iMtfaiiiHki «£* mm lii as ! the ! Carter G. Woodson I & \ Association for the Study 1 of African American 5 Life and History | Library EMORY OFFICIAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE IN NORTH AMERICA Tracing the growth of Masonry from 1717 down to the present day, bringing to light many interesting facts unknown to the great body of the Craft. Also giving an account of the introduction of Free¬ masonry into America, its origin and practice among Negroes, the establishment of Subordinate and Grand Lodges, Royal Arch Chapters, Commanderies, the Scottish Rite, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Ancient Rite of Memphis, with its ninety-seven degrees, to which is appended much general information tending to show the progress of .he r*ce in citizenship, business, education, wealth, with the names of promi¬ nent Americans who have become famous in the Craft and other walks of life. BY WM. H. GRIMSHAW r MACOY PUBLISHING AND MASONIC SUPPLY CO., NEW YORK. Copyright, 1903, bv WILLIAM HENRY GRIMSHAW TO THE GRAND ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE. AND IN MEMORY OF THE LONG LINE OF ILLUSTRIOUS BRETHREN IN THE GRAND LODGE ABOVE, AND TO THL CAUSE OF TRUTH AND Rlw-il" THIS VOLUME IS FRATERNALLY AND AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED B^ THE AUTHOR. FOREWORD. To the Masonic Fraternity and Brethren of every degree: We, the undersigned, having been connected with Free¬ masonry for many years, served in every elective position known to the Craft, established Lodges, Chapters, Coun¬ cils, and Encampments of the various orders of Free¬ masonry in America among colored men, under and by authority of the Grand Lodge of England, 1717, and other Grand Governing bodies of competent jurisdiction, in this capacity have examined the manuscript of W. H. Grimsliaw, P. D. G. M., entitled "Official History of Freemasonry among the Colored People in North America," and cordially recommend it to the perusal of every Freemason, and especially to the race, as being a correct statement of facts. It begins with the Mother Grand Lodge, London, England, 1717, and traces the growth of Masonry (especially among the col¬ ored people) down to the present day, bringing out inter¬ esting facts unknown to many members of the Craft and gives the origin, dates of organization, and establishment of Subordinate and Grand Lodges, Royal Arch Chapters, Commanderies, the Scottish Kite, Nobles of Mystic Shrine and the Pite of Memphis etc., in the several States and Territories. The book is an official reference not only as vi Foreword. to Freemasonry in North America, but as to the growth and progress of the race as well. It will be found to be a valuable work, since it is the only history published which deals with Freemasonry, together with the growth and wealth of the colored people in America. We are confident that its reception by the Craft will be equally sustained and its merits will place it among the most valuable reference books of the Twentieth Century. Many of its chapters furnish suggestive reading for those who would like to know something of the great Brother¬ hood prior to seeking admittance to its ranks. We can, as Craftsmen, take our stand on actual minutes of Lodges, Chapters, Councils and Commanderies, begin¬ ning in the United States as early as 1775, and present¬ ing an unbroken series of records to the present year, supported on one hand by copies of the "Old Charges'' and laws dating from the Fourteenth Century, and, on the other, by special regulations of the Craft some three centuries later. Fraternally yours, K. Ht Gleaves, P. G. M. 33d degree; 96 degree. Thornton A. Jackson, 33d degree; 96 degree. M. F. Sir Commander; U. S. Council, 33d degree A. A. S. R. Southern Jurisdiction, U. S. John A. Gray, Sr., 33d degree. John W. Freeman, 33d degree. Masonic Temple Washington, D. C. A. D. 1902 A. Iy. 5902 PREFACE. In sending forth to the Masonic Fraternity and the pub¬ lic a volume of this description, it would be well to state that it was the original intention of the author and com¬ piler, to only prepare a history of the Craft in the District of Columbia, but upon the earnest solicitation of many Masonic friends, he has consented to enlarge the work so that it will also include the history of the Craft in each State of the Union. In the preparation of this work, two objects have been kept in mind. First that Masons and other readers might have a true official history of the Masonic Fraternity among colored men in the United States. Heretofore there has been no publication to which we could conveniently refer concerning the legitimacy of the order in America, consequently our detractors have taken advantage of this weakness and invariably tried to convince the world that negro Masonry in America did not emanate from the same source as white Masonry, hence it was of a spurious kind and could not be recognized. Every fair minded reader will see at a glance that the origin and practice of Freemasonry among colored men in the United States, came direct from the Mother Grand Lodge of the world, London, England, in 1784. This is substantiated by the original charters, old records of lodges, and the manuscripts of old Masons in the United viii Preface. States. This disposes at once of our detractors' bill of complaint for want of truth. Second, the author believes it to be his duty to write this book, having in his possession many facts relative to the advancement of the colored people since the close of the Civil War, which might serve to enlighten the unin¬ formed, and also inspire the younger generation to a higher development. In presenting this work, the author is fully conscious of its literary defects, but dares not sacrifice the truth of history even for literary excellence. If, in treating the events of the pa^t, injustice has been do-ne to the living or the dead, the author wishes it under¬ stood that it was not with evil intention. INTRODUCTION. No institution of ancient or modern times has done more for the uplifting of the human race and the upbuild¬ ing of what is known as society, than Freemasonry. The secret order of Freemasonry is one of the most in¬ spiring and elevating influences of civilization and its power for good is as limitless as its lessons are far reaching. The search and the longing for merely material things is bound to bring distress and disaster. Recall the. fate of Sodom and Gomorrah,, whose sin caused its own -de¬ struction; consider the fate of egotistical Greece; learn the lesson tanght by the- life of the Great Alexander. Where would modern civilization be to-day were it not for the uplifting and ennobling influence of the teachings of the Saviour? What would the United States be had it not been for the band of devoted men—those godly peo¬ ple, of undaunted courage, who braved every danger to found a nation where spirituality and brotherly love should prevail and rule. Second only to the* church has been the influence wielded by Freemasonry, whose noble precepts and incentives to higher purposes has made it a power for untold good. And many a deed of unsung heroism has been done in the cause of Freemasonry, that its teachings might live and it's X Introduction. secrecy be undefiled. Equally countless are the good deeds done in its name—done for no* prospective reward, nor for selfish remuneration. Whatever Freemasonry has done was inspired by the spirit of fraternal helpfulness and love for fellowman. Since the foundation of Solomon's Temple, when Free¬ masonry is supposed to have been founded, to the present day, this great body has kept its original forms and laws. Human thought has not been able to improve upon them, nor adverse criticism to« change them, for they hold the fundamental truism of life, and shed from the radiant altar of their holy purpose, the light of divine truth. The world's greatest men have been Masons,; its most famous warriors; its most gentle scholars. Witiiin the realms of Freemasonry these beings of diverse occupation, of one common mind, have met in the broad communion of brotherly love. Could self-interest, greed, venality and kindred short¬ comings of humanity be eliminated and the watchword of Freemasonry be emblazoned on every heart and in every home, this world would be within hail of the millennium. In literature, as in other lines of progressive endeavor, there are many unexplored fields, which await the master hand and mind of the learned author to place them before the reading public. The pages of this book contain au¬ thoritative facts which are as interesting as they are valu¬ ables records. They tell a hitherto unpublished chapter in the history of Freemasonry among the negro. Introduction. xi For centuries the negro has been, through circumstances and environment, degraded and oppressed. Generations passed, and until within the memory of living man, knowl¬ edge has been denied him. The last few years has seen a change and soon the negro will take his stand among the Test of mankind, his mental, physical and social equal. And Freemasonry has had much to do with the remarkably rapid advance the negro has made, hence the value of this book. The author has done his work well and thoroughly, and having had access to various Masonic libraries and manu¬ scripts, he has produced a volume which should be of use Alike to the casual reader and to the student. Joseph Tyler Butts. CONTENTS. page Introduction ix CHAPTER I. Origin of Freemasonry 1 CHAPTER II. Solomons Temple—Masonry an Organized Society 11 CHAPTER III. Freemasonry a Stupendous Factor for Good 23 CHAPTER IV. Ancient Landmarks 29 CHAPTER V. Freemasonry in England 35 CHAPTER VI. Masonic Monuments 49 CHAPTER VII. Freemasonry in America 58 CHAPTER VIII. Prince Hall, the First G. M., and His First Lodge of Free¬ masons Among Colored Men in America—1775 67 CHAPTER IX. Organization of the First Grand Lodge in Massachusetts.... 84 CHAPTER X. Nero Prince, Second G. M. of Prince Hall Grand Lodge 90 CHAPTER XI. Freemasonry in Pennsylvania—1797 108 CHAPTER XII. Freemasonry in Rhode Island—1797 122 vi Contents. CHAPTER XIII. PAGE Freemasonry in New York—1812 124 CHAPTER XIV. Freemasonry in the District of Columbia—1825 131 CHAPTER XV. Royal Arch Masonry in the District of Columbia 152 CHAPTER XVI. Freemasonry in Maryland—1825 165 CHAPTER XVII- Freemasonry in Delaware—1838 179 CHAPTER XVIII. Freemasonry in New Jersey—1845 182 CHAPTER XIX. Freemasonry in Virginia—1845 187 CHAPTER XX. Origin of National Grand Lodge—1847 189 CHAPTER XXI. Freemasonry in Ohio and its Jurisdiction—1847 206 CHAPTER XXII. Freemasonry in Indiana—1848 214 CHAPTER XXIII. Freemasonry in California—1849 217 CHAPTER XXIV. Flreemasonry in Illinois—1851 220 CHAPTER XXV. Freemasonry in Kentucky—1851 231 CHAPTER XXVI. Freemasonry in Louisiana and Canada—1851 234 CHAPTER XXVII. Freemasonry in Michigan—1859 237 CHAPTER XXVIII. Freemasonry in Connecticut—1859 245 CHAPTER XXIX. Freemasonry 'in Missouri—1865. r ................. r, 246 Contents. vii CHAPTER XXX. 'AGE Freemasonry in Kansas—1865 255 CHAPTER XXXI. Freemasonry in North Carolina—18G5 258 CHAPTER XXXII. Freemasonry in South Carolina—18G5 2(i,'J CHAPTER XXXIII. Freemasonry in Georgia—1865 265 CHAPTER XXXIV. Freemasonry in Colorado—18G7 267 CHAPTER XXXV. Freemasonry in Florida—1867 272 CHAPTER XXXVI. Freemasonry in Tennessee—1867 277 CHAPTER XXXVII. Freemasonry in Mississippi—1868 281 CHAPTER XXXVIII. Freemasonry in Arkansas—1868 287 CHAPTER XXXIX. Freemasonry in Alabama—1869 288 CHAPTER XL. Freemasonry in Iowa—1870.. 291 CHAPTER XLI. Freemasonry in Texas—1872, Oklahoma—1875, West Vir¬ ginia—1877, Wisconsin—1878, Oregon—1884, and Washington—1884 294 CHAPTER XLII. Freemasonry in Montana, New Mexico and Nevada—1885.. 297 CHAPTER XLIII. Freemasonry in Minnesota—1888, Utah—1890, Wyoming— 1898, Arizona—1899 300 CHAPTER XLIV. Masonry—Its Divisions and Gradations—Its Powers, Re¬ strictions and Relations 306 CHAPTER XLV. Knights Templars 313 viii Contents. CHAPTER XLVI. page qi Q Rules of Government CHAPTER XLVII. Origin of Royal Arch Masons—1738 330 CHAPTER XLVIII. Knights Templar's among Colored Men 341 CHAPTER XLIX. Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite—1758 343 CHAPTER L. The Lodges of Adoption 359 CHAPTER LI. Distinguished Men Masons 362 CHAPTER LII. Masonic Forms, etc.—Petition to Open a New Lodge. 372 CHAPTER LIII. Growth and Wealth of the Negro in America 388 IMPORTANT MASONIC CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS. A. M. Anno Mundi. 1775 Tower of Babel destroyed. 2292 The Temple of Solomon commenced. 2299 Solomon's Temple dedicated to the service of God. 3029 Death of Solomon. 3033 Shiska, King of Egypt, pillaged the Temple of the Holy Vessels. 3380 Kilkeah discovers a copy of the book of law. 3416 The Temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. 3466 Cyrus, King of Persia takes Babylon and gives the gov¬ ernment thereof to Darius. 3468 Cyrus, coming into possession of the entire Persian Em¬ pire, issues his famous edict. Thus said Cyrus, King of Persia, etc.—Ezra 1, 2, 3 and 4th verses. This year in accordance with the edict of Cyrus, the .Tews return to Jerusalem. 3469 The foundations of the second Temple laid on the ruins of the first. 3482 The work is interrupted by the influence of the Samaritans upon the King. 3484 Joshua and Zerubbabel incited by Haggai proceed with the work by order of Darius. 3489 The second Temple is completed. A. D. Anno Domini. 70 Jerusalem destroyed by Titus. 287 St. Alban formed the first Lodge of operated Masons in Britain. 926 King Atlielstan granted a charter to Freemasons. 926 Prince Edwin formed a Grand Lodge at York. 1118 Order of Knights Templars instituted. 1219 Knights of the Holy Sepulchre instituted. 1425 Masons' Assemblies prohibited by Parliament. 1450 Henry Yl. initiated. 1500 Grand Masters of the Kniglits of Malta, Patrons of Masonry. 1607 Inigo Jones constituted several Lodges. 1637 Earl of St. Albans regulated the Lodges. Important Masonic Chronological Events. 1675 St. Paul's begun by Freemasons. 1690 William III. initiated. 1710 St. Paul's completed by Freemasons. 1717 Grand Lodge revived Anthony Sayer, Esq., G. J.YL. 1720 Valuable MSS. by scrupulous Brethren. 1720 Office of Deputy Grand Master revived. 1723 Book of Constitution published. 1723 Grand Secretary first appointed. 1724 Grand Treasurer first appointed. 1726 Provincial Grand Masters first appointed. 1728 Grand Stewarts appointed. 1729 Lord Kingston gave valuable presents to the Grand Louge, 1735 Emperor of Germany initiated. 1737 Frederick, Prince of Wales, initiated. 1738 The Crown Prince of Prussia. Frederick the Great, initiated. 1747 Public processions on Feast Days discontinued. 1766 Their R. H. the Dukes of York and Gloucester initiated. 1768 Registering regulations commenced. 1773 Joseph Warren appointed Provincial G. M. by the G. M, of Scotland. 1774 The King of Prussia sanctioned the Grand Lodge at Berlin. 1775 Joseph Warren killed at Bunkei Hill. 1775 Prince Hall instituted the first Lodge of Negro Freemasons in North America. 1775 Grand Chaplain elected. 1776 Freemasons' Calendar published by the Grand Lodge. 1777 Masons imprisoned at Naples. 1781 H. R. H. Henry Fred, Duke of Cumberland, elected G. M. 1787 H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, late King George IV., initiated. 1790 H. R. H. Duke of Kent initiated. 1791 Prince Hall appointed Provincial G. M. 1790 The Prince of Wales, elected G. M. on the death of the Duke of Cumberland. 1795 H. R. H. Prince William of Gloucester initiated. 1796 H. R. H. Duke of Cumberland. King of Hanover, ini¬ tiated. 1808 H. R. H. Duke of Sussex initiated. 1813 H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex elected Grand Master. 1813 Reunion of all the Freemasons of England under H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex as G. ?»!., the 27th of December. 1815 Constitution of the United Grant Lodge published. 1820 George IV., after his acc.Sfeion, signified his pleasure to continue patron. 1820 H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex. G. M., gave fine superb carved and gilt chairs with velvet cushions to tho Grand Lodge, 1 Important Masonic Chronological Events. xi 1S22 H. II. II. the Duke of York as P. D. G. M. laid the founda¬ tion stone of Eton and Windsor Bridge. 1820 Anti-Masonry commenced its storms in New York. 1S27 Foundation stone of London University laid by the Duke of Sussex, Grand Master. Suspension bridge Ham¬ mersmith by the Duke of Sussex. 1827 Caledonian Asylum by the Duke of Sussex. 1S.",4 Death of Lafayette. is:.8 A piece of plate, solid gold, weighing 1,800 ounces, presented to H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex on completing his twenty-five years as G. M., by the Lodges. 1842 G. L. gave five,hundred pounds to establish the Freema¬ sons' Female School. 1843 H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex died the 21st of April. 1844 The Earl of Zetland, Prov. G. M., installed as G. M. of England. i.845 Her Majesty Queen Victoria gave fifty pounds to the Royal Masonic fund. .846 A marble statue of the Duke of Sussex, executed by Brother E. H. Bailey, R. A., by vote of the Grand Lodge was placed in Freemasons' Hall on the 29th of April. 1847 The Grand Chapter of England granted one hundred pounds per annum to the General Charity funds. 1849 Thirty-five pounds per annum to the Widows' fund. 1849 Widows' fund established, G. L. gives one hundred pounds per annum. 1852 Nov. 4th, Centenary Anniversary of Washington's initia¬ tion celebrated by the several Grand Lodges. 1S52 Henry Clay died. OFFICIAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE IN NORTH AMERICA. CHAPTER 1. ORIGIN" OF FREEMASONRY. The origin of Freemasonry* was formerly vague and un¬ certain. At the present day, however, owing to the scientific researches of a few Masonic historians, who have entered this field of darkness with the determination to lay aside all the commonly received opinions and traditions upon the subject, this obscurity has disappeared. The foundation of Masonry was laid when men com¬ menced to inhabit the earth. "They associated themselves together in tribes or lodges for mutual support, thereby being better enabled to guard themselves against the at- ♦Stienbronner: Origin of Masonry. A. Cassard: Masoneria. Zoroaster: The author of the Zendavesta 1,100 years before Christ. Hermippus: The Greek translator 500 years before the taking of Troy. Strabo: Said "that this secret society surrounded the things that are holy with a mysterious obscurity, so as to make Divin¬ ity venerable." Pliilostratus: Said "these secret societies surrounded them¬ selves with clouds." 2 Official History of Freemasonry tacks of the wild beasts of the forest. They held their assemblies often on the highest hills, or in the lowest vales, to prevent being taken by surprise." Our ancient brethren continued these convocations until the year 715 B. C. Brother Numa Pompilius, a Mason of high standing and integrity, discovered the art of cement¬ ing rocks together by the use of clay. He was acknowl¬ edged at once to be a master builder. He built and dedi¬ cated public buildings to the sun, moon and stars. He was also the founder of the College of Roman Constructors, embracing all the arts and trades. In this year also, the mysteries of the Egyptians passed through Moses to the Jewish people and were disseminated among the Greeks and Eomans. Among the latter they were introduced in part into the College of Builders or Masons, instituted by Numa Pompilius. The colleges were, at their organization, religious so¬ cieties as well as fraternities of artisans. They had their own laws determined with precision. In Persia and in India many were to be found anterior to this period. They had the exclusive privilege of constructing temples and monuments, and, usually after the labors of the day. convened in their respective lodges, where they determined the distribution and execution of the work. Here also were initiated the new members into the secrets and par¬ ticular mysteries of the art. These initiates were divided into three classes, Ap¬ prentices, Fellows and' Masters. They bound themselves by oath to afford each other succor and assistance. They elected a master builder. Before opening their lodges, they entered into religious ceremonies, and each appren¬ tice was carefully instructed in the use of the level, square, mallet and chisel, and certain signs and symbols. Em¬ peror Tiberius Claudius organized in the year 43, A. D., in the British Isles, a lodge of builders or Masons. Here the feeling of common brotherhood spread and was devel¬ oped among them and gave to the Masonic Lodges the pe¬ culiar character which distinguished them at this period. Carausius landed on the Britain Island, and in 28? A. D., declared his independence of Rome and took the title of Emperor. Among the Colored People in North America. 3 The two cities, St. Albans and York, became, in 295, the most influential in Britain, and here were founded the oldest Lodges of the Masonic corporation, and this latter city, from that time, became the center of all the Lodges of Freemasons in Britain. In those days it was customary to dedicate and conse¬ crate to some saint every structure intended for the wor¬ ship of God, and with the like idea all the corporations of artists, artisans, and trades chose patron saints. The Free- The Roman Forum. masons chose St. John the Baptist for theirs, because his feast fell on the 24th of June, the date of the Summer solstice. This day had always been celebrated by the peo¬ ple of antiquity, and'by Masons, since the foundation of their fraternity, as the period of the year when the sun has attained its greatest height. Nature is clothed and deports herself in the greatest abundance of her richest products. As successors of the ancient colleges of the Ro- 4 Official History of Freemasonry mans, the Freemasons of England preserved these cher¬ ished feasts. The Roman- Forum.—If there is classic ground any¬ where in Rome, it is at the spot shown in the preceding picture. • Mr. George S. Hillard said: "Who that has the least sense of what the present owes to the past, can approach such a spot without reverence and enthusiasm? Especially, what member of the legal profession, unless his heart be dry as parchment, and worn as the steps of a court house, can fail to do homage to the genius of a place where juris¬ prudence was reared into a perfect system, while Druids were yet cutting the mistletoe on the site of Westminster Hall?" Here in the vicinity of the few standing columns, we ponder over Rome's ancient glory. The relics are remind¬ ers of famous names and deeds which long ago passed into eternity. Freemasonry Transmitted.—The institution of Free¬ masonry reaches back until it loses itself among the myth¬ ological shadows of the past. Its grand rituals and elo¬ quent language of signs and symbols originating in those distant ages, afford a field for exploration which can never be thoroughly traversed. Transmitted to us by remote generations, it is plain that before we can, in any degree, appreciate Freemasonry, or understand the significance of its mysteries, we must go back to the past, and question the founders of the order. We must learn in what necessities of human nature, and for what purpose it was created. We must discover the true genesis of our rites, and become familiar with the ideas which the fathers intended to shadow forth through them, and impress upon the mind. From age to age, through countless generations, these rites have conveyed their sublime lessons of wisdom, hope, peace and warn- ing. To the Sons of Light the same lessons are taught to-day. But do we see in them what they did ? Do they impress us as they impressed them? Or do they pass before our eyes like a panorama of some unknown land, which has no delineator to tell us what or where it is, or give us any Among the Colored People in North America* 5 intelligible notion regarding it? It is our duty to make Freemasonry the object of a profound study. We must consult the past, we must stand by Osiris in Egypt, enter the caverns of Phrygia and hold communion with the Cabiri, penetrate the Collegia Fabrorum of Ancient Rome, and work in the mystic circle of Sidon. We must pursue our researches until we find the thought that lay in the minds of those who created the institution and founded our mysteries. Then we shall know precisely what they mean; we shall see in them a grand series of moral and philosophical dramas, most eloquent and instructive, gleaming with sublime ideas, as the heavens glow with stars. Object of Freemasonry.—The real object of Freema¬ sonry, in a philosophical and religious sense, is the search for truth. This truth is therefore symbolized by the world from the first entrance of the apprentice into the Lodge and until his reception of the highest degree, this search is continued. It is not always found; yet whatever may be the labor he may perform, whatever the ceremonies through which he may pass, whatever the symbols in which he may obtain, the true end of all is the attainment of truth. This idea of truth is not the same as that expressed in the lectures of the first degree when brotherly love, relief and truth are there said to be the "three great tenets of the Mason's profession." In that connection, truth which is called a divine attribute, the foundation of every virtue, is synonymous with sincerity, honesty of expression and plain dealing. The higher idea of truth which pervades the whole Masonic system, and which is symbolized by the world, is that which is properly expressed in a knowledge of God. Independent of God, there is no knowledge, no wisdom and no truth; and without Him they cannot exist. It is impossible for man to discover a truth which has not always existed; therefore we say, the truths of Masonry are co-equal and co-external with the Supreme Ruler of the universe. The principles of Freemasonry have survived the fall of man, the destruction of the flood and the con- 6 Official History of Freemasonry fusion of tongues; yea, they have survived the rise and fall of empires and the decay of republic; these principles were matured at the cradle of new-born nations, and have hallowed the graves of sleeping heroes; were triumphant as the mighty flood and everlasting as the mountains; have spanned the vast oceans and planted the banner of Mason¬ ry in every clime and nation under the sun. Masonry has tamed the savages, helped to civilize nations, establish law and order, upheld personal liberty and human rights, patronized the liberal arts and sciences, disseminated knowledge and wisdom, proclaimed the uni¬ versal brotherhood of man and the great central truth— one eternal and immutable Grand Master of Heaven and earth, to whom every Mason owes his unswerving and un¬ dying allegiance. Like all truths, the principles of Masonry are founded on the everlasting granite rock, and nothing can shake them. "Truth crushed to earth shall rise again. Th' eternal years of God are hers, But error, wounded, writhes in pain, And dies among her worshipers." The study of Masonry leads man to the correct knowledge of God; the correct knowledge of God leads to the true worship of Him, and the true worship of Him places man in harmony with all that is true and good, enlarging his powers for usefulness in every vocation, station, position, or condition in life, thereby fitting him for citizenship, in whom we find a true neighbor, a generous friend, and a clear-cut and well defined power of circumscribing his desires and keeping his passions in due bounds. (Principles of Masonry.) Every emblem, principle, and tenet of Masonry, has been baptized with truth, robed in the purest garments, freed of errors, and crowned with the most beautiful wreath of un¬ dying wisdom. This is true to him only, who, by industry, diligence and perseverance will have it so. He who is sat¬ isfied with a knowledge of esoteric Masonry alone, knows but little of the many sublime truths contained within her sacred precincts, which stands in the pathway of in- Among the Colored People in North America. 7 dustry and diligence that they may not only adorn and beautify, but become "as living stones for that spiritual building—that house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens/' We touch not an emblem or a principle or a tenet in Masonry, but that it vibrates not towards God, Since the fall of man the world has been reeling, rock¬ ing and swaying by dynamic forces. An incessant and an irrepressible conflict is raging within each individual, between good and evil, right and wrong, truth and error, heaven and hell, God and the devil. The great truths of Masonry heeded, constitute a se¬ curity within and an impregnable fortress surrounding the human soul against which the weapons of evil will fall broken at our feet, and we are as little harmed as the atoms which dance in the sunbeams and nestle against our window panes. Masonry is a great highway leading from Wrong to right, from error to truth, from evil to good, and from earth to heaven. It is the champion of wisdom, strength, beauty, virtue and purity, and the eternal enemy of ignorance, weakness, ugliness, libertinism, vice and corruption. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding, for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof, than fine gold." "She is more precious than rubies and all the things that thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." "The fear (love) of the Lord is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding." The Mason has God's own material with which to con¬ struct his spiritual building; material evolved from his own omnific mind, washed and made pure in the water of the river of life and burnished by the exquisite touch of the seraphic host of heaven- Why then should a Mason use this heaven-born mate¬ rial for any other than grand and glorious purposes? If he is true to the teachings of the order and true to himself, his whole being is dominated and ruled by the Grand Master of all worlds, and wherever you find him, at all times under all circumstances, he is a valiant soldier in the front ranks, battling for home, for family, for good Among- the Colored People in North America. 9 society, for education, for all the noble and useful insti¬ tutions, for law and order, for human rights and good government. We are told that the foundation of King Solomon's temple was laid at a profound depth and consisted of stones of immense size and great durability. They were closely mortised into the rock so as to form a secure basis for the substantial erection of the sacred edifice. So it is with the true Mason: he reaches the almost unfathomable depths of his own soul and there he places the living stones of brotherly love, relief, truth, fortitude, prudence, temper¬ ance and justice, whose exact weight God alone knows, and by them his soul is joined in that of the great God of the Universe, and upon this foundation he builds for time and eternity, for God and heaven. The Parthenon of Athens.—This world renowned structure is now shorn of its ancient glory, yet in its ruined and dilapidated condition it testifies to the wealth and skill which were devoted to its construction. The de¬ signer of this masterpiece of sculpture was Ictinus, and the date of its completion was 438 B. C. It stood upon the highest platform of the Acropolis. The temple was built entirely of white marble from the quarries of Mount Pentelicus. It was used as a store¬ house of sacred objects. The celebrated sculptor, Phidias, wrought many of the figures, and originated the designs that were produced by other artists. Its graceful propor¬ tions cannot fail to impress the beholder, for even in its ruin the structure speaks of the architect's skill, the build¬ er's strength, and the artist's labor. Jacob's Well.—In the vicinity of Shechem, not far away from Jerusalem, one will see in the broad valley, surrounded by hills and distant mountains, the well which tradition ascribes to the labor of the Patriarch, Jacob. Often thirsty craftsmen wended their way to this place of refreshment. The scriptural account is as follows: "And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram, and he pitched his tent before the city." "There Jacob dwelt and dug a well. It was by the side of this well that 10 Official History of Freemasonry Jesus, being wearied, reclined, and held conversation with, a woman of Samaria." Mandrell says, in "his time, it was one hundred and five feet in depth." There are fragments of granite columns to be found in the shapeless mass of ruin that lie strewn about, near the old historic well. Among- the Colored People in North America, it CHAPTER II. Solomon's temple.—masonry an organized society. Solomon's Temple.—The Temple of Solomon stood on Mount Moriah, and occupied the site of the present Mosque of Omar, beneath the dome of which is a remark¬ able rock, fifteen feet above the level of the surrounding platform, evidently left by design for a peculiar purpose, and well answering to the account in I Kings, 6, where it is stated that "the door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house, and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third," thus establishing the fact that the Holy of Holies was on an elevated spot, to which, and to nothing else, can this remarkable rock be referred. There were employed in its erection as follows: Monthly pay roll. Shekels Eq. Dollars. 30,000 Entered Apprentices, wages paid, 30,000 15,000 10,000 Fellowcrafts, 442,400 221,000 2,000 Markmen, 18,000 9,000 1,000 Mark Masters, 16,000 8,000 3,5G4 Master Masons, 89,100 44,550 24 Architects, 588 294 72 Excellent Masons, 4,600 2,394 9 Super Excellent Masons, « 729 364 The cost of Solomon's Temple was 800,000,000 shekels, or in round numbers about four hundred million dollars. Now the daily pay estimated in the roll, which is 270,944 shekels, would amount in one year, deducting Sabbaths, to $86,583,472, or in the seven years occupied in building the temple the amount would be for labor alone 604,845,- 686 shekels. Joseplius says that "Solomon made all these 12 Official History of Freeniasout?. things for tlic honor of God, with great variety and nificen.cc, sparing no cost but using all possible liberality in adorning the temple." On completing the triple King Solomon gave the workmen as a free gift a sum equal to about thirty-two millions of dollars. Tiie Sanctuary and Other Departments of the Temple, The sanctuary of King Solomon's temple at Jerusalem was a most magnificent room. On whichever side the eyes were turned, no wood, stone, iron, copper, or brass work Pillars of the Porch. were to be seen; it was all pure and shining gold. The floor, ceiling and walls were of cedar, carved with "knops and flowers/' and overlaid with pure gold. The chambers, of which there were three tiers of thirty each, were built in the walls of the temple around the sanctuary and the oracle. At the extremity of the sanctuary was a strono- wall with a door in the centre, before which was hunc a curtain upon a chain of gold. This opened into the oracle or most holy place, where was deposited the Ark Among- the Colored People in North America. 