D CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY REPORT FOR THE FIFTH MASONIC DISTRICT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. A. S. BATCHELLOR, D. D. G. M. 1886. The original of tiiis 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/cletails/cu31924030287969 REPORT FOR THE FIFTH MASONIC DISTRICT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. A. S. BATCHELLOR, D. D. G. M. 1886. 4. //^sf4 .1,1;:^^ MOO DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE. To Henry E. Bur?iham, M.\ W.\ Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New Hampshire. The following is my report for the Fifth Masonic District : This masonic district is entirely included within the early boundaries of Grafton County, which contained all of Coos and much of the present. Car- roll. The early settlers had the masonic degrees, which were obtained in established Lodges of the older settlements, or in the temporary ones, which were held in the camps of the armies of the revolution, and at the time of the French-Indian war, and which gave entertainment and instruction to officers and men. Col. Timothy Bedel, originally of Salem, N. H., and one of the early settlers of Haverhill, the distinguished soldier of two wars, is named in the list of members of Union Lodge, No. i, of Albany, N. Y. He was a charter member of Vermont Lodge, No. i, established at Charles- town, N. H., in 1781. Other charter members of the same Lodge were Col. John House, Surgeon George Eager, and Lieut. John Payne, Jr., of Han- over, and Lieut. Thomas Bingham and Lieut. Nathaniel Hall, of Lebanon. The records of this Lodge also indicate that several citizens of Hanover, Lebanon, and the towns of that vicinity, received degrees in Vermont Lodge, prior to 1788. (Early Records of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, Reprint, i8yc), pp. 3-16.) Thus it appears that the masonic education of those who effected the first masonic organizations in this County came largly from Vermont Lodge, No. i. The old masonic publications give us some light on the history of the period in question. In the History of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, by Rev. T. M. Harris, 1798, p. 210, we find the following : " A petition was read from a number of Brethren, for the estab- lishment of a Lodge at Hanover, New Hampshire, whereupon, voted Dec. 18, [1788] that a Lodge be granted under the designation of 'Dartmouth Lodge.'" Preston on Masonry, edited by George Richards, 1804, gives additional information. This author says : " Dartmouth Lodge, Hanover. A Charter was granted to a number of brethren at Hanover in New Hamp- shire by the name of 'Dartmouth Lodge,' on the iSth day of December, A. L. 5788, by the Massachusetts Grand Lodge." "This was the last Lodge chartered by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts within the State of New Hampshire." "The Dartmouth Lodge was kept up but a short time; at its dissolution the funds and regalia were lost in the same manner as those of St. Patrick's were, for the want of a Grand Lodge to claim them. The Massachusetts Grand Lodge disclaimed jurisdiction in New Hampshire, after a Grand Lodge was formed in that State; and Dartmouth Lodge had never acknowl- edged the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire." * * » The same author, continuing, says : " Franklin Lodge, Hanover. The charter of Franklin Lodge, No. 6, Hanover, was granted April 29, A. L. 5796. A few of the petitioners for this Lodge had been formerly members of the Dartmouth Lodge, but this was constituted as a new Lodge, having no reference to the former one, holden at the same place." This Lodge flourished twenty-one years, and on the 12th of June, 1817, the Grand Lodge gave permission for its removal to Lebanon. Two eminent brethren of Hanover held the office of Grand Master, Hon. William H. Woodward, in 1816, 1817, and Dr. James Freeman Dana, in 1824, 1825. See Smith's His- tory of Dartmouth College, pp. 271-275, for biography of Dr. Dana. The Lodge having been moved to Lebanon continued its work for about eleven years, but it appears to have had none after 1828, and its last return was made in 1833. I" 1840, with those of twenty-five other Lodges, its charter was declared forfeited. The organization remained dormant until June, 1854, when the Lodge was revived and the charter restored. Timothy Kenrick, Alpheus Baker and others of the brethren at Lebanon, had, notwithstanding the adverse circumstances by which they were surrounded, labored zealously in keeping alive the spirit of the order, and in maintaining the organization of the Grand Lodge, through the dark days of Freemasonry. Since the reorganization of this Lodge it has maintained an exceptionally good record. On the 1 2th of April I visited this Lodge at its regular communication. Work was done in the E.