-
Articles/Ads
Article BITTER MASONIC WAR. Page 1 of 3 Article BITTER MASONIC WAR. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Bitter Masonic War.
BITTER MASONIC WAR .
OLDEST LODGE IN CONNECTICUT WITHOUT A CHARTER .
rpil E Masonic fraternity in the state of Connecticut is very much ex-1- cited over a question of discipline , which threatens to bring about a bitter and prolonged Masonic war . The trouble arose through the refusal of the officers aud members of Hiram Lodge , No . 1 of New Haven , to obey one of the regulations of the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut . This regulation provided for a change in tho manner of performing a particular part of the secret work , and , though slight , brought the practice of Connecticut Masons upon this point into conformity with the practice of tho fraternity in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions . While the question in dispute is of minor importance ,
and has caused needless dissension among the Connecticut brethren , the matter has now been carried so far that it has become of more than local importance on account of the principles involved . Hiram Lodge of New Haven is the oldest Maaonio body in Connecticut , its charter having been granted under date of 12 th August
1750 , by Thomas Oxnard , Grand Master of St . John's Grand Lodge of Boston , whioh derived its authority from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of England . Consequently , for nearly 137 years Hiram Lodge has upheld the standard of Freemasonry in Connecticut . It is the largest Lodge in the State , and has over 700 members , among
whom are many prominent citizens in political and business circles . The warrant for its charter was granted upon the application of Capt ., and afterwards Gen . David Wooster , of revolutionary fame , and other New Haven brethren . It was dated at Boston , 12 th Nov ., 1750 . David Wooster was the first Worshipful Master . The
following is a copy of the original warrant : [ Seal . ] To all and every . The Rt . Worsh . Brothers and Fellows of th ¦ Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons
now residing at or ahont New Haven , in the Colony of Connecticut , in New England , or that may hereafter reside there ; Thomas Oxnard , E-q , of Boston , in New England , Provincial Grand Master of North America , sendeth greeting .
Whereas , application hath been made to us by our worthy and well-beloved brother , Capt . David Wooster , and divers others , worthy brothers now residing in or about the said New Haven , praying that we would impower them to congregate and form themselves into a regular Lodge of Masons ,
Now know Ye : That in Consideration thereof , and by Virtue of the Power Committed to us by the Rt . Honourable and Rt . Worshipful Grand Master of Eugland , We do hereby Appoint and Impower Oar True and Faithful Bro . Capt . David Wooster to be the First Muster of the First Lodge in New Haven aforesaid , and do hereby
Order that he summon ( as soon as may be ) all the Free and Accepted Masons in or about the said Colony of Connecticut ( taking especial care that they have been or shall be Regularly made ) to meet and together make Choice of Two Wardens , that to thorn may seem meet , and that the said Lodge shall meet in a convenient place in New
Haven aforesaid on such Days as shall be most Convenient , and that the said Lodge do Annually on the Lodge night immediately preceding the Festival of St . John the Evangelist , choose from among their members , one Master and two Wardens to rule the said Lodge , with other Officers necessary to the good order thereof , and further that they
strictly keer > 7 . nd observe all and every the Rules and Regulations as contained in the printed book of Constitutions ( except so far as they have been altered by the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly Commnnications ) , with such other as they may receive from us , or onr Deputy Grand Master , or from the Grand Master and his Deputy for the time
being , and that the Master and Wardens of said Lodge do transmit to ns in writing a list of the members of said Lodge , with the place of their abode and the Stated Days and Place of Meeting . Given under our Hands and Seal this Twelfth Day of November , A . D . 1750 , and of Masonry 5750 . By the Grand Master's Command . CHAS . PELHAM , G . S .
HUGH M . DANIELS , D . G . M . BENJ . HALLOWELL , S . G . W . JOHN BOX , J . G . W . Registered in the Books of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . JOHN MIX , G . Sec ' ry .
Under this Charter , Hiram Lodge acted until 8 th July 1789 , when she united with the other Lodges in the State and formed the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . Pierpont Edwards of Hiram Lodge was the first Grand Master . The other Lodges which were formed before the Grand Lodge of Connecticut , and which united in forming that
body , were St . John ' s Lodge , No . 2 , Middletown ; St . John ' s , No . 3 , Bridgeport ; St . John ' s , No . 4 , Hartford ; Union , No . 5 , Stamford ; St . John ' s , No . 6 , Norwalk ; King Solomon , No . 7 , Woodbury ; St . John ' s , No . 8 , Stratford ; Compass , No . 9 , Wallingford ; Wooster , No . 10 , Colchester ; St . Paul ' s , No . 11 , Litchfield ; King Hiram , No .