13 of God. The room was thirty feet in length, breadth and height. The work of the walls and floor was similar to that of the sanctuary, though probably more eostlv and highly finished. The altar was made of cedar, and cov¬ ered with gold. In this room were erected two cherubims of olive wood, fifteen feet high. The wings of these beau¬ tiful and sacred ornaments, reached across the temple and were overlaid with pure gold. The extreme minuteness of holy writ in the detail of'the erection of the temple, the many singularities of its con¬ struction, and the glorious manifestation at its dedication, prove it to have been not merely a sanctuary sacred for the purposes to which it was devoted, but a mystery per- Solomon's Temple. taining to the Most High, and a bond between Him and His chosen people. To no other cause can the reflecting mind assign the peculiar favor with which it was regarded or the continued miracle that attested it the chosen dwell¬ ing-place of the Deity. What were the treasures employed upon its decoration to Him, whose breath created them, and whose storehouse is the universe? What the wisdom necessary for its plans, or the cunning of the workmen in their execution, to Him from whom all wisdom ema¬ nates and whose mercy hath clothed the flower of the field 'with a splendor more gorgeous than the apparel of kjno-s more wonderful than the proudest records of then- power? Happy is the Mason to whom the secret key hath J 4 Official History of Freemasonry been confided, but more happy is the virtuous Brother who bath applied the sacred symbol to his soul, and erected within his own breast a temple of the Great Architect ot the world, more acceptable than that which the wealth of Israel reared, a temple that will endure after earth s crimes and greatness are no more—blessed through the long period of eternity. In the earlier ages of the world, the wisdom given to the patriarchs, and bequeathed by them to the human family, was the reward of their virtue and obedience. Humble as are the talents which have been brought to tlie execution of this our great Masonic task, we should yet be more unworthy of our office did we fail to notice the beautiful moral to which sacred and profane history alike bear witness, that religion is the foundation of knowl¬ edge, though too often, alas! perverted, when attained, to the gratification of passions degrading to our nature, and .insulting to His majesty who framed us. Corrupt as the mysteries of Egypt became through the superstition of her priesthood, their vast science was originally based upon truth. The lives of the great lawgivers and prophets bear honorable evidence of this important union. The sages of Greece and Rome, although imperfect, the light which even at this remote period of time still sheds a halo round their systems, were remarkable for the austerity of their lives and the rectitude of their principles; thus deducing, by incontrovertible testimony, that, ere the human mind- can be tempted to that subtile quality which refines the phenomena of nature and science in its mental alembic, conferring with each fresh discovery, a benefit upon man¬ kind, it must be chastened by reflection, and strengthened by the exercise of virtue. Thus, from intense contempla¬ tion of the beauties of creation, man began to comprehend the divine laws by which they were regulated. The lonely shepherds were the first to perceive the various changes of the heavenly bodies, and to form a faint outline of their system: the tiller of the earth, the inheritor alike of Adam's curse and Adam's promise, in time discovered the mineral treasures of her bosom, and applied them to lessen the toil of his occupation and advance the useful arts. More gifted minds, from apparent trifling causes, drew Among the Colored People in North America. \S abstract principles, and thus Geometry had birth. But how many ages of patient discovery were necessary ere man, merged from ignorance to civilization, was enable to erect a temple to his God, in the construction of which the wonders of creation were typified, and the moral code necessary for his happiness inculcated—such being the in¬ tention of the sacred edifice. Its situation from east to west pointed out the course of the sun, the glorious center of the universe, the benefi¬ cent minister of light and life; the stately pillars at the porch, adorned with pomegranates and net-work, the fecundity of the earth and the planetary spheres which surmounted them, the system of the heavens. The court of the Levites alluded to God's chosen people; that of the Gentiles, to the many nations of the earth to whom the promise should at last extend, and who eventually were to be summoned to minister in His presence, and share the inheritance of Abraham. The carved work of palm trees, of flowers and animals represented the vegetable and animal kingdoms mercifully given to man for his suste¬ nance; and the ark of the covenant o'erlaicl with gold, the purity of the laws intended for his guidance. In the parti¬ colored veil of the sanctuary, the grateful Israelites were reminded of the mercy and the promises vouchsafed to Noah, and the bow placed in the heavens in token of its inviolability. Even man, the glorious masterpiece of the Creator's hands, was typically represented; the veins and arteries of his frame, in the many cloisters and passages which gave unity to the construction of the temple; the heart, the seat of life, in the sanctum sanctorum, im¬ penetrable to all things but the light of God's sacred pres¬ ence; the voice of thanksgiving due from the creature to the Creator, in the altar, in incense erected to his praise. That such was the designs of this mysterious pile, the evi¬ dence of Scripture, the opinions of the most learned of the rabbinical writers, and the ancient traditions of our Order, alike confirm an interpretation which reconciles us to the awful veneration in which it was held not only by the Jews, who regarded it as the palladium of their faith, but by the surrounding nations; by the prophets, who held Official History of Freemasonry it as a thing1 sacred from its hidden signification a mys¬ tery, and the fulfilment of a mystery. . , The uninformed world have ever been divided in their opinions of the rites and origin of our Order; philosophers have beheld in it, an anomaly in the history of the earth. Without territorial possessions, its moral domination is almost universal; with no other aims than those of pru¬ dence and fortitude, it hath conquered the persecutions of the superstitious, and survived the mighty fall of Israel, the vast empires of Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Medea, Rome, and Greece, where alternately it was honored by the pro¬ tection of kings and rulers, or exposed to the most cruel hostility. In all the liberal states of Europe it is publicly honored and encouraged; monarchs are at its head; its ranks are adorned by men, eminent for their station and worth—by names illustrious in the annals of science, benevolence and virtue. In Italy, where formerly, to have been known as a member of the Craft, was to have been exposed to the terrors of the stake. Masonry exists with scarcely more than the usual precautions of secrecy; active hostility has ceased, the thunders of Rome are silent; opinion is making a sure, though silent impression in its favor; even where so many Brothers have sealed their de¬ votion to the pure principles of the Order in their blood. Tyre. Tyre is celebrated for the pre-eminent position it once held in arts and letters. It attained great prosperity through its favorable location and surroundings and the integrity and enterprise of its people. Solomon was very friendly to Hiram, King of Tyre, and for this reason he succeeded in procuring aid from Hiram for'the building of the temple. The King sent to Solomon the finest timber wrought into suitable forms for the great structure. He also encouraged the skilled artists and artisans of Tyre to help in the work. One of these, Hiram, the son of a widow, did some very efficient work in designing the ornamental portions of the temple. Great credit is due him for the designs of the two pillars in the porch of the temple, "the molten sea, the symbolic Among; the Colored People in North America. J 7 figures, the furniture and the holy vessels, together with many other ornaments/7 The contributions of Hiram, King of Tyre, inculcate a lesson of mutual dependence between man and man; a duty which in its more extended operation binds nation to nation, strengthens the bonds of civilization, and promotes the industrious and useful arts. The employment of the principal architect, teaches us to avail ourselves of the laudable skill of others—to court their communion in all good works, and, moreover, was a sign to the Gentile na¬ tions of the earth that finally they should not be excluded Home of Hiram, King of Tyre. from the mystical temple, of which Solomon's was but the type. The vast labor necessary for the construction of so stupendous an edifice, points out the necessity of forti¬ tude—of never being weary of well-doing; and the regu¬ larity with which that toil was recompensed bids us remember justice in all our dealings. The decorations and beautiful porchway represent the graceful arts, by the proper exercise of which life is adorned, and which are pleasing in the sight of the Great Architect of the world. The windows are the senses through which the mind re¬ ceives its impressions of good and evil. The sanctum sanctorum, favored by the presence of the deity, was built *8 Official History of Freemasonry without them, and represents the human heart, which hath an internal presence in the force of conscience, ren¬ dering all external evidence of its actions vain. The world hath not now to be informed that the tools of the laborers, such as were necessary for the erection of a work of archi¬ tecture, have from time immemorial been the badges of Freemasonry. To the uninitiated their symbolic signifi¬ cation is sealed forever—inviolable as pertaining to the mysteries of the order; to the Mason, by whom it is known, we can only say, lay it to your soul and it shall prosper. Scarcely had the temple been erected, scarcely had the awful presence of the Deity manifested His favor and pro¬ tection at its dedication, ere Israel began to fall from that state of faith and obedience which could alone ensure their continuance. Even the illustrious Solomon became the victim of the besetting sin of the earth and worshipped the strange gods of the heathen. What a lesson does this melancholy history of human weakness convey; wThat a warning against fancied security and overweening con¬ fidence in our own strength; what a picture of mental degradation! That an unenlightened savage, whose ear hath never heard the voice of truth, to whose eye the divine law is a sealed mystery,, should become an idolator, worshipping the device of human craft and superstition, "And think, admitted to that equal sky, His faithful dog shall bear him company," does not so much surprise or revolt the mind, but that the king of so enlightened a nation, a man so favored of his God, should fall, will make the most steadfast tremble in their faith. In reflecting upon the history of this singular people, we are at a loss which most to wonder at, their repeated obstinacy and blindness, or His continued mercy whose covenant they had broken, whose purity they had insulted. Vain were the missions of the holy Elijah, translated to heaven after his long life of usefulness, and the prophets who succeeded him. His mercies but hardened their hearts, and in His wrath sentence was pronounced against them. Two hundred and eighty-four years after the%rec- Among the Colored People m North America. \9 tion of the temple it was despoiled by the descendants of H?m, Jerusalem given a prey to the enemy, and the Israelites justly doomed to experience the horrors of cap¬ tivity. Again did the iron enter their souls. Their Babylonian taskmaster insulted them in their misery, tri¬ umphed in the fall of their gorgeous temple, profaned its horror of that idolatry for which they had neglected the service of their God. Well has it been observed by one whose knowledge of the human heart was unrivalled as his skill in exciting its emotions, "Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and Yenomous, Bears yet a precious jewel in its head." So it was with the Jews: in grief they remembered who had been their comforter; in captivity who had been their spear and shield; in degradation and misery who had raised them in honor and filled their store to overflowing. "Hail, glorious triumph of the Masons' art, Temple of faith—fit emblem of the heart, Where else shall man thy mystic import find? Or reconcile thy moral to his mind! They secret lesson gave to quarried stone, A brighter splendour than Judea's throne, A purer lustre than the sparkling gem, Set by ambition in her diadem. Solomon's Temple Completed.—From sacred history we learn that there was not the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. It is said to have been supported by fourteen hundred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. If Freemasonry has ceased to erect temples, if it has ceased to engage in material architecture, if it no longer exhibits itself in the elevation of spires and turrets as points from which eyes may be directed and hopes ascend towards a better and a happier world, it has not less con- 20 Official History of Freemasonry tinued its work of moral and intellectual culture, and its success in this respect is far more than satisfactory. In all ages it has exercised a powerful and happy influence upon social progress. It is the result of that excellent spirit which its earliest teachings have engendered and its subsequent culture has fostered, and which has always been exhibited in a fraternal regard for each other when the brethren meet in their popular assemblies, and there lay aside all distinctions, save that noble distinction, or rather emulation of who can best work and best agree. Masonry an Organized Society.—Masonry, as an organized society, is governed by laws and regulations Solomon's Temple Completed. peculiar to itself. In many respects its counterpart can¬ not be found in any other society or organization in the world. Many of them have existed from the first forma¬ tion of the order up to the present time, and must for¬ ever remain unchanged; and it is in this regard that we find one of the peculiarities of which we speak. It was evidently the purpose of the founders of Masonry to in¬ corporate in it and throw around it such restrictions as would prevent a subversion of the main object they had in view by its organization. Unalterable laws were enacted, to the faithful observance of which they bound themselves by the most solemn covenants. Since their time, all who Among; the Colored People in. North America* 1 i have been made Masons have taken upon themselves like obligations to support and maintain these laws as they received them. Every Master Mason is strictly charged to. carefully preserve the ancient landmarks of the order entrusted to his care and never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity. Before being installed into office, every Worshipful Master-elect must declare that it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry; and thus the insti¬ tution has passed down through succeeding generations without any material changes from its original plan. While other institutions have sprung up and flourished for a short season and then passed away into oblivion, Masonry has pursued a steady course, growing in numbers, in strength and influence, until it has spread over the entire civilized portion of the habitable world, and is to-day a marvel to those who know not the secret of its talismanic power. Hundreds and thousands of good men, united in one common purpose, as members of the grand symbolic Lodge which extends from east to west and between north and south, attest the wisdom of the original plan of Masonry, and of following it to the letter as has been done in the past. To every well-informed Mason it is evident that the future prosperity of Masonry depends very much upon a strict observance of the same policy in the government of the Craft. All innovation must be met at the threshold and driven back. It must be done or Masonry cannot long maintain that superiority over all other orders which has been so often claimed for it, and generally admitted. It would seem that there could be but one sentiment among Masons upon this subject, for all have been in¬ structed alike upon it, having taken the same obligations, and what is the duty of one is the duty of all. We find, however, in these latter days, a disposition among a certain class of the membership of our lodges to introduce some new features into Masonry, not in harmony with ancient usao-e and the long-established principles of the order. They seem to think that something ought to be done to make Masonry more popular in public opinion, and to ac- 22 Official History of Freemasonry eomplish tliis end they seek to ally it with all the great reform movements of the clay. Masonic lodges are organized for an entirely different purpose. They have their own legitimate business to transact, and work to perform, and all matters not pertain¬ ing strictly to the order are prohibited. In their individ¬ ual capacity as citizens, or as members of any other society, organization or party, Masons, outside of the lodge room, are at liberty to act as best pleases themselves, so that they keep within the bounds of the law and the requirements of good morals. But when they come inside of the lodge room they must leave these matters outside of the tiler's door, for nothing can be permitted there that will dis¬ turb the peace and harmony of the Lodge. ■ Masons must not lose sight of the fact that among their number are men from every nation on the face of the globe, representing nearly every church, sect or social organiza¬ tion in existence. They should remember, too, that they are all citizens of but one country, which is the great globe itself; members of only one family, which is the whole human race; children of only one Father, who is God; and it is in this relation that they must "Meet upon the level, and part upon the square." This feature of Masonry is one of its grandest characteristics, and it can only be maintained by holding fast to the landmarks and ancient regulations of the order, as handed down to us through the generations of the past. Let us continue to say: "Be¬ hold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Among the Colored People in North America. 23 CHAPTER III. freemasonry a stupendous factor for good. For more than forty-two centuries Masonry was opera¬ tive in its work, when there came a time for its fuller and wider development to meet the growing needs of the pro¬ gressive people. The principles and symbols of ancient Masonry served as the basis for the modern structure of Freemasonry. Whatever was crude or objectionable in the older system was eliminated. The door of the Lodge was opened to proper men of all professions, and Masonry became speculative in form and spirit. This is modern Freemasonry, and is of universal appli¬ cation. It teaches reverence for the Master Builder of the Universe and for His revealed will; loyalty to the govern¬ ment under whose protection it exists. It nourishes no bigotry, harbors no schisms, asks no man at the threshold of the order what is his creed, color or politics, whether he be prince or peasant; but rather if he be a true man, moral in action, loyal in purpose, one who seeks the good of others, and will ever be ready to do his part to honor the order into which he seeks to enter. Governed by these principles, the order has flourished and planted its Lodges in all lands where civilization and Christianity rule. But its path has not always been strewn with flowers. It has had to meet opposition, and sometimes persecution, because it had been misunderstood and misrepresented by its enemies. But to-day it is honored and patronized by hosts of men who occupy the highest positions of church and state, who have found its principles a grand factor for the benefit of mankind. 24 Official History of Freemasonry And yet our order does not proselyte. It does not seek to enlarge its numbers by urging men to come into its fold. All who come must do so of their own accord, incited by the influence which its members sustain in the community. It has no written creed, but the essence of its principles is embodied in the sublime idea of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. True to this noble senti¬ ment, its deeds of charity are not blazoned before the world, but find a grateful echo in the hearts of needy Brothers, with often no other record save that written by angel pen. The mysteries of the ancient people have faded from the minds of men, and Freemasonry, molded and fitted to meet the needs of modern thought, has come to bless the world. It has served to unite diverse orders of men, to break down barriers which have long divided and caused men to meet on the level where all other measures have failed. May it ever continue in the future, as in the past, a mighty factor for good! God in Masonry.—Masonry has always taught that there is but one God, who is omnific, omnipotent and om¬ niscient; without beginning or ending of days, from ever¬ lasting unto everlasting, eternal and. immutable. It has maintained this great truth with undying fidelity and unequalled courage through all the dark ages, the vice, ignorance and superstition of the world. We, of this day, are unable to fully realize the great struggle Masonry had, in order to successfully uphold and transmit the great truth. The world was flooded with gods and goddesses innumerable, so much so until men and whole nations had lost the true God. Fanaticism, intolerance, ignorance and superstition rolled back and forth over the world, mounted by imps of the infernal regions under whose merciless sway millions succumbed and the world was made red with the blood of the innocent. In order to appease the wrath, or gain the love of the gods, made of wood, stone, iron, brass, silver and gold, .or of some uncouth, unclean or slimv monster which could neither love nor hate, the most heartrending, diabolical and fiendish crimes were committed. Masonry, by the help of that One to whom she cluno- g * Among the Colored People in North America, 25 came forth triumphant with her robes unspotted by crime or unstained by the blood of the innocent. Nature has always taught the true worship of God; that He is a spirit, while the human body is the temple in which the real and only man dwells. It is the imperative duty of all to shield and protect it from intemperance, corrup¬ tion and the vices of the world. Y^t God does not hang the destinies of the soul upon the outward appearance of the body, but goes to the center of the soul and weighs each motive from the years of accountability until the temple shall have fallen and from these the true history of life is written. It was the true spirit of worship which moved God to ac¬ cept the offerings of Abel, while the spurious or untrue spirit caused the rejection of Cain, yet to all appearances, from a human standpoint, Cain may have made greater preparations for his offering than Abel. Hence, two dis¬ tinct lines of worship are traceable in the history of the world. The spirit manifested by Abel has, at all times, remained with the good and the true, and has been and is, the defender of truth, right, law and order, civilization, progress, virtue, knowledge, wisdom and all that is good, while that manifested by Cain has been, and is, the leader of error, wrong, vice, crime, ignorance, superstition and of all that is evil. The former Masonry has always espoused with "unsur¬ passed devotedness, and the Mason knows that formalities are foolishness and an abomination in the sight of the Lord: "That whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased." Masonry has always taught the universal brother¬ hood of man. The Romans were slow to accord protection to any but Romans; and Israel, the blessed of the Lord, be¬ lieved that the life of one Israelite was worth more in the sight of the Lord than a wThole nation of Gentiles. The great truth, "no man liveth unto himself," seems to have been misinterpreted or was entirely unknown to them. Segregated, haughty and intolerant, the nations of the world held each other at arm's length, as if they had been made by a distinct Creator, and the world had been made for them alone. We find a great many of these peo¬ ple to-day. Masonry recognizes but one Creator and one 26 Official History of Freemasonry Master of all men, to whom every man owes his individual allegiance, and each one may, if he chooses, partake of His infinite knowledge, wisdom, goodness, mercy and love. Masonry has ever taught harmony with God. To this end she enjoins upon her devotees the study of the seven arts and sciences: grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic^ geometry, music and astronomy. Last, but not least, the Holy Bible, which is the rule and guide of our faith and practice. A careful study of the liberal arts and sciences will throw a halo of divine light upon every page of the Holy Bible, which will, as we study it, help us to clear life of all its vices and superfluities and light up our pathway from earth to heaven. The more wisdom we obtain the closer are our relations to God and the more are we assimilated to Him, until we find within us a world of harmony, more life-giving than the spring and the summer rains or the dews of Hermon. Masonry has ever taught silence and secrecy, because they are among the grandest virtues. "Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile." The cultiva¬ tion of these virtues tends to bridle the foul tongue of slander and suppress evil reports; thus it is the promoter of peace and good will among men. The earth, the sun, moon, stars, planets and the whole universe were created in silence. They made their stu¬ pendous revolutions in silence. God rules the universe in silence, and in silence He showers 'His manifold bless¬ ings upon men and nations. Secrecy produces a family feeling among Masons, and creates a unity, harmony and strength which could not be obtained in any other way. Masonry, with peace and love in one hand, wisdom, strength and beauty in the other, through the power of its secret ministry hath diffused order, beauty, virtue and civilization over all lands. ,The Mason has always been taught to have faith in God. Faith is the foundation of justice, the bond of amity and the chief support of society. God has so created the human family that they are com¬ pelled to exercise faith. The child has faith in its parents, that they will protect him from harm and alleviate his wants. Among the Colored People in Noith America. 27 I ho husband has faith in the wife and the wife in the husband; both have faith in their children. Men respect government because of their fa>ith in its power and ability to protect them. The commerce of the world is founded on faith, from the least to the greatest transaction. We all have faith in God that He will preserve our lives, send His sunshine, rain, and the seasons in due time. With these great truths Masons should bind themselves to God with such a strong chain of faith that neither friend or foe, life or death, or the combined powers of the infernal regions could move or shake it. Masonry has always taught charity, which is one of its first as well as one of its greatest lessons. It kills envy and l'isteneth not to the tale reported by slander. Revenge and! malice have no place in its sacred domains; it forgives the injuries of men and strives to blot , them out. It liyes/ moves and acts far above sectarianism. It is arrayed in celestial armor wrought in the unerring forges of heaven,' with a shield of faith, a helmet of salvation, a sword of the spirit, a breastplate of righteousness, the loins girt about with truth and the feet shod with the preparation of the. gospel of peace. Thus clad, charity mounts its heaven-born, steed, and with the speed of an eagle it flies to the relief of the distressed, the widows and the orphans, leaving sun¬ shine and untold joy in its wake. "Who carve the stone, or bear the hod. Who bear upon their honest brows The royal stamp and seal of God." IMMORTALITY. The Mason is taught to believe in the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body—in fact, this is the end of Masonry and the hope of the world. Measured, polished, tried, squared and proven by all the great truths of Masonry, we reverently, calmly and trust¬ ingly await the good will and pleasure of the Grand Mas¬ ter of the Universe to do with us as it may please Him. It is said that the pyramids of Egypt employed one hundred thousand men for many years, but it was only to 28 Official History of Freemasonry build monumental piles beneath whose shadows kings might rest. The pyramids are only temples for the dead; Masons are building one for the living. The pyramids were only mausoleums in which the bones of the mighty dead might repose in imperial magnificence; Masons are erecting a structure in which the God of Israel shall dwell forever. Among the workmen are found men of all nationalities working without prejudice to his fellow-man; all working for that moral structure, grander than any yet raised by human hands. "The pyramids shall crumble away until not one stone be left upon another," but who shall count the years of immortality, the lifetime of a soul which is fitted for its place in the heavens? Who can define its outlines, or fathom its depths, or measure its journey? It is a stream which grows broader and deeper as it flows onward; an angel's eye cannot measure its length nor an angel's wing travel its farthest boundaries. When earth's proudest monumental piles have crumbled away, its sands scattered to the desert winds, and the glory of earth shall be forgotten, then will the immortal soul be soaring to loftier heights. Among the Colored People in North America. 29 CHAPTER IV. ancient landmarks. In ancient times it was the custom to mark the bound¬ aries of lands or the pathway for the traveler by means of stones and pillars, and the removal of such by any person was considered a high crime. These pillars distinguished the limits of their property. "Thou shalt not," says the Jewish law, "remove thy neighbor's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance/' Hence those peculiar marks of distinction by which we are separated from the profane world, and by which we are enabled to designate our inheritance as the "Sons of Light/' are called the landmarks of the order. The universal lan¬ guage and the universal laws of Masonry are landmarks, but not so are the local ceremonies, laws and usages which vary in different countries. To attempt to alter or remove these sacred landmarks, by which we examine and prove a brother's claim to share in our privileges is one of the most heinous offences that a Mason can commit. It must be borne in mind, therefore, that the landmarks are of a higher antiquity than memory or history can reach. The landmarks of Masonry, like the laws of the Medes and the Persians, can suffer no change. What they were centuries ago they still remain and must so continue in force until Masonry itself shall cease to exist. "The Landmarks are twenty-five in number/' says Mackey, "and are as follows: "(1) The modes of recognition are, of all the land¬ marks, the most legitimate and unquestioned. They ad¬ mit of no variation whatever. It is not in the power of Grand Masters, Grand Lodges, or any man to change them. "(2) The division of symbolic Masonry into three de- 30 Official History of Freemasonry grees is a landmark which, has been so acknowledged the world over. "(3) The legend of the third degree is an important landmark. "(4) The government of the Fraternity by a presiding officer, called a Grand Master, who must be elected from the body of the Craft, is the fourth landmark of the order. Many persons suppose that the election of the Grand Mas¬ ter is held in consequence of a law or regulation of the Grand Lodge. Such, however, is not the case. The office is indebted for its existence to a landmark of the order. Grand Masters, or persons performing the functions under a different but equivalent title, are to be found in the rec¬ ords of the institution long before Grand Lodges were established. If the present system of legislative govern¬ ment by Grand Lodges was to be abolished, a Grand Mas¬ ter would still be necessary. "(5) The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the craft, whensoever or wheresoever held, is a fifth landmark. It is in consequence of this law, derived from ancient usages, and not from any special en¬ actment, that the Grand Master assumes the chair, or as it is .called in England, the 'throne/ at every communication of the Grand Lodge, and that he is also entitled to preside at the communication of every subordinate Lodge where he may happen to be present. "(6) The prerogative of the Grand Master to grant dis¬ pensations for conferring degrees at irregular times, is another and very important landmark. The statutory law of Masonry requires a month or other determinate period to elapse between the presentation of a petition and the election of a candidate; but the Grand Master has the power to set aside or dispense with this probation and to allow a candidate to be initiated at once. This preroga¬ tive he possessed before the enactment of the law requiring a probation, and as no statute can impair his prerogative, he still retains the power. "(7) The Grand Master may grant dispensations for opening and holding lodges is another landmark. The lodges thus established are called 'Lodges under dispen¬ sation/ Among the Colored People in North America. 31 "(dge of England. In 1798 a contribution was set on foot to raise funds for "educating and clothing the sons of indi¬ gent Freemasons." The Duke of Atholl, Grand Master of that section of the Craft designated by his title, gave lib¬ erally for the object, as did many of the grand officers and other members of the Fraternity. A liberal support has been given to the schools during these later years of its history. There has been a steady upward trend in giving and doing for the institutions. Thirty-five years ago, at the annual festival, the Secretary announced a total of subscriptions for the benefit of the schools amounting to about $360, and this was regarded as satisfactory; but now more than $10,000 is expected to be 8 Masonic Home. Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution for Aged Freemasons and Widows of Freemasons at Croydon (London , England. Among the Colored People in North America. 51 realized at a similar occasion. In 1869 the total sum ol> tamed tor the institutions was $12,200; in 1883, when a special effort was made to provide for a preparatory school, over $23,000 was obtained. In other years there have been collections reaching large amounts, so' that the grand total presents figures that at first would hardly be expected. The London Freemason, in a recent issue, called attention to the Westminster Abbey. faithful services of Brother F. Binckes, chief executive officer of the institutions for the last quarter of a century, and noted the sums collected during the twenty-four festi¬ vals at which he has assisted, aggregating $222,6o7, or an average of $9,277 for each annual collection, purely these are the figures that have eloquence beyond words. 52 Official History of Freemasonry The Royal MJasonic Institution has now a grand equip¬ ment for its work. It cares for and educates at the present time some two hundred and fifty pupils. Its education status is excellent, and its home culture and ministries of the best /character. It has rendered a blessed service. Its usefulness was never more pronounced than now. Such institutions deserve the fostering care and generous sup¬ port that*have been accorded them. We rejoice, with all the Craft, in their growth and prosperity. Westminster Abbey.—All things considered, this struc¬ ture may be said to outrank in interest all other notable buildings in London. It has the prestige of age, historical association, and a varied ecclesiasticism which invests it with pre-eminent attractions. Its architectural preten¬ sions are of more than a common order, so that the building itself, with its rich ornamentation, is alike impressive and beautiful. Westminster Abbey, however, possesses another charm in being the burial place of kings, statesmen, war¬ riors, ecclesiastics, men of letters and honored and illus¬ trious Masons whose memorials constitute extraordinary features of interest. The following tabulation shows the spread of Freema¬ sonry, under the Grand Lodge system, since 1717, starting from the mother Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, located in London, England, all recognizing colored Ma¬ sons everywhere: (The indicates where colored Masons are received.) Lodges. Locations. Chartered from. * 1717 First Masonic G. L. London England. England. England. England. England. England. England. England. England. England. 1735 New Hampshire * 1736 Portugal 1730 Massachusetts * 1731 India * 1731 Netherland * 1731 Russia * l'orge Payne. 1720—George Payne. 56 Official History of Freemasonry 1721—John, Duke of Montague. 1722—Philip, Duke of Wharton. 1723—^-Francis, Earl of Dalkeith. 1724—Charles, Duke of Richmond. 1725—James, Lord Praisley. 1726—William, Earl of Incbiquin. 1727—Henry, Lord Colerane. 1728—James, Lord Kingston of Ireland, 173G 1729—30—Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. 1731—Thomas, Lord Lovel. 1732—Anthony, Viscount Montague. 1733—James, Earl of Strathmore. 1734—John, Earl of Crawford. 1735—Thomas, Viscount Weymouth. 1736—John, Earl of Loudoun. 1737—Edward, Earl of Darnlej 1738—Henry, Marquess of Carnavun. 1739—Robert, Lord Raymond. 1740—John, Earl of Kintore, Scotland, 1738. 1741—James, Earl of Morton, Scotland, 1739. 1742—43—John, Viscount Dudley and Ward. 1744—Thomas, Earl of Strathn?~Te, Scotland, 1740. 1745-46—James, Lord Cranstone. 1747-51—William, Lord Byron. 1752-53—John, Lord Carysfort. 1754-56—James, Marquess Carnavon. 1757-61—Sholto, Lord Aberdour, afterwards sixteenth Earl of Morton, G. M. Scotland, 17$5-56. 1762-63—Washington, Earl Ferrers. 1764-66—Caldwallader, Lord Blaney. 1767-71—Henry, Duke of Beauford. 1772-76—Robert, Lord Petre. 1777-82—George, Duke of Manchester. 1782-90—H. R. H., the Duke of Cumberland. 1790-1813—H. R. H., the Prince of Wales. 1813-43—H. R. H., the Duke of Sussex. 1844-70—Earl of Zetland. 1870-74—Earl of De Gray and Ripon. 1874-1901—H. R. H., the Prince of Wales. 1901—H. R. H., the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. Among the Colored People in North America. 57 ACTING OK PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS, 1782—1902.* The office was established in 1782, Thomas, third Earl of Effingham, 1782-89; Francis, Earl of Moira, 1789-1813, or Lord Rawdon. Revived as Provincial Grand Masters: Lawrence, Lord Dundas, 1834-39. John George, 1839-40. Thomas, second Earl of Zetland, 1840-43. Henry Howard Moyjneux, 1874-1890. Edward, Earl Lathorn, 1890-98. William Archer, Earl Amherst, 1898-99. *This appointment is only authorized in the case of the Grand Master being a Prince of the Blood Royal. 5S Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER VII. freemasonry in" america. St. John's Lodge of Boston, Massachusetts, was the first Lodge of Masons in the American Colonies. This Lodge was organized July 30th, 1733, by Henry Price, an English¬ man (born in 1697, and died May 20th, 1780), who claimed to have authority from the Grand Master of England, Lord Viscount Montague. Bro. Henry Price was never called upon by the Grand Lodge of London, England, to report upon the condition of the Craft in America. There is no record anywhere to show that he ever was appointed Provincial Grand Master. Prior to 1770-74, at which time Bro. John T. Heard appealed to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of England to find out something as to Bro. Price's authority, and there was no record to be found. He said to Bro. John Heard: "It was the prerogative of the Grand Master to appoint the Provincial Grand Masters. Such appointments were not reported to the Grand Lodge, and therefore do not appear in the record of that body." Brother Rowe received his deputation in 1768. The Rowe charter was burned in Winthrop House fire. A copy of the charter was furnished bv the grand officers in 1864, and bears date of 1783. As to the accuracy of this copy we have been unable to determine. This Lodge must have worked without a warrant or authority for thirty-five years. St. John's Lodge, 126, was changed in its number five times, its last number being 39, in 1792. Reports of Grand Lodge of England from 1721 to 1783 give no account of warranting this Lodge in 1733. Brother Gardner's defence of Henry Price before the Among; the Colored People in North America. 59 Grand .Lodge of Boston, December 27th, 1872, may be found in Freemasons' Magazine, June 1st, 1872. From this Lodge conies principally all the Masonic Lodges among our white brethren. On June 24th, 1734, it granted a dispensation for the first Lodge in Pennsyl¬ vania, to Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia, who was its first Master. Franklin wrote of the Fraternity as follows :* "It has secrets peculiar to itself, but of what do those princi¬ pally consist? They consist of signs and tokens, which serve as testimonials of character and qualifications, which are only con¬ ferred after a due course of instruction and examination. These are of no small value. They speak a universal language, and act as a passport to the attention and support of the initiated in all parts of the world. They cannot be lost so long as memory retains its power. Let the possessor of them be expatriated, shipwrecked or imprisoned, let him be stripped of everything he has got in the world, still these credentials remain and are avail¬ able for use as circumstances require. The great effects which they have produced are established by the most incontestable facts of history. They have stayed the uplifted hand of the destroyer, they have softened the asperities of the tyrant, they have investigated the horrors of captivity; they have subdued the rancor of malevolence, and broken down the barriers of political animosity and sectarian alienation. On the field of battle, iu the solitude of uncultivated forest, or in the busy haunts of the crowded city, they have made men of the most hostile feelings, the most distant religion and the most diversified conditions, rush to the aid of each other and feel social joy and satisfaction that they have been able to afford relief to a brother Mason." Numerous military Lodges were warranted by both the "Ancient and Modern" Grand Lodges of England, and by the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland. These Lodges also had connected with them, under the same warrant, Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, holding under the author¬ ity of the Grand Lodges of England and Scotland. In 170G there were two military Lodges stationed at Boston, No. 58 on the register of England, connected with the Fourteenth Regiment, and No. 322, register of Ireland, attached to the Twenty-ninth Regiment. As early as 1762, St. Andrew's Lodge of Boston, applied to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, from which it had received its warrant, for *(Ovclopirdia of Fraternities, by A. C. Stevens, p. 17. (Vol. 1.) (Franklin's Works.) oO Official History of Freemasonry leave to confer the Royal Arch degree, and subsequently, under this warrant, it conferred both the degrees of Eoyal Arch and Knight Templar. Spread of Freemasonry in the Colonies.