-. A. . degree. The attendance was large, and I found the members enthusiastic. Past Grand Master, Alpheus W. Baker, continues his efficient active work in the Lodge. Three other Past Masters are also occupants of stations in the official board. The exemplification of work in opening, closing, and on the degrees, was very satisfactory. The records are well kept, and the finances in safe hands, and in a satisfactory condition. W.'. M.'. Perkins pointed with just pride to five Entered Ap- prentices, who were in attendance during his lecture on the degree. His method is to have communications so frequent that the work will not be tediously protracted on any .single occasion. The Lodge rooms here are the best appointed and most tastefully adorned in the district. There has been an abundance of work in the latter part of the masonic year. The Lodge is enjoying a very heathful prosperity. Brother John Burnham, who received the degrees in this Lodge in 1826, was present during the entire communication. Two others who have come down from that generation of masons, still remain in the membership. They are Brackett L. Greenough, Jr., and Egbert B. Kenrick, both of the year 1S23. North Star Lodge, No. 8, Lancaster. This was the second Lodge established in this jurisdiction. The date of the charter was December 18, 1797. The first location was at Northumberland. In iSoo it was moved s to I.ancaster, where the Lodge continued work until August 4, 1807, when it was voted to return the charter. It was subsequently revived by vote of the Grand Lodge. In 1814, Jeremy L. Cross had become a resident of the place, and was employed at his trade — that of a hatter. He had taken the degrees of the York Rite in St. John's Lodge, at Portsmouth; E.-. A.-. September 2, 1807, F.-. C.-. April 6, 1808, M.-. M.-. July 6, 1808, and in 1813 was Junior Deacon of that Lodge. It may be presumed that he was instrumental in the re- organization of North Star Lodge, at Lancaster, which took place in 18 14. He became Senior Deacon in that year, but took a dimit October 25, 1814. It was just previous to this time (in 1810) that he had entered upon the broader field of masonic labor as a lecturer, organizer and writer, which largely occupied the remainder of his life. The extent of his influence on the work of the York Rite may be partially indicated by the fact that his Hieroglyphic Monitor passed through at least sixteen editions, between the years 1819 and i860, the date of his death. This Lodge continued its work through the most venomous period of the anti-masonic crusade, but surrendered its charter in June, 1844. The organi- zation did not long remain dormant. While there were yet a large number of survivors of the troublous times for freemasonry, the charter was returned to the revived Lodge. This occurred in 1853. Since that date the work of the Lodge has continued without interruption, and in usefulness to the craft generally and the community, it has been one of the most successful in the State. My visitation was made April 20, last, and the D.-. D.-. Grand Lecturer was also present. A large number of brethren were in attendance, including several from each of the other Lodges in the county, and a lively interest was manifested. Many candidates have received degrees the past year, and several are constantly under instruction. The finances of the Lodge are managed with prudence and skill. The Lodge, Chapter and Commandery are joint owners in a valuable property,^ with buildings, in which the Lodge rooms are located, and a small portion of the purchase money remains unpaid. This investment has been made without burdening these bodies with any considerable debt, and must yield a liberal income. The brethren are to be commended also for their discre- tion in restraining themselves to a strict economy of expenses, until they shall have an independent fund of considerable proportions in addition to their unencumbered real estate. This is the policy they have adopted. The opening and closing were observed as they were enacted by the new board of ofBcers for the first time as such. There is every reason to believe that, with careful attention to details, they will qualify themselves as expert workmen. This Lodge is entitled to the further credit of having done a greater amount of work the past year than any other in the district. This has been due to the harmony, as well as the zeal of the members. Their example on these principles is commended for imitation by the brethren of other locali- ties. The records, both ancient and modern, are well written and carefully kept. Suitable precautions are taken for prevention against fire. This should be the case with every Lodge. The very ancient first book of North Star Lodge records is among the archives. A later book, extending the records from about February, 1826, to the second cessation from work, has been lost. It is recommended that the Lodge replace this, so far as practi- cable, from the minutes relating to their affairs in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and from the returns of the missing years, in the custody of the Grand Secretary. The prospects of the Lodge are excellent for continued prosperity during the coming year. Mount