > 3 >i ;cQ S5t Wl 2 ;. 3 3 3 1; fewffi|3 B5 GO 3^ O C- ^.S a, rtr3 i» •^ >- 11 m ^ . 3 3 3 - S nj t/) Ph w. 0-1 f^- c^ffiSM^^^ Q 2,;° ^ d ^ § E (5 - - „ ■■ 3 3'^^'^-T^m d ffi^ O rt ISO . 3 CO rt x; °UU XI >i'3 — "3 S-O C^ OJ O > 3 ^^tit^%r^%n^Aitiu ►Si' i^' KCL,(j 03 C-O CJii u o 3;3 0 3 n d r; o O T3 o « 'f 01 o t+-. ^ o d n C/J o M-l — 1 •i-t C4 v^ OJ rt t3 ;:! C a P diqsjdqiudui nOJ TUOJJ pa»«;i!»v pUB pdAl3D3^ CT\ ^vo " ^ r^ O M >o lovo 00 " >'2; ^-H T— ( 1 1 .— * 1— I T— I 1— I o ^ eg (M c PO (N rg 482 >0 MVO^O a^|-lCX5 N CT\0O -^00 t^^ Tj-OOrOCNMNi-ilON-^WC^MiH moo -^ w vO ro »0 HH C7^ *:!" 0^oO t^ M M CO l-l M cr Sctf N 3 3 HJ rt rt O <=! in tuO c o 3 m Q PL, cQ D u O ;? I c o -4-> rt .!- C 3 rt E 2 ^• rj -5 cr' 3 r3 & > 2 > 0) rt b/) .„■" C '3-3'.C!OfeG3<"rto'^h -!j-iovOf^OOaNO'-i r-i (U j: lit U V +J tn t/J rt u ^ S 3 O t3 (J PI -O rrt ;^ 1-1 i'i o O (U (U ^ ^ -tJ u I S o oPrS bo w V^ OJ C^ Sj m bo 3 c ho-r: = D. < to o " a, g c c« •M cn ■a 3 ►5§ o S ^ £•20 B c.-s-^ u^ ^ o o > 3 ^ +J .UJ L- « 5 « ••3 bo 3 > 3 cS "« m ^ rt 3 = ^ K ^o. • S- ^ TO I— I u. qj s qj Jr (U be O :3HdS"g - o •so g o b >• 3 ni ,-t; _G Vi „t/2 rt ;0i^ S.2'-^ 11 c 3 rt iiCW o . ffiH _ t« rt »^ OOOQ^H^ffi>^u5g>g J- iV r pq c bo^ H< c/^ m 0, < o fti >° 3 CO ■ t: — O bo S 3 3 uP-l rt « aj ffi.2 :::: rt o 3 « ■ « OJ tn Jj i; )_ Jh rt i-ri O OJ .i-i-t 3^ a 3 ^ qj ." qj j:^ .— « > -^ o> O > tn 1— ,> 1—, S2 rt ■ S^ rt rt rt _3 rt-S 3.- S'O ■ .^ — ^ o ^ *" o 33"^ ^ o S'5 <" ° ,U bi rt bo _ 2 c^ Q.C 3.3 3 ;« gffi O o 3 rtJS J S J m .*" rt 4-. rt rt bo ^ >, rt J>! 3 "■ rt •S <" rt bo I a. >• o U g";^ rt rt- rt rt :£ t5--.„ „;. - <S^2WWjS§§SS:3Z:z2; 484 ^o'=-9^ I- .ii r- ox 3 = 3 u X o PhP^W 4> 1 1^ REPRESENTATIVES NEAR SISTER GRAND COUNCILS. Josiah H. Drummond, of Portland Grand Council of Maine. Rev. Thomas D. Eawson, of Bastrop . Grand Council of Louisiana. Rev. Levi H. Corson, of Jonesville. .Grand Council of Michigan. Marcus Higgenbotham, of Jersey City. Grand Council New Jersey. James L. Gould, of Bridgeport .. Grand Council of Connecticut. D. R. Munro, of St. John Grand Council of New Brunswick. 485 OFFICERS OF GRAND COUNCIL, 1870. M. P. James McCredie, Buffalo Grand Master. R.P.John D. Williams, Elmira Dep. Grand Master. R. P. Daniel Wolff, New York Grand 111. Master. R. P. G. Fred Wiltsie, Newburgh. .Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove, Box 3737, New York. Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell, New York Grand Treasurer. R. P. F. F. Driggs, Dunkirk Grand C. of the Guard. R.P.J. B. Chaffee, Binghampton Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster, Palmyra . . Grand Chaplain. P. J. S. Shaw, Olean Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller, Albany Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase, Albany Grand Lecturer. [Note. The Supplemental Report promised by the Chair- man of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, not having been received at this date (July ist), the Grand Recorder, by di- rection of the M. P. Grand Master, is compelled to go to press without it.] 486 GRAND COUNCIL— ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Grand Council Room, Albany, Tuesday, Feb. 7th, A. D. 1871, A. Dep. 2871. The Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the city of Albany, in accord- ance with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly on Tuesday, February 7th, A. D. 1871, A. Dep. 2871. M. P. James McCredie Grand Master. R. P. John D. Williams Dep. Grand Master. R. P. G. Fred Wiltsie Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell Grand Treasurer. R. P. F. F. Driggs Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. J. B. Chafifee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. J. S. Shaw Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase Grand Lecturer. ■ And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, Ontario, No. 23, Union, No. 2, Binghampton, No. 24, Brooklyn, No. 4, Dunkirk, No. 25, Adelphic, No. 7, Palmyra, No. 26, Central City, No. 13, Utica, No. 28, Bloss, No. 14, Mohawk, No. 29, Bruce, No. 15, Owego, No. 30, Southern Tier, No. 16, King Solomon, No. 31, Buffalo, No. 17, Chautauqua, No. 32, King Hiram, No. 18, Olean, No. 33, Doric, No. 19, Watertown, No. 34, Keystone, No. 20, Hornellsville, No. 35, Hudson River, No. 21, Pentalpha, No. 36, De Witt CHnton, No. 22, Cryptic, No. 37. M. P. Henry F. L. Bunting P. G. M. R. P. John Hoole P. D. G. M. ' T. 111. H. B. Harvey P. M., Bloss, No. 14. T. 111. John J. Martin. P. M., DeWitt Clinton, No. 22.' T. 111. J. W. Morange P. M. T. 111. E. H. Parker P. M., King Solomon, No. 31. The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form. 487 On motion of M. P. Comp. H. F. L. Bunting, it was Resolved, That all Companion Select Masters in good standing be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. M. P. Comp. James McCredie, Grand Master, then delivered the following address. THE ADDRESS. Cryptic Companions: So silently and swiftly does time pursue his ceaseless course, that it is difficult to realize that another year has passed away since we separated in this hall, and by the graciousness of our Supreme Grand Master are again permitted to meet in Arinual Assembly to review the labors of the past, and to lay our plans and designs for the coming year. Precedent, as well as duty, requires your Grand Master at this time, to render an account of his stewardship and to make such suggestions as time and experience may have brought to his observation, that in his judgment would be calcu- lated to promote the good of Cryptic Masonry. It gives me great pleasure, Companions, and I know that you will share those feelings with me, that no discordant notes of diffi- culties among the workmen have reached me during the past year, but that all are working harmoniously — a conclusive proof that the beautiful teachings of our ritual are well understood and practised throughout our jurisdiction. The past year has been one of general prosperity, to the fra- ternity, and particularly to our own special branch of the Order; and should its growth so continue, but a few years will be neces- sary to settle in a quiet and peaceful way, the question of where our position is in the Masonic family. Since our last Assembly, I have had the satisfaction of issuing a larger number of Dispensations to form new Councils of Royal and Select Masters, than have been issued in any one year since the formation of this Grand Council, and I believe that the Com- panions who have thus assumed new and additional responsibilities, are of sufficient skill and ability to aid us materially in the labors of the Secret Vault. On the 25th of March, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Wm. E. Woodward, Master; Rt. 111. George D. Norman, Deputy Master; 111. Martin E. Edgett, Principal Conductor of the Work, and six other Companions, to form Seneca Council of Watkins, Schuyler County. On the 14th of April, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Everard D. Ferguson, Master; Rt. 111. Andrew J. Tucker, Deputy Master ;I11. Anthony J. B. Ross, Principal Conductor of the Work, and eight other Companions to form Northern Light Council at Essex, Essex County. On the 15th of April, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. O. West Lackey, Master; Rt. 111. Willis E. Craig, Deputy Master ; 111. E. S. Smead, Principal Conductor of the Work, and eight other Companions, to form Bath Council, at Bath, Steuben County. On the 15th of April, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. James T. Isham, Master ; Rt. 111. John D. Serviss, Deputy Master ; 111. John E. Snell, Principal Conductor of the Work, and ten other Companions, to form Wadsworth Council at Amsterdam, Montgomery County. On the 25th day of April, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. A. Oppenheimer, Master; R. 111. G. M. Osgoodby, Deputy Master; 111. B. S. Coffin, Principal Conductor of the Work, and six other Companions, to form Genesee Valley Council, at Nunda, Genesee County. On the 27th of May, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. John L. Ellithorp, Master ; Rt. 111. George H. Watson, Deputy Master; 111. John L. Earll, Principal Conductor of the Work, and nine other Companions, to form Canajoharie Council at Canajo- harie, Montgomery County. On the 23rd of August, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Samuel P. Bailey, Master; Rt. 111. George N. Webb, Deputy Master ; 111. Henry P. Gregory, Principal Conductor of the Work, and eight other Companions, to form Tyrian Council, at Platts- burgh, Clinton County. On the 15th of November, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Charles E. Hudson, Master ; Rt. 111. John C. McKenzie, Deputy Master; 111. James T. Gordon, Principal Conductor of the Work, and seven other Companions, to form Alanson Brown Council at Lima, Livingston County. On the 19th of December, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Rufus C. Doubleday, Master; Rt. 111. Jerome Fish, Deputy Master ; 111. Frederick A. Gofife, Principal Conductor of the Work, and twelve other Companions to form Otsego Council, at Cooperstown, Otsego County. On the 5th of January, 1871, I issued letters of Dispensation to T. 111. Robert S. Atwell, Master; Rt. 111. Charles E. Washburn, 489 Deputy Master; 111. Richard N. Atwell, Principal Conductor of the Work, and eight other Companions, to form Zabud Council, at Schuylerville, Saratoga County. In all Dispensations granted I have no doubt the Companions will present such evidence