—On June 24th, 1734, dispensation was also issued by Henry Prince, of St. John's Lodge, Boston, Mass., for the "Holy Lodge of St. John/' at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which Lodge is still in existence and is one of the most flourishing in the State. The next charter issued was for the "First Lodge in South Carolina/' located at Charleston, and dated December 27th, 1735. On December 27th, 1749, authority for "St. John's Lodge, No. 1, at Newport, Rhode Island," was granted, and this Lodge is still in existence. Authority was also subsequently granted for other Lodges in the State. August 12th, 1750, "Maryland Lodge" was established at Annapolis, in Maryland, but we believe it is not now in existence. August 12th, 1752, a warrant was granted for "Hiram Lodge," at New Haven, Connecticut, which is still in existence. Warrants were also afterwards granted for other Lodges in the State. In 1756 a warrant was granted for an army Lodge at Crown Point, in the State of New York, and in 1759 for another at Lake George, and in 1762 for still another at Crown Point; and in September, 1782, a dispensation was granted by the then Grand Master to John Copp and others for a Lodge in the State of New York. Neither the name nor the location is given in the record. In 1762 "Temple Lodge, No. 1," was authorized at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, being the first Lodge in that province. In 1764 another Lodge was authorized to be held at Princeton, in the same colony, by the name of "St. John's Lodge." In 1765 a dispensation was issued for "Pitts County Lodge," in North Carolina, and in 1767 another for a Lodge in Virginia. In November, 1781, a warrant was issued for "Vermont Lodge," at Cor¬ nish, Vermont, being the first Lodge in that State, and in 1785 another for "North Star Lodge," at Manchester, Ver¬ mont. In 1796 "American Union Lodge" was authorized at Marietta, Ohio. The above comprise all the old colo¬ nies except Delaware and Georgia, the last of which re¬ ceived its first Masonic authority from England in 1735. The Lodges whose names are given all derived their author- Among the Colored People in North America. 6i ity from Massachusetts, and were the first in their re¬ spective districts. Masonic Archives Captured.—The Masonic chest of the Forty-sixth English Kegiment in America, by chance of war, fell into the hands of the Americans. General Wash¬ ington, on learning that fact, directed that a guard of honor, under the command of a distinguished officer, should take charge of the chest and return it to that regiment. The chest was accordingly borne aloft like another Ark of the Covenant, and safely restored to the old Forty-sixth, who received it with great rejoicing. Among the archives of this Lodge are many interesting records of high value on account of their Masonic character. Fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4, of Virginia, claims that George Washington was made a Mason in said Lodge in 1752.* This Lodge was also without a warrant at this time, and did not receive one until 1758. Before receiving the warrant it granted authority for a Lodge at Falmouth, and organized Botetourt Lodge at Gloucester Court Hou. e, both located in Virgina. Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 3, of New York, worked from 1759 to 1800 under a copy of a warrant given it by an ancient Irish Army Lodge, f Charters in America.—The first charter issued from England to America was in 1729, establishing a Provincial Grand Lodge in New Jersey, and located at Trenton. The warrant was addressed to Peter Holt, Trenton, New Jersey, signed by the Duke of Norfolk, G. M. (Anderson's His¬ tory of Freemasonry.) The second warrant issued was July 30th, 1730, estab¬ lishing St. John's Lodge, located in Boston, Mass. The Lodge was organized April 30th, 1733. The warrant was said to be signed by "Lord Viscount Montague, G. M." The officers of this Lodge were installed by Bro. Henry Price. However the records of the Grand Lodge of England do not show that Henry Price was working tinder the authority of that body in i733. *(Jeorgfi Washington, in Army Lodge, Freemasons' Quar¬ terly Review, pp. l.'iS, 1888. Records of Lodge No. 227, of the Registry of the Grand Lodge of London, Freemasons' Quarterly Review, July, 1834. fRecords English Army Lodges, 1739 to 1800, 62 Official History of Freemasonry The third warrant was issued September 29th, 1784, establishing African Lodge, No. 459, located in Boston, Mass., signed by Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, G. M. (Seal G. M.) Attest, Wm. White, G. S. (Seal of the Grand Lodge.) The Lodge officers were duly installed under warrant of 1787. W. M., Prince Hall; S. W., Boston Smith; J. W., Thomas Sanderson. The fourth warrant, issued November 30th, 1755, from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, signed by Lord Aberdour, Sholto, Charles Douglass, G. M., establishing St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 82, located in Boston, Mass. It will be seen that the Lodge at Trenton was not opened, as the warrant mentioned by Brother Anderson never reached America. This makes St. John's Lodge, No. 1; African Lodge No. 459 No. 2* (coming direct from England to America), and St. Andrew's No. 3 (coming from Scotland). There were {avo white Grand Lodges in Massachusetts for forty years, each claiming supreme jurisdiction. St. John's, organized by Henry Price, hailing from England, and St. Andrew's, with Joseph Warren as Provincial G. M., commissioned March 3d, 1772, and signed by Pat¬ rick Earl, G. M. of Scotland. (Warren fell in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17th, 1775.) On March 8th, 1777, Thomas S. Webb, a friend of Prince Hall, was elected in his place, and succeeded in uniting the two bodies June 19th, 1792, electing John Cutler of Boston, Mass., G. 1ST., W. Andrew Belcher, D. G. M., Thomas Kennelly, S. G. W., John Quann, J. G. W., and fixing the title of the Grand Lodge to that of Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since which time the Craft has pursued their labor without interruption, especially since the new Grand Lodge laid the corner-stone of the State House, November * Previous to 1792 all the white Lodges that had received char¬ ters from England were erased. See printed proceedings of the Mother Grand Lodge, dated April, A. D., t'92, which shows that African 1 odge No. 459 was the only Lodge in the United State? recognized by that Grand Body. Among; the Colored People in North America. 63 25th, 1795, His Excellencv, Samuel Adams, doing tin? work. The first Lodge of Masons (white) in Philadelphia, Ph., assumed the prerogative of a Grand Lodge for Pennsyl¬ vania in 173-1, and Benjamin Franklin was elected Pro¬ vincial Grand Master. In 17G4: the Ancient Grand Lodge of England chartered a Lodge in Philadelphia, Pa. Tt at once styled itself a Grand Lodge of Ancient Masons. They contended and fought for supremacy until 1793, when the first Lodge was discontinued. The irregular Lodge had full control and was very active in establishing Lodges in the Colonies. This is the governing body of the Craft to-day in Pennsylvania, with its offspring in every State of the Union. In speaking of first warrants, we mean under Grand Lodge system, all honor to Massachusetts and St. John and African Lodge as the far-seeing and prudent mothers of Masonry in this country. Although tempest tossed and threatened with shipwreck, they have weathered every storm, standing in America a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, that the Craft might continue laying corner stones and erecting temples of Masonry upon the American Continent. Not only for Masonry is Massachusetts honored within its grand old Commonwealth, where first rocked the cradle of liberty in this Republic, but her sons and daughters believe that man walks with stalwart strides beneath the noonday's sun only when there is free¬ dom of thought, body and mind. Her banners are widest unfurled where every citizen is a freeman. In Masonry Massachusetts will always shine as a star of the first mag¬ nitude. In American history it is a beacon light among the States, and generations yet unborn will testify anew their love for the grand old Commonwealth. The Provincial Grand Lodges in America.— (1) The Massachusetts Provincial Grand Lodge was established on the 27th of December, 17G9, and descended from the ({rand Master of Scotland, Ancient Masons. (2) Provincial Grand Lodge was organized on the 30th of July, 1783, under the title of St. John's. It descended from Modern Masons in England. (3) Provincial Grand Lodge was organized June 24rh, 64 Official History of Freemasonry 17IH, under the title of African Grand Lodge, and de¬ scended from the Grand Lodge of Moderns, England, by the authority of H. K. II., the Prince of Wales, It. M. On the 19th of June, 1792, Masonic union was formed by the two white Provincial Grand Lodges and all the distinc¬ tion between Ancient and Modern was abolished. In the formation of the union, African Grand Lodge was not invited, although it was a well known fact that African Grand Lodge had been regularly established and hailing from the Grand Lodge of Moderns, England. There is positive proof that Masons from two Provincial Grand Lodges (white), often visited African Lodge when in session. Had African Lodge been composed of any other race except the negro, there would have been no ques¬ tion. However, it must be borne in mind that at that time the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland granted charters to individual Lodges and appointed over them Provincial Grand Masters and they held concurrent jurisdiction as in Canada, Nova Scotia, etc. These Lodges were known as Provincial Grand Lodges in order to be distinguished from Lodges acting immediately sub¬ ordinate to the mother Grand Lodge. Over their meetings Provincial Grand Masters presided. Dissensions in the Craft.—In 1751 a Lodge was or¬ ganized in New York city, receiving its warrant from an English Army Lodge. Shortly afterwards several Pro¬ vincial Grand Lodges were organized, and in 1781 Sey- bothen Lodge was organized by an Army Lodge in New York city, and afterwards set up a Provincial Grand Lodge. Here dissensions arose and lasted until 1856, when a union of the grand bodies was effected. These dissensions were not confined to the State mentioned, but found their way into almost all the States. In 1818 the same started among colored Masons in Pennsylvania and continued until the National Grand Lodge was established in 1847. This body was formed to hold in check ambitious Masons. It passed stringent laws relative to the same, which kept the work regular until 18G8, when the States commenced to assume the American doctrine of States' rights, and here the National Lodges and the States' rights made war on each other which lasted until 1877, when the difference Among1 the Colored People in North America. 6ii was healed in each State, and the National Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons died. (See National Grand Lodge, 000.) It is of interest to American Freemasons to note that the expression "York Rite Masons" has little or no basis ; that it is in fact, a misnomer. There was, and is, no York Masonic rite, and the symbolic Freemasonry which the world knows did not come from the Grand Lodge of all England, founded at York in 1725, but from the Grand Lodge of England, formed at London in 1717. The York Grand Lodge died twenty years before the union in 1813. The ancient City of York on the Ouse, is a place of marked individuality and attractiveness. It is notable by reason of its great age and rich historic associations. Founded nearly a thousand years before the Christian Era, it has had an eventful experience of progress and change. Constantine the Great is believed to have been born here some sixteen hundred years ago. Christianity was early established at York. It is claimed that there was a general assembly of the Craft at this place in the year of 926. However, this must be understood to refer to operative Masons. Ancient York Masons.—The expression "Ancient York Masons" came from Laurence Dermott's Ahiman Eezon Ritual. Pure English Freemasonry consisted of the three symbolic degrees including the Holy Royal Arch. The expelled and seceders were composed of the rival grand bodies in England, such as the Ancient and York Rite, that conferred not only the Royal Arch degree, but that of Ivnights Templar as well as detached ceremonials. The white Lodges working under authority of the Ancient York Rite in America conferred all the degrees including that of Knight Templar. George Washington a Mason.—George Washington became a member of Fredericksburg Lodge before he reached his majority, and that membership continued until it was severed by death. He was initiated November 4th. 1752 ; passed to a Fellow-Craft March 3d, 1753, and raised a Master Mason August 4th, 1753. He was an active, zealous and true Mason, and never failed to honor his brethren with his presence when in reach of their assem- 66 Official History of Freemasonry blies, and to participate with them in their privileges and labors. He was tendered the highest and most respon¬ sible office in the gift of the Craft in the State of Virginia, in 1777, that of Grand Master, which he was compelled to decline in consequence of his active duties in the field. Yet, eleven years after, when peace had crowned his mili¬ tary labors, and his name and fame were known and sung in every land, he became the Charter Master of Alexandria- Washington Lodge^ No. 22, Alexandria, Va., and proved an active worker. His whole adult life, covering a period of forty-seven years, was devoted to Masonry, whether as a private citizen in his own home at Mount Vernon, General-in-Chief of the American Armies in the field, or as President of the new Republic, in his official chair, he was always the friend and advocate of Masonry. He was honored at home and abroad and was deeply enthroned in the affections of his people. During his last illness he was surrounded by friends and loved ones, and the recipient of every kindness and comfort that human hands could administer or love could suggest or bestow. Among the last requests he made was that his Masonic- Brethren should inter his remains with the beautiful burial service of the Fraternity. On the 18th day of December, 1799, the request was complied with by Alexandria-Wash¬ ington Lodge, No. 22, assisted by many visitors from neighboring Lodges and representatives from Fredericks¬ burg Lodge, No. 4. The inscription on their banner was : "Washington in Glory! America in tears!" Amongf the Colored People in North America. 69 e will begin wiili liis life at his lminble home and trace it through the varying scenes where it was touched with the modifying circumstances of his surroundings, and then he better able to ascend to the position which he held when he died. It is a record which is as inspiring as it is won¬ derful, not that we believe him to be a saint or angel, for he had his human faults as other men. Thousands of our brethren have heard of Prince Hall, but who know but little about the facts of his inner life. Could his story be told with the pen of a Bancroft or a Roosevelt, it would necessarily take its place in the standard literature of the present. But whether told in eloquent terms and with vivid description or in a crude and blundering manner, it certainly ought to be told, and especially to every Mason.- Prince Hall was born September 12th, 1748, at Bridge¬ town, Barbados, British West Indies. His father, Thomas Prince Hall, was an Englishman, and his mother a free wo¬ man of French descent. His father was engaged in the leather business, the pursuit of which does not seem to have been very lucrative. His parents were in humble circum¬ stances, however, and were known among their neighbors as pious persons of excellent character, but were never con¬ sidered by their contemporaries as possessing any remark¬ able claim for the niche in which the world placed its great men. When twelve years old young Hall was placed as an apprentice to a leather worker. He made rapid progress in the trade. His greatest desire, however, was to visit America. When he confided this wish to his parents they gave him no encouragement, but he was determined to seize the first opportunity offered to accomplish his desire. With eager eyes he watched every sail that entered the harbor in the hope that he might hear the words "bound for America/' This anxiety continued for a long time before his heart's desire was realized. At last the oppor¬ tunity came. One morning in February of 17G5, young Prince heard the glad tidings that there was a vessel in port bound for America. He at once saw the captain and offered to work his way for the passage. The captain hesi¬ tated, but seeing that the lad meant what he said, he finally agreed to take him. The vessel arrived at Boston, Mass., in March, 1705. When he stepped upon the shores of 70 Official History of Freemasonry New England he was seventeen years of age, small in stat¬ ure1, but his slight frame was surmounted with a shapely head, adorned with refined features, bright and piercing eyes, aquiline nose, mouth and chin firm and spiritual. He was in a strange land without friends or education, but being determined to fight his own way, by industry and economy, he worked steadily during the day and took private lessons at night. At the age of twenty-five he had saved a small sum from his earnings, which he in¬ vested in real estate and became a taxpayer and voter. When twenty-seven years old he had a fair understanding of English and arithmetic. He heard Richard Boardman •and Joseph Gilmore, Methodist missionaries, preach to large crowds on the Common of Boston and other places in New England, until the very air was filled with Jesus. Their preachings attracted Hall and he became a regular attendant at the service, and finally became a member of the Methodist Church. He seized every opportunity to extend his knowledge of the Bible and prepare himself for. the great work of his life, an ambassador for the Lord Jesus. He was widely known as a genuine Christian and a faithful friend. He joined the ministry and became an eloquent preacher. With the grace and dignity of a gentleman, he stood armed in the sanctuary of God to animate and encourage the Sons of Liberty. He was much displeased with the British bfethren for killing his friends, Crispus Attuc-ks, Samuel Gray, James Cadwell, Patrick Carr and Samuel Maverick, in the riot at Boston, on March 5th, 1770. The torrents of his invective have never been surpassed. But, unlike most men, Prince Hall delivered his sermons and rebuked in their presence those whose business it was to fight. It is said that this incident carried him over to the Patriot Army. As a minister and citizen he had the confidence of all, and this placed him in the front rank. On the 8th of March, 1770, the bells of Boston were rung in honor of the heroes, Crispus Attucks, Gray and Caldwell. Maverick's body rested in his brother's home, Royal Ex¬ change Lane, and the others in Faneuil Hall. The four hearses formed a junction in King Street, the place where they fell March 5th. The procession marched in columns Among the Colored People in North America* 7J six deep, composed of the most distinguished citizens of Boston. They were buried in Middle Burying Ground, over which a stone was placed with this inscription: "Long as in Freedom's cause the Wise contend, Dear to your country, shall your fame extend; While to the world the lettered stone shall tell, Where Caldwell, Attucks, Gray and Maverick fell." liev. Prince HalFs first church was located in Cam¬ bridge, Mass. He soon built up a prosperous congregation. Here he often preached and lectured his Lodge of Free¬ masons. The sight of his frilled shirt, long vest and dress always brought contentment and respect from all. Prince Hall knew that the founders of his church had paid for their opinion with their life's blood. He knew they were brave men who feared not the stake or torch. This knowl¬ edge, and his great faith in God, enabled him to be a fear¬ less and progressive preacher. He was always engaged in the useful work of charity and benevolent enterprises. One of his favorite hymns was— "O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, ' And our eternal Home. Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defense is sure." The indwelling of the spirit of God can only account for the continued success of this good man. Laying the Foundation of African Lodge of Free¬ masons.—In the year 1775, under th« yoke of British oppression, when men, women and even children were preparing for open resistance to the British forces, Prince Hall, then twenty-seven years of age, wended his way to the quarters of General Gage, on Copp's Hill, Boston Harbor, Mass. The purpose of his visit was the insatiable desire to become a Mason. 72 Official History of Freemasonry He feared nothing, not even in the enemy's camp, but with a firm trust in God, knocked and the door of Masonry was opened unto him—thus his eyes beheld for the first time the form and beauty of a military Lodge. In that traveling British Lodge, No. 58, before the first blood had flowed upon the green grass at Lexington, he received the light of Masonry, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason—the first one of African descent who had been initiated into the order in the Amer¬ ican Colonies. On March Gth of the same year Cyrus Jonbus, Bensten Slinger, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Tay¬ lor, Cato Spear, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Fortin Howard, Prince Rees, John Cantin, Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiber, Buff Buform and Richard Lilly, having paid the required amount, were initiated, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons in the same Lodge, R. W. Bro. J. B. Batt, W. M., conferring the appointment. These fifteen brethren were authorized by the Lodge that made them, to work under dispensation until they were authorized by charter. Prince Hall had a lodge room prepared in "Golden Fleece," Water Street, Boston, Mass. On July 3d, 1775, Washington unfurled for the first time the na¬ tional flag over the camp at Cambridge, and Prince Hall on the same day organized and dedicated to God and to the memory of the holy St. John the first Lodge of Colored Masons in North America.* Here they met for several years, and then removed to Kirby Street Temple. Their number was increased from time to time by additions from New York, Pennsylvania and foreign countries. The Lodge was often visited by white Masons from the Army Lodge that made them, also from the Lodges around Bos¬ ton and from Europe and the West Indies. Prince Hall was not content with the limited powers contained in the dispensation from the Army Lodge. He became ambi¬ tious and wanted his Lodge to enjoy the fullest Masonic rights and powers of other Masonic bodies in the country. The welfare of the Craft, its expansion and its perpe- * Prince Hall's Lodge is as regular as any Lodge —Albert Pike. The Negro can make as good a showing as the Whites can. T. S. Parvin, G. S., G. L, Iowa. Printed proceeding, 1885. Among the Colored People m North America. 73 tuity, wore his constant care, and upon this he lavished all his energies, and with his associates petitioned Joseph War¬ ren for a charter. His request was entertained, but be¬ fore action could be taken Joseph Warren fell at Bunker Hill. He then applied to the Provincial Grand Master of Modern Masons of Massachusetts for a charter. This petition, though in proper form, was rejected on account of color, but the refusal did not dishearten this little band in its laudable purpose, but served as a stimulus to make further trial. True is the saying of the philosopher, the oracle of ancient wisdom, that if the minds of tyrants were laid open to our view, we should see them gashed and mangled with the whips and stings of horror and remorse. By blows and stripes the flesh is made to quiver; and in the like manner, cruelty and inordinate passions, malice and evil deeds, become internal executioners, and with in¬ creasing torture goad and lacerate the heart. Prince Hall and his followers decided to make applica¬ tion to foreigners for that which had been refused them at home, but just at this time came the terrible war be¬ tween England and the Colonies. Prince Hall at once turned his attention to matters of war and bent all his energies to serve his country in the hour of its peril. Pkince Hall As a Statesman.—In 1775 Prince Hall ma'de application to Hancock and Warren, of the Committee of Safety, to enlist the slaves then in the Colonies, in the Revolutionary War, thinking it would pave the way for their freedom. This was refused. The committee framed a formal resolution, which is truly one of the most significant documents of the period, es¬ pecially when compared with the Declaration of Inde¬ pendence. It reads as follows: "Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee,_ as the contest now between Great Britain and the Colonies, respects the liberties and privileges of the latter, which the Colonies are determined to maintain, that the admission of persons as soldiers into the army now raising, except such as are freemen, will not be consistent with the prin¬ ciples that are to be supported, and will reflect dishonor on 74 Official History of Freemasonry the Colony. And that no slaves be admitted into the army upon any consideration whatever." This resolution was communicated to Congress June 6th, 1775, read and ordered to lie'on the table. (See Se¬ cret Congressional Journal of June 6th, 1775.) Prince Hall, finding that he could not get recognition of the slaves from that body, headed a committee of freemen, consisting of Cyrus Jonbus, Bensten Slinger, Thomas San¬ derson, Prince Taylor, Boston Smith, Peter Best and others, and waited on General Washington, who had just taken command of the army around Boston, July 3d, 1775, informing him that the colored freemen desired to do their own fighting, and wanted to enlist in the army. On De¬ cember 30th, 1775, General Washington issued a general order as follows: "As the general is informed that numbers of free negroes are desirous of enlisting, he gives leave to the recruiting officers to enlist them. I shall lay the matter before Con¬ gress, who, I doubt not, will approve of it." Washington communicated his action to Congress, and his letter was referred to a committee of three—Mr. Wythe, Mr. Adams and Mr. Wilson—on the 15th of January, 1776, and this committee reported on the following day. The "Congress determined that the free negroes who had served faithfully in the army at Cambridge might be re-enlisted therein, but no others." However, at this time hundreds of colored men had joined the army, and remained there, notwithstanding this action of Congress.* Prince Hall was much interested in the uplifting of the people with whom he was associated. Intellectually he was far superior to most men of his day. He saw the end of the struggle from the beginning, and therefore worked * (Colonial History: Graydon's Memoirs.) (Washington's Writ¬ ing, 3rd Vol., p. 162). (Return of Negroes in Washington's immedi¬ ate command Aug. 24, 1778. See Alex. Scammell, Adjt. General's Report. There were a large number of colored soldiers, according to War Department Records.) (See New York Historical Society, 1862, pp. 18, 19, 20, 21.) (Acknowledgment of services rendered may be found among the records of nearly all the States, Ban¬ croft's History of Revolutionary Army.) (Thatcher's regt. 1778. Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War n 105, Vol. 7.) Among the Colored People in North America. 75 with a confident, spirit, and this foresight and God's provi¬ dence, developed all his plans day by (lay. He entered the Revolutionary Army in February, 177G, joining Captain Benjamin Dillingham's company, and also served in Captain Joshua AYelbore's company, which was attached to Ebenezer Francis' regiment. In 1778 he was in Thacker's regiment. When thirty years old his name appears three times on the Continental muster rolls. January 13th, 1777,* while still in the army, he wrote as follows concerning slaves whose freedom he sought: "But they were unjustly dragged by the hand of cruel power from their dearest friends, and some of them even torn from the embrace of their tender parents." Speaking of the slaves he endeavored to aid, he said: "They cannot but express their astonishment that it has never been con¬ sidered that every principle from which America has acted, in the course of their unhappy difficulties with Great Britain, pleads stronger than a thousand arguments in favor of the slaves." Prince Hall's name is mentioned a dozen times in the newspapers, and frequent reference is made to him in the council records, 1775-1788. January 25th, 1788, Dr. Bel¬ knap writes: "Prince Hall votes constantly for governor and representatives." In letters addressed to Mr. Ebe¬ nezer Hazard of New York, Dr. Belknap wrote on March 9th, 1788: "I now enclose you the negroes' petition. It is Prince Hall's own composition and handwriting, given me by himself." " This is one of the many petitions sent to the Gene'ral Court by Prince Hall, against slavery and slave trade, 1773-1778. "To the Honorable Council & House of Representatives for the State of Massachusetts Bay, in General Court assembled January L-ith, 1777. "The Petition of a great number of Negroes, who are detained in a state of Slavery, in the Bowels of a free and Christian Country—Ilumbly Shewing:— '"Massachusetts Archives vol. 212, p. 132. 3 777. (Indorsed) March 18, Judge Sergeant. Mr. Palton, Mr. Apple- ton, Coll Brooks, Mr. Story, Mr. Lowell, & Mr. Davis to con¬ soler ye matter at large. 76 Official History of Freemasonry "That your Petitioners apprehend that they have, in common with all other Men, a natural & unalienable right to that free¬ dom, which the great Parent of the Universe hath bestowed equally on all mankind, & which they have never forfeited by any compact or agreement whatever. But they were unjustly dragged, by the cruel hand of Power, from their dearest friends, & some of them even torn from the embraces of their tender parents—Prom a populous, pleasant, & plentiful Country & in Violation of the Laws of nature & of nations & in defiance of all the tender feelings of humanity, brought hither to be sold like Beasts of Burden, & like them condemned to slavery for life. Among a People professing the mild Religion of Jesus. A People not insensible of the sweets of rational freedom—nor without Spirit to resent the unjust endeavours of others, to reduce them to a State of Bondage and subjection. Your Honors need not to be in¬ formed that a life of Slavery, like that of your petitioners, de¬ prived of every social privilege, of everything requisite to render Life even tolerable, is far worse than Non-Existence. In imita¬ tion of the laudable example of the good people of these States, your Petitioners have long and patiently waited the event of Petition after Petition, by them presented to the Legislative Body of this State, & cannot but with grief reflect that their success has been but too similar. They cannot but express their astonishment, that it has never been considered, that every prin¬ ciple from which America has acted in the course of her unhappy difficulties with Great Britain, pleads stronger than a thousand arguments in favor of your petitioners. They therefore humbly beseech your Honors, to give this Petition its due weight & con¬ sideration, & cause an Act of the Legislature to be passed, whereby they may be restored to the enjoyment of that freedom which is the natural right of all Men—& their Children (who were born in this land of Liberty) may not be held as Slaves after they arrive at the age of twenty-one Years. So may the In¬ habitants of this State (no longer chargeable with the inconsis¬ tency of acting, themselves, the part which they condemn & op¬ pose in others) be prospered in their present glorious struggles for Liberty; & have those blessings secured to them by Heaven, of which benevolent minds cannot wish to deprive their fellow- Men. And your Petitioners, as in PRINCE HALL, PETER BESS, LANCASTER HILL, BRISTER SLENFEN, Duty bound shall ever pray— JOB LOCK, his JACK X PEIRPONT, mark his NERO X FUNILO, mark his NEWPORT X SUMMER, mark Among the Colored People in North America. 77 When he returned home in 1782 from the war he decided to petition the Grand Lodge of England for a warrant for his Lodge, this having been refused him by the white brethren in Massachusetts. On March 2d, 1784, he accordingly addressed the Grand Lodge of England, humbly praying for a warrant of con¬ stitution. In his letter to Brother Moody of London, England, whom he empowered to present his petition, he states that he had been importuned to send it to France, but he preferred to direct it to the fountain "from whence Ave received our first light for a warrant, whom we hope will not deny us, nor treat us as beneath the rest of our fel- lew-men, though poor, yet sincere brethren of the craft." The warrant was promptly granted by the Grand' Lodge of England as follows: ORIGINAL CHARTER. Granted by the Grand Lodge of England ("Moderns") in the year of 1784. "Our right worshipful and loving brethren: "We, Thomas Howard, under authority of His Royal Highness, Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, Grand Master of the Most An¬ cient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons sends Greeting: "Know ye, that we, at the humble petition of our Right Trusty and well beloved brethren, Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson, and several other brethren residing in Boston, New England, in North America, do hereby constitute the said brethren into a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title or denomination of the African Lodge, to be opened in Boston aforesaid, and do further at their said petition and of the great trust and confidence reposed in every one of the above named brethren, hereby appoint the said Prince Hall to be Master, Bos¬ ton Smith, Senior Warden and Thomas Sanderson, Junior Warden for opening the said Lodge, and for such time only as shall be thought by the brethren thereof. It being our will that this our appointment of the above officers, shall in no wise effect any fu¬ ture election of officers of said Lodge, and that such election shall be regulated agreeable to such By-laws of the said Lodge as shall be consistent with the Grand Laws of the Society contained in the Book of Constitution. And we hereby will and require of you, the said Prince Hall, to take special care that all and every one of the said brethren are to have, been regularly made Masons, and that they do observe, perform, and keep all the rules and orders contained iu the Book of Constitution, and further that you do 78 Official History of Freemasonry from time to time cause to be entered in a book kept for that pose an account of your proceedings in the Lodge, together with all Rules, Orders and Regulations as shall be made for the Govern¬ ment of the same. That in no wise you omit in every year to send to us or our successors, Grand Masters, or Rowland Holt, our Deputy Grand Master, for the time being, an account of your said proceedings, and copies of all such Rules, Orders and Regula¬ tions as shall ue made as aforesaid, together with the list of the members of the Lodge, and such sums of money as may suit the circumstances of the Lodge and reasonably be expected toward the Grand Charity. "Moreover we will and require of you the said Prince Hall, as soon as conveniently may be, to send an account in writing of what may be done by virtue of these presents." Given at London under our hand and seal of Masonry this 29th day of September, A. L. 5784, A. D. 1784, by the Grand Master's Command. R. HOLT, Deputy Grand Master, Attest: WILLIAM WHITE, Grand Secretary. Warrant Brought Oyer.—In the year 1787, Cap¬ tain J ames Scott, a seafaring man, who married the sister of the celebrated John Hancock, first signer of the Declaration of American Independence, and who was personally acquainted with Prince Hall, being in London, was requested by Prince Hall to bring the warrant for African Lodge back with him. He at once wended his way to the office of Sir William White, Grand Secretary of Modern Masons, located in Great Queen Street, and called for the warrant for the African Lodge located in Boston, Mass., North America. He received the warrant from the hands of the Grand Secretary, pay¬ ing the fee, of which the following is the acknowledgment: "Received, 28th of February, 1787, of Captain James Scott, five pounds, fifteen shillings and six pence, being the fee on the War¬ rant of Constitution for the African Lodge at Boston, for the Grand Lodge of the Society of Free and Accepted Masons. £5. 15s. Od. "WILLIAM WHITE, Grand Secretary." Leaving London in March of the same year (1787) for America and arriving in Boston April 29th, 1787, Captain Scott delivered the warrant in person to Prince Hall. The news rapidly spread over the New England Colonies and caused great rejoicing among the members of the Lodge. Many of the newspapers made favorable mention SEAL G Li. Among the Colored People in North America. 