Cube Lodge, No. 10, Orford. This Lodge is the successor of Union Lodge, No. 10, which, by consent of the Grand Lodge, was removed from Haverhill to Orford in i8og. This Lodge continued at Orford until its charter was declared forfeited, June 18, 1852. It had become comatose about 1847. As jurisdictional lines were no t sharply drawn between states in early times, considerable work came from the Vermont side of the river. The Lodge was introduced to a special historic connection with the anti- masonic crusade, by the fact that Col. Edward Sawyer, whom it had made a Mason in i8og, was indicted for alleged complicity with the original pretense of war, in western New York. He died recently in Grand Blanc, Mich., at a great age, having been for many years the oldest Mason but one, (Col. Hatch, of Port Lavacca, Texas,) in the United States. The name of the old Lodge was taken by the modern organization at Bristol, but with a different number. The brethren of Orford organized there anew in 1867, as Mount Cube Lodge, which organization has since been maintained. The old charter of Union Lodge was restored to this Lodge with the old number, though the name was changed. They still work under the charter of 1799. The Lodge commenced in 1867, with a membership of 24. The subse- quent returns are as follows: Year ending May, 1868,36; 1869,44; 187c, 49; 1871,47; 1872,48; 1873,47; 1874,50; 1875,48; 1876,49; 1877,47; 1878,45; 1879,45; 1880,46; 1881,41; 1882,39; 1883,28; 1884,27; 1885, 25; 1886, 29. My visitation to this Lodge was on the 7th of May. A special communi- cation had been called for the purpose. In view of the resolution adopted by the Grand Lodge at the annual communication of 1885, I made special effort to ascertain the condition of the Lodge. Its jurisdiction is bounded on the west by the Connecticut river; on the north by the limits of Grafton Lodge, at Haverhill, ten miles distant; on the east by Moosehillock Lodge, at Wentworth, twelve miles distant ; and on the south by Franklin Lodge, at Lebanon, twenty miles distant. This gives the Lodge at Orford an area of about six by fifteen miles of Connecticut valley. At the beginning of the year the returns showed a membership of 25. Those who are within the Lodge's jurisdiction reside on farms and in the villages of Orfordville, Lyme and Orford. They are therefore very much scattered. The test of attendance has been applied in their case to ascertain the interest that is maintained in the work, at both the special and regular com- munications. There had been thirteen in the year. A severe storm pre- vented the regular communication in January. The records give the names of those in attendance at all other communications. The average attendance for the year is a small fraction less than 12, and a little less than half the whole membership. This test applied to most of the Lodges in the district would yield a less satisfactory result. The hall is not large, but is convenient and well furnished. .The records are neatly kept. Though there is no surplus in the treasury, the outstanding obligations of the Lodge have all been met. The members that remain are zealous and untiring. Two candidates have completed the degrees and two others are in different stages of advance- ment. The annual report indicates a corresponding increase in membership. The brethren strenuously oppose any suggestion of a surrender of their masonic privileges. I witnessed the opening and closing ceremonies, under the direction of W.\ M.". Jesse K. Carr, and this work was very accurate and in good form. In this the officers display the results of careful study and thorough drill. My information is that the degree work is also well performed in this Lodge. The Master is entitled to much credit for efficient administration of the affairs of the Lodge. Some complaint from brethren abroad has been made concerning the administration of masonic discipline in Mount Cube. The members all contend that they are not subject to censure in this particular. As this is a matter that may be brought to the attention of this Grand Lodge by proper proceedings, should there be occasion, I defer an examination of the subject. The brethren of the Lodge report that they have only at rare intervals the benefit of official visitations by representatives of the Grand Lodge. The record indicates that this has been the case for considerable periods, as from 1869 to 1874; from 1875 to 1879; from 1883 to 1S86. In twenty years the Lodge has been visited in but half the official terms. The com- plaint of the Lodge, therefore, is worthy of serious consideration. A frequent, friendly and efficient supervision of subordinate Lodges is essential to the well being of the institution. No Lodge should be permit- ted, on account of such neglect, to drift into indifference, inaction and decay. This certainly results from irregular and infrequent visitation of isolated Lodges. Such being the present circumstances of this Lodge with reference to its somewhat sparsely settled and limited territorial