of their proficiency as will induce you to grant them Warrants of Constitution. In connection with this, I desire here to say, that to the zeal of our Rt. P. Grand Lecturer Jackson H. Chase, are we indebted for this large increase to our ranks this year. In the perform- ance of his duties as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter he has been enabled to be of this great service to the Order, and has improved the opportunity of planting Cryptic Masonry in those parts of our jurisdiction where otherwise it would probably be years before we should be enabled to establish Councils. I wish to bring before this Assembly, for its consideration, what I think is of vital importance to its well-being, and that is the short time we have to transact its business. We have hereto- fore met on the evening of the first Tuesday in February, at the time the Grand Royal Arch Chapter has appointed for its Annual Convocation, and occupying the same hall, thus giving this Grand Council but a few hours to transact its business, which is increas- ing each succeeding year, and which now should require days in- stead of hours to do justice to the various matters that are brought before it. The inconvenience and hasty legislation which has been transacted under the circumstances makes the necessity and desirableness of some change in this respect apparent to all. Another matter I have thought important to bring to your attention, and that is, that some permanent and regular system should be adopted by this Grand Council of paying its Officers and Representatives. For many years our financial condition was such as would not allow us to do so, and there was not then the necessity that they should receive pay for their attendance, as all or nearly all the Representatives to the Grand Council were also Representatives or Officers of the Grand Chapter, and were quite willing to serve here without the hope of fee or reward, except such as a good conscience would reward them with. In 1866, the Grand Council by resolution then, and from year to year since, voted a liberal sum from its increasing funds to its members. \\'e have now arrived to that position both in members and financial strength at which some permanent provision can safely be made for that purpose. I think the effect would be to always insure us a full repre- sentation from the Subordinate Councils, without regard to their being at the same time Representatives to any other Body, and 490 would place this Grand Council in that independent position which properly belongs to it. The subject of making the Council degrees a prerequisite for the Orders of Knighthood, is receiving attention in the different Grand Councils, and has been fully discussed by many of them and all express the opinion, that should the change be adopted by the different Grand Commanderies, or by the Grand Encampment, it would be of full as much benefit to Chivalric Masonry, as it would to our own Order. I fully agree in the opinion of my predecessor, as expressed in his Address last year : "Tliat we devote ourselves with zeal to strengthen our own household, to increase the number of the faithful, and by these means to make ourselves a power in the Craft that will be recognized at its proper value when it has no favors to ask, and is sufficient unto itself." In looking back to our proceedings of 1859, I find that there were but three Subordinate Councils that year represented in Grand Council, viz. : Brooklyn, No. 4, Adelphic, No. 7, and Eure- ka, No. 8. At our last Assembly there were thirty Councils represented, with a membership of 1,713 members, with ten Dispensations granted to form new Councils the past year, I would ask the Com- panions if this is not encouragement for us to look for bright prospects for the future and not to be over-anxious to be made a prerequisite. At the coming meeting of the General Grand Encampment at Baltimore, next September, it is expected that there will be a con- vention of Representatives of the State Grand Councils for gen- eral consultation, and I would call the attention of the Grand Council to the fact that they may, if deemed advisable, appoint some one to represent. this Grand Council on that occasion. Ontario Council, No. 23, at Geneva, was so unfortunate the past summer as to lose their properties, including their Warrant, by fire. I have granted them a Dispensation to continue their labor until this Annual Assembly. They will make application to you for a duplicate Warrant, which, I recommend be granted them. And now. 111. Companions, permit me to tender my grateful acknowledgments for the great honor you have conferred upon me in having elected me to a position unsolicited and unexpected, yet none the less appreciated, and which with many fears and doubts I accepted, feeling my inability to occupy a station that has been so ably filled by others, and I now surrender the trust to you, that you may place it in the hands' of some abler Companion but none, believe me, who more earnestly desires the welfare of Cryptic Masonry. JAMES McCREDIE. 491 On motion oi T. 111. Comp. H. C. Parke, the address was re- ferred to a commitee of three, to apportion the subjects therein treated of to appropriate Committees. The Grand Master appointed as the Committee: — Henry C. Parke, John B. Stanbrough, Rev. J. G. Webster. The Grand Recorder and the Grand Treasurer then presented their Annual Reports and, on motion, they were received and re- ferred to the Finance Committee. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Grand Recorder presents the following Annual Report of the receipts of the past year : 1870. Feb. 5. Receipts at last Annual As- sembly $1,074.25 Mar. 31. Dispensation to form Seneca Council 20.00 Apr. 25. Dispensation to form Xorthernf Light Council 20.00 Apr. 25. Dispensation to form Konhoc- ton Council 20 00 Apr. 25. Dispensation to form Wad.i- worth Council 20.00 May 2. Dispensation to form Genesee Valley Council 20.00 June 29. Dispensation to form Canajo- harie Council 20.00 Aug. 25. Dispensation to form Tyrian Council 20.00 Nov. 16. Dispensation to form Alanson Brown Council 20.00 Dec. 20. DisDensation to form Otsego Council 20.00 1871. Jan. 6. Dispensation to form Zabud Council 20.00 Feb. 2. 17 Seals affixed to Certificates. 8.50 Total receipts during year. . .$1,282.75 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer, and his receipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, New York, February 7th, 1871. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. 492 To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Treasurer ofifers tire following Annual Report : 1870. Feb. T. Received from the late Grand Treasurer $292.18 Feb. I. Received from the late Grand Recorder 1074-25 1871. Feb. 2. Received from the late Grand Recorder 208.50 Feb. 2. Received from Interest 17-52 $1592.45 1870. Feb. 2. Paid Warrants 174 to 212. $865.20 July 12. Paid Warrants 213 112.07 977.27 Balance on hand $615.18 New York, Feb. 2, 1871. D. B. HOWELL, Grand Treasurer. The Grand Master then announced the appointment of the fol- lowing Committees : — Credentials and Returns: — Jackson H. Chase, W. G. Shaw, Josiah Shove. Warrants and Dispensations : — G. Fred. Wiltsie, T. D. Ramsdell, C. H Van Brakle. Constitution and By-Laws : — Clinton F. Paige, J. B. Chaffee, H. W. Karn. Grievances and Appeals : — R. G. Williams, F. F. Driggs, H. B. Luther. Finance : — H. F. L. Bunting, William Shelp, B. Rathburn. The Committee on the Address of the Grand Master, presented the following report, and, on motion, it was received and accepted, and its recommendations were adopted : 493 To the M. P. G. Council of the State of New York: The Special Committee to whom was referred the Address of the M. P. Grand Master, beg leave respectfully to report: That they have given the same all the attention which the lim- ited time allotted to them permitted, and its importance demands : First. Your Committee would recommend that so much of said Address as relates to Councils U. D., be referred to the Com- mittee on Warrants and Dispensations. Second. With regard to that portion relating to the Annual Assemblies of the Grand Council, your committee fully agree with the M. P. G. M. in deprecating the short time allowed for the trans- action of its business. The constantly increasing number of Com- panions and Councils demand an extension of that time. They would recommend that that subject be referred to the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws. Third. They would also recommend that so much of the Ad- dress as relates to pay of members and Representatives be re- ferred to the Finance Committee. Fourth. Also, that so much as relates to the expected forth- coming meeting of the Grand Councils of the several Grand Juris- dictions, be referred to the Grand Council. Fifth. And that so much as relates to the loss by fire of the Warrant of Ontario Council be referred to the Committee on War- rants and Dispensations. All of which is respectfully submitted. H. C. Parke, John B. Stanbrough, J. C. Webster. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented their re- port, and, on motion, it was received, and the committee was dis- charged. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : The Committee on Credentials and Returns report that the fol- lowing Councils have made correct returns and paid dues, and their Representatives are entitled to seats in this Grand Council : 494 Columbian, No. i W. S. Paterson, M. Union, No. 2 H. C. Parke, Proxy. Brooklyn, No. 4 H. W. Karn, M. . , , , . ,, ( W. G. Shaw, M. Adelphic, No. 7 I J p Ferguson, P. C. of W. Central City, No. 13. . .Richard H. Parker, Proxy. Bloss, No. '14 " Edward B. Cox, M. Bruce, No. 15 Jason Collier, Dep. M. Southern Tier, No. 16 F. D. Ramsdell, M. Buffalo, No. 17 Jas. McCredie, M. King Hiram, No. 18 J. H. Hoskins, M. Doric, No. 19 Wm. Shelp, M. Keystone, No. 20 D. F. Day, M. Hudson River, No. 21 H. B. Luther, Proxy. r J. H. Chase, M. De Witt Clinton, No. 22 -^ . . .H. J. Bogle, Dep. M. (. W. E. Fitch, P. C. of W. Ontario, No. 23 W. P. Durrant, M. „. . , \, ( C. F. Paige, M. Bmghampton, No. 24 j j g ^^^^^^^^ p ^.^^f W. Dunkirk, No. 25 B. Rathbun, M. Palmyra, No. 26 M. C. Finley, M. ^,. T,, o j Wm. R. Holden, Deo. M. Utica, No. 28 j Q^^ £ Ajlg„^ p'c. of w. Mohawk, No. 29 L. D. Sanborn, Dep. M. Owego, No. 30 John B Stanbrough, M. „. „ , T,, ( .. .Geo. W. Leonard, M. Kmg Solomon, No. 31 j g Blankenhorn, Dep. M. Chautauqua, No. 32 C. S. Hazeltine, M. Olean, No. 3^. J. S. Shaw, M. Watertown, No. 34 C. H. Van Brakle, M. Ho™.isvi..., N„^ 35 \ ■^; y; b4,'; ?"(,•'?,• «; Pentalpha, No 36 J. L. Frame, jr., M. Cryptic, No. 37 And that the following Councils under Dispensation have made returns and paid dues : Seneca, U. D Geo. D. Norman, Dep. M. Northern Light, U. D E. D. Ferguson, M. Wadsworth, U. D John D. Serviss, M. Konhocton, U. D O. W. Lackey, M Genesee Valley, U. D A. Oppenheimer, M. Canajoharie, U. D Tyrian, U. D ■ 495 Alanson Brown, U. D C. G. Hudson, M. Otsego, U. D R. C. Doubleday, M. Zabud, U. D R. S. Atwell, M. Respectfully submitted, J. H. Chase, W. G. Shaw, Josiah Shove. The Committee on Unfinished Business reported that no subject had been brought before them requiring any action on their part, or on that of the Grand Council, and, on motion, the report was received and the Committee discharged. The Committee on Foreign Corres- pondence offered the following Annual Report, and also Supplemen- tal Report, due last year, which were, on motion, received and or- dered spread at length on the minutes. The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following report, and, on motion, it was received, the recommenda- tions therein contained were adopted, and the committee was dis- charged. Your Committee on Warrants would respectfully report that they have examined the returns of the following Councils under Dis- pensation and would recommend that Warrants be granted as fol- lows: To Companions Wm. E. Woodward, M. ; Geo. D. Norman, D. M. ; Martin L. Edgett, P. C. of the W. ; and their associates, to be styled Seneca Council, No. 38, to be holdeh at Watkins, Schuyler County, N. Y. To Companions Everard D. Ferguson, j\'I. ; Andrew J. Tucker, D. M. ; Anthony J- B. Ross, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be stvled Northern Light Council, No. 39, to be holden at Essex, Essex County, N. Y. To Companions O. West Lackey, M. ; W. H. Shepard, D. M. ; E- S. Smead, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Konhoc- ton Council, No. 40, to be holden at Bath, Steuben County. To Companions A. Oppenheimer, M.; G. M. Osgoodby, D. M. ; B. S. Coffin, P. C. of the W. ; and their associates, to be styled Gene- see Valley Council, No. 41, to be holden at Nunda, Livingston County. To Companions John L. Ellithorp, M. ; Geo. H. Watson, D. M. ; John L. Earle P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Canajo- harie Council, No. 42, to be holden at Canajoharie, IMontgomery County. 496 To Companions Silas W. Gregory, M. ; Geo. N. Webb, D. M. ; Henry P. Gregory, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Tyrian Council, No. 43, to be holden at Plattsburgh, Clinton County, N. Y. To Companions Chas. G. Hudson, M. ; John C. McKenzie, D. M. ; James T. Gordon, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Alanson Brown Coimcil, No. 44, to be holden at Lima, Liv- ingston County. To Companions Rufus C. Doubleday, M. ; Jerome Fish, D. M. ; Fred. A. Goffe, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Ot- sego Council, No. 45, to be holden at Cooperstown, Otsego County, N. Y. To Companions Robt. S. Atwell, M.; Chas. E. Washburn, D. M. ; Richard H. Atwell, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Zabud Council, No. 46, to be holden at Schuylersville, Sara- toga County. To Companions John D. Serviss, M. ; Johnson I. Snell, D. M. ; James Denton, P. C. of W. ; and their associates, to be styled Wads- worth Council,No. 47, to be holden at Amsterdam, Montgomery County. Your Committee would also recommend that a duplicate War- rant be granted to Ontario Council, No. 23, at Geneva, to replace the one destroyed by fire. G. Fred. Wiltsie, F. D. Ramsdell, J- Committee. C. H. Van Brackle, The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws reported as fol- lows, and, on motion, the report was received and the recommenda- tions adopted. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters : The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws beg leave to report that they have duly considered the subject of the short period allowed for the transactions of this Grand Council, and would re- commend that the Annual Assembly shall be held on the evenings of the first Tuesday and succeeding Wednesday in each year. C. F. Paige, J. B. Chafifee, \- Committee. H. W. Karn, 497 The Committee on Grievances and Appeals reported that no business had been brought before them, and, on motion, the report was received and accepted, and the committee was discharged. On motion of R. P. Comp. Wiltsie, it was resolved that the Subordinate Councils be directed to prepare their annual returns, and send them to the Grand Recorder on or before January 15th, in each year. The Finance Committee presented the following report, which was, on motion received and its recommendations were adopted. To the Most Puisasnt Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Finance to whom was referred the reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, would beg leave re- spectfully to report, that they have carefully examined the said re- ports and the vouchers accompanying them, and that they find the same correct. All of which is respectfully submitted. Henry F. L. Bunting, ) William Shelp, >• Finance Committee. Byron Rathburn, ) Your Committee recommend, in view of the state of the funds of this Grand Council, that the sum of five cents per mile, by the usual travelled route (going and returning), together with five dol- lars per day for one day's services, be paid to the Officers and Re- presentatives of this Grand Council. They would also recommend that the sum of one hundred dol- lars be paid to the Grand Recorder for his services, during the past year , and that the sum of ten dollars be paid to the Grand Sentinel for his services and attendance at the present assembly of the Grand Council. They also recommend that the sum of twenty-five dollars be paid to the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence for services and expenses of that committee. They further recommend that the sum of fifty dollars be paid to Jackson H. Chase for his services as Grand Lecturer. All of which is most fraternally submitted, w^n'^ ^iJ^; ^""""^^S' I Finance Committee. Wilham Shelp, ) 498 On motion of R. P. John D. Williams, the Grand Treasurer was directed to pay M. P. Comp. H. F. L. Bunting, P. G. M., and R. P. Comp. John Hoole P. D. G. M., the same mileage and per diem as the Representatives of the Subordinate Councils and pres- ent Grand Officers receive. The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following named Companions were duly elected : — '■ M. P. James McCredie ' Grand Master. R; P. John D. Williams Deputy Grand Master. R. P. Daniel Wolff Grand 111. Master. R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell Grand Treasurer. All of whom were installed by M. P. Comp. Henry F. L. Bunt- ing, in Ample Form. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : — ■ R. P. F. F. Driggs. Grand C. of the G. R. P. J. B. Chaflfee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. J. S. Shaw Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. The above officers were duly installed. On motion, the Grand Master and Grand Recorder were au- thorized to procure suitable hangings for the jewels worn by the officers of this Grand Council. On motion, it was resolved that the Grand Master be authorized to represent this Grand Coimcil at the proposed meeting of the Grand Councils, to be held at Baltimore, with power to appoint a substi- tute, and that he be empowered to draw on the Grand Treasurer for his expenses. On motion, the Recorder was authorized to have 350 copies of the Proceedings printed, and to send them in the usual manner to the Subordinate Councils and to our sister Grand Councils. 499 The Grand Master appointed the following committees : Foreign Correspondence : — Charles Craig, Jason Collier, H. C. Parke. Unfinished Business : — Wm. Shelp, George M. Osgoodby, G. W. Leonard. Special Finance Committee: — H. F. L. Bunting, W. S. Pater- son, W. G. Shaw. Grand Lecturer: — Jackson H. Chase. No further business appearing, the minutes were read and ap- proved, and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. • J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. SOO RECEIPTS AT THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Columbian Council, No. i $ 25.00 Union, No. 2 29.95 Brooklyn, No. 4 43-SO Adelphic, No. 7 122.50 Central City, No. 13 32-50 Bloss, No. 14 107.50 Bruce, No. 15 20.00 Southern Tier, No. 16 78.03 Buffalo, No. 17 54.36 Kin^ Hiram, No. 18 12.50 Doric, No. 19 90.50 Keystone, No. 20 50.80 Hudson River, No. 21 21.75 De Witt Clinton, No. 22 58.00 Ontario, No. 23 1 1.50 Bingfhampton, No. 24 .