79 of its arrival. Prince Hall, in acknowledging past and present favors from the press, wrote to the Boston, Mass., Sentinel, under date of May 2d, 1787, as follows:* "African Lodge, Boston, May 2, 1787. By Captain Scott from London came the charter, etc., which his Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, and the Grand Lodge have been graciously pleased to grant to African Lodge in Boston. As the brethren have a de¬ sire to acknowledge all favors shown them, they in this public manner return particular thanks to a certain member of the Fra¬ ternity who offered the so generous rewrard in this paper some time since for the Charter supposed to be lost, and to assure him, though they doubt of his friendship, that he has made them many good friends. (Signed) "PRINCE HALL.' The officers were duly installed under the warrant, May 6th, 1787, Prinice Hall as W. M.; Boston Smith, S. W.; and Thomas Sanderson, J. W. The Lodge continued to meet socially and otherwise at their temple, "Golden Fleece/' Water Street, initiating, passing and raising such persons as were found qualified to receive the honors of Freemasonry. He was the only Mason in America who held a warrant directed to himself from the mother Lodge in England. He and his descendants may properly claim royal blood in the great Masonic family, and he may be classed with Thomas Webb and others as a Masonic writer. African Lodge celebrated the arrival of its warrant from England on the 27th day of December following with great pomp and splendor, and all of the newspapers made formal mention of the celebration. One of the papers committed an error by .calling the Lodge "The Saint Black Lodge" instead of'"African Lodge." Prince Hall, after reading the article, replied as follows: "Messrs. Draper & Folsom, "Dear Sir: I notice a paragraph in your paper of the 31st of our celebration on the 27th, in which you style us, 'The St. Black Lodge.' Believing that you intended to give a fair and can- * Sentinel, Boston, Mass., of May 2. 1787, and other Colonial papers. Proceedings (White) G. L., Ohio, 1876, p. 113 and 1883, p. 102; Colored Freemasonry had a legitimate beginning. Free¬ masonry Mag. C. M. Moore, Nov. 18.10 v. 19; Belknap papers, Li by. of Cong. Printed liecords of G. L. of Eng., 1784. SO Official History of Freemasonry (lid statement of the facts, I take the liberty to inform you that our title is not Saint Black Lodge, but 'African Lodge,' nor do we aspire after any high title, but desire only that the supreme Architect of the Universe may diffuse in our hearts the true spirit of Masonry, love to God and to our fellowmen, which we humbly conceive to be the grand pillar of Ancient Freemasonry. Witn due respect to the publishers, I beg leave to subscribe myself, "Your obedient servant, PRINCE HALL, W. M." His chief aim in securing Warrant No. 459 was to bind a little band of colored men in a community of interest. It was a difficult task. The Revolutionary War had just closed. Both society and government were in a crude and unsettled condition. He had heard the clanking chains of his brothers in bondage; he had seen them sold in the streets of Boston; every paper he read for years contained advertisements of slaves to be sold. Himself a soldier in the war for independence, in 1783 he heard the brave Col. Alexander Hamilton as a lawyer declare that, f 1829. 8. Walker Lewis 1829 to 1831. 9. Thomas Dalton . 1831 to 1832. 10. George Gaul 1832 to 1834. 11. James H. Howe 1834 to 1836. 12. John T. Hilton 1836 to 1847. 13. S. T. Kendall 1847 to 1850. 14. John V. Degrasse 1850 to 1851. 15. Thomas Thomas 1851 to 1852. 16. Joseph M. Seott 1852 to 1854. 17. George M. Mitchell 1854 to 1855. 18. Lewis Hayden 1855 to 1870. 19. Charles T. A. Francis .. 1870 to 1876. 20. Edward P. Rheeler 1876 to 1880. 21. Jeremiah P. Harvey ... 1880 to 1882. 22. Andrew M. Bush 1882 to 1883. 23. Samuel T. Bermingham 1883 to 1885. 24. Francis P. Clark 1885 to 1890. 25. Julius C. Chappelle .... 1890 to 1891. m Robert Morris _891 to 1892. ?,7 Nelson P. \> entworth . . 1892 to 1893. Emanuel Sullivan 1893 to 1894. ?9. Joseph J. Smith 1894 to 1895. 80 Benjamin G. Butler 1895 to 1898. R1 Frank. Douglass 1898 to 1899. 32. William L. Reed 1899 to 1902. *06 Official History of Freemasonry The above list of Grand Masters has been compiled from the records and manuscripts of old Masons, and shows continued and regular communication. Since the granting of the original charter sharp at¬ tacks and a quick defence as to our legality, with insur¬ mountable proofs of a pure Masonic origin, have followed one another from intelligent and able (if sometimes un¬ fair and unjust) Masonic commentators. Researches have been made and facts of Masonic history drawn out, charm¬ ing and delightful to the lover of the history of the Craft. This great question was brought prominently before the Masonic world in 1898 by the following incident: Two brother Masons by the names of Gideon S. Baylie and C. A. Rideout, by letter to the Grand Lodge (white*) of the State of Washington, in proper language and Masonic terms, prayed that the Grand Lodge of Washington would make provision whereby they, as true, trusty and tried Masons, could be brought to enjoy the fraternal confidence of the members of the Craft, etc. This letter was received by the Grand Lodge of Washington, and by them referred to a committee who subsequently reported. This report, for fair statements of fact and for unper- verted truth, has never been surpassed. The committee went over the often explored field of our Masonic origin and found, as others had who were actuated by the feeling of common justice and fair play, indisputable proofs of the legality of our origin and the facts of our perpetuation according to the usages of Masonry long established. (See "Light on Dark Subjects," 1889.) It is not our purpose to call in question the right to recognition of the colored Masons in the United States by their white fellow Masons. That should give him no con¬ cern, especially when lie knows he is recognized in all other countries, and the only barrier in some of the States of the Union is the color of his skin, not Masonry. Colored and white men received their Freemasonry from the same source. This all men must acknowledge. Hhev have among them, as the reader will see in another part of this book, every rite known to Freemasonry throughout the *The terms white and white lodges. wTherever employed in this hook, are used merely as terms to distinguish the bodies. Among the Colored People in North America. J07 civilized world. On our visits to Europe, Asia, Africa, West Indies and South America, a few years ago, we were fraternally received in each department of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a secret society, and for more than two thousand years its members were forbidden to publish any¬ thing relative to its origin or teaching; yet, through all that period, its history was transmitted from generation to generation, unsullied by time and uncontaminated by the sacrilegious hands of the innovator. This is not difficult to account for when it is remembered that the legends and traditions of the order have ever constituted a portion of the teaching intimately connected with and inseparable from the ritual of the lodge room. These instructions have not only been communicated to all initiates, but they have been required so to impress them on their own minds as to be able to teach them in turn from man to man in the same unmistakable and unalterable symbolism, thus pre¬ serving their identity and their universal language. It has been the earnest aim of the compiler and author to embody in these pages the latest conclusions of the most eminent authorities regarding Freemasonry among colored Masons in the United States. The especial object in the preparation of this work being to clear away the rubbish and bring to light historical truths pertaining to the ad¬ vancement and achievements of the negroes in the United States since the emancipation, and the establishment and growth of Freemasonry among colored men during the past century. 10$ Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XI. freemasonry in pennsylvania 1797. Rev. Absalom Jones, the first Master of African Lodge of Philadelphia, was born a slave in Sussex, Delaware, on the 6th of November, 1746. He was not able to procure a common school education before reaching manhood, but, when the opportunity came he studied faithfully and dil¬ igently and soon acquired quite a proficiency in his studies. By industrious habits and close attention to business, in a short time he became the owner of several houses in the city of Philadelphia. He studied for the ministry and in 1792 organized St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, the first of that denomination established in America for colored people. He became the first pastor and served as such for twenty-two years. In September, 1793, the yellow fever broke out in Philadelphia and was mostly confined to the white population. The colored people were asked to come forward and assist in caring for the sick. To this sum¬ mons they nobly responded. Rev. Absalom Jones, Rich¬ ard Allen, William Gray, Peter Richmond, Dr. Rush and William Burleigh were appointed superintendents of the work. For the diligent and heroic manner in which they fought the disease Mayor Matthew Clarkson commended them by issuing the following: "Having, during the prevalence of the late malignant disorders, had almost daily opportunity of seeing the con¬ duct of Absalom Jones, Richard Allen and the people em¬ ployed by them to bury the dead, etc., approbation of their proceedings, diligence, attention and 'decency of deport¬ ment, as far as the same came under my notice, affords me much satisfaction. "(Signed) Matthew Clarkson, "Mayor, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1794." Among the Colored People in North America. J 09 Rev. Jones numbered among his friends Prince Hall of Boston. Their friendship lasted until the death of the latter in 1807. First Grand Master of Pennsylvania, 1815. The following letter was sent by Prince Hall to Eev. Tones, in answer to a letter of introduction of Mr. Henry Stewart of Philadelphia: JJO Official History of Freemasonry (Boston, Sept. 16th, 1789. Dear Brethren" op the African Society : These lines come to acquaint you that we have your recommended brother, Mr. Henry Stewart, with us, and I am happy to hear that you have such a society built on so laudable a foundation. May God prosper you in this and all your undertakings for the good of your African brethren. I hope you will go on and prosper. I shall be always happy in hearing of your welfare. We here are not idle, but are doing what we can to promote the interest and good of our dear brethren that stand in so much need at such a time as this. We shall be glad, therefore, to hear of your proceedings by letter of correspondence with us. Your brother Stewart will inform you by word of mouth of some Masonic proposals we m&.de to him, which I do no? cars to write at this time. No more at present, but remain. Your loving brother. Farewell, (Signed) Prince Hall. EEPLY TO PRINCE HALL'S LETTER. Philadelphia, Sept. 28th, 1789. Dear Brother: We read your epistle by the hand of Henry Stewart, one of our members, who visited you. It afforded us much sat¬ isfaction to find that you are united with us in laboring in the same vineyard, we seriously hope to the honor of God and the benefit of mankind. Absalom Jones. On March 2d, 1797, Rev. Absalom Jones, together with other leading colored citizens of Philadelphia, held a meet¬ ing for the purpose of petitioning African Lodge of Boston for a charter to work a Masters' Lodge in their city. This petition was signed by Rev. Jones, Rev. Peter Man- tore, William Harding, James Forten, Peter Richmond and Richard Parker, Dispensation was granted by Provincial Grand Master Prince Hall, March 29th, 1797. At the same time he informed them that the Grand Lodge was "willing to set them at work, under a copy of their charter, and Lodge Among the Colored People in North America. I i I 45!) from London. Under that authority and by the name of African Lodge, 459, of Philadelphia, Pa., we hereby and hereon give you license to assemble and work as afore¬ said, under that denomination as in the sight and fear of God." At a meeting held June 24th, 1797, the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted a warrant to Rev. Absalom Jones, W. M., Peter Mantore, S. W., William Harding, J. W., and others to establish a Lodge of Master Masons in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., giving them a true copy of the warrant that they had received from England, granted in 1784 and received 1787. The officers were duly installed by G. M. Prince Hall, assisted by Cyrus Forbes, Senior Grand War¬ den, and George Middleton, Junior Grand Warden, Sep¬ tember 22d, 1797. First officers: Eev. Absalom Jones, W. M. Rev. Peter Mantore, S. W. William Harding, J. W. Peter Richmond, Secretary. Rev. Richard Allen, Treasurer. James Forten, S. D. Richard Parker, J. D. Thomas Depee, Tiler. The Lodge held its regular communications at 155 Lom¬ bard Street. On November 26th, 1798, John Coates, Evans Jones, Rev. William White, Csesar Thomas, Henry Stewart, Peter Miller, Nathan Gray, Francis Johnson, Caesar Worthington and James Moses met at Brother Mark Stevenson's house and passed a resolution changing the name of the Lodge from African Lodge, No. 459, to James Moses Lodge, No. 1, F. A. A. M. The action of these members was brought to the atten¬ tion of Provincial Grand Master Prince Hall, who refused to sanction their acts. Therefore the name was never used. The Lodge continued to grow and celebrated its ten years of organization in 1808 by marching from their hall to St. Thomas's Church, where they had a sermon preached by Rev. Richard Allen. Some of the grand officers of Official History of Freemasonry the Grand .Lodge of Massachusetts and the following members were present: Roster of the Early Members of African Lodge, .No. 459, of Free and Accepted Masons, located in Philadelphia, Pa., 1797- 1808. Rev. Absalom Jones, *Rev. Peter Mantore, *William Harding. *Peter Richmond, Rev. Richard Allen, *James Forten, *Richard Parker, *Thomas Depee, Rev. William White, *Cfesar Thomas, Henry Stewart, Pet.er Miller, *Nathan Gray, *Csesar Washington, *James Moses, Mark Stevenson, *William Jeffers, *Passey Benjamine, Clark Perry, *Richard Nurse, *Jonathan Harding, *Prince Sanders, Warren Thomas, Jacob Gilmore, Evans Jones, William Gray, *Robert Barclay, William Gardner, Randall Sheppard, *Rev. Charles Carr, Francis Johnson, J. Blake. John Coates, *Prim Clover, *SamueI Baston, Joseph Johnson, *Cato Freeman, *Caesar Cranchell, James Potter, Anthony Taylor, *Kingston Pease, John Dodd, Cyrus Bnstill, Bustill Bowser, *Robert Bogle, *Tod Finch, James Caton, Abraham Inglis, *William Wiltshire, *Nicholas Wain, William Rogers, Miers Fisher, *James Mintess, *Israel De Silver, Francis Lewis, *Thomas Henderson, William Burrows, John Emory, *Alexander Cicero, James Dexter, *Cato Wilks, *Peter Bows. Note—Those names marked * were made Masons and received the Royal Arch and Templar Degrees in England, France and the West Indies. The Lodge certificate given John Dodd, Master Mason, Febru¬ ary 16, 1792, commending him to the Fraternity Universal, and signed Prince Hall, G. M.; Cyrus Forbes, S. G. W.; George Mid- dleton, J. G. W.; may also be found in this record. On June 8th, 1810, George Middleton, Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass., granted a warrant to establish Union Lodge, No. 2, and now No. 1. This was the second Lodge in Pennsylvania. In 1811, Peter Lew, Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge, granted a warrant to open Laurel Lodge, No. 5, now No. 2, and Phoenix Lodge, No. 6, and now No. 3, in 1814. On St. John's day, December 27th, A. D. 1815, a convention of the Craft was held for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania. The Craft Among; the Colored People in North America. 113 assembled at Masonic Hall, 155 Lombard Street, and con¬ summated the organization of the Grand Lodge by the election of Rev. Absalom Jones, M. W. G. M.; Richard Parker, R. W. D. G. M.; Thomas Depee, R. W. G. S. W.; Prim Clover, R. W. G. J. W.; Peter Richmond, R. W. G. Secretary. The subordinate Lodges surrendered their old warrants to the mother Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and took out warrants from the Grand Lodge of Penn¬ sylvania. The title of the Grand Lodge was fixed as fol¬ lows: "The First African Independent Grand Lodge of F. and A. M's. of North America for the State of Penn¬ sylvania." The Lodges were rechartered and numbered as follows: Union Lodge, No. 1; Laurel Lodge, No. 2; Phoenix Lodge, No. 3. On the corner stone of the Masonic Hall, South Eleventh Street, Philadelphia, laid October 25th, 1814, may be seen this inscription: "Founded by Peter Richmond, Worshipful Master of the African Lodge, No. 459, Oct. 25, 1814. A. L. 5814." This Grand Lodge is therefore a descendant from Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and the second colored Grand Lodge in the United States, and upon its rolls will be found master minds—historians, scholars, lawyers, doctors, preachers, and Masonic jurists, who gave their life's work in upbuilding the Craft in America. From this Grand Lodge warrants were issued to subordinate Lodges in many of the States. Rev. Absalom Jones, after many years of active and faithful service in the church and the Masonic Fraternity, was released from his toils and labors by the messenger Death on February 13th, 1818, aged 71 years. On the 8th of July, 1818, the following notice was pub¬ lished in Poulson's American Daily Advertiser: "At a meeting of the African Grand Lodge of North America, held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 6th inst., we did therein agree, by the unanimous voice of said Lodge, to expel the persons whose names are hereto affixed, for their bad conduct and misdemeanors, for the term of ninety-nine years, nine month, nine weeks and nine days. * James G. Johnson-, Secretary." JJ4 Official History of Freemasonry Sixteen names followed of members who in a previous issue of the same paper had declared themselves "dissenting from and independent of that body/' On the 4th of January, 1819, the warrant of Union Lodge, No. 1, was ordered to be restored to the Grand Lodge, while the Lodge was ordered to be expelled for ninety-nine years, nine months, nine weeks and nine days, These expulsions led to the formation of what was known as Hiram Grand Lodge in July, 1819, by the expelled mem¬ bers of Union Lodge and others. In 1825 some members of Harmony Lodge, No. 5, were also expelled by the Independent African Grand Lodge. They continued to hold meetings and engage in the work, and claimed to have obtained, May 7th, 1833, a charter from the Grand Lodge (white) of Ohio, meeting at Chilli- cothe. The bitterest animosity existed for years between these organizations. This state of affairs was not confined to Pennsylvania. In New York the Lodges were separate and distinct bodies, holding no intercourse with each other, and cherishing, in many instances, hatred where love should exist between them. Prior to June 24th, 1847, there were only four Grand Lodges in the United States, two in Pennsylvania, one in Massachusetts and one in New York, but in several other States there were subordi¬ nate Lodges. The members of the two Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania endeavored to unite themselves under the National Grand Lodge, in bonds that would be irrevocable and indissoluble. At a meeting of the masters, wardens and legal repre¬ sentatives of the subordinate Lodges under African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Hiram Grand Lodge of the same State, held at the Hall of African Grand Lodge, South Eleventh Street, on January 19th, 1848, according to previous notice and arrangements, they did agree that the two Grand Lodge warrants and all former warrants and dispensations under their jurisdiction were hereby re¬ voked and declared forever hereafter null and void, and it was further resolved that new warrants be granted to all subordinate Lodges. All was peace and harmony, but in October of the fol- Among the Colored People in North America. JJ5 lowing year dissensions arose, and those Lodges which had formerly constituted Hiram Grand Lodge flocked to themselves, and on November 9th, 1849, at a meeting held in the Hall, South Seventh Street, adopted this resolution: "Resolved, That the members herein named dissolve all further connection with the N. G. L. of the U. S. A., to take effect forthwith." These Lodges, aided and abetted by the Grand Master, Jacob Jenkins, claimed to be the Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania, and held meetings in the hall on South Seventh Street, from which the other Lodges were excluded. The M. W. Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania was the title of both bodies, but they were more familiarly styled Eleventh Streeters and Seventh Streeters. The two bodies entered into negotiations looking to a union in the fall of 1881, but with worse results than before. For the result has been the formation of a third Grand Lodge, and the commencement of two suits in equity. The court finally decided that the Old Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges, which by deed appeared to have a bona fide interest in the property had a right, and none other. The grand bodies healed all differences and effected a union in 1882, since which time harmony has prevailed throughout the State, the old mother Grand Lodge of 1815 reigning supreme. In 188-4 the following order was issued: "The Worshipful Masters, Wardens and members of all Lodges under the jurisdiction of the M. W. Grand Lodge will take notice, "That at the Annual Grand Communication held Decem¬ ber 27th and 29th, A. L. 5884, Article V. of the General Regulations, was altered and amended to read as follows: " 'Article Y.—The Grand Lodge shall be held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 24th day of June, but the \\6 Official History of Freemasonry Grand Lodge, by resolution adopted in open session, may order a meeting at any other place, at which meeting the grand officers shall be elected and installed ; and all mat¬ ters affecting the Craft generally, in this jurisdiction, shall be considered and acted upon.' "In the name of God, amen, amen. To thee we offer thanks in the name of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons (of color) of the State of Pennsylvania. Peace, happiness and prosperity. "Whereas, There exists in the State of Pennsylvania two separate bodies known as Grand Lodges of Colored Freemasons, the same having existed for a long period of time, and by said separation the Masonic and social hap¬ piness of the members of both Grand Lodges has been greatly retarded; and whereas, the principles of our time- honored institution demand no such separation; "Therefore, be it resolved, Both parties agreeing, that we enter into ways and means to effect a lasting union of the Craft in the State of Pennsylvania (of color) on the following basis: That after St. John's day, December the 27th, A. D. 1882, there shall be but one Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (of color) in the State of Penn¬ sylvania. "The said Grand Lodge to be known as the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Sf^+p of Pennsylvania. "The basis to form the said United Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania shall be a convention rf the Craft of both Grand Lodges (of color) in the State of Pennsylvania. Said convention to be composed of the Masters and War¬ dens of each warranted Lodge under the register of the two respective Grand Lodges now existing in the State of Pennsylvania, together with a committee of nine members and three alternates from each Grand Lodge, with each Grand Master and Grand Secretary. The said convention to convene on the 20th day of December, A. D. 1882, at 10 o'clock A. M., in the city of Philadelphia (the place to be hereafter named). Provided that a majority of the Lodges now working under the jurisdiction of the two respective Grand Lodges now in the State of Pennsylvania agree to Among the Colored People in North America. 117 these articles of union, and on the day of said convention, the 2(!th of December, A. D. 1882, they shall proceed to adopt a constitution and elect a Grand Master and other officers necessary to establish a Grand Lodge, and on the day of St. John, December 27th, A. D. 1882, they shall assemble and open a Lodge of Master Masons and install the officers elected the previous day, and proclaim the same. "There shall be nothing contained in these articles of agreement to be so understood as to prevent all past grand officers and members of the two respective Grand Lodges from retaining their rank as acknowledged by each Grand Lodge. "The United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Pennsylvania shall be composed in the following manner, namely, a Grand Master, Past Grand Masters, a Deputy Grand Master, Past Deputy Grand Mas¬ ters, Grand Senior and Junior Wardens, Past Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, District Deputy Grand Masters, Past District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, Past Grand Treasurers and Grand Sec¬ retaries, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Lecturing Master or Masters, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Organist, Grand Senior and Junior Deacons, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Tiler and the Masters and Wardens of all warranted Lodges, while acting as such; together with all Past Mas¬ ters by virtue of service. "There shall be from and after the day of the festival of St. John, December 27th, A. D. 1882, a full, perfect and perpetual union of and between the Free and Accepted Masons (of color) of the State of Pennsylvania, so that in all time hereafter they shall form and constitute but one brotherhood, and that the said community of colored Masons shall be represented in one Grand Lodge. "To be solemnly formed, constituted and held on the said day of the festival of St. John, December 27th, 1882, and thenceforth forever. "There shall be the most perfect unity in entering, passing, raising, instructing and clothing brothers, so that but one' pure, unsullied system according to the genuine ii& Official History of Freemasonry landmarks, laws and traditions of the (-raft, shall be main¬ tained, upheld and practiced throughout the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania from the day of the festival of St. John, December 27th, 1882. until time shall be no more. "To prevent all controversies or disputes as to the genu¬ ine and pure obligations, forms, rules and ancient tradi¬ tions of Freemasonry, and to further unite and bind the whole Craft of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (of color) in the State of Pennsylvania in one indissoluble bond, it is agreed that the obligations and forms that have from time immemorial been established, used and practiced in the Craft shall be recognized, accepted and taken by the members of both Grand Lodges as the pure and genuine obligations and forms by which the United Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and her dependent Lodges in every part of the world, shall be bound for the purpose of establishing and securing this 'perfect uniformity in all the warranted Lodges, and also prepare for the Grand Convention, on the 26th day of December, A. D. 1882, and to place all the members of both Grand Lodges on a level of equality on the day of said convention. "It is agreed that as soon as these presents shall have received the sanction of the two respective Grand Lodges, that each respective Grand Lodge shall appoint a commit¬ tee of expert workmen, to consist of five members, whose duty it shall be to visit the Lodges of both Grand Lodges for the purpose of harmonizing the work, if any difference exist, and further, each respective Grand Lodge, after sanctioning these articles of agreement, shall cause to be notified all the warranted Lodges under her jurisdiction, and request the Lodges to report, their approval or rejection on or before the first Monday in September, A. D. 1882. "For the purpose of avoiding all controversies respect¬ ing property belonging to the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of the two respective Grand Lodges, having the same name and number, the one possessing property in real estate shall take precedent in name and number; but should each be in possession of real estate, the matter of priority and number shall be determined by lot, and the name and number so disposed shall be discontinued. "The United Grand Lodge shall superintend the mattefc Among* the Colored People in North America. \\9 relating to the numbering of Lodges, either in session or by a committee appointed for that purpose. Signed on behalf of the Joint Committee For the one part— For the other part— Hans Shadd, Jonathan Miller, Luke White, John Hall, M. D., James T. Robinson, W. L. Underwood, Henry H. Gilbert, J. D. Kelley, Francisco R. Berlasque, Peter R. Jones, John W. Tate, James H. Berry, William H. Miller. James Ballard, John Loper, William H. Wilson. "The Craft was called upon to mourn the loss of Brother David Leary, in 1882. He was the most prominent Ma¬ son of his day. He gave many years of service to the Craft in all of its branches and was most conspicuous in establishing the upper degrees of Freemasonry. He de¬ parted this life on the third day of May, full of years and honors." "Rest to his ashes; Peace to his soul." "Through every soul a love celestial flows, And in God's likeness spirit glows." Most Worshipful Grand Masters of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania, F. and A. Masons, organized December 27th, 1815, as the First African Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North America. Rev. Absalom Jones from 1815 to 1816. Bro. Peter Richmond from 1816 to 1820. Bro. Freeman Lattimore, Sr from 1820 to 1821. Bro. Peter Richmond from 1821 to 1825. Bro. Richard Parker from 1825 to 1827. Bro. Peter Richmond from 1827 to 1829. Bro. Richard Parker from 1820 to 1831. Bro. George Hopewell from 1881 to 1833. Bro. Richard Hepburn from 1833 to 1838. Bro. George Clark from 1838 to 1839. 120 Official History of Freemasonry Bro. Wm. H. Riley . .. .from 1839 to 1848. Bro. Jacob Jenkins ... .from 1848 to 1849. Bro. Wm. H. Riley 1849 to 1850. Bro. Samuel A. Brown 1850 to 1853. Bro. Wm. H. Riley 1853 to 1857. Bro. Samuel Van Brakle 1857 to 1859. Bro. Wm. E. Gipson 1859 to 1860. Bro. Hans Shadd . .. .from 1860 to 1861. Bro. James Needham 1861 to 1863. Bro. Jonathan Davis 1863 to 1865. Bro. Nathaniel L. Durham 1865 to 1867. Bro. Ralph G. Gilmore 1867 to 1869. Bro. William Cooper 1869 to 1871. Bro. George W. Woolford 1871 to 1873. Bro. Aaron P. Faucet 1873 to 1875. Bro. James Fields Needham . .. 1875 to 1882. Bro. William H. Miller 1882 to 1885. Bro. W. L. Underwood to 1886. Bro. Samuel M. Bennett 1886 to 1887. Bro. W. S. Robinson 1887 to 1888. Bro. George W. Higgins 1888 to 1889. Bro. J. D. Kelley 1889 to 1890. Bro. John W. Simpson 1890 to 1892. Bro. John B. Stansberry 1892 to 1894. Bro. John R. Moore 1894 to 1895. Bro. Robert Brady 1895 to 1896. Bro. John L. Harkless 1896 to 1897. Bro. Geo. A. Fassitt 1897 to 1899. Bro. James L. Thomas 1899 to 1902. GRAND SECRETARIES, 1815-1902. Peter Richmond, Alfred S. Casey, Peter Mantore, John W. Tate, Richard Parker, John W. Fisher, James G. Johnson, Frank Wood, Freeman Lattimore, Sr., William P. Almond, Jonathan Davis, William S. Mower, Thomas McShesson, Joshua D. Kelley, William H. Miller, 1902. The following are the Grand Masters who served as such in Hiram and the Independent Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania prior to forming a union of the said Grand Bodies: J. F. ISTeedham, Francis Fausett, Charles Kelley, John R Rhodes, Francisco Wood, Jonathan Lopeman, Among the Colored People m North America* 121 David Waters, Jonathan R. Miller, Isaiah Cropper, George L. Berry, Charles N. Brown. The present title of this Grand Lodge is "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania." I cannot close the history of this State without giving thanks to Brother P. G. M. W. H. Miller, present Grand Secretary, and Brother P. G. M. James F. Needham, from whose manuscripts much of the information has been gathered. J 22 Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XII. freemasonry in" rhode island 1797, In the year 1797 Prince Hall granted a warrant to nine Master Masons who were previously made in African Lodge, No. 459, Boston, Mass. They were freemen and resided in Providence, R. I. This Lodge was duly established June 25th, 1797, under the title of Hiram Lodge, No. 3. This was the third Lodge established in America among colored men and the first Lodge in Rhode Island. It was also the only Lodge in the State for many years, and is still in existence. In 1825 M. W. G. M. Samuel H. Moody, of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, granted a warrant to fourteen Master Masons to establish another Lodge in the same city under the title of Providence Lodge, F. A. A. M., which was constituted January 22d of the same year. These two Lodges continued to meet socially and otherwise until 1853, when the Grand Lodge of Dela¬ ware granted warrants to fourteen Master Masons to establish a Lodge under the title of Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 5, located in Providence. The warrant bears the date of February 2d, 1853, making two Lodges in this State der the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, and one under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Delaware. In 1856 a convention of the Craft was called by Brother James A. Creighton, Worshipful Master of Meridian Sun Lodge, to meet in the city of Providence, October 5th, 1856, to organize a Grand Lodge for the State of Rhode Island, which was established by electing R. W. Brother James A. Creighton Grand Master and other grand officers. In 1873 the Grand Lodge of Delaware brushed aside the American Among- the Colored People in North America. 123 doctrine of State rights and granted warrants to estab¬ lish Lone Star Lodge, IS o. 14, at Providence, and Boyer Lodge, No. 15, at Newport, and these two Lodges were instituted June 20th of the same year, and remained under the Delaware Grand Lodge until 1879, when they joined the home Grand Lodge. Since organization this Grand Lodge has chartered eight subordinate Lodges, has held its regular annual communi¬ cations, and is in fraternal correspondence with other Masonic Lodges of the world. In this State there may be found Koyal Arch Chapters, Commanderies of Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, and the grand governing, bodies of the same. GRAND MASTERS, 1856-1902. James A. Creighton, Benjamin B. Bryan, Mahlon Van Horn, Lewis W. Williams, William H. Turner, Augustus Talbert, J. H. Banks, Edward B. Hebrew, John C. Barnes, Joseph E. Brown, 1902. PAST GEJAND SECRETARIES, 1856-1902. Thomas R. Glasco, Spencer S. Gilmore, Robert B. Wintorn, Lewis W. Williams, Joseph H. Banks, Joseph H. Pierce, 1902. f24 Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XIII. freemasonry in the state 'of new york 1812. In the year 1812 Peter Lew, Grand Master of Prince Grand Lodge, Boston, Mass., granted a warrant to nine aMster Masons to open and work a Lodge of Master Masons in New York city under the title of Boyer Lodge, No. 1, F. A. A. M. This Lodge was established February 16th, 1812. In the spring of 1826 Samuel H. Moody, Grand Master, issued warrants to Celestial Lodge, No. 2; Eising Sun, No. 3, and Hiram Lodge, No. 4. These Lodges re¬ mained under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts many years. In 1827 the Anti-Masonic ex¬ citement broke out, being set on foot by the disappearance of one William Morgan, of Batavia, in the autumn of 1826, who, it is said, was about to publish a book exposing the secrets of Freemasonry. The charge was made that the Masonic fraternity was responsible for his disappearance. On this circumstance an Anti-Masonic party was formed which extended to all the States and became a potent political factor. Members of the fraternity were shunned and ostracized. Even their children were pointed out as playmates to be avoided. The Masons were charged with being in league for the destruc¬ tion of the government, and under such bitter perse¬ cution many of the Lodges yielded to the force of circumstances and suspended their meetings until the war of bigotry had subsided. This war was principally waged against white Masons. So far as we can find out by exam¬ ining the minutes of the colored Lodges then in existence we find they stood by the great principles of the order, and so bequeathed to their successors unsurrendered charters Among* the Colored People in North America. 125 and an unsullied, full, complete and unbroken record of regular communications. A convention of the Craft was called to meet in the citv of New York, March 14th, 1845, to establish a Grand Lodge for the State. This was consummated by the election of Paul Drayton, Grand Master: James Barnett, S. Gr. W.; Alexander Elston, J. G. W.; Lewis Hayden, Paul Drayton, First Grand Master of New York, 1845. G. S.; C. G. Boyer, Sr., G. T., and other grand officers. The title of this Grand Lodge was Boyer Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. Harmony prevailed throughout the Craft. At the annual communication held December 2?th, 1847, in Brooklyn, a communication was received from Prince Hall Grand I 26 Official History of Freemasonry Lodge of Massachusetts, signed by John T. Hilton, G. M., inviting all the Grand Lodges to a Masonic conference to be held in Boston, June 24th, 1847. R. W. Brother Alex¬ ander Elston, Lewis Hayden, William Clark, were elected to represent the Grand Lodge of New York. On return of the delegates they reported the organization of a Na¬ tional Grand Lodge of Masons, and that each Grand Lodge must take out a warrant under the same. This declaration brought a storm of "no," and the Grand Lodge closed without accomplishing anything. The fight was taken up in the subordinate Lodges led by Brother James Barnett. In 1848 a convention of the Lodges was called to meet in the city of New York, October 13th, 1848, to unify the Craft. This resulted in the organization of another Grand Lodge under the title, United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of the State of New York, and elected and installed the following grand officers: James Barnett, M. W. G. M.; Jacob Gibbs, R. W. D. G. M.; Alexander Elston, R. W. S. G. W.; Arnold Ricks, R. W. J. G. W.; Charles Hooten, R. W. G. T; Jacob Francis, R W. G. Secretary, and other grand officers. The Grand Lodge entered upon its Masonic duties, hold¬ ing jurisdiction over the State and refusing to take a warrant from the National Grand Lodge. In 1855, through the influence of P. G. M. Paul Drayton and Alex¬ ander Elston, a Grand Lodge was formed claiming alle¬ giance to the National Grand Lodge, under the title of "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New York." Here the State rights and National compacts renewed their fight. At the session held in June, 1869, in New York city, the following resolutions were approved and adopted, and a copy ordered to be forwarded to the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio: "To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and its jurisdiction, greeting: "Whereas, The M-. W. Grand Lodge of the State of New York has been officially informed of the action taken by the M. W. Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio and its jurisdiction, at a special communication held at Lebanon, County of Warren, State of Ohio, September 21, A. L. Among the Colored People in North America. J27 o1 12. Adolphus Hall 13. William Tunnia .18(53 14. Robert H. Booker ]fG4 15. W. H. Thomas o 16. John P. Cook 1866 John F. Cook 18(57 John F. Cook 18G8 John F. Cook I860 John F. Cook 1870 John F. Cook 3871 John F. Cook 1872 John F. Cook 1873 17. William H. Myers 1874 18. William A. Taliafero 1875 John F. Cook 1876 John F. Cook 1877 19. George W. Brooks 1878 20. Leonard C. Bailey 1879 21. Charles C. C. Johnson 1882 22. S. Roger Watts 1884 23. John H. Lee 1887 24. Charles H. Lemos 1890 25. Henry Coleman 1893 26. Hamilton S. Smith 1896 27. John H. Burrill 1898 28. Prof. Robert H. Terrell 1899 Prof. Robert H. Terrell 1900 Prof. Robert H. Terrell 1901 Prof. Robert H. Terrell 1902 Past Grand Secretaries.—Past Grand Secretaries were as follows: 1848 John T. Costin. 1849 Ananias Herbert 1850 Ananias Herbert. 1851 William Ford. 1852 Francis Datcher. 1853 Francis Datcher. 1854 Robert S. Summerville. 1855 Andrew B. Tinney. 1856 John M. Brown. 1857 Samuel J. Datcher. 1858 Edward A. Watson. 1859 Edward A. Watson. 1860 John F. Cook. 1861 John F. Cook. J862 Edward M, Thomas. 1863 John F. Cook. 1864 Wm. A. Taliafero. 1865 Solomon G. Brown. 1866 Solomon G. Brown. 1867 Solomon G. Brown. 1868 Wm. H. Myers. 1869 Carter A. Stewart. 1870 Carter A. Stewart. 1871 Carter A. Stewart. 1872 John G. Goines. 1873 John G. (xoines. 1874 Wm. P. Ryder. 1875 John F. N. Wilkinson. 1876 John F. N. Wilkinson. 1877 John F. N. Wilkinson. Among1 the Colored People in North America* \ 43 1878 John F. X. Wilkinson. 18! 10 William II. Myers. 187!) John F. N. Wilkinson. 1891 William H. Myers. 1880 William II. Myti's. 18! >2 William H. Myers. 1881 William II. Myers. 1893 William H. Myers. 1882 William II. Myers. 18! >4 William II. Myers. 1883 William' H. Myers. 18!)5 William II. Myers. 1884 William H. Myers. 1800 William H. Myers. 1885 William H. Myers. 1897 William H. Myers. 1886 William II. ■Myers. 1898 William H. Myers. 1887 William H. Myers. 1899 William H. Myers. 1888 -William H. Myers. 1900 William H. Myers. 1889 William H. Myers. 1901 William H. Myers. Committee on Fiftieth Anniversary.—The Grand Master, on the 15th day of December, 1897, appointed P. G. M. Richard H. Gleaves, P. G. M. W. H. Myers, P. G. M. S. Roger Watts, P. G. M. John TV. Mays and P. S. G. W. Samuel H. West to make the necessary ar¬ rangements for the celebration of the fiftieth year of its existence The Craft assembled March 27th, 1898, in the Metro¬ politan A. M. E. Church, in full Masonic dress, where a sermon was delivered by the Rev. and Bro. J. Albert Johnson, D, D., pastor of said church. Every department of Freemasonry turned out, the Grand Master and many brethren from Maryland joining in the service. Addresses were delivered by the following: M. W. John H. Burrill, G. M.; M. W. William H. Myers, G. S.; P. G. M. S. Roger Watts; Grand High Priest Samuel H. West; Grand Com¬ mander Lewis H. Wayne; M. P. G. Commander Thornton A. Jackson; E. G. P. William H. Stevenson; P. G. M. Henry Coleman; P. M. William H. Bruce; P. M. James 0. Bampfield; P. G. M. Richard H. Gleaves, and P. G. M. Lemuel C. Bailey. Subordinate Lodges in District op Columbia.—Date of chapter and list of officers: Social Lodge, No. 7, now No. 1, chartered and consti¬ tuted by African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, June 6th, 1825, A. L. 5825, with the following officers: W. M. John W. Prout, Treasurer, Moses Liverpool, S. W. Francis Datcher, Secretary,, William C. Costin, J. w! William Jackson, S. D. William Wormley, J. D. Lloyd Nichols. Official History of Free masonry Felix Lodge, No. 17, now No. 3, chartered and consti¬ tuted by Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, April 4th, 1846, A. L. 5816, with the following officers: W. M. Augustus Costin, Sec'y- John T. Costin, S. W. Richard H. Phiske, Treas. Benj. Newton, .T. W. John Massey, S. D. Bazel Sims, J. D. Charles Hunt. Hiram Lodge, No. 4, Georgetown, D. C., chartered and constituted June 22d, 1851, A. L. 5851, by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the following officers: Clement Beckett, W. M. John Carnel, S. W. William Beckett, J. W. Eureka Lodge, No. 5, chartered and constituted Octo¬ ber 26th, 1858, A. L. 5858, by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the following officers: Edward M. Thomas, W. M. James H. A. Schurman, S. W. Edward A. Watson, J. W. Warren Lodge, No. 8, chartered and constituted Novem¬ ber 10th, 1867, A. L. 5867, by the Grand Lodge of Mary¬ land, with the following officers: James Thomas, W. M. John H. Mitchell, S. W. Meridian Lodge, No. 6, chartered and constituted April 19th, 1869, A. L. 5869, by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the following officers: William H. Myers, W. M. Nathan Addison, S. W. Arthur Payne, J. W. Widow's Son Lodge, No. 7, chartered and constituted November 10th, 1871, A. L. 5871, by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the following officers: John W. Heard, W. M. Wm. F. Lee, Secy. Mason S. Lameny, S. W. Robert Williams, Chaplain. J. W. Jackson, J. W. Wm. Harris, S. Steward. Joseph N. Williams, S. D. Geo. Jackson, J. Steward. Benj. F. Daily, J. D. Wm. Smith, Tiler. Among the Colored People in North America. 145 Pythagoras Lodge, No. 12, chartered and constituted by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, June 5th, 1871, A. L. 587i, with the following officers: R. W. Thornton A. Jackson, W. M. Thomas Hicks, Secretary. A.. W. Tucker, S. W. Wellington Taylor, Treas, A. W. Tancil, J. W. Robert Ai'instead, S. D. John H. Smith, J. W. All of the members were from Warren Lodge, No. 9. John F. Cook Lodge, No. 10, chartered and constituted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, April 10th, 1873, A. L. 5873, with the following officers: R. W. Richard J. Collins, W. M. George H. Lee, Secretary. Isaac Unckles, S. W. Barnard McClintock, S. D. William H. White, J. W. Philip Green, J. D. Joseph Harris,. Treasurer. Anthony Coates, S. S. Thomas Payne, J. S. Sprig of Acacia Lodge, No. 11, chartered and constituted at Hillsdale, D. C., August 28th, 1874, A. L. 5874, by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, with the follow¬ ing officers: R. W. John A. Green, W. M. Wm. Green, S. W. Wm. H. Robinson, J. W. Solomon G. Brown, Secretary. Gabriel H. Green, Tl-easurer. . Thomas M. W. Green, S. D. Albert Moten, J. D. Albert Hawkins, S. Steward. Isaac Diggs, J. Steward. David W. Hickman, Tiler. St. John's Lodge, No. 12, chartered and constituted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, July 24th, 1885, A. L. 5885, with the following officers: R. W. Wm. H. A. Young, W. M. H. W. Hamilton, Secretary. Nathaniel Robinson, S. W. Wm. Hill, S. D. A. B. Winslow, J. W. Wm. Sewall, J. D. J. R. Tubman, Treasurer. Ferdinand Ryals, Tiler. Prince Hall Lodge, No. 14, chartered and constituted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, July 19th, 1894, A. L. 5894, with the following officers: 146 Official History of Freemasonry R. W. Jerome A. Johnson, W. M. Jas. A. McDuffee, S. W. J. Frank Boston, J. W. Clifton A. Johnson, Treasurer. Geo. W. Dickey, Secretary. Byron S. Fisher, S. D. Samuel B. Jackson. J. D. A. Lincoln Brown, Tiler. Charles Datcher Lodge, No. 15, chartered and consti¬ tuted by the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia^ January 17th, 1900, with the following officers: R. W. James W. Thompson, W. M. James W. Harris, Chaplain, Samuel T. Craig, S. W. W. Collins, S. D. William S. Fulton, J. W. Mathew M. Taylor, J. D. John, Becknith, Treasurer. John T. Simmons, S. S. Alexander F. Hicks, Secretary. Henry Simmons, J. S. Samuel Berry, Tiler. EARLY MEMBERS OF SOCIAL LODGE. Marked thus * made in England. 1. John W. Prout, 30. Benj. Parrum, 2. Francis Datcher, Sr. 31. Bazil Sims, 3. William Jackson, 32. James Wright, 4. William C. Costin, 33. Robert Jackson, 5. William Wormley, 34. A. Diggs, 6. Lloyd Nichols, 35. Frederick Lewis, 7. John Wooland, 36. Joseph W. Smith, 8. George Hicks, 37. Lewis Hennedy, 9. Charles Stewart, 38. James Roberts, 10. William A. Nichols, 39. William Burly, 11. John Randig,* 40. James H. Fleet, 12. James Harris, 41. William Y. Grant, 13. Edward Maddox,* 42. Charles Hall, 14. Nicholas Franklin, 43. William Thomas Lee, 15. Joshua Waters, 44. Peter Nicholson, 16. Charles D. Harris, 45. John Brown. Sr. 17. George Bell, 46. Robert Johnson, 18. Albert H. Holly, 47. Henry Lucas, 19. Robert H. Teel, 48. Henry Williams, 20. Richard Wallace, 49. William Moovis,* 21. Moses Liverpool, 50. John A. Mitchell, 22. William T. Richardsen, 51. John T. Ivenney, 23. George S. Jackson, 52. Dennis Hackett, 24. William T. Harris, 53. William Dudley,* 25. George Coggins,* 54. Thomas Thomas, 26. S. L. Smoot, 55. Francis Datcher, Jr., 27. Joseph Price,* 56. Charles Datcher, 28. Daniel McGruder, 57. Sandy Bryant,* 25*. Hamilton Savage, 58. Benj. Crier.* Records of the Grand Lodge of D. C. from 1848—1902. Records of Lodges 1825 to 1302. Among; the Colored People in North America. H7 OFFICERS OF SOCIAL LODGE. Charles D. Freeman, W. M., Geo. M. Webster, Secretary, Henry D. Pryor, J. D., Fred T. Webster, S. M. C., W. E. Jones, J. M. C., Eugene P. Minor, Tyler. PAST MASTERS OF SOCIAL LODGE, NO. 1, F. A. A. M„ In order of service, from June 6, 1825, to 1901. R. W., Bro. John W. Prout From 1825 to 1837 44 " Francis Datcher, Sr 1837 1839 44 44 William Jackson 1839 1840 " " William C. Costin 1840 1842 " " William Wormley 1842 1843 44 " Lloyd Nichols 1843 .1844 44 44 Charles Datcher 1844 1846 44 " Francis Datcher, Jr 1846 1847 " " John E, Thomas 1847 1854 44 " Thomas Tascoe 1854 1857 44 44 Thomas Brown 1857 1858 " 44 Joseph Smallwood 1858 1859 " 44 John M. Brown 1859 1861 " " David Fischer 1861 1862 44 " Thomas Tascoe 1862 1863 " 44 Charles Datcher 1863 1865 " 44 John Battle 1865 1868 44 44 Albert Parker 1868 1869 44 44 John T. Lucas 1869 1871 " " Mark M. Bell 1871 1872 " 44 William E. Dandridge .... 1872 1873 44 " John W. Freeman 1873 1874 44 44 William H. Grimshaw 1874 1875 44 " George M. Webster 1875 1876 44 44 John A. Gray 1876 1877 " " William W. Grymes 1877 1879 " " Henry Coleman 1879 1881 " " S. A. W. Simms 1881 1882 " " Charles H. Lemos 1882 1883 " " S. A. W. Simms 1883 1884 " " Arthur Simmons 1884 1886 « " George W. Simms 1886 1887 " " H. M. Armistead 1887 1889 « «' J. H. B. Thorne 1889 1890 « " Charles Stevenson 1890 1891 «« 44 William F. Thomas 1891 1892 ** 44 Charles Stevenson 1892 1894 «« " H. M. Bailey 1894 1895 « 44 George E. Grice 1895 1896 ** 44 R. L. Gaines 1896 189& 148 Official History of Freemasonry R. W. Bro. H. M. Bailey . .. " W. H. J. Malvin " " R. W. Thompkins From 1898 to 1899 1899 1901 1901 1902 SECRETARIES OF SOCIAL LODGE, 1825—1902. Life of Brother John F. Cook, 16th Grand Master of the District of Columbia.—Most Worshipful Brother John F. Cook, the 16th Grand Master of the District of Columbia, was born in the City of Washington, D. C., September 22d, 1833. At quite an early age he entered the school taught by his father, the late Kev. John F. Cook, which was located at the corner of Four¬ teenth and H Streets, N. W., on the site where now stands the St. Louis Hotel. In September, 1849, Mr. Cook entered the Central College, New York, where he remained until April, 1853, when he was matriculated in Oberlin College, Ohio, as a sophomore. He remained in college until the death of his father, which occurred March 24th, 1855. Eeturning home he immediately as¬ sumed charge of the school recently taught by his father, in which work he continued for two years, when he gave up the school to his brother George and went to Chicago, 111., for the purpose of engaging in the lumber trade, at that time one of the greatest industries of the middle west. Finding all business practically at a standstill because of the great financial panic of 1857, he went to New Orleans, La., and opened a school for the education of free colored people, in which school he taught success¬ fully until the mutterings of the approaching civil war William C. Costin... Francis Dateher, Sr. John Randig Francis Dateher, Jr. John M. Brown Solomon G. Brown Joseph T. Mason . ., William Grimes John M. Washington George Forrister . .. John Battle Julius Grice George M. Webster Fred Fowler From 1825 to 1839 1839 1846 1846 1847 1847 1854 1854 1855 1855 1860 1860 1862 1862 1865 1865 1868 1868 1869 1869 1875 1875 1879 1879 1902 1902 Among the Colored People in North America. \ 49 admonished him to return home. On reaching the city of his nativity lie again resumed his school work on the site where now stands his palatial residence. In this work he continued until July, 1867, when he accepted a clerkship in the office of the Collector of Taxes for the City of Washington, being the first colored man ever ap¬ pointed or elected to office under the city authorities. John F. Cook, Sixteenth Grand Master. In June, 18G8, Mr. Cook was elected by a large majority to represent the First Ward of the city in the Board of Aldermen. In June, 18G9, he resigned from the Board to enter upon the duties of Register of the City, to which position he had recently been elected by a handsome majority. He continued in this position until the expira¬ tion of his term of service, when he was appointed Register of the District of Columbia under the new Territorial 150 Official History of Freemasonry Government created by act of Congress. The affairs of the office were so satisfactorily administered by Mr. Cook that on July 20th, 1874, he was appointed to the more responsible position of Collector of Taxes for the District of Columbia, which office he held until April 30th, 1888, when he was removed for political reasons only, and a Dem¬ ocrat appointed to the office. During Mr. Cook's admin¬ istration there passed directly through his hands nearly ■fifty-six millions of dollars, and to his everlasting honor and credit, and. the honor and credit of the race he so ably represented, be it said that at the close of his. four¬ teen years of service every dollar he "had collected had been properly accounted for. Mr. Cook was elected a delegate to represent the Dis¬ trict of Columbia at the convention that nominated Grant and Wilson, and again elected to the convention that nomi¬ nated Garfield and Arthur. In November, 1875, Mr. Cook was elected a member of the Board of Trustees of Howard University and later a member of the Executive • Committee of said Board, in which position he still con¬ tinues. He is, and has been for a number of years, a mem¬ ber of the Board of Children's Guardians, and has been un¬ tiring in his efforts to e^vate to a higher moral and intel¬ lectual standard, the unfortunate beings under his contr-ol. Many unfortunate sufferers can testify as to Mr. Cook's charity and liberality although his motto has ever been not to do "alms before men to be seen of them." In 1859 he was initiated in Eureka Lodge, No. 5., F. A. A. M. At this time the Lodge was only a year old, having been established October 26th, 1858, by Grand Mas¬ ter Edward Evans. His ability and noble traits of char¬ acter especially fitted him for his Masonic duties. He was elected to all the stations, not only in his Lodge, but the Grand Lodge as well. He succeeded M. W. Brother Wil¬ liam H. Thomas as M. W. Grand Master, December 27th, 1866, and held that office from 1866 to 1874. He was again elected to serve during 1876 and 1877. There were only five Lodges in the District of Columbia when he first became Grand Master, but through his wise and consummate diplomacy the following Lodges were added to the register of the Grand Lodge: Meridian Lod^e Among- the Colored People in North America. 15t November 6th, 18G9; Widow's Son Lodge, No. 7, 1871; Warren Lodge, No. 8, 1871; Pythagoras Lodge, No. 9, 1871; John F. Cook Lodge, No. 10, 1872, and Sprig of Acacia Lodge, No. 11, 1874. Under his guidance the Grand Lodge severed its relations with the National Grand Lodge in 1871. The results gained were: Fraternal relations with the Grand Lodges throughout the east, west and south, and a united jurisdiction. This was no easy triumph, as conservative Craftsmen stood in the way and contested step by step, but he threw his whole soul into the work, and with vigilance and earnestness of purpose carried conviction to those who op¬ posed his measures. His great zeal and influence were cast on the side of uni¬ versal Masonry and the uplifting of the Craft over which he had the honor of presiding. Indeed, it may be said of him in State as well as in Masonry, that few men have done more work and fewer still have done it so well. He is highly honored and respected by all who know or know of him, without regard to race connections, and he enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his fellow citi¬ zens wherever he is known. Lodges Organized and by Whom Chartered.—Free¬ masonry in the District of Columbia has direct descent from the mother Grand Lodge of London, England, through Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass., 1784, who chartered African Lodge, No. 459, of North America, of Philadelphia, Pa., in 1797. The Grand Lodge of Penn¬ sylvania was organized in 1815. 182'" 1845 1846 1851 1858 18t>' 1869 1871 1871 1873 18M 1889 1^04 1900 Name of Lodge, ■facial Lodge Universal Lodge Felix Lodge Hiram Lodge Eureka Lodge Warren Lodge Meridian Lodge Widow's Son Lodge.. Pythagoras Lodge... John F. Cook Lodge.. Sprig rf Acacia Lodge St. John's Lodge Prince Hall Lodge.. Charles Pitcher.... Located. Dist. of Col Alexandria, Va, Dist. of Col Date of Original Charter. June 6.. Aug. 26. April 4.. June 22. Oct. 26.. Nov. 10.. April 19. Nov. 10.. June 5.. April 10. June 20. July 24.. July 19.. Jan. 17.. Chartered From. African G. L., Phila.,Pa. Hiram G. L.,Phila., Pa. Hiram G. L., Phila., Pa. G. L„ Dist. of Col. G. L., Dist. of Col. G. L., Maryland. G. L., Dit»t. of Col. G. L., Dist. of CoL G. L., Maryland. G. L., Dist. of Col. m Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XY. royal arch masonry in the district op columbia. Mount Vernon Chapter, No. 4, now No. 1, was or¬ ganized September 1st, 1850, and chartered by African Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, with Companion John A. Gray as High Priest; Companion Charles Hunt, King; Companion William H. Thomas, Scribe; Companion Dan¬ iel Wallace, Treasurer; Companion C. C. Johnson, Captain of the Host; Companion Robert H. Summerville, P. S.; Companion William H.. Edinburg, 3d V. ;■ Companion John H. Sims, 2d V.; Companion Edw. L. Savoy, Sr., 1st Y., and Companion Edward Thomas, Guard. The officers were duly installed by Grand Officers Jacob Jenkins, M. E. G. H. P.; David Leary, M. E. G. King; William Cooper, M. E. G. Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. A Chapter room was fitted up by Compan¬ ion John A. Gray, H. P., at Patterson Hall, Fifteenth Street, between L and M Streets, N. W., where the Chap¬ ter met for many years. This Chapter continued under the first Independent African Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, until the Grand Chapter of Maryland was organized. This Chapter was then transferred to that jurisdiction. Union Chapter, No. 5, now No. 2, was organized on the recommendation of Mount Yernon Chapter and chartered by the Grand Chapter of Maryland, June 9th, 1854, and the following officers were installed: Thomas Tascoe, H. P.; Adolphus Hall, King; Hiram Gray, Scribe. The Grand Officers present were: David P. Jones, M. E. G. II. P.; William H. Sale, M. E. G. King ; Samuel H. Williams, M. E. G. Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Maryland. Rising Sun R. A. C., No. 6, now No. 3, of Alexandria, Ya., organized October 2d, 1865, and chartered by the Among the Colored People in North America. J 53 Grand Chapter of Maryland, has since surrendered its war¬ rant, to assist in forming the Grand Chapter of Virginia. Prince Hall Chapter, No. 5, was organized July 8th, 1870, and chartered by the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia. Officers as follows: Mark M. Bell, H. P.; John W. Freeman, King; Perrv Kyder, Scribe; W. H. Hutchinson, Treasurer; John B. Washington, Secretary. St. John's, Chapter, No. 7, was organized and chartered W. H. Thomas Scribe. by the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia in 1873. Companion J. B. Hutchings, High Priest; Companion John N. Dorster, King; Companion C. H. W. Stoakley, Scribe. King Hiram Chapter, No. 8, was organized in 1873 and chartered by the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, with the following officers: M. Ex. Companion Samuel Param, II. P.; Companion David Hughes, King; i 54 Official History of Freemasonry Companion William Blakey, Scribe; Companion Isaac V». Scott, Treasurer; Companion George H. W. Tancil, Scribe, Companion John H. Edwards, Captain of the Host; Com¬ panion Thornton Davis, P. S.; Companion Jeremiah Yr-?P" per, R. A. C.; Companion George R. Williams, M. 3d v.; Companion Simon Archer, M. 2d V.; Companion Richard Herod, M. 1st V.; and Companion James E. Cooper, Sentinel. Keystone Chapter, No. 11, R. A. M., was organized De¬ cember 27th, 1881, in Georgetown, D. C., and chartered by the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia. Officers as follows: M. Ex. Companion John A. Butler, High Priest; Companion Benj. F. Dailey, King; Companion Gates Dixon, Scribe. The Council of M. Ex. H. P's., instituted December 3d, 1872, A. Inv. 2402, Companion Charles C. Johnson, M. Ex. G. H. P.; Companion Robert H. Summerville, Secre¬ tary; Companion John H. Burrill, Treasurer; Companion Isaac Clark, Herald; Companion William II. Myers, Chaplain; Companion Adolphus Hall, Scribe; Companion W. H. Edinburg, J. W.; Companion G. Henry Burch, Conductor; Companion Charles Hunt, Guard. Grand Chapter, Royal Arch.—Mount Yernon Chap¬ ter, No. 4, Royal Arch Masons, organized 1850, District of Columbia; Union Chapter, No. 5, of Georgetown, organ¬ ized 1854, District of Columbia; Rising Sun Chapter, No. 6, organized 1865, Alexandria, Ya.; all working under a charter from Union Grand Chapter for the State of Mary¬ land, met in convention at Masonic Hall, on the 5th day of January, 1866, to organize a Grand Chapter for the Dis¬ trict of Columbia. Companion W. H. Thomas was elected presiding officer, and Companion John G. Goines, secretary. The convention held meetings as follows: February 6th, February 20th and March 19J.h. At the first session a com¬ mittee of five were appointed to select grand officers who were as follows: Companion, Thomas Brown, Chairman. Companion. A. Hall, Companion, Isaac Clark, Companion, J. H. Davis, Companion, Charles Hunt. Among- the Colored People in North America. 155 A committee of three was appointed to design and have prepared a seal for the Grand Chapter—Companions Charles Hunt, R. H. Summerville and John A. Gray. The second session of the convention, held February 6th, 1886, received reports from committees as follows: The Com¬ mittee on Grand Officers, M. E. G. High Priest, Companion Adolphus Hall; Companion W..H. Thomas, Grand King; Companion Charles Hunt, Scribe; Companion J. H. Davis, Grand Treasurer; Companion J. H. Smallwood, G. S.; Companion W. H. Edinburgh, Grand Captain of the Host; Companion R. H. Summerville, G. P. S.; Companion John T. Costin, Grand R. A. C.; Companions Thomas Brown and John E. Lemmons, Masters of V. S. The Committee on Seal submitted design for seal for Grand Chapter: "A seven-pointed star within a double circle marked Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, A. Ino. 2395." The convention elected the following as officers of the Grand Chapter: Most Excellent Companion, Adolphus Hall, Grand High-Priest, Most Excellent Companion, Charles Hunt, Grand King, Most Excellent Companion, W. H. Edinburg, Grand Scribe, Most Excellent Companion, R. H. Summerville, Grand Secretary, Most Excellent Companion, Thomas Brown, Grand Treasurer. The third session was held February 20th, 1866. The convention notified Union Grand Chapter of H. R. A. Masons for the State of Maryland of the action of the con¬ vention in forming a Grand Chapter of H. R. A. Masons for the District of Columbia, and that they would have a public installation of the officers of the Grand Chapter, and invited the Grand Chapter of Maryland, with the subordinate Lodges and Simon and Henderson Com- manderies to attend the installation. A committee was appointed to arrange the same, composed of Companions R. H. Summerville, chairman, Isaac Bell, Clem Beckett and Thomas Brown. Most Excellent Co.mpanions John A. Gray and John T. Costin were named as orators of the day. The fourth session of the convention was held March 19th, 1866. At this session the constitution was adopted, the d'ate of organization of the Grand Chapter R. A. Masons 156 Official History of Freemasonry for the District of Columbia fixed as January 5th, A. Ino. 2395; March 30th, 1866, fixed as the date> ±or tne installation, and the original design of the seal modified. The companions who composed that convention did their work well. From this primitive beginning, Royal Arch Masonry has stretched the mantle of her benign influ¬ ence over almost every State in the Union, thus laying the foundation upon which to erect a superstructure which was designed not only to reflect credit and honor upon the illustrious companions who composed the convention, but as well upon the Grand Chapter. At the first meeting of the convention, held at Masonic Hall, Washington, D. C., on the 30th day of March, A. L. 5856, A. Ino. 2396, Companion W. H. Thomas, Past Grand High Priest of Union Grand Chapter, H. R. A. M. of Maryland, presiding, and the following companions were present: Companion John A. Gray, P. D. G. H. P. Companion Adolphus Hall, Companion Charles Twine, Companion John Bell, Companion James Davenport, Companion Steven Owen, Companion James H. Brown, Companion James Wear, Companion William H. Toler, Companion Charles Johnson, Companion J. H. A. Scheurman, Companion R. H. Summerville. Most Excellent Companion W. H. Thomas, P. Gr. H. P., installed the officers of the Grand Chapter as follows: Most Excellent Companion Adolphus Hall, M. E. Gr. H. Priest, Most Excellent Companion Charles Hunt, M. E. Gr. H. King, Most Excellent Com. Wm. H. Edinburg, M. E. Gr. H. Scribe, Most Excellent Com. Thomas Brown, M. E. Gr. H. Treasurer, Most Excellent Com. R. H. Summerville, M. E. Gr. H. Secretary. Most Excellent Companion Adolphus Hall, Grand High Priest, made the appointments, which were duly installed: Companion, John H. Davis, of Rising Sun Chapter, of Alexandria, Va., Deputy Grand High Priest* Companion Isaac Clark, Captain of the Host; Companion James H. Hill, Grand Chaplain; Companion John Magruder, Grand Guard. Thus the Grand Chapter took its place in the galaxy Among the Colored People in North America. J57 of Grand Chapters on the evening of March 30th, 1866, with three subordinate Chapters constituting the jurisdic¬ tion, namely, Mount Yernon, No. 1, located in the City of Washington, D. C.; Union, No. 2, located in the City of Georgetown, D. C., and Rising Sun, No. 3, located in the City of Alexandria. These Chapters were rechartered March 30th, 1866, as Nos. 1, 2 and 3, surrendering their old warrants issued by African Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania and Union Grand Chapter of Maryland. The Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons for the District of Columbia and its jurisdiction launched upon its career of usefulness, to become strong and vigorous in disseminating and perpetuating the tenets of Royal Arch Masonry. Since the organization of the Grand Chapter for the District of Columbia and its jurisdiction, they have chartered the following: Mount Yernon Chapter, No. 1, Washington, D. C., 1866, rechar- tered. Union Chapter, No. 2, Washington, D. C., 1866, rechartered. Rising Sun Chapter, No. 3, Alexandria, Va., 1866, rechartered. Ezra Chapter, No. 4, New Orleans, La., 1866, rechartered. Prince Hall Chapter, No. 5, Washington, D. C., 1870. Richmond Chapter, No. 6, Richmond, Va., 1871. St. John's Chapter, No. 7, Washington, D. C., 1873. King Hiram Chapter, No. 8, Washington, D. C., 1873. Alpha Chapter, No. 9, New Orleans, La., 1879. Prince Hall Chapter, No. 10, Houston,. Texas, 1880. Keystone Chapter, No. 11, Georgetown, D. C., 1881. Mount Horeb Chapter, No. 12, Charleston, S. C., 1882. Captain Stone Chapter, No. 13- Baton Rouge, La., 1882. Zerubbabel Chapter, No. 14, Wilmington, N. C., 1882. Zerubbabel Chapter, No. 15, Jacksonville, Fla., 1883. Blooming Chapter, No. 16, Rahigh, N. C., 1883. Hiram Chapter, No. 17, Jacksonville, Fla., 1884. Aaron Chapter, No. 18, Key West, Fla., 1884. Potomac Chapter, No. 19, W. Va., 1885. King Hiram Chapter, No. 20, Fernandina, Fla., 1887. Georgia Chapter, No. 21, Savannah, Ga., 1890. St. John Chapter, No. 22, Lumber City, Ga., 1891. Prince Hall Chapter, No. 23, Atlanta, Ga., 1891. Branliamis Chapter, No. 24, Savannah, Ga., 1891. Joshua Chapter, No. 25, Waycross, Ga., 1893. Mount Pleasant Chapter, No. 26, Palatka, Fla., 1894. Stone Square Chapter, No. 27, Thomasville, Ga., 1895. Acme Chapter, No. 28, Quince, Ga.. 1895. 158 Official History of Freemasonry These make a total of twenty-eight (28) Chapters war¬ ranted by this Grand Chapter. Of these Chapters, Rising Sun Chapter, No. 3, and Richmond Chapter, No. 6, with¬ drew for the purpose of taking part in the formation of the Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masonry for the State of Virginia; Rising Sun, No. 6, Ezra Chapter, No. 1, of New Orleans; Alpha Chapter, No. 9, located at New Orleans, La., and Cap Stone Chapter, No. 13,^ located at Baton Rouge, La., assisted in the formation of the Grand Chapter, II. R. A. Masons for the State of Louisiana. Prince Hall Chapter, No. 10, located at Houston, in the State of Texas, assisted in the formation of the Grand Chapter Holy R. A. Masons for Texas. Zerubbabel Chapter, No. 15, located at Jacksonville, Fla.; Hiram Chapter, No. 17, located at Jacksonville, Fla.; Aaron Chapter, No. 18, located at Ivey West, Fla.; King Hiram Chapter, No. 20, located at Fernandina, Fla., and Mount Pleasant Chapter, No. 26, located at Palatka, Fla., called a convention in August, 1897, and formed a Grand Chapter H. R. A. Masons for the State of Florida. Thus it will be seen that this Grand Chapter was a prime factor in the organization of the Grand Chapter in the State of Virginia, the Grand Chapter in the State of Louisiana, the Grand Chapter in the State of Texas, and the Grand Chapter in the State of Florida. Eleven (11) Chapters have withdrawn, leaving seventeen (17) Chapters now members of this jurisdiction. It has established Capitu- 'ary Masonry in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast States of :he South and chartered the following Courts of Heroines Jericho: Zerubbabel Court, No. 1, Georgetown, D. C., 1871. Rahab Court, No. 2, Key West, Fla., 1883. Dateher Court. No. 3, Washington, D. C., 1896. Victory Court, No. 4, Waycross, Ga., 1896. Naomi Court, No. 5, Blackshiai-, Ga., 1897. Josephine Court, No. 6, Savannah, Ga., 1899. This makes a total of six (6) Courts of Heroines of Jericho, thus showing a keen appreciation of the worth of the female relatives of the Companions as auxiliarv In Royal Arch Masonry. Among the Colored People in North America. i59 PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS. J. A. Gray and J. T. Costin of Gr. Chap, of Md., 1849 & 1850. 1806 Adolphus Hall, 18G7 William H. Thomas, 18f>8 Charles Hunt, 18(i9 Isaac Clark, 1870 William H. Edinburg, 1871 Charles C. Johnson, 1872 Charles C. Johnson, 1873 Charles C. Johnson, 1877 William H. Myers, 1878 Thornton A. Jackson, 1879 J. R. Contee, 1880 J. Brooker Hutchings, 1883 John H. Burrill, 1885 John W. Freeman, 1887 S. A. W. Simms, 1888 Robert H. Summerville, 1890 Benj. P. Dailey, 1891 William F. Thomas, 1892 Noble N. Snowden, 1893 Horatio N. Smith, 1895 John N. Dorster, 1898 Samuel H. West, 1901 F. H. Cozzens. PAST GRAND SECRETARIES. R. H. Summerville, Carter H. Stewart, William H. Myers, Robert A. Summerville, Anthony Partener, Charles Hunt, Charles Hunt, W. H. Myers, J. F. N. Wilkinson, J. H. Burrill, J. B. Washington, J. H. Burrill, J. B. Washington, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, J. H. Burrill, James O. Bampfield. Knights Templars in the District of Columbia.— Simons Commandery, No. 13, now No. 1, chartered December 18th, 1855, by the first African Grand Com- mandery of the United States of North America. Head¬ quarters at Philadelphia, Pa. Sir William Riley, Grand Master; Sir William H. Sales, of Maryland, Deputy Grand Master, and Sir Jonathan Davis, of Pa., M. D., Grand Recorder. The following officers were duly installed: Sir John T. Costin, Eminent Commander; Sir John A. Grey, Generalissimo; Sir Ananias Herbert, Captain General; Sir James Hebron, Prelate; Sir Carter A. Stewart, Treasurer; Sir John F. Lemmons, Recorder; Sir W. H. Edinburgh, S. W.; Sir Charles Hunt, J. W.; Sir William H. Thomas, S. B.; and Sir William Tunnia, Warden. Henderson Commandery, No. 13, chartered December 160 Official History of Freemasonry 1 8th, 1855, A. 0. 751, by the First African Grand Com¬ mandery of the United States of North America, Phila e - phia, Pa. Grand officers present, Sir William Grand Master; Sir William H. Sales, D. G. M.; Sir Jonathan Davis, M. D., Grand Recorder. The following officers were duly installed: Sir Edward M. _ Thomas, Eminent Commander; Sir Robert A. Summerville, Gen¬ eralissimo; Sir William H. Lewis, Captain General; Sir Adolphus Hall, Prelate; Sir Henry Dade, Treasurer; Sir James Mason, Recorder; Sir Daniel H. Smith, Senior Warden; Sir Philip Hamilton, Junior Warden. Gethsemane Commandery, No. 16, now No. 3, chartered November 7th, 1867, by the Grand Commandery of Phila¬ delphia, Pa. Sir Charles H. Twine, Eminent Commander; Sir John G. Goines, Generalissimo; Sir Albert Parker, C. G,; Sir Albert 0. Jones, Prelate; Sir W. H. Brown, Re¬ corder; Sir John Battles, Secretary; Sir Arthur Payne, J. W.; Sir Lewis Williams, Warden; Sir Eugene P. Minor, Sentinel. Grand officers present: Sir Francis R. Belasque, E. B. C.; Sir William H. Thomas, D. G. Commander; Sir Robert H. Summerville, G. Gen.; Sir W. H. Edinburg, G. C. G.; Sir John A. Gray, G. Prelate; Sir Isaac Clark, S. W.; Sir John Bell, J. W.; Sir Jonathan Davis, G. Recorder; Sir Stephen Owens, G. S. Bearer; Sir John W. Freeman, G. Warden. Mount Calvary Commandery, No. 14, chartered 1872, A. 0. 751, by the G. C. of the D. C. Sir John E. Ed¬ wards, Eminent Commander; Sir A. W. Tucker, General¬ issimo; Sir T. A. Jackson, Captain General; Sir A. W. Tancil, Prelate; Sir John H. Burrill, Treasurer; Sir John N. Dorster, Recorder; Sir R. N. Morris, S. W.; Sir Thorn¬ ton Davis, J. W.; Sir Jeremiah Cropper, Warden Guard. The officers were duly installed by the grand officers. The Grand Commandery.—Grand. Commandery of Knights Templars, organized January 16th, 1871 for the District of Columbia. Rising Sun Commandery, No. 11, Baltimore, Md., Simon Commandery, No. 12, Hender¬ son Commandery, No. 13, and Gethsemane C'ommanderv, Masonic Knighthood, .To'hn W. Simmons, P. G. M. " Tiadition of Freemasonry, A. T. C. Pierson, 33rd degree. Among the Colored People in North America. 161 No. 16, working under the charter of the Grand Com- mandery of Philadelphia, Pa., met in convention on the above date and elected grand officers as follows: Em. Sir Wm. H. Thomas, Grand Commander; Sir Charles Howard, Deputy Grand Commander; Sir Charles H. Twine, Gr. Generalissimo; Sir Adolplius Hall, Grand Captain General; Sir James H. Jackson, Grand Prelate; Sir Horace Smith, Grand Senior Warden; Sir John W. Heard, Grand Junior Warden; Sir James H. Jackson, Grand Treasurer; Sir John G. Goines, Grand Recorder. The three old Commanderies surrendered their old war¬ rants and took out warrants dated January 16th, 1871, and the following Commanderies have been chartered since: Simon, No. 1, rechartered January 16th, 1871. Henderson, No. 2, rechartered January 16, 1871. Gethsemane, No. 3, rechartered January 16, 1871. Mount Calvary, No. 4, chartered 1871. Georgia, No. 7, chartered in 1872, Atlanta, Ga. St. Phillips, No. 8, chartered in 1873, Savannah, Ga. Past Right Eminent Grand Commanders served as follows: R. E. Sir W. H. Thomas, Jan. 16, 1871. R. E. Sir John A. Gray, Feb. 27, 1873. R, E. Sir L. C. Bailey, »ec. 14, 1874. R. E. Sir J. W. Booth, Nov. 2, 1876. R. E. Sir A. W. Tancil, Nov. 26, 1877. R. E. Sir John Battles, Nov. 17, 1879. R. E. Sir Perry H. Carson, Feb. 29, 1880. R. E. Sir Wm. H. Myers,, Nov. 24, 1880. R. E. Sir Carter A. Stewart, Nov. 27, 1882. R. E. Sir John L. Hickman, Dec. 9, 1884. R. E. Sir John W. Freeman, Nov, 24, 1886. R. E. Sir Samuel H. West, Nov. 25, 1887. R. E. Sir Samuel H. West, Nov. 14, 1889. R. E. Sir T. A. Jackson, Nov. 19, 1890. R. E. Sir Lewis H. Wayne, Nov. 26, 1891. R. E. Sir John N. Dorster, Oct. 20, 1898. R. E. Sir Henry C. Harris, Nov. 25, 1899. R. E. Sir S. Roger Watts, Nov. 26, 1902. Simon, Henderson and Gethsemane Commanderies were organized as aforesaid by the Grand Commandery of i62 Official History of Freemasonry Philadelphia, Pa. Mount Calvary, No. 4, Georgia, No. 7, and St. Philip's, No. 8, were chartered by the Grand Commandery of the District of Columbia. Sirs William H. Thomas, John T. Costin, John A. Gray, D. P. Jones and Adolphus Hall were the founders of the higher degrees of Masonry in the District of Colum¬ bia.* Acme Temple was organized under a dispensation granted by Imperial Grand Potentate John G. Jones to Deputy B,. J. Fletcher, Chief Grand Rabban, its founders being the following named persons: Potentate, Henry Warfield, 33rd degree. Chief Rabban, Alonzo Letherberry, 33rd degree. Assistant Chief Rabban, Philip T. Simmons, 32nd degree. Recorder, George M. Lee, 32nd degree. Treasurer, Moses H. Bennett, 32nd degree. O. G., Willis C. Rose, 32nd degree. O. G., Alfred Deadrick, 32nd degree. C. R., William J. Robinson, 32nd degree. H. P. & P., William Donnell, 32nd degree. S. C. M., Henry Maxwell, 32nd degree. O., C. C. Moore, 32nd degree. O. G., Jack W. Robinson, 32nd degree. A. J. Walton, 32nd degree. H. D. Stokes, 32nd degree. Christopher Garvey, 32nd degree. James Phelps, 32nd degree. E. M. Williamson, 32nd degree. William Payne, 32nd degree1. Granville Nicholson, 32nd degree. The above named were initiated for the purpose. It was granted a charter at the meeting of the Imperial Council, the 26th of December, 1896. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.—To become a member of the order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the appli¬ cant, according to the law of the Imperial Council, must bs a regular Knight Templar in good standing, or a thirty- second degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish ♦Memoirs of Wm. H. Bruce, Clement Beckett, John W. Free¬ man, P. G. M. John F. Cook, and P. G. M. Wm. H. Meyers; Memoirs of John A. Gray, and the Records of Cooirnanderies' 1855 to 1001. Among the Colored People in North America, f63 Rite of the Obedience of the Supreme Council for the United States, Northern and Southern and African de¬ pendencies or Masonic jurisdiction of such rite. An offence committed by a Noble which has caused his suspension or expulsion in any order membership in which is a prerequisite to this order, such expulsion or suspension must similarly affect his standing in his Temple. To continue a member every Noble must remain in good standing in the prerequisite bodies to which he belongs. Should! he be a member in both a Commandery and Con¬ sistory he must continue in good standing in both or he forfeits his membership as a Shriner. Woman.—As Masonry, at its origin, and through many centuries, was occupied solely with physical labors, in which females do not participate, the instructions of an¬ cient Masonry are only suited to the male sex. Conse¬ quently, women would not find themselves interested in our symbolical Lodges. But there are Masonic rites which invite the wives, sisters and daughters of Freemasons, who may desire it, to our venerable order.* The rite practiced by the Grand' Orient of France and the American adopted rite, or Order of the Eastern Star, are extremely interesting forms of Masonic instruction, and are adapted to the cir¬ cumstances of the female sex. Courts of Heroines of Jericho may be found in all States. The following Chapters have teen established: Queen Esther, Chapter No. 1. Prince Hall. Queen of Sheba. Heroines of Jericho. Oethsemane. Zerubbabel Court. Miriam. Datcher Court. Masonic Hall.—For many years the Craft in the Dis¬ trict of Columbia were housed in rented buildings. This condition of affairs. continued until 1893, when Eight Worshipful Brother Henry Coleman was elected Grand Master. His great desire was to secure a permanent home *See Signet of Solomon or Freemason's Daughter, by C. L. Arnold. Lady Freemason, Countess Hadick was regularly initiated in Hungarian Lodge of F. A. A. M., in 1762, the first and last woman ever made a Mason. Masonic Eclectic, p. 202. J 64 Official History of Freemasonry for the Masonic bodies in this jurisdiction. j* careful financial examination of the condition of the Craft and cost of a suitable Temple, he called to his assistance P. G. M. Leonard C. Bailey, who is ever ready to give a helping hand in all matters for the good of mankind. These two Brothers, like Jonathan and David, could be seen wending their way from one real estate exchange to another looking for a suitable hall. They finally settled upon and purchased the property located on Virginia Avenue, S. E., which was once the Masonic home of Naval Lodge, F. A. A. M (white). The building was put in thorough repair for the accommodation of all the Masonic bodies in the District of Columbia. The cost of building and ground was $10,000; repairs and other expenses will make the property cost, when the entire debt is paid, $15,000. The remaining debt is $2,000, which can be paid at any time. Belief Association.—The Masonic "Union Relief Asso¬ ciation of the District of Columbia, organized' February 27th, 1872, incorporated September 26th, 1872. Officers: John P. Cook, President, Wm. Beckett, Treasurer, John T. Lucas, Vice-President, Wm. P. Ryder, Secretary. Directors: John F. Cook, Jonathan R. Contee, Geo. Cook, Wm. P. Ryder, Henry Piper, John L. Webster, W. H. Gray, Robert Williams, John G. Goines, Frederick Mason, Charles Hunt, Geo. W. Williams, Geo. M. Winters, Ludvvell Lee, Wm. ^eckett, John Battle, John T. Lucas, Robert T. Iverson, Charles W. Proctor. General meetings are held annually on the third Wednes¬ day in March for the election of officers, etc. The di¬ rectors meet monthly at Masonic Hall,-Fifth Street and Virginia Avenue, S. E. Among' the Colored People in North America, 165 CHAPTER XVI. .freemasonry in maryland 1825. Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of the State of Maryland.—The first Lodge of colored Masons constituted in the State of Maryland was warranted February 2d, 1825, by the First Independent African Grand Lodge of North America, No. 1, of the State of Pennsylvania, Peter Richmond, Grand Master; Richard Parker, Deputy Grand Master; Thomas Depee, Grand Sen¬ ior Warden, and Prim Clover, Grand Junior Warden (chartered by the Grand Lodge of England, 1815, His Serene Highness, Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, Grand Master), under the title of Friendship Lodge, No. 6, of Baltimore, Md., after which St. James Lodge and Enterprise Lodge were warranted by the same authority. In 1845 these three subordinate Lodges created the first colored Grand Lodge of the State of Maryland. In 1847 another Grand Lodge was organized by and under author¬ ity of the National Grand Lodge. These two Grand Lodges remained in the field until 1876, when, being convinced that the object which each grand body sought to accom¬ plish would be better subserved by a union of the two, accordingly efforts to consolidate were made by the leading members of the two organizations with well-merited suc¬ cess. Articles of agreement, forming a basis of union, were duly signed by commissioners. A general assembly of Masons under the auspices of the two Grand Lodges took place at Douglas Institute on September 12th, 1876. Rev. James A. Handy, Grand Master of the First Colored Grand Lodge and Nathaniel Burgess, Grand Master of the Union Grand Lodge, wore present. The report of the Official History of Freemasonry commissioners was ratified, and the First "Union Colored (irand Lodge of the State of Maryland was then organized as a result of the union. In 1878 this name was changed to the M. W. United Grand Lodge of the State of Mary¬ land, and has remained so ever since. It is regretted that the records of the two Grand Lodges prior to 1876 have been lost or destroyed, therefore the authentic history Samuel E. Young, Grand Master of Maryland, 1895. of the Craft in this jurisdiction must date from the mvoii in 1876. The following is a list of the grand officers from 1876 to 1902: Grand officers, 1876— James A. Handy, Causman H. Gaines, William H. Brown, Richard H. Freeman, John T. Brown, William E. Wilkes, Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Among the Colored People in North America* Grand officers, 1877— James A. Handy, C. H. Gaines, W. H. Brown, Richard Freeman, John T. Brown, William E. Wilkes, Grand officers, 1878— James A. Handy, C. H. Gaines, J. B. Sanks, J. H. Smith, J. T. Brown, Wm. E. Wilkes, Grand officers, 1879— Robert H. Gibbs, J. B. Sanks, Wm. F. Taylor, J. T. Tubman, J. T. Brown, J. H. Hill, Grand officers, 1880— Wm. F. Taylor, George Myers, Blake Downs, John R. Keene, Geo. W. Milbourne, Wm. E. Wilkes, Grand officers, 1881— Isaac Myers, James H. Hill; Isaac H. Howard, J. T. Johnson, Geo. W. Milbourne, J. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1882— Isaac Myers, James H. Hill, George Myers, J. M. Boardly, Geo. W. Milbourne, John H. Smith, Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. >68 Official History of Freemasonry Grand officers, 1883— James B. Sanks, James H. Hill, George Myers, J. M. Boai'dly, Geo. W. Milbourne, John H. Smith, Grand officers, 1884— James B. Sanks, John H. Smith, George Myers, Geo. W. Turner, Geo. W. Milbourne, Charles R. Matthews, Grand officers, 1885— H. P. Ringgold, Lemuel G. Griffin, George Myers. Samuel E. Young, Geo. W. Milbourne, Charles R. Matthews, Grand officers, 1886— Lemuel G. Griffin, George Myers,. Samuel E. Young, James Whipper, John R. Keen, John H. Smith, Grand officers, 1887— Lemuel G. Griffin, Samuel E. Young, James E. Payne, J. L. H. Smith, J. R. Keene, J. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1888— Lemuel G. Griffin, Samuel E. Young, J. L. H. Smith, T. H. Young, J. R. Keene, J. H. Smith, Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Among the Colored People m North America. Grand officers, 1889— Isaac II. Howard, J. L. H. Smith. W. W. Gaskins, Charles H. Murphy, J. R. Keene, J. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1890— Samuel E. Young, J. H. Smith, Jarvis Griffin, Isaac H. Richardson, J. R. Keene, W. W. Lewis, Grand officers, 1891— Samuel E. Young, J. H. Smith, J. C. Simmes, James N. Davis, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1892— Samuel E. Young, J. H. Smith, J. H. Slocum, Basil Kell, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1893— Samuel E. Young, J. H. Smith, J. C. Simms, Basil Kell, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1894— Samuel E. Young, J. H. Smith, W. W. Lewis, Basil Kell, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Official History of Freemasonry Grand officers, 1895— W. W. Lewis, Charles H. Giles. W. E. Tilghman, Albert Gant, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1896— W. W. Lewis, Charles H. Giles, W. E. Tilghman, Basil Kell, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1897— W. W. Lewis, Charles H. Giles, Geo. W. Johnson, Basil Kell, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1898— James H. Hill, W. E. Tilghman, Thos. H. Smith, A. B. P. Garver, J. R. Keene, J. L. H. Smith, Grand officers, 1899— J. H. Hill, Wm. E. Tilghman, Thos. IT. Smith, William Cooper, J. R. Keene, J. H. L. Smith, Grand officers, 1900— Wm. E. Tilghman, Geo. W. Johnson, W. G. Strange, C. H. Young, J. R. Keene, J. H. L. Smith, Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master- Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master, Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. Grand Secretary. Among the Colored People in North America. 1"3i Grand officers, 1901— Wm. E. Tilgliman, Grand Master. W. W. Gaskins, W. G. Strange, Albert Gant, Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. J. R. Keene, J. H. L. Smith, Grand Secretary. Grand officers, 1902— Wm. E. Tilghman, Grand Master. W. W. Gaskins, W. G. Strange, Albert Gant, Deputy Grand Master. Grand Senior Warden. Grand Junior Warden. Grand Treasurer. J. R. Keene, J. H. L. Smith, Grand Secretary. Royal Arch Masonry in Maryland.—In the year 18*17 the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania granted several warrants for the establishment of Royal Arch Lodges in the State of Maryland. In 1849 a convention was held in the city of Baltimore for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter for the State of Maryland, which was con¬ summated by the election of Rev. Brother David P. Jones Grand High Priest and other grand officers. This Chap¬ ter is known as Union Holy Royal Arch Grand Chapter of the State of Maryland. This was the first Grand Chapter south of Philadelphia, Pa. On June 9th, 1854, David P. Jones, M. E. G. H. P., granted a charter to Thomas Tascoe, Adolphus Hall, Hiram Gray, who were Royal Arch Masons and members of Mount Yernon Chapter, and who with¬ drew for the purpose of organizing Union Chapter. This Grand Chapter organized Rising Sun, No. 6, in Alexandria, Va. The upper degrees were not successful south of Philadel¬ phia, prior to 1865. In this year there were only six chartered and established Royal Arch Chapters south of Pennsylvania as follows: Three in Baltimore City, two in the District of Columbia, and one in Delaware. Slavery and the war of Rebellion of 1861 prevented its spread, espe¬ cially southward. In the year 1866 and onward it made rapid progress, spreading all over the south and west. In 1K67 another Grand Chapter was organized by ambitious Royal Arch Masons in the city of Baltimore. There the >72 Official History of Freemasonry war in the upper degrees commenced and continued in this State until the year of 1876, when a convention of Royal Arch Masons was called to form a union of the two Grand Chapters, November 30th, 1876. This was consummated as follows: Baltimore, 1876, A. D. 2406, November 30—Morning Star and Union Holy Royal Arch Grand Chapters of the State of Maryland met in joint convention, with the follow¬ ing P. G. H. P's., Isaac Scott and William F. Taylor, m their proper stations, Companions James T. Westlev and John N. Owens, D. G. H. P's., and other grand officers, in their respective stations. On motion of L. G. Griffin, the articles of agreement were read and adopted. On motion of Companion W. E. Wilkes that the chairman appoint a committee of seven to nominate officers for the M. E. Hiram Holy Grand Chapter, and the following compan¬ ions were duly appointed, to wit:. Zachariah Sharper, Richard Freeman, William E. Wilkes, Emory J. Augustus, Samuel Pritchard, John H. Owens and Hall. The committee retired and on their return submitted the follow¬ ing report: M. E. G. H. Priest, Samuel H. Freeman, vs. Zachariah Shorter. Dept. M. E. G. H. Priest, Samuel E. Young, vs. John H. Owens. M. E. G. H. King, Samuel Pritchard. vs. H. P. Ringgold. M. E. G. H. Scribe, Eben Gibbs, vs. J. Murry Ralph. M. E. G. H. Secretary, Chas. P. Mathews, vs. Geo. R. Wilson. M. E. G. H. Treasurer,-.John B. Lanks, vs. John T. Brown. The report of the committee was adopted and the con¬ vention adjourned sine die. Henry J. Ringgold, Secretary. November 30th, 1876, the Most Excellent Hiram Holy Royal Arch Grand Chapter was opened by Companion P. G. H. Priest James T. Westlev, in form, with sufficient companions to form the Grand Chapter, after which the election for grand officers was held and resulted as follows: M. E. G. H. Priest, Richard H. Freeman, R. E. D. G. Priest, Samuel E. Young, R. E. Grand King, Samuel Pritchard, R. E. Grand Scribe, Ebenezer Gibbs. R. E. Grand Scribe, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Secretary, John T. Brown. Among the Colored People in North America* J 73 After they wore installed the Grand Chapter was called off, December 11th, 1877. Officers elected: M. E. G. H. Priest, Samuel E. Young:, R. E. D. Grand Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, Nathaniel T. Burges, R. E. Grand Scribe, Isaac H. Howard, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, John T. Brown, R. E. Grand Chaplain, Joseph H. Lee. Officers elected in 1878: M. E. G. H. Priest, Samuel E. Young, R. E. D. Grand H. Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, Nathaniel T. Burges, R. E. Grand Scribe, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Johu T. Brown, It. E. Grand Chaplain, John T. Pierce. Officers elected in 1879 : M. E. G. H. Priest, John B. Sanks, R. E. D. Grand H. Priest, James H. Hill, R. E. Grand King, Nathaniel Hill, R. E. Grand Scribe, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, William F. Taylor, R. E. Grand Chaplain, John T. Pierce. Officers elected in 1880: M. E. G. H. Priest, Ebenezer Gibbs, R. E. D. G. H. Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, Blake Downs, R. E„ Grand Scribe, Isaac Howard, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, William T. Taylor, R. E. Grand Chaplain, John T. Pierce. Officers elected in 1881: M. E. Grand H. Priest, John T. Brown, R. E. 1). G. H. Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, James II. Hill, R. E. Grand Scribe, John W. Moore, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles R. Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, William F. Taylor, Official History of Freemasonry Officers elected in 1882: M. E. G. High Priest, James H. Hill, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Lewis Minor, R. E. Grand King, Hiram Watty, R. E. Grand Scribe, John W. Moore, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Daniel Sheridan. Officers elected in 1883 : M. E. G. High Priest, George R. Wilson, R. E. D. Grand H. Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Scribe, John W. Moore, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles Mathews, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Daniel Sheridan. Officers elected in 1884: M. E. Grand High Priest, Geo. R. Wilson, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Walter Sorrell, R. E. Grand King, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Scribe, John W. Moore, R. E. Grand Treasurer, James Jackson, R. E. Grand Secretary, Charles Mathews. Officers elected in 1885: M. E. Grand High Priest, Blake Downs, R. E. Deputy Grand H. P., Lewis Minor, R. E. Grand King, John W. Moore, R: E. Grand Scribe, Washington Queen, R. E. Grand Treasurer, James Jackson, R. E. Grand Secretary, William E. Wilkes. Officers elected in 1886: M. E. Grand High Priest, Lewis Minor, R.. E. D. Grand High Priest, John W. Moore. R. E. Grand King, Washington Queen, R. E. Grand Scribe. B. H. Walker, R. E. Grand Secretary, William E. Wilkes, R. E. Grand Treasurer, James Jackson. Officers elected in 1887: M. E. Grand High Priest, John W. Moore, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Geo. H. Roy, R. E. Grand King, Barrett Walker, R. E. Grand Scribe, Isaac Howard, R. E. Grand Secretary, William E. Wilkes, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Samuel E. Young. Among the Colored People m North America* Officers elected in 1888: M. K. Grand High Priest, Washington Queen, R. E. D. Grand High Priest. A. L. Bunting, R. E. Grand King, B. H. Walker, R. E. Grand Scribe, S. I. Haines, R. E. Grand Secretary, William E. Wilkes, R. E. Grand Treasurer, John B. Sanks. Officers elected in 1889 : M. E. Grand High Priest, S. T. Hines, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, W. W. Gaskins, R. E. Grand King, T. H. Booze, R. E. Grand Scribe, J. C. Simms, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Secretary, James Hill. Officers elected in 1890: M. E. Grand High Priest, W. W. Gaskins, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Joshua C. Simms, R. E. Grand King, T. H. Booze, R. E. Grand Scribe, Samuel Jackson, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Secretary, J. H. Hill. Officers elected in 1891: M. E. Grand High Priest, W. W. Gaskins, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, J. H. Booze, R. E. Grand King, Gatewood, R. E. Grand Scribe, Joseph Jarvis, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Blake Downs, R. E. Grand Secretary, J. H. Hill. Officers elected in 1892: M. E. Grand High Priest. Joshua C. Simms, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, J. H. Booze, R. E. Grand King. J. W. Nichols, R. E. Grand Scribe, R. T. Harris, R. E. Grand Secretary. James Hill, R. E. Grand Treasurer, P>lake Downs. Officers elected in 1893: M. E. Grand High Priest, J. H. Booze, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Richard Harris, R. E. Grand King, Jacob T. Dunton, R. E. Grand Scribe, Benjamin Nicholson, R. E. Grand Secretary, James H. Hill, Ii. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaskins. Official History of Freemasonry Officers elected in 1894 : M, E. Grand High Priest, Benjamin Nicholson, R. E. D. Grand High Priest, Nathaniel Hill, R. E. Grand Kins, Jacob T. Dunton, R. E. Grand Scribe, Frank Perry, R. E. Grand Secretary, James H. Hill, R. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaiskins. Officers elected in 1895: M. E. Grand High Priest, Franklin Ferry, R. E. Deputy Gr. High Priest, J. T. Dunton, R. E. Grand King. D. T. Harrod, R. E. Grand Scribe, Joseph Slacum, R. E. Grand Secretary, James Hill, M. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaskins. Officers elected in 1896: M. E. Grand High Priest, Nathaniel Hill, R. E. Deputy Gr. High Priest, J. W. Nickols, R. E. Grand King, Joseph Green, R. E. Grand Scribe, John A. Hopewell, R. E. Grand Secretary, James H. Hill, R. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaskins. Officers elected in 1897: M. E. Gr„ High Priest, James W. Nickols, R. E. Deputy Gr. High Pr. John A. Hopewell, R. E. Grand King, Nelson Walker, R. E. Grand Scribe, Handy Coleman, R. E. Grand Secretary, James Hill, R. E. Grand Treasurer, G. Washington Queen. Officers elected in 1898: M. E. Gr. High Priest, John A. Hopewell, R. E. D. Gr. High Priest, Nelson Walker, R. E. Grand King, Handy Coleman, R. E. Grand Scribe, James Harris, R. E. Grand Secretary, James Hill, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Geo. W. Queen. Officers elected in 1899: M. E. Gr. High Priest, Nelson Walker, R. E. D. Gr. High Priest, Handy Coleman, R. E. Grand King, James Harris, R. E, Grand Scribe, D. T. Harrod, R. E. Grand Treasurer, Geo. W. Queen, R. E. Grand Secretary, J. H. Hill. Among" the Colored People in North America. J 77 Officers elected in 1900: M. E. Gr. High Priest, Handy Coleman, R. E. D. Gr. H. Priest, John H. Murphy, R. E. Grand King, George Rideout, R. E. Grand Scribe, Thomas Johnson, R. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaskins, R. E. Grand Secretary, James Hill. Officers elected in 1901: M. E. Gr. High Priest, John H. Murphy, R. E. D. Gr. High Priest, David T. Ilarrod, R. E. Grand King, Caleb Robinson, R. E. Grand Scribe. Edward Richardson, R. E. Grand Treasurer, W. W. Gaskins, R. E. Grand Secretary, James H. Hill. St. Andrew's Grand Commandery, Knights Templars, was organized in Baltimore, February 19th, 1873, A. 0. 755. Sir James T. Westley was the first Right Eminent Grand Commander. The grand officers were installed by P. R. E. Grand Commander William H. Thomas of Wash¬ ington, D. C., as follows: Sir James T. Westley, R. E. G. Commander, Sir William E. Wilkes, V. E. D. G. Commander, Sir Peter Barnes, G. Generalissimo, Sir Horace Smith, G. C. General, Sir Fletcher Augustus, G. Treasurer, Sir John W. Pratt, G. Recorder, Sir Henry P. Ringgold, G. S. Warden, Sir George H. Hughes, G. J. Warden, Sir James E. Bowerman, G. Standard Bearer, Sir L. B. Barrett, G. Sword Bearer, Sir John T. Veal, G. Warden, Sir J. E. Augustus, Guard, Sir E. Gibbs, Guard, Sir William J. Polk, Guard. The past grand officers are as follows: P. R. E. G. Commander, James T. Westley, P. R. E. G. Commander, Charles Howard, p! R. E. G. Commander. William E. Wilkes, P. R. E. G. Commander, Samuel W. Chase, P. R. E. G. Commander, L. T. Griffin, P. R. E. G. Commander, Henry P. Ringgold, r. Ef G. Commander, William E. Emerson, Official History of Freemasonry P. R. E. G. Commander, Hiram Watty, P. R. E. G. Commander, George W. Thomas, P. R. E. G. Commander,. Samuel H. Jackson, P. R. E. G. Commander, Edward Carty, P. R. E. G. Commander, Isaac Brown, P. R. E. G. Commander, D. P. Seaton, P. R. E. G. Commander, Andrew L. Bunting, P. R. E. G. Commander, John T. Tubman, P. R. E. G. Commander, Walter W. Gaskins, P. R. E. G. Commander, Charles H. Murphy, P. R. E. G. Commander, Watson Coleman, P. R. E. G. Commander, George E. Hazetton. See official records of Grand and Subordinate bodies, 1825-1902. Among' the Colored People in North America* i 79 CHAPTER XVII. freemasonry in delaware—'1838. The first Lodge, Star of the East Lodge, No. 21, was chartered by Grand Master George Clark of African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1838. According to pre¬ vious notice and arrangement, the Masters, Wardens and legal representatives of the subordinate Lodges of the State of Delaware, viz., Star of the East Lodge, No. 21, Rising Sun Lodge, No. 28, and Meridian Sun Lodge, No. 29 (for¬ merly under the Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsyl¬ vania), met in eohvention in the Masonic Hall in Fifth Street on June 9th, 1849, to take in consideration the for¬ mation of a Grand Lodge in the State of Delaware. This svas consummated by the election of the following named brethren for the ensuing year. They were installed by Jacob Jenkins, M. W. Grand Master, of Pennsylvania, and Peter Anderson, R. W. D. G. Master, of the same State: Levi Anderson, M. W. Grand Master. Moses G. Wilson, R. W. D. G. Master. William Blunt, R. W. S. G. Warden. Michael Sterling, R. W. J. G. Warden. Bennitt P. Hill, R. W. G. Treasurer. Joseph H. Banks, R. W. G. Secretary. John B. Young, R. W. G. Cor. Secretary. Charles Webber, R. W. G. Pursuivant. Levi Medford, Jr., R. W. G. Tiler. Alexander Watson, R. W. G. S. Deacon. Kennard Byard, R. W. G. J. Deacon. Benj. W. Sharper, R. W. G. M. C. Henry Weeks, R. W. G. S. Bearer. John Yiney, R. W. G. Marshal. Daniel Russell, R. W. G. Chaplain. Henry Johnson, R. W. G. Chaplain. Hemsley Jackson, R. W. G. Chaplaio. Samuel Green, R. W. G, S, 180 Official History of Freemasonry The Grand Lodge continued to pursue its labors and ex¬ ercise a supreme power over the subordinate Lodges opened under its jurisdiction in the State and out of the State where no Grand Lodge existed. At the formation of the Grand Lodge there were only three Lodges in the State, but since that time, in accordance with the ancient land¬ marks and usages of Masonry, the following named Lodges have been established: Rising Sun, No. 4, at Milton, Del., established March 17, 1852. Meridian Snn, No. 5, Providence, R. I.. February 22, 1853. Prudence, No. 6, at Dover, Del., Jan. 20, 1855. St. John's, No. 7, at Smyrna. Del., July 28, 1855. Temple, No. 8, at Milford, Del., Oct. 27, 1855. Forrest Sun, No. 9, at Odessa, Del., March 7, 1856. Morning Star.. No. 10, at Laurel,- Del., March 14, 1859. Lincoln, No. 11, at Wilmington, Del., Oct. 31, 1866. Equal Rights, No. 12, at Wilmington, Del., Dec. 14, 1868. Evening Star, No. 13, at Wilmington, Del., May 3, 1873. Lone Star, No. 14, at Providence, R. I., June 20, 1873. Boyer, No. 15, at Newport, R. I., June 20, 1873. No. 16, located in Georgia. Centennial, No. 17, at Wilmington, Del., April 28, 1876. John W. Layton, No. 18, at Wilmington, Del. Levi Anderson, No. 19, at New Castle, Del., Dec. 10, 1883. Morning Light, No. 20, at Seaford, Del., Dec. 10, 1883. Union, No. 21, at Wilmington, Del. Stone Square, No. 22, at Middletown, Del., March 10, 1894. Frisby J. Cooper, No. 23, at Wilmington, Del., org. May 19, 1899. This Grand Lodge, like her sister Gvand Lodges, ac¬ knowledges no other authority superior to a State Grand Lodge, and is in fraternal correspondence with the Grand Lodges of the world. It was formerly known under the title of Hiram Grand Lodge, but now as M. W. Grand Lodge, F. A. A. M., for the State of Delaware and Juris¬ diction. This Grand Lodge has had an unbroken Teeord from 1849 to 1902. Endowment Fund.—The Endowment Fund was organ¬ ized in Smyrna, Del., June 13th, 1898, by the Grand Lodge. E. J. Lewis was elected chairman; Thomas S. Anderson, secretary, and J. H. Murray, treasurer. The Master of each subordinate Lodge was made a director. The amount of dues is ten cents per member, to be collected semi¬ annually by the Masters and paid over to the Treasurer. Among the Colored People in North America J8J This organization 1ms grown considerably and is of groat benefit to the widows and orphans. There are also Chapters of Iioyal Arch Masons, Knights' Templars, Scottish Rite and the Adopted Kite in this State. GRAND MASTERS, 1849—1902. Levi Anderson, Moses G. Wilson, R. H. Lewis, William Blunt, Frisby J. Cooper, Thomas E. Pasties. John W. Layton, Benj. L. Tomilson, Peter S. Williams, W. H. Calwell, . GRAND SECRETARIES, 1849—19Q2. Joseph H. Banks, Jchn E. Young, W. S. Glasgow, S. V. B. Carty, J. H. Murray. m Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XVIII. freemasonry in" new jersey—1845. St. John's Lodge, No. 8, located at Trenton, N. J., was constituted and chartered July 26th, 1845. Rising Sun Lodge, No. 19, located at Camden, N. J., was consti¬ tuted and chartered May 13th, 1847. Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 3, located at Salem, N. J., was established De¬ cember 27th, 1848. All these Lodges were chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and remained under the jurisdiction of the African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania until the 24th 'day of June, 1848, when a convention of the Craft was held at Trenton for the .purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the State, which was consummated by the election of the following grand officers: M. W. G. M., George H. Shreeves; D. G. M., Benjamin Jackson; G. Sec¬ retary, Joshua Weedlin; G. Tiler, Westley Armstrong; S. G. W., Henry H. Rias; J. G. W., George Jackson; G. Treasurer, John Black. The title of this Grand Lodge was Union Grand Lodge, F. A. A. M., of the State of New Jersey, but is now known as the M. W. United Grand Lodge, F. A. A. M., of the State of New Jersey. On account of the severity of the Grand Lodge during the administration of Benjamin Jackson, in 1850, the members of St. John's Lodge, at Trenton, and a part of the members of Rising Sun Lodge, at Camden, became dissatisfied with Union Grand Lodge and sought cover with Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsyl¬ vania and eventually organized another Grand Lodge. These two Grand Lodges united, December 28th, 1875, Among- the Colored People in North America* J83 when they met in Camden and formed the present Grand Lodge with the following officers: M. W. G. M., C. N. Robinson, D. G. M., Moses Wilcox, S. G. W., J. Height Bean, J. G. W., Phillip Golding, G. Sec'y, J- Henry Hall, G. Treas., Carter Harris, G. Left'., John W. Mays, G. Tiler, Isaac Rodgers. At a communication of the Grand Lodge of Masons (white, 1850) for New Jersey, the question was put to the Grand Master (Pine) as to whether there was anything of any description in Freemasonry that prevented the entrance of colored men as candidates for the honors of the Craft ? Grand Master Pine (who could not do other¬ wise) answered that there was nothing in Masonry de¬ barring a man of color from its great rights and privi¬ leges. Nothing more was said on the subject, but later on, a petition was received praying for a dispensation to form a Lodge in the city of Newark, N. J., under the name of Alpha. The dispensation was granted and the Lodge pursued the usual course of time and circumstances until, at the following communication, they made application for a warrant or charter. Not the slightest breath of suspicion existed as to the intentions of the Lodge (Alpha) to admit colored men into their mystic circle. Now, when the time came in which to institute the Lodge as a chartered body, Grand Master Pine heard that they were about to admit and confer the degree of Masonry on certain colored candidates. He. came to the meeting of institution, and finding that such was the case, after for¬ cibly telling his brethren what he thought of such un¬ heard of and imperiling proceedings, summarily seized the warrant granted them by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. At the next session of the Grand Lodge the matter, of course, came up, and we were informed by one of their most distinguished officers that there was in that august body a very marked difference of opinion, and after a tumultuous scene, those who did not agree with the way the.Grand Master had managed the affair, confronted him with the decision that he himself had given as to the nondisbarment of candidates on account of the color of their skin. Finally, the Grand Master was let down as easily as pos- J 84 Official History of Freemasonry sible by the Grand Lodge ordering the immediate restora¬ tion of the charter with all the rights, privileges and pre¬ rogatives thereunto belonging. The Lodge still exists in the city of Newark, and is known as * Alpha Lodge, No. 116, F. A. A. M. This is the only instance in the United States of a regu¬ lar Masonic Lodge of colored Masons attached to a white Grand Lodge. Its members are received as visitors in all the white Lodges in the State. Brother Moore, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in writing of the incident, said: "Most Worshipful Grand Master.Pine of New Jersey granted a 'charter for colored Masons. It is to be started by white brethren, who, when they have initiated the requisite number of colored persons and qualified them to fill the offices, will resign and withdraw their membership, leaving the new members to manage for themselves. This Lodge is still upon the register of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, and it is the only one in the United States at¬ tached to a white Grand Lodge." Foreign Correspondence. Office of the Grand Master, Bordentown, N. J., Jan. 25, 1901, A. L. 5901. To His Highness, King Edward VII. and Grand Mas¬ ter of Masons in the United Kingdom of Great Britain : This comes, Greeting: Be it known that I, Joseph M. Morgan, G. M. of this Masonic Jurisdiction, F. A. A. M., a branch of Prince Hall of Boston, Mass., U. S. A., express to you our heartfelt sympathy in the death of your beloved mother, the world's great queen; and also extend to you our hearty congratulations upon your accession to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and pray that your reign may be equally as happy and prosperous as that of your lamented mother, the Queen Victoria. In behalf of our jurisdiction, I am yours, fraternally, J. H. Morgan. G. M. * See Freemasons' Magazine, Vol, 3, p. 155, Act 1870. Among the Colored People in North America* 185 (Reply.) United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen St., London, W. C., 22 Feb., 1901. Dear Sir and Brother : I have received the commands of the King to ask you to be so good as to convey to the Lodges that you represent His Majesty's grateful thanks for their kind and fraternal expressions of sympathy with him in his great sorrow, and for their congratulations and good wishes on his ascension to the throne. I am,'dear sir and brother, Yours fraternally, E. Letchworth, Grand Secretary. Brother J. H. Morgan. There are twenty-five subordinate Lodges on the register. They are in fraternal correspondence with the Masonic world, and have their Grand Representative near the Grand East. Royal Arch Masonry was established in the State of New Jersey as early as 1853, when St. Paul's Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was chartered. In 1854 two other Chapters were organized, and the Grand Chapter was organized at Trenton by these three Chapters in 1854, since which date Royal Chapters have been established throughout the State. De Molay Commandery of Knights Templars was char¬ tered by the First African Grand Encampment of Pennsyl¬ vania, in September, 1853. This Commandery was the only one in the State for many years. It was located at Camden. In 1865 and 1867 two other Commanderies were chartered by the same authority, and on the 21st day of October, 1881, the three Commanderies met in convention at Camden and organized a Grand Commandery by the election of the following officers: R "R (r C A. T. Bowman, Y. E. D. G. C., J. T. Derriekson, V E G G E W. H. Jackson, V. E. G. Capt. G., P. T. Colding, V E G Treas'., J. L. Stevens, V. E. G. Ree., J. Henry Hall. 186 Official History of Freemasonry PRESENT COMMANDERY OFFICERS. R. E. G. .C., N. J. Williams, V. E. G. Rec., P. T. Colding, V. E. G. G. E., J. Connet, V. E. D. C., A. H. Newton, V. E. G. Prel., W. H. Jones, V. E. G. Capt. G., E. A. Turpen. V. E. G. Treas.,W. H. Douglass. GRAND MASTERS, 1848-1902. George H. Sheeves 1848—1850 Benjamin Jackson 1850 1853 Joshua Weedlin 1853 1856 Henry H. Rias 1856—1859 George Jackson 1859—1862 James Dolphin 1862—1868 Dempsey D. Butler 1868—1869 James Woodland 1869—1874 Charles N. Robinson 1874—1876 Joshua Gunby 1876—1877 Philip T. Colding 1877—1878 William F. Powell . 1878—1879 John W. Mays 1879—1880 James L. Meeritt 1880—1881 Paul Hammond 1881—1882 Philip T. Colding 1882—1883 George Bailey 1883—1884 Francis Farmer 1884—1885 John H. Teabout 1885—1886 Frank Chapman 1886—1887 William J. Douglass 1887—1888 Henry D. Ruffin 1888—1889 John Denise 1889—1890 Nathan J. Williams 1890-1891 Walter Miller 1891—1892 William H. Butts 1892—1893 John H. White 1893—1894 Thomas W. Harris 1894—1895 F. M. T. Webster 1895—1897 Charles Hill 1897—1898 J. Height Bean 1898—1899 Joseph H. Morgan 1899—1900 John H. Morgan 1900—1902 Amongf the Colored People m North America. J 87 CHAPTER XIX. freemasonry in virginia—1845. Universal Lodge, No. 10, now No. 12, was chartered and constituted August 26th, 1845, A. L. 5845, by Hiram Grand' Lodge of Pennsylvania, with the following officers: W. M., George Sims; S. W., Edward Evans; J. W., Denis Bourbon; S. D., James Evans; J. D., Ephraim Barcroft; Treasurer, Eichard Garret; Secretary, Joseph L. Gibson. This Lodge remained under the jurisdiction of Penn¬ sylvania until March 27th, 1848, when it assisted in the organization of the Grand Lodge of the District of Colum¬ bia. It worked under said Grand Lodge until 1865, when it joined in the convention to form the Grand Lodge of Virginia, October 29th, 1865. Universal was the first Lodge established in Virginia. In 1865 three other Lodges located in Petersburg were chartered by the Grand Lodge of Maryland. In 1865 the Craft met in convention and organized a Grand Lodge for Virginia by the election of R. W. Brother Anthony A. Portlock, Grand Master, Rev. John J. Jasper, Grand Secretary, and other grand officers. This Grand Lodge was represented in 1865 for the first time at the meeting of the National Grand Lodge, 1 in the city of Baltimore, by its Grand Master, Anthony A. Portlock, and Rev. J. J. Jasper, its Grand Secretary. Since organizing it has chartered a large number of Lodges, held its regular communications, elected grand officers, and is in fraternal correspondence with the Masonic world. Among its most distinguished Grand Masters and Sec¬ retaries from 1865 to 1902 may be found the names of Anthony A. Portlock, J. W. Jasper, James H. Hayef 185 Official History of Freemasonry James H. Jones, Douglas Johnson, A. B. Campbell, John W. Towey, John B. Montgomery, Thomas G. Gladman, Benjamin A. Graves, A. M. Jones, Samuel Kelly r E. Emmet Jones, P. B. Eamsey. Grand Secretaries from 1865 to 3902, J. J. Jasper, William H. Green, W. A. Stew¬ art, T. J. Edwards, H. L. Harris. Royal Arch Masonry was introduced in this State early in the year 1865. Union Grand Chapter of Maryland chartered and established Rising Sun Chapter> No. 6, located in Alexandria, Va. This Cnapter assisted in or¬ ganizing the Grand Chapter in the District of Columbia in 1866, and shortly afterwards joined in the organization of the Grand Chapter of Virgnna. There are also regu¬ larly organized Commanderiea of Knights Templars, Scot¬ tish Rite and grand governing bodies of the same. Among: the Colored People in North America. CHAPTER XX. origin of national grand lodge—1847. In the year A. D. 1828, Harmony Lodge, No. 5, Free an'd Accepted Masons, working under the authority of the first Independent African Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania, located in the city of Philadelphia, was ex¬ pelled by said Grand Lodge for contumacy. In 1833, James Miller, formerly of Harmony Lodge (expelled), made application to a Masonic Lodge (white Masons) located at Norristown, Pa., for a warrant. The said Lodge, in consideration of one hundred and twenty-five ($125) dollars, granted and delivered to James Miller a warrant, alleged to have been issued by the Grand Lodge of Ohio (white), and this fraudulent warrant created James Miller, W. M.; John H. Mathews, S. W., and George W. Hilton, J. W. The Lodge was organized under the title of Independent Harmony Lodge, working under and by authority of the Grand Lodge of Ohio (white). The said Harmony Lodge met in convention in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 17th, 1837, and under the supposed authority of the Ohio warrant organized Hiram Grand Lodge of Penn¬ sylvania. This illegal body existed under its fraudulent warrant for ten years, notwithstanding the protest of African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, which was the reg¬ ular Grand Lodge constituted by proper authority. This body appealed to the mother Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass. P. G. M. John T. Hilton of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in 1847, prompted by Masonic zeal, pro¬ ceeded to check and purify this unmasonic stream by pre¬ senting to the mother Grand Lodge plans for the organiza¬ tion of a National Grand Lodge, which was approved. A i90 Official History of Freemasonry proclamation was issued by Prince Hall Grand Lodge for a general assembly of the Craft, to convene on St. John's day, June 24th, A. D. 1847, in the city of Boston, Mass., for the purpose of healing differences and perfecting a permanent union and correcting the errors of the said Harmony Grand Lodge arid abolishing the same. In obedience to the proclamation the delegates assembled on the above date, representing the following Grand Lodges: Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Boston, Mass.