jurisdiction, its former rapid decline in membership, and the serious obstacles in its way, which are peculiar to its location, it will doubtless be expected of the members that they labor with diligence and discretion. Otherwise the causes which had operated to reduce its membership one-half in ten years, would shortly leave the Lodge without a sufficient membership for the transaction of business. Unless the remedies recently applied should be continued with vigor and persistence these causes will surely revive. Kane Lodge, No. 64, Lisbon. This well established Lodge may be regarded as the local successor of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 25, of Bath. William H. Woodward, Grand Master, issued a dispensation for that organi- zation, June 15, 18 1 5. This was followed, in due time, by the charter of the Grand Lodge. The date of this instrument is not given. The Lodge main- tained a high social standing at Bath for several years. Its roll of member- ship bore the names of Swan, Payson, Jonathan Smith, and of many other worthy and notable men. Few if any of its members are now living, and its local records are lost ; much of the interesting story of their masonic labors and recreations is forever buried with the actors, or obliterated with the archives. The last return from this Lodge was in 1828. The chartel was declared forfeited and returned in 1840. The present Kane Lodge was established in 1858, very soon after the re- organization at Haverhill. The Lodge has an excellent standing in the com- munity. Its membership contains many influential citizens. Its financial condition is in many respect better than that of any other Lodge in the dis- trict. The fund is ample. The Lodge room is well furnished and commo- dious. The archives and records are well and securely kept. I visited the Lodge at the regular communication, on the 20th January. On this occasion I was accompanied by W.'. M.'. Ruel W. Poor and Gilbert E. Lane, Marshal of Burns Lodge. The former delivered an address on the principles of the craft, which was excellent in method and in spirit. W.". Master Savage is a thoroughly informed masonic student, and a very expert officer. The work of the M.'. M.'. degree, under his direction, was done in a manner which was very satisfactory. Recently the work of the Lodge has not been as much as formerly, but it receives thorough attention. A committee on the part of this and Burns Lodge has been appointed to determine the jurisdictional lines between them. This business should receive early and final decision. Both organizations are disposed to treat it in a fraternal spirit, but a delay in disposing of it may hereafter cause irrita- tion, which may now be avoided. Burns Lodge, No. 66, Littleton. In 1818, several Master Masons re- siding in Waterford, Vt., and Littleton, on the opposite side of the Connecti- cut river, were the principal movers in procuring a charter for the establish- ment of a Lodge at Waterford Village, which lies near the river, five miles from the village of Littleton; of the two, the former was then the larger and more pretentious hamlet. The Lodge continued in active operation till 1828, at the same place. It was known as Morning Dawn, No. 48. It ceased to hold communications at that time, owing to the bitterness of the anti- masonic sentiment in the vicinity. The charter was perhaps never recalled. See address of the grand officers to the people, Early Records of the Grand Lodge of Vermont, (reprint of 1879) P- 396> f^ seq. The policy of the Grand Lodge of Vermont at the time differed from that pursued in this State. A very large part of its membership was at Littleton, and its officers were drawn very largely from this side of the river. Hon. Nathaniel Rix, of North Littleton, a Councillor in 1832 and 1833, was Master two terms. Thirty years afterwards several members of the old Lodge were instrumental in obtaining a dispensation and charter in 1859, for a new Lodge at Little- ton, which took its name from Dr. William Burns, one of their number. There is now but one survivor of Morning Dawn Lodge, Nathan Pike Jr., of Waterford, made a Mason in 1825, and but one survivor of the charter members of Burns Lodge, Horace E. Chamberlain, Superintendent of the Concord Railroad, at Concord. The Lodge has had a very creditable career. The work has continued for nearly thirty years. The hall which it occupies under a long lease is well equipped, and is the largest in the district. The archives are carefully secured ; the records well kept and the finances in good condition. The library of the Lodge is probably the best which is maintained by any subor- dinate Lodge in the State. Owing to local, and, probably, temporary causes, there has of late been but little work done in the degrees. The character of the work, however, under the direction of W.-. M.*. Poor, is excellent. It is both accurate in detail and impressive in the general effect. The officers are expert workmen, who are all young men of exemplary character. The prospects for the future of this Lodge are very promising. I visited the Lodge March 4th, and witnessed the exemplification of the M.