* 24.50 Dunkirk, No. 25 44.00 Palmyra, No. 26 25.21 Utica, No. 28 78.53 Mohawk, No. 29 14.50 Oweg'o, No. 30 25.25 King- Solomon, No. 31 37-75 Chautauqua, No. 32 15.25 Olean, No. 33 32.03 Watertown, No. 34 16.50 Hornellsville, No. 35 20.00 Pantalpha, No. 36 8.50 Cryptic, No. 37 33.00 Seneca, U. D. Dues, $22.32 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 32.32 Northern Light Dues, 13.50 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 23.50 Konhocton Dues, 25.16 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 35.16 Genesee Valley Dues, 15.63 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 25.63 Canajoharie Dues, 9.00 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 19.00 Tyrian Dues, 9.00 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 19.00 Alanson Brown Dues, 10.50 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 20.50 Otsego Dues, 11.25 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 21.25 Zabud Dues, 7.50 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 17.50 Wadsworth, Dues, 9.00 Balance on Warrant, $10.00 19.00 $1,366.27 501 m J4 o >< & (U ^ p^ CJ , — 1 T) rt C ^ P C ^O 00 CO rO "O rj- t^>0 >0 TJ-OO « M to M M MM M paia : : M N ; n . . „ M M CO M vo t^ : VO M psHjniia M : N o M 00 ■* M ^ i CO : " psjEiisv ', ^ : " jBa^ SUV Suunp p3;3djJ3 pdB P3AI3D3S : M 00 CO : ■* : N : On M : M 01 vo ; CN w M H D 6 C >- a. c (L r t5 1- c >■ 2 c c C 1- n »- a. a w C 0. Pi 2 Cayuga Erie Ulster Albany IS o C O c o 2 Da O u > CO > c O O 'a ca c < CJ -4-i Pd o 1 c a: > c c ir > c o +-" U ■4-1 -4- P CM C -4-J c C a IS U c _o 'S CM 3 o O PQ >- -4- G -< Vh -1-1 C (U U CO ir en C 5 f — 1 O m IT) H c O CO n 3 cq 1 — 1 E hi c s 00 p ON C o -4-> OJ O CM 502 cop a u O ^ hJg^o gMfe[^^Mm:z:ucLi.-iu E G o +-» c O O '^•' TO ^ > rt a ?J i « -^ -^ ii 4j ra ~ " E ^ I—, CO a. p CJ--^ oi t- o St/) JS J u O 5 S- ■5-5^ o C3 — it: U i> bo op >g • Q • "i '-^ ,i^ fr H on en ►^ Oh H3 9- «-pO.Co .«T3C-7j K^^adE^^ffi-E.^S^t/i^^ Ex ■ o 3ffl :OcS^ ^^E^ ow J5Q X . CO 6 S E >S us ffi'Q b£ c SI C O C C 1-. X >, uea rt ij X rt OJ O HH 0^l-iT3(uJ:il-03 c 1- o E c^-S.2 5-2 8'^ ■■ O O.-K 1- X "0 OJ; t,T3 S^ d 03-- O i)'3'(U C.S 3 Ut)eq.E >, 1-, I; S c l^ <; "! O 3 • 5^-g „ , jt'^iS tl'S — -- rt JJ 6 ESS^Sf^lilsBSg^-g •3 -S-n □ i* C S «.« O fi >> C - - ho .Ji 3 .rt oj rt ;-j3 o s.si"^ o P4PqD^OMUO^WfeUw:z;WOUH<^ON^ SOS w u (U Tl U o CJ (U p^ Tl jj CI 2 1 O T3 'TJ ;3 C t> oi tn •n ;-i ,, , (1J o t/i rt S a 3 o '^ U O r^ rt ;-! rt o o (U 0) ^ '-42 cn I- j:: '^ ,S *^ Q a l^l U^ E £ u 2 (£ S J3 bo __ " 2 S -a c >, c?:. ra c ^ y -1-1 __ rt *^ ti w y w Hc/ic/)gP-i •o 2 o ~ii c ti > tT-o o c ;^ .sl-^--^ ^S|°||l,l^^8 bo I o c SBS^ : jsui > c > ■ "^ f \ ^^ cri fri '^ Qipj ^ i_| h 2 Ph CQ ' =« S h ;> O tH UZ ■ — Ct . - rt> Jh ^ I— 1 > 3- «' 6 S r- to , >.^ V--, N J- ^ ; c ■" n! tfl O boc/2 c/5o = o o m c rT2 c v.. rt , ^ . = ---^»i^ >. rt^ & = ■-s ^CAI rt . ugS „ B cd rt iCiUgp; «« . S :^ O ••^ ■fc^o d CO rt u rt C^ ■? "-M c4 rt 5 S'^'So'S tn cj cj nj "1 ■!-.• S ^ " :u °u c:] d .. & & & ^t:.° r: CU (U ^ 506 REPRESENTATIVES NEAR SISTER GRAND COUNCILS. Josiah H. Drummond of Portland Grand Council of Maine. Rev. Thomas D. Lawson of Bastrop. . .Grand Council of Louisiana. Rev. Levi H. Corson of Jonesville. . . .Grand Council of Michigan. Marcus Higgenbotham of Jersey City.Grd. Council of New Jersey. James L- Gould of Bridgeport Grand Council of Connecticut. D. R. Munro of St. John Grand Council of New Brunswick. 507 OFFICERvS OF GRAND COUNCIL, 1871. M. P. James McCredie, Buffalo Grand Master. R. P. John D. Williams, Klmira Dep. Grand Master. R. P. Daniel Wolfi, New York Grand 111. Master. R. P. G. Fred. W'iltsie, Newbiirgh . Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove, Box 3737, New York . Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell, New York .... Grand Treasurer. R. P. F. F. Drigors, Dunkirk Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. J. B. Chaffee, Binghampton Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster, Palmyra . . Grand Chaplain. P. J. S. Shaw, Olean Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller, Alban>- Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase, Albany Grand Lecturer. 508 GRAND COUNCIL. Annual Assembly — Grand Council Room. Albany, Tuesday, Feb. 6th, A. D. 1872, A. Dep. 2872. The Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York convened in Annual Assembly in the city of Albany, in accordance with a resolution of the last Annual Assembly, on Tuesday, Febru- ary 6th, A. D. 1872, A. Dep. 2872. Present: M. P. James McCredie Grand Master. R. P. John D. Williams Dep. Grand Master. R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie. . . .Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell Grand Treasurer. R. P. F. F. Driggs Grand C. of the Guard. R. P. J. B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase Grand Lecturer. And the Representatives of the following Councils : Columbian, No. i, Mohawk, No. 29, Union, No. 2, Owego, No. 30, Brooklyn, No. 4, King Solomon, No. 31, Adelphic No. 7, Chautauqua, No. 32, Bloss, No. 14, Olean, No. 33, Bruce, No. 15, Watertown, No. 34, Southern Tier, No. 16, Hornellsville, No. 35, Buffalo, No. 17, Pentalpha, No. 36, King Hiram^ No. 18, Cryptic, No. 37, Doric, No. 19, Seneca, No. 38, Keystone, No. 20, Northern Light, No. 39, Hudson River, No. 21, Konhocton, No. 40, De Witt Clinton, No. 22, Genesee Valley, No. 41, Ontario, No. 23, Canajoharie, No. 42, Binghampton, No. 24, Alanson Brown, Nol 44, Dunkirk, No. 25, Otsego, No. 45, Palmyra, No. 26, Zabud, No. 46, Utica, No. 28, Wadsworth, No. 47. M. P. John Hoole, P. D. G. M., T; 111: H: B. Harvev, P. M., Bloss, No. 14, T. 111. H. E. Gilbert, P. M., Adelphic , No. 7 . 509 The Grand Council was opened in Ample Form. On motion of M. P. Comp. John Hoole, it was Resolved, That all Companions Select Masters in good stand- ing be invited to take seats as visitors in this Grand Council. M. P. Comp. James McCredie, Grand Master, then delivered the following address : THE ADDRESS. Companions of the Grand Council : Another Masonic year, with its cares and labors, its joys and griefs has passed away into the silent tomb of time, and we, through the mercy of the Holy One of Israel, are again permitted to meet in Annual Assembly, to consult upon such measures as may appear to be proper or necessary for our future guidance and prosperity, as well as to examine the labor performed, to see if it will prove square and true, and acceptable to the craft. Let us, therefore, as it is our bounden duty, render to the Su- preme Grand Master our devout and hearty thanks for the many blessings and comforts which He has been pleased to bestow upon us and that so many of us are spared to meet again in Assembly, and to implore His continued guidance and divine favor in the future. It gives me great pleasure, Companions, to be able to report to you that tranquilitv and harmony prevail throughout our jurisdic- tion, and that during the past year I have not been called upon to us mv official authority, either for correction or reproval, and that all betokens progress and success for this branch of the Masonio family, and although a less number of councils have been organized the past year than the previous one, yet there has been sufficient to denote a health}' increase of our numbers, and for this increase, with one exception, we are again indebted to the labors of our Rt. Puis. Grand Lecturer, J. H. Chase. On the 2d of March, last, I visited Genesee Valley Council, No. 41, at Nunda, and instituted said Council and installed its officers. March 7th I instituted Alanson Brown Council, No. 44, at Lima, and installed the officers thereof. I am indebted to the courtesy of 111. Companions J. D. Williams, J. B. ChafFee, J. H. Chase and H. B. Harvey, for instituting the sev- eral Councils which were Warranted at the last Assembly, and in- stalling their officers, and who have reported to me as having per- formed the duty confided to them. 510 March 6tb, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. III. Thomas L. His-frins, Master ; Rt. 111. William M. Lester, Dep. M. ; 111. Row- land M. Gardner, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Compan- ions, to form Fredonia Council , at Fredonia, Chautauqua County. March loth, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. 111. J. Farns- worth, Master; Rt. 111. J. C. Chamberlain, Dep. M.; III. E. Fisher, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions to form Afton Council, at Afton, Chenango County. April 15th, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. 111. Abiel T. Loomis, Master; Rt. 111. Morris C. Hig-hriter, Dep. M.; 111. Samuel B. Whitaker, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions, to form Fulton Council, at Fulton, Oswego County. April 2Sth, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. 111. Wm. H. Gray, Master; Rt. 111. David PI. Stanton, Dep. M. ; 111. Sylvester S. Willard, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions to form Northern Constellation Council, at Malone, Franklin County. April 26th, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. 111. Norman C. Baker. Master ; Rt. 111. Sidney B. Watkms, Dep. M. ; 111. Warner F. Bascom, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions to form Washington Council, at Whitehall, Washington County. Tune I2th, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. 