12 , Birmingham ; and Montgomery , No . 13 , Lime Rock . These Lodges received their charters from Massachusetts , New York and Pennsylvania , but havo never questioned the authority of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . Although formed prior to the organisation of the Grand Lodge , they were re-chartered by that body , and thus
became amendable to its laws . Hiram Lodge surrendered its charter to the new Grand Lodge , as was necessary , thus expressly placing itself under the control of the state body . But the members asked that they might be permitted to retain their ancient charter under which they had worked for eo many years . As a matter of courtesy ,
this seemingly reasonable request was granted , after the document had been endorsed by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut , through John Mix , First Grand Secretary of Connecticut . This act of courtesy on
the part of the Grand Lodge now arises to plague the Grand Officers , though it is claimed , by those well informed as to Masonic law and practice , that the action of Hiram Lodge in submitting her charter to the Grand Lodge for endorsement , for ever disposed of any claim
Bitter Masonic War.
that Hiram . Lodge might have to work under iteoriRinal charter independently of the Grand Lodge . The document is still of great value as showing the Lodge to be entitled to precedence as the oldest Lodge in the jurisdiction , and more particularly on account of its historical interest , which , of course , is increasing every year . As stated above ,
the trouble originated in the adoption by the Grand Lodge of a regu . lation specifying the manner in whioh a certain part of the secret work should be performed . This regulation waa in accord with similar regulations adopted by the Grand Lodges in other judisdiotions , and which were there obeyed without question . Many of the
Lodges in Connecticut were already working in the manner prescribed by the Grand Lodge , and it is also stated that the younger members of Hiram Lodge were in favour of conforming to the regulation , preferring the new work to the old . But the older members appear to havo been a unit against it , and , as they were in a majority , their
ideas were adopted . Atherton L . Barnes was the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge when the regulation was adopted , and he introduced the new work into the Lodge . Though satisfactory to all the younger members , the older members were very muoh opposed to it , and en . deavonred to have the Officers return to the old work . Failing in
this , at the next annual election they succeeded in having a new set of Officers elected , dropping several who were fairly in line of pro . motion . The new Officers were : F . M . Wiser , Worshipful Master ; John R . Hntchinspn , Senior Warden ; and Newell F . Burritt , Junior Warden . The new Officers returned to the old work at onoe , and
disregarded the instructions of the Grand Lodge . At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge , held at Hartford , 19 th of January 1887 , the matter came up . The following wag engrafted into his annual address by Grand Master Henry H . Green , of Danielsonville :
" Information has reached me from a reliable source that the newly elected Officers of Hiram Lodge No . 1 , are openly violating the edict of the Grand Lodge , " referring to the regulation before mentioned . This statement of the Grand Master , together with a letter from the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge , in answer to a request from
the Grand Master for information in regard to the matter , and also the recommendation of the District Deputy Grand Master for the New Haven district , that "I recommend prompt action on the part of the Grand Lodge , to the end that the dignity of the grand body may be fully maintained , " were referred to a special committee , composed
of Past Grand Masters John H . Barlow , Edward B . Rowe and James McCormack . This Committee recommended that the Senior Warden , Junior Warden and Treasurer of Hiram Lodge be deposed , and that an election be ordered by the most Worshipful Grand Master to fill the vacancies thereby caused . These Officers were John R . Hutch .