—Brothers John T. Hilton, Henry Harris and William A. Bruce. African Grand Lodge of North America, Philadelphia, Pa.—Brothers James Bird, Dr. James J. G. Bias and James Richmond. Hiram Grand Lodge (which held the fraudulent war¬ rant).—Brothers Samuel Van Brackle, Phillip Buckhanan, Emory Cronikin, James Newman, Jonathan Lopeman, James Powell and John Anderson. Boyer Grand Lodge, New York.—Brothers Alexandet Elston, William H. Clark and Lewis Hayden. The delegates from Hiram Grand Lodge were healed in ample form, after which a temporary organization was per¬ fected by electing M. W. Brother John T. Hilton presiding officer and R. W. Brother William E. Ambush secretary. A resolution was unanimously adopted to organize a National Grand Lodge, under the title of the National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the United States of North America. The said organization was per¬ fected by the election of John T. Hilton, M. W. N. G. M.; James Bird, R. W. N. D. G. M.; Samuel Van Brakle, D. D. N. G. M. for the Middle States; George C. Willis, D. D. N. G. M. for the Eastern States; Enos Hall, N. S. G. W.; Emory Cronikin, N. G. J. W.; James Newman, N. G. T.; William E. Ambush, N. G. Secretary. The national grand body proceeded to investigate and heal "all persons who were made Masons under the warrant of Hiram Grand Lodge. The grand officers soon accomplished this- work and brought about a united Craft in the bonds of brotherly love by erasing all that did not come regularly through Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass. It was pro¬ vided by the convention that subordinate Lodges that had received their warrants from Prince Hall Grand. Lodge of Among; tfie Colored People xn North America. i9i Massachusetts, African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and other Grand Lodges regularly organized, should not sur¬ render their inherent rights of maintaining Grand Lodges or of any three Lodges or more forming a Grand Lodge in their respective jurisdictions where there was no regular Grand Lodge organized. Provided, further, that the Grand Lodges forming the convention shall recognize the National Grand Lodge as the supreme Masonic authority of the United States and take out warrants subordinate thereto. For twenty-five years the national body did good work in keeping the Masonic stream pure. It propa¬ gated and diffused ancient Craft Masonry as it was received from the mother Grand Lodge of London, England, in 1717. In 1847 the Grand Lodges then in existence were, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass., with a number of subordinate Lodges in the Eastern and Mid¬ dle States; African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and Hiram Grand Lodge, with subordinate Lodges in Penn¬ sylvania, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, California and Virginia; Boyer Grand Lodge in New York, with three Lodges and the two Lodges in Rhode Island, sent representatives to Boston to organize the Na¬ tional Grand Lodge. Harmony prevailed throughout the States until the national grand officers formed a Grand Lodge in New York, October 13th, 1848, with six Lodges. The old Grand Lodge continued as an independent Grand Lodge. The National Grand Lodge, at its annual ses¬ sion in 1849, expelled the old Grand Lodge of New York with three of its subordinates. This was followed by a schism in Pennsylvania, and an independent Grand Lodge was formed there. This caused one Lodge and several in¬ dividual Masons to be expelled by the National Grand Lodge. In New Jersey Masons were also expelled for dis¬ obedience. The National Grand Lodge was continually upon the war path. The colored brother believed like his white brother, in State rights, and hence the fight. In 1850 the National Grand Lodge decided to meet triennially. (See proceedings for 1856, 1862, 1865 and 1875.) tn Official History of Freemasonry The constitution of the National Grand Lodge classed all Grand Lodges not holding under it as spurious and clan¬ destine, which was not a fact, because all Masonic Grand Lodges and Symbolic Lodges in the United States had been regularly constituted in accordance with ancient usage and customs. However, in the fierce contest between the Nationals and the Independents, the Nationals grad¬ ually lost ground and held their last meeting in 1877. The real purpose of the National Grand Lodge was mu¬ tual advice and co-operation and the unifying of work in the different jurisdictions. Even then many of the best informed Masons questioned seriously its wisdom, it being so foreign to the ancient customs. But so long as it re¬ mained true to the purpose for which it was organized, simply advisory, it accomplished some good and was ac¬ ceptable to the Craft. But in the course of time it assumed the name and then usurped the functions of a Grand Lodge. Attempting to reduce the Grand Lodges of the various States to the status of subordinates, this assump¬ tion and usurpation led to its downfall. The last printed minutes were of the session held at Louisville, Ky., in 1874. There were present at that meeting fourteen persons. Before the time for the next triennial session nearly all of the Grand Lodges in the compact had withdrawn, among which was that of Missouri, in whose jurisdiction the ses¬ sion was to meet. This left the National Grand Lodge without even a lodge room to meet in. However, in 1877, the few remaining individual members held a meeting in Wilmington, Del., and passed the following resolution: "Resolved, That each State is its Sovereign head and that each delegate be directed to report to his State Grand Lodge the action taken by this body. And be it further "Resolved, That the National or Compact Grand Lodge is, and the same is hereby declared to be an irregular and unheard of body in Masonry, and it is hereby declared forever.void." This was unanimously adopted and thus the National Grand Lodge ceased. There is but one Grand Lodge of colored' Masons to-day in each State, all hailing from England, through the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Boston, Mass. During the one hundred years and over of organ- Among- the Colored People in North America. J 93 ized Freemasonry among colored men in America, there is not one case where a Lodge ever admitted a slave to mem¬ bership. They were all freemen. There are now Grand Lodges (colored) in nearly all the States. (See table of Lodges, etc.) Lodges that were organized by the National Grand Lodge have long since been healed and rechartered under their several Grand Lodges. There are no such Masons as Nationals and In¬ dependents in the United States. Free and Accepted Ma¬ sons may be found in every State and Territory, working under a State Grand Lodge, duly established by three or more regularly warranted Lodges, duly assembled in con¬ vention for that purpose. "Ill the still air the music lies unheard; In the rough marble beauty lies unseen; To make the music and the beauty, needs The Master's touch, the sculptor's chisel keen. "Great Master, touch us with Thy skilful hand; Let not the music that is in us die! Great Sculptor, hew and polish us, nor let Hidden and lost, Thy form within us lie! "Spare not the stroke; do with us as Thou wilt; Let there be naught unfinished, broken, marred; Complete Thy purpose, that we may become. Thy perfect image, Thou our God and Lord!" A Colored Man Admitted in a White Masonic Lodge.—N. G. M. Paul Drayton, who was succeeded by Ex-Governor E. H. Gleaves, 1865, was the son of W. H. Drayton of South Carolina, who was a member of Congress from that State (see Secret Journals of Congress, p. 86, 1775-88). The mother of Paul was a mulatto woman. Paul was born in 1785, in Charleston, S. C., reared in the State and attended school with the white children. He was initiated, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in one of the white Lodges in Charleston. No one knew that he had negro blood in his veins but his mother and father. In 1828 he moved to New York city, where he took an active part in Freemasonry, and became Nat'onal Grand Master. P. N. G. M. Richard II. Gleaves 194 Official History of Freemasonry was his Deputy Grand Master. This is only one instance of the many, where colored men have received the honors of Freemasonry in Lodges composed of white brethren in the United States. This is the only country in the world where the color of a man's skin is a bar to his visiting Masonic Lodges composed of white brethren. However, this does not apply to the State of Massachusetts, for it is a well-known fact that colored men have been made Ma¬ sons in the white Lodges and are members to-day in good standing and so recognized by their white brothers. The same is true of New Jersey. This session was held in the city of Baltimore, Md. In the year 1865, A. L. 5865, there were only fourteen colored Masonic Grand Lodges in the United States with a membership of 2,716, as follows: Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Lewis Hay- den, G. M., and Edward C. Rheeler, G. S., membership 109. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, William H. Riley, G. M., and A. S. Cassey, G. S., membership 569. Union Grand Lodge, District of Columbia, William H. Thomas, G. M., and Solomon G. Brown, G. S., member¬ ship 246. Grand Lodge of New York, Lewis A. Hood, G. M., and T. W. S. Titus, G. S., membership 347. Union Grand Lodge of Maryland, George W. Wilboam, G. M., and Samuel W. Chase, G. S., membership 318. Harmony Grand Lodge of Delaware, James G. Walker, G. M., and W. H. Caldwell, G. S., membership 35. Harmony Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, J. A. Creigh- ton, G. M., and E. B. Hebrew, G. S., membership 92. Grand Lodge for New Jersey, James Dolphin, G. M., and James Woodland, G. S., membership 109. Grand Lodge for Ohio, John Jones, G. M., and J. R. Blackburn, G. S., membership 531. Grand Lodge for California, John R: Barber, G. M., and S. Howard, G. S.; membership 40. Grand Lodge for Indiana, James S. Hinton, G. M., and J. Burdine, G. S.; membership 87. Grand Lodge for Virginia, Anthony A. Portlock, G. M., and J. W. Jasper, G. S.; membership 125, Among the Colored People in North America* J 95 Grand Lodge for Michigan, John W. Harrison, G. M., and William Roberson, G. S. Four years after the session in Baltimore the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, under the lead of I ton. John F. Cook, issued the following, to wit: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. M. W., John F. Cook, Grand Master, 1005 Sixteenth street, Washington City. R. W., Carter A. Stewart, Grand Secretary, 1005 Sixteenth street, Washington City. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons of the District of Columbia occupies the most important position of any of our Grand Lodges in the United States. For, since the disenthrallment of our people, and their elevation to citizenship, their appointment and election to offices of trust and emolument, Washington City has be¬ come the centre of attraction to those of us who are seek¬ ing position and employment in the Government. Persons of this class are usually members of this Fraternity, and upon their arrival in Washington they naturally seek out their brethren in the Fraternity. Again, nearly all of the officers of this Grand Lodge are in public places of some kind, and they are not to be overlooked. The position taken by this Grand Lodge at the quarterly session, October (>th, 1869, is of the greatest importance, and is felt more sensibly, coming, as it doe', from the heart of the nation. The reasons set forth in the manifesto of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia are sound and logical, and we deem them not irrelevant in this place. They are as fol¬ lows: "Preamble and resolutions passed at the quarterly session of the Moct Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. A. Y. M., for the District of Columbia, held at Wash¬ ington, October 6th, 1869, A. L. 5869. "Whereas, Ttiis Most Worshipful Grand Lodge is in receipt of a circular letter, under the signatures of the Most Worshipful National Grand Master and the Right Worshipful National Grand Secretary of the Most Wor¬ shipful National Grand Lodge of F. and A. A. Y. M., of the United States of North America, and the seal thereof, i96 Official History of Freemasonry said circular letter directing this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. A. Y. M., for the District of Columbia, and the Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, to cease Masonic intercourse with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio, and its jurisdiction; and, "Whereas, Said circular letter contains, in the judg¬ ment of this Most Worshipful Grand' Lodge, an order to which we do enter our most solemn protest, for the reasons as follows: It being utterly subversive of that sovereignty of character inherent in and appertaining to a Grand Lodge, which is universally conceded by Masons from the earliest incipiency of Grand Lodges, to be supreme in its own jurisdiction, both as to the government of its own immediate membership, and its regulation of its (the membership's) intercourse with other Grand Lodge juris¬ dictions, and limited only by the ancient landmarks, usages and customs of our Order, having a like force by reason, of their great character and antiquity, and by its own self- made Constitution or General Regulations. We do enter our most solemn protest, for the reason that said order, as set forth in said letter, is wholly contrary and opposed to the genius and spirit of our ancient and honorable Order, which has never recognized any such authority as delegated, by which a supreme organization, a Grand Lodge, is made subordinate to another Grand Body, and in violation of the declaration of sentiment, made by the National Con¬ vention that formed the National Compact, when in the City of Boston, Massachusetts, June 23d, A. D. 1847, A. L. 5847, it proclaimed to the world, 'that we do acknowledge all genuine Masons of all nations and shades of complexion to be our brethren'; and it is our opinion, in this connection, that our brethren in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and its Masonic jurisdiction, have done nothing to affect their genuineness as Masons, by simply withdrawing, in a proper manner, after due consideration, their connection with the National Grand Lodge, which connection said circular letter concedes was voluntarily given, and, in their action of absolving itself from the National Compact, they give a logical reason for its being voluntarily withdrawn. "We protest most solemnly against said order for the Among; the Colored People in North America. i97 reason that the momentous importance of the action of the M. W. Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio and its Masonic jurisdiction was such as required the call for a general assembly of the other members of the National Compact according to the prescribed form calling special communications, and not hastily determined upon by the finite wisdom of any one person, clothed with a power which, from the very abnormal and doubtful character of the National Grand Lodge as to its relationship to the idea of State jurisdictional sovereignties, renders the use of such power questionable, even when exercised in the promotion of a fuller and more perfect union of the Craft, and more especially when used for our further sundering and disintegration. "We do enter our most solemn protest, for the reason further, that it places us in a very unsatisfactory and mutually antagonistic relation to a very large number of our brethren, peopling a vast area of our common country, and superadded to a former edict of like character, relative to Eureka Grand Lo'dge of Louisiana, which placed us in a similar attitude to the craft in the great Southwest, thus depriving many, very many, of us, whom business, duty, etc., might, or rather do, call to those great sections of our country, of the blessings, favors and benefi¬ cent protection, and assistance of our great Brotherhood; and, "Whereas, In view of the very deplorable divisions ex¬ isting among the Masonic fraternity in the United States, said divisions arising not from any general individual dif¬ ferences, but rather from contrarient and illogical organi¬ zation in the same jurisdictions, and believing that at this moment, when disunion is greatest, there must be, from the very nature of Masonry, a like correlative desire for unity, provided a practical plan of Union can be pre¬ sented, and that all true and observant Craftsmen must see the necessity of a better understanding, and of reforma¬ tion of our organizations in a manner honorable alike to each, and advantageous equally to all; therefore, "Be it Resolved, by this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. A. Y. M., for the District of Columbia: "That the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of J9S Official History of Freemasonry F. and A. A. Y. M. of the United States of North America* to which we hold a voluntary allegiance, is requested by this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. A. Y. M., for the District of Columbia, and the Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging, to issue a call to the Masonic Fra¬ ternity of the United States to meet in a General Masonic Convention in Washington, the capital of the United States, or elsewhere, to devise ways and means for a more general and perfect union, either with one Grand Lodge for the United States, and no State, Jurisdictional Grand Lodges, or else with only State, or Jurisdictional Grand Lodges, and no such illogical innovation as a Grand Lodge holding jurisdiction over another Grand Lodge as its subordinate. "Be it Resolved, further, by this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge that the aforesaid National Grand Lodge, at the Special Communication that must be holden for the purpose of issuing the requested call for said National Convention of the Masonic Fraternity of the United States, do then, as an evidence of its desire for a more perfect union of the Masonic Fraternity generally, throughout the United States, makes a formal abandonment of its organization as such, regarded as it is by many of its now adherents and better jurists as illogical and untenable in its relationship to State or jurisdictional Grand Lodges as subordinate. "Be it Resolved, further, by this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, that unless some such action is taken, with a view of harmonizing the different organizations of Masons throughout the country, we shall feel constrained by our convictions of duty, which we owe to the Masonic Fraternity, ourselves included, a duty which we hold as forced upon us by existing circumstances, to withdraw our voluntarily assumed relationship from the National Com¬ pact, and thus maintaining a logical consistency as a Grand Lodge in our territorial jurisdiction, seek to unite the different Masonic organizations in our midst, hoping that other Grand Lodge jurisdictions will do the same, then an intermasonic comity between State Grand Lodge jurisdictions will be the resulting sequence. "Be it Resolved, further, by this Most Worshipful Grand Among1 the Colored People in North America. 199 Lodge, that in setting forth this declaration of sentiment of seeming antagonism to what our relationship has been to the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge, that it is with no feeling of unkindness, but with a feeling of single regret, receiving, as we do, from those of us who assisted in the formation of the National Compact, the assurance that its purpose was not a mere desire for rule, but for the better securing of a fuller and more perfect union among the Masonic Fraternity, and to assert our character as Masons before the world, embarrassed as we then were, by the peculiarity of our relationship, as a class, to the body politic, yet having failed in the obtaining of that unity of the Fraternity, as we see evidenced daily in every jurisdiction, the different Masonic organizations extending and consolidating themselves in their mutually independent relationships, we are therefore, compelled to assume this attitude, with the purpose of a united effort to secure, in this jurisdiction, at least, one Grand Lodge of all true Masons, of all shades and all complexions. "John F-Cook,* Grand Master, "C. A. Stewart, R. W. Grand Secretary. "Address J. F. Cook, 384 Sixteenth street, Washington, D. C." This manifesto was passed by a very large majority of the Grand Lodge, 36 to 7, and that, too, in the very presence of the M. W. National Grand Master, after he had spoken one hour and a half. The Fight in Maryland, Led by Brother John J. Brown.—We are proud to be able to state that there is a waking up to the true philosophy of Masonry, that shall yet shake the foundation stones of our National innova- tions. _ The following resolutions were passed by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, and were offered by the Committee on Foreign Correspondence: "Resolved, That we hail with exceeding great joy the formation of the M. W. Grand Lodges of Florida, Tennes- *Offlc*ial records N. G. L., Oct. 6, 1869. pp. 18-21. (See Table of Membership.) 200 Official History of Freemasonry see and Alabama; that the M.. W. Grand Lodge of Mary¬ land extend toward them our fraternal recognition and congratulation, and welcome them as M. W. Grand Bodies of the great family of the mystic tie. "Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to give each Grand Lodge formal notice of the same and re¬ quest a regular Masonic correspondence. "We rejoice in the hope that this fundamental principle will, ere long, be recognized by colored Masons throughout the United States. We heartily endorse the call, as pro¬ posed by M. W. William T. Boyd, Grand Master of Ohio, for a convention of colored Masons. That the time may be hastened when unity, peace and concord shall infuse their benign influences into their hearts and minds, and they will be able to salute each other as brothers." M. W. John J. Brown, Grand Master. R. W. Richard F. Jones, Grand Secretary. ELECTED NATIONAL GRAND MASTERS. 1847—1877. John T. Hilton, Richard H. Gleaves, Paul Drayton, William Darnes, Enos Hall. ELECTED GRAND SECRETARIES, 1847—1877. William E. Ambush, James Richmond, Jonathan Davis. THE MOST DISTINGUISHED COLORED MASON IN THE UNITED STATES NOW LIVING. Richard Howell Gleaves has done more in spreading Masonry in the United States than any other man. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 4th, 1819. His father was a native of Hayti, West Indies; his mother (white) was a native of England. He received his early education in his native city, and in the city of New Orleans, La. He was initiated, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the year 1846 in Laurel Lodge, No. 2, jn the city of Philadelphia, Ta. The said Lodge was work- Among the Colored People in North America* 20t ing under a warrant granted by the first African Grand Lodge of North America, with headquarters at the city of Philadelphia, Pa. Its original authority was obtained from Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1797. By special request Brother Gleaves received the Past Master's degree by order of the Grand Lodge for special work, and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for R. H. Gleaves, Past National Grand Master. the district west and south of the Alleghany Mountains. At this time the Pennsylvania Freemasons were much per¬ secuted by Governor Ritner and his State officers all over the State. In many places Freemasons were afraid to meet. Notwithstanding the opposition, Brother Gleaves succeeded in establishing St. Cyprien Lodge, No. 13, in 202 Official History of Freemasonry the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., about the middle of November, 1846, and was the first Master of said Lodge. In the year 1847, Brother Gleaves went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he found a bogus Lodge of colored men at work as Freemasons. Brother Gleaves denounced the Lodge as bogus and without legal authority. A committee of white Masons called on him, with Deputy Grand Master Draper as spokesman, and. inquired of the standing of this True American Lodge, from whom they had received their char¬ ter and who represented them. The committee was in¬ formed that they were represented by the Rev. H. Galbraith, Zion M. E. Church, who bad stated that Harmony Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania received its charter of authority from .the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio (white), and that the said charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio during a session held in the Town Hall of Chillicothe, Ohio. By request of Brother Gleaves this committee of white brethren invited the Rev. Galbraith and Brother Gleaves, with a committee of each side, to meet them on a certain day, then named, for investigation, so that the matter could be settled for all time. Eev. Galbraith claimed authority, and Brother Gleaves disputed his authority and denounced him in public as a bogus Freemason. Pursuant to notice all the parties met in the recep¬ tion room of the white Grand Lodge Hall in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. After a complete examination of the Grand Lodge books from its organization to date (1847). it was found, first, that the Grand Lodge of Ohio had never met in the town of Chillicothe, or in any other city or town in the State except Cincinnati; second, that the Grand Lodge of Ohio (white), never granted a charter, warrant or dispensation to a body of colored men, either in or out of the State of Ohio, and, third, it was the unanimous opinion of the committee (white) that the body presided over by Galbraith was bogus and without authority as Freemasons and should not be recognized by the legal Freemasons; and it was also the opinion of the committee that the authority of R. H. Gleaves, representing the First African Grand Lodge of North America (colored) was satisfactory, and from examination they were believed to Among the Colored People m North America. 203 bo genuine and legal Freemasons. This report was made to the Grand Lodge (white), and the question was finally settled. R. H. Gleaves, by the authority of First Independent. African Grand Lodge of North America, organized and es¬ tablished Corinthian Lodge, No. 1. He received and made Masons of twenty-seven men of the bogus Lodge, and there¬ by established the True American Lodge, No. 2. In the year 1848, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, he organized and established St. John's Lodge, No. 3, all located in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. The same year R. H. Gleaves was sent to Boston, Mass., for the purpose of consulting with the National Grand Mas¬ ter of the National Grand Lodge that had been established in June, 1847, relative to the course to be pursued by the brethren in Ohio in the formation and establishing of a ►State Grand Lodge, and in 1849 the State Grand Lodge for Ohio was established in ample form, etc., working under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge of North America, Brother Thomas W. Stringer, first Grand Master, imd Brother Richard Howell Gleaves, first Deputy Grand Master. During the deputyship of Brother Gleaves he established Union Lodge, No. 5, at the city of Indianapolis, Ind. During the second term of Brother Stringer Brother Gleaves acted as Grand Master. In the year 1848 he was exalted to the honorable degrees of Mark Master, Most Excellent Master and the Royal Arch, and in the same year was dubbed Knight Templar in the city of Phila¬ delphia, Pa. In the year 1849 he assisted Brothers James Henderson, Jonathan Davis, M. D., Enos Hall, James Richmond and Dr. Kennard, all of Philadelphia, to organize and establish Zerubbabel Chapter and the Commandery of Knights Tem¬ plars in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as first High Priest of the Chapter and the first Captain General and Commander of the Commandery. In the year 1850 he established Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 6, F. A. A. M., in the city of Louisville, Ivy. (This was done during slavery times.) As Grand Master of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio and its Masonic juris- 204 Official History of Freemasonry diction thereunto belonging, lie established Parsons Lodge, No. 3, at New Orleans, La., in the year 1851. He also established Lodges in St. Louis, Mo., and Chicago, 111. In 1856 Brother Gleaves was elected Grand Master of Masons of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio and its Masonic jurisdiction, and served from that date by re¬ election to June, 1860. He, at that period, declined to serve longer by reason of business calling him from the State permanently. Brother Gleaves was the first Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 3, Cincinnati, Ohio. During his Mastership many brethren (white) from Newport, Ky., came over and visited the Lodge very often. He is an honorary member of many Lodges, R. A. Chapters and Commanderies in the several States of America. In the Scottish Rite Masonry he has taken all the 'degrees to the thirty-third, and filled the office of Grand Chancellor, H. E., in the western and southern jurisdiction in the United States of America. He established the first Masonic Lodge west of the Alleghany Mountains—Cyprien Lodge, No. 13—the first three in Ohio, the first in Indiana,. Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, South Carolina and Georgia among colored men. In 1858 he was elected National Grand Junior Warden and in 1862 National Deputy Grand Master, in 1865 National Grand Master and re-elected to the Grand Mastership in 1868, 1871, 1874 and in 1877 de¬ clined re-election, when the National Grand Lodge passed out of existence. He has always been an active Freemason from the time he entered the order to the present day, and he is now an old man. For many years he was trader and steward on the Mississippi River. He has traveled very much both in and out of the United States. Since 1865 he has filled several very important offices in the State of South Carolina and under the general government. In South Carolina he filled the office of Trial Justice and Probate Judge of Beaufort County. He was elected to the office of Lieu¬ tenant Governor three times and served in the said office from 1872 to 1877. He was clerk in the United States Treasury Department from 1878 to 1880; was Deputy Revenue Collector one year and Special Inspector of Cus- Among the Colored People in North America* 205 toms for three years in the Sixth Customs District of South Carolina. He was one of the Commissioners to the First Industrial Exposition by the Colored Citizens of the District of Columbia, under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity, held September, 1886. He is now a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 5, and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. In May, 1889, he was elected President of the Relief Association and in 1900, Secretary, which office he still fills. He has been Financial Secretary of Masonic Hall Building Association of the District of Columbia from its organization to the present. 206 Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XXL freemasonry in ohio and its jurisdiction—1847. Corinthian Lodge, No. 17, the first Lodge in the State of Ohio, was organized January 16th, 1817, and chartered by African Grand Lodge of North America, located in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. On the 18th day of March of- the same year, True American Lodge, No. 26, was organized and chartered by the same authority, and on the 20th of May, 1848, St. John's Lodge, No. 27, was constituted and chartered by the same Grand Lodge. All of these Lodges were organized by Brother Richard H. Gleaves, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and were located in the city of Cincinnati. On the 3d of May, 1849, a general assembly of the Craft was held for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the State, which was ac¬ complished by the election of R. W. Brother Thomas W. Stringer M. W. G. M., and Brother Richard H. Gleaves Deputy G. M., and other grand officers. The three Lodges forming the Grand Lodge surrendered their old warrants and took out warrants under their State Grand Lodge. Since organization it has chartered fifty-two Lodges and has a membership of 1,057. To this State belongs the credit of establishing Freemasonry, through their Deputy Grand Master, Richard H. Gleaves, in the State of Indiana in 1849, and in Kentucky in 1850. In 1851 he estab¬ lished Parson's Lodge at New Orleans, La. In 1850 he was elected M. W. G. M. of Masons for the State of Ohio. He also established the first Masonic Lodges in St. Louis, Mo., and Chicago, 111. He was the first Master of St. John's Lodge, now No. 3, Cincinnati, Ohio. During Brother Gleaves's Mastership the Lodge was often visited by white Masons from Newport, Ky. Amongf the Colored People in North America. 207 Petition to the White Grand Lodge. To the Most Worshipful. Grand Lodge op Free and Accepted Ancient Masons op the State of Ohio : Whereas, On the 29th day of September, A. D. 1784, a warrant was granted to Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson and several other brethren residing in Boston, JSTew England, North America, by Thomas Howard, Earl of Effingham, Lord Howard, etc., etc., etc., Acting Grand Master, under the authority of His Royal Highness, Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, etc., etc., Grand Mas¬ ter of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, the various Lodges of colored Masons in this country, including those of Ohio, have, by regular suc¬ cession, grown out of this legitimately organized Lodge, and we have continued and are at this time, in good work¬ ing order and thriving condition, and that, deploring the inharmony existing, and which may by some, be charged to the existence of two Grand Lodges in the same territorial jurisdiction, and, Whereas. We are desirous that all inharmony between Masons, and all real or supposed causes for the same should be removed ; and in order to initiate such steps as may lead to so desirable a result, we do most respectfully and fraternally pray your honorable body, that you extend to the colored Lodges and Masons working under the Grand Lodge of colored Masons of Ohio and its jurisdiction, your full and ample recognition, by granting to the above named Lodges your warrants to work as subordinate Lodges in lieu of the warrants they now hold from the Col¬ ored Grand Lodge of Ohio. And we further pray that, should you not agree to grant this prayer, that you extend to the aforenamed Grand Lodge and the Lodges under its jurisdiction, your full and ample recognition as an inde¬ pendent Grand Ijodge of F. and A. A. Masons. And we deem it proper to declare to you that this movement is not made for the purpose of obtaining indiscriminate access in your Lodges, knowing full well that that is a matter each Lodge and each member of a Lodge can control for 208 Official History of Freemasonry itseif or himself; but realizing that Masonry is sadly false to its professed principles of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, if so shallow a pretext as complexion shall be the open or covert cause of division or non- recognition. We are willing to do all that seems incum¬ bent upon us to remove all obstacles to a practical realiza¬ tion of the glorious principles proclaimed by the order everywhere. This petition is most respectfully and fraternally pre¬ sented in the name and behalf of the one thousand colored Masons of Ohio and its jurisdiction. W. T. Boyd, Grand Master. Attest: John E. Blackburn". The right to make the above petition is founded in the resolution passed by this Grand Lodge on Friday, June 23d, 1865, and which is in the following language: "Resolved, That this E. W. Grand Lodge appoint a com¬ mittee of three to visit the Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Ohio (white), at their next annual communication, to ascertain the reason, if any, why the right of visit is not general among Masons regardless of color." The Grand Lodge appointed a committee in pursuance of the above resolution. The select committee to whom was referred the petition and- memorial of the Grand Lodge of Colored Masons of Ohio and its jurisdiction, recommended the adoption of the following preamble and resolution : "Whereas, This Grand Lodge is disposed to do justice to all men without regard to color or religion, therefore, "Resolved, That the resolution adopted by this Grand Lodge in 1847, and which is as follows, 'Resolved, That in the opinion of this Grand Lodge it would be inexpedient and tend to ruin the present harmony of the Fraternity to admit any person of color, so called, into the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons within the jun'a. Among the Colored People in North America. 