111. Henry A. Balcam, Master; Rt. 111. R. L. Hill, Deputy M. ; 111. T. S. De Wolf, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions to form Corn- ing Council at Corning, Steuben County. August loth, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. III. John L. Kalbfut, Master ; Rt. 111. Lewis L. Adams, Dep. M. ; 111. Stott Mills, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Companions to form Deer- park Council, at Port Jervis, Orange County. December 5th, I issued letters of Dispensation to Th. III. John Ombonv, Master, Rt. 111. Robert J. Post, Dep. M. ; Reverend and 111. Teremiah Searl, P. C. of W., and the requisite number of Compan- ions to form Peekskill Councill, at Peekskill, Westchester County. I have good assurance that the 111. Companions in charge of these Councils are true, trusty, and well skilled, and trust that their applications for Warrants will meet with, your cordial approval. January 26, 1869, a Dispensation was issued by our late Grand Master. C. H. Piatt, to H. H. Lyman and Companions, to form Wy- oming Council, at Pike, Alleghany County, but for reasons unknown to me they have done but little work, and have not up to this time made their returns to the Grand Council. Sll I have corresponded with, Th. 111. Comp. Lyman, and I am led to expect that at this session they will make their returns and apply for a Warrant. In March last, a correspondence was opened through 111. Comp. A. G. Goodall with the Reverend Companion Goerge Raymond Por- tal, Grand Master of the Grand Mark Lodge of England, Compan- ion Nathaniel George Phillips, J. M. P. Montague, and other Royal Arch Masons of eminent standing in the fraternity of London, Eng- land, in relation to the introduction of Cryptic Masonry and the or- ganizing- of Councils of Royal and Super-Excellent Masters in Eng- land, which resulted in their calling Rt. Puis. Companion J. H. Chase to London for that purpose. Companion Chase left New York on the loth of July, taking his full authority for me to confer the de- grees of Royal, Select, and Super-Excellent Master upon such Royal Arch Masons as should be qualified to receive them according to our regulations. On his arrival in London, Comp. Chase was received by our English Companions with the most cordial and fraternal spirit, and at the earliest moment proceeded to confer the Council degrees upon a sufficient number of Companions to organize four Councils of Royal, Select, and Super-Excellent Masters, to whom Dispensations were issued a follows : July 31st, to Reverend and Th. 111. Geo. Raymond Portal, Mas- ter; Rt. 111. Nathaniel Geo. Phillips, Dep. M.; 111. J. M. P, Monta- gue, P. C. of W., with a constitutional number of Companions to form Grand Masters Council, in the city of London, England. August 2ist, to Th. 111. Robert Wentworth Little, Master; Rt. 111. William B. Church, Dep. M. ; 111. William Stone, P. C. of W., with a constitutional number of Companions to form Constantine Council, in London. August 2ist, to Th. 111. Frederick Binckes, Master; Rt. 111. Richard Spencer, Dep. M. ; 111. C. A. Cottebrun, P. C. of W. ; with a constitutional number of Companions to form Mark Council in Lon- don, and whose applications to you for Warrants I trust will meet with your cordial approval. August 2ist, to Th. 111. Sigismund Rosenthall, Master; Rt. HI. James Stevens, Dep. M. ; Reverend and 111. David Shaboe, P. C. of W., with a constitutional number of Companions, to form Macdon- ald. Council, in London. We cannot but look upon the introduction of Cryptic Masonry in England by an American Grand Council as one of the most impor- tant events in the Masonic history of this country, and we may con- template with a natural feeling of pride that the Grand Council of S12 New York has that distinguished hour, tending as it must, to not only draw still closer the fraternal bonds that now happily unite the fraternity of ihe United States with that of our mother country, Ma- sonically as well as politically, and also as being a preliminary step toward assimilating the Masonic systems of the two great nations of the world. In this matter great credit is due Companion A. G. Goodall, who has taken an active and zealous part in bringing to a happy and suc- cessful conclusion his cherished wishes. Comp. Chase was also ably assisted in his labors in conferring the degrees and organizing the Councils by Companions A. G. Good- all and D. Sickels, of New York, Chas. H. Thompson of Corning, and J. J. Martin of Albany. These four Coimcils have alre&dy taken th,e initiatory steps to the forming of a Grand Council for England and its dependencies, excepting Canada. During the past year another bright star has arisen in the Ma- sonic firmament ; a new jurisdiction has been created, adding another banner to our forces. Our Companions of the Province of Ontario assembled in con- vention at Toronto, on the 8th of August last, and organized the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ontario, and which under the Grand Mastership of that accomplished gentleman and Mason, T. Douglas Harrington, will soon become a large and pros- perous jurisdiction. I bespeak for the Grand Council of Ontario a cordial recognition by you. A statute was enacted by the Legislature of our State in 1866, incorporating such Lodges and Chapters of Masons as might choose to avail themselves of its provisions. I learn that Bloss Council, No. 14, of Troy, are about building a hall in that citv for their use, and desire that the act may be so amended as to include Councils of Royal and Select Masters, to enable them as a Council to hold real estate. I think it would be well for this Grand Council to authorize an apolication to be made at this session of the Legislature for such amendment. At the last Assembly, I was appointed as a delegate to attend the convention of Roval and Select Masters that was expected to be held in Baltimore last September, and I regret to say that for want of con- cert of action and other good rea.^ons, the convention was not a suc- cess. Those of vou who attended at Baltimore on that occasion well know the difficulties of getting a business meeting at that time. The question of making the Council degrees a prerequisite for the Orders of Knighthood, was brought before the Grand Encamp- 513 ment, and was by that body left to the action of the Grand Comman- deries. Many of the Grand Councils have already taken measures to bring- this subject before the Grand Commanderies of their States, and I would sugg^est that this Grand Council take some action for that purpose. When our great body of Knights and Companions shall have become more enlightened in our sublime mysteries, and shall have studied more thoroughly the beautiful ritual and the im- pressive teachings of these degrees, the more will they be convinced of the important position they occupy in Masonry, and will realize more fully the importance of making them a prerequisite for the Or- ders of Knighthood. Another call has been made for a meeting of Representatives of Grand Councils, from which I am led to expect good results. M. Puis. J. H. Drummond, G. M. of Maine, under the authority and direction of that Grand Council, has issued a call for Representatives to meet in New York, on the second Wednesday of June next. In his circular, Companion Drummond says : "Massachusetts and Maine will be there prepared to exemplify their ritual, even if they have only themselves to witness it," and those who know the Grand Master of Maine will understand that he means business. There are many differences in the rituals and titles of officers in different Grand Councils, which such a convention could do much toward bringing about a uniformity, and which all will agree is very desirable, if not necessary, for the benefit of the Cryptic Rite. As the powers of such convention would be only advisory, I would rec- ommend this Grand Council to appoint one or more Representatives to meet with the G. M. of Maine at New York in June next. I would again call the attention of the Companions to a subject that was laid before them at our last Assembly, and the partial remedy then applied does not, I think, meet the necessities of the case. I refer to the time occupied by us at our annual meetings. My own experience and the opinions of many well informed Companions is, that in order to properly transact the business of this body, we should have more time than one, or possibly two evenings after the close of another body that meets during the same day ; this is the only Grand Council but what occupies one or more days for that purpose. We certainly have the numerical strength and finan- cial ability to hold our Assembly independent of any other body. It has been sugg-ested that if we pursued the course adopted by the Grand Commandery of this State, of itinerating, it would not only be practicable, but beneficial, as it has been to that Order. I think the 514 subject of sufficient importance to demand the careful consideration of the Companions. It has also been suggested that the G. C. again return to the City of New York and hold the Assembly in the summer season. There now remains, Companions, but one other duty for me to perform, to surender to you the authority you were pleased to place in my hands, and in so doing permit me to return you my sincere thanks for the honor bestowed and the confidence placed in me, and trusting that we may be permitted for many years to meet in Annual Assembly, and in that same spirit of fraternal feeling that has hereto- fore characterized our meetings. On motion of R. P. Comp. J. B. Chaffee, the Address was re- ferred to a committee of three, to apportion the subjects therein treated of to appropriate committees. The Grand Master appointed as the Committee : — J. B. Chaffee, H. W. Karn, W. P. Durrant. SIS The Grand Recorder and the Grand Treasurer then presented their Annual Reports, and. on motion, they were received and re- ferred to the Finance Committee. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Recorder begs leave to present the following annual re- port of the receipts of the Grand Council : 1871. Feb. 7. Received at the Annual Assem- bly $1,366.27 ]\Iar. 20. Dispensation to form Fredonia Council 20.00 Dispensation to form Afton Council 20.00 Apr. 15. Dispensation to form Fulton Council 20.00 Apr. 25. Dispensation to form Northern ■ Consellation Council 20.00 Apr. 26. Dispensation to form Washing- ton Council 20.00 June 12. Dispensation to form Corning Council 20.00 Nov. II. Dispensation to form Deer Park Council 20.00 Dec. 6. Dispensation to form Peekskill Council 20.00 For Seals on Diplomas 6.50 Making total receipts $1,532.77 All of which has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer, and his receipt taken therefor. Respectfully submitted, J. SHOVE, .Albany, Feb. ist, 1872. Grand Recorder. 516 To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Treasurer submits the following Annual Report: RECEIPTS. Balance from last year $615.18 Received from the Grand Recorder during the current year 1,15^2.77 Received for interest 27.60 $2,175.55 DISBURSEMENTS. Paid Warrants from No. 214 to No. 269 inclu- s've $1,521.94 Balance on hand $653.61 Respectfully, New York, Feb. i, 1872. D. B. HOWELL, Grand Treasurer. _ The Grand Master then announced the appointment of the fol- lowing committees : Credentials and Returns: — G. Fred. Wil-tsie, Josiah Shove, J. B. Sackett. Warrants and Dispensations: — F. D. Ramsdell, C. H. Van Brackle, H. J. Bovle. Constitution imd By-Laws :— J. B. Chafifee, F. W. Bolles, W. S. Paterson. Grievances and Appeals : — John Hoole, C. G. Hudson, J. H. Hoskins. Finance: — J. D. Serviss, Howard Cockburn, John L. Bentley. The Committee on the Address of the Grand Master presented the following report, and, on motion, it was received and accepted, and its recommendations were adopted, with the exception of the last one : The committe to whom was referred the Grand Master's ad- dress would respectfully submit the following report : That so much of the address as relates to the formation of new Councils be referred to the Committee on Warrants. 517 That so much as refers to the correspondence with our English Companions, and the subsequent visit of Companion Chase and others, together with the formation of new Councils in London by Letters of Dispensation, be also referred to the Committee on War- rants. That so much of the address as refers to the statute of incor- poration 'of the State of New York be referred to a special com- mittee. That so much as refers to the time and place of meeting of this Grand Council be referred to a special committee. J. B. Chaffee, H. W. Karn, W. P. Durrant. The Grand Lecturer presented the following report, which was. on motion, received and ordered to be spread upon the minutes. Most Puissant James McCredie, Grand Master of the Grand Coun- cil of Royal and Select blasters of State of New York: M. P- Sir and Comp. : — In pursuance to the instructions re- ceived from you about the ist of July last. I proceeded to England with the proper authority and necessary documents to promulgate the Cryptic Rite. Cn arriving in London, I reported to Companions Rev. George Raymond Portal, Capt. Nathaniel George Phillips, and the other pet'ticners, by whom I was most cordially welcomed and frater- nally greeted. I was accompanied by Comps. Charles H. Thomson of Corn- ing, N. Y., and John J. Martin, of Albany, both of whom kindly volunteered to go with me. On the 27th of July, Comp. Albert G. Goodall, who had for- warded to you the petitions and made the preliminary arrange- ments for introducing the degrees, arrived from the Continent, as- companied by Comp. Daniel Sickels, when the arrangements for conferring the degrees and organizing Councils were soon perfected. The first meeting was held Monday evening, July 31st, at Free- mason's Tavern, when the degrees of Royal, Select, and Super-Ex- cellent Masters were conferred on the following named Royal Arch Masons : — 518 Rev. George Raymond Portal, Capt. Nathaniel George Phillips, J. M. P. Montague, Frederick Davison, William Roebuck, W. Hyde Pullen, Thomas Meggy, Magnus Ohren, Sigismund Rosenthal, Frederick Williams, Robert Hamilton, M. D. When the ceremonies were completed th,e Companions pro- ceeded to organize Grand Masters Council. Rev. and Comp. George Raymond Portal was selected as T. I. M. ; Capt. and Comp. Na- thaniel George Phillips as R. I. D. M. ; and Comp. J. M. P. Mon- tague, as I. P. C. of the W. Petitions were received and necessary business transacted. The Council was then closed until Friday evening, August 4th, when it met at the same place and Companions Frederick Binckes, Rev. W. B. Church, C. A. Cottebrun, Rev. David Shaboe, Richard Spencer, James Stevens, and Joseph Starkey, were received, greetedj and acknowledged R. S. and S. E. Masters. The next meeting was held at the same place, Tuesday evening, August 8th, and the degrees were worked on Companions Edward Baxter, Eugene Cronin, T. A. Ploare, George Lambert and William Stone. The next assembly convened on the 21st of August, Monday evening, and Companions Charles Hammerton, Edward Kimber, Robt. Wentworth Little, Henry Massey, and John Read received the degrees. Three additional Councils were then formed: — Constantine Council, with Comps. Robert Wentworth Little as T. L M.; Rev. W. B. Church as R. L D. M., and Frederick Binckes as L P. C. of the Work. Macdonald Council, with Comp. Sigismund Rosen- thal as T. L M. ; James Stevens as R. L D. M., and Rev. David Sha- boe as L P. C. of the Work, and Mark Council, with Comps. Frede- rick Binckes as T. L M. ; Richard Spencer as R. I. D. M., and C. A. Cottobrun, I. P. C. of the Work. These Councils were supplied with the proper Dispensations and declared duly organized. The four Councils then took the preliminary steps toward form- ing the Grand Council of England and its dependencies, excepting Canada, in order to occupy the territory and prevent the organiza- tion of other Councils' without the proper authority. Thus has Cryptic Masonry been regularly established in Eng- land, and from the character of the parties engaged in the enter- prise, and the position occupied by them in the fraternity, no doubt can be' entertained but that it will prove eminently successful and the Grand Council of England become a bright and shining lumm- 519 ary of the first magnitude in the already brilliant constellation of the Cryptic Rite. It is peculiarly gratifying, and should be regarded with feel- ings of just pride, that having received Masonry from England over a century ago, we have been permitted the honor of establishing the Crypitc branch there, and this honor has been awarded to the Grand Council of the State of New York. During my say in London my companions and myself were the recipients of many kind courtesies and of unbounded hospitality. Nothing that could possibly add to our pleasure was left undone, and my most sincere and heartfelt thanks are due and are hereby ten- dered to those noble-hearted brethren who so cordially received and magnificently entertained us. Among the numerous brethren to whom I am specially indebted for valued assistance, fraternal courtesies and unbounded hospitality, during my stay in London are R. W. Bro. the Rev. Geo. R. Portal, Grand Master of the Grand Mark Lodge of England ; Capt. Nathaniel George Phillips, 33" Lieut. Gr. Com. of the Supreme Council of England ; J. P. M. Montague, 33°, Gr. Sec. of the same and Fred. Binckes, Gr. Sec. of the Grand Mark Lodge. I feel that I should be doing gross injustice did I fail to acknowledge that the credit of having brought about the forming of these Councils belongs to 111. Bro. Albert G. Goodall, 33", the Foreign Representative of the Su- preme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the A. and A. S. Rite. It was through him that the correspondence was opened, and by his. energy and able advice the work consummated. My personal thanks are due to him for the kind assistance he rendered in the formation of the Councils and in conferring the degrees. Thanks are also due to Comps. Sickels, Thomson and Martin, for the generous support and aid received from them. I have the honor to be your faithful co-worker in the S. V. J. H. CHASE, Grand Lecturer. 520 Most Puissant James McCredie, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : I have the honor to report, that during the past year I have or- ganized Councils as follows : March i6th, Afton, Chenango County; April 15th, Fulton, Os- wego County; April. 