inson , Newell F . Burritt , and George E . Frisbie , Senior and Junior Wardens and Treasurer of Hiram Lodge , who had acted as Master and Wardens of the Lodge upon the occasion of a visit of the District
Deputy Grand Master , C . E . Prince , of New Haven , and had performed the work in defiance of the regulation of the Grand Lodge . The Committee also reported a resolution carrying these recommendations into effect
Hon . H . Lynde Harrison , of New Haven , a member of Hiram Lodge , who was present as a proxy for its Worshipful Master , strenuously opposed the adoption of this resolution , and endeavoured to have action deferred until the next annual meeting . After considerable discussion the resolution was adopted , and Messrs . Hutchinson ,
Burritt and Frisbie declared deposed from office . This action precipitated the conflict whioh previously had been only a possibility . Notwithstanding the action of the Grand Lodge , the Officers of the Newhaven body declined to consider themselves deposed , and went on as usual performing the work and transacting
the Lodge business ; and in this they were upheld by the Master and a majority of the members of the Lodge . A very bitter spirit began to be developed , and early in the dispute it became apparent that the leaders in Hiram Lodge were ready to repudiate all authority of the Grand Lodge , and to ignore all its regulations and edicts . This spirit
became so manifest , and was so openly expressed in the public press and otherwise , that the Grand Lodge was obliged to take notice of the matter . Soon after the Session of the Grand Lodge , at which the Officers of Hiram Lodge were deposed , the Grand Master issued an order to Hiram Lodge , authorising and instructing them to hold a
new election . A copy of this order was served upon the Master and Seoretary of the Lodge . This order was read in open Lodge , but the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge refused to take any notice of it . Consequently , at the time named in the order no election was held . TJpon receipt of information regarding the action
of the Lodge , the Grand Master directed the Junior Grand Warden to have charges preferred against the Worshipful Master F . M . Wiser . These charges were served upon Wiser , and on 18 th February ha was deposed from office by the Grand Master . Having been informed by members of Hiram Lodge that the vacancies would be filled if the
Lodge wo given an opportunity , the Grand Master issued another notice ordering an election to be held on the evening of 24 th Feb . As there were no Officers , the Grand Master informed the Secretary of the Lodge that he would be present , and preside . Meanwhile Hiram Lodge had taken a firm stand . The Secretary , acting under
instructions from the Master , informed the Grand Master by letter that all communications must be addressed to the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge ( who had already been deposed ) or no notice would be taken of them . The following resolutions , passed by Hiram
Lodge , were also transmitted to the Grand Master : — Whereas the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut , in 188 & , passed an edict without notice of having changed the due guard of the third degree as always given in Hiram Lodge No . 1 , F . A . M ., and one of the ancient landmarks of the Order ; and
Whereas the Grand Lodge , at its last annual Session , refused to appoint a committee to hear evidence and arguments and to investigate the question whether either or both of the forms of giving the
dne guard and sign in the third degree and landmarks , but insisted that the only question was whether Hiram Lodge had disobeyed » edict of the Grand Lodge ; and Whereas the Grand Master has wilfully and unlawfully at ! . k '"
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Bitter Masonic War.
BITTER MASONIC WAR .
OLDEST LODGE IN CONNECTICUT WITHOUT A CHARTER .
rpil E Masonic fraternity in the state of Connecticut is very much ex-1- cited over a question of discipline , which threatens to bring about a bitter and prolonged Masonic war . The trouble arose through the refusal of the officers aud members of Hiram Lodge , No . 1 of New Haven , to obey one of the regulations of the Grand Lodge of
Connecticut . This regulation provided for a change in tho manner of performing a particular part of the secret work , and , though slight , brought the practice of Connecticut Masons upon this point into conformity with the practice of tho fraternity in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions . While the question in dispute is of minor importance ,
and has caused needless dissension among the Connecticut brethren , the matter has now been carried so far that it has become of more than local importance on account of the principles involved . Hiram Lodge of New Haven is the oldest Maaonio body in Connecticut , its charter having been granted under date of 12 th August
1750 , by Thomas Oxnard , Grand Master of St . John's Grand Lodge of Boston , whioh derived its authority from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of England . Consequently , for nearly 137 years Hiram Lodge has upheld the standard of Freemasonry in Connecticut . It is the largest Lodge in the State , and has over 700 members , among
whom are many prominent citizens in political and business circles . The warrant for its charter was granted upon the application of Capt ., and afterwards Gen . David Wooster , of revolutionary fame , and other New Haven brethren . It was dated at Boston , 12 th Nov ., 1750 . David Wooster was the first Worshipful Master . The
following is a copy of the original warrant : [ Seal . ] To all and every . The Rt . Worsh . Brothers and Fellows of th ¦ Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons
now residing at or ahont New Haven , in the Colony of Connecticut , in New England , or that may hereafter reside there ; Thomas Oxnard , E-q , of Boston , in New England , Provincial Grand Master of North America , sendeth greeting .