\ M.-. degree. W.'. M.-. Savage and several ofiicers and brethren of Kane Lodge were also in attendance, with other visitors. I have also been made familiar with the work of the Lodge, as a member, by frequent visits on other occasions. Evening Star Lodge, No. 37, Colebrook. This is one of the re-estab- lished Lodges. It was originally chartered in June, 1822, a dispensation having been received in June, 1821. Work at that period was continued but a short time, practically ceasing in 1S2;. The last return was in 182S. The 10 record of proceedings, however, is preserved, and now in the custody of the Secretary. None of the members of the Lodge at that time are known to be living. Their charter was declared forfeited in 1842. A reorganization was effected in 1858, and the work has been since continued. My visitation w.is at the regular communication, on the 22d of April last, and was some- what unexpected. The board of officers for the ensuing year had but recently been installed, but their proficiency was commendable. The W.". M.-., Aaron B. Haines, displays zeal, well tempered by good judgment. The errors in the work, observed, were such as will, I am confident, be duly cor- rected. All the officers but two, I believe, were present, and several veteran members. There was no work upon candidates in readiness. The opening and closing ceremony was closely inspected, and other matters, to which attention was called, were considered. The Lodge has had considerable work the past year, but owing to a large death roll, and other causes, a net loss in membership has been experienced. The new year has begun with work in the degrees awaiting attention — with good officers and good prospects. The youngest member of the Lodge occupies the office of Junior Dea- con, and, I was interested to learn, is a great-grand-son of Col. Timothy Bedel, the pioneer of freemasonry in Grafton County, whose masonic rela- tions have been elsewhere remarked in this report. A very ancient masonic charm, worn by Col. Timothy Bedel, and other interesting mementoes, are preserved by his descendants at Colebook. The importance of carefully preserving the relics of ancient freemasonry is respectfully urged upon the attention of friends and members of the fraternity. Grafton Lodge, No. 46, Haverhill. The first masonic organization at Haverhill was Union Lodge, No. 10. The charter was of date, January 30, 1799. Among the prominent men in the organization were Gen. Moody Bedel, Hon. Stephen P. Webster and Gen. Moses Dow. In 1S09, by general agreement, the Lodge was removed to Orford, where it flourished many years. The brethren of Haverhill, however, did not find themselves sufficiently accommodated by the privileges of a Lodge at Orford. In June, 1826, they procured a new charter, reorganized, and were thenceforward designated as Grafton Lodge, No. 46. This continued in active operation during the most virulent period of the anti-masonice extravagances, but in 1841, failing to make returns, the charter, in 1S44, was declared forfeited by tKe Grand Lodge. The present Grafton Lodge is the restored organization of 1826-1844. It was rehabilitated October 21, 1857, by restoration of the charter, and many of the former members became active participants in the new organi- zation. Among them was Capt. Hosea S. Baker, of East Haverhill, who was W.'. M.-. in 1S30, and, who in 18S2, at the age of 85 years, represented II this Lodge in the Grand Lodge at Concord. He died on the 20th of March, 1885, the day on which the annual communication of the Grand Lodge was held for that year. At Haverhill, also, Jeremy L. Cross had his early home; maintained his dependent mother and other relatives with a liberal hand, and had his summer residence. There he returned after the conclusion of his active career in business and freemasonry, died in i860, and was buried in the village cemetery. A large portion of the early records of Union Lodge are on separate pieces of paper, and they are religiously preserved by the present recording officers. It is very desirable, however, that they be copied into substantial books of record for future preservation and use. The consideration of this matter is commended to the two Lodges specially interested. It may be necessary to appropriate a suitable amount for this work. Some method should be devised to secure this most desirable result in the near future. These observations are for the consideration of both Grafton and Moun Cube Lodges, as both have their origin in the first Union Lodge in Haver^ hill. These records show, among other curious facts, that in its early his- history Union Lodge held communications at Newbury and Bradford, Vt. as well as at Haverhill and Orford, according to considerations of conven ience. I visited Grafton Lodge at its regular communication, March 18, and installed the officers elect. The work of the Lodge, as judged by what I observed, was very correct. The interest in it seems to be well maintained. The Worshipful Master, Brother Charles N. Miner, is a modest, well in- formed and faithful officer. The records, kept for many years by Brother Tyler Westgate, and more recently by Brother Charles B. Griswold, both Court Clerks, are models in style and accuracy. The furniture and imple- ments of the Lodge are sufficient for its work, and the finances are in good condition. Social Lodge, No. 50, Enfield. The original establishment of this Lodge was in 1827. Its work was continued for a long term of years, and returns were made, with some periods of interruption, until 1846. In 1852 the charter was declared forfeited. Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 22, was chartered and located at Canaan in 181 5. This Lodge closed work in 1829; became dormant in 1836, and the charter was declared forfeited in 1840. The Masonic Casket, a masonic periodical was published at Enfield for a time ( 1823-25 ) when the institution was in a strong condition in that locality. The charter was restored to the re- organized Lodge of the same name and number in 1866 j but the location was changed, and Grafton Centre was made the seat of the Lodge. Dissensions so characterized the history of this new organization that the charter was re- called by the Grand Lodge in 1871. 12 Social Lodge was reorganized and revived at Enfield, July lO, 1857, and now occupies a considerable part of the territory of which the several other Lodges above named formerly had jurisdiction. My visitation to this Lodge was on the 17th of May, inst. A good num- ber of brethren were present, some coming many miles. The Lodge has not had much degree work the past year ; other masonic duties, however, have been sufficient to maintain a good degree of interest. The death of W.'. M.". John B. Coburn was a serious misfortune. He was a good man and Mason, having the interest of the craft very much at heart. On the occasion of my visit the E.*. A.", degreee was exemplified in good form. The W.-. M.'., George B. Deming, is but recently in the harness, but his proficiency gives promise of an accomplished officer and large usefulness to the Lodge. The records have been kept for a long series of years by Everett B. Huse, or Warren C. Clough, with e-^cemplary care and accuracy. The Lodge rooms have been thoroughly repaired and tastefully refurnished ; they are commodious and well adapted to their purpose. Notwithstanding a large outlay in this direction there is a considerable surplus fund in the treasury, which is well invested. Harmony prevails. With the extensive revival of manufacturing interests, involved in the establishment of a large woolen mill and shoe factory in the near future, we may expect a merited prosperity for Social Lodge among other results favorable to the general welfare of Enfield. MoosEHiLLOCK LODGE, No. 63, Wentworth. This Lodge was first recognized by dispensation to Judge J. Everett Sargent and others, August S, 1857, and the Grand Lodge, in June, 1858, authorized a charter. Judge Sargent became its first W.\ M.'. While identified with the Lodge he was advanced through several grades of masonic honors to that of Grand Master of the State. The Lodge is located in ^ region that is somewhat sparsely occupied. The members are very much devoted to the interests of the Lodge. They keep its work and regulations in very strict conformity to the ritual and law, as approved by the Grand Lodge. Harmony prevails, and the members who reside in the vicinity of the Lodge room are very punctual in attendance. The finances are in sound condition. The officers are well qualified, and proficient in the restored work. The records are neatly and correctly kept. It has had but little work the past year. The Lodge requires prepayment of the fees for the degrees with the application, in accordance with the instruct- ions of the Grand Lodge. This has the effect to postpone applications, and in many instances, in the small Lodges, probably results in " indefinite post- ponement." Owing to an accident which delayed my train beyond the time of season- able assembling of the brethren, at the May regular communication, I failed to meet my engagement with the Lodge. My information in regard to it is from Past Master William H. Davis. 13 GoRHAM Lodge, No. 73, Gorham. This Lodge was first recognized by the dispensation granted February 7, 1862, to J. M. Hartwell and others, from Grand iUaster Aaron P. Hughes. In June following a charter was ordered by the Grand Lodge and duly issued. The Lodge has worked con- stantly under that authority to this time. Owing to my failure to find a date on which the convenience of the breth- ren of this Lodge and my own could coincide, I did not make an official visitation upon it. Sickness in the family of a competent Past Master, whom I had requested to make the visitation in my stead, prevented his attendance. My information is that Gorham Lodge is in good condition. Its finances are sound, and the zeal of the members for the interests of the organization is marked. Some of its local affairs, which have heretofore caused embarrassment, are receiving appropriate consideration, by which, through a proper enforcement of masonic discipline, masonic harmony may be established. White Mountain Lodge, No. 86, Whitefield. This Lodge was char- tered June 10, 1868. It has been sustained with varying degrees of interest. At this time it is in excellent condition. Brother James C. Trickey is a very efficient Master, and is assisted by intelligent and ambitious officers in the chairs. On my visitation, which was on the regular May communication, I was accompanied by Ruel W. Poor, W.