25th, Malone, Franklin County; April 26th, Washington, Whitehall, Wasbin-jton County; June 12th, Corning, Steuben County; December 5th, Peekskill, Westchester County. On the 3rd day of March last, I constituted Wadsworth Coun- cil, No. 47, at Amsterdam, and installed the officers. I have alro visited V\''atertown Council and instructed the offi- cers in the work. Much interest is manifested at the present time in Cryptic Ma- sonry, and it only needs energy and fidelity on the part of our Sub- ordinate and Grand Officers to place the Rite where it justly be- longs, and I believe the day is not far distant, when these beautiful and irnpressive degrees will be made prerequisite to the Orders of Knighthood. If the Companions will only strive to emulate and imitate the zeal manifested by yourself during your administration, then our success is certain. Respectfully submitted, J. H. CHASE, Grand Lecturer. The Committee on Credentials and Returns presented their re- port and, on mot'on, it was received, and the committee was dis- charged. To the M. P Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York : Your Committee on Credentials and Returns would respectfully report that the following Councils have made returns, and paid dues to the Grand Council, and that their Pepresentatives, as designated below, are entitled to seats in this Grand Body : 1. Columbian W. S. Paterson, M. 2. Union John Hoole, Proxy. 4. Brooklyn Henry W. Karn, "M. 521 7- Adelphic J. F. Ferguson, Dep. M. 13. Central City 14. Bloss Edward B. Cox, M. 15. Bruce Jason Collier, Dep. M. , „ , ^. j F. D. Ramsdell, M. 16. Southern Tier | Maurice Levy, P. C. of W. 17. Buffalo j • Jf^ies McCredie, M. 1 John Briggs, Dep. M. 18. King Hiram James H. Hoskins, M. 19. Doric John Alexander, Proxy. 20. Keystone John B. Sackett, Dep. M. 21. Hudson River Howard Cockburn, M. (" Henry J. Boyle, M. 22. DeWitt Clinton ] . .John T- Martin, Dep. M. L J. W. Morange, P. C. of W. 23. Ontario Williajn P. Durrant, M. •?/! RiTio-hpTnr,fr,n J Orlando W. Earle, Dep. M. 24. Bmghampton ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^ ^' ^ ^^ ^ 25. Dunkirk 26. Palmyra Mark C. Finley, M. 28. Utica Theo. W. Bolles, M. -.. , , ( L. D. Sanborn, Dep. M. 29. Mohawk. I gg^j Corency, P. C. of W. 10 Owep-o I J*^'^" ^- Stanbrough, Proxy for M. 3u. v^wego I ^ j^j Haywood, Dep. M. 31. King Solomon George W. Leonard, M. 32. Chautauqua Abner Hazeltine, Jr., j\I. 71 Olpan f Calvin A. Stowell, Dep. M. jj. ^icdu -^ ._ iyf_ g Forbes, Proxy P. C. of W. 34. Watertown Charles H. Vain Brackle, JNL 35. Hornellsville John L Bentley, ^L 36. Penta'pha Thomas Darling, Dep. J\L 37. Cryptic C. H. Sturges, M. 38. Seneca | • • • • • • • -, . ." • •- ^^- L- Edgett, M. •^ (,iE. L. Robbms, Proxy for Dep. J\L 39. Northern Light E. D. Ferguson, i\L 40. Konhocton W. H. Sheppard, M. 41. Genesee Valley A. Oppenheimer, j\I. 42. Canajoharie 43. Tyrian 44. Alanson Brown Charles G. Hudson, M. AK Otsee-o I ^"^"^ Doubleday, AL 45. uisego I Frederick A. Goff, P. C. of W. 46. Zabud S. R. Lawrence, M. 47. Wadsworth John D. Serviss, I\L 522 And that the following Councils under Dispensation have made returns and paid dues : U. D. Wyoming U. D. Fredonia William M. Lester, Dep. M. U. D. Fulton Abiel T. Loomis, M. U. D. Northern Constellation U. D. Washington \ " • • • " • • • •^- J-. barker, M. ^ I . . . S. B. Watkms, Dep. M. U. D. Corning \ ■ "S; ^;.'^T'°"^^''''''-V^°'' f; ^1 . .G. W. Fuller, Proxy Dep. M. U. D. Deer Park L. L. Adams, Dep. M. U. D. Peekskill John Ombony, M. U. D. Afton G. Fred. Wiltsie, ) Josiah Shove, ^ Committee. J. B. Sackett, ) The Committee on Unfinished Business reported that no subject had been brought before them requiring any action on their part, or on that of the Grand Council, and, on motion, the report was received and the committee discharged. On motion of T. 111. Comp. Jason Collier, Comp. Charles Craig was granted additional time to prepare his report on Foreign Cor- respondence, to be forwarded to the Grand Recorder when com- pleted, and to be incorporated in the minutes. The Committee on Warrants and Dispensations presented the following report, and, on motion, it was received, the recommenda- tions herein contained were adopted, and the committee was dis- charged. Your Committee on Warrants would respectfully report that they have examined the returns of the following Councils under Dis- pensation and would recommend that Warrants be granted as follows : To Companions H. H. Lyman, Master; George Bemus, Dep. M. ; Collins W. Thomas, P. C. of W., and their associates, to be styled Wyoming Council, No. 48, to be holden at Pike, Wyoming County, N. Y. To Companions Thomas L. Higgins, Master; William M. Les- ter, Dep. M. ; Rowland W. Gardner, P. C. of W., and their asso- ciates, to be styled Fredonia Council, No. 49, to be holden at Fre- donia, Chautauqua County, N. Y. To Companions Abiel T. Loomis, Master; M. C. Highriter, Dep. M. ; S. B. Whitaker, P. C. of Work, and their associates to be 523 styled Fulton Council, No. 50, to be holden at Fulton, Oswego County, N. Y. To Companions William H. Gray, Master; David H. Stanton, Den. M. ; Svlvester S. Willard, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Norlhern Constellation Council, No. 51, to be holden at Malone, Franklin County, N. Y. To Companions Norman J. Raker, Master ; Sidney B. Watkins, Dep. M.,; Warren F. Bascom, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Washington Council, No. 52, to be holden at Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y. To Comp?.nions Henry A. Balcam, Master; R. L. Hill, Dep. M. ; T. S. De Wolfe, P. C. of Work, and their associates to be styled Corning Council, No. 53, to be holden at Corning, County of Steu- ben, N. Y. To Companions John L. Kalbfus, Master; L. L. Adams, Dep. M. ; Stott Mills, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Deer Park Council, No. 54, to be holden at Port Jervis, Orange County, N. Y. To Companions John Ombony, Master ; Robert J. Post, Dep. M. ; Jeremiah Searl, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Peekskill Council, No. 55, to be holden at Peekskill, Westchester County, N. Y. Your Committee would also recommend that a Warrant be granted to Companions Jonathan Farnsworth, Master; A. C. Cham- berlin, Dep. M.; Erastus Fisher, P. C. of Work, and their associa- tes, to be styled) Afton Council, No. 56, to be holden at Afton , Chenango County, N. Y., said Warrant to be retained by the Grand Recorder until the proper returns are made and fees paid. In regard to the Councils that were organized in England by authority of the Grand Master of this Grand Council, your committee would recommend that Warrants be granted as follows : To Companions Rev. and T. 111. Geo. Raymond Portal, Master ; R. 111. Nathaniel George Philhps, Dep. M. ; 111. J. M. P. Montague, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Grand Master's Council, No. 57, to be holden in the city of London, England. To Companions Robert Wentworth Little, Master ; William B. Church, Dep. M. ; William Stone, P. C. of Work, and their asso- ciates, to be styled Constantine Council, No. 58, to be holden at London, England. 524 To Companions Sigismund Rosenthal, Master; James Stevens, Dep. M.; Rev. David Shaboe, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Macdonald Council, No. 59, to be holdlen at London, England. To Companions Frederick Binckes, Master; Richard Spencer, Dep. M. ; C. A. Cottebrun, P. C. of Work, and their associates, to be styled Mark Council, No. 60, to be holden at London, England. And your committee, in view of the fact that this Grand Council has had the honor of establishing Cryptic Masonry in England, thereby forming an interesting and valuable epoch in its history, would respectfully recommend that the fees for the Warrants of these last named Councils be remitted. All of which is respectfully submitted, F. D. Ramsdell, C. H. Van Brackle, Henry J. Boyle. The Committee on Grievances and Appeals presented the fol- lowing report, and, on motion, it was received and accepted and the committee was discharged. To the Most Puissant Grand Council of the State of New York : Your Committee on Grievances and Appeals respectfully beg leave to report, that no grievances or appeals have been presented for their consideration. John Hoole, Charles G. Hudson, James H. Hoskins. The Finance Committee presented the following report, which was on motion, received, and its recommendations were adopted. To the M. P. Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of New York: Your Committee of Finance, to whom was referred the reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder, would respectfully report, that they have carefully examined the same and the vouchers accompanying them, and find the same correct. S2S Your Committee recommend that the officers and representa- tives receive the same compensation as recommended by the Fi- nance Committee of last year, and that the sum of one hundred dol- lars be paid to the Grand Recorder, and the sum of ten dollars to the Grand Sentinel for services. Also that the sum of twenty-five dollars be paid to the Chair- man of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, for services and expenses, and the sum of fifty dollars to the Grand Lecturer. Your Committee further recommend that the sum of four hun- dred and fifty dollars be paid to Comp. Jackson H. Chase, for his services for the last five years in extending the knowledge of Cryptic Masonry in this country and in Europe. All of which is respectfully submitted, John D. Serviss, Howard Cockburn, J. L. Bentley. The Grand Council then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following named Companions were duly elected : . M. P. John D. Williams Grand Master. R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie Deputy Grand Master. R. P. F. F. Driggs Grand 111. Master. R. P. Henry B. Harvey. . . .Grand P. C. of the Work. R. P. Josiah Shove Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell Grand Treasurer. T. 111. Comp. H. W. Kam offered the following amendment to the By-Laws, which after considerable discussion was, on motion, laid on the table. To amend Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, by striking out the word "ten," and inserting the word "five,'' so that article, as amended, shall read, "No Council under this jurisdiction shall confer the Degrees of Royal and Select Masters for a less sum than five dollars." The Grand Council then took a recess until to-morrow, the 7th inst., immediately after the close of the afternoon session of the Grand Chapter. 