Whereas , application hath been made to us by our worthy and well-beloved brother , Capt . David Wooster , and divers others , worthy brothers now residing in or about the said New Haven , praying that we would impower them to congregate and form themselves into a regular Lodge of Masons ,
Now know Ye : That in Consideration thereof , and by Virtue of the Power Committed to us by the Rt . Honourable and Rt . Worshipful Grand Master of Eugland , We do hereby Appoint and Impower Oar True and Faithful Bro . Capt . David Wooster to be the First Muster of the First Lodge in New Haven aforesaid , and do hereby
Order that he summon ( as soon as may be ) all the Free and Accepted Masons in or about the said Colony of Connecticut ( taking especial care that they have been or shall be Regularly made ) to meet and together make Choice of Two Wardens , that to thorn may seem meet , and that the said Lodge shall meet in a convenient place in New
Haven aforesaid on such Days as shall be most Convenient , and that the said Lodge do Annually on the Lodge night immediately preceding the Festival of St . John the Evangelist , choose from among their members , one Master and two Wardens to rule the said Lodge , with other Officers necessary to the good order thereof , and further that they
strictly keer > 7 . nd observe all and every the Rules and Regulations as contained in the printed book of Constitutions ( except so far as they have been altered by the Grand Lodge at their Quarterly Commnnications ) , with such other as they may receive from us , or onr Deputy Grand Master , or from the Grand Master and his Deputy for the time
being , and that the Master and Wardens of said Lodge do transmit to ns in writing a list of the members of said Lodge , with the place of their abode and the Stated Days and Place of Meeting . Given under our Hands and Seal this Twelfth Day of November , A . D . 1750 , and of Masonry 5750 . By the Grand Master's Command . CHAS . PELHAM , G . S .
HUGH M . DANIELS , D . G . M . BENJ . HALLOWELL , S . G . W . JOHN BOX , J . G . W . Registered in the Books of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . JOHN MIX , G . Sec ' ry .
Under this Charter , Hiram Lodge acted until 8 th July 1789 , when she united with the other Lodges in the State and formed the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . Pierpont Edwards of Hiram Lodge was the first Grand Master . The other Lodges which were formed before the Grand Lodge of Connecticut , and which united in forming that
body , were St . John ' s Lodge , No . 2 , Middletown ; St . John ' s , No . 3 , Bridgeport ; St . John ' s , No . 4 , Hartford ; Union , No . 5 , Stamford ; St . John ' s , No . 6 , Norwalk ; King Solomon , No . 7 , Woodbury ; St . John ' s , No . 8 , Stratford ; Compass , No . 9 , Wallingford ; Wooster , No . 10 , Colchester ; St . Paul ' s , No . 11 , Litchfield ; King Hiram , No .
12 , Birmingham ; and Montgomery , No . 13 , Lime Rock . These Lodges received their charters from Massachusetts , New York and Pennsylvania , but havo never questioned the authority of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut . Although formed prior to the organisation of the Grand Lodge , they were re-chartered by that body , and thus
became amendable to its laws . Hiram Lodge surrendered its charter to the new Grand Lodge , as was necessary , thus expressly placing itself under the control of the state body . But the members asked that they might be permitted to retain their ancient charter under which they had worked for eo many years . As a matter of courtesy ,
this seemingly reasonable request was granted , after the document had been endorsed by the Grand Lodge of Connecticut , through John Mix , First Grand Secretary of Connecticut . This act of courtesy on
the part of the Grand Lodge now arises to plague the Grand Officers , though it is claimed , by those well informed as to Masonic law and practice , that the action of Hiram Lodge in submitting her charter to the Grand Lodge for endorsement , for ever disposed of any claim
Bitter Masonic War.