-. M.-., and Charles F. Bingham, J.-. W.-. of Burns Lodge. The Master's degree was worked with two candidates. The officers are rapidly bringing their work into conformity with the restored work. They realize the amount of labor involved in this undertaking and its importance. The Lodge has a fair surplus fund, and its records are well kept. The Lodge is undoubtedly in better condition to-day than it has been in for several years past. What is better still the brethren are determined that this progress shall continue until the Lodge has a standing such as may well be attained by faithful attention to the conditions of success. The Grand Lecturer has been unable to visit any other Lodges than his own since his appointment. He was obliged last year to suffer an amputa- tion which has disabled him from travel. His friends everywhere sympa- thize with him in his misfortune, and have regretted his inability fully to perform the duties of his office. A few general suggestions concerning the Lodges of the district will per- haps commend themselves to the brethren of the district. 1. Very much remains to be done in bringing the Lodges into conform- ity, in details, with the restored ritual. The officers need to enforce the orders of the Grand Lodge in this particular without exception or partiality i n any case. 2. The Sections 107 and 108 of the Constitution, as amended by the act of 1882, relative to the requirement of full payment of fees for all de- 14 grees before an application is accepted, are not receiving a uniform con- struction in the district. Tiiis should be enforced or abrogated. The Lodges that do enforce the law are at a disadvantage, unless the action is general and uniform on the subject. 3. Too great indulgence is allowed in reference to the payment of annual dues. The law touching diraits is very liberal, and, as no man is compelled to remain in regular connection with any Lodge, so no financially responsi- ble man should be accommodated with arrearges long unpaid. 4. The social side of freemasonry need not be disregarded. This has been one of the shortcomings of the brethren In several localities in the northern part of the State. Our ancient brethren by public celebrations of feast days, public installations, public ceremonies at the laying of corner- stones, and on other occasions, which brought the organization into contact with the people at large, and by public addresses at appropriate times, pre- sented their principles to the attention of thinking men outside the fraternity. There is a medium between proselyting and absolutely hiding our light under a bushel. 5. The material for proper histories of the Subordinate Lodges is every day being wasted by neglect. Some competent man should be induced to collect the data at once, and put the masonic history of each locality, which has been the seat of a Lodge, in form convenient for reference, and secure from the fate of mere tradition. 6. In these days of many books and many libraries, the subject of Lodge libraries invites attention. Such collections may be made by a regu- lar appropriation of a small sum, in such a manner that the purposes of reasonable access to all the ordinary masonic works of reference and instruc- tion may be had without any outlay that could be regarded as a burden. The stimulating effect of good masonic literature, in accessible libraries, is soon felt by Lodges that provide them for the use of their members. This is an especial need of the Lodges in the localities which are at great dis- tances from the General Library at Concord. 7. Music does not generally have, in this district, the place that belongs to it in the work of the Lodges. This is perhaps due to a general impression that it must be rendered in a peculiarly proficient manner, to be of good effect in the ceremonies of freemasonry. This is an error. It should be as regularly employed in the Lodges as it is in the churches, and its rendering will answer the purpose, if it is in the proper place and in the proper spirit. The reception given me by every Lodge has been most cordial. Ofiicers and members have freely offered me the largest facilities for information, and have made my duties very agreeeable. Respectfully submitted, A. S. BATCHELLOR, D.-. D.-. C-. M.-. District No. Five. Cornell University Library HS537.N54 A4 1886 Report for the fifth masonic district of 3 1924 030 287 969 olin.anx