526 Albany, Feb. 7th, 6 o'clock, P. M. The Grand Council resumed its session. Officers and Representa- tives as before. The Grand Officers-elect, with, the exception of the Dep. Master, were installed in Ample Form by M. P. James McCredie. The Grand Master announced the following appointments : R. P. T. W. Bolles Grand C. of the G. R. P. J. B. Chaffee Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster Grand Chaplain. P. C. H. Van Brackle Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase Grand Lecturer. All of whom were duly installed by M. P. James McCredie. Batavia Council, No. 27, having failed to make returns and pay dues for two years, on motion, further time was granted to said Council. The following Warrants of Appointments as Representatives of sister Grand Councils were presented and accepted : R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie as Representative of New Brunswick, in place of Comp. Robert Macoy. R. P. John Sheville as Representative of New Jersey. R. P. John Sheville as Representative of Connecticut. R. P. John Sheville as Representative of Missouri. R. P. John Seville as Representative of Tennessee. R. P. Charles Craig as Representative of Vermont. On motion, the proposed amendment to Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution was taken from the table, and after discussion, the same was unanimously adopted. The following additional article was offered as an amendment to the Constitution, and, after discussion, the same was unanimously adopted. No Representative of a Subordinate Council under the juris- diction of this Grand Council shall receive pay or mileage in excess of the amount of the dues paid in by the Council which he represents. On motion, the Grand Master was authorized to install the 'Deputy Grand Master-elect after the close of this Annual Assembly. 527 On motion, the thanks of the Grand Council were tendered to Comp. A. G. Goodall, for his services in introducing the Cryptic De- grees in England. On motion, it was ordered that the next Annual Assembly of tins Grand Council be held in the City of Albany, on the Thursday succeeding the first Tuesday in February, 1873, at 10 o'clock, A. M. On motion, the Recorder was authorized to have 350 copies of the Proceedings printed and to send them in the usual manner to the Subordinate Councils and to our sister Grand Councils. The Grand Master appointed the following committees : Foreign Correspondence : — Charles G. Hudson, W. S. Paterson, T. R. Lawrence. Special Committee to procure the Incorporation of Subordinate Councils : — Jackson H. Chase, C. H. Thomson, James McCredie. Grand Lecturer: — Jackson H. Chase. No further business appearing, the minutes were read and ap- proved, and the Grand Council was closed in Ample Form. J. SHOVE, Grand Recorder. [Note. — June ist. After waiting until this date, the Grand Re- corder is compelled to put the Proceedings in press without the re- port of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, which he does by direction of the Grand Master.] S28 RECEIPTS AT ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. I.. Columbian Council $23.00 2. Union 31-25 4. Brooklyn 43-00 7. Adelphic 125.00 13. Central City 32.50 14. Bloss 103.75 15. Bruce .......: 20.00 16: Southern Tier 68.25 17. Buffalo • 55.33 18.. King- Hiram 14.00 iq. Doric ' 82.25 20. Keystone 48.75 21. Hudson River 22.50 22. De Witt Clinton 49-75 23. Ontario 11-50 24. Binghampton 24.50 25. Dunkirk 46.50 26. Palmyra 24.25 28. Utica 46.00 2g. Mohawk i7-5o 30. Owego 18.75 31. King Solomon 40.25 32. Chautauqua 21.75 33. Olean 28.50 34. Watertown 16.50 7 5. Hornellsville ^9-25 36. Pentalpha 8.50 37. Cryptic 20.75 38. Seneca 1 5.00 39. Northern Light 9-75 40. Konhocton 20.25 4 1. Genesee Valley 13-25 42. Canajoharie 6.00 44. Alanson Brown 16.75 45. Otsego 10.50 46. Zabud 11-50 47. Wadsworth 7-50 48. Wyoming, Dues, $32.25; Balance on War- rant,'$io 42.25 529 49- Fredonia, Dues, $15.25; Balance on War- rant, $10 25.25 50. Fulton, Dues, $12.75. ! Balance on War- rant, $10 22.75 51. Northern Constellation, Dues $12.75; Balance on Warrant, $10 22.75 52. Washington, Dues, $13.50; Balance on War- rant, $10 23.50 53. Corning, Dues $14.25 ; Balance on War- rant, $10 24.25 54. Deer Park, Dues, $17.50; Balance on War- rant, $10 27.50 55. Peekskill, Dues, $17.25; Balance on War- rant, $10 27.25 56. Afton, Dues, $9.75 ; Balance on Warrant, $10. 19.75 $1,409.58 530 g > ^ lU ^ «^ o fl .•s • *-t f( CJ a Pi 3 s O O U O Tl a (U CIS -M IH rt fl o •»-( o ^ o r! o C/J o 4^ (4H u O T) tfl in s 3 p! ■M W (U rd p^ (U -3 T3 r3 ^ psia IJOJ lUOJ} n9^3u:)S psjlinija p3JO^S3H pajEilUfV Suunp p3}33jS pUB paAI999H H D O z o H u O (J it- O N 00 rf> P) O (TShOmMOwOO*^ y3 CT>tOM M w in 0\ vt- 0\ 1) 1) N N ■ w lO . lO Ov fO 0\ N t^ CO IN lO "vS o "S a! iJiO c 3 O P O s: ^ 8 ^ Si S g^-^-g^l-gtS ^S iu;i;o^3303-5£ c u tU ■ •" 3 (U s CI! u S !=> 3.2 •3C„ ^-^„ O) o O 3 r- P o o. c o 4-» G lU 3 ME .-^c^^Ttt^oo<^^lo'O^NOOo^O'-' i-H»-H.p-(»— ',-1.— (,-hCvIC^I 531 Q CM diqsjaqraani On ^ lO .00 rocor^coiorocoi-t '^M ^ ro t»Ta : : " : " Itoj raojj M : " pa^jimjcr >-i ; ■* " : " p3jo;s3H - - - psjEiiwv 5 c C 1 C 1- c ca * C > a. C C C 1 < c 1- c Chautauqua Cattaraugus Jefferson Steiihen Queens Schuyler Steuhen ... o ^1 > C a c o E n Q > n CM n pq u o O O o ;^ 3 12 3 -4-J OJ s c 1 4-1 '> 1 u C IS tn bj _c 'C c en nl Oj C 1- C5i IT 1. u o o .2 n C O CM c o S r S CM 3 P CM > "a X o c n! CM 00 CM X. O g 1) o o 3 C P c "c °b. c s 3 □ 3 n -4-1 U CM -< C o c c a c c 3 D- 1 c > rt c oc (Nf- ■i-l 1 t 1 c>- ) c c -*- c C !^ 5 532 t^ C7\ 0^ M ro rOOO (S 11 i-H M M M M O CTnOO 00 CO CT\ On O CTv M M 01 CS M ° S < M fO CO lO ONO ON'^t-^rDa\ONONQ\ M M h-t t-H H M M M On 00 On ON oi S be p i= 3 o i-i;gOi-10cyQS>CjOfa^c?^0>UMMMM i J3 I be 3 j3 V ?■> E O w rt -4-1 l-H r^ yj (D g rt D-i J C-in iJ W (L> 'O -4-' , . -•^ g^ 1^3 niX o.-t; be fe r^ n "O t3 'O "O " " c c a oTjC^CIS^hSoocum-ioooo >N n! V D O « ••— > n G o be^ jn 'S c C O n. ST! °-^ C G-3 CO-,-^ u M ni c rt rt rtCNro-*"^NOf^oooNO^CM(r)Tt-i^>ot\ooa\o S33 PI o O PI o pi o >< a 3 o i2 O o -a o ^ T3 C C3 s < Q o rt HV. SSim-gSSi^&;S§H^ I"' P_[ p ■) rz3r!'^C*".^_c! ■ -C _t:! .r: *-^^ ra h o en bo c •o c &g E h t; d ^ ^Kn^^rtd^^^. W C tJO S '■ 2 o HO bo >, ;k c o >-E fcE ^^ OJ rt , • o {."i o Q>i— .fci— ,JO to 'r" C tH % u. X •S.i! C u en • i! c 3 ^•gu.bfo-S^ SS -ag^ .Sg^ d^E? EEE^|SE.52S^|.^8 .i- ^ i-i ii .SIUPh 3 ' . ■M 3 O "Or ;^ fi >. C/3 P >1 c Q g'-s ■;-c U cfl ffi<; UStd ^ c • S,S, V o S-pm- rt V o • 5? o> QJ . o 5 J UUW rt O o jJ3 11 1) jJ3 11 1) c c • u2'S : ?> . QJ t— I bo , ^ !>'-'cq .Smcq:;: •3 o 5"^ — >, ^ in 00 r 1 IJ QJ • e'S o PC cJ r^ " i-' . 'u r-* n) tfl I5 yov. c'O c o- •O 3 5 2 ■ tiH . a J nj "1 ffi'-'o^Ono^ OJ2 QJ 3 ' O^ i3 _ ^"qj ■"= US. >° C4 -t-> CJ rU c >>c " C o C4 QJ c>-C O rt -■ o 3 C QJ O in bo 1 C C i; o c o o_, ^'S g 3 g.S c^j2 ^ C C t Q w.^.rt^>.«Ti ..<« i^ Sj SJ4I 5§: S3S tn u V Ti u o o £1 J J •^' l,°^g. X c So _, ID U m t-;o Q < H >S.S >° i-H M < i^^ r- C3 h t- (_ —I o "i S On? c c EO-i a-ii jS a - (^-tj . != -^ •« ■ «J . o ■U i; ho ho 1,/D C a; w 5 « S C « p O ^ c« ^ : -E ""in 9< in; : &.5 T < en - P 3 )£ . E„< S rt O ^ O^; o gj P-1 c m Cil iP--> PUP -a,? ^^ E •"* P _p ^ ^ m £,fc ffi O U ffi O— I --H 00 00 Q^ . m - — g CO P P in t- rt C O 'P ^ ^ 1- y ■^ r-H C-l . 1-^ tN. 00 OO 00 OO 00 00 00 oooo — t O T-H C^l CM r tN. /-x r^ i>* i>s. I oooo CO oooo c IS,OOOMOO-^CNl^O^ "f^ ^£) ^O t>. ^ .— (-.-I,-.,— (ro.-i .-(CM bjO-.-i -^ CM d d c t;<: ^ ^ rt rt rt ^ rt 5: REPRESENTATIVES OF SISTER GRAND COUN- CILS NEAR THIS GRAND COUNCIL. Grand Council of New Brunswick R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie. Grand Council of New Jersey R. P. John Sheville. Grand Council of Connecticut R. P. John Sheville. Grand Council of Tennessee R. P. John Sheville. Grand Council of Missouri R. P. John Sheville. Grand Council of Vermont R. P. Charles Craig. REPRESENTATIVES NEAR SISTER GRAND COUNCILS. Grand Council of Maine Josiah H. Drummond, Portland Grand Council of Louisiana Rev. Thos. D. Lawson, Bastrop. Grand Council of Michigan Rev. Levi H. Corson, Jonesville Grand Council of New Jersey. Marcus Higgenbotham, Jersey City. Grand Council of Connecticut James L. Gouldj Bridgeport. Grand Council of New Brunswick.' D. R. Munro, St. Johns. 537 OFFICERS OF GRAND COUNCIL— 1872. M. P. John D. Williams, Elmira Grand Master. R. P. G. Fred. Wiltsie, Newburgh Dep. Grand Master. R. P. F. F. Driggs, Dunkirk Grand 111. Master. R. P. Henry B. Harvey, Troy Grand P. C. of the W. R. P. Josiah Shove, Box 3737, New York .... Grand Recorder. R. P. David B. Howell, New York Grand Treasurer. R. P. Theo. W. Bolles, Utica Grand C. of the G. R. P. J. B. Chaffee, Binghampton Grand Marshal. R. P. and Rev. J. G. Webster, Palmyra Grand Chaplain. P. C. H. Van Brackle, Watertown Grand Steward. P. Amasa Fuller, Albany Grand Sentinel. R. P. Jackson H. Chase, Albany Grand Lecturer. Chairman of Committee on Foreign Correspondence : Chas. G. Hudson, Lyons. S38