that Hiram . Lodge might have to work under iteoriRinal charter independently of the Grand Lodge . The document is still of great value as showing the Lodge to be entitled to precedence as the oldest Lodge in the jurisdiction , and more particularly on account of its historical interest , which , of course , is increasing every year . As stated above ,
the trouble originated in the adoption by the Grand Lodge of a regu . lation specifying the manner in whioh a certain part of the secret work should be performed . This regulation waa in accord with similar regulations adopted by the Grand Lodges in other judisdiotions , and which were there obeyed without question . Many of the
Lodges in Connecticut were already working in the manner prescribed by the Grand Lodge , and it is also stated that the younger members of Hiram Lodge were in favour of conforming to the regulation , preferring the new work to the old . But the older members appear to havo been a unit against it , and , as they were in a majority , their
ideas were adopted . Atherton L . Barnes was the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge when the regulation was adopted , and he introduced the new work into the Lodge . Though satisfactory to all the younger members , the older members were very muoh opposed to it , and en . deavonred to have the Officers return to the old work . Failing in
this , at the next annual election they succeeded in having a new set of Officers elected , dropping several who were fairly in line of pro . motion . The new Officers were : F . M . Wiser , Worshipful Master ; John R . Hntchinspn , Senior Warden ; and Newell F . Burritt , Junior Warden . The new Officers returned to the old work at onoe , and
disregarded the instructions of the Grand Lodge . At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge , held at Hartford , 19 th of January 1887 , the matter came up . The following wag engrafted into his annual address by Grand Master Henry H . Green , of Danielsonville :
" Information has reached me from a reliable source that the newly elected Officers of Hiram Lodge No . 1 , are openly violating the edict of the Grand Lodge , " referring to the regulation before mentioned . This statement of the Grand Master , together with a letter from the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge , in answer to a request from
the Grand Master for information in regard to the matter , and also the recommendation of the District Deputy Grand Master for the New Haven district , that "I recommend prompt action on the part of the Grand Lodge , to the end that the dignity of the grand body may be fully maintained , " were referred to a special committee , composed
of Past Grand Masters John H . Barlow , Edward B . Rowe and James McCormack . This Committee recommended that the Senior Warden , Junior Warden and Treasurer of Hiram Lodge be deposed , and that an election be ordered by the most Worshipful Grand Master to fill the vacancies thereby caused . These Officers were John R . Hutch .
inson , Newell F . Burritt , and George E . Frisbie , Senior and Junior Wardens and Treasurer of Hiram Lodge , who had acted as Master and Wardens of the Lodge upon the occasion of a visit of the District
Deputy Grand Master , C . E . Prince , of New Haven , and had performed the work in defiance of the regulation of the Grand Lodge . The Committee also reported a resolution carrying these recommendations into effect
Hon . H . Lynde Harrison , of New Haven , a member of Hiram Lodge , who was present as a proxy for its Worshipful Master , strenuously opposed the adoption of this resolution , and endeavoured to have action deferred until the next annual meeting . After considerable discussion the resolution was adopted , and Messrs . Hutchinson ,
Burritt and Frisbie declared deposed from office . This action precipitated the conflict whioh previously had been only a possibility . Notwithstanding the action of the Grand Lodge , the Officers of the Newhaven body declined to consider themselves deposed , and went on as usual performing the work and transacting
the Lodge business ; and in this they were upheld by the Master and a majority of the members of the Lodge . A very bitter spirit began to be developed , and early in the dispute it became apparent that the leaders in Hiram Lodge were ready to repudiate all authority of the Grand Lodge , and to ignore all its regulations and edicts . This spirit
became so manifest , and was so openly expressed in the public press and otherwise , that the Grand Lodge was obliged to take notice of the matter . Soon after the Session of the Grand Lodge , at which the Officers of Hiram Lodge were deposed , the Grand Master issued an order to Hiram Lodge , authorising and instructing them to hold a
new election . A copy of this order was served upon the Master and Seoretary of the Lodge . This order was read in open Lodge , but the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge refused to take any notice of it . Consequently , at the time named in the order no election was held . TJpon receipt of information regarding the action
of the Lodge , the Grand Master directed the Junior Grand Warden to have charges preferred against the Worshipful Master F . M . Wiser . These charges were served upon Wiser , and on 18 th February ha was deposed from office by the Grand Master . Having been informed by members of Hiram Lodge that the vacancies would be filled if the
Lodge wo given an opportunity , the Grand Master issued another notice ordering an election to be held on the evening of 24 th Feb . As there were no Officers , the Grand Master informed the Secretary of the Lodge that he would be present , and preside . Meanwhile Hiram Lodge had taken a firm stand . The Secretary , acting under
instructions from the Master , informed the Grand Master by letter that all communications must be addressed to the Worshipful Master of Hiram Lodge ( who had already been deposed ) or no notice would be taken of them . The following resolutions , passed by Hiram
Lodge , were also transmitted to the Grand Master : — Whereas the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut , in 188 & , passed an edict without notice of having changed the due guard of the third degree as always given in Hiram Lodge No . 1 , F . A . M ., and one of the ancient landmarks of the Order ; and
Whereas the Grand Lodge , at its last annual Session , refused to appoint a committee to hear evidence and arguments and to investigate the question whether either or both of the forms of giving the
dne guard and sign in the third degree and landmarks , but insisted that the only question was whether Hiram Lodge had disobeyed » edict of the Grand Lodge ; and Whereas the Grand Master has wilfully and unlawfully at ! . k '"