209 diction of this Grand Lodge/ be and the same is hereby rescinded. J Resolved, That this committee be continued, with in¬ structions to report further at the next grand communica¬ tion of this Grand Lodge." Fraternally submitted. Thomas Sparrow, E. T. Car¬ son, W. B. Dodds, P. M. Wagenhals, E. H. Stone. Which was adopted. At the session held at Lebanon, Ohio, Monday, Septem¬ ber 21st, A. L. 1868, the following action was taken: M. W. Grand Lodge, for the State of Ohio. To all whom it may concern: Know ye, that we, the M. W. Grand Master of Masons, in and for the State of Ohio, together with the officers of the Grand Lodge, and the Worshipful Masters and Wardens of the several subordinate Lodges held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio, believing that justice to ourselves, and the whole fraternity, demands that we should declare the causes which impel us to a withdrawal from under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge. Therefore, We, the Grand officers and representation of the several sub¬ ordinate Lodges, in grand communication assembled, in the town of Lebanon, county of Warren, and State aforesaid, do withdraw our allegiance from the National Grand Lodge, and do further deny that the said National Grand Lodge has any will, power, authority or jurisdiction over this Sovereign Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio whatever. We, therefore, do assume and re¬ sume the supreme direction and government of the three symbolic degrees of ancient craft Masonry of the Order of the Holy St. John's, for the following reasons, to wit; 1st. We, as past Master Masons, admitting that it is not in the power of any man, or any body of men, to make innovation in the body of Masonry, must further admit that the erecting of a National Grand Lodge over, and making a State Grand Lodge subordinate to that national authority, is an innovation, unknown, unprecedented, unmasonic, and not in accordance with the ancient landmarks of the Order. 2nd. The National Grand Lodge, in Article I, of its consti¬ tution, assumes the authority to exercise jurisdiction and govern¬ ment over all subordinate Grand Lodges within the United States of America. Axid further declares that no such M. W. Grand Lodge can exist, or exercise any Masonic privileges or duty within the United States, without the sanction of this M. W. National Grand Lodge And without such sanction the National Grand Lodge assumes and presumes that such State Grand Lodges are hereby declared spurious and clandestine, and of no Masonic authority, whatever. 2J0 Official History of Freemasonry 3d. Article XII, Sec. I, is a direct violation of the Fifth Landmark. In that, it assumes and claims that the National Grand Master has power "To convene, or order to be convened, any Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for a State, within the juris¬ diction, to preside therein, and to inspect their proceedings." Again, in "Section 7, Proceedings in National Grand Lodge," it presumes to prescribe to a State Grand Lodge how they shall proceed in trial of its own members. The National Grand Master, in his inaugural in 18G5, pledged himself to carry out and adhere strictly to the rules, regulations, landmarks, and usages of the National Grand Lodge; and further, that if he should receive the support of the brethren, before the end of his term he would be enabled to turn over to their care and keeping State Grand Lodges from two-thirds of these United States. The National Grand Lodge had gone through several states making Lodges and organizing the said Lodges into Grand Lodges. It declared the sovereign Grand Lodge of Louisiana to be spuri¬ ous and clandestine and with no Masonic authority whatever. Now, therefore for many good and sufficient reasons, pledging ourselves to carry out the true principles of Ancient Craft Masonry and live to the best of our ability, according to the Ancient Landmarks of the Order, we do declare ourselves inde¬ pendent of the National Grand Lodge to all intents and purposes and do receive and acknowledge all worthy Masons, hailing from under any regularly established Grand Lodge on the face of the globe, and will likewise reject all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry; and for the correctness of our judgment and the rectitude of our conduct, we take all good and true Masons to witness. Done in Grand Lodge at Lebanon, County of Warren and State of Ohio. In testimony whereof, we, the Grand Officers and regu¬ lar representatives of the following named Lodges have affixed our names and caused the seal of said Grand Lodges to be affixed and attested, by the Grand Secretary this 21st day of September, A. L., 5868, A. D„ 1868. 2. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be instructed to for¬ ward a copy of the aforesaid document, in accordance with Masonic usage, to the several Grand Lodges, asking for a recog¬ nition in the sisterhood of Grand Lodges. 3. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and present at the next annual session, to be held in Toledo, a constitu¬ tion, by laws and regulations, in accordance with the landmarks of Ancient Craft Masonry; for the government of this Grand Lodge and its subordinates. Signed: David Jenkins, »V 111. J. . A>uyu, Attest: Jno. R. Blackburn, Grand Secretary. .fi. jj.. >vuiue, Jno. Cousins, Jno. R. Blackburn, TTT.„ r» T> J Committee. Among the Colored People in North America. 2\\ +i 5enWai- now on> led tiie Grand Lodge of Ohio, with the lollowmg States joining in the fight for State rights, severed their connection with the .National Grand Lodge, 1868 and 1869: California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey. Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, The following Grand Lodges were left under the Na¬ tional Grand Lodge: Ontario, C. W., Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Iowa, South Carolina. The officers of the National Grand Lodge, seeing that all of the Grand Lodges wiuld soon leave the National, and in order to strengthen the National Grand Lodge, Grand Lodges were established without a shadow of authority of law in the following States: Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Iowa, South Carolinas California, Louisiana, Mississippi. North Carolina, Virginia, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, However, the original Grand Lodges held their own, and. State by State, left the National and assumed State sov¬ ereignty. Many appeals were made to the Ohio and other Grand Lodges in behalf of the National body. The fol¬ lowing is one, and is published for the benefit of the Craft: "Oh' that I could induce the Grand Lodge of Ohio to send a delegate and honorably act with her sister Grand Lodges. "Oh that the so called National Grand Lodge of America would honorably act as the late and lamented Lincoln did, by proclaim- in"- all Masons free to visit and receive visits from all worthy members of the Fraternity. 2*2 Official History of Freemasonry "You speak of calling a convention of Grand Lodges. Do you know that, in your present position, -no Grand Lodge ^that works under the Compact can meet in that convention? Reason, because you have by your own act made it impossible for them to work with you. "By your own act you made it impossible to work with you. And what is that act? Have we violated any of the Landmarks of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry? Have we violated any of the General Regulations of the Free and Accepted Masons, compiled by James Anderson, approved, and ordered to be pub¬ lished by the Grand Lodge of England, March 25, 1722, or have we violated any of the laws of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge for the state of Ohio? When Masonry was reconciled in England in 1813, it was agreed that one Grand Lodge should rule all England and history tells us that two Grand Lodges ex¬ isted for one hundred years, and the supporters of each Grand Lodge were treated as worthy Masons. "When the National Grand Lodge was organized, had she claimed herself supreme of the United States and abolished all State Grand Lodges, and appointed the officers of the District Grand Lodges, she wTould have acted as the Grand Lodge of England does in all her possessions. "Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. "May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons. May brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us. So mote it be. "John Parsons, G. M. G. L., Louisiana." In 1865 the Grand Lodge of Ohio, through its Past Grand Master, R. H. Gleaves, organized and chartered the first Lodges in Tennessee, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. He also organized Royal Arch Ma¬ sonry and Comraanderies of Knights Templars. In 1849, Zerubbabel Chapter, located in Cincinnati, was organized by Companion R. H. Gleaves, who was first High Priest, and chartered by the first Independent African Grand Chapter of North America, headquarters in Philadelphia, Pa. Shortly afterward several chapters were chartered by the same authority, and in 1867, a general convention of Royal Areh Masons was held at Xenia, Ohio, for the pur¬ pose of organizing a Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of Ohio. This was consummated by the election of M. E. Companion Anderson B. Lewis, Grand High Priest, and other grand officers. In 1849 a Commandery of Knights Templars was organized in the city of Cincinnati, and chartered by the first Independent African Grand En- Among the Colored People in North America. 213 campment of x\rortli America, headquarters at Philadel¬ phia, Pa. Grand officers: James Henderson, Jonathan Davis, Enos Hall, James Richmond, Jr., and Dr. Ken- nard,^ all of Philadelphia. The Commandery was duly constituted and chartered June 1st, 1849. Soon after sev¬ eral other Commanderies were organized in the State. In 1870 a convention was called to meet in Springfield, Ohio, for the purpose of organizing a Grand Commandery of Knights Templars for the State, which was consummated by the election of all the grand officers necessary to com¬ plete the same. GRAND MASTERS FROM 1849—1902. Thomas W. Stringer, first Grand Master, 1849—1850. Richard H. Gleaves. 1850—1857—1858—1859—1860. Griffin T. Watson, 1851. William Darnes, 1852—1853—1854—1855. John Parsons, 1856. H. W. P. Spencer, 1861—1862. Edward A. Pulton, 1863—1864. John Jones, 1865—1866. William D. GofiF, 1867—1868. William T. Boyd, 1869—1870—1871—1872—1873—1874. William H. Parham, 1875—1876—1877—1878. ■ Samuel W. Clark, 1879—1880—1881—1882—1883—1884—1885— 1886—1887—1888. Jere A. Brown, 1889—1890—1891—1892—1893—1894—1895 1890 —1897—1898. Samuel W. Clark, 1899—1900—1901—1902. GRAND SECRETARIES FROM 1849—1902. O. T. B. Nickens, 1849—1850. I loyd S. Lewis, 1851—1852—1853—1854. David G. Harris, 1855—1856—1857—1858—1859. YV. E. Ambush, 1860—1861—1862—1863. William Robinson, 1864. John R. Blackburn, 1865—1866—1807—1868 1869 18 <0 1871 1872—1873—1874—1875—1876—1877—1878. te\"XtV!^^r^-1883-1884-1885-1880-1887 -I QUQ 1889. Wm H. Buckner, 1892—1893—1894—1895 1896 1891 1898 ■ 1 SI >1J—19' 10—1901—1902. 114 Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XXII. freemasonry in indiana—1848. The first four Lodges formed in Indiana were Union Lodge, No. 1, afterwards Center Lodge, No. 1, at Indian¬ apolis, in 1848; Gleaves Lodge, No. 2, at Indianapolis, 1849; Darnes Lodge, No. 4, at Terre Haute, in 1849; King Solomon Lodge, No. 3, at Madison, 1849. These Lodges were warranted by the Ohio jurisdiction of National Compact, which had its day and has steadily given way to the State organization. From 1850, Masonic Lodges spread over the eastern part of the State. This was due to the fact that the largest number of colored persons had set¬ tled there. In'1850, there were not more than 10,000 ne¬ groes in Indiana. The eastern counties held to abolition ideas, and underground railroads and Quaker sentiments were stronger there than in any other part of the State. There were Lodges established at Spiceland, Connersville, Randolph, Carthage, Noblesville, Newport, Thorntown and New London during the last half of the fifties, but for some reason the colored people left that section and all of these Lodges became defunct. In 1853 a great many free people settled along the Ohio River, and St. John Lodge, No. 8, at New Albany, was or¬ ganized in 1857, also Mt. Moriah, No. 12, and Yincennes Lodge came into existence some years later. On the 13th day of September, 1856, a convention of the Craft was held at Masonic Hall in the city of in- dianapolis, for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge of Masons for the State of Indiana. The following Lodges were present: Union, Gleaves, King Solomon and Darnes Lodges and members Avithin the geographical limits of Among the Colored People in North America. 215 Indiana. The Grand Lodge was established in ample form 'by the election of R. W. Brother John G. Britton, G. M., and other grand officers, since which time it has met annually on the third Tuesda}^ in August of each year. Its government and ritualistic work are the same as that practiced by the Masonic family throughout the world, and is in fraternal correspondence with the same. The title of this Grand Lodge is Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Indiana. Royal Arch Chapters and Commanderies are located at Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Marion, LaFayette, Mitchell, Evansville, Richmond and South Bend. Scottish Rites are at Richmond and Indianapolis. There are 700 Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templars in the State, and 150 Mystic Shriners. GRAND MASTERS, 185G—1902. John G. Britton 1850 to 185!) James S. Hinton 1859 to 1864 John W. Harrison 1804 to 1865 James S. Hinton 1865 to 1869 John Brooks 1869 to 1870 Edward Roberts 1870 to 1871 William Walden 1871 to 1875 William Russell 1875 to 1876 James S. Hinton 1876 to 1878 Charles E. Baily 1878 to 1880 Henry A. Rogon 1880 to 1883 Charles H. Lamer 1883 to 1885 William Russell 1885 to 188(5 W. T. Floyd 1886 to 1889 J. H. Walker 1889 to 1892 W. F. Teister 1892 to 1898 D. W. Came 1898 to 1902 GRAND SECRETARIES, 1856—1902. Wm. T. Evans A. Mcintosh 1858--1861 W. S. Lankford 18(51—1862 W G. Robinson 1862 18(5(5 Silas Shueroft 1866—18(>7 Frank Pugged 18(57-18.58 Henrv C. Mann 1868-1869 W. F. Prester 1869 1871 2i6 Official History of Freemasonry W. G. Robinson 1871 18<2 W. F. Prester W. G. Robinson Wm. M. Porter Robert McCary Tq^q W. P. James Daniel Jonps - jjaniel Jones 1878 1879 E. P. F. Whitsell 1879—1885 A. J. Farley 1885—1886 Charles H. Lamer 1886—1888 J. D. Rouse 1888—1889 C. C. Broxton 1889 1890 R. F. Taylor 1890—1895 S. W. Stuart 1895-1897 R. T. Taylor 1897—1900 F. D. Blake Among the Colored People in North America. 217 CHAPTER XXIII. freemasonry in california—1849. The first three Lodges organized in this State in 1849 were chartered by African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, namely Olive Branch, No. 5, Wethington Lodge, No. 8, and Mosaic Lodge, No. 38. A general assembly of the Craft was called to meet May 4th, 1855, in the city of San Francisco, for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge for the State, delegates representing the several chartered Lodges forming a constitutional number being present, with the oldest Master presiding. The Most Worshipful Sovereign Grand Lodge of F. A. A. M. was consummated in ample form by electing R. W. Brother Philip Bucanman Grand Master, and other grand officers, since which time charters have been issued to a number of subordinate Lodges. The grand officers were publicly installed December 27th, 1874. The Grand Lodge and its subordinates, in full re¬ galia, proceeded to Pacific Hall, where the Hon. John B. Felton, Past Grand Orator of the white Grand Lodge of California having been invited and accepted to deliver the address on the occasion. His speech was as follows: "Most Worshipful Grand Master and Members of the Grand Lodge—I congratulate you upon the establish¬ ment of a Grand Lodge of Masons of color, and now when to any colored man "the question is put, 'Are you free born?' let him answer unhesitatingly, 'I am.' If the ques¬ tion is put, 'When were you free born ?' let him go back to the convulsions which shook our common country to its center. There he will point to a tall, ungainly form, 218 Official History of Freemasonry sitting at a desk, with a paper before him and a pen in his hand. He signs the name of Abraham Lincoln to a simple proclamation and as he throws down his pen millions 01 men, women and children are born into the world of free¬ dom. Who will go back of that act declaring your birth ? Will it be any American citizen? But he knows that that immortal proclamation of freedom was but the decla¬ ration that you had never been slaves—that at your birth Go'd made you free. It was a restoration and not a crea¬ tion of your original rights. To-day the colored people stand fully before the world as citizens, with no rights or citizenship denied them. The right of property, of liberty, the privilege of aspiring to any office in the gift of the people, absolute political equality, all are theirs. But with this vast accession of rights there is also a vast increase of their duties and responsibilities/' Regular communications are held and the Grand Lodge is in fraternal correspondence with the Masonic world. The first Chapter organized in the State of California was King David Chapter, No. 1, of Royal Arch Masons, in 1856. In the year 1859 the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California was established. Knights Templars in the State of California: Eureka Commandery, No. 1, organized in the year 1880, by Rev. William H. Hilley, and a Grand Commandery was formed in the following year, June, 1881. GRAND MASTERS, 1855—1902. M. W. Philip Bucanman 1855—1856 M. W. Lewis Mottmore 1856—1858 M. W. Denis. D. Carter 1855—1860 M. W. John W. Barber 1860—1864 M. W. James M. Whitfield 1864—1869 M. W. George A. Devall 1869—1871 M. W. George Cottle 1871—1872 M. W. Robert J. Fletcher 1873—1874 M. W. Peter Anderson 1874—1875 M. W. John A. Barber 1875—1876 M. W. George A. Devall 1876—1878 M. W. Abraham F. Holland 1878—1880 M. W. John C. Ginkins . ... 1880—1882 M. W. Martin R. Jackson 1882—1885 A.mongf the Colored People in North America. 219 M. W. .Tames E. Francis 1885—188G M. W. W. H. Blake 188(3—1889 M. W. Thomas — 1889—1894 M. W. William Mosdon 18b-±—1895 M. W. Edwin A. Clarke 1895—1902 GRAND SECRETARIES, 185G—1902. R. W. Samuel Serington 1855—1858 R= W. Barney Fletcher 1858—1867 R. W. J. R. Fletcher 1807—1872 R. W. William H. Hillery 1872—1875 R. W. William J. Simmons 1875—1877 R. W. Isaac N. Triplett 1877—1881 R. W. Roderigo Wilkinson 1881—1891 R. W. Frank W. Jackson 1891—1902 220 Official History of Freemasonry CHAPTER XXIY. freemasonry in illinois—1851. Three warranted Lodges, namely: North Star Lodge of Chicago, G. T. Watson Lodge of Alton, and Central Lodge of Springfield, working under warrants of the Most Wor¬ shipful Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, met in conven¬ tion for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge. The said Lodges met in the city of Springfield, 111., Friday, February 15th, A. D. 1867, A. L. 5867, at which time it was agreed to surrender their warrants to the Most Wor¬ shipful Grand Lodge of Ohio and organize a Grand Lodge for the State of Illinois and its jurisdiction. The convention was called to order by Brother H. D. King, of Chicago; Brother L. A. Coleman, of Springfield, was chosen chairman, and Brother William L. Darrow, of Chicago, Secretary. A committee was appointed on credentials, namely, Brother I. H. Kelly, of Alton, Brother L. A. Coleman, of Springfield, and Brother John A. Crisup, of Chicago, which reported three Lodges represented with proper credentials. Afterwards the following resolutions were passed: Resolved, That the subordinate Lodges of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois, viz., North Star Lodge, No. 12, Chicago ; G. T. Watson Lodge, No. 16; and Central Lodge, No. 19, of Springfield, 111., working under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, this day dissolve all connection with the said Grand Lodge; second, Resolved, That we do immediately return our warrants and constitutions to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, with dues to date, and that we notify the Grand Master of said Grand Lodge of such return, and that we respectfully ask his Among the Colored People in North America. 221 recommendation to the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge, so that we may obtain a warrant and constitution for the establishment of a Grand Lodge for the State of Illinois. The convention then adjourned to meet in the city of Springfield, May 6th, 1867, for the purpose of holding their first annual communication of this Grand Lodge. B. F. Rogers, First Grand Master of Illinois. The following named brethren were the first officers of the new Grand Lodge: Most Worshipful Grand Master, Brother B. F. Rogers, of Springfield; Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Brother H. D. King, of Chicago; Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, Brother E. White, of Alton; Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, Brother 222 Official History of Freemasonry W. L. Darrow, of Chicago; Right Worshipful Grand Treas¬ urer, Brother I. H. Kelly, of Alton; Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, Brother C. L. Thomas, of Chicago. The convention then adjourned. First Grand Session.—Springfield, 111., May 6th, 1867. Brother B. F. Rogers, Grand Master. At the appointed hour, Brother John Jones, Acting Deputy National Grand Master, opened the Lodge of Mas¬ ter Masons in the hall of Central Lodge, Springfield, authority and constitution having been, received from the Most Worshipful National Grand Master, Brother R. H. Gleaves. Brother Jones proceeded to install the officers elected at the convention, as follows: B. F. Rogers, Grand Master; Brother H. D. King, Deputy Grand Mas¬ ter; Brother E. White, Senior Grand Warden; Brother W. L. Darrow, Junior Grand Warden; Brother I. H. Kelly, Grand Treasurer; Brother C. L. Jones, Grand Secretary; Brother L. Coleman, Grand Chaplain; Brother S. Wether- spoon, Grand Senior Deacon; Brother W. K. Donovan, Grand Junior Deacon; Brother E. R. Williams, Grand Lecturer; Brother H. Hicklin, Grand Steward; Brother C. C. Richardson, Grand Pursuivant, and Brother J. S. D. Lee, Grand Tiler. First Annual Communication.—Chicago, 111., June 20th, 1867. Brother B. F. Rogers, Grand Master. The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the State of Illi¬ nois held its first annual communication in the hall of North Star Lodge, No. 1, with the following grand officers: B. r. Rogers, Grand Master; H. D. King, Deputy Grand Master; W. L. Darrow, Junior Grand Warden; S. Mc- Cracken, Senior Grand Warden pro tem.; J. Hudlin, Grand Senior Deacon; J. J. Bird, Grand Junior Deacon; S. W. Scott, Senior Grand Steward; J. Weakley, Grand Junioi Steward; R. M. Hancock, Grand Marshal; S. Wetherspoon, Grand Pursuivant; A. Carev, Grand Master of Ceremonies, and J. S. D, Lee, Grand Tiler. Grand Master Rogers submitted the first annual address to Negro Masons in the State of Illinois. In opening his address he said: "In view of the origin and true nature of the institution of Masonry, its high importance to the world, the sacred- Among' the Colored People in North America. 223 ncss of its principles, its harmonizing influence and the whole excellence of the system, whether it he considered in a historical, benevolent, moral or religious point, your minds must be solemnly affected and your hearts seriously en¬ gaged to maintain the purity of its precepts, not only as a plain and reasonable duty, but as examples waiting to be imitated by those who shall receive the administration from your hands. Brethren, your profession is built upon a tried foundation; you stand solemnly pledged to the world to maintain the cause of truth against all the assaults of vice, or the inroads of errors. Your several Lodges are, or ought to be, so many temples of virtue and schools of moral and religious instruction; each individual should be a watchful sentinel over the happiness of mankind, ever on the alert to rescue injured innocence, or to avert im¬ pending dangers." Sixth Annual Communication.—Galesburg, 111., June 19-24th, 1872. The following resolution was offered: Whereas, It has become patent to all well informed Masons that there cannot exist legally any Masonic power above a State Grand Lodge, and, Whereas, The so-called Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge has arrogated to itself the supreme Masonic author¬ ity of these United States, and thereby making the State Grand Lodges and Grand Masters subordinate to the said compact, Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge, and, Resolved, That the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for the State of Illinois, and its jurisdiction, now working under the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the LTnited States of America, after paying all dues to the date of this session, will and do by these resolutions, absolve all rela¬ tion and connections whatsoever with the above-named compact, Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. Resolved, That this Grand Lodge and its subordinates, will and do recognize all genuine Masons, after due trial, strict examination or lawful information, wheresoever we may find them. Resolved, That this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge do order the warrant and all dues (or money) that may be 224 Official History of Freemasonry owed to or claimed by the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge, to be forwarded to that compact body, if such a body of Masons can be found without delay. Seventh Annual Communication.—Belleville, 111., June 19-24th, 1873. Brother W. L. Darrow, Grand Mas¬ ter reported four new Lodges organized during the year, viz.: Hiram, Keystone, Mt. Olive and Phoenix. He further stated that it is a fact not generally known, even by the brethren of the city of Chicago, that three-fourths of the members of Phoenix Lodge were white men. Tenth Annual Communication.—Decatur, 111., June 21st, 1876. The Grand Master, speaking of the National Compact Grand Lodge, said: ''The National Compact Grand Lodge is dying; her lamp of life has gone out; and if we, her children, do not heed we will soon be groveling in darkness. In vain we have looked for sign of light, for some actual improvement in her condition. We have been faithful, hoping that by her aid, a union of all the Grand Lodges in the United States composed of colored brethren would be consummated; but all such hopes have passed away, and believing that her 'days of usefulness have en¬ tirely gone, we recommend that this Grand Lodge sever it's connection with it." The following resolutions were passed: Resolved, That we, the officers and members cf the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois and its jurisdiction, together with the representatives of the subordinate Lodges of the same, in Grand Lodges assem¬ bled, do hereby sever our connection with the said Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. Resolved, That the Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge is hereby instructed to transmit forthwith whatever due> may be owing to the said Most Worshipful National Com¬ pact Grand Lodge, and also return the warrant obtained from said body to the proper custodian of the same. This report was adopted. The annual communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was changed from June to October at this communication. Among' the Colored People in North America. 225 Brother R. M. Hancock offered the following resolution: Resolved, That Masons now engaged in the liquor busi¬ ness shall have until January 1st, 1878, to close out their business of saloon keeping, and Masons neglecting or refusing to do so, shall forfeit their membership in this Grand Lodge." Fifteenth Annual Communication.—Jacksonville, 111., October ll-13th, 1881. The Grand Master, J. Hollin- i— Rufus Mitchell, Grand Master of Illinois. ger, in his annual address, spoke eloquently upon the death of the lamented President, James A. Garfield, twentieth President of the United States, and who was assassinated in the railroad depot at Washington, D. C., by Guiteau. In closing his remarks upon this sad event he repeated these beautiful words of the dead statesman: "God reigns and the Government at Washington still lives." 226 Official History of Freemasonry Seventeenth Annual Communication.—Springfield, 111., October 9th, 1883. Representatives from thirty of the thirty-five subordinate Lodges were present. At the second day's session a distinguished visitor in the person of Brother J. Henry Webb (white), Grand Master of the Bahama Islands, and Deputy Grand Master of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, was reported in the ante-room. Grand Master Webb was received with all the honor due his high and exalted position, and was introduced to the Grand Lodge by its Grand Master. Grand Master Webb re¬ sponded, eulogizing the brethren, not only of Illinois, but of America, on the progress that they had made as citizens and as Masons. Among other things said by him was that, "I know no 'difference on account of color; if such is the American idea of Masonry, I do not desire to learn it. In England and the Bahama Islands color would be no barrier against a man as a Mason. In the Grand Lodge of the Bahamas, of which I am the Exalted Grand Master, our brother, the Senior Grand Warden, is a colored man, intelligent and of recognized ability and culture, and should the Grand Master or any officer of your Grand Lodge visit the Bahama Islands; it would afford me as much pleas¬ ure in introducing them to our Grand Lodge as did Grand Master Perry in introducing me/' Brother Webb re¬ mained during the morning session. Brother R. E. Moore, delegate to the Masonic Convention held at Cincinnati, August 11th, 1883, to make arrange¬ ments to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the granting of the warrant to African Lodge, 459, Boston, Mass., reported that all departments of Masonry in Illinois were represented; also delegates from all parts of the United States. Grand Master Brother S. W. Clark, of Ohio, called the convention to order and twenty-two Grand Lodges were represented. Past Grand Master J. A. Lewis, of Louisiana, was cho¬ sen President; Past Grand Master C. H. Langston, of Kansas, Grand Master T. W. Stringer, of Mississippi, Grand Master George Reeves, of Ontario, and Grand Mas¬ ter George Steel, of Kentucky, Vice-Presidents; Grand Master C. F. A. Francis, of Massachusetts, and Grand Sec- Among the Colored People in North America. 227 retary R. E. Moore, of Illinois, Secretaries. The Presi¬ dent stated that the object of the convention was to make arrangements to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the granting of a warrant to African Lodge, No. 459 (afterwards known as Prince Hall Grand Lodge), of Bos¬ ton, Mass., the first Lodge composed of colored men in America. It was decided that the celebration should be held in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., September 29th, R. E. Moore, Grand Secretary of Grand Lodge of Illinois. 1884, at which time all departments of Masonry would be represented. W. F. Powell, Grand Master of New Jersey, Chairman of Committee on Arrangements, presented a programme for a three days' celebration, approved by the convention. A committee of five Pennsylvania brethren was appointed to make all the necessary arrangements to carry out the plans adopted for the celebration. 228 Official History of Freemasonry Twenty-fourth Annual Communication.—Spring¬ field, 111., October 9-llth, 1890. This session was held in the beautiful art gallery of the State Capitol. Representa¬ tives from thirty-four Lodges present. At this session the following resolution was adopted and is now in force: Resolved, That no subordinate Lodge shall accept as a candidate for membership or initiation any man who keeps a saloon, grogshop or any place for selling intoxi¬ cating liquors, or a liquor dealer. Twenty-fifth Annual Communication.—Metrop¬ olis, October 13-15th, 1891. The Grand Secretary sub¬ mitted a report giving a brief history of the organization of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and a summary of the returns of Lodges for the past twenty-five years. Twenty-sixth Annual Communication.—Dequoin, 111., October ll-13th, 1892. Brother T. H. Smith, Grand Master. The Masonic Home was established, with a board of lady managers, 1892. The Grand Secretary reported that the General Charity Fund amounted to $4,493.75. The cornerstone for the new Masonic Hall being erected by Lily of the Valley Lodge at Beechwood, was laid by Brother A. A. Martin. District Deputy Grand Master, Sep¬ tember 29th, 1897. The Grand Master recommended that action looking toward the establishment of a Masonic Home and Industrial Home be taken. Thirty-second Annual Communication.—Cham¬ paign, October ll-12th, 1898-1899. Brother R. Mitchell, Grand Master. Representatives from thirty-one subordi¬ nate Lodges present. Grand Master read his address com¬ mending the President of the United States, William Mc- Ivinley, for calling to arms thousands of men to relieve the suffering people of Cuba from the tyranny of Spain. Thirty-third Annual Session, 1901.—A resolu¬ tion of thanks was offered by Brother J. G. Jones to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (white) of Washing¬ ton for the noble stand the brethren had taken in giving due recognition to colored Masons, the descendants of African Lodge, ISTo. 459, of Massachusetts, from which sprang Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and all regular negro Lodges in America. Approved, Among the Colored People in North America. 229 Brother E. E. Moore offered a resolution requesting tlie M. W. G rand Master to issue dispensation to establish Lodges in the newly acquired possessions of the United States, formerly controlled by Spain, without infringement upon the rights of other recognized Grand Lodges. Ap¬ proved. This Grand Lodge has held its annual communications and has its grand representatives near the Grand East of other Grand Lodges. Its Jurisdiction includes the State of Washington and other places where no Grand Lodge has been established. There are a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, eleven subordinate Chapters with 455 mem¬ bers; the Adopted Eite, 510 members; Heroines of Jericho, 32 Courts, 390 members; Imperial Council, A. A. 0. Nobles Mystic Shrine; Grand Commandery of Knights Templars, with eleven subordinate Commanderies and a Supreme Council A. A. Scottish Eite Masons. GRAND OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS FROM ORGANIZATION, 1865—1902. ts) u> O Yr. Grand Master. D. G. M. S. G. W. J. G. W. G. S. 1867 B. F. Rogers, H. D. King, W. L. Darrow, J. A. Coleman, C. L. Thomas, 1868 B. F. Rogers, W. L. Darrow, G. W. Anderson, S. Wetherspoon, R. M. Hancock, 1869 I. H. Kelly, W. L. Darrow, G. W. Anderson, J. S. D. Lee, R. M. Hancock, 1870 W. L. Darrow, E. White, R. H. Hancock, I. H. Kelly, R. C. Waring, 1871 W. L. Darrow, E. White, R. H. Hancock, I. H. Kelly, R. C. Waring, 1872 W. L. Darrow, I. H. Kelly, E. White, s. Clark, R. C. Waring, 1873 R. F. Rogers, E. White, M. A. Williams, J. J. Bird, J. G. Jones, 1874 R. F. Rogers, E. White, J. J. Bird, w. A. Fanver, J. G. Jones, 1875 R. F. Rogers, J. G. Jones, J. J. Bird, J. W. Taylor, J. H. Kelly, 1876 R. F. Rogers, J. J. Bird, J. H. Washington, J. W. Taylor, J. H. Kelly, 1877 J. J. Bird, J. H. Kelly, J. H. Washington, w. Montgomery, R. M Hancock, 3878 J. W. Taylor, J. H. Washington, W.T. Scott, w. J. Walker, R. E. Moore, 1879 J. W. Taylor, J. Hollinger, J. Archer, w. Atchinson, R. E. Moore, 1880 J. W. Taylor, D. W. Dempsey, J. Archer, w. Young, R. E. Moore, 1881 J. W. Taylor, D. W. Dempsey, J. Archer, w. Young, R. E. Moore, 1882 A. Berry, C. F. Thomas, v J. S. D. Lee, H. L. Bartholomew, R. E. Moore, 1883 W. Perry, J. W. Moore, E. D. Barber, H. Singleton, R. E. Moore, 1884 J. W. Moore, J. H. Smith, C. Ricks, J. J. Gross, R. E. Moore, 18S5 J. W. Moore, R. Holly, J. E. C. Jackson, G. W. Robinson, R. E. Moore, 1886 J. W. Moore, H. L. Bartholomew, G. W. Robinson, J. V. Cropper, R. E. Moore, 1887 H. L. Bartholomew, T. H. Smith, J. V. Cropper, S. Walker, R. E. Moore, 1888 T. H. Smith, E. D. Barber, J. T. Barton, w. A. Hubbard, R. B. Moore, 1889 T. H. Smith, C. A. Ricks, G. C. Hinton, H. McClain, R. E. Moore, 1890 T. H. Smith, W. F. Cousins, R. B. Franklin, G. C. Lee, R. E. Moore, 1891 T. H. Smith, W. Young, F. L. Barnett, R. Mitchell, R. E. Moore, 1892 T. H. Smith, W. H. S. Seals, R. Mitchell, L. M. Bates, K. E. Moore, 1893 W. H. S. Seals, R. Mitchell, R. English, K. C. Kelly, R. E. Moore, 1894 W. H. S. Seals, R. Mitchell, L. W. Dickerson, E. Brown. R. E. Moore, 1895 W. H. S. Seals, A. H. Young, E. Brown, J. B. Beauford, Iv. E. Moore, 1896 R. Mitchell, J. B. Beauford, G. C. Lee, J. Patrick, R. E. Moore, 1897 R. Mitchell, R. R. Rogan, K. E. Burris, A. Horn, R. E. Moore, 1898 R. Mitchell, G. C. Lee, H. L. Bartholomew, A. Horn, R. E. Moore, 1899 Henry E. Burris, G. C. Lee, A. Horn, D. D, Lacy, . R. E. Moors, 1900 Henry E. Burris, G. C. Lee, D. D. Lacy, G. H. Green, R. E. Moore, 1901 Henry E. Burris, G. C. Lee, D. D. Lacy, G. H. Green, R. E. Moore, 1902 Henry E. Burris. G. C. Lee. D. D. Lacy. G. H. Green. R. E. Moore. HI x o l-t •< o I-+1 •u l-t o CJ 3 in O 3 Among the Colored People in North America* 231 CHAPTER XXV. freemasonry in kentucky—1851. In the year 1851 Brother R. H. Gleaves, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio and its jurisdiction thereunto belonging, warranted and estab¬ lished Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 6, F. A. A. M., now No. 1, located in the city of Louisville, Ky. This was the first Lodge organized in the State. Owing to the fact that this organization occurred during slavery times, none but free¬ men were made Masons. In 1861 the War of the Rebellion broke out, hence there was no growth of the craft until 1865, when Grand' Master Nathaniel L. "Durham, of African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, chartered three Lodges, namely Meriwether Lodge, No. 13; David Smith Lodge, No. 15, and St. Thomas Lodge, No. 20. A convention of the craft was held August 16, 1866, at Masonic Hall, Louisville, for th